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.
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.”
A scene from Holy Mother of Bingo, a murder mystery from Bourbon County Community Theatre’s Facebook page.
Do you have an interest in portraying characters and using vocal expression in imaginary circumstances with others…also known as acting?
Consider the Bourbon County Community Theatre as an outlet.
“BCCT membership is open to anyone who is interested,” Angie Bin, publicity chairman for the group, said. “Anyone 18 and over can become a member by completing the form at https://forms.gle/HkrjceuxqoP1biQk7 and paying a $5 yearly fee. The entire general membership assembly meets in May of each year, and any other time a general assembly is called by the president. The board meets once a month.”
“The board plans all of the upcoming productions, events, and fundraisers; reports on all income and payments for the month; and analyzes past events,” she said.
There is an upcoming fundraiser on February 21: Adult Prom.
Melodrama auditions are April 27 and 28, and performances are June 5 and 6, a community musical with auditions in June and a performance in August, and the Voices from the Grave Tour on Oct. 24.
On October 24, the group will lead the Voice from the Grave Tour.
Bourbon County Community Theatre in Fort Scott hosts Mardi Gras Masquerade, an Adult Prom, as a fundraiser for future events and performances.
About Adult Prom
BCCT formed in 2023 and is holding its third annual prom for adults (age 18 and over), a night of fun, dancing, and community support, according to a press release.
This formal dance is from 8 p.m. to midnight on Feb. 21, 2026 on the upper floor of Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National in Fort Scott. In addition to dancing to a live DJ, there will be non-alcoholic drinks and snacks included in the ticket price, as well as alcoholic beverages and meals available for purchase from the bar.
They hope to add to the fun (and success) of the night with some lighthearted music dueling. Attendees can pay $1.00 to request and/or dedicate a song, $5.00 to request a song NOT be played for an hour, or $10.00 for a song to be banned for the night.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at bcct.ludus.com or at the door on Feb. 21. Tickets are $40 per couple or $25 for a single ticket. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best formal or masquerade attire.
BCCT is accepting members. If you’d like to be a part of bringing community theatre back to Bourbon County, visit the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page and complete the form to become a new member.
Currently, the group is made up of:
President: Matthew Wells
Vice President: Mark Bergmann
Secretary: Abby Starkey
Treasurer: Danette Popp
Publicity: Angie Bin
Production Coordinator: Katie Wells
At-large members: Eric Popp, Ben Self, Regen Wells
A scene from the Bourbon County Community Theatre’s “Holy Mother of Bingo” from its Facebook page.
Fort Scott, Kan. – The Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott, KS will host “The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In,” a presentation and discussion by Dr. Prisca Barnes on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 12:00p.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
This is a free Lunch and Learn event, with gumbo soup lunch provided by Great Western Dining. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this celebration event” said Museum Director, Kirk Sharp.
Seeking racial equity and an end to segregation, Wichita’s Black students organized and staged a sit-in in 1958 at Wichita’s Dockum Drugstore. Long denied entry into the city’s movie theaters and restaurants, students exercised their right to peacefully protest over a three-week period at the popular lunch counter. What transpired, how it ended, and the lasting impact it had on race relations in the city is the focus of this talk. More broadly, the talk will explore how these types of protests transformed the struggle for racial equity in America.
Dr. Prisca Barnes is the founder of Storytime Village, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Wichita that promotes reading among low-income children and families. She is a passionate advocate for equity in education and literacy.
“The Dockum Sit-in was one of the first student-led lunch counter protests of the Civil Rights era and it happened here in Kansas,” said Barnes. “It’s important to revisit its circumstances.”
“The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau and “21st Century Civics,” a collection of resources that invite Kansans to participate in community discussions and learn more about the history of American democracy and the shared responsibilities of citizenship. “21st Century Civics” is made possible with support from “A More Perfect Union: America at 250,” an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
For more information about “The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In” in Fort Scott, KS contact The Gordon Parks Museum at 620- 223-2700 ext. 5850 or visit https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
20 North Main Street, Fort Scott, KS. One can see the reflection of the Fort Scott National Historic Site in the storefront glass reflection on the ground level. The upper level is a vacation rental in a historic downtown district apartment.
Another Historic Downtown Fort Scott building has been renovated, adding to the revitalization that has been moving forward in the area.
Don and Sandra Davis purchased the building at 20 North Main Street in 2021 and began renovation.
“Located in the heart of Fort Scott’s downtown district, the building is within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and community attractions. The goal of the renovation was to preserve the building’s history while creating functional space that contributes to ongoing downtown revitalization,” said Julia Shore, office manager of Davis Accounting, another business the Davis’s own and she also is the Airbnb host.
Sandra and Donald Davis in front of their business at 1519 S. National Ave. in 2024.
“The building was long known in downtown Fort Scott as the home of J & W Sport Shop, a family-owned sporting goods retailer that first opened at this location in 1978, after beginning business elsewhere in the community,” said Shore. “The shop served generations of local customers before relocating, making the historic storefront a familiar presence in the heart of Main Street’s commercial district.”
There are two businesses in the newly renovated building.
“The fully renovated ground-floor storefront is available for leasing in 2026,” she said. “The first floor is reserved for commercial use, providing space for a retail or business operation.”
“The upper level has also undergone a complete transformation and now features a three-bedroom, two-bath apartment designed for short-term rental use through Airbnb,” she said. “The upstairs Airbnb is fully operational and is now accepting reservations.”
The upstairs is available for booking through Airbnb.
At this morning’s final Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce hosted by the City of Fort Scott, City Manager Brad Matkin gave the following speech to the attendees.
Included in this update is additonal information that Mr. Matkin sent today, with more specifics:
This year was about stability, progress, and laying a solid foundation for the future of Fort Scott. Through careful planning and disciplined financial management, the City maintained a balanced budget, protected our reserves, and continued to make strategic investments in our community. At a time when many cities are facing financial strain, Fort Scott remained fiscally responsible while continuing to deliver essential services.
One of our most important accomplishments this year was continued investment in infrastructure. We made meaningful progress on street improvements and utility maintenance, focusing on projects that improve safety, reliability, and long-term efficiency. These are not always the most visible projects, but they are critical to protecting our assets and supporting future growth.
Public safety remained a top priority. Our police, 911 Dispatch, and fire departments continued to serve with professionalism and dedication, maintaining strong response times and community engagement. Training, equipment upgrades, and inter-agency coordination helped ensure our first responders remain prepared to serve and protect the community.
Tourism continued to be an important driver of activity in Fort Scott this year. Visitors drawn to our historic assets, community events, and local attractions supported our businesses, restaurants, and lodging establishments. From heritage tourism centered around Fort Scott National Historic Site to festivals, holiday events, athletic events, museums, and regional gatherings; tourism helped generate economic activity while showcasing what makes Fort Scott unique.
These tourism efforts not only benefit our local economy but also reinforce community pride and increases Fort Scott’s regional presence.
Economic development in Fort Scott this year focused on strengthening what we already have while positioning the community for future opportunity. We continued working with local businesses, property owners, and regional partners to support reinvestment, job retention, and responsible growth. Economic development in Fort Scott is about progress with purpose—building on our strengths while preparing for the opportunities ahead.
None of these accomplishments would be possible without our city employees. I want to recognize the dedication of our staff across all departments, many of whom take on multiple roles and responsibilities to ensure services are delivered efficiently and professionally. Their commitment to Fort Scott is evident every day.
As we look ahead, our focus will remain on sound financial stewardship, continued infrastructure investment, public safety, tourism and Business Development. While challenges remain, Fort Scott is well-positioned to move forward with confidence.
I would also like to thank Fort Scott’s business leaders and local employers. Your commitment to investing here, employing our residents, rehabbing buildings that seemed lost, and supporting community events is essential to our city’s success. You are key partners in Fort Scott’s progress, and we appreciate the role you play in keeping our community strong and resilient.
I’ve heard comments that Fort Scott is “dying.” I don’t see a city in decline—I see a city that is evolving, investing, and positioning itself for the future. Communities that are truly dying are not improving infrastructure, supporting local businesses, welcoming visitors, or planning ahead. Fort Scott is doing all of those things.
As we look ahead to 2026, Fort Scott’s goals focus on responsible growth, strong core services, and community well-being. We will continue investing in infrastructure, including streets, utilities, and public facilities, while maintaining a balanced budget and strong financial stewardship. Supporting economic development and local businesses remains a priority, alongside efforts to promote tourism and highlight Fort Scott’s historic and cultural assets. Public safety, workforce development, and community engagement will remain central to our work, ensuring residents continue to enjoy a safe, vibrant, and thriving city. These goals are designed to strengthen our foundation and position Fort Scott for continued progress and opportunity.
It is an honor to be City Manager of the place I call “HOME” and will continue to work hard to make this a much better place for all of us.
“As we enter the Christmas season, may we be reminded that the true strength of Fort Scott lies in the spirit of service, generosity, and community we share.”
Thank you, and I look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.
Storytelling through Art Session
View Recording and Download Lesson Plan
You can now access the lesson plan and recording for the Storytelling through Art professional development session led by Brad LeDuc. This session guides students through novel and effective approaches to visual storytelling about the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes from history. View the session recording and download the lesson plan below:
In developing an ARTEFFECT project, students prepare written Impact Statements (500-1000 words) to accompany their visual artworks. In this essay, students should address the following prompts:
2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Info Session Wednesday, January 14, 2026
4:00-5:00 PM Pacific Time
Join this session to learn about the annual ARTEFFECT visual art competition for students in grade 6-12. Rules, guidelines, judging criteria, tips for submission, prizes, and lesson plans. Competition open through April 21, 2026.
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Anna August, an art teacher at Sinai Akiba Academy in Los Angeles, California.
Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. Here is an excerpt from Anna’s multifaceted Capstone Project report:
“My students designed and created original artworks that visually expressed their emotional connection to their chosen Unsung Hero. Using color theory, symbolic imagery, and compositional choices, students told dual stories—their own and that of the hero—through a single piece of art.”
Congratulations to Anna and her students at Sinai Akiba Academy for their inspiring ARTEFFECT projects!
December 15, 2025
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
December 15, 2025. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
BOARD PRAYER
MISSION STATEMENT
Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and diversity that
provides affordable academic, technical and occupational programs to meet student needs while fostering a
mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Recognitions and Retirements, 4
PROGRAM REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 8
A. Approval of Agenda, 8
Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on November 17, 2025 and
Special Meeting conducted November 14, 2025, 9
B. Approval Treasurer’s Report, 12
C. Approval of Personnel Actions, 8
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 18
A. Inservice Agenda
B. Academic Advising Days on Calendar
C. Five-Year Enrollment Comparison
ACTION ITEMS, 21
CORRESPONDENCE AND TRUSTEE COMMENTS, 22
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 24
ADJOURNMENT, 25
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
December 12, 2025 Board Workshop
December 15, 2025 Board Meeting
January 23, 2026 Board Workshop
January 26, 2026 (Changed from January 19 due to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) Board Meeting
February 13, 2026 Board Workshop
February 16, 2026 Board Meeting
March 13, 2026* adjusted for spring break Board Workshop
March 23, 2026 (Changed from March 16 due to spring break) Board Meeting
April 17, 2026 Board Workshop
April 20, 2026 Board Meeting
May 14, 2026* adjusted for graduation Board Workshop
May 18, 2026 Board Meeting
June 11, 2026* adjusted for summer schedule Board Workshop
June 15, 2026 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Dr. Jack Welch, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
ROLL CALL
_____ Ronda Bailey
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Chad McKinnis
_____ Doug Ropp
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. RECOGNITIONS AND RETIREMENTS
Outgoing Board Members
John Bartelsmeyer
Jim Fewins
Bryan Holt
PROGRAM REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES
A. JOHN DEERE PROGRAM
Gordon Parks Museum
Monthly Report Update/Events Sept 2025
Please Note: This report does not include all-current job duties, projects. meetings, and events.
• Work on Archives and Collections.
• Work on Planning for Gordon Parks Celebration, Oct 2-4, 2025. The honorees are Michael Cheers, Carol
Friedman and Jason Miccolo Johnson. The Learning Tree Award recipient is Robert Nelson.
• Gordon Parks Museum Board met on Sept 9, 2025.
• Worked on Kansas Arts Commission Mural Grant Project. Provided Presentation at the Design and
Review Board and City Commission
• Worked on the Commemorative Park at the Wayman AME Church property location and Kansas Grant.
The Park has had over 20 people visit this month.
• Worked on Gordon Parks Mural and Dedication Event
• Worked on Fort Scott Stories Project for a Book and full feature film documentary project with Prof.
Michael Cheers. Filming continues on Sept 28 – Oct 4, 2025.
• Working with Photographers for Photo Auction Fundraiser Event and Online Photo Sales.
• Provided a presentation with an updated of the Gordon Parks Museum Projects and the 2025 Annual
Celebration to Lady Kiwanis on Sept 4.
• Provided a presentation with an updated of the Gordon Parks Museum Projects and the 2025 Annual
Celebration to FSCC Board on Sept 22
• Completed new Museum Rack Card
*We had 54 visitors walk in and with a combination of tours, presentations, Wayman Chapel AME Commemorative Park
and any other events, we had 85 visitors from all over the nation and the world in September.
City and State where some of the Sept visitors come from
Fort Scott, KS
New York City, NY
Los Angeles, CA
Seneca, KS
Pittsburg, KS
Frontenac, KS
Milwaukee, WI
Olathe, KS
Monitoba, Canada `
Phillipines
Cattors, France
Nepaul
Harare. Zimbabwe
Perros Guinec, France
Hishiro, Japan
Lee Summit, MO
Saginaw, MI
Flora, IL
Altamont, KS
Conroe, TX
Phoenix, AZ
Wichita, KS
Others did not list where they were from.
Gordon Parks Museum
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on November 17, 2025 and Special
Meeting conducted November 14, 2025
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT AND CHECKS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report, Financial Report, and Checks Written, Cleared, or Voided
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
Additions
1) Tayler Yackle, Nursing Instructor, effective January 5, 2026
Separations
1) Carolyn Smith, Foundation Administrative Assistant, effective November 20, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp
The Kansas Department of Transportation has continued to improve enhancements to its KanDrive road and weather website/mobile app. KanDrive is a one-stop gateway for current highway and weather conditions that are available 24/7.
“Informed drivers can make better decisions about which routes are best for them,” said Shari Hilliard, KDOT Project Manager. “Upgrades to the KanDrive app, such as sending and receiving alerts hands-free, are timely and useful benefits for travelers as we head into winter and the holiday season.”
The KanDrive features were first introduced in 2024 and have been fine-tuned for a better user experience. They were developed as part of the U.S. 83 Advanced Technology Project, which extends from the southern Finney County line to the northern Thomas County line. While some KanDrive enhancements are corridor-specific to U.S. 83, most are available for use statewide.
Some of the new features include:
Ability to report incidents in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Hands-free voice incident reporting through Apple CarPlay
The KanDrive website has served motorists since 2009. It provides real-time travel information such as road conditions, closures, construction updates, camera/video feeds and detour information.
Since the first round of enhancements were released in December of 2024, KanDrive has logged 3.7 million sessions and nearly 75,000 app downloads on iOS and Android.
KDOT encourages motorists to plan ahead and “know before you go,” by visiting the KanDrive website at KanDrive.gov or downloading the app in the App Store or Google Play.
Al and Luanna Niece purchased the vacant building at the corner of 6th and Main Street in July 2023 and will open one of the new businesses housed in it this week.
Eventually, they will have several businesses in the circa 1889 building.
Lu’s Ice Cream shop will open on December 5 with flexible hours.
Ice cream, sundaes, malts, coffee, hot chocolate and eventually, when the kitchen is totally completed, sandwiches and soups will be served.
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, with a special token provided by the shop.
“The hours are…going to be flexible because of the weather, and it’s December, a cold time of the year, so probably from 4 to 8 p.m.,” Lu said.
The menu of Lu’s Ice Cream Shop. Eight flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream will be rotated out seasonally based on public opinion.
No strangers to the community, Al owns Niece Products of Kansas, located in the Fort Scott Industrial Park on Hwy. 69, south of the city.
“Al has an existing business here, Niece Products of Kansas, that has been running for over ten years, so we have quite a bit invested in this town,” she said. “When we are here, we have become accustomed to Fort Scott in the way of living. We love it here, and we want to be part of the community.” They have a primary home in Texas.
Their original plans were for an ice cream shop on the first floor, two loft apartments on the second floor, and a “man cave” on the ground level.
“We are going to continue with the original plan to have two loft apartments on the second floor. One is going to be for us when we are here in Kansas, the other is going to be a rental.”
Lu’s Ice Cream Shop will have the entrance on 6th Street, under the red-striped awning. Additional parking will also be available in the rear of the building upon completion.
Nikki Regan is the manager of the ice cream shop, which will have eight flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream, made in Texas. The Nieces have a home and business in Austin, Texas.
The living room of the rental. This is a one-bedroom with one bath and a sleeper sofa.Lu Niece said she loves the large window exposure in the lofts.
Lu’s Ice Cream Shop and the apartments are all complete.
The “man cave” is still under construction, with the hope of being completed by the end of 2026.
Lu stands in the future Al’s Speak Easy, which will house an invitation-only club and Al’s office.
“We did a complete renovation (of the whole building). The only thing that was left was the four exterior walls, so basically, we had an open shell once we cleaned everything out. New roofs, new floors, new plumbing, new electric, new windows, and, really, just a whole new design to the building inside that’s more industrial modern.”
“It was a long haul, lots of very trying moments for all involved, but thanks to Koehn Construction, neighbors, workers, Niece employees, and Fort Scott, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
The Shultz-Payne Building was originally a publishing business of A.B. Payne, a writer, who at one time printed the biography of Mark Twain, and they “ended up being buddies,” Lu said.
Lu took this photo during the complete renovation of the building. This is from the basement looking up to the second story.The before-picture of the Shultz-Payne Building, the original name of the property.This original sign on the west side of the building, which says Schultz-Payne Building, 1889, remains intact.
Janet and Tim Miller purchased the Hedgehog INK Bookstore at 16 S. Main on December 1.
Even though they both have full-time jobs, Janet works for Network Kansas as a Community Entrepreneurship Manager serving Southeast Kansas, and Tim works as a history professor at Labette Community College, they decided to start the venture of owning a bookstore.
” We both love to read and enjoy stopping in bookstores anywhere we go – whether in a neighboring town or around the world.
“Hedgehog.INK has been a favorite, so we’re thrilled to take over ownership. And, we’re very thankful to Randi Witt and her family for entrusting us with the store moving forward!,” Janet said.
“We love the store and won’t be making any significant changes. In fact, the only changes you’ll see immediately are the faces at the counter and the business name, which we are changing slightly to Hedgehog Books.”
They are seeking individuals interested in employment at the store.
“We will be in the store a good deal; we will need some help running it day-to-day. If you or someone you know would be interested, please stop by or message us.”
Hours will remain 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, but will have extended hours several days this week for Christmas on the Bricks.
The store’s phone number is 620-670-2752, and the business email is [email protected].
Hours for this week, in conjunction with the Third Annual Christmas on the Bricks this weekend, are:
Tuesday, December 2nd – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, December 3rd – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, December 4th – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (start of parade)
Friday, December 5th – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Santa will be on hand from 5 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 6th – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Santa will be on hand from 12 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., and the Grinch will do storytime from 2 to 2:30 p.m.
