Osage County adds presentation about U.S. 250th proclamation to next week’s agenda

Doug, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, asked Osage County commissioners on the brief meeting agenda to consider a county proclamation recognizing the United States’ 250th anniversary and to encourage a local bell-and-siren observance at noon on July 4, 2026.

The Chair amended the agenda to allow Doug’s presentation under public comment and said the commissioners could take up the item next week. No formal vote on adopting a proclamation was held at the meeting.

Doug told the commissioners he was working with the Kansas society of his organization and volunteers who have read the Declaration of Independence on courthouse steps across the state. He said the draft proclamation includes blanks for commissioner signatures and asks that churches and town sirens ring for 2½ minutes beginning at 12 p.m. on July 4, 2026, to commemorate the anniversary. Doug said he would leave copies of the draft for commissioners to review.

"I belong to the Sons of the American Revolution," Doug said, describing the group's outreach and noting the plan was already moving in other states. He summarized the draft proclamation and the proposed community observance but did not request a signed copy from the commissioners at that time.

Commissioners suggested placing the item on next week’s agenda and discussed whether county tourism or economic-development channels could help publicize the observance if the county participates. Doug said he had spoken with local contacts about the effort and that state-level interest had been mentioned.

The meeting ended without a vote on the proclamation. The Chair moved to adjourn, called for the ayes and nays and said, "Motion carries," then closed the session.