Designate Fort Scott Tribune as official newspaper
Resolution 2026-0112-01 GAAP Waiver
Destruction of records for 2015 and prior
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Utility Meters
Clerk Report: Haley Arnold
Rabies Clinic?
SOS Donation
Court Clerk Conference
CCMFOA Conference
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilwoman Pritchett –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
FEMA Flooding–
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.
Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is a longstanding regional provider of inpatient medical and
psychiatric services caring for patients from across the state. We treat patients regardless of their economic
and housing status. There currently is a significant shortage of facilities and professionals who care for
patients with mental and behavioral health conditions in the state and the nation. Some of these patients
come from Joplin. Our duty is to care for patients regardless of their circumstances. Once treatment is
completed at NRMC and there is a safe discharge plan, patients are discharged. NRMC respects the
freedom of all patients to go about their lives following their discharge from the hospital. NRMC cannot
hold patients without a Court Order.
The City of Joplin has voiced public concerns, singled out NRMC and has filed a lawsuit about patients
discharged from NRMC who traveled to Joplin. Unfortunately, other than a threatening letter and the
lawsuit, the City has made no attempt to talk about this issue, discover the actual facts of the discharges in
question, or to resolve what they believe is the problem. It is unclear why the City of Joplin is pursuing
legal action against another governmental entity in the State that also struggles to provide services to the
homeless. NRMC emphatically denies all claims of inappropriate discharges from the hospital. The two
patients who chose to travel to Joplin in 2025 following discharge is not a material contributor to the
number of homeless in Joplin. Further, cities receive state and federal funds to assist in providing many
forms of public services in their community. This financial assistance is not limited to or intended
exclusively for citizens that originate from the community.
NRMC still invites and welcomes an open and sincere conversation with the City of Joplin. I’m confident
that there is a peaceful and cost-effective solution to this problem.
Commerce Hosts First Virtual Job Fair of New Year with New Opportunities
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this year’s first Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22.
“The new year is all about new doors opening and new opportunities on the horizon,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “And what better way to kickstart your new year than exploring the wide array of fulfilling career opportunities available in Kansas.”
The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.
This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
Kansas’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Coordinating Council Reports Year-3 Data
TOPEKA – The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has been in operation for a full three years and has seen successes with response to those in crisis. Today, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is sharing a report detailing actions taken by the Kansas 988 Coordinating Council in 2025 and highlighting data on the 988 Lifeline in the state. The report to the 2025 Kansas Legislature was created by the council with support from the Kansas Health Institute (KHI).
Throughout 2025, the 988 Coordinating Council convened six times, focusing on several topics, including evaluating key performance indicators such as call volumes, in-state answer rates, and response times, which are instrumental in assessing the impact of the 988 system.
“The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a critical resource for Kansans in moments of distress,” KDADS Deputy Secretary Andrew Brown said. “Whether someone is facing a mental health crisis, struggling with substance use, or simply needs someone to talk to, 988 provides immediate, confidential support anytime, anywhere in Kansas. The 988 Lifeline ensures that help is just a call or text away.”
The most recent data indicate that overall, Kansas is maintaining the goals set in the original Kansas 988 Implementation Plan. Some highlights include:
A steady increase in call volume, with the number of routed calls climbing from 2,751 in January 2025 to as high as 3,796 in October 2025.
An in-state answer rate that remained around or above the state goal of 90 percent after March 2025, after starting the year below the goal.
In 2025, the council focused on strengthening coordination across Kansas’s crisis response system and evaluating future needs as 988 call volume and public awareness continued to grow. Discussions centered on improving mobile crisis response and dispatch technology, enhancing 988-911 interoperability, and expanding outreach to ensure statewide access to services. The council also reviewed trends in sustainable funding used by other states, assessing long-term budget capacity as demand increases.
In Kansas, the 988 call centers are independently operated and receive additional state funding and oversight from KDADS and the coordinating council. The report includes recommendations for legislators to consider.
The 988 Coordinating Council recommends that the legislature take action to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of Kansas’s 988 system by increasing available funding and maintaining coordinated oversight of crisis response services. Specifically, the council recommends increasing the budget for 988 operations and related crisis services, either by:
Raising the current $10 million cap on the 988 Fund to $13 million;
Identifying alternative or supplemental revenue sources, such as allocating a percentage of state lottery proceeds or sports betting revenue to the 988 Fund;
Revisiting the discussion of the telecommunications fee as an additional, stable funding stream to support ongoing 988 operations, technology, and workforce needs.
An additional recommendation from the council is to extend the 988 Coordinating Council beyond June 30, 2026, to provide continued oversight, coordination, and system development.
The launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) in July 2022 represented a shift in how the U.S. addresses behavioral health crises. By simplifying access to support — replacing the longer National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number with the easy-to-remember 988 — the goal was to provide an immediate, accessible resource for anyone in distress. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress, including thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, and/or any other kind of emotional distress. 988 serves as a universal entry point, so that no matter where someone lives in the United States, they can reach a trained crisis counselor for help.
For details about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Kansas or the 988 Coordinating Council, contact KDADS Communications Director Cara Sloan-Ramos at [email protected]. For more information about the report, contact KHI Director of Strategic Communication and Engagement Theresa Freed at [email protected] or 316-305-5190.
The Kansas Health Institute supports effective policymaking through nonpartisan research, education, and engagement. KHI believes evidence-based information, objective analysis, and civil dialogue enable policy leaders to champion a healthier Kansas. Established in 1995 with a multiyear grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, KHI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization based in Topeka. Learn more about KHI.
Governor Kelly Announces Over $10M in Federal Victims of Crime Act Funding
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that over $10.4 million in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant funding will be awarded to 64 community-based organizations and local and state agencies.
“The services these 64 organizations provide are essential to Kansans impacted by crime,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This crucial funding is vital to these organizations’ ability to continue providing the assistance crime victims and survivors need as they rebuild their lives, navigate the criminal justice system, and regain a sense of normality.”
The organizations and agencies provide mental health services, legal assistance, victim advocacy, crisis intervention, and other services to crime victims and survivors. The VOCA grant funding comes from the Federal Crime Victims Fund, which is financed by fines and penalties from convictions in federal cases.
The grant funds are made available through the Office for Victims of Crime, a key component of the Office of Justice Programs at the U.S. Department of Justice.
A total of $10,484,525 was awarded.
The 2026 VOCA grant awardees are below:
2026 VOCA Grant Awards
County
Organization Name
Grant Award
Allen
Hope Unlimited
$116,263
Barton
Barton County Attorney’s Office
$52,064
Barton
Family Crisis Center
$194,908
Butler
Family Life Center
$34,269
Butler
Sunlight Children’s Services
$92,331
Butler
Tri-County CASA
$9,949
Cloud
North Central Kansas CASA
$18,909
Crawford
Children’s Advocacy Center
$29,693
Crawford
Safehouse Crisis Center
$123,077
Douglas
Child Advocacy Center of Douglas County
$24,008
Douglas
Douglas County CASA
$9,653
Douglas
Douglas County District Attorney’s Office
$62,635
Douglas
The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center
$92,031
Douglas
The Willow Domestic Violence Center
$147,905
Ellis
Options: Domestic & Sexual Violence Services
$182,122
Finney
Family Crisis Services
$114,552
Finney
Spirit of the Plains CASA
$12,150
Ford
CASA-Children Worth Saving
$23,225
Ford
Crisis Center of Dodge City
$50,525
Ford
Ford County Attorney’s Office
$193,148
Ford
Meadowlark House Child Advocacy Center
$28,807
Geary
CASA of the 8th Judicial District
$15,114
Harvey
CASA: A Voice for Children
$17,106
Harvey
Harvey Co. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force
$282,566
Harvey
Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center
$23,885
Johnson
CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties
$63,122
Johnson
Johnson County District Attorney’s Office
$119,529
Johnson
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
$181,170
Johnson
Safehome
$526,088
Johnson
Sunflower House
$195,183
Leavenworth
Alliance Against Family Violence
$38,926
Leavenworth
First Judicial District CASA Association
$72,450
Lyon
SOS
$193,594
Reno
BrightHouse
$167,878
Reno
Horizons Mental Health Center Child Advocacy Center
$64,405
Riley
Crisis Center
$68,949
Riley
Kansas State University
$225,309
Riley
Riley County Police Department
$94,662
Riley
Sunflower Children’s Collective
$73,120
Saline
Child Advocacy & Parenting Services
$67,677
Saline
Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas
$369,402
Scott
Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center
$265,566
Sedgwick
CAC of Sedgwick County
$283,508
Sedgwick
Catholic Charities, Harbor House
$135,041
Sedgwick
City of Wichita Police Department
$120,594
Sedgwick
City of Wichita Prosecutor’s Office
$159,160
Sedgwick
ICT SOS
$91,398
Sedgwick
Roots & Wings CASA
$43,780
Sedgwick
Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office
$73,288
Sedgwick
StepStone
$115,354
Sedgwick
Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center
$233,177
Sedgwick
Wichita Children’s Home
$314,772
Sedgwick
Wichita Family Crisis Center
$252,400
Seward
Liberal Area Rape Crisis/Domestic Violence Services
$115,803
Shawnee
City of Topeka Police Department
$71,955
Shawnee
Disability Rights Center of Kansas
$719,609
Shawnee
Kansas Department of Corrections
$887,658
Shawnee
Kansas Legal Services
$794,126
Shawnee
LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center
$17,497
Shawnee
YWCA Center for Safety & Empowerment
$124,421
Wyandotte
Friends of Yates
$280,485
Wyandotte
Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault
$457,221
Wyandotte
ReHope (Restoration House)
$45,000
Wyandotte
Unified Gov’t of Wyandotte Co/KS City KS–Police Dept.
Cool temperatures and wind did not deter several hundred people from attending the 2025 Wreaths Across America ceremony and laying of wreaths on December 13 at Fort Scott National Cemetery. Volunteers were able to place a remembrance wreath on each grave at the cemetery, thanks to the donations and sponsorships for the 2025 campaign.
At the ceremony, Diann Tucker, location coordinator, announced that there is a matching funds campaign for all donations received by December 31, 2025, to help sponsor wreaths for the 2026 Wreaths Across America event that will be held December 19, 2026. Wreaths are still $17.00 each. You can leave your sponsorship donation at Stewart Realty Co., 1707 S. National, Fort Scott, or call the office (620-223-6700) to use a debit or credit card. Sponsoring during the “match campaign” allows your sponsorship dollars to DOUBLE.
Tucker said they also want to thank all of the volunteers who showed up early to station boxes throughout the cemetery Saturday morning to make it easier for the wreaths to be placed. If you have not yet driven through the cemetery to see the result of the wreaths effort, Tucker invites you to do that. Wreaths will remain at the cemetery until the middle of January when they will be removed and retired.
Three or more of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees members may be present at the gymnasium of Arnold Arena serving a meal to the men and women’s basketball teams on Saturday, January 10, 2026, starting at 6:30 pm. No official business will be conducted during that time.
Nichole Regan stands behind the counter at Lu’s Ice Cream shop at 6th and Main Street.
Nichole Regan is a special education teacher for USD 234, Fort Scott. As a teacher, she is concerned about what happens to her students after they leave school.
“As a special education teacher, for years it has bothered me that when our kids age out of the school system and leave us, there are very few opportunities in our area for them to work,” she said. “Meaningful work provides people with social connection, purpose, and dignity. It is a positive part of all of our lives.”
“I was always hoping that more opportunities would be created in our community.”
“About a year and a half ago, I went to a conference that discussed post-secondary transition planning for students with special needs.”
One presenter was a previous Kansas City Special Education teacher who opened “The Golden Scoop”, an ice cream and coffee shop, which employs individuals with special needs.
“I thought it was awesome,” she said.” I started thinking about doing something like that in Fort Scott.”
Regan heard that Al and Luanna Niece were opening an ice cream parlor in Fort Scott. The Nieces are Texans who have a business in the Fort Scott Industrial Park. They noticed the dilapidated building at 6th and Main St. and have been working for two years to bring it back. They have a vacation rental and apartment for themselves on the second floor, and the ice cream shop was developed on the first floor of the building.
Lu Niece stands at the entrance to her new business, Lu’s Ice Cream Shop at 6th and Main in Fort Scott. Nichole Regan is the manager of the ice cream shop. The entrance to the shop is on the 6th Street side of the building.
“A friend of mine put me in contact with them, and I pitched them the idea. If you know Al and Luanna, they are wonderful people who continue to invest in the city and especially the people of Fort Scott. They loved the idea, and it took off from there!”
The first weekend of December, during the Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks Festival, the ice cream shop opened for business, with Regan as the manager.
“We have started right away with employing some kids from the high school, as well as a few adults,” she said. “We will have a mix of employees, as I feel that everyone has something to offer and we can all learn from each other! “
Regan hired an assistant who has experience working in both special education and the restaurant industry.
“We also have a couple of shift leaders who I know on a personal level and trust to be the kind and patient leaders needed in this position.”
“My plan is to add as many employees with unique abilities as possible. They have assigned duties based on their current strengths and tasks they are comfortable with. As we grow, we will continue to train and ease into new job duties. It has been amazing so far! Everyone is doing such a great job, and they love the experience!”
“We currently have eight employees and two individuals completing a job tryout period through Vocational Rehabilitation,” she said. “Five adults and five high schoolers. We have all of the employees we need at this time, but will be looking to add a couple more this spring. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.”
She will be teaching employment skills while they earn money at the shop
“That is definitely one of the goals. For most of our employees, this is their first consistent job. They are learning a lot about responsibility, expectations, customer service, and working alongside other people. With all of our employees, as they learn more and become more familiar, they will be given more responsibilities.”
Lu’s Ice Cream Shop has vintage type furniture and one true vintage Coke machine. A customer on their birthday can get one free bottle of Coke.Lu’s Ice Cream Shop is one of several businesses at 523 S. Main..
The address is 523 S. Main, but the entrance for the ice cream shop is on 6th Street-the phone number is 620-418-4288.
“We plan to stay open later this spring once ball season begins” she said. “After the school year is over, and I move to a full-time position at Lu’s, we will be open during the day and will offer some light lunch options in addition to our ice cream! At this time we plan to offer paninis and salads as well as soups next fall and winter.”
Kenneth Lewis Judd, Jr., age 79, passed away Wednesday, December 31st, 2025, at Moran Manor in Moran, KS. He was born February 19, 1946, in Crawford County, KS the son of Kenneth Lewis Judd, Sr. and Elizabeth jane Heckman Judd. Kenneth graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1965. He served in the United State Airforce. Kenneth worked for Fort Scott Community College in the cafeteria. He was a former member of the Lions Club. He enjoyed crossword puzzles and spending time outside with his dog Rover.
Survivors include his siblings Gary Judd and Lavon Judd of Fort Scott, KS and Patricia Judd of Bronson, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by siblings Linda Diane Hutchison, Verlin Eugene Judd, and Sharon Judd; as well as his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 9th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place at a later date. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Word of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
