In Person - Events  

Attended the Candidate, Meet and Greet hosted by the Kansas Healthcare Associations at the Cedars Event Center in McPherson this evening. One of the candidates from Reno County, Lynnette Krieger-Zook, mentioned that $6.5 billion dollars has been lost to the Kansas economy, which would have been paid to Kansas Hospitals and Healthcare Providers, had the State Legislature expanded Medicaid starting in 2014. Kansas remains one of only 10 States continuing to refuse the 90% match of federal funds.

I attended the Pawnee County Fair Candidate Form just as I have in the past. Twice I have run for this office and my hope this 2026 Campaign is that the third time is the charm.

Traveled to Lyons and visited the Celebration Center where Jack Janssen is honored with the Main Hall being named after him, his plaque out front and the Santa Fe Railroad Caboose in front that used to sit next to his Real Estate business on US 56 in Lyons. I remember Jack serving in the State Senate and sitting with his spouse, Dorothy, in the gallery for State of the State Speeches.

Pawnee County Fair Cat and Hand Pet competition was a surprise. I didn’t expect snakes.

After Harvest Festival Parade 2026 a success. The temperature was climbing, but 81 when we passed the reviewing stand and the announcer told the crowd that Kent and I would be at the Museum Of Ellinwood following the parade and we had it open before the parade ended. Several people have stopped by to say they will go on the tunnel tour at 1 PM and stop by the museum afterwards. No need to wait, we are open now.

I attended the After Harvest Festival Community Barbecue In Ellinwood. Apple pie with homemade ice cream a real treat following my hamburger. Children enjoyed the inflatable jumping houses and the rock climb. My favorite to watch was the face painting.

Attended the Stafford County Fair Farm Bureau Family & Friends Night. Top three finishers in each age group in the tractor pull qualify to participate at the State Fair tractor pull.

Hoisington Public Library hosted “William Allen White and the KKK in Kansas“ this Saturday. A good turnout of 21 people heard the presentation on the late Emporia Gazette Editor deciding to run for Governor in 1924 for a principle. “All men are created equal” was his guiding light as he opposed the Klan being allowed to operate in the State of Kansas. While his campaign was not successful, shortly thereafter, the State of Kansas did ban the Ku Klux Klan as a hate group, the first State to do so. I view my own contest as a message campaign along the same line. All people, both genders, have the right of bodily autonomy, the right to control their own body is my message.

I joined the Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce today, Friday at 10am at the Wolf Park Band Shell for the weekly Chamber Coffee. City Administrator Chris Komarek gave a status report on the solar power plant near the air port which should be completed by the end of the year. The Main Street side walk project will not begin until bids are let around October 2026. Work may start in 2027. Nancy Baird gave a report on the After Harvest Festival saying volunteers were needed to help put up tents and tables Wednesday night.

I viewed the “Fierce Planets Exhibit” at the Schaffer Art Gallery on the Barton Community College Campus July 8. Exhibit is open until August 15, Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free. Fierce Planets is an international fiber art display which features textile creations inspired by planetary science.

Cooling off near splash pad while attending the Friday opening events of the Sterling Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at Sterling Lake. Over the decades, this celebration has evolved into a staple that attracts over 2000 visitors to the city. The festival spans two days and features nearly 40 different family oriented activities. The grand finale, a community barbecue followed by a fireworks extravaganza over Sterling Lake.