The Journal (KLC)

Following successful debates in Wichita and Lawrence, join the Kansas Leadership Center on July 28 in Topeka for our next Braver Angels Debate — a structured conversation exploring one of the questions Kansas voters will soon consider. Participants will debate the following resolution: “Kansas voters should elect their state Supreme Court justices.” The debate format allows participants to watch, ask questions and even give a speech. You don’t need to be an expert to take part.

Before then-Gov. Kathleen Sebelius appointed her to the Kansas Supreme Court in 2003, Carol Beier had to answer a few questions. Inquiries about her work history and judicial philosophy. Explorations of her finances and ethics. The application alone, she said, “can run to the hundred pages mark” with queries that delve deeply into an aspiring justice’s personal and professional lives. “It’s a little uncomfortable,” Beier said. What she wasn’t asked about: Politics. There were no voters to persuade.

In the basement of Fredonia Regional Hospital this summer, area high school students were learning how to suture using a pig’s foot, and in the process, perhaps stitching a path forward. The suturing, which can be used to close wounds or surgical incisions, was taught by Dr. Jennifer Bacani McKenney, a Fredonia native, the creator of the Fredonia Medical Academy and an owner of Fredonia Family Care. If McKenney’s name looks familiar, it should.

Dozens of people line up under a baking sun in 90-degree heat, just for a chance at a bed at Wichita’s primary low-barrier homeless shelter, Second Light. People gather every day to vie for one of the 24 open beds. At 4 p.m., security guards usher people, mostly men, in one by one. Once the 24th lucky individual makes it past the doors, everyone else will, likely, have to find a spot outside to sleep.

Since we first released The Journal’s questionnaire on the American Dream a few weeks ago, more than 89 readers have submitted responses. And very thoughtful ones at that. The early consensus is that there really isn’t a consensus. People are quite divided about whether the American Dream is attainable. But it’s nuanced.

by Molly Wierman Overview: There is a statewide shortage of qualified attorneys. One solution being considered is the establishment of a satellite law school campus in Wichita. Residents are encouraged to call 988 if they see someone in crisis. Wichita and Sedgwick County have developed an effective method for reducing homelessness, but current funding is insufficient to meet the need for services.

by Jeanette Harding Overview: Trash haulers in the City of Wichita are required to offer smaller cart sizes to customers. But many customers do not know of this option! Waste collection and landfills have a very complicated and polluted history in Sedgwick County. Franchising trash hauler collection could save the City of Wichita and city residents money. The meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m. by board member Ibrahim Abdallah.

by Judy Winters Overview: The MAPC commissioners approved the second large-scale solar farm application in a 6-4 split vote. The application will now be forwarded to the Sedgwick County Commission for consideration. Commissioners approved a conditional use request for an outdoor recreation and entertainment space near 53rd St and Maize Road. The proposed plan is for a pumpkin patch and corn maze.

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of stories called “Feeding Solutions” about efforts to address hunger and health issues in Kansas. Go to the produce aisle of most grocery stores, and odds are the fruits and vegetables have traveled hundreds, if not thousands of miles. Most of that food is harvested on farms that operate on an industrial scale before it’s loaded into refrigerated semis for distribution. That lettuce? Probably comes from California. Bananas? Most are from Mexico. Potatoes?

by Molly Wierman Overview: For a third consecutive meeting, residents criticized the council’s support for Flock cameras. Veterans can ride public transportation for free thanks to United Way and the VA. The council voted 7–0 to approve the transit network redesign plan. These notes were produced as part of the Wichita Documenters program, which trains and pays residents to attend public meetings. The goal of the effort is to increase civic knowledge and involvement in the community.