As we all know or will soon find out our year is flying by. I have been very busy on some final wrap-up issues from last session and am starting to get information on upcoming events and interim committee assignments.
Last week I was in Salina for a meeting to discuss HB 2251, Continuing education for electrician, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. The group (30+) of concerned contractors, code enforcement officials, union representatives, and technicians; at my request are working on language of reciprocity of acceptable CEU’s between jurisdictions.
Current law requires 12 hours of CEU’s biannually to keep our licenses current. We have some jurisdictions that only accept classes offered in their classrooms even though the same instructor may travel to other locations to give the same class. This is mainly a NE Kansas issue but it could affect us all so that is why HB 2251 was introduced last year and why it now sits in limbo while the interested parties work out their differences. This is some of the “behind the scenes” activity you sometimes hear about.
I belong to a non-profit group called Kansas Wildscape that hosted a fishing tournament at Milford Lake last week. This combination of Golf/Fishing celebrated the 11th year as the “Governor’s Fishing Classic”. The purpose of the organization and this particular event is to showcase the Kansas outdoors and raise funds to develop outdoor recreation opportunities such as, wetland improvements, rental cabins at our state lakes, Outdoor Kids fishing events, and other promotions of Kansas outdoors. www.kansaswildscape.org
Governor Sebelius played a round of golf and her husband Gary fished. The group had 29 boats and we were able to take 25 soldiers from Ft. Riley fishing. The soldiers were selected by a lottery system and were paired up with guides and given the opportunity to connect with some civilians. Some of these troops had never fished before while others were quite accomplished anglers.
I had a great young man who has spent tours in Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and was completing his 18th year in the Army. His tales of action and service were very informative and prove to me the dedication and professionalism these men and women who protect our freedom. His frustration was that when we repair or build schools, clinics, or other infrastructure, the insurgents’ terrorize and kill those civilians and their families that attempt to use these facilities. The people we are trying to help are being killed by their fellow countrymen, makes no sense to me.
Did you hear the latest rumor about the El Dorado Times newspaper? Apparently word has spread that the El Dorado Times was closing or consolidating, or going to a weekly. Since I received several calls on this issue but little verification I decided to contact the publisher, Leca Weber and here is what she said.
The paper will remain a daily, they print in McPherson because the press is newer, has better quality, and costs less to operate. The printing press in El Dorado is antique with repair parts impossible to find and the manufacturer is no longer in business. The city of Humboldt lost its paper and along with it the identity of the city and the Times has no intention of doing that to El Dorado. The dual role of working in El Dorado and with the Augusta Gazette does have its challenges but Leca apparently is up to the task.
I think the immediate response to this rumor and the passion that many displayed for their paper had a strong impact on Leca. Now if we can just make some improvements on the content of the paper by having more local news and items of current interest perhaps the circulation will increase. I know if more people offer suggestions as to what they would like to see in their paper, those articles would start appearing.
Get out and enjoy Kansas but have a safe time doing it. As always I want you to know I appreciate the opportunity to be your State Representative, I consider it an honor and privilege to serve you. Let me know what you think on any given issue and if I can be of help do not hesitate to call.
Rep John C. Grange 1115 Rim Rock Road, El Dorado 67042, 316-321-2087 Home, johng@carlisleinc.net, grange@house.state.ks.us, or www.johngrange.net.
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