Monthly Archives: October 2025

Bourbon County, Government

Chief Judge Amy Harth was reappointed in the 6th Judicial District

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Supreme Court reappoints 28 chief judges
TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has reappointed 28 chief judges for terms that begin January 1, 2026, and end December 31, 2027.

 

1st Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Joan Lowdon was reappointed in the 1st Judicial District, which is composed of Atchison and Leavenworth counties. She has served as a district judge since 2020 and chief judge since January 2023.

 

Lowdon graduated from Kansas State University and the University of Kansas School of Law. Before she was appointed district judge, she worked at the Leavenworth County Attorney’s Office, first as an assistant county attorney and later as deputy county attorney.

 

2nd Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Jeffrey Elder was reappointed in the 2nd Judicial District, which is composed of Jefferson, Jackson, Wabaunsee, and Pottawatomie counties. He has served as a district judge since 2008 and chief judge since 2020.

 

Elder graduated from the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas School of Law. He served as county attorney for Pottawatomie County from 1989 to 2001 and was in private practice before he became a judge.

 

3rd Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Steven Ebberts was reappointed in the 3rd Judicial District, which is Shawnee County. He has served as a district judge since 2011 and chief judge since 2021.

 

Ebberts graduated from Washburn University and Washburn University School of Law. He worked as the municipal court administrative judge and associate judge for the City of Topeka for more than eight years before he was appointed district judge.

 

4th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Taylor Wine was reappointed in the 4th Judicial District, which is composed of Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, and Osage counties. He has served as a district judge since 2018 and chief judge since 2019.

 

Wine graduated from Pittsburg State University and Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. He was in private practice before he was appointed district magistrate judge and later district judge.

 

5th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Jeffry Larson was reappointed in the 5th Judicial District, which is composed of Chase and Lyon counties. He has served as a district judge since 2007 and a chief judge since August 2022.

 

Larson graduated from Emporia State University and Washburn University School of Law. He was in private practice in Emporia for 20 years before being appointed district judge.

 

6th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Amy Harth was reappointed in the 6th Judicial District, which is composed of Bourbon, Linn, and Miami counties. She has served as a district judge since 2004 and chief judge since 2015.

 

Harth graduated from Washburn University School of Law. She worked as a prosecutor in Miami County and as a public defender before she was appointed judge.

 

8th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Benjamin Sexton was reappointed in the 8th Judicial District, which is composed of Geary, Dickinson, Marion, and Morris counties. He has served as a district judge since 2001 and chief judge since August 2021.

 

Sexton graduated from Kansas State University and Washburn University School of Law. He worked as a prosecutor and in private practice before he was appointed district judge.

 

11th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Kurtis Loy was reappointed in the 11th Judicial District, which is composed of Cherokee, Crawford, and Labette counties. He has served as a district judge since 2013 and chief judge since 2025.

 

Loy graduated from Pittsburg State University and Washburn University School of Law. After graduation he was in private practice.

 

12th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Kim Cudney was reappointed in the 12th Judicial District, which is composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties. She has served as district judge and chief judge since 2006.

 

Cudney graduated from Kansas State University and Washburn University School of Law. She served as a research attorney for the Kansas Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court. She had a private law practice in Washington, Kansas, where she also served as county attorney.

 

13th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge David Ricke was reappointed in the 13th Judicial District, which is composed of Butler, Greenwood, and Elk counties. He has served as a district judge since 2004 and chief judge since 2012.

 

Ricke graduated from Wichita State University and the University of Kansas School of Law.

 

14th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Jeffrey Gettler was reappointed in the 14th Judicial District, which is composed of Chautauqua and Montgomery counties. He has served as a district judge since 2015 and chief judge since 2018.

 

Gettler graduated from Independence Community College, Loyola University Chicago, and the University of Kansas School of Law. He was in private practice, served as city prosecutor for the City of Independence, city attorney for the City of Cherryvale, and attorney for Unified School Districts 446 and 447.

 

15th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Kevin Berens was reappointed in the 15th Judicial District, which is composed of Cheyenne, Logan, Sheridan, Sherman, Rawlins, Thomas, and Wallace counties. He has served as district judge and chief judge since 2017.

 

Berens graduated from Fort Hays State University and Washburn University School of Law. He previously served as county attorney in Thomas and Cheyenne counties and city attorney for Bird City. He also practiced law in Kansas and Colorado.

 

16th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Laura Lewis was reappointed in the 16th Judicial District, which is composed of Clark, Comanche, Ford, Gray, Kiowa, and Meade counties. She has served as a district judge since 2019 and chief judge since 2020.

 

Lewis graduated from Dodge City Community College, Washburn University, and Washburn University School of Law. Before she became a judge, she was county attorney and county counselor for Meade County and had a private law practice.

 

17th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Paula Hofaker was reappointed in the 17th Judicial District, which is composed of Decatur, Graham, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, and Smith counties. She has served as a district judge since 2022 and chief judge since 2024.

 

Hofaker graduated from Washburn University School of Law. After law school, she had a private law practice in Logan.

 

18th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Jeff Goering was reappointed in the 18th Judicial District, which is Sedgwick County. He has served as a district judge since 2004 and chief judge since 2019.

 

Goering graduated from Washburn University School of Law. Before he became a judge, he worked as an assistant district attorney in Sedgwick County, had a private practice in Leavenworth, and was municipal judge for the City of Leavenworth. He also served in the Kansas House of Representatives.

 

19th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Nicholas St. Peter was reappointed in the 19th Judicial District, which is Cowley County. He has served as a district judge since 2004 and chief judge since 2010.

 

St. Peter graduated from Fort Hays State University and Washburn University School of Law.

 

21st Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Grant Bannister was reappointed in the 21st Judicial District, which is composed of Clay and Riley counties. He has served as a district judge since 2016 and chief judge since 2019.

 

Bannister graduated from Fort Hays State University and the University of Kansas School of Law. Before becoming a judge, he was in private practice in Manhattan and served as an adjunct professor teaching ethics in the College of Business at Kansas State University.

 

22nd Judicial District

 

Chief Judge John Weingart was reappointed in the 22nd Judicial District, which is composed of Brown, Doniphan, Marshall, and Nemaha counties. He has served as a district judge since 2000 and chief judge since January 2023.

 

Weingart graduated from Washburn University and Washburn University School of Law. Before becoming a judge, he was in private practice in Hiawatha for 24 years.

 

23rd Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Curtis Brown was reappointed in the 23rd Judicial District, which is composed of Ellis, Rooks, Trego, and Gove counties. He has served as district judge and chief judge since 2024.

 

Brown graduated from the University of Nebraska Kearney and the University of Tulsa College of Law. After law school, he worked for Kansas Legal Services in Hays. Before becoming a judge, Brown had a law practice and later served as attorney for Trego County and prosecutor for the city of WaKeeney.

 

24th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Bruce Gatterman was reappointed in the 24th Judicial District, which is composed of Edwards, Hodgeman, Lane, Ness, Pawnee, and Rush counties. He has served as district judge and chief judge since 2003.

 

Gatterman graduated from Kansas State University and Washburn University School of Law. Before he became a judge, he served as a municipal judge for the City of Larned.

 

25th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Kristi Cott was reappointed in the 25th Judicial District, which is composed of Finney, Greeley, Hamilton, Kearny, Scott, and Wichita counties. She has served as a district judge since 2021 and chief judge since 2022.

 

Cott graduated from the University of South Dakota and the University of South Dakota School of Law. She worked for the Western Regional Public Defender Office and for the Finney County Attorney’s Office. She worked in private practice before she was appointed district court judge.

 

26th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Clinton Peterson was reappointed to the 26th Judicial District, which is composed of Grant, Haskell, Morton, Seward, Stanton, and Stevens counties. He has served as a district judge since 2009 and chief judge since 2022.

 

Peterson graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield and Washburn University School of Law. Before he became a judge, he worked as a prosecutor in the Seward County Attorney’s Office and was in private practice.

 

27th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Daniel Gilligan was reappointed in the 27th Judicial District, which is Reno County. He has served as a district judge since 2022 and chief judge since 2024.

 

Gilligan graduated from Wichita State University and Washburn University School of Law. After law school, Gilligan worked for Kansas Legal Services and the Reno County District Attorney’s Office before becoming a judge in 2019.

 

28th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Jared Johnson was reappointed in the 28th Judicial District, which is composed of Ottawa and Saline counties. He has served as a district judge since 2011 and chief judge since 2023.

 

Johnson graduated from the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas School of Law. After law school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps from 2001 to 2005. He was in private practice in Salina before he was appointed district judge.

 

29th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Robert Burns was reappointed in the 29th Judicial District, which is Wyandotte County. He has served as a district judge since 2004 and chief judge since 2019.

 

Burns graduated from Harvard University and the University of Notre Dame Law School. Before he became a judge, he was in private practice and served as a legal department attorney for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.

 

30th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge William Mott was reappointed to the 30th Judicial District, which is composed of Barber, Harper, Kingman, Pratt, and Sumner counties. He has served as a district judge since 2007 and chief judge since 2017.

 

Mott graduated from Friends University and Washburn University School of Law. Before he became a judge, he practiced law in Wellington, served as Sumner County Attorney, and was a special assistant U.S attorney in Wichita.

 

31st Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Daniel Creitz was reappointed in the 31st Judicial District, which is composed of Allen, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties. He has served as a district judge since May 2002 and chief judge since 2011.

 

Creitz graduated from Allen County Community College, Emporia State University, and Washburn University School of Law.

 

Chief judge role

 

Each of Kansas’ 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to their judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

kscourts.gov

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by U. Methodist Church on October 23

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

First United

Methodist Church
Thursday, October 23rd

8am

@ Fist United Methodist Church

301 S. National Ave.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, October 23rd at 8am hosted by the First United Methodist Church, 301 S. National Ave. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

The First United Methodist Church of Fort Scott is pleased to host the next Chamber Coffee and share information about several upcoming community events:

• Fellowship Soup Luncheon – Friday, October 24th, 11:30am-1pm

• 5th Annual Trunk or Treat – Friday, October 31st, 5:30-6:30pm (in the parking lot behind the church)

• 3rd Annual Nativity Showcase – part of Christmas on the Bricks the first weekend in December.

The church will also provide updates on Feeding Families in His Name, a weekly community meal ministry that continues to be blessed by generous local support.

For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.

Click HERE to visit

First UMC Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

First UMC website!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Entertainment, Youth

Downtown Trick or Treat Parade Oct. 25

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Sending on behalf of Chamber member

Lowell Milken Center

for Unsung Heroes
The Lowell Milken Center invites you to visit during the

Downtown Trick-or-Treat Parade!

Saturday, October 25th

1 S. Main Street

 

LMC will have Candy, Toys, and a family photo op available

starting at 11am.

The photo backdrop will be up until November 1st if you want to stop by for a Fall photo on another day!

Click HERE for the Lowell Milken Center or Unsung Heroes Facebook Page!

Click HERE for the Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Website!

A special thank you to our

2025 Chamber Champion members!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Obituary

Obituary of Doris Marie Cullor

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Doris Marie Cullor, 92, Beloved Stepmother, Grandmother, Aunt and Passionate Lifetime Educator

Doris Cullor, a beloved teacher and fierce advocate for education, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025 at the age of 92 at Aberdeen Village Assisted Living in Olathe, Kansas.  She was born in Crocker, Missouri on April 3, 1933 to Warner Otis McDowell and Augusta Jane (Van Loon) McDowell.  Doris dedicated her life to nurturing the minds of young students, and encouraging them to embrace the joy of reading.

Doris grew up on a farm near Deerfield, Missouri, the youngest of seven children.  She attended Nevada High School and was a member of the NHS Honor Society.  She graduated second in her class and received a full five-year scholarship from the L.F. Richardson Foundation in 1950.  She attended the University of Missouri at Columbia, Missouri where she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education degrees, followed some years later by a Specialist degree in Education from the University of Kansas at Pittsburg, Kansas.

Her remarkable teaching career spanned over six decades, mainly at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Ft Scott, KS where she taught remedial reading and inspired generations of learners to read vigorously and widely.  She sometimes repeated the humorous quote  “You don’t need to read every day, just on the days you eat.” to students at reading award assemblies.   Her faith and dedication to uplifting others through education were central to her life.  She was an active member of the Alpha Etta chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society of Women Educators.  And in the course of her teaching career she received multiple awards in recognition of her commitment to excellence in teaching.

She married Reason William “R.W.” Cullor, a Ft. Scott businessman, on November 23, 1974.  During their marriage of 20 years they enjoyed traveling the world together.   Doris enjoyed her large family and she had many friends.  She was a joyful person and was fun to be around.   She learned to decorate cakes and over the years she gifted her friends and family members with dozens of beautiful birthday and wedding cakes. She also taught cake decorating and English literacy at the Ft. Scott Community college, and decorated cakes for the Village Market bakery in Nevada.  She never wasted a minute living life to it’s fullest.

Doris was also known for her strong religious faith and her generosity, giving her time, energy and resources to many causes and charities.  She was an engaged citizen and a life long member of the Democratic party, and helped work elections.  She thought it an honor to live along the National Cemetery route.  Driving by her home, one would often see her outside mowing her grass, keeping her yard extra tidy out of respect for the cemetery and her feelings of civic duty.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and “Gussie”, and her three brothers and three sisters, including many of their spouses:  Gilbert O. McDowell (and Irene), Hubert McDowell, Kathryn Hayes (and Walter), Bill McDowell (Mona, still living), Ruby “Tiny” McConnaughey (and J. R. “Buck”), and Eva Capelle (and Oscar).  Also 2 nephews, 3 nieces and a great-nephew from her siblings side.

She is also preceded in death by her step-daughter, Janet Cullor and her grandson, Ty Cullor.

She is survived by her step-son, Gary Cullor (and Sally), and grandchildren, Chandler (and Cara), Spencer (and Sarah), Courtney (and Seth Thompson), and Jordan.   Also 7 great grandchildren: Tyler Ann, Landon, Reese, Ty, Carter, Collins and Leighton.

On her parents side she is survived by 16 nieces and nephews, 29 great-nieces and nephews and 26 great-great nieces and nephews.

Doris’ legacy of enthusiasm for learning will surely live on in those lucky to have been in her classroom.  Her wish for those who will miss her is to continue to support education and encourage reading in young people.

As she did not wish for a funeral, after cremation friends and family may pay their respects and sign Doris’ guest book at the Konantz-Cheney funeral home or share memories online at  www.konantzcheney.com.

A charitable donation can be given in her name to:

-The Fort Scott Community College Doris M. Cullor scholarship fund for a future student pursuing  a career in teaching

-The Walter Jeremy Hayes scholarship fund at Nevada High School

-The Kathy Hayes Thompson scholarship fund at Bronaugh High School

-or a charity of your choice

Doris Cullor will forever be remembered for her optimistic zest for life and her strong commitment to teaching and learning.

Fort Scott, Youth

Local Girl Attends Ivy League School Seeking Research and Graduate Opportunities

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Caroline Barnes. Submitted photo.

Caroline Barnes, 18, a Fort Scott High School 2025 graduate, started at one of the nations Ivy League colleges in August.

Ivy League schools are considered the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world. Eight private Northeastern American schools are known for their highly selective admission process, academic excellence and promising career opportunities for those who attend, according to U.S. News and World Report online.

Princeton University, New Jersey; Harvard University, Massachusetts; Yale University, Connecticut; U. of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania; Cornell University, New York, Brown University, Rhode Island; Dartmouth College, New Hampshire and Columbia University, New York are the list of Ivy League Colleges.

Carolyn is the daughter of Penny Pollock-Barnes and Chris Barnes.

Why did you choose Cornell for college? And when did you start?

“I started this Fall (moved in August 18th, class started August 25th). I chose Cornell because it’s in a location I enjoy (upstate NY), it is strong in many fields (I have interdisciplinary interests, as you’ll see in my minors and majors), and has many opportunities for research and graduate study in plant biology. There’s also a very specified major to what I want to study.”

What is your major?

“I am majoring in Biological Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Cornell is divided into smaller colleges, like the College of Engineering, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Art, Architecture, and Planning. Biological Sciences is within both the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences). I’m wanting to concentrate in Plant Biology, and to minor in Business and in Fashion Studies.”

Was the process difficult applying at an Ivy League school?

“It was much more complicated than applying to a state school, but only slightly more involved than other out of state colleges I applied to. For many colleges you do a basic application through the Common App, which has a set of questions and essays of its own, and then complete essays specific to the university. For Cornell, the specific college your major is in also requires essays. This ended up being around 5 short essays, the longest having a word limit of 500 words and the smallest 150 words. Now the application requires submission of ACT scores, but they were not submitted at all when I applied.”

How many attend the college?

“3,861 in the class of 2029,

16,128 undergrads,

26,793 total students.”

What is the best part so far of your college experience?

“I would say getting all As in my first two preliminary exams (these are cumulative exams but over about half or a third of the course material interspersed through the year, and then a final fully cumulative exam at the end of the semester. We don’t do tests over each unit/idea). Coming into the semester I was really worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle the coursework. Doing well on the exams (they were curved to As) made me feel better at belonging at Cornell. The friends I’ve made are also a highlight, but there’s nothing specific enough to note.”

What has been a challenge?

“It has been a challenge balancing school work with social engagement. To stay on top of my work, especially my chemistry class, I could easily spend 6-9 hours a day working outside of class. It usually ends up being about 7. To try and make sure I’m still having social interaction on a typical day I always get dinner with a group of friends and form study groups with friends in the same classes. I also have to intently plan actual hangouts, which is harder to fit in, but necessary. Joining clubs was also helpful, so I’m part of a mental health club, a voting advocacy club, a dungeons and dragons club, and a leadership club. All of these things has made balancing school with social engagement easier.”

How can you encourage those at Fort Scott High School  to dream big for their future?

“Get involved in high school. Even if you don’t want to leave Fort Scott, or know what you want to do, you’ll be exposed to so many new people and you’ll learn the things you like. No one is going to judge you for being involved. Also, don’t be afraid to start a club and make a major impact. If you can show a demonstrated interest you could have a huge impact on the school and town. You just have to try it!!”

“We also have really great counselors. Reach out to them to talk about school things and future things. They want to help you and they’re good at it. Don’t go through things alone.”

Bourbon County, Government

Candidate Forum This Evening at The Ellis Center

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TONIGHT !

Election Candidate Forum

Wednesday, October 22nd

@ Ellis Fine Arts Center

2108 S. Horton St.

5:30pm

Doors open for candidate Meet & Greet

6pm

Forum begins

_______________

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces an Election Candidate Forum that will be held on Wednesday, October 22nd in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center, located at 2108 S. Horton St.

Doors will open at 5:30pm

with a Meet & Greet with the candidates

The forum will begin at 6pm.

The order of the forum will be as follows:

1.      USD234 School Board

2.     Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees

3.     City of Fort Scott Commission

4.     Bourbon County Commission

Candidate Questions:

Residents of the community are encouraged to submit questions for the candidates to the Chamber by 1pm on Monday, October 20th.

Questions may be emailed to [email protected], mailed to 231 E. Wall St., or dropped off in person at the Chamber office.

The forum will also be broadcast live on the Facebook page Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for those unable to attend in person.

Candidates in these races are asked to RSVP to the Chamber by October 20th to confirm attendance.

For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
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Ad: DBB Seeks Individuals With Accounting, Payroll, and Bookkeeping Experience

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DBB Inc, formerly Diehl Banwart Bolton CPA PA’s, is looking to add to our great staff.  We are looking for qualified, motivated individuals with experience in accounting, payroll, and/or bookkeeping.  We have full-time and part-time positions available.  DBB Inc, is a full-service accounting, payroll, and tax preparation firm with a long history of excellence.  We offer competitive compensation and benefits for all full-time employees. Please send your resume to [email protected] , mail to PO Box 869 Fort Scott KS 66701 or drop off at 7 ½ E Wall St, Fort Scott KS.  We will schedule interviews with all qualified applicants.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Halloween Festivities This Saturday Downtown for Youth

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to the

Downtown

“Trick-or-Treat”

Halloween Parade

& Festivities!
Sponsors needed!

The past couple of years the attendance has been growing for the Downtown Trick-or-Treat parade with 600+ kids in attendance! At the end of the parade, we serve a slice of pizza and a drink to each child who is in costume. We have been very thankful for the gracious donations from you all in the past!

If your business is interested in making a donation, please contact us!

Email [email protected] or call the Chamber at 620-223-3566.

We will accept monetary donations or other items such as pop, juices,

or bottled water.
Schedule of events:

Saturday, October 25, 2024

10-11am: Halloween photo backdrop for pictures with your own camera.

Face painting will be offered by the Fort Scott High School Community Empowerment Club and Thespian Clubs!

11am: Parade will start at La Hacienda, down the west side of Main Street to 2nd, then back down the east side of Main Street to Skubitz Plaza.

Following parade: A slice of pizza and a drink will be served to the kids in costume provided through the generous donation of local businesses!

***Businesses along Main Street will be handing out candy during the parade, and businesses not on Main Street as well as any community organizations, are welcome to set up a table along Main to pass out candy, coupons, promo items, etc.***

Please email the Chamber at [email protected] or

call 620-223-3566 if your business or organization will be passing out candy, so we can plan accordingly!

Click HEREto visit the FS Downtown “Trick-or-Treat” Halloween Parade

Facebook Event Page!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Food, Government

If Federal Government Shut Down Continues, SNAP Benefits For November Are In Question

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Kansas Department for Children and Families Shares Update on Status of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Amid Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has received a letter from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. That letter to all states says that if a lapse in funding, caused by the shutdown, continues, there will not be enough money to pay full SNAP benefits for November.

The letter directs agencies to hold off on processing November benefits until further notice. Until a budget agreement or continuing resolution is reached at the federal level, or the federal government identifies a funding pathway, November SNAP benefits may be delayed or interrupted entirely. If no federal action is taken by October 28, 2025, November SNAP benefits will not be disbursed until the federal government reaches a resolution.

SNAP provides benefits for approximately 42 million people across the country. That includes a total distribution of more than $34.4 million to more than 93,000 Kansas households – nearly 188,000 Kansans – who depend on SNAP each month to help put food on their tables.

Impact on Kansans

This potential interruption in benefits comes at the start of the holiday season – an already busy time for food banks and food pantries helping people in need and when many children have days off from school without access to school meals.

DCF is monitoring the situation closely and is exploring what this may mean for Kansans. November benefits for current SNAP recipients are set to begin processing on October 28 and appearing on Kansas Benefits Cards beginning November 1-10 on an established staggered schedule based on last names. If an agreement is not reached by October 28, benefits could be delayed or suspended until the shutdown has ended.

“As soon as an agreement is reached or the federal government finds an alternative funding source, and DCF receives approval from FNS, we are prepared to act quickly with contracting partners to get benefits out to Kansans,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “Depending on the timing of the approval, DCF and its partners could have benefits available on cards within 72 hours.”

October SNAP benefits were distributed as planned. At this time, SNAP recipients should continue using their October benefits as normal. SNAP recipients should continue meeting program requirements, including reporting required changes and completing recertifications.

DCF is continuing to process SNAP applications as usual. Applications can be accessed online at dcf.ks.gov or by visiting a local DCF service center. A map with service center locations can be found on dcf.ks.gov.

What happens next?

DCF is closely monitoring the impact the federal government shutdown is having on programs and services the agency delivers and will provide updates through its various communication channels as this situation evolves. Information about federal shutdown impacts on DCF programs and services is available at dcf.ks.gov.

Help for Kansans

For Kansans in need of additional support, Kansas Food Source, kansasfoodsource.org, and Harvesters.org provide locations of food banks and food pantries across the state. The United Way’s 211 hotline or website, 211.org, and 1-800-CHILDREN, 1800childrenks.com, also connects Kansans to resources in their communities.

The loss of federal funding places additional stress on Kansas food banks, pantries and meals programs, which are already strained to meet the needs of those who utilize them. Kansans wishing to help their local food resources can find those locations on the Kansas Food Source website, kansasfoodsource.org.

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