House Status:
Senate Status:
Senate Status:
Minutes for HB2431 - Committee on Transportation
Short Title
Designating a bridge on United States highway 166 in Cowley county as the SGT Tyler A Juden memorial bridge.
Minutes Content for Wed, Jan 22, 2020
Staff briefed the Committee on this bill and answered questions.
Proponents
The Chairman recognized Representative Bill Rhiley. Representative Rhiley said the purpose of this bill is to designate a bridge on United States highway 166 in Cowley County as the SGT Tyler A. Juden memorial bridge. Representative Rhiley provided the Committee with SGT Tyler A. Juden's background. (Attachment 1) Representative Rhiley said "The bridge is a symbol of strength, honor and respect and it becomes part of the families/fallen warrior's legacy and history. The bridge will pass the torch onto countless generations and show them who the fallen warrior was and their sacrifice to our nation."
The next proponent was Robert Juden, Tyler Juden's Dad. He told the Committee that two scholarships have been established in memory of Tyler, one began the year after his death in 2010, the other in 2014. (Attachment 2) The first scholarship sends two young people from Cowley County to the Adventure Camp at the Whittington Center near Ratan, NM. The recipients qualify by competing in an annual shooting competition sponsored by their local NRA chapter. The second scholarship was initiated by a young lady from Ark City, Jullian Headrick, She approached the family about starting a scholarship in memory of Tyler that would be awarded each spring to a deserving senior.
The Chairman recognized Mitch Pontious. He described Tyler "as a lover of life, his faith, his family, his friends, and his town." (Attachment 3) He said they spent countless hours together playing sports, hunting, fishing and enjoying each other's company. He said Tyler was the absolute best friend that he could have asked for and that he misses him every day. Mr. Pontious said Tyler was "honored to call Ark City his hometown; however the pride that Tyler felt for Ark City was not a one-way street. The patrons of this small town were and still are proud of their hometown hero."
Kyle Krisik was the next proponent. He said in life a person has many chances to choose between right and wrong. (Attachment 4) He said when our country needed Tyler, Tyler made the right choice. Mr. Krisik said,"what truly makes a man are not his possessions or wealth but the quality of his character. Tyler's character will never be matched. Tyler always did the right thing even if it wasn't easy or popular."
Written Testimony Only was submitted in support of HB2431 by:
Bob and Reatha Juden, Tyler Juden's parents, Arkansas City, KS(Attachment 5)
David L. Strasburg, American Legion, Arkansas City, KS (Attachment 6)
Kevin Kelly, General Manager, Two Rivers Coop (Attachment 7)
Brice Harader-Pate, APRN-CNP (Attachment 8)
Clinton C. Fry, SSG, USA Ret. (Attachment 9)
Teresa Stalnaker, Personal Friend, Parkerfield, KS (Attachment 10)
Jim Buterbaugh, US Navy Vietnam Veteran, The American Legion (Attachment 11)
Keeley and Randy Frank, American Gold Star Parents of Sgt. Kevin A. Gilbertson (Attachment 12)
Thomas Brown (Attachment 13)
David and Deanna Miley, Ark City Residents (Attachment 14)
Rick Holman, Arkansas City, KS (Attachment 15)
Opponents
None
Neutrals
None
Written Neutral testimony from Kansas Department of Transportation (Attachment 16)
The Chairman asked if anyone else desired to speak - no one did.
Representative Houser moved to suspend the 24-hour rule and work this bill while the family and friends were present. seconded by Representative Claeys. Motion carried. Representative Houser then moved to favorably pass HB2431 from Committee, seconded by Representative Ballard. Motion carried.
The Chairman closed the hearing on HB2431.
Announcements
The Chairman advised the Members that the next meeting would be tomorrow and the Committee would hear two bills - HB2420 - Allowing military surplus vehicles to register with the division of vehicles for road use, and HB2444 - Providing for blackout distinctive license plate.
Adjournment
There being no further business before the Committee the meeting was adjourned.
