[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6553258,"mediaKeyId","5073113-5c9cb1a938d1f4ae8fba3205124ff668","parentId",5073113,"title","Residents debate library displays, age-appropriateness and a mayoral proclamation during Leavenworth County comment period","audioSeconds",1465,"startMs",115000,"endMs",1580000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5073113-5c9cb1a938d1f4ae8fba3205124ff668&start=115&end=1580","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5073113-5c9cb1a938d1f4ae8fba3205124ff668/thumbnail_115000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6553258/Leavenworth-County/Kansas/Residents-debate-library-displays-age-appropriateness-and-a-mayoral-proclamation-during-Leavenworth-County-comment-period","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553258-ae44fd7d8521704fc383009008e7232c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775355109&Signature=J6SK~UOXRWT3Sp13uL4ksJup1~3qM6xQe8omrvYUiOk67kstrE0uUDnEhMRI3PMxaTQoAZM9jk11ZNTzx4YzqGikv5IlwGu8l1Bo7b-yBGkGxVTrslqi4fGUQCZpmV4aOw12OxR6JOVN-aHIRb4PTwFxGXqu1Q0-3-4a-IDUEu0zDxML3gG9Jk5fTeodQMsHcECa5zYjugc0D0hhUdzzKbe9lst5P~0NIWfjEukbs1-EgAfW4Y6m9Nf-U9KwEGt~IQVv3Y3WQ3potIjHS5EYgtMlvdy7~akvxS8HnBpHGWrU9-99oUhNdlMcXlf0~dZhLkQx5Pcy9xxApk6gG~pStA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Leavenworth County, KS","date","2025-06-25T21:43:02.38Z","article","Dozens of residents used the public-comment period at the Leavenworth County Board of Commissioners meeting to press two related concerns: whether some library materials are age-appropriate for children and whether a city proclamation recognizing LGBTQIA+ residents reflects an agenda rather than community inclusion.

Speakers framed their remarks around two themes: requests that library displays for young children be reviewed for age appropriateness, and appeals that the county and city treat LGBTQIA+ residents with dignity and support. The comments prompted brief back-and-forth between commissioners and several speakers but no formal county action was taken.

Why it matters: The discussion reflects a local debate over libraries’ role in presenting materials and community recognition. County commissioners noted the city commission and the library board make library policy and that public input can be directed through those channels.

Barbara Williams of 15699 Kansas Avenue identified herself as a library user and urged stricter screening of children’s books, reading several passages she described as violent and sexually explicit. “If folks are gonna censor books, I want to personally start with this one,” Williams said, adding that families should choose what their children may read.

Amy Bateman of Third Avenue said she wanted the county to “fully understand” the views of city residents who feel their votes and values have been diluted by redistricting. Bateman said she ran on a platform of “conservative Republican pro‑life representing traditional family values” and voiced concern that some displays and proclamations push an agenda on children.

Other commenters urged a different approach. Logan Pinedo, who requested a pride‑month proclamation for the city as a private resident, said the effort was meant to reduce suicide and improve mental health among LGBTQIA+ youth. “If an LGBTQIA+ child has just one supportive adult, their risk of suicide drops significantly,” Pinedo told the commissioners, citing national studies.

Mike Trapp, who identified himself as a former city council member, urged commissioners to avoid mixing religion and politics and to keep public institutions welcoming to residents of different beliefs. Jimmy Nye and Paul Cromer described the role of libraries in exposing readers to unfamiliar ideas and urged caution about restricting access for children.

Commissioners and staff repeatedly noted that the county does not run the city library: decisions about collections and displays rest with the city’s library board and the city commission. Commissioner Duff and other members said that when citizens object, the appropriate channels include public comment to the city commission, participation in library‑board meetings and elections for municipal posts.

A few items of additional context raised in the meeting: a commissioner read passages from a federal executive order about sex and gender definitions and another commissioner said the county can request an executive session with legal counsel to discuss policy questions if needed. Commissioners also discussed a proposed county public‑comment policy (to be reviewed separately) and said they want to preserve opportunities for residents to speak at meetings.

The meeting produced no formal county action on library policy; commissioners suggested residents carry their concerns to the municipal level and to the library board, which the county noted is tasked with assessing age appropriateness of materials.

Looking ahead: Commissioners asked staff to bring a proposed public‑comment policy back for discussion. Several speakers said they will continue to pursue their concerns through city elections, library‑board meetings and community outreach.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOCC Meeting for June 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Dozens of residents used the public-comment period at the Leavenworth County Board of Commissioners meeting to press two related concerns: whether some library materials are age-appropriate for children and whether a city proclamation recognizing LGBTQIA+ residents reflects an agenda rather than community inclusion.","taxTitle","Leavenworth County, Kansas","taxId",53898,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6553249,"Leavenworth County hears funding requests from historical societies and cultural organizations",476,3854000,4330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5073113-5c9cb1a938d1f4ae8fba3205124ff668&start=3854&end=4330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5073113-5c9cb1a938d1f4ae8fba3205124ff668/thumbnail_3854000.jpg","/articles/6553249/Leavenworth-County/Kansas/Leavenworth-County-hears-funding-requests-from-historical-societies-and-cultural-organizations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553249-250442a1b3c5f235aa2b8e78db6e4e68/orig.mp4?Expires=1775355109&Signature=KJp9Htld-A9FzSiD46QDXADa31~o-CQuG0n3~kcOpbOUHDCIOMbGTcG9nUI4u-DckQ-KjaJC-f69KTAind8IyWrOImojM9yF~JsF7~NVbrHdoAxXRyg6X627XLU-J7v1wgsXAmgCxqUhmk7MVOqnr6rm7hq6E-~l0r4H7uaHpU3Rp5kfdsx2UVS-fhSuDsQw19Y8zQn1qDzHrCIkUZF7UFreVWmi-OecwdWywDdZwrPw9YfHbSzRojYOibeS4jgysmWNZpyjtisCo~06nxxAU8BYpKti0RkN-FE7iFk76EMyscJZRQsk3t0VCzDPcwzMMXDgvgPWRjRriGC~K5XHZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from a string of historical societies and cultural organizations presented project requests to the Leavenworth County Board of Commissioners, asking for county support for capital repairs, archival space and marketing.

Why it matters: The requests seek county support for building preservation, archival storage and tourism marketing that would affect local cultural heritage, visitor traffic and museum operations. Commissioners said the items are candidates for the 2026 outside‑agency funding process and emphasized that grant rules generally favor project funding over day‑to‑day operating costs.

What groups asked for: Bayser Historical Museum requested replacement awnings, UV protection for doors and windows and display infrastructure; the speaker said the group relies on donations and small city grants and noted a recent Humanities Kansas grant for a Vietnam War exhibit. The Tonganoxie Community Historical Museum requested money to renovate basement restrooms and flooring at a relocated church building. The Leavenworth County Historical Society (Lisa Weekley) described a public‑art project featuring painted buffalo statues and requested $10,000 for marketing and promotion to attract visitors to county sites.

Other presentations included the First City Museum (auditorium/garage roof repair and new signage), the Fred Harvey Museum (an estimate of $17,750 for boiler/hot‑water work), the CW Parker Carousel Museum (air‑conditioning maintenance, volunteer shortages and an estimated $7,500 for an outdoor LCD sign as a ballpark figure pending planning‑and‑zoning requirements) and the Richard Allen Cultural Center (a collapsed front wall requiring repair and longer‑range space needs to expand tutoring and exhibit capacity). The Richland Cultural Center requested funds to repair a failing front barrier wall and noted ongoing tutoring and youth programs.

Commissioner responses and process notes: Commissioners and staff said there is no county funding in the current fiscal year to cover most requests. They discussed preparing a pooled outside‑agency grant fund and appointing an arts and history committee to recommend project funding in future budgets, but several commissioners said such a change would likely require a work session and was unlikely to be implemented for the upcoming budget cycle. Staff reminded organizations that outside‑agency funding policies generally favor capital or project grants rather than operating support.

Next steps: County staff told presenters that requests will be considered during the 2026 budget process and must comply with the county’s outside‑agency funding policy. One commissioner asked staff to prepare a pre‑work session to develop an agenda if the board wishes to explore a pooled arts/historical projects fund in a future budget cycle.","Representatives of several county historical museums and cultural groups presented project requests ranging from building repairs and archival storage to marketing for public-art statues. Commissioners said funding decisions will be considered in the 2026 budget cycle and flagged a possible joint outside-agency grant approach.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6553253,"Leavenworth County commissioners approve plat, service contracts and policies in unanimous votes",471,2974000,3445000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5073113-5c9cb1a938d1f4ae8fba3205124ff668&start=2974&end=3445","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5073113-5c9cb1a938d1f4ae8fba3205124ff668/thumbnail_2974000.jpg","/articles/6553253/Leavenworth-County/Kansas/Leavenworth-County-commissioners-approve-plat-service-contracts-and-policies-in-unanimous-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553253-07d66728296ea3aded89067bba6749a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775355109&Signature=HaNuGnq~hqGJ3Xgyp8E-rPFDiipAqkZ-dLkvate8P3x3DiV4q1~GcJYg5rqFVGfP83NHc05a~2J3PF21rcnE2LU3db7okBjYDWqN0~WGqLG8iZ5ATpKnJyBay8yxscMj8VxjcdHpTqPUVMOo3uERe6jS7ub5J9tiXckLa7nKI0W-NSP~0qc8D2laOzfNl-EyqAC4TnVMgoM4wP-NQvScrlBhhLypL-eHBnO6bHsiziVuz0Hlenyvym1my7yOn00DnEZ-x8gg8WqKSufIrV8uZ97yAlCD~pFSEbntZv2kwo0pPNbHYHZDcMin50CrABKgdkALnjhg2Niy4u-owXdG4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leavenworth County Board of Commissioners took a string of formal actions during the meeting, unanimously approving a final plat, service contracts and administrative policies.

Why it matters: The package includes land‑use approvals, vendor contracts that affect county operations and employee benefits, and an information‑management policy. Together they affect county finances, day‑to‑day services and records retention.

Final plat: Commissioners conditionally approved the proposed final plat for case DEV‑25‑023‑024, a two‑lot subdivision that splits roughly 1.5 acres around an existing farmhouse while leaving the remainder as agricultural land. The planning commission had recommended approval and granted exemptions for lot depth and nonconforming structures. The board’s motion approved the plat subject to the staff report’s conditions.

Natural gas services: The board approved an extension and consolidation of the county’s natural‑gas contract with Clearwater Enterprises, adding the Cushing building (previously on a different provider) into the same contract. County staff said last year’s use of Clearwater saved just under $30,000 compared with purchasing gas directly from other suppliers; consolidating providers is expected to roll additional savings into the Clearwater contract.

Employee health services: Commissioners approved a two‑year agreement with ModRn Health Inc. (presented as “MODRN Health Inc.”) to provide on‑site health and care coordination services for county employees. Staff told the board Blue Cross Blue Shield has agreed to reimburse start‑up costs for the first year; the annual ongoing cost was estimated by staff as roughly $183,000 after the initial period, with the provider covering start‑up costs the first year under the insurer’s incentive program. County staff said services will be located in the Cushing building, have no co‑pay for employees and include 24‑hour phone access to clinicians.

Data retention: The board adopted a proposed county data‑retention policy to journal and retain county email accounts for full‑time, part‑time and elected officials in accordance with applicable laws. Staff noted the policy does not supersede the county’s data access policy (effective March 1, 2018) and is intended to codify earlier decisions made in migrating email off server‑based storage.

Electronic health record: The commission authorized the chair to sign a sales agreement to replace the county’s current electronic health‑record system with a new vendor (referred to in staff remarks as Panagana/Patagonia software). Staff said the transition and five years of software costs are grant‑covered. The motion authorized signing the sales agreement.

Votes at a glance (each item was approved by motion and voice vote; minutes show unanimous board approval):
- Case DEV‑25‑023‑024 final plat — outcome: approved (conditional).
- Clearwater Enterprises natural gas contract extension (adds Cushing) — outcome: approved.
- MODRN Health Inc. two‑year employee health services agreement — outcome: approved.
- Data retention policy (email journaling/retention) — outcome: adopted.
- Electronic health record sales agreement (Panagana/Patagonia) — outcome: authorized for chair signature.

What the record shows: Each motion received a second and passed without recorded dissent; staff presentations accompanied most items and commissioners asked clarifying questions about savings, location of services and contract costs.

Next steps: Staff will execute contracts and return any implementation details as required by county procurement and budget processes. The ModRn program will begin with the county’s benefits year in October; Blue Cross reimbursement of start‑up expenses is expected for the first year.","The county commission conditionally approved a two‑lot final plat, extended natural‑gas contracting, authorized a two‑year employee health services agreement, adopted a data‑retention policy and authorized a sales agreement for a new electronic health record system; all measures passed on motions and were recorded as approved by the board.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents debate library displays, age-appropriateness and a mayoral proclamation during Leavenworth County comment period

Leavenworth County hears funding requests from historical societies and cultural organizations

Leavenworth County commissioners approve plat, service contracts and policies in unanimous votes