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New Washington D.C. Museum Features ArtEffect Young Artists
KS Dept. of Commerce Launching Initiative To Redevelop Vacant Buildings into Housing
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Kelly v. Kobach Will Be Heard January 16 in KS Supreme Court
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Bourbon County Zoning/Planning Commission Meets Jan. 14
There will be a zoning and planning commission meeting 01.14.26 at 5:30 PM at 210 S National Avenue.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
210 S National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
FSCC Hosts Chamber Coffee on Jan.15
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KDCF Files Reply to Federal SNAP Data Request
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USD235 Student Magazine Is Online
Rebecca Sutterby and our digital media kids have put together their second magazine of the school year. As people of the press, I thought you might enjoy their efforts.
https://indd.adobe.com/view/57b6a6a4-a4af-4020-a90e-273cfca470ab
Submitted by Vance Eden, superintendent of USD235, Uniontown
Letter to the Editor: Kelly Perry
When we opened our rural country store, we committed to giving it a full three years then see if it’s sustaining on its own or choking out our pork rind business that we worked so hard to build. Thanks to our community’s support, we now have clear data showing what works. The results are simple: 76% of our revenue happens Thursday through Sunday. Smart business means recognizing trends, knowing the numbers, and being responsible.
Those four days are when our customers show up in force. To continue operating a healthy, sustainable rural store, we must focus on those days. Staying open just to be open the other three days would drain the business and jeopardize having a rural micro grocery store at all. We already knew the pork rind side of the business was sustainable and working since 2017. Tossing in a micro grocery store was all new and uncertain. Moving forward, Perry’s will operate Thursday through Sunday, this will begin Monday, January 19, 2026.
This decision doesn’t mean we are slowing down, it means we are scaling up.
Those three weekdays will now be dedicated to:
- Expanding pork rind and fudge production
- Building more wholesale partnerships across Kansas for our pork rinds and nationwide for our fudge
- Growing our pork rind and fudge fundraiser program
- Strengthening our role as a supplier to other small businesses — many people don’t realize we offer bulk foods, packaging, and even labels to other small businesses
Today, we already supply two bakeries with bulk butter, flour, sugar, and packaging, and several non chain convenience stores. Thus saving them the trip to Sam’s or meeting high minimums with suppliers on their own. We recognize the power of working together for sustainability when you’re not one of the big guys.
We will still offer everything our customers love:
- Perry’s Produce Boxes
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and hanging baskets
- Our full menu of deli & hot foods
- Milk, eggs, cheese, and grocery staples
This shift ensures Perry’s continues to be what it was always meant to be: a sustainable rural store, a growing Kansas-made food brand, and a community partner for years to come. While others have struggled or even closed in communities two and three times our size, we intend to press forward and pivot with honesty and transparency about why we do what we do. A family member told us we don’t owe anyone a story or explanation — and while that may be true, we believe transparency and realness are exactly why our model is working.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who shops local, buys our products, and believes in what we’re building in a rural area. This is how rural businesses survive — by being honest with the numbers, bold with the vision, and committed to serving their community in the smartest way possible.
Sincerely,
The Perry’s
Eddy At 8th Street Will Be Closed Two to Three Weeks
8th and Eddy Intersection will be closed for the next two-three weeks while City Crews work on the stormwater system in this area. Intersection will then be concreted. 8th Street will be closed from Crawford to Holbrook and from St. Mary’s road to 9th Street except for residents. Thank you,
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
620-223-0550 ext. 210
FROM THE BLEACHERS-743 BY DR. JACK WELCH
FROM THE BLEACHERS-743
BY DR. JACK WELCH
Why most goals fade and the ones that don’t
This time of year, goal setting is as common as cold weather and gym memberships. New calendars, new planners, new promises. We tell ourselves this will be the year things change. We’ll get in shape. We’ll eat better. We’ll save more. We’ll be better.
Then, somewhere around mid-February, most of those goals quietly fade away. Why? Goals don’t fail due to lack of intention. They fail because they were never backed by habit, discipline, or passion. Wanting something is easy. Sustaining something is hard. Hard things require a change in lifestyle, not just a change in language.
Let’s be honest, most of us are out of shape not because we don’t know what to do, but because we’ve grown comfortable with how we live. Change only happens when discomfort outweighs comfort. There has to be a desperate shift in attitude before there’s a lasting shift in behavior. Until then, goals remain good ideas written on paper.
Scripture speaks directly to this struggle. “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). Proverbs 16:1–9 reminds us that wise planning begins with surrender. Planning isn’t the problem. Pride is. When goals are built solely around our will, they tend to collapse under pressure. When they’re rooted in God’s purpose, they gain staying power.
Athletics gives us countless examples of this truth. One of the most well-known is Michael Jordan. As a sophomore, he was cut from his high school varsity basketball team. That moment could have defined him, or defeated him. Instead, it fueled him. Jordan didn’t just want to be better. He committed to daily discipline. Early mornings. Extra reps. Relentless effort. That determination, repeated day after day, turned disappointment into greatness. His goal wasn’t a wish, it became a way of life.
Great achievements, on the field or in life, don’t happen by accident. They happen because someone decided the goal mattered enough to suffer for it. They were willing to sacrifice time.
So, as you set goals this year, ask yourself: Is this just something I want, or something I’m willing to commit to? Have I invited God into it, or am I asking Him to bless something I’ve already decided?
Thought for the Week, “A goal without discipline is a wish. A goal surrendered to God becomes a calling.” R.B. Shoemaker, former iconic Baptist Minister
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
How To Apply For Low Income Energy Assistance Program Benefits
Applying for LIEAP?
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) can help eligible households pay a portion of their primary home heating costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. LIEAP can help restore or maintain electricity, natural gas, propane and other home heating bills.
The application period begins
Jan. 20, 2026, at 8 a.m. and ends March 31, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Apply online at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov or get help in-person at an upcoming LIEAP event:
Jan. 20, 2026, at 8 a.m. and ends March 31, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Apply online at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov or get help in-person at an upcoming LIEAP event:
January 29 from 1-6 p.m. at the Fort Scott Public Library, at 2nd and National Avenue.
See the full schedule of LIEAP events at LIEAP.dcf.ks.gov
Please bring copies of the following information:
• Proof of income (earned and unearned) for anyone living in
the residence.
• Copy of all fuel bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.)
• Proof of child support payments received or the court order.
• If in subsidized housing, provide a copy of your rental
agreement.
• If your primary heating costs are included in your rent, provide
a copy of your rental agreement.
*Other information may be requested as needed.
LIEAP
**If your utility bills are in the landlord’s name, a copy of the lease
agreement must be provided.
LIEAP
Please bring copies of the following information:
• Proof of income (earned and unearned) for anyone living in
the residence.
• Copy of all fuel bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.)
• Proof of child support payments received or the court order.
• If in subsidized housing, provide a copy of your rental
agreement.
• If your primary heating costs are included in your rent, provide
a copy of your rental agreement.
*Other information may be requested as needed.
LIEAP
**If your utility bills are in the landlord’s name, a copy of the lease
agreement must be provided.
LIEAP
U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Legislative Update Jan. 12
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