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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces Data Protection Victory in USDA SNAP Data Request

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~~USDA’s New Agreement Protects Kansans’ Personal Information from Foreign Entities, Addresses Concerns with Scope of Data Request~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that her administration has secured an agreement from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that protects Kansans’ personal private data from being shared with foreign governments and complies with state and federal privacy laws related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The agreement also ensures that after the data is shared, USDA will cancel its disallowance letter, ending USDA’s efforts to disallow Kansas’ SNAP funds.

“The USDA’s decision to adhere to the DCF’s terms ensures that Kansans’ private, personal information, including full social security numbers, will not be shared with foreign governments,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Kansas has complied with federal and state laws throughout this entire process and all we have wanted is for the USDA to do the same. In reaching this agreement, we have successfully preserved Kansans’ privacy against the threat posed by the USDA’s initial request that amounted to federal overreach and violation of data protection laws.”

From the onset of the USDA’s far-reaching data request, Governor Kelly and her administration have remained consistent that until concerns about data protection were addressed, Kansas could not legally turn over the data. Now that these concerns have been addressed, data sharing is possible.

The USDA initially demanded that DCF turn over the private, legally protected, personal information of all Kansans and members of their households who have received, or applied for, SNAP benefits in the last 5 years. The USDA’s request included provisions allowing for Kansans’ personal information—which includes full Social Security numbers and dates of birth—to be shared with foreign governments.

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.

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).

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Area News

CFSEK Celebrates 25th Anniversary

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Submitted photo.

 

CFSEK Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is celebrating its 25th anniversary throughout 2026. This release is the first part of CFSEK’s new story series honoring the 25-year history of the organization, while also looking ahead to the next 25 years of positive impact in Southeast Kansas.

Wednesday, February 28th, 2001, was a day of philanthropic beginnings in Southeast Kansas that would create a positive impact for decades to come, even if the 23 community leaders present didn’t fully realize it at the time. That afternoon at Crestwood Country Club, the Pittsburg Area Community Foundation was founded to serve the people of the Pittsburg area.

Growing quickly, in May of 2005, it was determined that the name should be changed to the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas because the organization was already serving communities outside of Pittsburg and Crawford County. What started as a goal of serving people in one community quickly grew into a dream of helping people throughout the entire Southeast Kansas region.

“It’s incredible to see how a simple goal set by a small group of community leaders blossomed into a regional powerhouse for good,” said CFSEK Executive Director Devin Gorman. “Over the last 25 years, CFSEK has become the bridge between passionate donors and the most pressing needs of our communities, proving that when Southeast Kansans pull together, we can do incredible things. ”

In the 25 years since CFSEK’s founding, more than $28 million has been reinvested directly back into Southeast Kansas to causes and projects that help make our corner of the state a great place to call home!

“The $28 million we’ve granted since 2001 represents more than just a number; it represents new programs and services, new community amenities, vital healthcare support, thousands of student scholarships, critical support for our local nonprofits, and so much more. Past leaders of this organization have succeeded in growing from a single office into a regional catalyst for change that touches every corner of Southeast Kansas,” said Gorman.

CFSEK has seen many changes over the past 25 years. The Foundation’s physical growth mirrors its community impact—moving from a single, borrowed office at the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce to its current home in the Commerce Bank building, and expanding from a lone part-time employee to a dedicated full-time staff of six. Through it all, the goal has stayed the same: benefiting the common good and the quality of life in Southeast Kansas.

“Our first quarter-century was about building a foundation of trust and generosity that would be a permanent resource for our region. The next 25 years will be about building on that legacy—ensuring that Southeast Kansas remains a vibrant, thriving place to call home for future generations,” said Gorman.

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.

Fort Scott

March 3, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Agenda Summary

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Fort Scott City Hall.

City Commission Meeting Agenda Summary – March 3, 2026

3-3-26 Agenda

Agenda Outline: First Page

I. Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Flag Salute IV. Invocation V. Approval of Agenda VI. Proclamations and Recognitions

  • A. Special recognition for city service awards.

  • B. Mayor’s announcement regarding upcoming community events.

VII. Consent Agenda

  • A. Approval of Minutes: Draft minutes from the February 17, 2026, meeting.

  • B. Appropriation Ordinances: Approval of city expenditures and financial reports.

  • C. Licensing: Review and approval of local business and occupational licenses.

Detailed Packet Summary

1. February 17, 2026 Meeting Minutes (Pages 2–8)

The draft minutes provide a comprehensive record of the previous commission meeting. Key highlights include:

  • Public Comments: Summary of citizen input regarding local infrastructure and utility rates.

  • Old Business: Updates on ongoing park renovations and the downtown revitalization project.

  • Commission Action: Unanimous approval of the new city lighting contract.

2. Financial Reports and Appropriation Ordinances (Pages 9–15)

This section details the city’s current financial standing:

  • Expenditure Review: Breakdown of departmental spending for the latter half of February.

  • Revenue Update: Analysis of tax collections and utility payments compared to the projected budget.

  • Audit Report: Briefing on the preliminary findings of the annual external audit.

3. Public Works Projects (Pages 16–22)

Information regarding upcoming and current infrastructure improvements:

  • Street Maintenance: A schedule for the spring pothole repair and resurfacing initiative.

  • Water Treatment Facility: Technical specifications for the proposed upgrade to the filtration system.

  • Bid Awards: Review of construction bids for the East Side Drainage Project.

4. Planning and Zoning Recommendations (Pages 23–29)

The Planning Commission submitted several items for final approval:

  • Rezoning Requests: Proposals for three residential-to-commercial conversions in the North district.

  • Land Use Plan: Draft updates to the 2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

  • Signage Variances: Evaluation of a variance request for the new hospital facility.

5. New Business and Communications (Pages 30–35)

  • Grant Applications: Authorization to apply for the state-funded “Clean Water” grant.

  • Legal Briefings: Updates on pending municipal court administrative changes.

  • Director Reports: Monthly performance summaries from the Fire, Police, and Parks departments.

Obituary

Obituary of Janice (Jan) Elliott

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Jan (Janice when she was in trouble) Elliott, 70, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at home with family by her side. She was born in August of 1955 to Charles and Virginia (Christner) Urano in Greeley, Colorado. Jan graduated from University High School in Greeley and attended Aims Community College.

In July of 1981 Jan married Dave Elliott and they raised one son, Steven. In 1993 the family moved to Ft. Scott, Kansas from Greeley. Jan worked as a paraeducator for USD234 schools for 24 years and became quite skilled in assisting students with autism to be successful. All of the students she touched, either at school or at the Keyhole Youth Center, knew that while she wouldn’t put up with much nonsense, she truly loved them and wanted to help them be the best they could be.

Jan retired in 2017 and enjoyed collecting, repainting and repairing Breyer horses. She staged these models in dioramas and successfully competed in photo competitions. She was an avid writer, creating many wonderful stories. She also enjoyed attending card making classes and sending the cards to family and friends. Throughout her life, Jan loved pets and the house was always full of critters, often to Dave’s dismay. One of her favorite pastimes was fishing and the family enjoyed many such outings with the boat.

Jan was well known for folding paper cranes for friends or family who were ill. Following Japanese tradition, she would fold and send 1000 paper cranes to each person as a wish and prayer for good health. She estimated that she folded easily over 10,000 paper cranes for others.

Jan is survived by her husband, Dave, of the home and their son Steven, daughter-in-law Nicole, and grandson Charlie, all of Ft. Scott. She is also survived by a brother, Ron Urano, of O’Fallon Illinois, and many friends who were very much part of the family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Y. and Virginia Christner Urano and a brother, David Urano.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Updated 2026 Unsung Heroes Directory!

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Updated 2026
Unsung Heroes Directory!
The updated 2026 Unsung Heroes includes 10 new individuals! Explore these remarkable stories for the 2026 ARTEFFECT competition projects.
New 2026 Unsung Heroes:

  • Byllye Avery is a caring teacher and powerful health care activist who helped Black women get better access to reproductive health services and fair treatment.
  • Alex Bernal was a Mexican American homeowner whose courage in challenging racist housing laws helped weaken housing segregation and advance civil rights in the United States.
  • Margaret Bourke-White became one of America’s most daring and famous photographers, capturing major world events with her camera and breaking barriers for women in photojournalism.
  • Dr. May Edward Chinn was a pioneering physician who overcame racial and gender barriers to provide medical care in Harlem and help advance early cancer detection in the United States.
  • Ada Deer was a Menominee leader who fought to restore tribal rights and worked in government to protect Indigenous American sovereignty and self-determination.
  • Lois Gibbs was a powerful environmental leader who fought toxic pollution to protect children, families, and communities.
  • Patricia Goldman‑Rakic was a pioneering neuroscientist whose groundbreaking research on the prefrontal cortex and working memory transformed our understanding of the human brain.
  • Dr. Alice Hamilton was a brave doctor and scientist who studied dangerous workplace chemicals and helped create laws that made jobs safer for workers in the United States and around the world.
  • Yuri Kochiyama was a lifelong civil rights activist who fought for justice, equality, and solidarity among different communities by standing up to racism, supporting political prisoners, and working alongside leaders like Malcolm X.
  • Patsy Mink was a pioneering U.S. Congresswoman from Hawaii whose leadership helped expand civil and women’s rights, especially through co-authoring Title IX, which banned gender discrimination in federally funded education.
Download Unsung Heroes Directory – PDF
The full list of over 140 approved Unsung Heroes is also available to view and sort using this downloadable and interactive PDF.
ARTEFFECT Competition
Steps to Participate
Review the Rules and Guidelines
Now that you have completed the first step and selected your Unsung Hero, it is time for Step 2: take time to read through the competition Rules and Guidelines. This page will guide you through eligibility requirements and use of Artificial Intelligence as well as steps to creating an artwork, writing an Impact Statement, and submitting your project! You can also review answers to the Frequently Asked Questions.

The Competition Submission Guide is a great resource that will walk participants through every step to make sure you know what to expect when working on your ARTEFFECT submission!
Review the Rules and Guidelines
Remembering the Holocaust Session
View Recording and Download Lesson Plan
You can now access the lesson plan and recording for the Remembering the Holocaust professional development session led by Megan Helberg. 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:
View Recording
Download Lesson Plan
Next week, ARTEFFECT will be in Chicago for the NAEA 2026 Conference from March 5 to 7. Stop by, say hello, and grab a promo packet!
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
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Government, Kansas

KS Wildfire Response Efforts

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Governor Kelly Signs Executive Order to
Allow Relief from Transportation Restrictions
for Wildfire Response Efforts


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed Executive Order 26-01 to waive certain requirements for commercial motor vehicle carriers and drivers that are assisting in providing relief from the wildfires impacting parts of Kansas.

“As Kansas communities grapple with the impacts of these damaging wildfires, it’s essential that they have access to additional resources for response and recovery efforts,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “In signing this executive order, we’re taking a critical step to facilitate the delivery of hay and other supplies that our farmers and ranchers need for fire suppression and emergency recovery.”

On February 15, 2026, Governor Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster declaration in response to the wildland fires, followed by a written state of disaster declaration signed on February 24. Several large fires have caused extensive damage to Kansans’ property, including agricultural land. The February 15 emergency proclamation waives certain hours of service requirements for commercial motor vehicle carriers and drivers under the conditions of providing direct assistance during an emergency for up to 14 days from the date of Governor Kelly’s verbal state of disaster declaration. Executive Order 26-01 waives certain dimension restrictions and permit fees for motor carriers participating in restoration and relief efforts.

Motor carriers participating in restoration and relief efforts must still obtain the requisite over-dimension permits as required by the Kansas Department of Transportation, but fees associated with these permits have been temporarily waived. Permits may be obtained here.

Additional information on Executive Order 26-01, including requirements and exemptions for carriers and drivers, can be found here. A copy of the written state of disaster declaration is available here.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Urges Congressional Action on Year-Round E15

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TOPEKA – As the agricultural trade landscape continues to be unpredictable and everyday costs high, Governor Laura Kelly urges Congress to take action to authorize year-round E15 sales nationwide. Authorization of year-round E15 sales will create increased domestic demand for Kansas corn and grain sorghum while lowering gas costs for Kansans. Currently eight states have received EPA approval to opt out of the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for E10, effectively allowing E15 sales year-round in those states. Governor Kelly released the below statement regarding year-round E15 sales.

“While I have resisted opting out of the EPA waiver for the State of Kansas in favor of following the nationwide emergency waiver for the years of 2022 through 2025, the reliance on the granting of this emergency waiver continues to cause stress on our fuel retailers and agricultural industry.

“Congress can eliminate this patchwork of regulatory relief by implementing a nation-wide solution to this issue and providing regulatory certainty for industry and lower gas prices for Americans. Failure to do so will continue to harm demand for Kansas corn and grain sorghum at a time when supplies are at record levels and prices are depressed.

“Further delay of a national solution to this issue by Congress will cause me to give strong consideration to submitting a request to join the eight other states who have received EPA approval to sell E15 year-round. The deadline to submit this waiver request is April 1, 2026.”

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Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

2026 CHC/SEK Community Health Needs Assessment

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Regional Health Challenges Highlighted in New CHC/SEK Study

PITTSBURG, Kan.—The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) has released the results of its 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment—a detailed look at the biggest health challenges facing people in Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma. The organization conducts this study every three years to determine what matters most when it comes to healthcare and how best to help.

To create the assessment, CHC/SEK staff talked directly with patients through surveys, interviews, and group discussions. Additionally, staff consulted a wide variety of public health data as well as needs assessments from other local health organizations. The organization’s board of directors, many of whom are patients themselves, helped guide the work.

“At CHC/SEK, listening is at the heart of what we do. Our neighbors know what they need when it comes to healthcare, and as a local organization, we’re committed to hearing them as we plan ahead,” said Jason Wesco, CHC/SEK President and Chief Strategy Officer.

Why Where You Live Matters for Your Health
CHC/SEK staff looked at how living conditions affect people’s ability to get care and stay healthy. Studies show that up to 70% of a person’s health is shaped by their environment outside the doctor’s office—where they are born, where they live, and where they work. Especially in rural areas, these everyday conditions create major obstacles to good health and contribute to higher disease rates.

What’s Getting in the Way
CHC/SEK identified several barriers to better health in the region:

  • Fewer people living in rural areas and changing demographics
  • Struggles with poverty and finances
  • Shortage of healthcare providers and difficulty accessing care
  • Challenges with housing and community infrastructure
  • Lack of affordable childcare
  • Social isolation and weak community connections
  • Gaps in education and unhealthy habits

Top Health Problems
The region sees higher-than-average rates of chronic disease, mental health issues, and preventable deaths. The most common health problems include heart disease, cancer, obesity and lack of physical activity, diabetes, mental health conditions, substance use, lung disease, pregnancy and infant health challenges, injuries and accidental deaths, and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

What Comes Next
Based on what was learned, CHC/SEK has developed a strategic plan that includes specific programs, more efficient use of resources, and partnerships with other organizations—all aimed at tackling health challenges while making care easier to access and focusing on prevention.

“Our region faces serious challenges: a shrinking population, widespread poverty, fewer healthcare resources, and rising costs. Healthcare providers can’t just keep doing things the old way—we need new approaches to long-standing problems,” said Wesco. “Working together isn’t optional; it’s essential if we want healthier communities. We hope this report sparks conversations and leads to action as we build a healthier future for everyone.”

The full CHC/SEK Community Health Needs Assessment is available at chcsek.org/2026/02/2026-chna.

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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.

 

 

Government, Kansas

KS Supreme Court, Court of Appeals now give advance notice of decisions to be released

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Supreme Court, Court of Appeals now give advance notice of decisions to be released

TOPEKA—The Kansas judicial branch website has a new feature that gives visitors advance notice of decisions to be released by appellate courts.

 

The search decisions page at https://searchdro.kscourts.gov/ has two new options: buttons titled Anticipated Decisions and Released Decisions.

 

Selecting Anticipated Decisions produces a list of case numbers with simple captions and county of origin for both published and unpublished decisions the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals anticipate they will release Friday morning. The anticipated decisions list will be available after 2 p.m. on Wednesdays.

 

Selecting Released Decisions produces a list of case numbers with simple captions, county of origin, and disposition from both appellate courts. The list will be available after 9:30 a.m. on Friday.

 

“We’ve heard from lawyers, news reporters, and others how helpful it is to know beforehand when we plan to release a decision,” said Chief Justice Eric Rosen. “These new features are to give notice and make it easier for people to find decisions of interest.”

 

Rosen clarified it’s always possible a decision will not be released as anticipated and added it should be rare.

 

The search decisions page allows searching by keyword, date, court, and published or unpublished. Its default display is a list of recent case decisions in chronological order from newest to oldest. It also has a link to another page that lists decisions by court and release date.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

www.kscourts.gov

 
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Fort Scott, Schools

Early Childhood Spring Fling is April 23

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On behalf of the USD 234 School District, we would like to invite you to the 2026 Early Childhood Spring Fling.  This year’s event will be held on Thursday, April 23rd from 5:00-6:30 PM at the Fort Scott Preschool Center.  All children ages birth-six years old and their families are invited to attend.

 

For this event, we are asking family resource providers and community partners to bring an interactive activity for students and families. We will provide space and a table for your activity. During the event, you will also have an opportunity to visit with families and distribute flyers, handouts, giveaways, etc. Our goal is for children and families to interact, be active, and learn about the resources available in our community.  If you are a preschool or childcare provider, please share the attached flyer with your families.  We also welcome you to set up an activity and table for your program.

If you plan to attend our event, please complete the short form below by Friday, April 17th so we can have a table reserved for your organization.  If you have questions, please let me know.

 

Spring Fling Registration

 

Nick Johnson, FSPC Principal

[email protected]

(620) 223-8965