Fw: Rymma Needs Help.

---

From: Fr. Nikolai Meyers <frnmeyers@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2026 8:30 PM
To: Fr. Nikolai Meyers <frnmeyers@gmail.com>
Subject: Rymma Needs Help.

 

Saints Peter & Paul

Orthodox Church

Topeka, KS

May 14th, 2026

Isidore the Martyr of Chios

Dear Faithful of Saints Peter and Paul, 

The blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon you!

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

Rymma Needs Help.

Rymma has a letter to Senator Marshall requesting her work status be resolved.  She has been waiting 14 months.  She will have the letter at Church Sunday if you would like to sign it in support of her.

Vacation Church School 

June 22-26, 9am-2 pm Daily.  Sign-up your child in the Narthex. 

Help With Wood Milling

We resume milling Monday at 8 am weather permitting.  We have a lot of scrap cedar.

Let me know if you would like some. 

We also have a lot of pieces that could be turned into benches or tables for the exterior of the new Hall.

Let me know if you can help make something beautiful for the hall. 

So far we have milled all 15 cedars and 1 black walnut.  Here it is stacked to dry.

How to find the entrance to our 29 Acres near SE Adams.

There is no entrance off of SE Adams.  The entrance is east of the intersection of SE 40th St and SE Quincy St.  There is a water tower north of the gated entrance to the land.  

Zeffy

Donations to the Church can now be made without fees through Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-saints-peter-and-paul

 

Summer Camp 

EOYC in Linwood, KS: http://myeoyc.com/

July 26 to August 1st.  Registration opens May 15.

Dillons Rewards Program

You can designate Ss. Peter and Paul as your charity of choice with your Dillons Rewards card.  There is no cost to you.  Dillons will donate .05% of your purchase to the Charity of your choice when you use your Dillons Rewards card. You can designate Ss. Peter and Paul as your charity here: https://www.dillons.com/i/community/community-rewards  

The code for Ss. Peter & Paul is HY763

Prosphora & Coffee Hour sign-up.

If you would like to make Prosphora or host coffee hour you can sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11nQvrj2unx0Vz-dggw5Psb8xy2tRg3ybCQGOB_Rn9sI/edit#gid=0

If you would like to join a team to help with coffee hour or would like to host a week on your own please contact our Coffee Hour coordinator Gracie Crater at craterrb@gmail.com  

Schedule

Saturday May 16th 

• 10 am Divine Liturgy at St. Mary Magdalene Chapel in Manhattan, KS. 
• 5:45 pm  9th Hour & Great Vespers

Sunday May 17th 

• 9 am Orthros 
• 10 am Divine Liturgy
• Followed by Coffee Hour
• 4 pm Elijah & Samantha's Wedding

Tuesday May 19th 

• 6:30 pm Parish Council

Wednesday May 20th 

• 5:15 pm Vigil for Ascension 

Thursday May 21st Ascension

• 8 am Divine Liturgy 
• Followed by Festal Potluck Brunch 

Saturday May 23rd 

• 5:45 pm  9th Hour & Great Vespers

Sunday May 24th 

• 9 am Orthros 
• 10 am Divine Liturgy
• Followed by Coffee Hour

Tuesday May 26th 

• 6 pm Women's Group Meeting.  Bring a snack to share. 

Wednesday May 27th 

• 5:15 pm Vespers 

Thursday May 28th

• Noon, Men's Lunch
• 6 pm Vespers at St. Mary Magdalene Chapel in Manhattan KS. 

Saturday May 30th

• 10 am Divine Liturgy at St. Mary Magdalene Chapel in Manhattan, KS. 
• 5:45 pm  9th Hour & Great Vespers

Sunday May 31st Pentecost 

• 9 am Orthros 
• 10 am Divine Liturgy
• Followed by Coffee Hour
• 5 pm Kneeling Vespers

Monday June 1st Holy Spirit Monday

• 9:30 am Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Overland Park, KS. 

Wednesday June 3rd 

• 5:15 pm Vespers

June 4th-6th Ointment Conference 

Mental health conference hosted by St. Mary Of Egypt Orthodox Church in KSMO.  See website for details: https://ointmentconference.org/

Friday June 5th

• 5-8:30 pm Pentecost Open House at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Overland Park, KS. See flyer for details

Saturday June 6th 

• 10 am Divine Liturgy at St. Mary Magdalene Chapel in Manhattan, KS. 
• 5:45 pm  9th Hour & Great Vespers

June 9th - 13th Parish Life Conference in Denver, CO.  See flyer attached to this email for details. 

Forgive me. 

Fr. Nikolai Meyers

Pastor: Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church Topeka, KS; Saint Mary Magdalene Chapel, Manhattan, KS. 

Catechist: Saint Raphael School. 

Spiritual Advisor (Diocese of Wichita): Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Homeschooling

Yes, this denial is legally valid under Kansas law. The exemptions cited — KSA 45-221(a)(26) and (30) — are real and correctly quoted from the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA).

 

From: Bonnie Williams <bowilliams@topeka.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2026 4:24 PM
To: mcre13@gmail.com <mcre13@gmail.com>
Cc: City Clerk <cclerk@Topeka.org>; Mary E. Kuckelman Spinelli <mespinelli@topeka.org>
Subject: FW: McClure KORA 051126

Henry:

This email is in response to your request for records below. Please be advised that the request is denied pursuant to KSA 45-221(a)(26) and (30).  Those exemptions are as follows:

 

(26) Records of a utility or other public service pertaining to individually identifiable residential customers of the utility or service.

(30) Public records containing information of a personal nature where the public disclosure thereof would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

 

Thank you.

 

Bonnie Williams

Services and Operations Manager

City of Topeka

Legal Department

215 SE 7^th Street, Room 310

Topeka, KS  66603

(785) 368-3883

Yes, this denial is legally valid under Kansas law.

The exemptions cited — KSA 45-221(a)(26) and (30) — are real and correctly quoted from the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA).

Exact Statutory Language

• (26): Records of a utility or other public service pertaining to individually identifiable residential customers of the utility or service. (This protects things like individual water bills, usage history, shut-off notices, or account details tied to a specific residential address/person.)
• (30): Public records containing information of a personal nature where the public disclosure thereof would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

These are standard discretionary exemptions. Public agencies (like the City of Topeka) are not required to disclose records that fall under them. They must still separate out any non-exempt portions if possible, but purely personal customer/utility records are typically fully protected.

Context for Your Situation

From public posts and context, it looks like your records request was likely about a specific resident’s water bill payment history or similar utility account details tied to a property in District 3. That directly triggers exemption (26). The city is on solid legal ground denying it.

What You Can Do Next

• Narrow the request: Ask for aggregated/non-identifiable data (e.g., total delinquent accounts in a zip code, general policies on shut-offs, or summary statistics). Those are often releasable.
• Appeal: You can challenge the denial in district court under K.S.A. 45-222, but courts generally uphold these privacy protections for residential utility records.
• Public alternatives: Property tax records, code enforcement complaints, or council meeting minutes are usually more accessible.

Bottom line: The email is a standard, proper KORA denial response. It’s not stonewalling — it’s following the law on personal privacy/utility customer data.

CIA

**The CIA does not have the legal right or authority to raid the office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard—or any U.S. government office—and seize or "steal" documents in the manner described.** Reports of such a "raid" are unverified allegations that Gabbard's own office has explicitly denied. Even if some form of document transfer or dispute occurred, it would not align with the CIA's statutory powers, which strictly limit the agency to foreign intelligence activities and explicitly prohibit domestic law-enforcement-style actions like raids.

### What the Reports Actually Say (and Don't Say)

Recent claims (as of May 13–14, 2026) stem from testimony by CIA whistleblower James E. Erdman III during a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing. He alleged that the CIA took back approximately 40 boxes of files related to the JFK assassination and the MKUltra program from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI, which Gabbard heads). These files were reportedly being prepared for declassification under a presidential executive order.

- Media outlets (e.g., Fox News) and social media amplified this as a "CIA raid" on Gabbard's office, with some tying it to broader declassification battles.

- **ODNI's official response**: DNI Press Secretary Olivia Coleman stated directly on X: "This is false — the CIA did not raid the DNI’s office."

- Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has demanded the files' return and threatened a subpoena, citing presidential declassification directives, but this remains a dispute over records access rather than a confirmed raid.

This fits a pattern of tension: Gabbard's ODNI has pushed declassifications (including over CIA objections in prior cases), while the CIA has historically guarded its archives. Earlier reports noted Gabbard's team retrieving files *from* a CIA facility in 2025 for declassification processing. No independent verification confirms a forcible raid occurred, and the DNI's denial undercuts the premise of your question.

### CIA's Legal Authority: Where It Comes From and Why It Doesn't Allow This

The CIA's powers are narrowly defined by statute and executive orders. It has **no domestic law-enforcement role** and cannot conduct raids, searches, or seizures on U.S. soil against U.S. persons or offices like the DNI.

- **Core statute (National Security Act of 1947, as amended)**: The CIA's functions are limited to foreign intelligence collection, analysis, and covert actions *abroad* (at the President's direction). Explicitly: It "shall have no police, subpoena, law-enforcement powers, or internal-security functions." (50 U.S.C. § 3036).

- **Executive Order 12333** (Reagan, 1981; still governing): Regulates U.S. intelligence activities. It allows limited domestic collection only in specific foreign-intelligence contexts, with strict rules against targeting U.S. persons without oversight. It does *not* authorize raids or seizures.

- **Oversight structure**: The DNI (Gabbard) is the head of the entire Intelligence Community, including the CIA. The CIA Director reports to the DNI, who has statutory authority over budgets, personnel, and access to *all* intelligence information across agencies (Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004). The President can direct declassification through the DNI. A subordinate agency like the CIA cannot unilaterally "raid" its overseer.

Domestic raids/searches require:

- A court warrant (for law enforcement).

- Involvement of agencies with those powers (primarily the FBI/DOJ).

The CIA has none of this. Historical abuses (e.g., 1970s domestic spying exposed by the Church Committee) led to tighter restrictions precisely to prevent the CIA from acting like a secret police force inside the U.S.

### Bottom Line

The CIA has no legal "right" to raid Tulsi Gabbard's (or any) office and take things. Its charter forbids it, the DNI oversees it, and declassification fights are resolved through executive authority and oversight committees—not unilateral seizures. The current story appears to be an unconfirmed whistleblower claim amid ongoing transparency battles, explicitly denied by the office in question. If new verified evidence emerges showing otherwise, it would represent a serious breach of law and chain of command, subject to congressional oversight and potential investigation. Claims like this often circulate in polarized environments, but the law is clear: the CIA's role is foreign intelligence, not domestic raids.

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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More fraud

**The Indictment of Tashella Sheri Amore Dickerson: Accountability, Allegations, and the Ongoing Legal Battle Over BLM Oklahoma City Funds**

The viral social media post by comedian and commentator Terrence K Williams, featuring a dramatic “FOX NEWS ALERT” graphic and bold “BOMBSHELL” text, is substantively accurate. On December 3, 2025, a federal grand jury in the Western District of Oklahoma returned a 25-count indictment against Tashella Sheri Amore Dickerson (also known as T. Sheri Amore Dickerson, Rev. T. Sheri Amore Dickerson, or Sheri Dickerson), charging her with 20 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. The indictment was unsealed on December 11, 2025. Prosecutors allege that Dickerson, as Executive Director of Black Lives Matter Oklahoma City (BLMOKC) since at least 2016, embezzled at least $3.15 million in donor and grant funds—primarily returned bail checks—into her personal bank accounts and those of an LLC she controlled between June 2020 and October 2025.

This was not the national Black Lives Matter organization (such as the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation). BLMOKC is a local chapter that raised more than $5.6 million after the 2020 murder of George Floyd, much of it through national bail funds (including the Community Justice Exchange, Massachusetts Bail Fund, and Minnesota Freedom Fund). These funds were routed through the Arizona-based Alliance for Global Justice (AFGJ), which acted as BLMOKC’s fiscal sponsor because the local chapter was not itself a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The grants were explicitly intended to post pretrial bail for protesters arrested during racial justice demonstrations and, once cases resolved, to create a revolving bail fund or support other Section 501(c)(3)-permitted social justice activities. AFGJ’s rules prohibited personal use, real estate purchases without approval, and required full accounting.

According to the indictment, when bail money was returned to BLMOKC after cases were adjudicated, Dickerson allegedly diverted the checks directly into her personal accounts rather than the organization’s. She then allegedly spent the money on recreational travel (including trips to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic), tens of thousands of dollars in retail shopping, at least $50,000 in food and grocery deliveries for herself and her children, a personal vehicle, and six real properties in Oklahoma City deeded either to her personally or to Equity International, LLC—an entity she exclusively controlled. The indictment further alleges she submitted two false annual reports to AFGJ claiming that all funds had been used solely for tax-exempt purposes.

These details match the tweet’s claims almost verbatim. The spending list—six properties, a car, shopping, and $50,000 in food deliveries—is drawn directly from the federal charging document.

Dickerson, a longtime Oklahoma City activist, BLM organizer, Women’s March National Board member, and associate minister at the Church of the Open Arms (a United Church of Christ congregation that has supported BLM fundraisers), has described herself publicly as an “unpaid protester.” She also holds Universal Life Church minister credentials. In a Facebook Live video posted shortly after the indictment became public, she stated she was not in custody, was “fine,” and declined to make an official comment on the case. She framed the charges as evidence that “you are doing the work,” suggesting they were politically motivated attacks on activists. Some reports note she has maintained her innocence and that the case remains active.

As of May 2026, the federal case is ongoing. Dickerson was arraigned in December 2025 and released on conditions. A court date was set for January 2026, and while some sources reference a potential trial window later in 2026, no final trial date has been widely reported in public coverage. The investigation, handled by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation, continues. She faces up to 20 years per wire fraud count and 10 years per money laundering count, plus substantial fines. Like all defendants, she is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case does not exist in isolation. It fits into a broader pattern of scrutiny over financial accountability within various Black Lives Matter chapters and related activist organizations. The national BLM network faced earlier controversies over transparency, executive compensation, and property purchases by leaders (most notably Patrisse Cullors in 2021), though those rarely resulted in criminal charges. Local chapters have sometimes operated with loose oversight, fiscal sponsors, and rapid influxes of donations during periods of heightened activism. In Oklahoma City, some local activists had reportedly raised financial concerns about BLMOKC prior to the indictment. These disputes reflect longstanding tensions in grassroots movements: the tension between urgent activism and the need for rigorous financial controls, especially when handling millions in public donations. Critics on the right often point to such cases as evidence of hypocrisy or systemic mismanagement; supporters sometimes view them as politically weaponized attacks or isolated incidents amid otherwise vital organizing work.

The truth of the matter, as it stands today, is straightforward: federal prosecutors have presented a detailed indictment supported by an investigation from the FBI and IRS, alleging a multi-year scheme in which funds intended for bail support and social justice were allegedly redirected for personal enrichment. The viral post captured that reality accurately, even if the accompanying graphic was stylized for maximum impact. What remains unresolved are the ultimate facts of the case—Dickerson’s defense, any mitigating context, and the outcome of a trial. In the meantime, the episode underscores a perennial challenge for nonprofit and activist organizations: ensuring that the passion driving the mission does not outpace the safeguards needed to protect donor trust and organizational integrity.

The ongoing disputes with Dickerson herself center on this active criminal prosecution. Beyond the courtroom, they echo larger public debates about leadership accountability in movements that have mobilized billions in donations since 2020. Whether the allegations prove true or not, the case serves as a reminder that even the most righteous causes require rigorous stewardship of resources—something the justice system is now actively testing in Oklahoma City.

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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Otis

**Review: "Your Healing Changes Your Circle" (YouTube Short by Powerful Manifestation)**

This concise, impactful 30-second clip delivers a profound truth about personal growth and relationships. In it, two speakers discuss how we initially attract and bond with people who share similar "psychological wounds." As we heal, evolve, and raise our vibration, those connections often naturally fade if the other person stays stuck—leading to distance, "growing apart," or even a period of loneliness before new, healthier people enter our lives.

### What Works Well

- **Relatability**: The message resonates deeply. The comments section explodes with thousands of likes and personal stories—people sharing experiences with friends, family, romantic partners, and even trauma bonds that dissolved after their own healing journey. It validates a common but often isolating experience.

- **Simplicity and Clarity**: No fluff, no over-the-top production. Just straightforward dialogue that feels like an insightful conversation you'd overhear (or wish you had) with a wise friend.

- **Empowering Angle**: It frames change positively. Healing isn't just internal—it ripples outward, reshaping your entire social circle for the better. Hashtags like #manifestingriches, #abundance, #motivation, and #lawofattraction tie it into broader self-improvement themes without feeling forced.

### Impact

With over 3.3 million views and 81k+ likes, it's clearly striking a nerve. Many viewers describe it as "100% true," eye-opening, or even life-affirming. It explains why old friends drift away, why you might feel repelled by former connections, or why new aligned people appear once you're in a healthier place.

### Minor Critique

It's short (as expected for a YouTube Short), so it doesn't dive deep into *how* to navigate the loneliness phase or rebuild consciously. Some might want more nuance around maintaining relationships through growth or the role of boundaries vs. total detachment. Still, for a quick hit of wisdom, it's perfect.

**Overall Rating: 9/10**  

Highly recommended if you're on a healing or self-growth path. Watch it when you're questioning shifts in your friendships or relationships—it'll give you peace and validation. This is the kind of content that sticks with you and sparks real reflection.

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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Otis

**Kansas Liquor Drink Tax Statutes (K.S.A. 79-41a01 et seq.) – Full Analysis**

The Kansas **liquor drink tax** is a 10% excise tax on the sale of alcoholic drinks (including cereal malt beverage) at licensed clubs, caterers, drinking establishments, public venues, and temporary permit holders. It is **not** the same as the separate gallonage tax on wholesale liquor or the general retailers’ sales tax (drinks subject to this tax are exempt from sales tax). The tax was enacted in 1979 following the constitutional change allowing liquor-by-the-drink sales.

### 1. Definitions & Imposition (K.S.A. 79-41a01–79-41a02)

- **Alcoholic liquor** includes everything defined in K.S.A. 41-102 plus cereal malt beverage (K.S.A. 41-2701).

- **Tax rate**: 10% on **gross receipts** derived from the sale of alcoholic liquor (or acquisition cost of free samples). The consumer pays it; the licensee collects and remits it.

- Payment is monthly (due by the 25th of the following month), with detailed reporting and record-keeping requirements. The Kansas Department of Revenue administers and enforces it like the retailers’ sales tax.

### 2. State-Level Distribution of Revenue (K.S.A. 79-41a03(d))

When the state treasurer receives the revenue:

- **25%** → State General Fund (unrestricted).

- **5%** → Community Alcoholism and Intoxication Programs Fund (state-level alcohol/drug programs).

- **70%** → Local Alcoholic Liquor Fund (created in 79-41a04(a)).

Special rules apply for sales at the Kansas State Fairgrounds or within certain STAR bond districts (up to 100% can go to bond debt service).

### 3. Local Allocation (K.S.A. 79-41a04(b)–(c))

The **local alcoholic liquor fund** money is distributed quarterly to cities and counties based on **where the tax was collected**:

- **Cities > 6,000 population**: 70% of tax collected inside city limits.

- **Cities ≤ 6,000 population**: 46⅔% of tax collected inside city limits.

- **Counties**:

  - 70% of tax collected in unincorporated areas.

  - 23⅓% of tax collected inside cities ≤ 6,000 population.

- Railway-car drinking establishments have a special equal-share rule among qualifying counties.

Distributions go directly to city or county treasurers (March 15, June 15, Sept. 15, Dec. 15).

### 4. Mandatory Use Restrictions – The “Intended Use” Provisions (K.S.A. 79-41a04(d)–(e))

This is the **core of any “Project Otis”–style argument** about proper accounting and spending. The statute is **highly prescriptive**:

**For cities > 6,000 population** (e.g., Topeka):

- Deposit full amount received.

- Credit **exactly ⅓** to city **general fund** (unrestricted use).

- Credit **⅓** to a **special parks and recreation fund** → may be spent **only** for “purchase, establishment, maintenance or expansion of park and recreational services, programs and facilities.”

- Credit **⅓** to a **special alcohol and drug programs fund** → may be spent **only** for services/programs whose **principal purpose** is:

  - Alcoholism and drug abuse prevention and education,

  - Alcohol and drug detoxification,

  - Intervention in alcohol and drug abuse, or

  - Treatment of alcoholics/drug abusers (or those in danger of becoming so).

**For counties** (including Shawnee County) and small cities:

- Slightly different math (extra 23⅓% of small-city collections must go straight to the county’s alcohol/drug fund).

- Of the **remainder**: **⅓ general fund**, **⅓ special parks & recreation fund** (same restricted use as above), **⅓ special alcohol & drug programs fund** (same strict “principal purpose” test).

- In counties with an **alcohol and drug advisory committee**, the board of commissioners **must request and generally follow** the committee’s recommendations on alcohol/drug fund expenditures (unless overridden by unanimous vote).

Moneys in the special funds are under the direction of the governing body, but the statute explicitly limits their use. There are narrow exceptions (e.g., Butler County has a community support/domestic violence option).

### 5. Key Takeaways & Relation to Shawnee County / Project Otis

- The statute **does** codify an “intended use” framework: roughly one-third of local revenue is unrestricted (general fund), but the other two-thirds are **ring-fenced** for parks/recreation and especially alcohol/drug prevention/treatment.

- Local governments **must** maintain the special funds and can be audited for compliance. The “principal purpose” language for the alcohol/drug fund is intentionally narrow.

- Shawnee County receives its statutory share (~$2.1 million annually cited in public comments) and is subject to the county-specific split in 79-41a04(e). Topeka (as a large city) follows the city rules.

- **Project Otis** (the ongoing citizen advocacy effort) focuses on accountability for these funds—particularly whether the county is properly allocating, tracking, and spending the alcohol/drug and parks portions versus folding everything into general spending or other priorities. The statutes provide a clear legal benchmark for that debate, though they do **not** create a specific “Project Otis” or name any particular project.

- No major statutory changes have altered these core splits or restrictions in recent years (statutes current as of 2026).

In short, the law is **not** silent on use—it deliberately directs a significant portion of the revenue back into alcohol-related services and parks while giving local governments flexibility with the general-fund slice. Any claim of misuse would turn on whether the special funds are being maintained and spent in accordance with the “principal purpose” and parks-only rules. For the most current county budget documents or audits showing actual expenditures, check Shawnee County’s official financial reports or recent commission meeting packets.

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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Otis

**Project Otis** is a local advocacy initiative in Shawnee County, Kansas, primarily promoted by resident and activist **Henry McClure** (the user in this conversation). It focuses on the proper use and potential reallocation of revenue from Kansas' **liquor-by-the-drink tax** (a 10% tax on gross receipts from alcoholic liquor sales by clubs, bars, caterers, drinking establishments, etc.).

### Funding Details (Kansas Liquor Drink Tax)

Kansas statutes (primarily **K.S.A. 79-41a01 et seq.**) govern this:

- The state collects the **10% liquor drink tax**.

- Distributions from the **Local Alcoholic Liquor Fund** (in the state treasury) go to cities and counties based on where the tax is generated:

  - Larger cities (>6,000 population) typically receive **70%** of collections from their area.

  - Counties receive shares for unincorporated areas or smaller cities.

  - Remaining portions often flow into **Special Alcohol & Drug Programs Funds**, general funds, and **parks/recreation funds** (with statutory splits, e.g., roughly 1/3 each in some localities).

- **Shawnee County-specific figure**: Approximately **$2.1 million annually** flows to the county from these collections (as repeatedly cited by McClure in public comments).

**Intended uses** (per state law, e.g., K.S.A. 79-41a04 and related sections):

- Primarily for **alcohol and drug abuse prevention, treatment, and related programs**.

- Some allocations support **parks/recreation**, law enforcement, or general government purposes, but with restrictions emphasizing public benefit tied to the tax's origins (addressing impacts of alcohol sales).

### Core Argument of Project Otis

McClure contends that the county is **not using** these funds as originally intended (e.g., for alcohol-related social services, treatment, prevention, or specific community projects like "Old Otis"). He has urged commissioners in multiple meetings (including the May 11, 2026 work session) to review allocations, "finish Otis," and redirect the ~$2.1M toward its statutory or historical purposes rather than general spending or other priorities.

No large-scale formal county project named "Otis" appears in official records — it seems to be McClure's branding for this accountability/advocacy effort, possibly referencing a prior or proposed initiative ("Old Otis"). He has raised it repeatedly in public comment periods, sometimes tying it to broader transparency, economic development, or opposition to certain spending (e.g., questioning elected officials on boards like Go Topeka).

### Context and Status

- This is **not a county-run project** with dedicated budgets or official documents but an ongoing citizen push for fund accountability.

- Kansas law requires these revenues to support specific categories, and local governments must comply (with audits possible). McClure has referenced Attorney General opinions on proper use.

- In meetings, commissioners typically thank speakers and move on without immediate action.

For the most current details, check recent Shawnee County Commission meeting videos/minutes on their site or YouTube, or McClure’s public statements (e.g., on Facebook/YouTube under mcre1). If you have more specifics or want me to pull a particular meeting transcript, let me know!

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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SNCO. Project Otis

**I apologize for the omission in my initial summary.** 

Project Otis came up **only briefly during the public comment portion** of the meeting (near the end, around the 1 hour 13–14 minute mark), not during the main Parks & Recreation Master Plan presentation. My summary focused on the primary agenda item (the detailed Parks update), which took up the bulk of the ~1 hour 48 minutes of relevant discussion. Public comments are typically shorter and secondary in work sessions unless they directly tie into the main topic.

### What was said about Project Otis:

A member of the public (identified in other sources as likely Henry McClure, based on context from prior meetings) spoke during public comment. He referenced an Attorney General's opinion regarding the allocation and accounting of funds from **liquor-by-the-drink collections** (approximately **$2.1 million** annually flowing to Shawnee County). He argued these funds are not being used as originally intended under "Project Otis" and urged the commission to "help Otis out" and support the project. He also briefly mentioned a personal mixed-use development idea involving pickleball that he discussed with others, emphasizing it should stand on its own without public money.

The commissioners thanked him, asked if anyone else wished to speak (none did), and then moved on to administrative items, communications, and executive session. No discussion or action followed on Project Otis during this meeting.

Project Otis appears to be a recurring local issue/advocacy topic related to the use of specific county revenue streams (liquor taxes), which has been raised in prior commission meetings as well. It wasn't connected to the Parks Master Plan in this session. 

If you'd like me to expand the full summary to include more on public comments or dive deeper into Project Otis background, just let me know!

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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SNCO

https://www.youtube.com/live/txYtMKtVdks?si=0lVSYD0NRUD5gh4B

**Summary of Shawnee County Kansas Commission Meeting (Work Session) – May 11, 2026**

This was a **Board of County Commissioners work session** held on Monday, May 11, 2026. Commissioners present included Bill Kriz (District 1, presiding), Kevin Cook (Vice Chair, District 2), and Aaron Mace (District 3), along with County Counselor Rich Eckert.

### Main Focus: Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update

The primary agenda item was a presentation from the Parks and Recreation Department by Director **Tim Lorent** and consultants from **Landworks Studio** (Nathan Harold and Brian Sturm). They provided a progress update on the county's comprehensive **Parks Master Plan**, which began in November 2025.

**Key phases of the process**:

- **Discovery**: Park assessments, community surveys, online engagement, stakeholder input.

- **Analysis & Visioning**: Synthesizing data into recommendations.

- **Implementation**: Creating a prioritized roadmap with timelines and costs for the next ~2 years.

**Community Engagement Highlights**:

- Statistically valid survey (Feb 2026): 427 responses (exceeding the quota quickly; low margin of error ~3-4%).

- Online engagement platform: 410+ responses (still open), with interactive map for comments/pins, upvoting, and priority-ranking activities.

- Community open house at Big Gage Shelter: ~40 attendees.

- Facility and program assessments completed across all parks.

**Top Community Priorities** (from survey):

- **Facilities**: Walking/biking trails (overwhelming #1), indoor pool, restrooms/amenities, more neighborhood parks + nature preserves.

- **Programming**: Adult fitness/wellness, senior programs, history/museums (interest in parks telling local stories).

**Other Notes**:

- Gage Park and Lake Shawnee were the highest-rated parks.

- The plan emphasizes awareness of existing assets, inter-agency cooperation, and addressing barriers to park use.

- A separate trails study will be incorporated.

- No formal action was taken; this was an informational update.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and closed after the presentation (total relevant transcription covers ~1 hour 48 minutes of discussion). It appears to be a routine work session focused on long-term planning rather than immediate decisions.

For the full video or more details, check the YouTube recording directly or the county's website for agendas/minutes.

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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