INNOVATION GENERATION: Inspired artmaking about Unsung Heroes whose ideas changed the world.
ARTEFFECT announces a new summer competition: Innovation Generation! This competition focuses on the theme of innovation and invites young artists to celebrate the stories of Unsung Heroes who made positive, profound, and lasting contributions to others through their innovations, inventions, and research.
The competition is open to high school students. All students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate, including rising high school freshmen (students entering 9th grade in Fall 2026) and students who graduated high school in 2026. Submissions due September 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
The Innovation Generation directory highlights role models whose remarkable innovations, inventions, and research have made positive, profound, and lasting contributions to society. Browse the stories of these Unsung Heroes to choose a topic for the summer competition!
ARTEFFECT is pleased to announce the 2026 Competition Finalists!
This year, ARTEFFECT received a record-breaking number of submissions from students around the world, with the 2026 finalist pool growing 15% over 2025. Thank you to all the students and educators who participated.
The 201 finalist projects were created by 52 middle school students and 149 high school students representing 32 U.S. states and 15 countries. The selected works span a wide range of styles and media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, and digital art.
Through their projects, these students creatively interpreted the stories of 89 Unsung Heroes, including all 10 Spotlight Unsung Heroes. We invite you to explore the artwork and read excerpts from the students’ impact statements.
Congratulations to the 2026 Finalists for their exceptional work, and thank you to the educators, families, and communities whose support made these achievements possible.
The 2026 ARTEFFECT Annual Competition awardees will be announced on June 1. Stay tuned!
Please be advised that there is a possibility that three (3) or more members of the Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College may be present at the State of FSCC event on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
The event will take place on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
No official board action will be taken during this event.
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by Chamber Member Care to Share ~ Cancer Support Group The Sharing Bucket
Thursday, May 21st
8am @ Care to Share 9 E. Wall St.
We hope to see you there!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, May 21st at 8am hosted by Chamber member Care to Share Cancer Support Group, The Sharing Bucket, 9 E. Wall St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served along with a door prize drawing.
Care to Share Cancer Support Group began in 2007 as a grassroots, volunteer-led organization dedicated to supporting local cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and families throughout Bourbon, Linn, and Crawford counties. Now entering its 20th year of service, Care to Share remains 100% volunteer operated and continues to provide quarterly support group meetings, meals, gas vouchers, transportation assistance for medical appointments, financial aid, and emotional support for families during treatment and recovery. Through community donations and local support, the organization works to ensure no family faces the cancer journey alone.
From its humble beginnings, Care to Share has been blessed with nearly $2 million in community donations over the years, allowing almost every dollar raised to be given directly back to local cancer fighters and their families, with the majority staying right here in Fort Scott and Bourbon County. The organization credits much of its success to the generosity of local businesses, Chamber members, volunteers, and community supporters.
Care to Share also looks forward to upcoming community events, including:
July 25 – Golf Tournament
September 25 & 26 – FortFest
Celebrating its official 20th Anniversary in 2027.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
ODELL, JONATHON WILLIAM, 35 Arrested: 5/19/2026 10:30 AM Agency: BCSO Charge: Electronic Solicitation ; With Child >14<16 X6 Bond Total: $100,000
HELGREN, RAYMOND DAVID, 29 Arrested: 5/19/2026 9:40 PM Agency: Fort Scott PD Charges: – Warrant: Bourbon County ( Failure To Appear) * (case BB-2026-CR-000038, NO BOND) – Warrant: Bourbon County ( Failure To Appear) * (case BB-2025-CR-000172, NO BOND) Bond: $0
Inmate Released List
BOLTON, SHERYL DENYSE, 53 Booked: 05/16/2026 Released: 5/19/2026 at 9:01 AM Type: Transferred out Released to: Allen Co
GUFFIN, AUGAIO, 39 Booked: 04/21/2026 Released: 5/19/2026 at 8:34 AM Type: Court order Released to: For Re-Hab
HURTEAU, TREVOR JAMES, 25 Booked: 05/19/2026 Released: 5/19/2026 at 5:41 PM Type: Surety bond Released to: Larry Lamb
ODELL, JONATHON WILLIAM, 35 Booked: 05/19/2026 Released: 5/19/2026 at 11:39 AM Type: Surety bond Released to: A+ Bonding
RAY, MADISON LEE, 24 Booked: 03/26/2026 Released: 5/19/2026 at 2:15 PM Type: Transferred out Released to: St Clair Co Mo
Jake’s Memorial Flowers is proud to announce a special Flag Swap Event taking place 9am – 6pm Friday, May 22, at 11 participating locations, including Fort Scott. This community-focused event allows customers to bring in their old or faded flags and receive a free replacement flag while supplies last, helping families continue honoring their loved ones with pride and respect.
Jake’s Memorial Flowers offers a wide selection of cemetery and memorial arrangements designed to honor every season and occasion. Their products include silk floral arrangements, wreaths, saddles, and seasonal decorations for Memorial Day and other year-round remembrance events. Each piece is thoughtfully designed for durability while maintaining a beautiful and respectful appearance.
With locations throughout Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, Jake’s Memorial Flowers has become a trusted source for families seeking meaningful ways to preserve and celebrate the memories of loved ones.
Event Details
Date: Friday, May 22
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Locations: 11 participating Jake’s Memorial Flowers locations across Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
Store Addresses: 3031 S Elliott Ave, Aurora, MO 65605 – 3434 SE Washington Blvd, Bartlesville, OK 74006 – 9550 E 101st St S, Bixby, OK 74008 – 2229 S Main St, Fort Scott, KS 66701 – 900 S State St, Iola, KS 66749 – 5325 N Main St Rd, Joplin, MO 64801 – 410 N Main St, North Miami, OK 74358 – 2605 E Austin Blvd, Nevada, MO 64772 – 508 Main St, Parsons, KS 67357 – 3002 N Broadway St, Pittsburg, KS 66762 – 1505 E Hubbard Rd, Ponca City, OK 74604 –
Stewart Davenport, Violin; Dr. Karen Fremar, Foundation President; Juni Fisher, Voice/Theatre at Fort Scott High School.
The Fremar Foundation has awarded its 2026 scholarship grants to include several area high school graduating seniors. Dr. Karen Fremar, foundation president, recently presented the $1,000 awards, foundation medals, honor cords, and certificates to 5 outstanding musicians and artists. These extraordinary student musicians and artists are scholastically ranked at the top of their graduating classes. Awards are competitive and are granted after review of taped auditions and portfolio presentations by the foundation’s scholarship committee, comprised of professional musicians from the Kansas City area. Awardees may also receive invitations to be featured performers or exhibitors at the foundation’s future public concerts and events.
Scholarships awarded to Fort Scott High School students included, Stewart Davenport, violin, who will attend Kansas University; and Juni Fisher, voice/theatre, who will attend Pittsburg State University.
Dr. Karen Fremar, Uniontown High School Art Teacher Chris Wood and Jewell Endictott. Submitted photos.
Fremar Foundation President’s Awards were awarded to Jewel Endicott, artist from Uniontown High School, headed to Kansas State University; Alex Brady, flutist from St. James Academy, at Kansas University; and Talya Banwart, vocalist from the private music studio of Pat Harry and senior from Christian Learning Center, who is headed to Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University.
Dr. Karen Fremar with Alex Brady, flutist from St. James Academy, will be heading to Kansas University at a concert in Leanwood, KS.
The Fremar Foundation is a charitable non-profit that recognizes outstanding accomplishments in music and the arts by graduating high school seniors. Since its inception in 2010, the foundation has awarded thousands in grants primarily to musicians and artists in the Fort Scott area. Former Fort Scott residents and musicians Mayson Lane, Julie Gettler Silfverberg, and Dr. Karen Fremar serve on the foundation’s board together with Kansas Citians Melody Stroth, Dee Sligar, and director emeritus Larry McMullen.
From left Pat Harry, private voice coach; Taly Banwart, vocalist, from Christian Learning Center with Dr. Karen Fremar. Submitted photos.
Commissioner Gregg Motley pointed out that the commission had been using attorneys in addition to county counselor Bob Johnson for legal opinions, which is costing the tax payers more money. He said that while he did approve the spending of the $4,500 on other attorney fees, the commission should “be cognizant of taxpayer dollars,” and use Johnson, as he is on retainer for that purpose.
Baker Tilly
Matt Lawn and Ben Hart from Baker Tilly addressed the commission about the budgeting process.
Motley brought up to Hart that Baker Tilly hadn’t shared the budget instructions that were given to the various departments within the county with the commission directly.
Hart apologized and said that he had understood that the commission has discussed goals, but it was not made clear to him that they have not agreed on them.
“These instructions really revolve around what the commission’s goals are in limitation to property tax revenue,” he explained.
Milburn-Kee said she reviewed the video of the last meeting where the commission discussed their goals and she is still of the opinion that she wants to lower property taxes.
Hart said he needs input from the entire commission, as they must have consensus to move forward.
Motley said his objection to the instructions given to county departments by Sam Lawn of Baker Tilly does not pertain to revenue but restricts “the department heads and elected officials from having input into their budget.”
He said that those instructions were not agreed to by the commission and they should be removed, as the commission has not reached consensus revenue or expense.
The bullet points in question state that wages, salaries, employee benefits costs will be prepared by Baker Tilly and departments should not modify personnel costs, and that the total of the 2027 budget request should not exceed the total shown in the 2026 budget column.
Allen expressed a desire to efficiently work on the basics the county should provide. He said they should keep taxes a low as possible and still be able to succeed as a county.
Hart read through the entirity of the budget instructions that Baker Tilly gave to county departments, pointing out that there was a place to explain in the notes about any changes department heads and elected officials needed to make. He emphasized that this part of the budget making process is an information gathering stage to be able to paint a complete picture for the commission.
Tran summarized his notes from the work session about county goals earlier this year. He said that Milburn-Kee wants to cut 10% off of everything, lowering the mill levy again. Motley said his priority is to restore trust tot he employees, the public, and financial markets to the county can get bonding sources. Allen echoed Motley. Beerbower wants to reduce property taxes by 155 and re-balance services. Tran said his priority is to stay revenue neutral. He also said that the commission did a good job with their budget last year and justified their expenditures.
Tran supported Hart’s statements that Baker Tilly is collecting information to present to the commission through this budget process.
Motley pointed out that county managers and elected officials were seeing a repeat of last year’s budget with no raises and a cut in benefits.
“I could have clarified,” said Lawn. “The instructions could have clarified more. I tried to separate out personnel costs and say not to worry about that because that would be for a later discussion.”
Motley said Lawn had no way of knowing the sensitivities in the county at the time.
Lawn said they need budget questionnaires back from the departments by the end of the month.
Motley said that explaining the situation to the department heads and elected officials should help address their concerns and get the process going again.
Milburn-Kee said that the commissioners need to be clear about what they are looking at doing with taxpayer dollars. She asked Tran to share his perspective.
Tran advised Lawn to collect the information they need and not change the questions. He said he’d rather have too much information than not enough.
Milburn began questioning the commission about their positions on taxes.
SEK Multi-County Health Department Budget Request – Rebecca Johnson: Administrator and Health Officer for the Bourbon County Health Department.
Johnson brought the health department’s yearly funding request. There was no increase last year.
2025 was a really rough year for the health department. They rely on federal and state grants, many of which were cut. Johnson said the health department is asking for a cost of living increase of 2.8% for a total of $93,291. They are currently operating at the minimum required staffing amount.
Further reductions in funding would affect accessibility and cause delays in services, as they’ve already cut personnel as far as possible.
They document animal bite reports, offer breastfeeding support, disease investigations, immunizations, lab draws, and local emergency preparedness work. They also facilitate WIC for Bourbon County.
Tran asked how much WIC has been cut by the federal government.
Bourbon County provides about 6% of the health department’s budget.
Johnson asked to be included in communication from Matt Lawn with Baker Tilly on budget information.
Department Updates EMS Equipment Request – Teri Hulsey
A computer that Stronghold has come to repare and a few times and is not working properly needs to be replaced. The computer is used daily for paramedics and EMTs to do their reports. Stronghold quoted $1407.88 for a new computer. Hulsey did some research to compare costs.
She asked if the county could buy the department a new computer using the county’s equipment fund, as she has no money in her budget for the purchase.
Milburn-Kee asked if they could use one of the mini-PCs that the county already has. “Whatever works,” answered Hulsey.
Tran agreed with the idea of using computers that the county already has. He offered to talk to Stronghold about how to get that working for the EMS department.
Public Comments
Anne Dare read a statement about her disappointment with the county regarding recent discussions on contracted services. She pointed out failings of the HR firm and PayEntry and questioned continued expenditures on technology required by Stronghold. She suggested that the commission’s efforts to lower the mill will result in a planned reduction of services. She asked that the commission put a fair and consistent policy in place for hiring services and called for an acknowledgment of the appearance of unequal treatment on the part of the commission.
Tran interrupted her statement to tell her her time was up.
Bob Reed: came on behalf of the fair board
Rodeo will be June 24-25 and Fair Week is July 11-17th.
They are seeking individual sponsorship for the fair board and rodeo. Historically, the fair board has asked for sponsorship for elected officials and those running for office. Sponsorship will lead to recognition on the handbill and during the event.
Old Business Hidden Valley Roads – Allen
Commissioner Joe Allen was contacted by Kaety Bowers about the condition of the roads. Kenny Allen, Public Works Director, discussed the load of work it would be to add the entire neighborhood to his crew’s rotation.
Tran asked Kenny Allen to come up with a plan. Allen then asked if there was a resolution in place to address the situation of working an HOA. He didn’t think working the whole neighborhood was feasible, but possibly the main road, and that the county could help if the neighborhood could supply the rock. Allen said he would consult with an employee who used to grade it and see what he thinks.
Auction Update – Allen
The majority of the items to be sold or gotten rid of have been moved.
There are quite a few toilets and sinks still in the EMS building.
Milburn-Kee moved to give Joe Allen the authority to auction it off. Motion carried.
New Business Solid Waste Plan – K Allen
It’s time for the annual update of the five-year plan. The only change from last year is that they are no longer taking beans.
The commission approved and signed the plan.
Allen said his department laid 572 tons of asphalt at Osage and 215th. There’s a small spot remaining. When it’s finished, next will be Maple.
Hale Fireworks Permit
To sell at 2325 S. Main. Permit approved.
Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement
This is the regular audit that is done every year. Motion approved.
Commission Comments
Allen addressed Milburn-Kee’s comment she made during the budget discussion about dancing around questions.
Milburn-Kee said the commission needs to start engaging the public about the budget.
There’s no meeting scheduled for Memorial Day, May 25.
Marilyn Darlene Fluty, age 90, passed away on May 15, 2026, following a brief stay in convalescent care. Marilyn was born to Howard and Doris Jones on January 1st, 1936, in Fort Scott, KS. While attending Fort Scott High School, she met the love of her life, Delbert Fluty. Marilyn and Delbert were married in Fort Scott on October 27, 1953, while Delbert was serving in the United States Army. They subsequently shared nearly seventy years of beautiful marriage. The love and devotion they demonstrated toward one another was a true inspiration to those who had the good fortune of seeing their unwavering commitment to God, their family, and their church.
Marilyn accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior as a young girl. She was a steadfast believer throughout the course of her life, fiercely honoring the message of the Gospel. Having a true servant spirit, Marilyn served the Lord she loved at every opportunity afforded to her. One of her greatest blessings was teaching the Overland Park Baptist four-and-five-year-old Sunday School class for more than half a century. Marilyn is fondly cherished by the hundreds of children with whom she tenderly shared the message of Christ.
Marilyn was a remarkable model of a genuinely selfless and Godly mother to her sons, Steven and Phillip. She was a mother of example, gently and compassionately showing her sons the path to becoming honorable men. She is boundlessly loved and admired beyond measure.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Delbert Fluty, her brother, Larry Jones, and countless cousins and cherished friends. Marilyn is survived by her sons, Steven and Phillip, her sister-in-law, Leah Jones, her nephew, Matthew Jones, her dear and lifelong friend, Ellen Geneva, and a large contingent of cousins. In the wake of her life, Marilyn leaves us with a humble legacy of unbridled sacrifice and the joy of kindness without expectation.
Pastor Tracy Roby will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 21st, at the Overland Park Baptist Church, Overland Park, KS. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM Thursday until service time at the church. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 Friday, May 22nd, at the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. Memorials are suggested to the Overland Park Baptist Missions Program and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
Monitoring Kansas Wildfires
Wildfires continue to spread across western Kansas and have burned tens of thousands of acres. Sparked from dry thunderstorms, the fires are fueled by the extremely dry conditions and high winds in the area. Firefighters from across Kansas, many of them volunteers, have responded to help with the fires. Please pray for their safety.
Unfortunately, several of these fires are affecting areas that were impacted by the fires that occurred in February. At that time, I called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take immediate action to support those affected by the wildfires. USDA responded by authorizing the emergency use of CRP acres for grazing, as well as ensuring producers had access to USDA’s other emergency and disaster assistance programs. These emergency flexibilities remain in effect, and I encourage farmers and ranchers that have been impacted to contact USDA.
For more information on these recovery resources and others, visit my website here, as well as the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) website here.
NASA has activated its Disaster Response Coordination team to provide satellite data to emergency managers, and these photos provided by NASA Earth demonstrate the extent of damage and correct fires burning in Kansas.
Discussing U.S.-China Trade Negotiations Fox News
I joined John Roberts on Fox News’ America Reports on Wednesday to discuss U.S.-China trade and my recent trip to Beijing with a bipartisan group of my Senate colleagues ahead of President Trump’s visit. The message we delivered is that there is bipartisan support for a better trade relationship between our countries, including opening markets to U.S. agricultural exports and Boeing aircraft sold to China. You can watch my full interview with John Roberts here.
Leading Hearing to Review FY27 Budget Request for Federal Law Enforcement
During National Police Week, I chaired a Commerce, Justice and Science Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing reviewing the President’s FY27 budget request for the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The committee heard testimony from FBI Director Kash Patel, DEA Administrator Terrance Cole, U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces Serralta and ATF Director Robert Cekada.
During the hearing, I highlighted the important role federal law enforcement agencies play in supporting Kansas communities, including ATF’s expanding partnership with Wichita State University, DEA’s work combating fentanyl trafficking and supporting rural law enforcement, the FBI’s coordination efforts ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup in Kansas City and the U.S. Marshals Service’s fugitive task force operations across Kansas. Making certain that federal law enforcement officers have the resources, staffing and technology necessary to protect Kansans and combat violent crime is my priority, and I will continue working to make certain our law enforcement has the resources it needs.
You can watch my opening statement here and my questioning of the witnesses here and here.
Questioning Ag Leaders on Impact of Fertilizer Prices for Farmers
The Senate Committee on Agriculture held a hearing on Tuesday to examine the state of the fertilizer industry. Kansas farmers are feeling the strain of persistently high fertilizer prices, compounded by low commodity prices. During the hearing, I raised questions about the global fertilizer supply chain and the issues with sourcing fertilizer ingredients, such as ammonia, phosphate and potash. As the U.S. is a net importer of fertilizer, supply chain disruptions can affect availability and costs for farmers.
I also emphasized that, while tariffs could be well-intentioned to protect the domestic industry and increase production, they may also affect access to components needed to manufacture fertilizer at the scale producers rely on. Our producers are facing difficult circumstances without the financial security they need to weather the next challenge. But even as they confront high input costs, Kansas farmers continue working to grow the food, fuel and fiber our nation depends on. I will continue to work with my colleagues to find solutions that provide accessible, affordable fertilizer to farmers and support policies that provide certainty to our producers.
You can watch my questioning of the witnesses here.
Reviewing the President’s FY27 Budget Request for the Department of Defense
This week, during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing to review the Department of Defense’s (DOD) FY27 budget request, I questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the growing threats posed by China, Russia and Iran. I emphasized the importance of strong alliances and capable partners as the U.S. responds to challenges across multiple theaters simultaneously. As NATO allies increase defense spending and Europe assumes a greater role supporting Ukraine, it is critical the defense budget reflects the need to strengthen allied integration, maintain readiness and sustain American leadership abroad.
During the hearing, I also questioned Secretary Hegseth regarding the DOD’s reversal of support on the bipartisan ROTOR Act, legislation I introduced with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) that passed unanimously in the Senate following the tragic January 29, 2025, midair collision near Reagan National Airport. The legislation was negotiated with the Pentagon over several months and included language requested by the DOD to protect sensitive national security operations. I pressed the department to explain why, after previously supporting the legislation, it came out in opposition on the day before it was voted on by the House. I also asked Secretary Hegseth how the DOD and Congress can continue working together to make certain this important aviation safety legislation can move forward.
You can watch my questioning of Secretary Hegseth here.
Update on U.S. Military Operation in Iran The ceasefire with Iran continues to hold, and the blockade of Iranian shipping remains in place. While there are indications the blockade is beginning to impact Iran’s economy, the regime’s leadership remains unwilling to meet President Trump’s demands regarding their nuclear program or reopening the Strait of Hormuz to all traffic. A breakthrough does not appear imminent, but proposals continue to be exchanged. The President’s waiver on sanctions of certain Russian oil sales expired on Saturday, and I am deeply disappointed by the decision to renew the waiver for yet another 30 days. The waiver provides little tangible benefit to American consumers but enables Russia to acquire billions of dollars in revenue to sustain its war in Ukraine and support for Iran. This waiver harms our national interests, and I will continue to urge the full enforcement of sanctions imposed by the President last year.
Speaking with CMS Administrator Oz
This week, I spoke with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz about the latest benefits to Kansas as a result of last year’s Reconciliation Bill process. A recent RAND study shows that Kansas is projected to take in increased Medicaid revenue as a result of reconciliation. During the reconciliation process, I worked to make certain the legislation included an increased hospital provider assessment rate, which is expected to generate $1 billion annually for Kansas providers. We also spoke about a pending application that would increase payments to Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals by $72 million annually, which is currently under review by CMS. Ensuring this application could be considered favorably by CMS was one of my priorities in last year’s Reconciliation Bill process. Finally, we discussed Kansas’ implementation of the $222M Rural Health Transformation program award over the course of this year. I will continue to work with the Administrator to ensure Kansas health care providers have the federal supports needed to provide quality, accessible care to Kansans.
Introducing Legislation to Improve Access to ABLE Accounts
This week, I introduced a bipartisan package of legislation with Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) to strengthen and improve access to the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts. ABLE accounts provide people with disabilities the opportunity to open tax-advantaged savings accounts for qualified disability-related expenses without the risk of losing eligibility for certain benefits.
As an original sponsor of the legislation that created ABLE accounts in 2014, I have long supported efforts to help individuals with disabilities and their families achieve greater financial security and independence. These bills would build on the success of the ABLE program by expanding access, improving awareness and making it easier for individuals to save for the future without jeopardizing eligibility for important federal programs.
This legislation would also help increase participation in ABLE accounts among eligible individuals and provide additional tools to support individuals with disabilities as they plan for education, housing, transportation and other essential needs. Through my role as the co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Down Syndrome, I will continue working to support policies that expand opportunities and improve quality of life for Kansans with disabilities and their families.
Urging Administration to Reinstate Title X Protect Life Rule
This week, I joined my colleagues in urging President Trump and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy to reinstate the Title X Protect Life Rule. Title X is a federal grant program administered by HHS that provides funding for family planning and preventive health services.
The Protect Life Rule issued by the first Trump administration helped restore important safeguards within the Title X program by preventing federal family planning funds from being used to subsidize abortion providers and eliminating requirements that Title X recipients provide abortion referrals.
I remain committed to supporting efforts to uphold the dignity of life and, consistent with federal law, prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to support abortion services.
Now Accepting Fall 2026 Page Applications
Applications are now open for the fall 2026 Senate Page Program. High school students are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process. Fall Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply is Sunday, May 31, 2026. Click here for more information and to apply.
Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2031. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on September 18, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
