Opinion

A Golf Cart Contrast by Patty LaRoche

Bourbon County

County adopts 2027 budget with 5% for pay; transfer-station rate hike dies without a second

Business, Fort Scott

Brooklyn Holder: A New Salon in Downtown Fort Scott With The Grand Opening Today

Bourbon County, Elections, Government, Kansas, Schools

Be Informed and Prepared to Vote On November 3

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Lu’s Ice Cream Adds New Spaces and New Foods

Opinion

Grilled House Shoes by Carolyn Tucker

Uncategorized

Cato Day set for Saturday, October 3

October 2, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Cato Day 2026

The Cato Historical Preservation Association will present the annual Cato Day on Saturday, October 3rd, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities for all ages. Admission is free.

Cato, Kansas — The annual Cato Day will be held on Saturday, October 3rd, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in historic Cato, Kansas. This free event, organized by the Cato Historical Preservation Association to celebrate Cato’s pioneer heritage, features activities for all ages. These include music and history at the historic Cato Christian Church, a Cavalry drill and historic reenactment led by Matt Feild, a visit to the “Old Stone School,” and a hayrack ride to local historical sites. The Southeast Kansas Antique Tractor Club will have train rides for kids and tractor displays. During lunch, Jim Harris and the Players Circle will perform, and pulled pork sandwiches, prepared by Shawn Pryer and the Mighty MO Chuck Wagon Crew, will be available for purchase. There will also be a raffle for a quilt donated by Sue James. All proceeds will go toward preserving Cato’s historic buildings and sponsoring Cato Kids’ Day, held every year for local fourth- and fifth-graders.

Cato is located in northern Crawford County off Hwy 69. From Hwy 69, take 720th Avenue West and follow the signs to Cato. Directions can be found at catoschool.com. Cato is an open-air museum whose buildings are only open to the public a few times a year, so don’t miss this rare opportunity.

The Cato Historical Preservation Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the buildings and history of Cato and the surrounding area.

Contact

Katharine Spigarelli, President
Cato Historical Preservation Association
417-825-2127
kspigarelli@gmail.com
http://catoschool.com/

Obituary

Obituary: Fletcher Keith Wheeler, Age 86

October 2, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Fletcher Keith Wheeler, age 86, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away at home on September 28, 2026. He was born on December 19, 1939, in Hiattville, Kansas to Warren (Fay) Wheeler and Dorothy (Lorene) Barker Wheeler.

Fletcher spent much of his working life with the Frisco and Burlington Northern Railroad as a brakeman and conductor. He enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. He especially looked forward to trips to Minnesota and Canada to hunt with his brothers, nephews, grandson, and friends. He also liked Monday night poker games, where good company and mostly friendly competition were part of the tradition. He loved spending time with and spoiling his granddaughter, and he left her with many special memories. Dogs were also a big part of his life, and he loved his German Shepherds and Malamutes.

One of the things he was best known for was his ability to fix things. He was often the person others turned to when something needed repair. Those who knew Fletcher will remember his stories and laughter. They will remember the trips, the games, and his willingness to always lend a helping hand.

Survivors include daughters, Shelly Shirley (Tom), Springfield, Mo and Lisa Wheeler, Palm Harbor, FL; grandson Daniel Shirley (Ashley), Kansas City, Mo; granddaughter Kaitlyn Shirley of Springfield, Mo and sister, Cynthia Post, Fort Scott, Ks.

Fletcher was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Kay, brothers Jerry Wheeler and Rex Wheeler, sister Shirley Burcham, and nephews DeWayne Post and Joshua Wheeler.

Per his wishes, there will be no service.

Memorials are suggested to go to Wayside Waifs (animal shelter) and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

Kansas courts launch text reminders for court dates

October 2, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

TOPEKA—The Kansas judicial branch has launched a text messaging service to remind people of their upcoming court hearings to reduce missed court appearances.

Carrie McGinley, director of trial court services, said the service is meant to improve communication with court users and improve court appearance rates.

“This will help people who are juggling many responsibilities in their lives and need a quick and timely reminder about their court date,” she said.

McGinley said people can register for the messaging service on the Kansas Hearing Reminders website, HearingReminder.kscourts.gov. Registration involves entering a name, phone number, and case number as it appears on court documents.

Once registered, a person will receive a text message reminder three days before and one day before their scheduled hearing date. The service can also notify users about unexpected court closures.

McGinley said the text message reminders are offered as a convenience to court users and don’t replace official court notices, orders, or other required communications. Users may opt out of the service at any time. The service is free but message rates may apply depending on the user’s mobile service provider.

Text message reminders are an option for most case types, but not all. The service is not available for:

Protection from abuse
Protection from stalking, sexual assault, and human trafficking
Child in need of care
Adoption
Care and treatment
Miscellaneous criminal and civil cases
Marriage licenses
Statutory liens and bonds
State tax warrants

Obituary

Obituary: Janice Elaine Clark Ramsey, Age 85

October 2, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Janice Elaine Clark Ramsey
October 3, 1940 – September 30, 2026

Janice Elaine (Clark) Ramsey, age 85, a former resident of Uniontown, Kansas and more recently of Ft. Scott and Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg. She was born October 3, 1940, in Fort Scott, to loving parents Roy E. and Nellie L. (Smith) Clark. Janice passed away just three days prior to her 86th birthday.

Janice graduated from Uniontown High School with the Class of 1958. After graduation, Janice began working for the Western Insurance Company until she was joined in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Richard L. Ramsey, on October 18, 1959. Richard had joined the United States Air Force in 1957. They spent their early years of marriage in military housing on Edwards Air Force Base in California. They returned in April of 1962 to make their home in Uniontown. Encouraged by their four children, Janice and Richard made the move to Fort Scott in November of 2014 before the winter. Richard and Janice had celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in October of 2014, but sadly her loving husband passed away unexpectedly in August of 2015.

Janice retired from the Bourbon County Appraiser’s office as a staff member in October of 2005. She worked various jobs throughout her life which included Ray Shepherd Motors as a receptionist and at the Farmer’s Co-op in Uniontown.

Her hobbies included watching her favorite sports; she was an avid fan of KU basketball and Kansas City Royals baseball. She always took pride in her cherished children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending their sporting and school events. Janice also loved to play Bunco with her friends. She also liked eating out, shopping, and going to the movies.

Janice often felt her greatest accomplishment was her children and her blessed grandchildren. Janice had a glow that beamed with pride as she watched the family grow and bring much enjoyment to her world. Her favorite holiday was always Christmas with the many decorations and trees and also keeping up with the family Christmas stockings. If 2026 could have brought an old fashioned Christmas, she would have had her four children and their spouses, her twelve grandchildren and their spouses, and her twenty-two great-grandchildren with another due in December. As family, we counted it would have been fifty-seven stockings.

Survivors include her children: Lisa (Don) Barker, Nevada, Missouri; Jeff (Robyn) Ramsey, Hugoton, Kansas; Cheryl (Jim) Koppa, Fort Scott, Kansas; and Joel (Laura) Ramsey, Girard, Kansas.

Grandchildren: Brett (Kayla) Campbell, Pittsburg, Kansas; Trevor (Jami) Campbell, Overland Park, Kansas; Steven (Courtney) Ramsey, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Dan (Elaina) Koppa, Fort Scott; Derek (Randi) Koppa, Fort Scott; Joshua (Samantha) Ramsey, Mesa, Arizona; Denton (Suzy) Ramsey, Pittsburg; Reed (Noreen) Ramsey, Galt, California; Dane (Allison) Ramsey, Nixa, Missouri; Mariah (Aaron) Lulf, Derby, Kansas; and Miranda (Jeremy) Turner, Norwich, Kansas; twenty-two great-grandchildren with a 23rd expected in December.

Also surviving are her brother, David Clark, Independence, Kansas; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Pat) Ramsey, Joplin, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents, Roy and Nellie Clark; her in-laws, Elmo and Mary Ramsey; a grandson, Ryan C. Campbell; and great-granddaughter Reece Koppa.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 6, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Harry Hines Hospice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., PO Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 1, 2026

October 2, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 1, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 44 calls for service on October 1, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Juvenile — 4:06 AM, 116 S Crawford, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01589FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Warrant Service / Arrest — 1:05 PM, Elm. Complaint No. 26-01590FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Alarm / Burglary — 2:24 PM, 741 Osbun St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01592FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Bomb Threat — 2:27 PM, 206 N National Ave, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01591FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Theft — 4:50 PM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01593FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Juvenile — 7:51 PM, 1545 215th #18. Complaint No. 26-0931BB. Disposition: RPTC.

Juvenile — 7:51 PM, 1545 215th #18. Complaint No. 26-0932BB. Disposition: RPTC.

Domestic / Physical — 9:58 PM, 31 Pecan Rd, Hidden Valley. Complaint No. 26-0933BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 8:33 AM, 737 Heylman, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 12:46 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 1:56 PM, 948 60th St, Uniontown. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 4:42 PM, 201 W 23rd #2A5, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 6:46 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 7:52 PM, 324 McCleverty St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 11:05 PM, 1st St. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 11:36 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

Other Calls for Service

Other Agency Assist — 1:06 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 3:10 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Foot Patrol — 3:38 AM, 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Deliver Message — 5:19 AM, 2500 Liberty Bell Rd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Accident / Injury Unknown — 6:15 AM, 6 W 18th St. Disposition: 22.

Accident / Non-Injury — 7:33 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 8:03 AM, 1511 215th #16. Disposition: HBO.

Check Records / Criminal History — 8:09 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 9:26 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 9:32 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 10:03 AM, 2305 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 10:09 AM, 735 S Scott, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 10:11 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Follow-Up — 10:12 AM, 412 S Crawford, Fort Scott. Disposition: RPTS.

Accident / Injury Unknown — 12:13 PM, 165th. Disposition: 22.

Transport / Prisoner — 12:43 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 1:13 PM, 911 E 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Follow-Up — 2:22 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: RPTS.

Narcotics — 4:03 PM, 1962 Indian Rd. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 6:39 PM, 1397 155th, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Disturbance — 8:24 PM, 2nd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: UNF.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 8:53 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 7:49 PM, 12th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:18 PM, 3rd St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:19 PM, E National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:55 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:52 PM, National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:01 PM, 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 44

Documents:

oct_1_2026_daysheet.pdf

K-State Extension

4-H Youth Are Beyond Ready, by Jennifer Terrell

October 2, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

By Jennifer Terrell, 4-H Youth Development Agent, K-State Extension | Southwind District

From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth in K-State Extension | Southwind District (covering Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties) are proving they’re not just ready for the future – they’re Beyond Ready. During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 4–10, 2026, local clubs will share how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.

As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers 6 million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030. In K-State Extension | Southwind District, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop public speaking skills, lead community service projects, practice financial literacy, learn to use Artificial Intelligence responsibly, raise livestock, and compete in STEM challenges.

K-State Extension | Southwind District and its team of educators, volunteers, and mentors deliver 4-H programs that help youth learn by doing. From showcasing their projects at the county fair to organizing food drives to support local families, youth are learning skills such as teamwork, resilience, and communication—skills that will serve them in their career and for life.

“National 4-H Week is a powerful reminder that young people are already leading in extraordinary ways,” said Jill Bramble, President & CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth discover their strengths, build lifelong career and life skills, and create opportunities for real change in their communities. They aren’t waiting for tomorrow — they are stepping up today and are Beyond Ready.”

During National 4-H Week, over 500 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters will wear green, participate in community service projects, and share their stories on social media using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.

To learn more about local 4-H programs or get involved, contact Jennifer Terrell at jkterrell@ksu.edu or call 620-223-3720 or visit southwind.ksu.edu.

About 4-H

4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs reach nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. Through the Beyond Ready national initiative, 4-H aims to increase that number to ten million youth annually by 2030. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to have the goal of being a leader; two times more likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose; and three times more likely to participate in community service.

Learn more about 4-H at 4-H.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Oct. 2, 2026

October 2, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – October 2, 2026

Arrested

Litchfield, Leslie Lee (Age 62) — Arrested 10/1/2026 1:42 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear). Bond: No Bond.

Roach, Hailley-Sue Michelle (Age 23) — Arrested 10/1/2026 8:51 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Endangering a Child, Poss of Controlled Substance; Unknown Substance; Misdemeanor, Possess Paraphernalia; Unknown Misdemeanor. Bond: No Bond.

Smith, Jonathan Douglas (Age 27) — Arrested 10/1/2026 8:51 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Endangering a Child, Poss of Controlled Substance; Unknown Substance; Misdemeanor, Possess Paraphernalia; Unknown Misdemeanor. Bond: No Bond.

Evanoff, Tristen Jenifer-Lee (Age 30) — Arrested 10/1/2026 12:00 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant – Out of County. Bond: $1,500.00 Cash. Released 10/2/2026 2:15 AM via Cash Bond.

Released

Ayers, Joshua Lorenzo — Released 10/1/2026 4:59 AM via Nothing Filed (Self).

Evanoff, Tristen Jenifer-Lee — Released 10/2/2026 2:15 AM via Cash Bond (Self).

Meir, Callie Jo — Released 10/1/2026 1:54 PM via Own Recognance (Self).

Total Inmates Released: 3

Documents:

Entertainment, Gordon Parks Museum

Gordon Parks Celebration: Dance Party & Tribute Dinner

October 1, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

Celebration Dance Party — Power Unlimited featuring Keith Marlo

Spend an evening dancing to R&B and soul during the 23rd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration! The Gordon Parks Museum presents Power Unlimited featuring Keith Marlo, a group of musicians and performers from Wichita, Kansas.

Friday, October 2nd, 2026
Doors open at 7 p.m. | Performance at 8 p.m.

The River Room Event Center
3 W. Oak St., Fort Scott, Kansas

Tickets: $25 in advance | $30 at the door. Cash bar available.

Tickets are available at the Gordon Parks Museum, online at gordonparkscenter.org, or by calling (620) 223-2700, ext. 5850.

This event is supported in part by the Bourbon County Arts Council and Peerless Products, Inc.

Celebration Tribute Dinner

The Gordon Parks Museum’s Celebration Tribute Dinner will bring the community together for an evening of dinner, music and recognition during the 23rd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration.

This year’s Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award honorees are Victor Goines, an internationally acclaimed musician and educator, and Maryemma Graham, an award-winning educator, scholar and author. Marion Stepps will receive the Gordon Parks Learning Tree Award.

Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
Social hour: 6 p.m. | Dinner: 7 p.m.

Liberty Theater
113 S. Main St., Fort Scott

Tickets: $35 per person with reserved seating.

The deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 4 p.m. Tickets are available at gordonparkscenter.org.

For the full schedule of events, visit gordonparkscenter.org.

Questions?

Contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700, ext. 5850 or gordonparkscenter@fortscott.edu.

Visiting Fort Scott?

Ask the Sleep Inn Hotel & Suites at 620-223-2555 about the 10% Gordon Parks Celebration rate.

Opinion

Letter to the Editor: State of Fort Scott’s water lines

October 1, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

My opinion on the state of the water lines in Fort Scott … we are paying dearly for them and yet we have no plan in place to replace them. Maybe we can fix that?

The 2018 Fort Scott Comprehensive Plan explicitly highlighted the severe vulnerabilities of the city’s aging infrastructure, specifically referencing the 100+ year old water lines that were causing extensive water loss and constant line breaks.

The Recommendations

The plan recommended that the City of Fort Scott move away from “reactive” emergency repairs and instead become proactive by establishing a formalized, long-term Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

It urged the city to utilize its engineering and public works directors to map out a comprehensive plan specifically for water, sewer, and street infrastructure improvements.

It emphasized structured, phased line replacements rather than simply patching leaks after they happened.

The Cost of the Report

The comprehensive plan was compiled and introduced internally by the Fort Scott Planning Commission Board and city staff rather than being outsourced entirely to an expensive outside consulting firm. Consequently, no extra tax dollars were spent on a private consultant contract for the 2018 report itself.

(Note: This is frequently contrasted by local residents and officials with the county’s subsequent efforts, such as Bourbon County recently budgeting $116,500 for a private consultant to draft their own separate comprehensive plan.)

Efforts and Results Since 2018

For years following its presentation on March 20, 2018, the plan largely sat on a shelf. Local leaders and citizens noted that it was never fully adopted or systematically implemented into daily city operations right away.

However, escalating infrastructure crises eventually forced the city to act on the principles laid out in that plan:

Implementation of Infrastructure Fees (2023-2024): To fund the massive costs of water line overhauls, Fort Scott began passing aggressive utility ordinances. The city established an automatic 3% annual water rate hike and tacked a flat $10.00 monthly “infrastructure fee” onto every citizen’s utility bill specifically to fund water and sewer capital projects.

Phased Utility Overhauls (2024-Present): The city finally transitioned to the phased approach recommended in 2018. For instance, massive multi-phase neighborhood projects (such as the recent collaborative project with contractors like Heck & Wicker) have broken ground. The first phases explicitly mandate tearing up streets to install completely new water lines and sanitary sewer lines before applying fresh mill and asphalt overlays.

While the 2018 plan was initially ignored, the reality of failing pipes has forced the city to execute exactly what it suggested — though citizens are now directly footing the bill via automated infrastructure fees to catch up on decades of deferred maintenance.

— Pete Allen

Uncategorized

Cato Kids’ Day set for Oct. 2, public Cato Day Oct. 3

October 1, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Cato Historical Preservation Association will host its annual Cato Kids’ Day on Friday, Oct. 2, from approximately 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in historic Cato, Kansas.

More than 500 fourth- and fifth-graders from area schools will be bused to Cato to see presentations on life in the late 1800s and the community’s history. Students will rotate through stations covering one-room schoolhouses, blacksmithing, covered wagon travel, cattle drives, 1800s weaponry, farming, and Native American history. The event will close with a reading of the Gettysburg Address and a sing-along.

Participating schools include Uniontown, Bronaugh, Girard, Lakeside, Liberal, Westside, Frontenac, Fort Scott, Northeast, St. Mary’s Fort Scott, and Meadowlark.

Cato is located in northern Crawford County off Highway 69. From Highway 69, take 720th Avenue west and follow the signs to Cato. Directions are available at catoschool.com.

A separate event for the general public, Cato Day, will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with activities for all ages and free admission. Saturday’s schedule includes registration at 9 a.m., music and history in the church at 9:30 a.m., cavalry saber drills at 10:30 a.m., a one-room schoolhouse presentation at 10:45 a.m., cowboy stew and a quilt drawing at noon, music by The Players Circle, and a wagon ride around the area at 1 p.m. The Cato Store will be open for cash-or-check purchases of historical booklets, T-shirts, caps and other items.

The Cato Historical Preservation Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the buildings and history of Cato, the oldest town in Crawford County, and the surrounding area.

Contact: Katharine Spigarelli, President, 417-825-2127, kspigarelli@gmail.com

Documents:

Cato_Days_flyer_2026_copy_reduced.pdf

Government, Kansas

Kobach Announces $10M Settlement with Roblox on Child Safety

October 1, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

TOPEKA – (September 29, 2026) – Kansas Attorney General Kris W. Kobach today announced that Kansas has reached a substantial settlement with Roblox, the interactive gaming platform used by millions of children. The agreement secures more than $10 million in financial commitments and requires Roblox to implement and maintain a series of child-safety reforms designed to give parents stronger tools and keep minors away from harmful contact with unknown adults.

“Parents should not have to compete with predators and poorly designed platforms just to keep their kids safe online,” Attorney General Kobach said. “This settlement puts real money, real tools, and real accountability on the table. Kansas children deserve age-appropriate content and meaningful parental controls.”

Under the settlement, Roblox will pay $9.8 million to the Office of the Attorney General over three years. Roblox will also underwrite a $500,000, three-year multimedia public-awareness campaign focused on online child safety and designed to reach a Kansas audience. The agreement further provides for $10 million in damages if Roblox fails to comply with any of its terms. The collaborative effort between Roblox and Kansas marks a blueprint for how platforms and regulators can work together to keep kids safe online.

Kobach emphasized that the agreement is intended to raise the standard for platforms that market to children.

“Kansas will not accept a system in which kids can be steered into conversations with strangers and then pushed onto other apps where parents have even less visibility,” Kobach said. “Age assurance, default age-grouped chat, stronger parental locks, and limits on Robux transfers are practical steps. Combined with a dedicated law-enforcement liaison and a Kansas-focused safety campaign, this settlement gives families and investigators more of what they have been asking for.”

In addition to the financial terms, Roblox has agreed to implement and/or continue safety measures including, but not limited to:

Requiring all users, both new and existing, to undergo age-assurance measures so that users have access only to age-appropriate content and chat features.
Providing expanded parental controls for parents with a linked parent account and giving parents an option to exercise parental controls on device through a passcode or other locking mechanism.
Protecting users under 18 from chat with unknown adults by restricting chat, by default, to users within the same or reasonably similar age groups.
Enhancing chat-moderation tools to prevent off-platforming and taking proactive steps to prevent users from moving communications off the platform to other sites, including Discord.
Continuously monitoring for and addressing communication-safety issues that arise with changing technology, and continuously improving safety measures as needed.
Prohibiting users under 16 from sending Robux to other users and from receiving Robux from other users without parental approval.

The settlement also includes Kansas-specific operational commitments. Roblox will hire a Kansas-based law-enforcement specialist to provide concierge-style service for Kansas and Midwest-region law-enforcement requests. Roblox will also engage a professional with experience in child online safety to advise on and help coordinate child-safety policies and initiatives that affect minor users in Kansas and the Midwest region.

The Office of the Attorney General will monitor compliance with the settlement. Kansas families who continue to experience safety concerns involving the platform may contact the Office of the Attorney General.

The Roblox settlement marks Kobach’s second sweeping online child-safety reform in the last few weeks. Last month, the Attorney General’s Office announced a multistate agreement with Meta, the social media giant that includes Facebook and Instagram. Under that agreement’s terms, Kansas will receive more than $134 million.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 30, 2026

October 1, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment