Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Greg Motley: New Bourbon County Commissioner

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Gregg Motley. Submitted.

 

Gregg Motley was sworn in as commissioner on January 12 during the regularly scheduled Bourbon County Commission meeting.

To learn more https://fortscott.biz/news/new-commissioners-sworn-in

The Bourbon County Commissioners are the chief elected officials of the county, according to the county’s website https://www.bourboncountyks.org/contact-us/. They set policy and procedures for the running of the courthouse and set the budgets for all taxing entities of the county.

Motley represents Bourbon County Commission District #4, which includes most of Southwest Fort Scott, which runs down 69 Highway to Grand Street, then west to about 150th Street, then north to the Marmaton River and back to Fort Scott, he said.

His education

“I have a B.A. in Accounting and Economics from Greenville University and a graduate degree in Bank Management from the University of Virginia.  I am a Lee’s Summit High School graduate.
“My faith informed my decision to run.
” I am a strong believer in our civic responsibility to serve our community and this opportunity seemed to fit my experiences and skill sets.”
His priorities
“Aligned with my business experiences, my priorities are financial stability and responsibility, operational management and economic development. I am also interested in better coordination and cooperation with other government entities in Bourbon County.”
Regularly scheduled meetings are on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at the commission meeting room in the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse at 210 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott.
There are five commission districts in Bourbon County.
Here is a map of the districts:
The five districts in Bourbon County. Submitted graphic.
To contact your commissioner:
District 1 Commissioner Samuel Tran’s office phone: 620.215.5954
District 2, David Beerbower: 620.215.5821.
District 3, Joe Allen, none yet, as per the county clerk’s office.
District 4, Gregg Motley: 620.215.7125.
District 5, Mika Milburn-Kee: 620.215.5880.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

January 23, 2026

 

Property Tax Relief – The CAP Assessment Protection (CAP) Amendment (SCR 1616) has cleared the Senate Tax Committee, moving us closer to protecting Kansans from runaway property tax increases. Currently, there’s no cap on how much a property’s assessed value can rise. It has been reported in the past five years that Kansas saw a 45-52% surge in residential valuations statewide, with an average 26-32% jump in just the last three years. Linn County led the state with a 66% increase. (Thankfully the County has remained neutral since 2021, but other taxing authorities like the schools took all the increase). The CAP Amendment would limit annual assessment growth to 3% or less, using 2022 as the baseline and the limit stays in place even after a sale of the property. County appraisals remain unchanged; the taxable value becomes the lower of the unrestricted assessment or the capped value. By capping the biggest driver of your tax bill—the assessed value—the amendment shields homeowners from inflation-driven tax spikes and addresses the problem of taxes on unrealized gains. It’s a common-sense safeguard to keep Kansans in their homes.

 

Kansas City Chiefs Stadium Deal was discussed in recent House and Senate committee hearings because legislation creating a stadium authority must pass for the project to advance. Hall talk suggests over 100 lobbyists are pushing it. Committee proponents highlighted the revenue the project would generate for the state, but a Wyandotte County representative commented that similar promises for past STAR bond projects fell short. It’s a public-private partnership with approximately 60% public funding (mainly via STAR bonds – sales taxes in the affected area would be used to pay off the bonds). These deals often let private businesses tap taxpayer dollars for their projects.

 

Committee work is the focus at the beginning of any session. This is the stage where a bill, such as the CAP Amendment, undergoes its most rigorous scrutiny before ever reaching the floor of a chamber for a full vote. Committees are where legislators review language of a bill and hear testimony from conferees. During this phase a bill can be amended, refined, or even completely rewritten when the committee “works” a bill. Because committees act as gatekeepers, a bill’s passage out of a committee can be a significant milestone; it signals that the proposal has enough merit and support to be considered by the entire legislative body of the Senate or the House, whichever chamber the bill is currently located.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn Tyson

Kansas Senate, District 12

Government, Kansas

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

Late Thursday afternoon, the House of Representatives passed the remaining annual appropriation bills – Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Transportation and Housing and Urban Development; and Homeland Security. Six of the annual bills are now signed into law and the other six have passed the House and are pending in the Senate. If the Senate is able to finish the job and pass them next week, it would mark the first time in three decades that Congress has done what it is supposed to do by passing the annual government-funding bills. I ran for Congress to help fix a system that had become badly broken, and returning to “regular order” – the process by which government funding decisions are made through annual bills written with input from the entire Congress, not just by a select few – is a big step in the right direction.

Notably, the overall effect of enacting these twelve funding bills would be to have total federal discretionary spending decline rather than increase for the first time in many years. In my view, this is another step in the right direction.

One disappointment in the appropriations work this week was not getting year-around access to E15 into the bill. I’m a strong supporter of E15 because it can bring value to Kansas farmers and much of our rural economy that are really struggling, and it could help without spending any more taxpayer money. To me, it just makes common sense to remove the government restriction on selling E15 and let consumers — not the federal government — decide whether to buy it. We have spent years working toward that goal and had hoped this would be the time it was accomplished, but late opposition kept us from finishing the job despite hours of work throughout this week. I’m still committed to fighting for year-around consumer access to E15, and we’re regrouping to carry the fight forward.

Also this week, the House considered and passed two bills that aim to support pregnant women by authorizing funds to pregnancy centers (H.R. 6945) and resources at higher education institutions to support women carrying a baby to term (H.R. 6359). I was proud to join my colleagues in passing these bills, which now will be considered by the Senate.

On Wednesday, I participated in a House Small Business Committee hearing gathering information about the boom in data center construction in our country and the opportunities and challenges it presents for rural communities. In our Second Congressional District, several communities have made data centers part of their economic development strategy, and I found the information from this hearing helpful. In my view, engaging with the community before construction decisions are made is critically important to hear concerns and address questions, and that was a perspective shared by each of the witnesses who testified.

Also this week, I participated in a House Armed Services Committee briefing on Thursday pertaining to the Defense Health Agency’s efforts to improve the military health system. It was a pleasure to discuss a new provision of law that I helped enact as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act that directs the Department of Veterans Affairs and military medical facilities to cooperate to improve access to healthcare for veterans as well as military personnel and their families. Our focus in particular is on Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley, which has the opportunity to be at the forefront of expanded partnership.

Out of the headlines this week was this good news: General Motors announced this production of the Buick Envision will from China to Kansas City, Kansas. This is another success story in the ongoing work to bring home American investment and jobs to the United States, and I’m very happy the Second Congressional District is benefiting from this move.
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.

It’s always good to be home to meet with Kansans around our district. From last weekend to the beginning of this week, I visited Neodesha to discuss rural healthcare issues at Wilson Medical Center and the opportunities presented by the Rural Health Transformation Program we created last year that is providing an additional $222 million for Kansas rural healthcare providers this year; Fort Scott to receive an update on happenings and needs at the Fort Scott National Historic Site and to meet with the new president of Fort Scott Community College; Atchison for a legislative townhall with local residents; Pittsburg to visit the terrific new childcare facility in the community; and Kansas City to join in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Thank you for the opportunity to visit with you all!
 

 
Government, Kansas

Ken Collins, Kansas State Representative-Second District

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Thoughts From Under the Dome

 

 

Week two of the 2026 Kansas Legislative Session is now in the books and there is a great deal of talk about property tax relief right now and how it can be achieved. A majority of what a property owner pays goes to local governments and school districts so that shifts the focus on possibly limiting valuation increases and there are several proposals floating around at this point so all that I can say right now is to stay tuned.

 

House Bill 2412 also known as Benny’s Bill is my main focus this year when it comes to legislation that I am sponsoring. Benny’s Bill increases the severity levels for crimes relating to endangering a child under the age of six changing what is now a misdemeanor into a felony. The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the bill and while they haven’t voted on it yet as of my writing of this the response that I have received from committee members has been positive. I was greatly impressed by Shelby Cannon and Lisa Eastwood the mother and grandmother of Benny Cannon the child who suffers as a result of day care negligence and was the inspiration for HB 2412.  Jordan Chessher from Project Heaven in Wichita also testified. His organization advocates for stronger laws to protect abused and neglected children. His input was very helpful as well.

 

On a final note I am a cosponsor of House Bill 2473 along with Representatives Brett Fairchild, Stephanie Sawyer-Clayton and others. This bill would eliminate the parental consent exception to the legal age to marry in Kansas of 18. Times have changed and I believe that the once common practice of child marriage never turns out well in this day and age.

 

That’s it for now. I’m wishing the best for everyone and if there are any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out. Ad Astra Per Aspera.

 

 

Government, Kansas

KS Office of Early Childhood First Report Is Submitted to Legislature

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Governor Kelly Announces
Kansas Office of Early Childhood Inaugural
Annual Report Submitted to the Kansas Legislature


TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Office of Early Childhood (KOEC) today announced that the KOEC’s inaugural Annual Report has been submitted to the Kansas Legislature.

“We are making Kansas the premier state to raise a family by building a comprehensive early childhood system that is transparent, efficient, and easier for Kansas families, child care providers, and businesses to navigate,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Establishing the Kansas Office of Early Childhood was a foundational first step in this process. The inaugural Annual Report outlines significant progress toward building a more robust system and provides a pathway to set the Office up for long-term success.”

Once established on July 1, 2026, KOEC will unify over 20 early childhood programs into one central office, providing parents, providers, and communities with a single point of contact for programs and services supporting Kansas children. The submission of the Annual Report to the Kansas Legislature is statutorily required, pursuant to K.S.A. 75-7702.

Nearly 180,000 children under age 5 live in Kansas, and demand for early childhood services remains high, with 67 percent of young children living in households where all available parents are in the workforce. The establishment of KOEC represents a significant step toward simplifying access to programs and services for families, reducing administrative burden for child care providers, and strengthening accountability for public investments. Governor Kelly has appointed Christi Smith to serve as the inaugural director of the office.

“This inaugural report reflects our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement, and it sets clear priorities for the work ahead,” said Christi Smith, Acting Director, Kansas Office of Early Childhood. “It also establishes a precedent for ongoing data reporting on what matters most so we can strengthen services, improve outcomes for Kansas children, and better support the families and providers who care for them. We’re excited to get this important work underway.”

As required by House Bill 2045, the legislation that established KOEC, the Annual Report provides a transparent update on progress to date toward transitioning all programs to KOEC in advance of July 1, 2026, including early operational planning and first-year priorities as Kansas continues to build a more comprehensive early childhood system. The Annual Report is a crucial first step for Kansas in transforming the currently siloed components of the state’s early childhood landscape into a more efficient and effective system.

The inaugural Annual Report outlines recommendations for KOEC’s first year, system performance, and progress toward statewide early childhood goals. Recommendations for KOEC’s first year center on strategic planning to improve resource efficiency, internal organization, field-facing systems, communications, and purposeful collaboration across the early childhood ecosystem.

The inaugural Annual Report be found here.

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Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Meet Today for Workshop

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01/23/26 – 12:00 p.m. – Special Board of Fort Scott Community College Trustees Meeting for purposes of Board Workshop​​​​
01/26/26 – 5:30 p.m. – Regular Board of Trustees Meeting ​​​.
The trustees will meet in the Ellis Center on the campus, 2108 S. Horton.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING

ELLIS FINE ARTS BUILDING

JANUARY 23, 2026 – 12:00 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

 

1.0 Call Meeting to Order

2.0 Flag Salute & Invocation

3.0 Oath of Office by new trustees Destry Brown, Chad Cosens, and Marilyn Hoyt

4.0 Appoint Chair and Clerk for this board meeting (Action)

5.0 Leadership Reports & Updates (Information)

5.1 Academics

  • Vice President of Academic Affairs

5.2 Advancement

  • Foundation Director
    • Gordon Parks Museum
      • Gordon Parks Museum Strategic Plan
      • Thank You notes from visit

5.3 Athletics

  • Athletic Director

5.4 Finance & Operations

  • CFO – Vice President of Finance & Operations
    • Debt Map for FSCC
    • Business Office & Maintenance Update

5.5 Student Services

  • Vice President of Student Affairs
    • Inclement Weather procedure
      • Main
      • Outreach

5.6 Administrative Committees

  • Scholarship Committee proposals
    • Present for board consideration in February
      • Academic
      • Institutional
      • Employee Scholarship

5.7 Presidential Update

  • President Dr. Jack Welch

6.0 Review of January 26, 2025, agenda items (Information)

6.1 Appointment of Officers, Positions, and Officials

6.2 Consent Agenda

  • Minutes
  • Financials – Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register – $629,588.01
  • Payroll – December 15, 2025 – $659,789.66
  • Contract Ratification
  • Resolution 26-01: Banking Signers
  • Resolution 26-02: Participation in State of Kansas Municipal Investment Pool
  • Board Member Conflict of Interest
  • Acknowledgment and Consent to Release Pledged Collateral

6.3 Community, Employee, and Student Recognition

6.4 Old Business

  • Important Board Dates 2026.pdf
  • Trustee Emeritus
  • Academic Calendar 2026-2027
  • Sale of 701 N National

6.5 New Business

  • State of the College address will be May 21st at 12 pm in the Ellis Fine Arts building
  • Association of Community College Trustees
  • Member of Good Standing 2026
  • Special Board Meeting – February 2, 2026, Ellis Fine Arts Building
  • Bid Acceptance – CNC Machine using Perkins funding
  • INA Alert proposal
  • Mission Statement update

6.6 Other Business – Personnel Matters

6.7 Board Member Comments

7.0 Enter Executive Session – Security Measures (Action)

8.0 Exit Executive Session – Security Measurers – return to open session (Action)

9.0 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action)

10.0 Exit Executive Session – Personnel Matters & return to open session (Action)

11.0 Board Member Training – Governance 101 (Information)

12.0 Adjourn (Action)

 

Government

Energy Assistance Starts Today

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Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Application Period Opens in Kansas

DCF Begins Taking Applications Jan. 20

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has announced that applications are now being accepted for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The application period runs from Tuesday, Jan. 20, through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

LIEAP provides a one-time per year benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating costs, whether the home is heated with electricity, natural gas, propane, or other home heating fuels. In 2025, more than 43,000 Kansas households received an average benefit of about $680.

“LIEAP plays a critical role in helping Kansas families remain safe and warm through the state’s often harsh winter months,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard.

The federal government shutdown in late 2025 delayed the distribution of LIEAP funding to states for the 2026 season, which in turn delayed DCF’s planning efforts and the start of the 2026 application period.

Qualifying for LIEAP

To qualify, households must have an adult at the address responsible for the home’s heating costs. Applicants must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (see the 2026 income eligibility guidelines below). The level of benefit received varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility rates.

Applying for LIEAP

Applications can be accessed online at dcf.ks.gov​ by clicking the “Apply for Services” button on the top right side of the website.

DCF is planning in-person events to help Kansans submit their LIEAP applications. For a schedule of in-person LIEAP application events, visit lieap.dcf.ks.gov and click on “Where are the in-person LIEAP application events being held this year” in the drop-down menu.

When applying for LIEAP, Kansans should have their identification, proof of income for all adult household members, copies of heating utility bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.), and a copy of their rental agreement if they are living in subsidized housing.

2026 Income Eligibility Guidelines

​​​Persons Living at this Address​      Maximum Gross Monthly Income
​1      $​1,956​​
​2​​      $2,644​​
​3      $3,331​
​4      $4,019​
​5      $4,706​
6​      $5,394​
​7      $6,081​
​8      $6,769​
​​​   ​+1 $688 for each additional person​

Learn more about LIEAP​ in Kansas, including frequently asked questions, other community resources, and the complete schedule of LIEAP application events at lieap.dcf.ks.gov. Funding for LIEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

 

 

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Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Demonstrates Academic Growth Across Core Subjects

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USD 234 is proud to share academic progress reflected in the recent Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) results. These results demonstrate meaningful gains in Math, English Language Arts (ELA), and Science.

Over the past several years, USD 234 students have steadily improved proficiency rates on the state assessments required by KSDE. Proficiency status represents students mastering grade level standards that are included on the state assessment each spring. USD 234 now ranks near the top of other Southeast Kansas League schools in multiple subject areas. In Math and ELA, Fort Scott’s proficiency levels have climbed consistently, placing the district among one of the strongest performers among other Southeast Kansas League schools for the 2024–25 school year. Science results also reflect sustained and consistent growth over the last few years.

These results reflect the dedication and hard work of all USD 234 staff. This is also a reflection of each students’ commitment to continuous learning. We are thankful for these individuals’ efforts each and every day.

More detailed assessment information is available through the Kansas State Department of Education Report Card at datacentral.ksde.gov.”


Government, Kansas

KS Legislative Hotline: Information For Legislative Sessions

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All-Year Access to the Kansas Legislative Hotline

Powered by the State Library of Kansas

TOPEKA–Kansans are encouraged to call the Legislative Hotline, 1-800-432-3924, for information about the 2026 Kansas Legislature and legislative sessions, as well as past sessions. Kansas’ Legislative Hotline can also be accessed by emailing [email protected] or using the chat online, library.ks.gov/chat. The Legislative Hotline is a trustworthy resource for state residents with questions about the Kansas Legislature and is staffed by skilled librarians.

The Legislative Hotline is Kansas’ one-stop resource to learn who their legislators are, acquire up-to-date legislative contact information, check the status and history of bills, understand the legislative process, locate historical information and other inquiries related to Kansas government.

“It is essential for Kansans to have accurate and timely information about their state government and the issues they care about,” said State Librarian Ray Walling. “By using the Legislative Hotline, Kansans will access the information they need from a trusted source, trained librarians from their own State Library.”

Kansas residents can connect with the Legislative Hotline by phone, chat or email: 

Live Legislative Hotline assistance is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Messages left via voicemail or email are promptly returned on the next business day. Additionally, Kansans can engage in real-time conversations with librarians through the Ask a Librarian service at library.ks.gov/chat, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. TTY users can dial 711 for assistance.

The State Library of Kansas supports the informational needs of government entities and the people of Kansas and serves as a repository for government publications. Through the coordination of statewide resource-sharing initiatives and grant programs, the State Library plays a crucial role in strengthening public libraries. The State Library of Kansas also oversees the Talking Books program, which provides specialized materials and support services to qualifying Kansans. Learn more at library.ks.gov.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

School Board Recognition Month

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN Superintendent                                                                                                                                

TERRY MAYFIELD                                                                                                              Assistant Superintendent

 

Join us in thanking our Board of Education

January is School Board Recognition Month, and our school district would like to thank each of our board of education members for their incredible service to our community and our public schools.

School board members in USD 234 develop policies and make important decisions that help shape the future of our education system.

This January, please join us as we thank our school board members for volunteering their time, their passion for serving our district and for advocating on behalf of every child in our community.

The board members serving USD 234 and their years of service are:

David Stewart – President          Stewart Gulager – Vice President

Doug Hurd                                 Nick Barrows

Mike Miles                                  Phil Jackson

Rory Chaplin

Sincerely,

 

 

Destry Brown

USD 234 – Fort Scott