Those of you interested in Politics and history may like to know about an event taking place in Lawrence at the Dole Institute of Politics. On Wednesday, July 11th, 2006 at Hansen Hall, President Teddy Roosevelt will appear.
Ted Zalewski portrays the 26th President. Zalewski’ s presentation is a combination of history, drama. And fun. Largely using Roosevelt’s own words, Zalewski illustrates the forces that shaped Roosevelt’s personality and leadership style. Roosevelt was president from 1901 to 1909. He is most known for leading the Rough Riders charge up San Juan Hill, initiating the construction of the Panama Canal and for his dedication to conservation.
The event is free and open to the public, call 913-864-4900 for more information.
House Substitute for Senate bill 35: clarifies when a violation for speeding will not be reported by the Division of Motor Vehicles and when it is not a moving violation; and
Amends the law regarding driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.
The bill also amends the law and prohibits a person convicted of DUI from obtaining a class “C” drivers license for the operation of a motorized bicycle.
Requires that for an alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent or greater the driver’s license be suspended for one year. For 0.08 percent or greater the license is suspended for one year for the 2d, 3d, 4th, occurrence and permanently revoked for a 5th occurrence.
For those under the age of 21 a concentration of 0.08 percent or more will result in a suspended license for one year, 5 violations or more a driver’s license is revoked permanently.
If you refuse to take a DUI test; at the end of your year of suspension; a drivers’ license is restricted for a year to driving a motor vehicle with an ignition interlock device.
SB 166 expands the list of sex offenses that qualify a second-time sex offender for the “hard 40” sentence.
Authorizes discharge of an offender from the Juvenile Justice Authority’s custody for a new conviction while incarcerated in a juvenile correction facility.
Repeals the sunset provision of the statute regarding the arrest powers of federal law enforcement officers
Amends the crime of unlawfully hosting a minor to change the language from a “persons under the age of 18” to “a minor”
This week I will travel with a group of citizens from the Chamber of Commerce, and El Dorado Inc. to Skiatook Oklahoma. The purpose of the trip is to see first hand the development on the Skiatook Lake as a joint project between the US Army Corps of Engineers and Private developers. There has been quite a bit of discussion on this issue and how it relates to Butler County, the surrounding communities and El Dorado Reservoir. I will report back to you in the next couple of weeks.
This year on May 7th and 8th I visited with some of the senior class at El Dorado High School in the Government class. I spent about 4 hours discussing politics, legislation, voting rights, social issues and answering all questions from the students and some faculty members.
The requirements for my participation are simple; be active, ask questions, participate in the discussion, and after I leave; as a class discuss the impact of my visit. Then e-mail, call, write a letter, or in some way convey if the visit was worthwhile and critique my presentation.
I noted that I was on the USD 490 School Board when the decision was made to give all the seniors and juniors a laptop computer. All those in attendance that day had theirs on the desk. As of this writing not one student has ever responded to my request for a critique. Maybe the laptops do not work!
I can only assume the students were left totally unimpressed or so thoroughly educated there is nothing to add or continue to discuss. But to never offer a critique, criticism or suggestion for improvement and to pass on an opportunity to openly evaluate an elected official leaves me speechless and saddened.
Reports from the Wildlife and Parks across the State of Kansas indicate the park attendance is up and because of the ½ price reduced entrance fees many people are returning after several years’ absence. Take a walk down to the swim beach or drive through the park and look at all the fun folks are having you should give it a try.
I am still going to pursue the reduced entry fees and possibility of tying your car tag purchase to provide a lake pass. This will be totally voluntary, no one will force you to purchase a lake pass, we just need to figure out how to make it affordable and still maintain our park infrastructure.
There has been some reported increase in illegal activity at “Party Cove” and the “Rock Quarry” at the west side of the lake. Law enforcement and law-abiding citizens do not appreciate drugs, drunkenness, fighting, and rowdy behavior. A word to the wise should be sufficient, if you participate in the aforementioned activities, you should go to someplace else. You will not be welcome here.
On a brighter note, our communities are great places to live. The summer events are being scheduled, festivals are coming and parades are in the planning stages. The Kansas Viet Nam Veterans family Reunion is right around the corner during July 20-22.
I consider it an honor to be your representative in Topeka, if I can be of assistance please give me a call. 316-321-2087 home, johng@carlisleinc.net, grange@house.state.ks.us, www.johngrange.net, or write 1115 Rim Rock Road, El Dorado Ks. 67042. Thanks again, John C. Grange
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