Fort Scott, Housing

GNAT Ready To Help Their Community Maintain Properties

Art, Business, Fort Scott

Faithful Together: Written By Local Author Tanya Glessner

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

New Preschool Facility Is Expected by December 2026

Church news, Clothing, Fort Scott

Saw A Need: Trying to Meet That Need

Entertainment, Fort Scott

New Additions at the Fort Scott Public Library

Business, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Hand-Scooped Ice Cream With A Mission

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Ft. Scott City Commission on Jan. 20

February 2, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of January 20, 2026 Regular
Meeting
A meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall,
123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tracy
Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta and Mayor Kathryn Salsbury were present.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lisa
Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering &
Inspections LLC, Ben Hart/BakerTilly, Dave Bruner/FSFD Chief, Lindsay Madison/Chamber of
Commerce, Amanda Lancaster/DBB, Inc., and Gregg Motley/4th District Bourbon County Commissioner.
SALSBURY led the Pledge of Allegiance and BUCHTA said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City,
the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the agenda as presented. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda – Amendment with addition of Item D
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1400-A – Expense Approval Report –
Payment Dates of January 1, 2026 – January 13, 2026 – $440,300.54
B. Approval of 2026 Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) License For Consumption on the
Premises: Fifth Wheel Tavern – 206 N. Humbolt St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
C. Approval of 2026 Occupation License – Precious Metals Dealer – Hulberts Jewelry
LLC/Bartelsmeyer Jewelry – 22 N. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
D. Approval of 2026 Occupation License – Precious Metals Dealer – Fort Scott Gun &
Pawn – 1402 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
E. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection LLC – Invoice 18373 – EEI Project
No. 25-12 East National Phase I – Design – 60% Complete – $15,525.00
F. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of January 6, 2026
G. December Financials
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the amended Consent Agenda. SALSBURY
seconded. SALSBURY, BUCHTA, VAN HOECKE and DANCER voted yes. WELLS voted
no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Public Comment – No public comment.
Appearances –
Amanda Lancaster – 2024 Audit and Consideration to Approve Invoice 176143 – Certified Audit
of Records and Preparation of Audit Report for the Year Ended December 21, 2024 – $20,200.00

Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting

LANCASTER was delayed.
MOTION: DANCER moved to push item (7) down until Ms. Lancaster can make an
appearance before the Commission. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Unfinished Business
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 8-2026 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, ENDORSING PARTICIPATION IN THE KANSAS MAIN
STREET PROGRAM AND DESIGNATING THE LOCAL MAIN STREET ORGANIZATION –
Lindsay Madison
MOTION: WELLS motioned to move forward with the City’s version of the resolution, No. 8-
2026 with the inclusion of the City’s historic preservation committee as a signature on the
form. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 5-2026 A RESOLUTION FOR EXEMPTION FROM
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRACTICES (GAAP) UNDER K.S.A. 1120A – Ben
Hart
Discussion was had about the differences between GAAP and Regulatory Cash Basis (KMAAG)
Audits and accounting procedures, fixed asset inventory and depreciation schedule. Greg Motley
contributed to the discussion.
VAN HOECKE requested a Point of Order and that Amanda Lancaster be allowed to make her
appearance before a vote is taken on the matter.
LANCASTER presented her results from the 2024 audit for the City of Fort Scott.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to pay the invoice for DBB for $20,200.00 for our audit
report from year ended December 31, 2024. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Further discussion was had regarding the possibility of doing a GAAP audit.
SALSBURY called the question.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 5-2026 A RESOLUTION FOR
EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRACTICES OR GAAP
UNDER K.S.A. 1120A. SALSBURY seconded. DANCER, SALSBURY, BUCHTA, and
VAN HOECKE voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.

Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting

ACTION: HART will prepare a proposal for providing a depreciation schedule and the other
things that would meet the needs of the concerns expressed.
Consideration setting a date for a Budget Workshop with BakerTilly
Work Session set for April 21, 2026, at 5:00PM at City Hall before the Regular Commission
Meeting.
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 6-2026 RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR
REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1403 E. OAK –
Tabled November 18, 2025, for (30) days – Previously presented as Resolution No. 37-2025
KRUGER reported that the owner is currently working on the house, but may have stopped for
the winter. The house is still open, but the foundation (footing and a concrete retaining wall) has
been laid. Work has been done, but it is still in a state of disrepair. He has faith that it will
eventually be completed.
MOTION: WELLS moved to table this again until such a time as Officer Kruger has an
opportunity to bring more information and leave it up to his discretion. DANCER seconded.
MOTION PASSED 5-0.
ACTION: KRUGER will reach out to the owner about closing up the structure and report back to
the Commission.
Status Reports on Pending Demolition Proceedings
1626 E. Pine – KRUGER stated the owner has completely cleaned up the property, painted the
house and are doing everything that he has asked them to do so far. He believes the progress
justifies removing the placard from the house.
1815 E. Oak – KRUGER stated that it was requested by a person of interest at the public
hearing, that he be given time to get the house in probate. However, he has been in and out of
jail since the time was granted. This person does not have any legal authority for the house but
had agreed to board up windows and doors but nothing has transpired. The neighbor expressed
interest in purchasing the property when it goes to the Land Bank. The owner is in arrears on
taxes. KRUGER requested that the Commission reconsider the hold they put on the house and
that it be brought back up for demolition.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE motioned to move forward with resolving the unsafe home that
was up for repair or removal at 1815 E. Oak. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
New Business
Action Items:
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 7-2026 RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH
REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE(S) AT 406 S.
HORTON, FORT SCOTT, KS 66701

Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting

FARMER left the meeting 6:58PM
KRUGER reported that no taxes have been paid since 2021. He has been trying for over (1) year
to get the owner who lives in California to do maintenance on this house. It has been vacant and
currently the roof has started to cave in on the house and it needs to come down. He gave further
description of the condition of the house.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 7-2026 A RESOLUTION AND
NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS
STRUCTURE AT 406 S. HORTON. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration to purchase Water Truck
MATKIN requested the purchase of a water truck for asphalting. It is on the CIP. He presented
the comparables and recommended the model from Niece Products – 2022 demo model, 17,200
miles, $65,850.00 plus $1,000.00 credit toward a trade in for a piece of iron in the back of the
barn. A warranty is included.
FARMER returned to the meeting 7:01PM
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the purchase of the water truck from Niece
Products with a thank you to Al Niece. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Discussion to adopt International Building Code (IBC) 2018 – L. Dillon
DILLON requested that the City upgrade from 2012 to 2018 to increase their chances for grant
awards. Discussion was had regarding the differences between the (2) codes. The fire code
would be the biggest impact but the advantages or increasing our ISO has benefits such as
homeowners receiving better insurance rates. BRUNER explained the ISO rating. The next
evaluation for ISO will be in 2027. By upgrading the code, the hope is to bring the City’s ISO
down from the current (3). Grandfathering under 2018 applies if renovation is under 50%.
FARMER added that it is important to remain current. BRUNER explained that the state fire
marshal is headed toward adopting IBC 2024 in the near future, but legislation will take longer.
Reports and Comments
City Manager:
– GO Bond being discussed with GilmoreBell
– IT will be at the next meeting for an update
– Moody Building – for sale, still monitoring
– 118 E. Wall – for sale, no updates, time to consider moving forward
– February meetings – discuss Contractor Licenses and City Lake Properties.
City Engineer:
– E. National update – working on preliminary plans
– Wall Street traffic control plan in works
– Consider sludge removal this year

Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting

– Water/Sewer Rate analysis needed before budget season
– Pre-construction meeting for Davis Lift Station project – start date February 16, 2026
Commissioner Wells:
– KDOT agreement for HWY54
– Fitness park timetable
– County moratorium for industrial and commercial business status
–
Commissioner Van Hoecke:
– City Clerk to put December 2, 2025 minutes on website
– 118 E. Wall – ready to move forward for resolution
– Cold weather awareness
Commissioner Dancer:
– Comments on accounting and demands for GAAP audit
– 911 outage question
– Hay bale obstacle course
Commissioner Buchta:
– Timken and Valu buildings update – appreciate City’s persistence
– Comments on GAAP audit
Commissioner Salsbury:
– Working on Ordinance 3793 – put on next agenda
– Cold weather awareness

Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:33PM. DANCER seconded.
JANUARY 20, 2026, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:33PM.

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis/City Clerk

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

February 2, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

January 30, 2026

The third week of the session was very unusual. It started with fast tracking House Substitute for Senate Bill (SB) 244 that requires every multi-person restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower in a public building to be designated for use by only one biological sex, with narrow exceptions for emergencies, maintenance, and children under 9. It also redefines “gender” to mean biological sex at birth, renders any birth certificate or driver license gender marker issued before July 1, 2026, that conflicts with that definition invalid, and obliges the state to issue corrective notices and new documents. Violations by governmental entities would attract civil penalties ranging from $25,000 to $125,000 per day, while individuals could face fines and misdemeanor charges. It was frustrating to lawmakers who were concerned with the way the bill was worked. The core grievance was that the legislature bypassed the usual committee hearings and moved the bill straight to the floor, leaving many feeling the process was rushed. It passed both chambers with a supermajority and is on its way to the Governor’s desk. The Senate voted 30 to 9. I voted yes.

Illegal Aliens, a person who is unlawfully present in the United States, would be blocked from receiving state or local taxpayer funded benefits, including in-state tuition discounts at post-secondary schools. It also amends criminal procedure law to require immigration status verification for noncitizen defendants and creates a rebuttable presumption that an illegal alien is a flight risk when setting appearance bonds. There was an attempt to remove the in-state tuition during floor debate. The amendment failed. SB 254 passed the Senate 30 to 9. I voted yes. The bill is on its way to the House.

Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day October 14, Mr. Kirk’s birthday, will be recognized each year as free speech day if SCR 1615 passes the House. SCR 1615 also condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk and offers condolences to his family. It urges the Governor to join the Legislature in marking the day and encourages Kansans to celebrate by exercising free speech and civil discourse. I voted yes with a final vote in the Senate 30 to 8, sending it to the House.

Trafficking and sexual‑exploitation laws would be tightened, with all fines sent to the state victim assistance fund if CCR 2347 becomes law. The measure would also expand the “criminal use of a financial card” to cover unauthorized, altered, or stolen gift card information by imposing steep penalties. It also would make it unlawful to use a laser pointer to harm a person. It passed the Senate 39 to 0 and the House 119 to 4. It’s anticipated that the Governor will sign CCR 2347 into law.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Meet For A Special Meeting Today at Noon

February 2, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING

ELLIS FINE ARTS BUILDING, DUBAC MEETING ROOM

FEBRUARY 02, 2026 – 12:00 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER

1.1 Roll Call of Trustees

___Bailey___Brown___Cosens___Hoyt___McKinnis___Ropp

2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION

3.0 RESOLUTION 26-04 (ACTION)

A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CALL FOR THE EXERCISE OF A PURCHASE OPTION UNDER A CERTAIN LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND THE REDEMPTION OF CERTAIN OUTSTANDING CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION.

4.0 ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – PERSONNEL MATTERS (ACTION)

5.0 EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION – PERSONNEL MATTERS & RETURN TO OPEN SESSION (INFORMATION)

6.0 ADJOURN (ACTION)

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 2

February 2, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

2-2-26 A

2-2-26 R

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Hosts Cancer Awareness Week Starts Feb. 6

February 2, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Fort Scott High School is hosting a Cancer Awareness Week to raise awareness, honor cancer fighters and survivors, and support cancer related causes through school wide activities and fundraising. The week will include both a community event and daily student involvement at the high school.

Cancer Awareness Week is intended to be educational, meaningful, and engaging. It reminds students and the community of the impact cancer has on so many lives and how collective action, even small contributions, can make a difference. Cancer Awareness Week is being organized and led by Fort Scott High School Junior Allie Wards, with support from FSHS staff and administration. FSHS clubs assisting Wards with the event include Community Empowerment, Zero Reasons Why, and Key Club.

The following events are planned:

Friday, February 6th – Cancer Awareness Week will begin with a Miracle Minute at a home basketball game at FSHS. During this minute, attendees will be invited to donate in support of cancer awareness and related causes. The event will also include recognition of cancer fighters and survivors to honor those affected by cancer.

Monday, February 9th – Friday, February 13th – Throughout the week at Fort Scott High School, students will participate in simple awareness activities designed to educate, encourage compassion, and build community support.

Monday: Students will write encouraging notes to cancer patients and their families.These notes will be donated to Care to Share who will help distribute them.

Tuesday: A large poster will be displayed for students to sign reading: “I stand with cancer fighters because…” students will be encouraged to write their personal reasons and messages of support.

Wednesday: A school wide Google form will be shared with students containing some cancer awareness questions. Students will also vote for songs to be used later in the week during a special fundraising event.

Thursday: Students will receive temporary tattoos and are encouraged to take photos wearing them and post on Instagram, tagging @fshscancerawareness to help spread awareness beyond the school.

Friday: The week will conclude with a school assembly. Throughout the week, students are donating money under specific teachers’ names. The top teachers with the highest total donations by Thursday afternoon will participate in a karaoke performance during the assembly. They will sing the top 3 songs chosen by students and wear costumes selected from the FSHS Theatre costume wardrobe. At the assembly, FSHS will present Care to Share with all funds raised throughout the week.

# # #

Opinion

Grin Like a Possum by Carolyn Tucker

February 1, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker

Grin Like a Possum

(I know the proper spelling is “opossum” but I’m choosing the Southern spelling.) When I was in sixth grade, our music teacher would roll the piano into our room and we would sing, sing, sing; I loved music class! We had a variety of songs in our book and the teacher would often let us choose what we wanted to sing. I remember singing about a possum: “Possum gravy can’t be beat, hi-a-way, hi-a-way home.” I’ve never had possum gravy, so I have no idea if it’s the best – I’ll just take the songwriter’s word for it! I’ve seen a possum bare its teeth and it looks like a big grin – a very ugly big grin.

For humans, what’s in a smile? Well, a smile is an affordable way to instantly improve our looks! A smile is a natural heartlift for the person who sees it. There are unspoken words in a smile, e.g., “You’re valuable,” “You’re appreciated,” “You’re doing a good job,” etc. My mom once told me, “Smile at people – it costs you nothing.”

A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face, a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day” (Proverbs 15:13 MSG). When we smile at people, I think it actually helps them get through their day. When I accidentally nearly run over someone with my grocery cart, I’m hopeful that my apology and smile helps them to forgive me. (There’s a blind spot when I’m turning from one aisle to the next – I need a horn and a turn signal on my cart!)

Our countenance is important because it affects us, plus those who see our face. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (Proverbs 17:22 NLT). If you think you have nothing to smile about, think again. “Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? I fix my eyes on God and soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God” (Psalm 42:5 MSG). And remember that your smile is not about you, it’s about the person with whom you’re interacting. We need to smile for the other individual’s benefit; no doubt he/she could use it to brighten the corner of their world.

In the movie Top Gun Maverick, there’s a short dialogue between Captain Maverick and the Chief Warrant Officer Bernie Coleman. Right before takeoff for the test flight to hit Mac 10, Bernie says to Maverick, “I don’t like that look, man.” Maverick retorts, “It’s the only one I got.”

I sure like the look on Robin’s face when I see her twice a week. When I walk into the reception area of the fitness center, she flashes her big beautiful smile and makes me feel welcome and loved. Her instant nonverbal message says, “It’s good to see you; I’m glad you’re here!” What a big difference her genuine smile makes to everyone’s day! I just realized why she looks 20 years younger than her actual age – it’s because she smiles a lot! It takes more muscles to frown than smile, so Robin is living proof that’s true because she doesn’t have any wrinkles!

The Key: Do yourself and everyone else a big favor – smile!

Obituary

Death Notice for George Thomas “Tom” Hueston

January 31, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

George Thomas “Tom” Hueston, age 76, resident of Mapleton, KS passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, at his home. Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Wednesday, February 4th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Uniontown Eagles Shooting Sports and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary for Feb. 2, 2026 Meeting

January 31, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda 02.02.26

Monday, February 2, 2026 | 5:30 PM

Meeting Agenda

1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Prayer
5. Introductions
6. Oath of Office – District 3 Joe Allen
7. Executive Session – K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) Requested by Motley
8. Approval of Minutes – January 15, 2026
9. Approval of Minutes – January 26, 2026
10. Approval of Accounts Payable – January 30, 2026 ($114,143.02)
11. Approval of Tax Corrections
12. Liaison Program Review – Commissioner Beerbower leads a board discussion on revising or ending the liaison program.
13. Citizen Comments
14. Department Updates
- a. Payroll Update – Milburn-Kee
- b. County Clerk – Discussion on inventory, commission minutes, procedures, and 2025 end-of-year financials and resolutions.
15. Old Business
- a. Handbook Follow-ups
- b. Strategic Planning – Motley
- c. Commission Calendar – Motley
- d. EOC Access – Beerbower
- e. Sewer Update – Milburn-Kee
16. New Business
- a. Equitable Sharing Agreement Certification – Sheriff Martin
- b. Bitcoin Valuation – Matt Quick
- c. SEKRPC Membership Dues – Discussion of $4,554 payment usually charged to General Government.
17. Agenda Topics for Future Meetings
18. Commission Comments
19. Adjournment

Information Packet Detailed Summary

Official Appointment of District 3 Commissioner (Pages 3–5)

The packet contains official correspondence from the Kansas Secretary of State congratulating Joseph Allen on his appointment as Bourbon County Commissioner for District 3. This section includes the formal Certificate of Appointment signed by Governor Laura Kelly and the required Oath of Office form.

Minutes: Special Meeting on Employee Handbook (Pages 6–13)

The Commission held a marathon special session on January 15, 2026, to conduct a methodical, page-by-page review of the 65-page employee handbook. Key decisions and discussions included:

Elected Officials and Policy (Page 6): New language was added to clarify that while the handbook applies to all employees, independent elected officials maintain statutory discretion over certain operational matters in their offices.
Leave and Accrual Changes (Pages 7–8): Extensive new policies were adopted regarding how leave is handled when employees transfer between exempt and non-exempt status, or between full-time and part-time status. Notably, a 10-year employment requirement was established to be eligible for a 25% sick leave payout.
Probationary Period (Page 9): After a split vote, the Commission eventually reached a unanimous decision to adopt a 90-day probationary period for new employees.
Weapons Policy (Page 9): The Commission voted to remove the weapons policy and all firearm notes from the handbook.
Operational Adjustments (Page 10–11): New rules were set for cell phone use (prohibited while operating heavy equipment), sleeping exceptions for EMS during rest periods, and overtime structures for law enforcement (overtime starting at 86 hours in a biweekly period).
Longevity Pay (Page 11): The board voted to phase out monthly longevity pay by converting it into hourly salary rates.

Minutes: January 26 Regular Meeting (Pages 14–15)

The regular meeting on January 26 included a public hearing for the vacation of a road (Resolution 08-26), which was approved. However, the meeting became contentious during the Citizen Comments portion regarding rules for addressing individual commissioners. Following a heated exchange between the Register of Deeds and the Commission, the meeting was adjourned early due to escalating tension.

Financial Summary: Accounts Payable (Pages 140–151)

The packet includes a detailed breakdown of open invoices by department as of January 30, 2026.

General Fund (Page 141): Includes utilities for various county buildings and legal services.
Appraisers and Benefits (Page 142): Includes membership dues and KPERS audit adjustments.
Clerk and Landfill (Pages 143–144): Significant expenses include $5,556 for server equipment and over $6,000 for waste services at the landfill.
Sheriff and Correctional (Pages 144–146): Routine maintenance, vehicle tires, and inmate care costs are detailed.
Road and Bridge (Pages 146–151): This section contains a high volume of small-to-mid-sized invoices for equipment parts, hydraulic hoses, fuel caps, and electrical service for the shop.

K-State Extension

K-State Garden Hour by Krista Harding

January 31, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

K-State Garden Hour – 2026 Line-Up

If you haven’t participated in the K-State Garden Hour in the past, plan to start this year! The K-State Garden Hour began in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for K-State Research and Extension horticulture experts to share research-based information to gardeners of all abilities and experience. Due to the overwhelming success, the K-State Garden Hour is gearing up for its sixth year!

The 2026 lineup has been announced, featuring great topics and hosted by K-State Research and Extension horticulture staff across the state. Sessions are held on the first Wednesday of each month, online from 12 noon to 1 p.m. (CST), including a 45-minute presentation and 10-15 minutes for viewer questions.

The 2026 webinars are based on the topics participants request most often. A one-time registration gives viewers free access to all of the 2026 sessions, which include:

• February 4 – Honey Bee Colony Management and Key Floral Resources in Kansas

• March 4 – Naturalistic Landscape Design Style

• April 1 – April Showers, Rain Garden Flowers

• May 6 – Natives vs. Cultivars – Making Informed Choices for Your Landscape

• June 3 – Maximizing Garden Success with Extension Resources

• July 1 – Addressing Food Insecurity Through Extension

• August 5 – Local Food Gardening Projects in Kansas

• September 2 – Garden Renewal – How to Divide and Transplant Like a Pro

• October 7 – Groundcovers for Kansas – Covering Your Bases

• November 4 – Houseplant Propagation and Care

• December 2 – Spiff, Sharpen, and Stow – Wintering Garden Tools

To register for this free, online series, visit: hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/garden-hour/ If you cannot join the live session, all sessions are recorded and can be accessed later at the same link.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

Opinion

Christians, A Preserving Influence by Patty LaRoche

January 31, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Last week, I wrote about Jesus’ command for us to be salt, to add flavor as witnesses for him. Salt makes a difference. So should we. Unfortunately, too many Christians fail to recognize the need to make a difference in others’ lives. We are spoiled, we are selfish, and we fail to impact others the way that salt impacts food.

Adam, our son, recently traveled to Nigeria with some of his E3 Foundation team to look for ways to help with the Christian murders taking place in that country. His group had an opportunity to speak with 25 widowed women living in a refugee camp whose husbands recently were killed by an evil terrorist group determined to wipe out those who disagree with them.

Adam shared that the widows’ faith was remarkable. They trust that God works all things for good and for His glory, and He is the One they want to honor. Their husbands had been buried in a mass grave, they were left to parent their children alone and with no income, yet they chose to live out their love for God in a way everyone could see. They are salt, even though they are targeted to be killed.

Of the 4,849 Christians murdered for their faith worldwide, 3,490 were in Nigeria, according to “Open Doors’ World Watch List 2026”, yet overall, over 56,000 Nigerian civilians have been killed. The armed murderers, Fulani Muslims, enter villages with the sole intent to slaughter anyone who disagrees with them (largely, undefended, Christian farmers). The murderers have raped and abducted hundreds of victims, including children.

Nigerian churches abound (one boasts a seating capacity of over 100,000 people), yet with no guns for self-defense, they cannot physically defend themselves. Nevertheless, they do what they can to be salt. They create a thirst for the truth of scripture by offering hope to these villagers to help them live out their faith in a meaningful way.

Christians are called to be a preserving influence in society, helping to maintain moral and ethical standards and resisting corruption and decay. How do you show your saltiness? Do you recognize that your only purpose on this earth is to improve others’ lives? How do you flavor a conversation? An action? Are you an encourager? Fun? Adventurous? If you choose to keep to yourself and not spread your salt to others, you are missing an opportunity to fulfill your purpose, to make a difference.

We must engage with the world around us, to bring out the best in others. Like those Nigerian widows, we need to create spiritual thirst in others by living in such a way that others are drawn to the hope and joy they see in us. Let’s pray for God’s help in removing anything from our lives that diminishes our saltiness.

Government

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt’s Newsletter

January 30, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Friends,

One of the better parts of my job representing our district in Congress is the opportunity to take time and head home to listen and talk with constituents. It’s been great to be back in the district this week meeting with groups, businesses, organizations, and many Kansans.

Earlier this week, I was at Fort Riley meeting with soldiers and discussing military healthcare and our ongoing work to strengthen Irwin Army Community Hospital, military construction needs and projects on post, evolving dining service options, modern warfare, the upcoming deployment to Europe, and more. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I’m grateful for the opportunity to advocate for the needs of America’s warfighters, especially those in Kansas, along with the families and communities that support them.

I was also in Osage City to attend the Osage County Conservation District annual meeting. I continue to appreciate the dedication of Kansans who work to conserve our state’s natural resources.

Also this week it was a pleasure to join the annual dinners for the Independence, Columbus, and Chanute Chambers of Commerce. It’s always great to be home in Southeast Kansas and hear from the small businesses and local leaders in our communities.

I was also in Wyandotte County earlier this week visiting with local leaders including Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Christal Watson, Wyandotte County Sheriff Daniel Soptic, and Kansas City, Kansas, Police Chief Karl Oakman, as well as the executive board for the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) just across the state line. I am honored to work closely with local leaders to serve the needs of Wyandotte County citizens and help keep the community safe.

Constituent Services

My team stands ready to help Kansans in the Second Congressional District who are dealing with unresolved federal issues. This includes assistance with the VA, Social Security, the IRS, and other federal agencies.

If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency and need assistance, please call my office at (785) 205-5253 or fill out the form on our website.

As always, my office is here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Be sure to also follow me on social media at the links below for timely updates from my office.