Ken Collins Kansas State Representative-Second District Newsletter

March 6, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Thoughts From Under the Dome

Ken Collins

Kansas State Representative-Second District

Thie week started out somber in the Kansas Statehouse with the unexpected death of a friend and colleague, Representative John Resman of Olathe. I sat next to John on the House floor during my freshman term an got to know him well. He didn’t speak up much but when he did I knew that what he had to say was worth listening to. Condolences to his family

Benny’s Bill (HB 2412) has been passed favorably by the Senate Judiciary Committee so it will soon be voted on by the whole Senate. They did make one technical amendment changing the effective date after the Governor’s approval but I believe that was done so it would go to a conference committee to be bundled with other related legislation. For those who don’t know the background behind this legislation it strengthens the penalties for child endangerment and aggravated child endangerment when the victim is under the age of six. For those who might not be familiar with the bill I am sponsoring it because of the case of Benny Cannon who suffered lifelong disabilities after a daycare incident when he was four months old. Two daycare workers were found responsible after pleading guilty in court but received light sentences in my opinion considering the damage that was inflicted.

In my last update I mentioned HB 2368 which allows for the licensure of anesthesiologist assistants in Kansas, As I mentioned before the bill was voted down but it has been brought up again and could possibly be voted on again this year. I voted against it the last time and I intend to vote that way again because I believe that it is a model that doesn’t work well for healthcare in Kansas.

HB 360 deals with PBM reform. PBMs or Pharmacy Benefit Managers are the middlemen between drug manufacturers and retail pharmacies. Currently many of the big drug chains and the PBMs are owned by the same companies which creates an unfair advantage to locally owned pharmacies like Richey’s in Erie, Mathis in Girard or Cardinal in Chanute. The bill is awaiting a committee hearing in the House where I will be voting in favor.

That is it for now. I’m hoping the best for everyone as we approach Spring even though it has been a mild Winter. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns that you might have. Ad Astra Per Aspera.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Area Chamber Launches 2026 Business Builder Workshop Series

March 6, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Network Kansas and Bourbon County eCommunity, is launching its new 2026 Business Builder Workshop Series, designed to provide practical, affordable education to help local businesses grow and thrive.

The first two one-hour workshops in the series will focus on digital marketing strategies that help small businesses increase visibility, attract customers, and work more efficiently.

The first session, “Stop Posting and Hoping: A Smarter Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses,” will be held Tuesday, March 10 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Room, 302 E. Wall Street. This session will provide practical guidance on building a focused, results-driven social media strategy rather than simply posting content without a plan.

The second workshop, “Google Business 101,” will take place Tuesday, March 31 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. This session will help businesses improve their visibility in local search results, strengthen customer trust, and better utilize their Google Business profile.

Both workshops will be presented by Sara Comer, owner of Gracefully Managed, who has worked with businesses throughout Southeast Kansas to improve their online presence and marketing effectiveness.

“These workshops are designed to give our members real tools they can immediately apply to their businesses,” said Lindsay Madison, Chamber President & CEO. “Whether you’re a retailer, restaurant, nonprofit, service provider, or attraction, these sessions are intended to help you grow smarter and stronger in 2026.”

Registration is $10 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. A discounted rate is available for those registering for both workshops. Seating is limited to allow for discussion and questions.

In addition, the Chamber encourages businesses and community leaders to save the date for Monday, April 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a special Destination Creation Workshop at The River Room Event Center featuring nationally recognized speaker Jon Schallert, an expert in transforming businesses, attractions, and entire communities into destinations. This extended workshop will focus on strategies to attract visitors, increase spending, and position Fort Scott as a must-visit destination. Additional details and registration information will be released soon.

Businesses, organizations, and community members are encouraged to register for the workshops through the Chamber office or online via fortscott.com.

For more information or to register, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

Opinion

Give ‘Em Heaven by Patty LaRoche

March 6, 2026 Amy Thorpe Leave a comment

Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…Life is good when you are happy but much better when others are happy because of you.”

The same day I read this quote from Pope Francis, someone sent me this post: “If God is making you wait, then do what waiters do. Serve.”

The photo to the left shows a man who stands outside the church Dave and I attend in Las Vegas. Faithfully, each Sunday, he is on the corner after the service, smiling to every exiting vehicle. Granted, he’s not on the stage preaching or singing, but his service is no less appreciated.

Ephesians 2:10 (TLB) says this: God . . . has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. I have met people who say they “serve” in their church. When I ask them how, they answer “by going to church” or “attending a Bible study.” Those are good things to do, of course, but that’s not the message Paul intended for the Ephesians.

What makes people prone to take care of their own needs and no one else’s? Fortune Magazine ran an article and referred to Faith Popcorn, a New York City marketing expert, as the “Nostradamus of Marketing.” Ms. Popcorn addresses a shift since Covid: “One of the major changes that is taking place in American culture is the ‘cocooning of America.’ It is looking for a haven at home – drawing their shades, plumping their pillows, clutching the remotes. Hiding . . . and everybody is digging in.”

Churches reflect this behavior as Christians choose to stay at home and “play it safe” on Sundays instead of obeying Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

The bottom line is that we Christians must be inconvenienced for the Gospel. We must be willing to sacrifice so that others may come to know Jesus. Why is it so hard to think of others first, to remember that every person we see is someone Jesus thought enough of to die for?

Even praying for someone becomes an after-thought instead of an intentional, purposeful opportunity to bombard the thrones of Heaven to plead for them. And Heaven forbid we take the time to mentor someone with the good news of eternity. In Romans 10:14, Paul asks how people will come to believe in Christ. Answer: through us.

Three Scriptures in Romans pave the road to sharing the gospel.

1. 3:23—For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God

2. 5:8—God shows his love for us that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.

3. 4:4-5—Salvation can’t be earned (or else Jesus wouldn’t have died.) We need to believe in Christ.

Reread the quote by Pope Francis and ask yourself this simple question: “What is the best thing I can do sacrificially to make others happy?” I pray that leading others to Christ is at the top of your list.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Transportation Safety Conference is April 21-22 in Manhattan

March 6, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Government, Kansas

March 11 is Drive to Zero Day at the Capital

March 6, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Board of Education Agenda for March 9

March 6, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
March 9, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
02-09-2026
02-11-2026
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – February 20, 2026 – $1,842,624.59
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
4.7 Food Service Fundraiser
4.8 Archery Club Fundraiser
4.9 Boys Golf Fundraiser
5.0 FSHS Theatre Students presentation – March – Theatre in Our Schools Month
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
7.0 New Business
7.1 Health Insurance Refund
7.2 Cost Containment Planning
7.3 10 Passenger Van Purchase
7.4 Approval of 2026-2027 School Calendar (Pending negotiations)
7.5 Approval of Graduation Requirements
7.6 High School Activity/Athletic Director Mentor Contract
7.7 KASB Membership Renewal 2026-2027
7.8 KASB Legal Assistance Fund Renewal 2026-2027
7.9 Sparkwheel Memorandum of Understanding
8.0 Public Forum
9.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
9.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters
9.2 Exit Executive Session
9.3 Approval of Personnel Report
10.0 Adjourn Meeting David Stewart, President

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 6

March 6, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

3-6-26 A

3-6-26 R

Fort Scott

March is Woman’s History Month.

March 5, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

March is Women’s History Month. It behooves us to recognize how women have played an important role in our nation’s 250-year history.

Women have worked hard for 152 of those years in the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. Founded on November 18, 1874 in Cleveland, Ohio, it’s objectives are the following:
To protect the home
To instill Christian virtues in our children
To promote good citizenship
To inform society about the values of total abstinence by providing scientific facts concerning the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs
To build public sentiment for total abstinence

Beginning with women on their knees against the scourge of alcohol on their homes, the WCTU work expanded greatly under the leadership of Frances E. Willard, who became National WCTU Second President in 1879. She served as NWCTU President (and of the World WCTU from 1891) until her death in 1898.

The WCTU women proposed, supported and helped to establish: stiffer penalties for sexual crimes against girls and women, laws
that raised the age of consent from as low as seven years, higher education for women, uniform marriage and divorce laws, dress reform, travelers’ aid (originally protection for women and children traveling alone), matrons in jails, the Pure Food and Drug Act, legal aid, labor’s right to organize, equal pay for equal work and an 8-hour work day, legislation in every state mandating scientific instruction in public schools as to the dangers of smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages, and use of other drugs.

World peace was
proposed and supported.

WWCTU was a charter member of the United Nations.
Susan B. Anthony in the 1890’s introduced Willard to a United States Senate Committee as a “general with an army of 250,000.” At the time of her death she was , next to Queen Victoria, the best known woman in the world. On February 17, 1905 her statue
(sculpted by a woman) was placed in Statuary Hall of the US Capitol in Washington D.C.

She was the first woman so honored.

If you get the opportunity to visit Statuary Hall, you might enjoy seeing the statue of Frances B. Willard, as I did a few years ago.

Submitted by Loreta Jent, NWCTU Education Director

K-State Extension

The Importance of Grants in Your Community by Amanda Clasen

March 5, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Have you ever wondered how the new playground equipment at your neighborhood park was funded? Or who paid for the welcoming sign that guides visitors to a local landmark? Maybe you’ve attended a festival that relied on seed money to get started. In many cases, these community projects are made possible because someone took the initiative to write a grant proposal.

Grants play a vital role in helping communities fund ideas, expand services, and strengthen local economies. While many grants come from federal or state government programs, others are offered by local foundations, corporations, and municipal agencies. Because grants provide such an important source of sustainable funding, K‑State Research and Extension’s Community Vitality Team supports communities by offering grant-writing education.

Residents and community groups can learn how to craft effective grant proposals at an upcoming in‑person Grant Writing Workshop hosted by K‑State Research and Extension in the Southwind District.

Southwind Grant Writing April 2026

The workshop will take place on April 7th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Southwind Extension District office in Iola, KS. To register, call 620‑244‑3826 or email [email protected]. The cost to attend is $60, which includes workshop materials and lunch.

The workshop will be led by Nancy Daniels, a community vitality specialist with K‑State Extension and an experienced grant writer. “This workshop is for everyone, from those who have never written a proposal and don’t know where to begin, to those with experience who want to sharpen their skills,” Daniels said. “It’s incredible to see what happens in a community when people realize they don’t have to wait for change. They can create it themselves.”

Participants will also have the opportunity to learn from one another. Daniels noted that even seasoned grant writers often leave the workshop with new ideas, renewed motivation, and valuable insights from peers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their current grant projects or proposal ideas to the sessions.

Workshop topics include:

Conquering your grant writing fears and start writing
Identifying sources of data for community needs (where do you find the numbers to back up your request?) ·
Where to find grants ·
Practicing the grant writing elements: Problem, Outcomes, Activities, Evaluation and Budget.

For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or at [email protected].

Government

USDA Approval of SNAP Soda and Candy Waiver Announced

March 5, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Announces USDA Approval
of SNAP Soda and Candy Waiver

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Kansas’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Restriction Waiver.

“Today, Kansas joins 21 other states in implementing restrictions on candy and soda purchases with SNAP dollars,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I have always supported policies that incentivize healthy eating, including axing the state sales tax on food to put more money back in Kansans’ pockets. Going forward, I would encourage the USDA to develop a nationwide eligibility strategy to reduce confusion and uncertainty for retailers and recipients alike.”

The approved waiver, which will go into effect February 15, 2027, will exclude all candy and soda beverages (also known as soft drinks) from the definition of eligible foods under 7 CFR 271.2 for purchase with SNAP benefits. Candy and soda are defined by the state’s food and sales tax laws within the state retailer tax:

Candy is defined as a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. Candy does not include any preparation containing flour and shall require no refrigeration.
Soft drink beverages are defined as nonalcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. Soft drinks do not include beverages that contain milk or milk products, soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes or beverages that are greater than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

During the approval process USDA recommended an implementation date of February 15, 2027. USDA provided this recommendation based on feedback from retailers in other states that have similar approved waivers and avoids concerns with implementing restrictions over and through the 2026 holiday season.

The Kansas SNAP Food Restriction Waiver is made up of four plans that focus on communicating information to SNAP Food Assistance recipients and authorized retailers, as well as detailed evaluation, monitoring, and compliance plans.

DCF released a request for proposals (RFP) which closed on February 17, 2026. This RFP is to bring on a contracting partner to help DCF manage the implementation plans and process. The proposals received are under review and a contract is expected to be in place by April 2026.

###

Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor: