NW Kansas News

Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic was laid to rest this week after being killed in the line of duty on August 26. Officer Simoncic, 26, died when an armed suspect intentionally struck him with a car while trying to evade law enforcement. In response, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and colleagues introduced a resolution to honor Simoncic’s life and service.

“A native of Galesburg, Kansas, Officer Simoncic lived a life of integrity and courage, devoting himself to public service even at risk to his own safety. He also served as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas and volunteered to read to local children each week. Officer Simoncic’s life ended far too soon, but he left a lasting legacy of service, kindness and commitment to others,” said Moran.

“While we can never repay his sacrifice, we have a duty to honor his life and make certain his legacy is remembered. Officer Simoncic was a true hero, and my prayers are with his family, his loved ones and the entire law enforcement community as they mourn his passing,” Moran added.

Senator Moran also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for a new crime center and laboratory at Pittsburg State University (PSU), developed in partnership with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). The facility will house advanced technology including an evidence control center, drug chemistry lab, child victims’ unit, and collaborative workspaces for federal, state, and local agencies. The project aims to improve law enforcement capabilities across Kansas by offering hands-on learning opportunities for students alongside agents and investigators.

Moran recognized several officials involved in the project: “Thank you to KBI Director Tony Mattivi, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, Kansas Board of Regent Chair Blake Benson, PSU Police Chief and Pittsburg City Commissioner Stu Hite, Pittsburg City Manager Daron Hall, Kansas Highway Patrol Colonel Erik Smith, Kansas Sheriff’s Association Director Sandy Horton, Pittsburg Police Chief Brent Narges, Crawford County Sheriff Billy Tomasi, former Congressman Jake Laturner and all who joined to mark this significant event.”

He also welcomed Dr. Thomas Newsom as the new President of PSU.

On Wednesday, Senator Moran attended a Senate Committee on Commerce hearing focused on the U.S.-China space race and NASA reauthorization proposals. As chair of relevant subcommittees overseeing NASA funding and aviation policy, Moran emphasized ensuring that NASA has necessary resources for continued U.S. leadership in space exploration.

During the hearing witnesses included Allen Cutler (Coalition for Deep Space Exploration), Michael Gold (Redwire), Jim Bridenstine (Artemis Group/Former NASA Administrator), and John Shaw (Former Deputy Commander of U.S. Space Command). “I pressed the witnesses on the importance of passing the appropriations bill that funds NASA...and the critical value of a unified space strategy to defeat China and other adversaries in space,” said Moran.

Senator Moran met with Wichita State University leaders and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives officials about progress at WSU’s Midwest Criminal Justice Institute. He noted that WSU’s partnership with ATF is helping position Kansas as a leader in criminal justice education through applied learning opportunities.

Moran also discussed veteran support initiatives with Ken Fisher from Fisher House Foundation—a network providing free lodging for families of veterans receiving medical care away from home—and acknowledged its expansion since 1990.

Healthcare access developments were highlighted during visits to Freeman Fort Scott Hospital—which reopened under Freeman Health Systems after Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed in 2018—and Labette Health Independence Healthcare Center in Montgomery County. The latter received $6 million in federal investment secured by Moran toward its $8 million expansion cost; it now offers expanded emergency services as well as primary care options for residents in medically underserved areas.

Further stops included Wilson Medical Center in Neodesha—a 15-bed hospital serving area residents—and Flesh Company in Parsons—a trade-only printing business operating since 1913 that supplies products nationwide.

At the Kansas Farm Bureau Agriculture Leadership Breakfast during the state fair—where he serves on the Senate Committee on Agriculture—Moran discussed farm safety net improvements via recent legislation (“One Big Beautiful Bill Act”) and stressed market access opportunities through trade deals.

Moran invited Kansans to visit his booth at the ongoing state fair for constituent services information.

He attended Saturday’s football game between Kansas State University (KSU) and Army at Bill Snyder Family Stadium where he met students along with West Point cadets including Jack Martin from Chanute.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will allow working parents starting January 1, 2026 to contribute up to $7,500 annually—up from $5,000—to their dependent care flexible spending accounts during open enrollment season later this year.

The University of Kansas Veterans Legal Support Clinic is now open statewide offering free legal assistance for veterans transitioning into civilian life; federal resources were secured by Moran for this initiative aimed at removing legal barriers faced by veterans.

On September 2nd—the anniversary marking Japan's surrender ending World War II—Moran honored veterans' sacrifices: “To all our veterans: we respect you...and we love you.”

Applications are now open for spring 2026 internships in Senator Moran’s Washington D.C. or Kansas offices; these positions offer undergraduate or graduate students experience working within Congress. High school students may also apply for spring 2026 participation in the Senate Page Program before October 19th deadlines.