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Business, Government, Kansas, Sports

New Domed Chiefs Stadium and Training Facility Coming to Kansas

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Gov. Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs
Announce Agreement On Plans for
State-of-the-Art Domed Stadium in Kansas

Gov. Kelly: “This is a game-changer for Kansas”

New stadium and mixed-use entertainment project is expected to create 20,000 jobs and generate more than $4 billion in economic impact for state

TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas City Chiefs today announced that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility and mixed-use development in Kansas. The project will be a massive economic win for the state, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for Kansas. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact.

The agreement includes two distinct parts: (1) a $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County, which will open at the start of the 2031 NFL season; and (2) a new Chiefs headquarters and training facility in the City of Olathe in Johnson County. Both sites will have mixed-use developments that could include sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel and residential properties.

“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium, we’re creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we’re continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family,” Gov. Kelly said. “This is a game-changer for Kansas, and it’s a signal to America and the world that our state’s future is very bright.”

The agreement was approved today by the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) with strong bipartisan support.  It will be a public-private partnership between the state and the Chiefs organization – and it will require no funds from the current state budget and no new taxes on Kansans. A fact sheet of the agreement and the independent Economic Impact Study can be found here.

“Today is an extraordinary day in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “We are excited to partner with the State of Kansas to bring a world-class stadium to our fans. This project represents another step in our legacy of innovation and our fan-first mentality, which started with my father, Lamar Hunt. The stadium, practice facility, and surrounding development will benefit the entire region, and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the country and the world.”

“This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts’ generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America’s greatest fan bases. The Chiefs’ new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether it’s playoff games, concerts or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement.”

The Chiefs announcement adds to the Kelly-Toland administration’s unprecedented streak of winning business investment projects that create jobs and grow Kansas’ economy. Since 2019, Kansas has attracted more than $30 billion committed capital investment and created or retained almost 78,000 jobs.

“Kansas has had a streak of big economic wins, but nothing is bigger than this. This is truly once-in-a-generation,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, who led the state team that negotiated the deal with the Chiefs. “This happened because we brought Democrats and Republicans together to do what was best for Kansas – landing our state a huge economic win, without requiring a single dollar from the state budget or a tax increase on Kansans. This historic win is the latest in a series of major economic wins for Kansas, including the Panasonic headquarters, which all tell the same story: the future for Kansas, its workers and its economy is very exciting.”

“This is an extraordinary economic win for our state thanks to the effort of Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Toland,” said Christal Watson, Mayor & CEO Unified Government of Wyandotte KCK. “All of us in Wyandotte and Kansas City, Kansas are excited to work with the Chiefs and are committed to driving results that strengthen our region and uplift our community.”

“This deal is a once-in-a-generation type of opportunity for our community and region. Having the Chiefs headquarters and training facilities here in Johnson County will be huge for our local economy – and a lot of fun for our families,” said John Bacon, Mayor of Olathe. “We’re eager to get to work, and are committed to ensuring the process – and the result – are first class, something everyone in Olathe – and all across Chiefs Kingdom – can be proud of.”

“Today, Kansas won the Super Bowl,” said Senate President Ty Masterson. “This is a huge win for Kansas. Now, we get to watch our beloved Chiefs play right here at home, keeping jobs and tax dollars right here in Kansas. Best of all, this will not cost one more penny for Kansas taxpayers.”

“Here in Kansas, we love the Chiefs, and we also love a good deal for taxpayers. So this is a win-win,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins said.

The project will be financed through a public-private partnership (60% public – 40% private). The public portion is funded through Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds and the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund – both funding mechanisms established specifically for this purpose – to ensure that there will be no new state taxes and no impact on the state budget.  The STAR bonds were authorized today by a bipartisan vote of the Legislative Coordinating Council. The STAR bonds have two components: (1) It allows the state to designate a portion of new state sales tax revenues generated by this project in neighboring communities to fund this project; (2) It allows Wyandotte County and the City of Olathe to designate a portion of their local sales tax revenue generated by this project to pay for it. For more on STAR bonds, click here.

The Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund was established by the legislature to dedicate revenue generated from iLottery and sports betting to recruit professional sports teams.

The Hunt Family is also committing to $1 billion in additional development, a portion of which can also be incentivized by STAR bonds.

For more information, visit www.kansascommerce.gov/chiefs-media-kit.

A photo is available for media use here.

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Obituary

Obituary of Darlena G. Durossette

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Darlena G. Durossette, age 76, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.  She was born January 13, 1949, in Lafayette, Indiana, the daughter of J. B. McBeath and Donna Harboldt McBeath.  Darlena was raised by her mother and stepfather, Bill Payne.  Darlena married Jimmie V. Durossette on March 2, 1968, at Belton, Missouri.  While living in Belton, Darlena was employed by Christian Missions and was able to take a trip to the Holy Land.  Darlena and Jimmie then moved to Peculiar, Missouri where she was employed by Kuhlman Die Casting.  After moving to Ft. Scott, Darlena worked for Superior Industries in Pittsburg, Kansas until that factory closed.  She was currently employed as a checkout clerk at the Ft. Scott Walmart.  Darlena loved Elvis music and collecting Elvis memorabilia.  She was also a great fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Survivors include her two children, Jimmie Durossette (Orpha) and Michelle Houser (Mack) all of Ft. Scott; four grandchildren, Michael, Samantha, Matthew (Autumn) and Denver; three step-grandchildren, Genna, Virgil and James and nine great-grandchildren, Deven, Annie, Zane, Joanna, Logan, Chase, Everleigh, Brynlee and Tomi.  Darlena was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie, on October 31, 2015.  She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Rachelle and her twin sister, Marlena Young.

There was cremation.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Saturday, December 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government

Newsletter of U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

This past week saw progress on several legislative efforts that have been months in the making. Some cleared the House of Representatives and will now be considered by the Senate, while three bills I’ve been working on won final approval in both houses and were signed into law by President Trump.

On Wednesday, the Senate passed the House-amended National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA) (S. 1071) on a bipartisan vote of 77-20. The bill then made its way to the White House where President Trump signed the bill on Thursday evening. As I have long said, our Armed Forces must remain the most capable and lethal military force in the world. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am pleased to have contributed to that effort – for Kansans and for our nation.

The NDAA also included bills  I cosponsored that will improve public safety, which are:

  • Protect Our Children Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 1274) reauthorizes and strengthens the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program. This legislation authorizes increased funding for ICACs, updates the national strategy to prevent child exploitation, and strengthens ICAC task forces.
  • Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025 (H.R. 1236) expands the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program to include retired officers who are killed or permanently disabled in targeted attacks due to their prior service.
  • Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (H.R. 1269) ensures the death or permanent disability of a public safety officer due to an exposure-related cancer is presumed a personal injury sustained in the line of duty under the Public Service Officer Benefits program when certain conditions are met. I heard from several constituents how important this legislation is to Kansas firefighters; I appreciated that input and was happy to support it.

On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee debated and voted on several bills. I am a cosponsor of the Medal of Sacrifice Act (H.R. 3497) introduced by Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), which would establish a formal recognition by the President of the United States for law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. I consulted with our Kansas officials who operate the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial in Topeka, and with their input, offered an amendment to the bill that will make it work better in practice. During debate, I told the Judiciary Committee about the four Kansas officers killed in the line of duty this year.

Rep. Derek Schmidt (KS-2) during consideration of the Medal of Sacrifice Act (H.R. 3497) in the House Judiciary Committee. Click here to watch full remarks.

Throughout the week, the House debated and passed legislation to address border security, rising healthcare costs, and rising energy costs. I supported the following:

  • Kayla Hamilton Act (H.R. 4371) would ensure the federal government conducts a proper review of unaccompanied migrant children entering our country.
  • Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act (H.R. 6703) would lower insurance premium costs by at least 11% through cost-sharing reduction payments that would stabilize the insurance individual market.
  • SPEED Act (H.R. 4776) would amend the National Environment Policy Act of 1969 to streamline the environmental review process.
  • Reliable Power Act (H.R. 3616) would ensure future federal regulations that impact power generation will not harm electric reliability.
Constituent Services

My team stands ready to help Kansans in the Second Congressional District who are dealing with unresolved federal issues. This includes assistance with the VA, Social Security, the IRS, and other federal agencies.

 

If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency and need assistance, please call my office at (785) 205-5253 or fill out the form on our website.
Around the District

Recently, I was in Emporia to participate in Wreaths Across America. What an honor and privilege it was to pay tribute to those who served our great country and to help pass along to our next generation the service and sacrifice that built our country and has kept us free. I was also in Topeka to help at the Kansas Children’s Service League Red Stocking Breakfast. I’ve been a longtime supporter of KCSL and the great work they do with kids, and I’m grateful for their dedication. It’s always good to be home!
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

A Season of Gratitude and Holiday Wishes From Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heros

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December 20, 2025

Vol. 15

Warmest Wishes this Holiday Season

Do you know a student who loves history,

storytelling, or creative research?

The Discovery Award invites students in grades 4–12 to explore the life of an Unsung Hero and share their story through a documentary, performance, or website—connecting the past to the present in meaningful ways.

🗓️ Entries are due July 1. Open to U.S. and international students, the competition offers over $25,000 in prizes and national recognition.

Planning an outing for your class,

organization, or community group?

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes offers engaging group tours that inspire learners of all ages through history, storytelling, and interactive exhibits.

📅 Reserve your tour:
📧 [email protected]
📞 620-223-1312

Follow Along for More Inspiring Stories

Stay connected as we share more interviews with Discovery Award-winning students and educators, introduce new Unsung Heroes, and celebrate the projects bringing history to life.
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Opinion

A Light Sleeper by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Hayward Tucker
A Light Sleeper

When a woman has her first baby, her sleeping routine immediately changes because her ears are attuned to the newborn’s cry. Yes, the mother sleeps but her ears do not. I became a light sleeper from the time my babies were born until many years later. Listening and acting upon the newborn’s faintest cry is imperative for a child’s healthy psyche. A deep bond of love is established during these tender, early years.

If believers want to mature in the Lord properly and be spiritually strong, we must attune our ears and hearts to listen for God’s still, small voice. Personally, I believe He’s speaking every day, but if we’re
afraid to be quiet and put life on mute for a few minutes, we simply can’t hear Him above the roar of our culture. Everything God says to us is important, even if you think it’s not. For example, God may be
impressing upon you to reach out to someone but you procrastinate and never get around to it.

If you ever hope to do big things for God, then you have to start by being obedient in the little things. And what you might consider little, the person you neglected could possibly consider it big. For example, someone feeling sad and lonely could be greatly encouraged by a phone call if only you’d take the time to
do it!

Some believers have the mistaken idea that when God speaks to us it will be grandiose, earth-shattering, and loud. Scripture indicates that’s not usually God’s style. Let’s refer to when God spoke to the prophet Elijah: “’Go out and stand before Me on the mountain,’ the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and
went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” (I Kings 19:11-13 NLT).

God already knew what Elijah was doing, but He asked the question just to get Elijah to think straight. The following anonymous quote is from an old “Way of Faith” publication: “The reason that many of us
do not know and better understand God is we do not give heed to His gentle checks, His delicate restraints and constraints. His is a still, small voice. A still voice can hardly be heard. It must be felt as a steady, gentle pressure upon the heart and mind like the touch of a morning zephyr to your face. A small voice, quietly, almost timidly spoken in your heart, but if heeded growing noiselessly clearer to your inner ear. His voice is for the ear of love, and love is intent upon hearing even faintest whispers. He is love, and if you would know Him and His voice, we must give constant ear to His gentle touches. Simply listen, obey and trust God even when it seems highest folly to do so.”

The Key: Be a light sleeper toward God’s still, small voice. And then act upon it to form a strong and loving relationship with Him.

K-State Extension

Low-Cost Tree and Shrub Seedlings Now Available by Krista Harding

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Low-Cost Tree and Shrub Seedlings Now Available

The Kansas Forest Service is once again offering low-cost conservation tree and shrub seedlings for purchase. These plants are ideal for a variety of conservation uses, including home or livestock windbreaks, living snow fences, Christmas tree plantations, firewood lots, wildlife habitat, property line markers, noise barriers, and screening undesirable views.

Seedlings are 1–2 years old and range from 12–18 inches tall, depending on species. Most are bare-root, though some—such as ponderosa pine and southwestern white pine—are available as container-grown seedlings. Deciduous options include bald cypress, black walnut, bur oak, cottonwood, hackberry, redbud, and sycamore. Shrub selections include American plum, chokecherry, lilac, and sandhill plum. (This is not a complete list, and not all species are recommended for every area.)

The Kansas Forest Service also offers themed “bundles.”
The Quail Bundle includes a mix of shrubs—American plum, fragrant sumac, golden currant, and chokecherry—chosen to attract quail and improve upland bird habitat in eastern Kansas. It was developed in cooperation with Quail Forever.

The Pollinator Bundle is designed to support a diverse range of pollinating insects, including native bees, honeybees, butterflies, and moths. It contains seven species of shrubs and small trees: American plum, chokecherry, golden currant, false indigo, elderberry, buttonbush, and eastern redbud.

If you’re unsure about what to order, please contact me at the Extension office, and I’ll be happy to help. Orders are accepted January 2 through April 30, with shipments beginning in March. Ordering early is recommended to ensure availability. To place an order, visit kansasforests.org.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent in the Southwind District. She can be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Government, Kansas

KS Supreme Court Justice Luckert Is Leaving the Court

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Chief Justice Marla Luckert to step back from role 

TOPEKA—Chief Justice Marla Luckert will resign from the office of chief justice on January 2, but she will remain as a justice on the Supreme Court until she retires on a date to be announced.

The Kansas Constitution includes a provision that allows Luckert to step back from her duties as chief justice while she continues to serve as justice. She said it is her intent to finish work on cases she heard before mid-October, when she took medical leave following a stroke.

Luckert said her decision to step back as chief justice and ultimately retire from the Supreme Court was made through careful deliberation, both individually and with her family, and it was not without hesitation.

“When I left Goodland to attend college and law school, I never imagined I would serve on the Supreme Court or as chief justice,” she said. “I achieved far more than I imagined I would as a young woman from rural Kansas, and it has been my great honor to serve Kansans as a judge, justice, and chief justice.”

Luckert was the second woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court and the second to serve as chief justice. She said the privilege to engage in work she loves made her decision to step back and ultimately retire more difficult. She added that knowing she leaves the court in good hands made her decision easier.

Justice Eric Rosen, who has served recently as acting chief justice,  will formally step into the chief justice role on January 2. The role is reserved for the justice who has the most continuous years of service on the court.

“Justice Rosen and I have served side by side for more than 20 years, and I appreciate his leadership serving as acting chief justice these last few months,” Luckert said. “It reassures me to know I will transfer responsibility to his very capable hands.”

Luckert and Rosen both served as district judges in the 3rd Judicial District, a one-county district composed of Shawnee County, before they were appointed to the Supreme Court in 2002 and 2005.

Rosen said he’s grateful for his years working with Luckert and for her guiding influence as chief justice. He noted her efforts to build and strengthen relationships within state government and for ushering the court system through adversity.

“Her tenure as chief justice was fraught with challenge, but she managed it all with unflappable grace,” he said. “Not only did she help us overcome major obstacles, but she also made our court system stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future. I will greatly miss her as a colleague and confidant, but she will always remain both a professional and close personal friend.”

Luckert said she will also resign from her roles on national committees. She currently is chair of the Civil Justice Committee and a member of the Access and Fairness Committees, both of which are joint ventures involving the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators.

She will also resign her position on the Committee on Federal-State Jurisdiction, which is part of the Judicial Conference of the United States, and her service is on the invitation of Chief Justice John Roberts.

Luckert is a fourth-generation native of Sherman County. She has been a Shawnee County resident since enrolling at Washburn University for her undergraduate studies. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a law degree from Washburn University School of Law.

After working 12 years in private practice, she was appointed a district judge for the 3rd Judicial District in 1992. She later served as the district’s chief judge, a role she held for three years. She was the first woman in Kansas appointed to a chief judge role.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

kscourts.gov

 
url    url    url    url    url

Gordon Parks Museum

Happenings At The Gordon Park Museum

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GORDON

PARKS

MUSEUM

December 18, 2025

News, Events & Updates

Martin Luther King, Jr.

2026 Celebration

All events will be held at the

Ellis Fine Arts Center

Join us for a two-day celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., featuring student readings, a documentary film screening, a Lunch and Learn program, and a community food drive.

Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 12:00 p.m.

We will kick off the celebration with a birthday observance of Dr. King, featuring a public reading of “Letter from the Birmingham Jail,” written by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The reading will be presented by students from Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University.

Tomato soup, dessert, birthday cake, and drinks will be provided.

Monday, January 19, 2026 | Day of Service, Lunch and Learn & Film Screening

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Day of Service: Canned & Non-Perishable Food Drive

Food items will be collected from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

PBS Home Video Documentary: In Remembrance of Martin

12:00 p.m.

Lunch and Learn Speaker Presentation:

“The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In”

Presented by Dr. Prisca Barnes

Gumbo soup, drinks, and desserts will be provided by Great Western Dining

We invite the community to join us in honoring Dr. King’s enduring legacy of justice, service, and civic engagement.

All events are free and open to the public.

The full list and details of events can be found below.

Martin Luther King 2026 Celebration Schedule of Events

For more information call the Gordon Parks Museum at

620-223-2700 ext. 5850.
Fort Scott Stories

Book Set Now Available!

Click anywhere on the book cover below to order and purchase your book today!
Fort Scott Stories Books are now available for purchase online, while supplies last! This two volume set is $65 each, plus tax and shipping.

The Gordon Parks Museum, in partnership with photojournalist and documentary filmmaker D. Michael Cheers, 2025 Choice of Weapons Award recipient, proudly presents a special two-volume book – Fort Scott Stories and I Needed Paris, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Gordon Parks’ “Back to Fort Scott.”

This 244-page photo essay book contains wonderful story telling images by various photographers, along with some of Gordon Parks iconic photos he took in 1950.

Documentary Featured Film Premier

Fort Scott Stories
The Gordon Parks Museum, in partnership with photojournalist and documentary filmmaker D. Michael Cheers, recipient of the 2025 Choice of Weapons Award, proudly presents Fort Scott Stories, a feature documentary inspired by Gordon Parks.

​

This documentary offers a compelling look into the heartbeat, character, and vibrancy of today’s Fort Scott, a community rich in history, resilience, and cultural diversity.

Film Premier, Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

More Information Coming Soon.

View the Film Trailer Below

Save the Date:

23rd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration

October 1-3, 2026

More details about the Celebration

will come at a later date.

 

We are looking forward to having you all back in 2026!
festive_christmas_banner.jpg

The Gordon Parks Museum will be closed

along with the FSCC campus for the

Winter/ Christmas break.

We will resume regular hours on January 5, 2026.

We wish everyone a wonderful and safe

Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Follow Us Below!
Find us on the website link below
Gordon Parks Museum Website
Keep in Touch..
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Food, Fort Scott

Hot Wok Restaurant: Open on Christmas Day

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Sending on behalf of
Hot Wok Chinese Buffet

📣 Hot Wok Chinese Buffet 🍜 will be OPEN on Christmas Day! 🎄

11 AM – 8:30 PM

Stop by for your holiday meal — we’d love to serve you!

📍 Address: 1511 S National Ave.

📞 Phone: 620-223-0588

🌐 Website: hotwokchinesebuffet.com

🎁 Gift certificates available for purchase! These make the perfect present for friends & family! ✨

Come enjoy delicious Chinese food with family and friends! 🥢✨

Click HERE for

Hot Wok Chinese Buffet Facebook Page!

Click HERE for

Hot Wok Chinese Buffet 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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Opinion

From the Bleachers-739 BY Dr. Jack Welch

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FROM THE BLEACHERS-739

BY DR. JACK WELCH

Decision or Commitment

There is a powerful difference between making a decision and making a commitment. Most people understand how to decide. Decisions are often easy to speak aloud, easy to applaud, and easy to celebrate in the moment. Commitment, however, is proven only over time. It requires action, discipline, and sometimes sacrifice when enthusiasm fades.

Imagine standing in a church on a wedding day. The groom looks into the eyes of his beautiful bride, his voice trembling, a tear forming as he speaks words of devotion: “Forsaking all others until we are parted by death.” Everyone in the room is moved. The words are strong. The decision is clear. We admire what appears to be a lifelong promise.

Now imagine learning a week later that while the newlyweds were on their honeymoon, the groom was unfaithful. In that instant, the words spoken on the wedding day lose their power. What once sounded noble and heartfelt becomes hollow. The decision he proclaimed was not validated by faithful commitment. Without commitment, words carry no weight.

This distinction matters far beyond personal relationships. It shows up every day in the workplace. Organizations often make decisions in meetings: new initiatives, new expectations, new strategic plans, and bold visions for the future. Departments nod in agreement. Leaders voice support. The decision feels unified and optimistic.

A decision without commitment is little more than wishful thinking. True progress happens only when every department commits to the decision that was made. Commitment means aligning daily actions with the plan, even when it becomes inconvenient or uncomfortable. It means resisting the urge to quietly do things the old way while publicly supporting the new one. It means ownership, accountability, and follow-through.

Being invited into the decision-making process is important. Being heard matters.  Once a direction is set though, commitment is what moves an organization forward. Without it, teams drift, trust erodes, and momentum is lost. Just like in that wedding story, the words may have sounded right, but the actions tell the real story.

Decisions announce intention. Commitments prove character. From the bleachers, it’s easy to cheer when decisions are made. Leadership, however, is revealed in what happens after the applause fades. The question is never, “Did we decide?” The real question is, “Did we commit?” A decision defines direction, but commitment determines distance.

Thought for the Week, “What truly matters is not what we say we will do, but what we faithfully follow through on when no one is watching.” Rodney Southern, Athletic Director/Head Football Coach at Copperas Cove High School

Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.