Property Taxes are high, and most people would agree the system is not always accurate or fair, so the Senate acted by passing a constitutional amendment, Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1603, to limit taxable valuation increases of real property to a maximum of 3% a year, unless certain triggers occur. Local governments often rely on skyrocketing valuations to collect more property taxes. SCR 1603 would limit the tax value of real properties so local governments would have to vote to raise the mill levy, providing more transparency to property tax increases.
The SCR would have to pass the House and then voters would decide to amend the Kansas Constitution and limit taxable valuation increases each year or not. It passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote 28 to 11. I voted yes.
Election ends on election day, SB 4, would require all ballots to be returned by 7 p.m. on election, not three days later. It passed the Senate 29 to 10. I voted yes.
Rank choice voting, where you can rate the candidates on the ballot by selecting your first choice, your second choice, your third chose and so on, would be banned in Kansas if SB 6 becomes law. It is a voting system in which the candidates are ranked when you vote. It’s difficult to count and can delay election results. SB 6 passed 29 to 10. I voted yes to ban this election system in Kansas.
Budgets can be used for political volley. It’s disappointing but it does happen. To correct this, the Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 14 so that if a budget is not passed into law by June 30th, then the state government would not shut down because the previous year’s budget would be adopted. It passed the Senate 31 to 8. I supported this effort.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, February 13th at 8am hosted by Chamber member T-Mobile, 2400 S. Main St., Ste. 300. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served along with a door prize drawing.
Viewers of the recent Super Bowl would have seen that T-Mobile has some big news that, “IF YOU CAN SEE THE SKY, YOU’RE CONNECTED”. T-Mobile is on a mission to make every phone a satellite phone to bring coverage in ways users never thought would be possible. T-Mobile is the first and only U.S. wireless provider with a mobile-plus-satellite network, connecting customers automatically so texting can be sent via satellite on most modern smartphones. Now anyone, on any carrier, can sign up to join the beta test and get satellite-powered messaging at no extra cost until July.
T-Mobile encourages locals to attend the Chamber Coffee or stop by the store soon to find out more and check out all the great Valentine’s deals we have for your special person.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board interviewed a potential board member.
The board appointed Phil Jackson and Rory Chaplin to the Board.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
01-13-25
01-20-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – January 20, 2025 – $1,682,710.56
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
UMB Credit Card Agreement
Zero Reasons Why Fundraising
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on a Special Olympics Basketball at Pitt State to be held Wednesday. He also presented the board with Math & Reading reports from Eugene Ware. There has been great growth in the students.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with an update that the Football Field turf is officially completed. There will be more discussion with Wrestling in the coming months as different options have been looked at. He also provided updates on all the facilities as well as food service.
Chris Garzone, principal at Winfield Scott was present with many from his team to update the board on some amazing things happening in their school. Linda Minor along with Luca Morter, Hadlee Simonds, Dayne Downing, and Danny Hall-Jenkins informed the Board about Community Based Interactive Instruction and their favorite parts about this program. Each grade level took a moment to speak about the positive events happening in their classes. Jenny Tourtilott, counselor, explained about the time she spends with each of the classes and the life lessons she can teach them. Each teacher reported amazing growth within their classrooms. Mr. Garzone and Nicole Gilmore, assistant principal, both spoke highly of the staff and students this year.
The Board Approved the following items:
Towerpoint Acquisitions Letter of Intent to Purchase Interest in Wireless Site
Two 10 passenger van purchases from Hillsboro Ford
Eugene Ware event date changes
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
February 10, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Glades, Matt – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Football Coach – High School
Hendricks, Sarah – Resignation – Teacher – Eugene Ware
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday vetoed Senate Bill 63.
The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 63:
“Right now, the Legislature should be focused on ways to help Kansans cope with rising prices. That is the most important issue for Kansans. That is where my focus is.
“Infringing on parental rights is not appropriate, nor is it a Kansas value. As I’ve said before, it is not the job of politicians to stand between a parent and a child who needs medical care of any kind. This legislation will also drive families, businesses, and health care workers out of our state, stifling our economy and exacerbating our workforce shortage issue.
“It is disappointing that the Legislature continues to push for government interference in Kansans’ private medical decisions instead of focusing on issues that improve all Kansans’ lives.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 63.”
Governor Kelly Orders State Office Buildings
in Shawnee County Closed Wednesday
Due to Inclement Weather
TOPEKA – Due to safety concerns regarding winter weather conditions resulting from the approaching winter storm, Governor Laura Kelly has issued a Declaration of Inclement Weather for Shawnee County, ordering state office buildings in Shawnee County to be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.
The declaration takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, and lasts through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12. A reassessment of weather conditions will be made on Wednesday to determine if the declaration will be extended further.
“In anticipation of a winter storm impacting state operations, we are closing state office buildings in Shawnee County on Wednesday,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As I have done in the past, I urge all Kansans to exercise increased caution when driving and to take measures to make sure their families are prepared for potentially hazardous winter storm conditions by making an emergency plan and a home emergency kit.”
This declaration applies to all non-essential state employees in the Executive Branch agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction who work in Shawnee County. Appointing authorities in offices located outside Shawnee County have the option to declare Inclement Weather for those counties.
During the period of Inclement Weather, essential employees are required to report to work as normal. Benefits-eligible non-essential employees should record Inclement Weather Leave during the period of Inclement Weather. Remote work is not being required.
For continuously updated road information, go to www.KanDrive.org and click on the Road Condition map. Other construction information, camera views, weather websites and travel details are also available. You can also call 511 – for Kansas road condition information from anywhere in the U.S., call 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that it will be responsible for administering the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) across Kansas. The YRBS is a vital tool that gathers data on the health behaviors of high school students in Kansas. It provides essential insights into the challenges facing today’s youth and paves the way for programs and policies that promote their well-being.
First completed in 1990, the YRBS is a nationwide survey conducted every two years. Its purpose is to monitor specific behaviors that can significantly impact the health and safety of adolescents in Kansas.
“By understanding these behaviors, KDHE can work with school and community leaders to develop targeted interventions and programs to address the unique needs of Kansas youth,” said Grace Harvey, YRBS School Survey Coordinator, “Taking on the administration of the YRBS reflects our commitment to supporting Kansas youth and addressing the factors that impact their health and safety.”
For years, the YRBS in Kansas was overseen by the Kansas State Department of Education. Now, KDHE is honored to continue this critical work. This transition will enable KDHE to directly integrate survey findings into the state’s public health initiatives, ensuring a seamless connection between data and action.
The YRBS captures data on a variety of topics, including:
Nutrition, physical activity and weight status
Bullying
Mental health and suicide
Tobacco, alcohol and drug use
Sexual behaviors that could lead to STDs, HIV, or unintended pregnancy
Behaviors contributing to unintentional injuries or violence
The YRBS is currently conducted in 50 randomly selected high schools across the state, with students in grades 9-12 anonymously participating. To protect privacy, no personal identifiers are collected, and participation is voluntary. KDHE will work directly with the participating schools to get active parental consent from each participating student. Schools will work closely with a designated YRBS coordinator to ensure the process is smooth and minimally disruptive. Each survey takes just one class period to complete.
KDHE is looking forward to leading this important initiative and is committed to using the YRBS insights to improve the lives of Kansas youth. By working collaboratively with schools, parents and community partners, we can turn data into meaningful action, fostering a healthier and brighter future for the next generation.
Jean Russell, age 74, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2025, at her home. Leota Jean Russell was born September 9, 1950, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Charles Gruver and Doris Hillman Gruver. Jean’s father passed away when she was very young and she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Floyd Camp.
Jean graduated from the Shawnee Mission West High School with the Class of 1968. She married Wayne Russell on August 17, 1968, in Lenexa, Kansas. Jean and Wayne lived most of their married life in Easton, Kansas. Jean was employed as a management analyst for the United States Government based out of Ft. Leavenworth. Following retirement, Jean and Wayne returned to Ft. Scott.
In her spare time, Jean enjoyed reading and coloring. She also loved to crochet. The many blankets she made for her children and grandchildren are cherished heirlooms.
Jean is survived by her husband of fifty-six years, Wayne Russell of the home; four children, Angela Mishler of Ft. Scott, Wayne “Tony” Russell (Dawn) of Easton, Kansas, Cindy Russell of Ft. Scott and Jesse Russell (Angie) of Liberty, Missouri; eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren with one more on the way. Also surviving is a brother, Charles Gruver.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Cheryl and Beth.
Rev. Connie Edgerton will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Friday, February 14th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the St. Michael’s Cemetery in Fulton, Kansas.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and may be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Presentation Explores the History of Baseball in Kansas
Rescheduled Due to Forecasted Weather
Fort Scott, Kan. With the potential winter storm that is forecasted for this Wednesday, Feb 12, the Gordon Parks Museum hosted event “The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime,” a presentation and discussion by Phil Dixon is rescheduled to Friday, February 14, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at 2108 S. Horton St. 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 desserts provided by Great West Dining. Drinks and chips will also be provided. Fort Scott T-Mobile will also have a table set up for free raffle drawing for a chance for the attendees to win T-Mobile prizes.
“Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this presentation event to learn more about the Kansas City Monarchs” said Museum Director, Kirk Sharp.
2020 marked two major milestones for baseball: the Negro Leagues celebrated their 100th anniversary and Major League Baseball merged statistics of these African American players with those of the major league. The history of Negro League baseball in America mirrors the racial strife experienced by African Americans in society. It was plagued by discrimination, racism, and inequity, while its athletes were celebrated for their resiliency, professionalism, and athleticism. The Kansas City Monarchs barnstormed across Kansas and the region to play more than 400 games between 1920 and 1957 against local towns. This talk sheds new light on this sports history and the history of baseball in Kansas.
Phil S. Dixon a co-founder of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. He is the author of nine books about baseball, including biographies about Wilber “Bullet” Rogan and John “Buck” O’Neil. In the course of his research, he has interviewed over 500 former Negro League players and family members.
“The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
For more information about “The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime” in Fort Scott, Kansas, contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext.5850 or visit 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.
PRATT – Seven lucky conservation organizations are set to receive Commission Big Game Hunting Permits after their applications were drawn by Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners during the January 30th public meeting. The Commission Big Game Hunting Permit program allows Kansas-based non-profit organizations that focus on wildlife conservation and promoting the hunting and fishing heritage to apply for one of seven permits. The permits can then be sold by the winning group to raise funds for conservation projects in Kansas. The winning organizations typically raffle or auction the permit to the highest bidder and keep 15 percent of the sale price to support their missions. The remaining 85 percent is held by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) until a mutually agreed upon conservation project is approved.
“Last year, proceeds from Commission permits supported the Habitat Specialist program which is one of our key conservation partnerships with Pheasants Forever,” said Wes Sowards, assistant director of the wildlife division at KDWP. “Habitat specialists work across the state to manage wildlife habitat on both private and public land with a special emphasis on conservation objectives in the State Wildlife Action Plan.”
“These habitat specialists are the true heroes in our eyes,” said Bob Hix, a regional representative from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “The Kansas Pheasants Forever habitat team and the local chapters are committed to doing even more habitat work for all wildlife in Kansas.”
Other projects supported by the Commissioner permit proceeds have included wetland improvement at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and special youth hunt programs.
“Ducks Unlimited is honored to receive these Commission permits which have been part of an ongoing and hugely successful partnership between DU and KDWP,” said Matt Hough, Kansas conservation programs manager for Ducks Unlimited. “Proceeds from these permits will be put to great use for priority projects of both organizations for the conservation of wetlands and waterfowl habitat that also provide public benefits to the people of Kansas.”
Based on applicant preference, seven deer permits were awarded to the following conservation groups for 2025:
Ducks Unlimited Wyandotte Chapter
Mike Bulk
785-294-1280 [email protected]
Ducks Unlimited Kansas University Chapter
Mike Bulk
785-294-1280 [email protected]
Pheasants Forever Stanton County Chapter
Bob Hix
303-588-1542 [email protected]
Pheasants Forever Osborne Chapter
Bob Hix
303-588-1542 [email protected]
National Wild Turkey Foundation Salty Spurs Chapter
Nate Watson
505-401-6474 [email protected]
Members of the public are encouraged to contact the representatives listed to learn when and where each of these permits will be auctioned or raffled in the future.
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.com.
The seven-member, non-partisan Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission serves in an advisory capacity in formulating policies and plans for KDWP. The commission facilitates public hearings on rules and regulations proposed by the Secretary of KDWP, ultimately voting to approve, modify, or reject those proposed rules and regulations. The Commission Big Game Permits are authorized by K.S.A. 32-970.
