Chairperson Petersen opened the Hearing on HB2615.

Adam Siebers, Staff Revisor gave an explanation of the bill. (Attachment 3) There were no questions.

Andrew McBride gave testimony in support of HB2615 (Attachment 4). He told the story of George H. Wark who is considered Caney's "favorite son". His family was one of the first to locate in Montgomery County in the 1870s. In 1903 he completed his law degree at the University of Kansas, established a law practice in Caney and remained there for the next 74 years. After a highly decorated service record he returned to Caney and restored his law practice. In 1933 he married and reorganized the Kansas National Guard. In 1974 full military burial rites was administered by the Kansas National Guard with an eleven gun salute with rifles followed by a salute from three Howitzer canons. 

Lt. Col. Keith Marshall testified as a proponent of HB2615  (Attachment 5) He stated that naming a highway in Brigadier General George H. Wark's honor is more than a symbolic gesture, it is a public affirmation that Kansas remembers and values those who dedicated their lives to strengthening our communities and defending our nation. This designation will ensure that future generations traveling through Montgomery County understand the caliber of leaders who have come from this region and the proud heritage of service that continues in the Kansas National Guard today.

There were no questions.

Proponent, written only testimony was submitted by Representative Doug Blex. (Attachment 6)

Chairperson Petersen closed the Hearing on HB2615.