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Government, Kansas

Turkey Hunting Season Begins in Kansas

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Application Period for Nonresident and Unit 4 Resident Turkey Permits Opens Jan. 13

TOPEKA – Kansas’ spring turkey season is just around the corner, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is encouraging hunters to apply for limited permits during the annual lottery application period, open January 13 through February 13, 2026.

Kansas is divided into six turkey management units. Turkey Management Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 are open to Kansas residents and qualifying nonresident tenants through over-the-counter permit sales, while nonresidents must apply through a lottery draw for those units. Permits to hunt in Turkey Management Unit 4 in southwest Kansas are available exclusively through a lottery draw only to Kansas residents and nonresident landowners and tenants.

Unit 4 Resident and Resident-Tenant Draw Permits
Applications open Jan. 13 for the Unit 4 spring turkey draw, which is available only to Kansas residents and nonresident tenants. A total of 375 spring turkey permits are available for Unit 4, with 200 permits reserved for resident landowners and tenants and nonresident tenants of land within Unit 4. The remaining 175 permits are allocated to other Kansas residents who enter the draw.

Nonresident Permits
Nonresident hunters, except nonresident tenants, must obtain a permit through the lottery draw to hunt in Turkey Management Units 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6. Each application requires a non-refundable $12.50 application fee. Applicants who are successfully drawn will then also be charged the $75 turkey permit fee for a total cost of $87.50. A total of 9,700 spring turkey permits will be drawn for nonresident hunters in these units.

To apply:

  1. Visit gooutdoorskansas.gov between Jan. 13 and Feb. 13, 2026.
  2. Select “Purchase Licenses, Permits & Tags.”
  3. Create a new account or log in to an existing account.
  4. Select “Limited Draw Applications.”
  5. Follow the prompts to submit the application.

Applicants will be notified by email of their draw status in early March. Successful applicants will be charged the permit fee, while unsuccessful applicants will receive a preference point for future drawings. Applicants also may choose to purchase a preference point only during the application period rather than entering a draw.

The 2026 spring turkey archery season runs April 6–14, 2026, and the regular season runs April 15–May 31, 2026. Starting March 10, Kansas residents and qualifying nonresident tenants may purchase spring turkey permits for Units 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6 over the counter or online.

For more on turkey hunting in Kansas — including season dates, management units and electronic permitting — visit ksoutdoors.gov/turkey.

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.

Spring Turkey Unit Map

2026 Kansas Spring Turkey Units

Obituary

Obituary of David Charles Nelson

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David Charles Nelson, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Freeman West Health Center in Joplin, Missouri. He was born December 12, 1953, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of George and Mary Nelson. Dave grew up in Kansas City. He served for a time with the United States Army. After his military service, he later returned to Kansas City where he worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad for several years. He married the love of his life, Debbie Soverns in 1996 in Kansas City. They later moved to Ft. Scott.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie, of the home; three daughters, Crystal, Kathy, and Marlena; three stepsons, Rob Chris and Toney and several brothers and a sister. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and a stepson, Johnny.

Cremation was handled by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

The Rural Community Partners Website is officially live

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Jody Love

 

I have great news!  The Rural Community Partners Website is officially live!

 

Thanks to our Pittsburg State University Micro-Intern (funded through the Parker Dewey and the Kansas Department of Commerce), we have a BEAUTIFUL, user friendly website that clearly showcases our work and makes it easy for people to sign up for services, get involved, and connect with us.  It’s all part of our effort to find, connect, and engage across our rural communities!!

 

Explore the site:

 

The home page is here: https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/

 

Community Local Health Equity Action Team Page:  https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/programs/local-action-teams

 

Small Business and Entrepreneur Council Here:  https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/programs/entrepreneur-council

 

RCP Executive Board Members: https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/programs/board-members

 

And to sign up for all kinds of support or services:  https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/get-support

 

A few of the services offer to our rural communities:

  • General community support,
  • Small Business Mentorship Program (funded through HBCAT’s Social Entrepreneurship BCBS Pathways Grant),
  • Coalition and community technical assistance and community investment in partnership with KUMC COPE,
  • Small business micro grant program (a project we spearheaded with the support of our KFAN grant, funded by KHF)
  • Feasibility Studies and Cost Benefit Analysis

 

We’re incredibly proud of this milestone and grateful to the partners who helped make it happen. Please take a look, share the site, and encourage individuals, businesses, and community partners to explore how they can connect with Rural Community Partners.

 

 

Thank you to everyone involved in making this happen!!

 

Jody Love

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc.

Rural Community Partners

President and CEO

Office: 620-224-2563 Ext. 4

Cell: 620-215-2892

104 North National

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

News Release of USD2354 Board of Education Meeting on January 12

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                  

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, January 12, 2026

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

David Stewart welcomed new Board Members.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

12-08-25

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – December 20, 2025 – $1,831,678.21

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

 

Superintendent Destry Brown informed the Board on the new Tiger Academy. As of now there are five students enrolled and they are doing well. Mr. Brown reviewed the handbook and daily routine of the Academy.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. Mr. Mayfield provided an update on the Preschool building, Wrestling Facility, and budget information.

Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on testing scores over the last ten years. Staff was thanked for the improvement in results. There will be a Board planning meeting to be set up in February.

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update on state reports. The district scored 100% on the Indicator 12. Mrs. Barnes thanked the SPED staff for the hard work on these reports.

 

 

The Board approved the following:

  • Resolution 25-14 To Establish Regular Board Meetings 2026
  • Resolution 25-15 To Establish Election of School Board Officers

 

Administration has updated and consolidated USD 234’s Human Resources Processes & Procedures to improve clarity, consistency, and fiscal stewardship related to staffing and hiring. The update formalizes vacancy review, centralizes HR coordination, and standardizes onboarding and exit procedures, while preserving existing board authority and hiring practices.

 

There were none present for public forum.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

January 12, 2026

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Able, Andrew – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Speech Coach – Middle School

Black, Staci – Retirement – Business Teacher – Middle School – end of 2025-26 school year

Burton, Toni – Termination – Teacher’s Aide – Middle School

Dotson, Destiny – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Guss, Stewart – Retirement – Bus Driver

Harper, Amy – Resignation – Math Teacher – High School – end of 2025-26 school year

Lail, Brandon – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Robertson, Tom – Supplemental Resignation – Head Boys Golf Coach – High School

Shaw, Mike – Termination – Custodian – Eugene Ware

Young, Annie – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

Leave of Absence:

 

Engstrom, Lauren – Middle School – Jan 19 through April 7

 

TRANSFER:

Barnes, Jon – Supplemental – Assistant Boys Golf Coach to Head Boys Golf Coach – High School

Ruggero, Lucretia – Paraprofessional to ISS Supervisor – High School

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:

 

Harper, Melonie – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Ingraham, Elizabeth – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Lemcke, Hailey – Paraprofessional – High School

VanBuskirk, Don – Student Support – Middle School

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:

 

Collins, Clayton – Supplemental – Assistant Baseball Coach – High School

Nelson, Andrew – Supplemental – Academic Team – Winfield Scott

Ruggero, Lucretia – Supplemental – Assistant Debate & Forensics – High School

 

Art, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

New Washington D.C. Museum Features ArtEffect Young Artists

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Announcing the new ARTEFFECT Gallery
at MCAAD in Washington, D.C.!
The Visualizing Impact exhibition showcases 43 award-winning ARTEFFECT artworks created by young artists over the last decade.
A rich tapestry marking the courage of an American Revolutionary War heroine … a striking portrait of Hollywood actor and inventor Hedy Lamarr … and an elaborate, 3D multimedia book honoring the father of algebra … all created by students in grades 6-12. These are among the 43 stunning artworks on display at the Lowell Milken Family Foundation’s permanent, 3,000-square-foot ARTEFFECT Gallery on the fifth floor of the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD) in Washington, D.C.—a newly minted Best New Museum by USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards.

The inaugural exhibition titled Visualizing Impact includes visual artworks, text panels, and short films that celebrate the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes—role models, largely unrecognized by society, who demonstrated heroic character traits such as courage, selflessness, and perseverance and took extraordinary actions in service to others that made a positive and profound impact on the course of history.

Founded by Lowell Milken in 2016, ARTEFFECT fosters reflection on the invaluable contributions of these Unsung Heroes through the creation of original visual art. ARTEFFECT offerings include an annual international art competition for middle and secondary school students, museum exhibitions, and the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors program—a prestigious visual arts fellowship for educators, online professional development sessions, and educational resources for championing the stories of Unsung Heroes through the visual arts.

“Celebrating the qualities of character embodied in the Unsung Heroes motivates younger generations to aspire to values essential during the challenging times we face as a nation and as a worldwide community,” said LMC and ARTEFFECT Founder Lowell Milken. “ARTEFFECT provides powerful opportunities to promote these values to students in schools.”
Read Full Press Release
View list of ARTEFFFECT Projects on View
Explore the Exhibition Online
Still Time to Join!
2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Info Session
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
4:00-5:00 PM Pacific Time
Join us for the 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Info Session. This session will provide an overview of the annual art competition for students in grades 6-12. Rules, guidelines, judging criteria, tips for submission, prizes, and resources. Hear experiences from participating educators and students!
Register Now
Unsung Heroes & STEAM Session
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
4:00-5:15 PM Pacific Time
All educators are invited to this free interactive and engaging professional development session focused on Unsung Heroes & STEAM. 2021 LMC Fellow Jennifer Braverman will present strategies for using a STEAM framework and divergent thinking skills with students. Participants investigate how logic and creativity overlap to generate innovative ideas and concepts for visual artmaking. Lesson plan and Certificate of Participation provided. Learn more about the session and instructor.
Register Now
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
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ARTEFFECT YouTube
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Government, Housing, Kansas

KS Dept. of Commerce Launching Initiative To Redevelop Vacant Buildings into Housing

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Commerce Seeking Support to Identify Vacant Buildings for Redevelopment

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Department of Commerce is launching an initiative to identify vacant, abandoned or underutilized buildings suitable for redevelopment into housing units. Local leaders, community organizations and property owners can assist in this effort by submitting information about buildings in their area that could be considered for conversion.

“Our communities are rich with structures that have strong bones and the potential for future use,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Connecting private developers to available vacant buildings is an easy way to address the prevalent housing crisis being felt throughout the country — while also preserving the architectural character and history of our Kansas communities.”

The Department of Commerce will compile submissions into a statewide list that will be shared with developers, contractors and housing partners seeking adaptive reuse opportunities. Examples of potential buildings include former schools, nursing homes, hospitals, churches, detention facilities — or other structures that might be vacant but well-positioned for conversion into residential units.

“Through this new effort, we’re able to help communities in a proactive way, attracting investments and meeting specific local housing needs,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce Matt Godinez said. “There are a lot of unique buildings that are full of history and even more potential — and what better way to activate these unique community assets than by turning these beloved buildings into new housing opportunities for Kansans?”

Communities and property owners interested in participating are encouraged to submit building or property details here.

For more information about the initiative, contact Kerri Falletti at [email protected].

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 the Quality Places Division:  

Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.

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Government, Kansas

Kelly v. Kobach Will Be Heard January 16 in KS Supreme Court

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9 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2026

 

Case No. 129,788: Governor Laura Kelly, in her Official Capacity v. Kansas Attorney General, Kris Kobach, in his Official Capacity

 

Original Action, Writ of Quo Warranto: The material facts are not in dispute. Governor Laura Kelly has requested that Attorney General Kris Kobach join several lawsuits she believes have merit challenging federal government action on behalf of the State of Kansas, and Kobach has refused because he believes the lawsuits lacked merit. Kelly then purported to join two federal lawsuits in her official capacity as Governor, attempting to seek relief on behalf of the State. Kobach responded by filing amicus briefs in those two cases arguing that under Kansas law only the Attorney General may sue on behalf of the State in federal court. Kelly has also expressed interest in seeking judicial review in federal district court of a SNAP Appeals Board decision. Kobach contends authority for bringing that action on behalf of the State rests solely with the Attorney General. Kelly filed this petition for writ of quo warranto action.

 

Issues under review are whether: 1) Kansas statutes vest the Attorney General with exclusive control of the State’s litigation in federal court; 2) the Governor has constitutional litigation authority as the “supreme executive” of Kansas; 3) the Attorney General lacks the power to prevent the Governor from participating in litigation; and 4) the Attorney General’s statutory authority to control the State’s litigation in federal court violates the Kansas Constitution.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College, Gordon Parks Museum

FSCC Hosts Chamber Coffee on Jan.15

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Fort Scott Community College
Thursday, January 15th

8am

Ellis Fine Arts Center

2108 Horton St.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, January 15th, at 8am hosted by Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton St., in the Ellis Fine Arts Center. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

Fort Scott Community College, in partnership with the Gordon Parks Museum, will host a special Chamber Coffee event as part of its Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. The event will honor Dr. King’s legacy and bring the community together for coffee and conversation.

The celebration continues with several free events at the Ellis Fine Arts Center, including:

Thursday, Jan 15th

*1pm- A Tribute Reading of Dr. King’s

“Letter from the Birmingham Jail” with complimentary refreshments and birthday cake.

Monday Jan 19th

*9am-2pm – A Day of Service Food Drive collecting donations for The Beacon.

*12-1pm – A PBS documentary screening and educational presentation on the historic

“Dockum Drugstore Sit-In”.

Photo opportunities with “I Stand For” signs will be available at multiple events.

All activities are free and open to the public. For more information, call (620) 223-2700 ext. 5850.

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

Fort Scott Community College

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Community College

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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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Government, Kansas

KDCF Files Reply to Federal SNAP Data Request

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Kansas Files Response to USDA Appeals Board in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Data Request


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has filed a reply to the United State Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Appeals Board in response to the USDA’s demand that DCF turn over the private, legally protected, personal information of all Kansans and members of their households who have received, or applied for, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the last 5 years. The USDA’s data request includes provisions allowing for Kansans’ personal information—which includes Social Security numbers and dates of birth—to be shared with foreign governments.

“There’s no reason that Kansans’ personal, private data, including social security numbers, should be turned over to foreign governments,” said Will Lawrence, Governor Kelly’s Chief of Staff. “This demand is the epitome of federal government overreach, and a federal district court has already deemed this request to be likely unlawful. Governor Kelly and DCF remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding Kansans’ privacy and complying with the law.”

After the USDA rejected DCF’s Corrective Action Proposal in response to the data request in September 2025, DCF swiftly filed an appeal with the USDA. The filing of that appeal immediately prevented the USDA from withholding $10.4 million in administrative funding for SNAP. The State of Kansas has not lost any SNAP administrative funding, and the program continues to operate as usual. Kansas’ appeal with the USDA is ongoing.

DCF has complied with state and federal law at every stage of this process and has maintained the confidentiality of thousands of Kansans whose personal information would be at risk. Protection of this personally identifiable information is legally required by both the Food Nutrition Act (FNA) and the Kansas Cybersecurity Act (KCA).

A copy of Kansas’ reply brief in support of the appeal filed by DCF can be found here.

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