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Fort Scott

Contributors to Wreaths Across America Are Thanked

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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.

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Trustees May Be Present Basketball Game January 10

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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.
Thanks,
Gina Shelton, CPA
Fort Scott Community College
CFO – VP of Finance & Operations

Obituary

Obituary of Kenneth Lewis Judd, Jr.

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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.

Art, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Youth

Student Art Competition Info Session Is January 14

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2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Info Session
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
4:00-5:00 PM Pacific Time

Register Now!
All Educators! 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.
Register Now
The 2026 ARTEFFECT student art competition is open through April 21, 2026. Students creatively interpret the stories of inspiring Unsung Heroes from the Directory—over 130 individuals from all fields of endeavor—and write reflective Impact Statements (500-1,000 words). Various 2D & 3D media accepted. Multiple prize categories. For lesson plans, resources, and to learn more, visit the ARTEFFECT Competition website:
Learn More about the ARTEFFECT Competition
2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Poster
Download Competition Poster
Unsung Heroes & STEAM Session
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
4:00-5:15 PM Pacific Time
All educators are invited to this interactive and engaging 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. Learn more about the session and instructor.
Register Now
ARTEFFECT online sessions are free to join and registration is required. All registrants receive a session recording and lesson plan. Certificate of Participation available for session attendees.
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Susan Vollucci, a Visual Art Teacher & Art History Teacher at Central Falls High School in Central Falls, Rhode Island.

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 Susan’s Capstone Project report:

“We created an awareness of the rich history of unsung heroes that were present in the ARTEFFECT materials and through individual student research. We generated an environment for students to evaluate their own history and discuss potential new unsung heroes from underrepresented populations and school community cultures.”

Congratulations to Susan and her students at Central Falls High School for their incredible ARTEFFECT projects!
Read more about Susan’s capstone project
JOIN THE GROWING COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS:
ARTEFFECT Educators Facebook Group
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
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Government, Jobs, Kansas

KS Labor Report November 2025

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TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has released the November 2025 Kansas Labor Report. The full report can be accessed here: November 2025 Kansas Labor Report.

The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has released the October and November 2025 Kansas Labor Reports. Due to the lapse in federal funding during the federal government shutdown, all Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) operations were suspended from Oct. 1, 2025, through Nov. 12, 2025. As a result, KDOL will not publish separate reports for the October and November 2025 Kansas Labor Reports. Establishment survey data from the Current Employment Statistics program for October 2025 will be published with the November 2025 data. Household survey data from the Current Population Survey, which serve as the primary input to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics models, were not collected for the October 2025 reference period due to a lapse in appropriations and will not be collected retroactively.

The December 2025 Kansas Labor Report will be released on Friday, January 23.

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Government

Ken Collins Kansas State Representative-Second District Newsletter

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Thoughts From Under the Dome

 

As I am writing this the 2026 legislative session starts next week but I am in Topeka early to get settled in and ready for the upcoming fun. The House Higher Education Budget Committee is meeting today and although I am not on that committee I will be setting in this afternoon to hear Pittsburg State President  Dr. Thomas Newsome give his presentation. I find it helpful to keep in touch with the educational institutions that serve our corner of Southeast Kansas as they are a great resource.

 

On the subject of upcoming legislation, I am sponsoring House Bill 2412, which will change the offense of endangering a child under the age of six years old from a misdemeanor to a felony. I was prompted to initiate this legislation after meeting with the family of Benny who is a child who suffers from permanent disability as a result of neglectful daycare workers. The persons who were responsible had their day in court, but in my opinion, the sentencing was much lighter than what an offense of this magnitude warrants. The bill also addresses dangerous environments where methamphetamine and fentanyl are involved.

 

As the legislative session progresses, I welcome your calls and emails to let me know when you agree or disagree. I also enjoy visits from the folks back home so I encourage everyone to spend a day in Topeka as your schedules allow and be sure to let me know that you are coming so I can schedule time to meet. It brings a real positive energy to the halls of the Statehouse when school groups are here, so if you are a teacher, feel free to bring your classes up for a visit. Until next time, Ad Astra Per Aspera.

Ken Collins

Kansas State Representative-Second District

620-240-0778

 
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Hosts Needed For 2026 Chamber Coffees

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Sending on behalf of
Fort Scott Area

Chamber of Commerce

As we kick off 2026, it’s the perfect time for a fresh start — and that means filling up our Chamber Coffee spots! Don’t miss your chance to showcase your business, connect with fellow members, and engage with the community.

Chamber Coffees bring 40+ visitors and guests to your place of business for valuable exposure — and they’re also available on Facebook Live, so even more people can see what your business is all about!

These gatherings are a great way to:

✨ Share what your business offers

✨ Let everyone know what’s coming up next

✨ Promote upcoming events, sales, or specials

✨ Highlight new products or services

✨ Celebrate anniversaries or achievements

✨ Thank your customers and the community for their support

Chamber Coffees are casual, engaging, and one of the best ways to spotlight your business — and we’d love to help you secure your date!

📅 Call us at: 620-223-3566

📧 Email: [email protected]

Let’s get your 2026 Chamber Coffee on the calendar — dates fill up fast.

See the 2026 Chamber Coffee Calendar below!

Warm regards,

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Click here for a printable pdf copy of the schedule.

*Reminder – the schedule is current as of the time of this email

and can be updated at anytime.
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
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Freedom Fitness

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Freedom Fitness
Thursday, January 8th

8am

Freedom Fitness

15 S. National Ave.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, January 8th, at 8am hosted by Freedom Fitness, 15 S. National Ave. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

Freedom Fitness is a locally owned training facility dedicated to helping individuals of all ages and fitness levels build strength, confidence, and long-term health. With flexible training and multiple class times, Freedom Fitness supports members in reaching their goals in a welcoming, results-driven environment.

Training Schedule

Classes Offered:

6:00 AM, 4:00 PM, 5:20 PM, 6:00 PM

Open Gym Available:

5:00 AM, 11:15 AM, 6:00 PM

What Sets Freedom Fitness Apart

• Experienced, certified coaches with years of hands-on strength and conditioning expertise

• Coach-led classes focused on proper form, safety, and progression

• Prime, convenient location in the heart of the community

• Programming designed for all fitness levels—from beginners to advanced athletes

• Supportive and encouraging atmosphere that keeps members motivated and accountable

Why Strength Training Matters

• Builds lean muscle and increases metabolism

• Improves bone density and reduces the risk of injury

• Enhances balance, mobility, and overall functional movement

• Supports heart health, mental well-being, and long-term independence

• Helps prevent chronic disease and promotes healthy aging

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

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

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

Obituary

Obituary of Joyce Ann Buffalo

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Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Joyce Ann Buffalo unexpectedly passed away on January 3, 2026. She was born on December 15, 1947, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to Jarvey Stephenson and Sue (Lawrence) Stephenson. The family moved to Kankakee, Illinois when Joyce was five years old where she grew up and attended school. Joyce had a passion for cooking and helping others that can be seen throughout her career. She spent eight years working for St. Mary Hospital and Our Lady of Victoria Nursing Home in nutritional services. In Kankakee, she worked for Aramark while raising four daughters. Later in her career, she was transferred to Kansas where she handled nutritional services at Mercy Hospitals in Independence and Fort Scott. After fifteen years at Aramark, she moved to Fort Scott, Kansas and worked at Tri-Valley. She worked there for four years before retiring and moving to Oklahoma.

After retiring, Joyce built a new life with her husband Arthur Robinson Buffalo Jr. who she married on February 22, 2012. They enjoyed camping, antiquing, and attending grandkids’ events until his passing in January of 2016. Following his passing, she moved back to Fort Scott, Kansas where she spent her days spoiling her dog, Coco, enjoying daily meals with her friend Doug, and spending time with family. Joyce will forever be remembered for her sassiness, orneriness, and wit. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy. She loved spending time with family and regaling us all with fun filled stories that kept us on our toes.

She is survived by three daughters, Kristi (Tommy) George of Fort Scott, Shellie Snyder of Oklahoma, and Diana (Dan) Lange of Kansas City. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Ashley (Josh) George, Amanda Harper, Joyce (Daniel) Golden, Draven George, Landry George, Cooper George, Jordan Snyder, Lakin Snyder, Christopher Snyder, Jacob Snyder, and Kody Lange, and sixteen great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Arthur Buffalo, her son Michael, her daughter Lynette Steeby, her sister Janie, and her parents Jarvey Stephenson, Sue Duffield, and Arthur Duffield.

Forever in our hearts, her life was a blessing, and her memory is our treasure.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 10th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in 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.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

CHC/SEK Names Vice President of Environmental Services 

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PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce Ginger Hubbard has been named Vice President of Environmental Services.

“This promotion reflects not only Ginger’s outstanding performance, but a consistent commitment to excellence, leadership, and service. We are grateful for the impact she has made and excited for what’s ahead,” said Ross Turney, CHC/SEK Chief Finance Officer.
Hubbard joined the CHC/SEK team in 2012. She has more than 30 years of experience in professional environmental services and holds certifications in hospitality management and facility and maintenance management. She is also a member of the Association for the Health Care Environment and the American Society for Health Care Engineering.

Most recently, Hubbard served as the Director of Environmental Services, supervising the housekeeping needs of all CHC/SEK clinic locations as well as five school clinics, organizing events and fundraisers, overseeing the daily operations of Stuckey’s Café, and managing operations and reservations for student housing. In addition to her current responsibilities, Ginger will oversee the daily operations and work of the CHC/SEK maintenance department in her new role.
Hubbard says she is motivated by service and committed to providing strong behind-the-scenes support to ensure frontline success. “I’ve enjoyed building the environmental services and café teams, and in my new role, I look forward to supporting great work of the maintenance staff,” said Hubbard. “Our environmental services, maintenance, and facilities teams have always worked well together, supporting one another to ensure work is completed in a timely manner to help ensure that our staff and patients have a great experience at CHC.”
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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

 

 

 

 

 

Area News, Youth

Heartland REC Expands Future Foundations Scholarship Program to 12 Awards

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Taken from the Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative website.

GIRARD, Kan.  — Applications are now open for the 2026 Future Foundations Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships of $1,000 each to high school seniors who live in homes served by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative and are preparing for careers in high-demand fields.

This year marks an expansion from eight scholarships to 12, with three scholarships available in each of Heartland’s four voting districts.

The program provides financial support to students in Heartland-served households who are pursuing careers in nursing, teaching, and the skilled trades at Kansas-based schools.

“We’re seeing a critical need for skilled workers across our communities,” said Doug Graham, Heartland REC Communication Specialist. “Whether it’s nurses, teachers, or tradespeople, these careers are essential to ensuring our rural communities can continue to thrive.”

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a current high school senior with a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Live in a household served by Heartland REC
  • Plan to enroll in a Kansas-based trade school, training program, or college for fall 2026
  • Be pursuing a career in nursing, teaching, or a skilled trade including linework, plumbing, HVAC, construction, IT, and others

Applicants must submit a completed application form, two letters of recommendation, and an official high school transcript by end of day Friday, March 13, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be selected through a random drawing and notified by April 1, 2026.

Complete eligibility requirements and the application form are available at heartland-rec.com. Questions can be directed to Doug Graham at (620) 724-5526 or [email protected].

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. powers rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes members in 12 counties, including Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties.

Heartland REC is a non-profit, member-owned cooperative that traces its roots back to three original rural electric cooperatives: Cooperative Electric Power & Light Company in Iola, Sugar Valley Electric Cooperative Association in Mound City, and Sekan Electric Cooperative Association in Girard. Cooperative Electric Power & Light Company joined with Sugar Valley in 1975 to form United Electric Cooperative; United Electric Cooperative joined with Sekan Electric Cooperative Association in 1996