Kansas Common Sense
Every Vote Matters
Nov 04 2024
Every Vote Matters
I encourage all eligible voters to exercise your right to vote and make your voice heard. To find your voting location, click here.
To encourage Kansans to vote, UMKC professor Mujahid Abdulrahim took my handwriting and copied it in a flight pattern. His impressive chart plotting and piloting traced my handwriting and wrote “vote” on the radar. To check out the flight path, click here.
Celebrating the Expansion of SOFTwarfare
This week, the community of Great Bend celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for the SOFTwarfare facility. SOFTwarfare is a cybersecurity company headquartered in Leawood that is helping Kansans protect their businesses and privacy. The new facility in Great Bend is a Modular Edge Data Center and Cyber Range, where local businesses and law enforcement can receive training in various cybersecurity simulations and improve their response tactics.
Thanks to Wyatt Cobb, CEO of SOFTwarfare, for the invitation to speak at his ribbon cutting event and for investing in Barton County where his family has roots. I also want to thank Kansas Chamber CEO Alan Cobb and Great Bend Chamber CEO Megan Barfield for their roles in making Wednesday night’s event for SOFTwarfare a success.
Stop the Clock
This weekend, clocks fell back an hour to end daylight saving time. The Senate should again prioritize and pass the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent and end this outdated and annoying practice.
Preparing for the World Cup
Kansas City and other major cities across the country are poised to host some of the world’s most renowned sporting events that will showcase our country and bolster our economy. The World Cup will require a coordinated effort at every level of government to make certain athletes and fans remain safe and have a seamless experience traveling to and from the events.
In August, I led 20 of my colleagues in calling on the Biden administration to create a task force focused on enhancing the safety and preparedness of global sporting events. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Commerce, in partnership with Department of State, announced the formation of a Tourism Policy Council Subcommittee on Large Scale Sporting Events. I applaud Commerce Secretary Raimondo for following our calls to establish a committee to provide fans and athletes with a safe experience and also maximize our economic opportunities in Kansas City.
Investing in Kansas Higher Education
Pittsburg State University
This week, I was at Pittsburg State University (PSU) to announce federal resources to create a PSU STEM ecosystem and purchase equipment for the chemistry and physics labs. Updating these labs is important to help train a workforce capable of supporting Kansas businesses engaged in critical technologies, including semiconductors. Pittsburg State is equipping students with the resources necessary to meet industry needs in STEM fields, and I look forward to seeing these projects contribute to this growth.
Thanks to former Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, State Senators Tim Shallenberger and Molly Baumgartner, Kansas State Representative Ken Collins, Crawford County Commissioner Bruce Blair, City Commissioner Dawn McNay, Pittsburg Mayor Stu Hite and PSU President Dan Shipp for joining me for this announcement and their leadership in the Pittsburg community.
You can read more about the event in the Pittsburg Morning Sun here.
Dodge City Community College
On Wednesday afternoon, I joined Dodge City Community College for a ribbon cutting ceremony for their Industrial Maintenance Program facility. This facility houses equipment that helps prepare students for a variety of in-demand and quality careers in food production, manufacturing and several other industries that are rapidly growing in western Kansas. This program will help students learn how to operate and maintain manufacturing machinery and equipment and provide education on industrial automation. It also will prepare students to work at the Hilmar Cheese facility that broke ground in 2022, meeting a workforce need for the company. I commend Dodge City Community College for working with their community and industry leaders to develop customized training courses that make certain students are well prepared for the workforce.
Thank you to Dodge City Community College President Dr. Harold Nolte, Board of Trustees Chairman Gary Harshberger, Vice Chair Kathy Ramsour, Vice President of Technical Education Dr. Clayton Tatro, State Senator Ron Ryckman, State Representative Jason Goetz and all of the community stakeholders that were present to celebrate this next benchmark in securing brighter futures for Kansas students.
You can read more about the Industrial Maintenance Program facility in the Dodge City Globe, here.
Pratt Community College
On Wednesday, I joined Pratt Community College’s (PCC) celebration for a brand-new Electrical Power Technology facility. This new building on campus will allow this crucial program at PCC to grow and train more men and women, providing the skills necessary to enter good-paying technology careers available in Kansas. It was great to see support from the community as people gathered to celebrate this new facility.
I would like to thank PCC President Dr. Michael Calvert and Vice President of Finance and Operations Kent Adams for the kind invitation and the warm hospitality. Thank you also to Pratt County Commissioner Tom Jones, Pratt City Commissioner Jeanette Siemens and Mayor Zach Deeds for joining me.
Providing Books from the Library of Congress to Pratt Public Library
While visiting Pratt, I headed across town for another special ribbon cutting celebration. Earlier this year, I met with Pratt Public Library’s director, Eric Killough, to discuss the possibility of acquiring books from the Library of Congress through their Surplus Program. This summer, those books were delivered to the Pratt library. It was great to see Pratt celebrate acquiring these books, and students across town gathered for this event. It was evident Pratt has an active community that supports one another and promotes education, learning and reading for young men and women.
Thank you to Eric for inviting me to help dedicate the Library of Congress book collection. I also want to thank Pratt Mayor Zach Deeds, Vice-Mayor and City Commissioner Kyle Farmer, City Commissioner Jeanette Siemens and Pratt County Commissioner Tom Jones for attending this ribbon cutting.
Touring Kansas Hospitals
Mercy Hospital Columbus
I visited Columbus Mercy Hospital and met with CEO Angie Saporito and Columbus City Administrator Jake Letner, County Economic Development Director Dale Helwig and Chamber of Commerce Director Jean Pritchett. We walked through the emergency department, radiology and their new infusion center. It was great to see a critical access hospital working to ensure patients receive the care they need in their hometown.
Kiowa County Memorial Hospital
I made a stop in Greensburg to visit Kiowa County Memorial Hospital. CEO Morgan Allison and CFO Jane Oborny joined me for a discussion about the hospital’s utilization of telehealth, issues with Medicare Advantage, difficulties with the 340B program and Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform legislation. County Commissioner David White emphasized the importance for Kiowa County, as well as Edwards, Pawnee, Stafford and Pratt Counties, to find an amicable solution between the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and junior water rights holders, which I will continue advocating for.
Thank you to community pharmacist Julie Keeton, Greensburg Mayor Matt Christenson, CEO Morgan Allison, CFO Jane Oborny and Kiowa County Commissioner David White for meeting with me at the hospital.
Fredonia Regional Hospital
I visited Fredonia Regional Hospital on Friday afternoon and met with CEO Johnathan Durrett. He provided me with an update on the hospital, and we talked about 340B reform, reimbursement and coverage from insurance and Medicare and Medicare Advantage programs. In 2023, Fredonia Community Hospital was ranked a top 20 critical access hospital. I appreciated learning his story of how he got into healthcare administration and that his roots are in rural Kansas.
Visits Across Kansas
Dwayne’s Photo
While I was in Parsons, I stopped by Dwayne’s Photo – a fourth-generation, family-owned business that performs color, black and white, slide, vintage and movie film processing. Thanks to the owners Josh and Derek Carter, who are the grandsons of the company founder Dwayne Steinle, for the tour and taking the time to meet with me.
Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs Annual Conference
On Thursday, I joined fire chiefs and fire service leaders from across our state in Manhattan for the 108th Annual Fire Chiefs Conference. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the challenges facing first responders and to share my appreciation for the service and sacrifice these individuals undertake to improve the safety of the places we call home. The ceremony recognized members of the Hays, Ellis and Sherman County Fire Departments, as well as Ellis County EMS for their bravery during a rope rescue at a grain elevator in December of 2022. Members of the Fort Scott Fire Department received recognition for a rescue they performed at a fire in April of 2022, and Wichita Firefighters Isaac Frazier and Davin Doonan were recognized for their heroic actions during a rescue operation at a house fire in May of 2023.
Volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in supporting rural communities, and I will continue to advocate for them and combat burdensome regulations that make volunteering in local areas difficult.
Thank you to Andover Fire Chief and KSAFC President Chad Russell, Ellis County Fire Chief and Vice President Darin Meyers and the KSAFC board of directors for their hospitality, and to all those who took the time to visit with me.
Flint Oak Hunting Lodge
On Friday, I stopped by Flint Oak Hunting Lodge in Fall River to tour the facility. Flint Oak has been a premier hunting facility since 1978 and sits on 6,000 acres of land. Thank you to members of the Flint Oak staff who made time to show me around.
Fredonia Rotary Club
Later Friday afternoon, I went to Fredonia Regional Hospital to speak at the Fredonia Rotary Club meeting. While there, I was able to discuss important issues that are currently facing Kansans and the Fredonia community, such as inflation, the need for a new Farm Bill and the national security crisis at the southern border. Thank you to Fredonia Rotary President Brett Thornton for hosting me and to Kadence Beaumont for being the other Rotary speaker.
Visiting Kansas Communities
Hillsboro
On Monday, I made a stop in Hillsboro to meet with people in the community. While there, I visited Hillsboro Ford, Hillsboro Community Hospital, the Chamber of Commerce and Hillsboro Animal Clinic. I also stopped by Legacy Eyecare, Rural Water District #44, Grace Label Inc. and Prudent Tours. Towards the end of my visit, I toured Central National Bank, Hillsboro Hometown Pharmacy and the Hillsboro Free Press.
Thank you to the Hillsboro community and everyone who took the time to meet with me.
Pleasanton
On Tuesday, I was in Pleasanton and visited City Hall to meet with city staff. I then visited the Southeastern Technical Academy for Rural Students (STARS) – a satellite campus for Fort Scott Community College – and received a tour from STARS students and staff. STARS provides an opportunity for local high school students to learn technical skills that they can apply to their careers straight out of high school through programs like criminal justice, heavy equipment operation, welding and carpentry and training for future EMTs and CNAs. It also provides an opportunity for high school students to get a head start in their careers by getting hands-on experience before joining the workforce.
Thank you to Director Jay Allen, Director of Workforce Placement Shane Kern and the students who visited with me for taking time out of their day to provide a tour of their facility.
Yates Center
On Friday morning, I visited Yates Center and stopped at the Woodson County Courthouse to meet the County Clerk, Treasurer and Register of Deeds. I also went to the Corner Store Bakery, the U.S. Post Office and City Hall. At the end of my stop, I met with first responders at the Yates Center Police Department and Woodson County EMS service to express my gratitude to them for their work keeping Kansans safe. Thank you to the Yates Center community for taking the time to meet with me and for your hospitality.
Meeting with High School Students
Fort Scott High School
This week, I visited Fort Scott High School and received a tour of the campus from student leaders in the junior and senior class. While on the tour, we visited some of the students’ favorite classes, and they shared with me their school’s FFA chapter’s success in competitions at the recent FFA National Convention in Indianapolis. We visited Mr. Spore’s physics class and received a demonstration on motion and energy, and we visited Mrs. Jackson’s social studies class and discussed the importance of public engagement and preparing students to be successful. Two of the student leaders spoke about their work founding a mental health awareness club and working with their fellow students to educate the student body about mental health and suicide prevention.
Thank you to Principal Scott Kimble and students Bronson Smith, Annabelle Gorman, Grace Walker, Colton Rogers, Kate Williams, Kendal Armstrong and Stewart Davenport for meeting with me and giving me a tour of their school.
You can read more about my visit in the Fort Scott Tribune here.
Labette County High School
I visited Labette County High School to meet with members of the senior class, who showed me the newest courses being taught at their school. We visited the health sciences classroom and received a demonstration on drawing blood. Students in the health science class can gain CNA training and certification and have the opportunity to work at local hospitals and nursing homes to gain hands-on experience. Next, we visited their industrial kitchen where culinary arts is taught to students who are interested in pursuing a career in restaurants and commercial scale kitchens. Before leaving Altamont, I stopped at the new coffee shop that is operated by students and is a place where they can get experience in business and customer service while serving the community.
Thank you to Principal Stacy Smith and the Labette County High students for inviting to see what their school has to offer.
Stafford Middle and High School
On Wednesday morning, I stopped in Stafford to visit the local middle and high school. Student Sam Lowther gave me a tour of his classrooms and their agriculture center where students can learn about growing produce.
Thank you to Superintendent Corey Reece for hosting me and his faculty for the warm hospitality at USD 349.
Celebrating Veterans Small Business Week
This week and every week, we express our gratitude to veterans who continue to support their communities by owning small businesses after serving in the military. Your contributions to Kansas are appreciated. For all veterans, finding meaningful ways to engage with their communities and developing identities beyond the military are crucial for success. Supporting veterans means recognizing and utilizing the leadership skills they acquired in service, benefiting both our communities and helping veterans find purpose and fulfillment in their post-military lives. Thank you to veterans across Kansas and the country for your service and for supporting communities around you after your service.
Capitol Tour
Heidi Anderson of Overland Park
Matthew Anderson of Overland Park
Linda Gray of Liberal
Aaron Pauly of Viola
Ashleigh Pauly of Viola
Jaax Pauly of Viola
Maximilien Pauly of Viola
Jo Pendergrass of Cassoday
Amy Rouse of Overland Park
Brian Rouse of Overland Park
Daniel Shultz of Valley Center
Hope Shultz of Valley Center
Jackson Shultz of Valley Center
Katy Shultz of Valley Center
Maggie Shultz of Valley Center
Michael Shultz of Valley Center
Sue Ellen Vandegrift of Wichita
Kansas Nursing Workforce Center
Barbara MacArthur of Kansas City
I encourage all eligible voters to exercise your right to vote and make your voice heard. To find your voting location, click here.
To encourage Kansans to vote, UMKC professor Mujahid Abdulrahim took my handwriting and copied it in a flight pattern. His impressive chart plotting and piloting traced my handwriting and wrote “vote” on the radar. To check out the flight path, click here.
Celebrating the Expansion of SOFTwarfare
This week, the community of Great Bend celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for the SOFTwarfare facility. SOFTwarfare is a cybersecurity company headquartered in Leawood that is helping Kansans protect their businesses and privacy. The new facility in Great Bend is a Modular Edge Data Center and Cyber Range, where local businesses and law enforcement can receive training in various cybersecurity simulations and improve their response tactics.
Thanks to Wyatt Cobb, CEO of SOFTwarfare, for the invitation to speak at his ribbon cutting event and for investing in Barton County where his family has roots. I also want to thank Kansas Chamber CEO Alan Cobb and Great Bend Chamber CEO Megan Barfield for their roles in making Wednesday night’s event for SOFTwarfare a success.
Stop the Clock
This weekend, clocks fell back an hour to end daylight saving time. The Senate should again prioritize and pass the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent and end this outdated and annoying practice.
Preparing for the World Cup
Kansas City and other major cities across the country are poised to host some of the world’s most renowned sporting events that will showcase our country and bolster our economy. The World Cup will require a coordinated effort at every level of government to make certain athletes and fans remain safe and have a seamless experience traveling to and from the events.
In August, I led 20 of my colleagues in calling on the Biden administration to create a task force focused on enhancing the safety and preparedness of global sporting events. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Commerce, in partnership with Department of State, announced the formation of a Tourism Policy Council Subcommittee on Large Scale Sporting Events. I applaud Commerce Secretary Raimondo for following our calls to establish a committee to provide fans and athletes with a safe experience and also maximize our economic opportunities in Kansas City.
Investing in Kansas Higher Education
Pittsburg State University
This week, I was at Pittsburg State University (PSU) to announce federal resources to create a PSU STEM ecosystem and purchase equipment for the chemistry and physics labs. Updating these labs is important to help train a workforce capable of supporting Kansas businesses engaged in critical technologies, including semiconductors. Pittsburg State is equipping students with the resources necessary to meet industry needs in STEM fields, and I look forward to seeing these projects contribute to this growth.
Thanks to former Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, State Senators Tim Shallenberger and Molly Baumgartner, Kansas State Representative Ken Collins, Crawford County Commissioner Bruce Blair, City Commissioner Dawn McNay, Pittsburg Mayor Stu Hite and PSU President Dan Shipp for joining me for this announcement and their leadership in the Pittsburg community.
You can read more about the event in the Pittsburg Morning Sun here.
Dodge City Community College
On Wednesday afternoon, I joined Dodge City Community College for a ribbon cutting ceremony for their Industrial Maintenance Program facility. This facility houses equipment that helps prepare students for a variety of in-demand and quality careers in food production, manufacturing and several other industries that are rapidly growing in western Kansas. This program will help students learn how to operate and maintain manufacturing machinery and equipment and provide education on industrial automation. It also will prepare students to work at the Hilmar Cheese facility that broke ground in 2022, meeting a workforce need for the company. I commend Dodge City Community College for working with their community and industry leaders to develop customized training courses that make certain students are well prepared for the workforce.
Thank you to Dodge City Community College President Dr. Harold Nolte, Board of Trustees Chairman Gary Harshberger, Vice Chair Kathy Ramsour, Vice President of Technical Education Dr. Clayton Tatro, State Senator Ron Ryckman, State Representative Jason Goetz and all of the community stakeholders that were present to celebrate this next benchmark in securing brighter futures for Kansas students.
You can read more about the Industrial Maintenance Program facility in the Dodge City Globe, here.
Pratt Community College
On Wednesday, I joined Pratt Community College’s (PCC) celebration for a brand-new Electrical Power Technology facility. This new building on campus will allow this crucial program at PCC to grow and train more men and women, providing the skills necessary to enter good-paying technology careers available in Kansas. It was great to see support from the community as people gathered to celebrate this new facility.
I would like to thank PCC President Dr. Michael Calvert and Vice President of Finance and Operations Kent Adams for the kind invitation and the warm hospitality. Thank you also to Pratt County Commissioner Tom Jones, Pratt City Commissioner Jeanette Siemens and Mayor Zach Deeds for joining me.
Providing Books from the Library of Congress to Pratt Public Library
While visiting Pratt, I headed across town for another special ribbon cutting celebration. Earlier this year, I met with Pratt Public Library’s director, Eric Killough, to discuss the possibility of acquiring books from the Library of Congress through their Surplus Program. This summer, those books were delivered to the Pratt library. It was great to see Pratt celebrate acquiring these books, and students across town gathered for this event. It was evident Pratt has an active community that supports one another and promotes education, learning and reading for young men and women.
Thank you to Eric for inviting me to help dedicate the Library of Congress book collection. I also want to thank Pratt Mayor Zach Deeds, Vice-Mayor and City Commissioner Kyle Farmer, City Commissioner Jeanette Siemens and Pratt County Commissioner Tom Jones for attending this ribbon cutting.
Touring Kansas Hospitals
Mercy Hospital Columbus
I visited Columbus Mercy Hospital and met with CEO Angie Saporito and Columbus City Administrator Jake Letner, County Economic Development Director Dale Helwig and Chamber of Commerce Director Jean Pritchett. We walked through the emergency department, radiology and their new infusion center. It was great to see a critical access hospital working to ensure patients receive the care they need in their hometown.
Kiowa County Memorial Hospital
I made a stop in Greensburg to visit Kiowa County Memorial Hospital. CEO Morgan Allison and CFO Jane Oborny joined me for a discussion about the hospital’s utilization of telehealth, issues with Medicare Advantage, difficulties with the 340B program and Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform legislation. County Commissioner David White emphasized the importance for Kiowa County, as well as Edwards, Pawnee, Stafford and Pratt Counties, to find an amicable solution between the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and junior water rights holders, which I will continue advocating for.
Thank you to community pharmacist Julie Keeton, Greensburg Mayor Matt Christenson, CEO Morgan Allison, CFO Jane Oborny and Kiowa County Commissioner David White for meeting with me at the hospital.
Fredonia Regional Hospital
I visited Fredonia Regional Hospital on Friday afternoon and met with CEO Johnathan Durrett. He provided me with an update on the hospital, and we talked about 340B reform, reimbursement and coverage from insurance and Medicare and Medicare Advantage programs. In 2023, Fredonia Community Hospital was ranked a top 20 critical access hospital. I appreciated learning his story of how he got into healthcare administration and that his roots are in rural Kansas.
Visits Across Kansas
Dwayne’s Photo
While I was in Parsons, I stopped by Dwayne’s Photo – a fourth-generation, family-owned business that performs color, black and white, slide, vintage and movie film processing. Thanks to the owners Josh and Derek Carter, who are the grandsons of the company founder Dwayne Steinle, for the tour and taking the time to meet with me.
Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs Annual Conference
On Thursday, I joined fire chiefs and fire service leaders from across our state in Manhattan for the 108th Annual Fire Chiefs Conference. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the challenges facing first responders and to share my appreciation for the service and sacrifice these individuals undertake to improve the safety of the places we call home. The ceremony recognized members of the Hays, Ellis and Sherman County Fire Departments, as well as Ellis County EMS for their bravery during a rope rescue at a grain elevator in December of 2022. Members of the Fort Scott Fire Department received recognition for a rescue they performed at a fire in April of 2022, and Wichita Firefighters Isaac Frazier and Davin Doonan were recognized for their heroic actions during a rescue operation at a house fire in May of 2023.
Volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in supporting rural communities, and I will continue to advocate for them and combat burdensome regulations that make volunteering in local areas difficult.
Thank you to Andover Fire Chief and KSAFC President Chad Russell, Ellis County Fire Chief and Vice President Darin Meyers and the KSAFC board of directors for their hospitality, and to all those who took the time to visit with me.
Flint Oak Hunting Lodge
On Friday, I stopped by Flint Oak Hunting Lodge in Fall River to tour the facility. Flint Oak has been a premier hunting facility since 1978 and sits on 6,000 acres of land. Thank you to members of the Flint Oak staff who made time to show me around.
Fredonia Rotary Club
Later Friday afternoon, I went to Fredonia Regional Hospital to speak at the Fredonia Rotary Club meeting. While there, I was able to discuss important issues that are currently facing Kansans and the Fredonia community, such as inflation, the need for a new Farm Bill and the national security crisis at the southern border. Thank you to Fredonia Rotary President Brett Thornton for hosting me and to Kadence Beaumont for being the other Rotary speaker.
Visiting Kansas Communities
Hillsboro
On Monday, I made a stop in Hillsboro to meet with people in the community. While there, I visited Hillsboro Ford, Hillsboro Community Hospital, the Chamber of Commerce and Hillsboro Animal Clinic. I also stopped by Legacy Eyecare, Rural Water District #44, Grace Label Inc. and Prudent Tours. Towards the end of my visit, I toured Central National Bank, Hillsboro Hometown Pharmacy and the Hillsboro Free Press.
Thank you to the Hillsboro community and everyone who took the time to meet with me.
Pleasanton
On Tuesday, I was in Pleasanton and visited City Hall to meet with city staff. I then visited the Southeastern Technical Academy for Rural Students (STARS) – a satellite campus for Fort Scott Community College – and received a tour from STARS students and staff. STARS provides an opportunity for local high school students to learn technical skills that they can apply to their careers straight out of high school through programs like criminal justice, heavy equipment operation, welding and carpentry and training for future EMTs and CNAs. It also provides an opportunity for high school students to get a head start in their careers by getting hands-on experience before joining the workforce.
Thank you to Director Jay Allen, Director of Workforce Placement Shane Kern and the students who visited with me for taking time out of their day to provide a tour of their facility.
Yates Center
On Friday morning, I visited Yates Center and stopped at the Woodson County Courthouse to meet the County Clerk, Treasurer and Register of Deeds. I also went to the Corner Store Bakery, the U.S. Post Office and City Hall. At the end of my stop, I met with first responders at the Yates Center Police Department and Woodson County EMS service to express my gratitude to them for their work keeping Kansans safe. Thank you to the Yates Center community for taking the time to meet with me and for your hospitality.
Meeting with High School Students
Fort Scott High School
This week, I visited Fort Scott High School and received a tour of the campus from student leaders in the junior and senior class. While on the tour, we visited some of the students’ favorite classes, and they shared with me their school’s FFA chapter’s success in competitions at the recent FFA National Convention in Indianapolis. We visited Mr. Spore’s physics class and received a demonstration on motion and energy, and we visited Mrs. Jackson’s social studies class and discussed the importance of public engagement and preparing students to be successful. Two of the student leaders spoke about their work founding a mental health awareness club and working with their fellow students to educate the student body about mental health and suicide prevention.
Thank you to Principal Scott Kimble and students Bronson Smith, Annabelle Gorman, Grace Walker, Colton Rogers, Kate Williams, Kendal Armstrong and Stewart Davenport for meeting with me and giving me a tour of their school.
You can read more about my visit in the Fort Scott Tribune here.
Labette County High School
I visited Labette County High School to meet with members of the senior class, who showed me the newest courses being taught at their school. We visited the health sciences classroom and received a demonstration on drawing blood. Students in the health science class can gain CNA training and certification and have the opportunity to work at local hospitals and nursing homes to gain hands-on experience. Next, we visited their industrial kitchen where culinary arts is taught to students who are interested in pursuing a career in restaurants and commercial scale kitchens. Before leaving Altamont, I stopped at the new coffee shop that is operated by students and is a place where they can get experience in business and customer service while serving the community.
Thank you to Principal Stacy Smith and the Labette County High students for inviting to see what their school has to offer.
Stafford Middle and High School
On Wednesday morning, I stopped in Stafford to visit the local middle and high school. Student Sam Lowther gave me a tour of his classrooms and their agriculture center where students can learn about growing produce.
Thank you to Superintendent Corey Reece for hosting me and his faculty for the warm hospitality at USD 349.
Celebrating Veterans Small Business Week
This week and every week, we express our gratitude to veterans who continue to support their communities by owning small businesses after serving in the military. Your contributions to Kansas are appreciated. For all veterans, finding meaningful ways to engage with their communities and developing identities beyond the military are crucial for success. Supporting veterans means recognizing and utilizing the leadership skills they acquired in service, benefiting both our communities and helping veterans find purpose and fulfillment in their post-military lives. Thank you to veterans across Kansas and the country for your service and for supporting communities around you after your service.
Capitol Tour
Heidi Anderson of Overland Park
Matthew Anderson of Overland Park
Linda Gray of Liberal
Aaron Pauly of Viola
Ashleigh Pauly of Viola
Jaax Pauly of Viola
Maximilien Pauly of Viola
Jo Pendergrass of Cassoday
Amy Rouse of Overland Park
Brian Rouse of Overland Park
Daniel Shultz of Valley Center
Hope Shultz of Valley Center
Jackson Shultz of Valley Center
Katy Shultz of Valley Center
Maggie Shultz of Valley Center
Michael Shultz of Valley Center
Sue Ellen Vandegrift of Wichita
Kansas Nursing Workforce Center
Barbara MacArthur of Kansas City
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