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ELECTION GUIDE
A NOTE TO OUR READERS The Nov. 3 election brings important decisions to Emporia and Lyon County. This special Election Guide is designed to help readers understand the candidates, races and local ballot issues before them. Some of the questions on this year’s ballot involve detailed proposals with implications that deserve careful explanation. Our role as your community newspaper is to provide context, explain what is being proposed and ask questions that help clarify what those decisions could mean. In these pages, we bring that coverage together in one place. Our goal is straightforward: to give you, our readers, a useful, accessible resource to help you understand your ballot and make informed choices when it comes time to vote. Thank you to the advertisers whose support made this special edition possible, and to our journalists for their work preparing it. Most of all, thank you to our readers for trusting The Emporia Gazette to cover the issues that matter to this community. Take time to read, ask questions and consider your choices. Then, whether you vote early or on Nov. 3, make your voice heard. The Emporia Gazette
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WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE VOTING IN THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTION By Jessie Wagoner
Voters will choose candidates for public office and decide ballot questions that vary depending on where they live. Amie From checking voter registration to re- Jones, Lyon County clerk and election ofviewing ballot questions, a little prepara- ficer, encourages residents to review their tion can help Lyon County residents head individual sample ballot and make a votinto the Nov. 3 general election ready to Please see Voting, Page 10 vote. The Emporia Gazette
IMPORTANT DATES
• Oct. 13: Deadline to register to vote or update your name or address. • Oct. 14: Advance voting begins at the Anderson Building; mailing of advance ballots begins. • Oct. 19: Advance voting begins at the Lyon County Courthouse. • Oct. 27: Last day to request a mail ballot. • Nov. 2: In-person advance voting ends at noon. • Nov. 3: Election Day. Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
ANDERSON BUILDING VOTING HOURS
Lyon County Fairgrounds, 2700 U.S. Highway 50 • Oct. 14: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. • Oct. 15: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. • Oct. 16: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. • Oct. 17: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. CHECK BEFORE YOU VOTE
Visit myvoteinfo.voteks.org to confirm your registration, find your polling place and review both sides of your sample ballot. Register online at KSVotes.org.
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MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR KANSAS HOUSE DISTRICT 76 Democrat David A. Claridge and Republican Russel Stukey are seeking to represent Kansas House District 76 in the Nov. 3 general election. The seat is open after Republican Rep. Brad Barrett chose not to seek re-election. To help voters compare the candidates’ priorities and positions, The Emporia Gazette asked both candidates the same questions and they were asked to keep their responses to 50 words or less. Their unedited responses follow.
David A. Claridge What motivated you to run for this position? Many things, mostly the economy. Farmers, ranchers, and factory workers are losing their livelihood. The state needs to show up for the backbone of our society. What training, work experience or personal experience has prepared you for this role?
What do you consider the three most pressing issues currently facing your constituents? 1. Unemployment/no job opportunities. 2. Debt and increased cost of living. 3. Farmers being betrayed by the politicians that got them into office. If elected, what would you do to address those issues? 50 words or less is insufficient to answer this. Policy wise, I want to start financial programs that would allow farmers to start businesses that would pack the food they grow. No Tyson or similar middle man, from farm to table with David A. Claridge revenue that stays in Kansas, with jobs Russel Stukey One of my college degrees (thank you brought back due to the "new" industry. sentative Eric Smith to run. I have always Emporia State University) is in Political been interested in what is going on in poliRussel Stukey Science. Outside of that, I have worked tics. I recently retired from my professionwith children on the spectrum for some What motivated you to run for this al emergency services career and felt like time. Tantrumming baby men in the State position? this would be a good time for me to run. House will only be slightly harder to work I was approached by the current ReprePlease see District 76, Page 14 with. sentative Brad Barrett and former Repre-
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KEN DUFT UNOPPOSED FOR LYON COUNTY COMMISSION
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HEALTHY LIVING
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Republican incumbent Ken Duft is running unopposed for re-election to the Lyon County Commission in the Nov. 3 general election. The Emporia Gazette did not ask Duft to complete a candidate questionnaire because his race is uncontested, but includes him in this guide to inform voters that he is on the ballot.
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MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR KANSAS HOUSE DISTRICT 60 Republican incumbent Mark Schreiber and Democratic challenger Maddison Glover are seeking to represent Kansas House District 60 in the Nov. 3 general election. To help voters compare the candidates’ priorities and positions, The Emporia Gazette asked both candidates the same questions. Glover did not respond.
Mark Schreiber
Ken Duft
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What motivated you to run for this position? I have been active throughout the community for over 30 years. I rely on that and my professional experiences to help residents of both the 60th District and Kansas. There is more work to be done, and I want to be engaged in those debates. What training, work experience or personal experience has prepared you for this role? I earned both Bachelor and Master biology degrees from ESU, which led me to a 37+ year career at Westar Energy during construction
and operation of Wolf Creek then later at the company’s Topeka headquarters. My responsibilities included environmental work, emergency planning, and Statehouse lobbying. I have now served in the Kansas House for 10 years. What do you consider the three most pressing issues currently facing your constituents? Until recently, the most prominent issue was property taxes. Lately, that has been muted by opposition and bans on data centers, solar facilities, battery storage systems. Next, affordability, especially for food and healthcare. We have several food pantries/ meal programs seeing dramatic growth in the numbers of people served. If elected, what would you do to address those issues? The best way to control property taxes is to encourage industrial development. I support evaluating each economic development project on its merits and adherence to zon-
Mark Schreiber
ing and other regulations. Due re-examined to find ways famito changes in safety net pro- lies are not harmed by reduced grams, state programs need benefits.
November 3rd 2026
YOUR VOICE
MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE! Visit us at 2711 W 15th Ave or online www.cuofe.org
620-342-0491
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RECREATION PROPOSAL WOULD INVEST NEARLY $24 MILLION AT TWO LOCATIONS By Jessie Wagoner
The Emporia Gazette
Emporia voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve a quarter-cent citywide sales tax to fund a $23.96 million community recreation project spanning two locations. The proposal would invest an estimated $5.6 million in the existing Lee Beran Recreation Center, 313 W. Fourth Ave., and $18.4 million in a new recreation facility near Jones Aquatic Center. Amanda Gutierrez, executive director of the Emporia Recreation Commission, said the two-location approach would preserve Lee Beran while adding the space needed to expand aquatic, athletic and community programming. “One thing I sometimes hear is, ‘They’re just going to close the Lee Beran,’” Gutierrez said. “No, we’re not.” The proposed new facility would not contain a fitness room or administrative offices. Both would remain at Lee Beran, along with its existing gymnasium. The $5.6 million Lee Beran renovation would convert the existing indoor pool area into a larger fitness space, create a main entrance facing the parking area and add a new lobby with gathering space. Plans also call for reconfigured staff offices, refreshed shared areas and more flexible space for programs and community use. The facility was constructed in phases in 1977, 1983 and 1993. Recreation officials say the aging pool infrastructure, outdated community spaces and building layout limit programming flexibility, particularly for aquatics and youth sports.
Why two locations? Gutierrez said expanding at Lee Beran would be the most convenient option, but the property is landlocked by railroad tracks, underpasses and surrounding homes. Expanding vertically would be expensive and could create accessibility challenges, she said. Expanding the property’s footprint would require purchasing neigh-
FILE PHOTO
Lee Beran Recreation Center
boring homes or other property and paying demolition costs. The Jones Aquatic Center site is already owned by the city and has underground infrastructure and shared parking in place, reducing site preparation and acquisition costs. The location is also across the street from the DeBauge Family Sports Complex, where the Recreation Commission coordinates field use and offers youth and adult soccer programs. Its proximity to Emporia Middle School and Emporia High School could also create opportunities for after-school programming. The proposed $18.4 million facility would include two multiuse gymnasiums, two pools, a walking track, locker rooms and restrooms, family- and age-friendly areas and flexible rooms for community activities and events. The design would allow for future gymnasium expansion. Gutierrez acknowledged concerns about transportation to the west Emporia location. She said similar concerns arose when Jones Aquatic Center opened. Please see Recreation, Page 15
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USD 251 VOTERS TO DECIDE NEW HIGH SCHOOL, ATHLETIC COMPLEX PROPOSALS valuation. Both bond proposals call for repayment over 30 years.
USD 251 North Lyon County voters will decide two bond questions Nov. 3 that would finance a new high school near Americus and an accompanying athletic complex. The proposals would authorize a combined $31.145 million in general obligation bonds, repaid over 30 years. Voters can consider the questions separately, but the athletic complex proposal can pass only if the new high school proposal also receives approval.
How was the plan developed?
What would Proposition No. 1 fund? Proposition No. 1 would authorize up to $25.955 million in bonds to construct and equip a new high school adjoining North Lyon County Elementary School near Americus. The overall project is estimated to cost $26.955 million, with some expenses paid through the district’s capital outlay fund. The USD 251 Board of Education Approval of Proposition No. 2 is convoted July 20 to sell the current Northern tingent on approval of Proposition No. 1. Heights High School property in Allen if Voters could approve the new high school the bond issue passes. without approving the athletic complex, the athletic complex cannot proceed What would Proposition but under the proposal if the high school No. 2 fund? question fails. Proposition No. 2 would authorize up to $5.19 million in bonds for an athletic complex near the schools. The athletic project has an estimated total cost of $5.39 million, including land costs paid through capital outlay.
Approval of both propositions is projected to require a combined increase of 21 mills. A mill represents $1 in property tax for every $1,000 of assessed valuation. Assessed valuation differs from a property’s market value. According to district estimates, the median home value within USD 251 is How would the proposals approximately $156,300. The district has affect property taxes? posted an online taxpayer cost calculator to help property owners estimate how the Based on the district’s 2026 assessed proposals could affect their taxes. The projected mill increases are esvaluation, Proposition No. 1 is projected to require a 17-mill property tax increase. timates based on the district’s assessed
The bond proposals follow nearly three years of work by the district’s Strategic Planning Committee. The committee considered four options, including renovating Northern Heights High School and constructing new facilities at different locations. In June, it recommended building a new high school adjoining North Lyon County Elementary, with athletic facilities nearby. The Kansas State Board of Education approved the district’s request to conduct the bond election during its Aug. 11 meeting.
Where can voters learn more? The district scheduled tours and public meetings ahead of the election to give residents opportunities to see existing facilities and learn about the proposals. A public meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28 in the Northern Heights High School gym, 1208 U.S. Highway 56 in Allen. Residents also can review the district’s bond information and use its online taxpayer cost calculator before voting. usd251together.org/bond-projects/.
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MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR U.S. SENATE IN KANSAS Republican incumbent Roger Marshall and Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton are seeking to represent Kansas in the U.S. Senate in the Nov. 3 general election. To help voters compare the candidates’ priorities and positions, The Emporia Gazette asked both candidates the same questions, Adam Hamilton was the only one to respond. His responses are as follows: What motivated you to run for this position? Kansans are struggling to make ends meet, and much of it is self-inflicted. Tariffs and the war in Iran drove up what families pay for gas, groceries and fertilizer. People are being hurt, and nobody in Washington is speaking up for them. I want to fight for them. What training, work experience or personal experience has prepared you for this role? I'm a fifth-generation Kansan raised by a single mom, and for a few years we lived at the poverty line. In 1990 I started Church of the Resurrection
with four people. I've led it for 36 years, bringing Republicans, Democrats and independents together to serve our neighbors. What do you consider the three most pressing issues currently facing your constituents? First, the cost of living: gas, groceries and tariffs that raise prices for families, farmers and small businesses. Second, health care. People can't afford insurance, and Kansas has more rural hospitals at risk of closing than any other state. Third, the division in Washington that keeps problems from getting solved. If elected, what would you do to address those issues? End the war in Iran and the tariffs driving up costs for Kansas families, farmers and businesses. Restore the health insurance subsidies and reverse the Medicaid cuts that put rural hospitals at risk. And build relationships across the aisle, because we can't solve America's problems with Adam Hamilton just one party.
NORTH LYON COUNTY USD 251 SCHOOL BOND PROPOSAL
VOTE
YES YES
TUESDAY, NOV. 3 Learn more: https://usd251together.org/
GERRI HERNANDEZ
KEEP OUR KIDS IN USD 251
After more than three years of community conversation, Propositions 1 and 2 would give our kids a new high school and athletics complex in Americus. This is our chance to show our students they matter and that we are ready to invest in them!
PROPOSITION 1
PROPOSITION 2
$25,955,000
$5,190,000
New consolidated High School near NLC K-8 building Modern, safe learning spaces Increased efficiency of staff members and district transportation Closer to emergency services
17 mill levy increase COST
Curious what this could mean for Your Taxes? Use the Tax Calculator to find out.
New athletic facilities near Road F and North Street Prop 2 requires Prop 1 to pass
4 mill levy increase
KEY DATES & PUBLIC MEETINGS
Oct 28 @ 6:30 PM: Public Meeting (NHHS Gym) Oct 9: Advance Voting Begins Oct 13: Register to Vote Deadline Nov 3: Election Day
Paid for by USD 251 Together Committee, Nancy Wells Treasurer
GET READY
Check your Voter Registration here! Need to register? You can do that, too!
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EMPORIA VOTERS TO DECIDE DATA CENTER, BATTERY STORAGE QUESTIONS By Jessie Wagoner
The Emporia Gazette
Voters living within Emporia city limits will decide two citizen-initiated ballot questions Nov. 3 proposing restrictions on high-impact data centers and certain battery energy storage systems. The proposals appear as local Questions No. 2 and No. 3. Only registered voters who live within Emporia city limits can vote on them; Lyon County residents outside the city cannot. Both questions ask voters whether to adopt proposed prohibitions. A yes vote supports adopting the applicable ordinance, while a no vote rejects it. The proposals’ legal effect remains subject to applicable laws and court orders.
What does the data center the construction, installation, operation Jay Vehige has acknowledged a draft- ruling that either proposal is valid or inquestion propose? and maintenance of Tier 2 and Tier 3 bat- ing error while maintaining that it valid. tery energy storage systems, commonly would not invalidate the proposals in Why should voters read Question No. 2 proposes prohibiting the called BESS, throughout the city’s zoning their entirety. City Manager Trey Cocking says the the questions beforehand? construction, installation, operation and districts.
maintenance of high-impact data centers throughout Emporia’s zoning districts. The proposal defines a high-impact data center as a facility primarily used to house, operate and maintain computer servers and related infrastructure that requires either a peak electrical load exceeding 10 megawatts or a daily water draw exceeding 100,000 gallons. The definition includes server farms, colocation facilities, artificial intelligence training facilities, cryptocurrency mining operations and similar computing facilities meeting the definition. The thresholds apply to facilities whose primary purpose is operating computer servers and related infrastructure. They do not, by themselves, classify every business using that much electricity or water as a data center.
Battery energy storage systems store electricity for later use. The proposal defines Tier 2 systems as having an aggregate energy capacity between 81 and 600 kilowatt-hours. Tier 3 systems have an aggregate capacity greater than 600 kilowatt-hours. The question addresses those two categories rather than every battery or battery-powered device. Voters will consider the proposals separately and can vote differently on the two questions.
What is the wording error?
The petition ordinances reference penalties under “Article 15” of Emporia’s zoning regulations. That provision does not exist in the current regulations, which use numbered sections than articles. What does the battery rather The incorrect reference raises unstorage question propose? resolved questions about how the proposed penalties could be enforced. Question No. 3 proposes prohibiting Emporia Neighbors United founder
reference would be an issue for a court to address concerning the ordinances’ effect Lyon County Clerk and Election Ofand enforceability. Its legal consequences ficer Amie Jones encourages voters to have not been settled. review their sample ballot before voting, both the front and back. Could legal proceedings including Jones said petition language submitcontinue after the ted for the ballot must match the wording circulated to petition signers. Election election? officials verify signatures and administer Yes. Voter approval would not, by it- the election but do not determine the proself, resolve the legal questions surround- posed ordinances’ legal effect. Voters can view their individual saming the proposals. When the City Commission submitted ple ballot through Kansas VoterView, the questions for the ballot, the city said which also provides registration informathe data center ordinance could not be tion, voting districts and assigned polling published or take effect until pending le- locations. Reading the full questions beforehand gal questions were resolved or otherwise ordered. The city also retained the right gives voters time to research the proposto seek judicial review of both proposals’ als and seek answers. Jones said poll legality, enforceability and implementa- workers cannot explain what a yes or no vote means on a ballot question. tion. The registration deadline is Oct. 13. The drafting error adds another unresolved issue that could lead to continued Advance voting begins Oct. 14, and Eleclegal proceedings after the election. It tion Day polls will be open from 7 a.m. to should not be treated as an established 7 p.m. Nov. 3.
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REVIEW BALLOT QUESTION 2 An Ordinance of the City of Emporia, Kansas Prohibiting the Installation and Operation of High Impact Data Centers Explanatory Statement: This ordinance would prohibit the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of High Impact Data Centers within the City of Emporia, Kansas. A "High Impact Data Center" is defined as a facility whose primary purpose is the housing, operation, and maintenance of computer servers and related infrastructure that requires a peak electrical load exceeding ten (10) megawatts or a daily water draw exceeding one hundred thousand (100,000) gallons. This term includes server farms, colocation facilities, AI training facilities, cryptocurrency mining operations, and similar highdensity computing facilities. The prohibition would apply to all zoning districts within the City. Violations would be subject to civil and criminal penalties under
the City of Emporia Zoning Regulations. To vote in favor of any question submitted on this ballot, press the word "Yes" on the voting machine or completely darken the oval to the left of the word "Yes" on the paper ballot. Vote Yes to adopt the ordinance To vote against it, press the word "No" on the voting machine or completely darken the oval to the left of the word "No" on the paper ballot. Vote No to reject the ordinance.
Shall the following ordinance be adopted? An Ordinance of the City of Emporia, Kansas Prohibiting the Installation and Operation of High Impact Data Centers Vote Yes to adopt the ordinance. Vote No to reject the ordinance.
REVIEW BALLOT QUESTION 3 An Ordinance of the City of Emporia, Kansas Prohibiting the Installation and Operation of Type 2 and Type 3 Battery Energy Storage Systems Explanatory Statement: This ordinance would prohibit the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Battery Energy Storage Systems ("BESS") within the City of Emporia, Kansas. A Tier 2 BESS is a battery energy storage system with an aggregate energy capacity between 81 and 600 kWh, and a Tier 3 BESS is a battery energy storage system with an aggregate energy capacity greater than 600 kWh. The prohibition would apply to all zoning districts within the City. Violations would be subject to civil and criminal penalties under Article 15 of the City of Emporia Zoning Regulations.
To vote in favor of any question submitted on this ballot, press the word "Yes" on the voting machine or completely darken the oval to the left of the word "Yes" on the paper ballot. Vote Yes to adopt the ordinance. To vote against it, press the word "No" on the voting machine or completely darken the oval to the left of the word "No" on the paper ballot. Vote No to reject the ordinance.
Shall the following ordinance be adopted? An Ordinance of the City of Emporia, Kansas Prohibiting the Installation and Operation of Type 2 and Type 3 Battery Energy Storage Systems Vote Yes to adopt the ordinance. Vote No to reject the ordinance.
A STRONG AND EFFECTIVE VOICE FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Standing Up For Kansas Families Fighting For Our Students and Educators Lowering Our Taxes VOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
ENDORSED BY: Kansas Farm Bureau KNEA Kansas Livestock Association Paid for by Mark Schreiber for Kansas House, Cindy Lore Treasurer
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especially useful this year because voters across Lyon From PAGE 2 County will receive different questions depending on their city and school district ing plan before Election Day. boundaries. “There's a lot on this balKnow which lot, not just for the city of Emporia, but for most of Ly- questions you will on County,” Jones said. “So, see I am expecting and predicting a large turnout.” Every Lyon County ballot will include a statewide conCheck your stitutional amendment quesregistration tion, Jones said. Additional local questions will depend The deadline to register on a voter’s address. Emporia voters will have to vote or update a registration for the general election four questions total: the conis Oct. 13. Voters who have stitutional amendment and changed their name or ad- three local questions concerndress should make sure their ing the recreation center, data registration reflects that in- centers and battery energy storage systems. The local formation. Residents can register questions are numbered one at the county clerk’s office through three, with the conin the Lyon County Court- stitutional amendment aphouse, complete a registra- pearing separately. Americus voters who live tion form online and submit it to the office, or register within USD 251 will have four questions: the constitutional online at KSVotes.org. Those unsure whether amendment, an Americus city they are registered can check question and USD 251 propothrough Kansas VoterView sitions one and two. Voters within USD 251 but at myvoteinfo.voteks.org. outside Americus will generReview your ally have three questions: the sample ballot constitutional amendment and the two school district VoterView provides more propositions. Jones said voters in norththan registration information. Voters can find their ern Lyon County outside USD assigned polling location, 251, and most voters in southits address, their voting dis- ern Lyon County, will generaltricts and their sample bal- ly have only the constitutional amendment question. lot. Voters should check their Jones recommends reviewing both the front and own sample ballot to confirm back of the sample ballot to which questions apply to see every candidate race and them. ballot question. Vote early in “It just provides a whole person bunch of information to the voter prior to election day so that they can do all the Advance voting begins search and get informed as Oct. 14 at the Anderson they can be,” she said. Building on the Lyon County The sample ballot is Fairgrounds, 2700 U.S. High-
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way 50. Hours are: Wednesday, Oct. 14: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Advance voting at the Lyon County Courthouse begins Oct. 19 and ends at noon Nov. 2.
Voters also can return completed mail ballots to any polling location in Lyon County on Election Day. The location does not have to be their assigned polling place, Jones said.
Request and return a mail ballot The county will begin mailing advance ballots Oct. 14. The deadline to request a mail ballot is Oct. 27. Jones encourages voters to complete and return their ballots promptly. Completed ballots can be returned to the county clerk’s office or placed in either of the county’s two ballot drop boxes. One is on Commercial Street in front of the courthouse. The other is in the parking lot across from the sheriff’s office, near the utility payment drop boxes.
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Plan for Election Day Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Voters casting a ballot in person on Election Day should confirm their assigned polling location through VoterView before leaving home. Jones also encourages voters to research ballot questions ahead of time, consult multiple sources and consider different perspectives. Poll workers can help voters through the voting process, but they cannot explain what a yes or no vote means on a ballot question. “Look up both,” Jones said. “Get both sides of any topic out there.” “Ask your questions,” she added. “Just be informed.”
Did You Kn ow? One project. Two locations.
The proposed Community Recreation Project includes improvements at two locations: $5.6 million | Current Lee Beran Recreation Center Renovations including expanded fitness space, a new entrance and lobby, staff offices and improved program and community spaces. $18.4 million | New Rec Expansion Two indoor pools, two gymnasiums, a walking track, locker rooms, and flexible recreation and community spaces.
K a i r mpo Get the facts: emporiarec.org. E , A v e 4 0.6 3 0 0 h t 4 est 6 2 0. 3 W 3 1 3
S
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WHO DOES WHAT? A VOTER’S GUIDE TO THE JOBS BEHIND THE NAMES The Emporia Gazette
tions, including federal judges and Cabinet members, County commissioner: and gives advice and consent on treaties. Passing Decisions close to home Your ballot helps decide who represents you in Wash- federal legislation generally requires agreement from ington, Topeka and right here in Lyon County. But what both the Senate and House before a bill goes to the Lyon County’s three-member commission oversees president. do those officials actually do? county business and makes decisions about county Here is a quick look at three offices in this year’s elecspending, property and services. Kansas state representative: tion guide — and how their decisions affect everyday life. Commissioners’ responsibilities include overseeing Your voice in Topeka county roads and bridges, reviewing county receipts U.S. senator: and expenses, and supporting public health and welfare. Your voice in Washington A state representative serves a legislative district in Their decisions influence how county resources are used the Kansas House of Representatives. The House has and which projects receive funding. Each commissioner represents a district, but the A U.S. senator represents the entire state in Con- 125 members, each elected to a two-year term. Representatives introduce bills, review proposals in board makes decisions affecting the county as a whole. gress. Each state has two senators, who serve six-year committees and vote on state laws and spending. Their terms. A question to ask every candidate Senators introduce and vote on federal legislation, decisions affect public school funding, state taxes, highhelp determine federal spending and oversee federal ways, higher education and other services. When evaluating a campaign promise, ask: Does this A representative is one voice in a larger process: Bills office have the authority to deliver it? Understanding the agencies. Their work touches issues such as national degenerally must pass both the Kansas House and Senate job can help voters judge candidates’ priorities, experifense, taxes, agriculture and health care. The Senate also considers presidential nomina- before going to the governor. ence and plans.
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BEFORE YOU HEAD TO THE POLLS
A little preparation can help Election Day go smoothly. Use this checklist before casting your ballot:
CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION.
Confirm that your name and address are current. The deadline to register or update your registration for the Nov. 3 election is Oct. 13.
CONFIRM YOUR POLLING PLACE.
PREVIEW YOUR SAMPLE BALLOT.
BRING AN ACCEPTED PHOTO ID.
Visit kansasvoterinfo. gov to check your registration and assigned voting location.
Read the candidates’ names and the full wording of ballot questions before arriving. Sample ballots are available through the state’s voter information website or your county election office.
Examples include a driver’s license, state-issued identification card, U.S. passport or military ID. Generally, an ID with an expiration date must be current; voters 65 and older may use an expired photo ID.
ASK FOR HELP AND REVIEW YOUR BALLOT.
PLAN YOUR TRIP.
Confirm polling hours with your county election office. If you are in line when polls close, stay in line — you are allowed to vote.
Tell a poll worker if you need assistance or make a mistake. Before casting your ballot, check that your selections reflect your choices.
EMPORIANS FOR PROGRESS
A Data Center Means LOWER Taxes & STRONGER USD 253 Schools Pryor, OK: $88M to $1B
Medicine Lodge, KS: $12.9M Yearly
• Pryor schools valuation grew from $88M to $1 BILLION after Google • Pryor schools off state formula keeps Google tax revenue locally
• Projected $12.9M annual property tax vs $43K today • Nearly $200M in first 10 years for town with $25M budget
De Soto, KS: Property Tax CUT 1/3 • De Soto lowered property tax over 1/3 from growth • $3B data center campus = $102M city revenue + roads & utilities
Tax revenue that stays HERE. Better. USD 253 schools, better roads, lower bills for Emporia families.
Vote NO on Questions 2 and 3 Paid FORPROGRESS Progress PAID for FORby BY Emporians EMPORIANS FOR
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FROM BALLOTS TO BONDS: MAKING SENSE OF ELECTION LINGO Election coverage comes with its own vocabulary. Here is a plain-language guide to terms you may encounter. • INCUMBENT:
The person currently holding an office. An incumbent seeking reelection is asking voters for another term.
• CHALLENGER:
A candidate running against the current officeholder.
• UNOPPOSED:
A candidate with no opponent listed on the ballot for that office.
• WRITE-IN CANDIDATE:
A person whose name is not printed on the ballot. Voters must enter the name in the designated space and follow the ballot’s instructions. Rules determine which write-in votes can be counted.
• GENERAL ELECTION:
The election in which voters choose who will hold public office. A general election ballot may also include questions about local policies or funding.
• PRIMARY ELECTION:
An election used to select a political party’s nominees for the general election.
• BALLOT QUESTION:
A proposal voters decide directly, usually by selecting “Yes” or “No,” rather than choosing a candidate.
• CITIZEN-INITIATED ORDINANCE:
A proposed local law brought forward through a petition signed by residents. It may reach voters through a process governed by state law.
• ORDINANCE:
A law adopted by a city.
• BOND ISSUE:
A proposal authorizing a public body, such as a school district, to borrow money for specified purposes. The debt is repaid over time, with interest.
• ADVANCE VOTING:
Casting a ballot before Election Day, either in person or by mail.
• PROVISIONAL BALLOT:
A ballot used when a question about a voter’s eligibility or voting requirements needs to be resolved. Election officials review it before determining whether it can be counted.
• PRECINCT:
A geographic area used to organize voters and administer elections.
• SAMPLE BALLOT:
A preview of the contests and questions on a voter’s ballot. It is for review, not for casting a vote.
• CANVASS:
The official review of election returns that establishes the final results. Election-night totals are unofficial until that process is complete.
DISTRICT 76
for Riley County after 32 total years of service. I have dealt with people on their worst days and know first hand the stress people face in their lives. In my leadership roles I have developed policies and procedures, administered multi-million dollar budgets, managed equipment purchases and building projects. What do you consider the three most pressing issues currently facing your constituents? Property taxes, general cost of living
From PAGE 3 What training, work experience or personal experience has prepared you for this role? I have worked for the Emporia Fire Dept / Lyon County Ambulance service, Coffey County Emergency Management, and recently retired as the Emergency Services Director / Fire Chief
(gas, food, etc.) and general sense of security in our tumultuous world. If elected, what would you do to address those issues? I would do my best to guard against legislation that would increase the tax burden. I would try to find ways to decrease that tax burden by supporting legislation that promotes responsible growth of the tax base without jeopardizing our children's future and not taking on additional debt at the state level.
Friday, October 9, 2026
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RECREATION
accommodate basketball, volleyball, pickleball and other activities. Additional courts would allow the commission to From PAGE 5 schedule more leagues, practices and open-recreation periods at appropriate The Recreation Commission, city and times. school district initially worked together What would the tax cost? to provide bus transportation to the pool, she said, but the service ended after about The proposed 0.25% sales tax would 18 months because few people used it. add 25 cents to a $100 taxable purchase. Gutierrez also pointed to the regular An $11.57 restaurant purchase would genuse of the nearby DeBauge complex as erate approximately 3 cents for the project. evidence that families are already travelThe measure would not increase proping to that part of the community for rec- erty-tax rates or the mill levy. reation programs. Gutierrez said the Recreation Commission’s existing budget is intended primarWhy two pools? ily to provide programs, not construct maThe proposed facility would contain jor facilities. Planners considered propera warmer therapeutic pool and a cooler ty and sales taxes before recommending the sales-tax proposal. leisure and lap pool. A sales tax would collect revenue from Gutierrez said different activities require different water temperatures. A both residents and visitors making purtherapeutic pool would provide warmer chases in Emporia. According to figures water for older adults, people participat- provided by the city and included in Recing in rehabilitation or low-impact exer- reation Commission informational macise and young children learning to swim. terials, approximately 38% of Emporia’s The pool would also have a zero-depth sales-tax revenue comes from purchases made by people who live outside the city. entrance to improve accessibility. Based on that percentage, recreation A cooler pool would be designed for lap swimming, aquatic fitness and recre- officials estimate visitors would generate ational use by older children and families. approximately $9.1 million of the $23.96 The existing Lee Beran pool is essen- million needed for the project. “I don’t want to minimize that because, tially a single-use space. When swimming lessons, lap swimming or an aquatic fit- for some folks, we’re all struggling,” Gutiness class is scheduled, other uses are errez said. “But 3 cents on my $12 lunch benefits our whole community.” limited or unavailable. The current proposal follows more Two pools would allow multiple activities to take place simultaneously. than a decade of studies and public disSwimming lessons could be offered in the cussions about Emporia’s recreation fatherapeutic pool while lap swimming or cilities. The Emporia Recreation Steering another program takes place in the recre- Committee unanimously recommended the plan in June, and the Emporia City ational pool. “It just opens up a ton of programming Commission authorized placing the salestax question on the November ballot in possibilities,” Gutierrez said. August. Why two additional If voters reject the measure, the new gymnasiums? facility and Lee Beran renovations would not move forward as proposed. Gutierrez Lee Beran has one gymnasium serving said the Recreation Commission would youth and adult sports, practices, recre- continue operating its existing programs. “If it doesn’t pass, we’ll just keep on ation programs and open-gym activities. During busy seasons, Recreation Com- doing what we do,” she said. “But I just mission officials say the limited court think there are so many benefits to our space creates scheduling problems. community if it goes through.” A final community open house is First- and second-grade basketball games can be scheduled as late as 8:30 p.m. on scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 13 at the school nights because so many teams and Lee Beran Recreation Center. Residents may review the plans, ask questions and activities must share the same court. The two proposed gymnasiums could tour the existing facility.
PAID FOR BY EMPORIA CHAMBER
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Friday, October 9, 2026
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PAID FOR BY AMANDA MENDOZA