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

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

On January 22, Brickstreet BBQ Hosts the Weekly Chamber Coffee

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Brickstreet BBQ
Thursday, January 22nd

8am

Brickstreet BBQ

3 W. Oak St.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, January 22nd at 8am, hosted by Brickstreet BBQ, located at 3 W. Oak St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

Brickstreet BBQ, a community favorite serving up smoked meats and classic BBQ dishes since opening in 2024, continues to bring great food and local flavor to Fort Scott. Throughout January, diners can enter for a chance to win a romantic dinner for two in February. Details on the Valentine’s steak dinner special will be shared soon, and reservations are encouraged by calling 620-224-2425.

For those planning a Super Bowl gathering, Brickstreet BBQ offers catering with crowd-pleasing favorites such as smoked wings, pulled pork sliders, brisket, ribs, sides, and desserts. Lent fish specials will be announced soon, with the restaurant welcoming community input on menu ideas.

Guests are also encouraged to mark their calendars for the St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl on Saturday, March 14th. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

To stay up to date on events, specials, and announcements, follow Brickstreet BBQ on Facebook.

For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.

Click HERE to visit

Brickstreet BBQ

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Brickstreet BBQ 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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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Obituary

Obituary of Katherine Lorraine Harkness Wynn

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Katherine Lorraine (Harkness) Wynn, age 88, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by members of her family, on January 17, 2026, in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Lorraine was born in Prescott, Kansas, on August 26, 1937, to Lawrence Phillips and Lille (Buchanan) Phillips. She was raised in Prescott, Kansas, where she graduated from Prescott High School and later received her degree in cosmetology from Stewart Beauty Academy in Topeka, Kansas.

Lorraine was married to K. W. Harkness for 40 years. They had four children and loved taking trips in the family camper and on Honda Goldwing motorcycles. K. W. and Lorraine eventually traveled the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks on a motorcycle. K. W. Harkness preceded her in death on May 24, 1995.

Lorraine married Ronnie Wynn on November 2, 2001, and they were married for almost 25 years. They enjoyed going on several cruises with her family and traveling across Kansas with Ron’s grandchildren.

Lorraine had several occupations during her life. She started as a beautician but soon worked in the family business painting and hanging wallpaper. She always said her most important career was being a housewife and mother. She liked collecting recipes and enjoyed cooking for her family. Some family favorites included homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, noodles, sugar cookies, ginger cookies, and raisin pie. She always made elaborately decorated cakes for family birthdays and even made wedding cakes for family and friends.

Lorraine loved Jesus and her family. She would do anything for her children. She loved her church family and was especially happy when she settled in Fort Scott, where she could attend Grace Baptist Tabernacle, and raise her children.

She is survived by her husband, Ronnie Wynn; three children, Angela Mae (Harkness) Russell and husband Rick of Arkansas, Shawna Lorraine Harkness of Fort Scott, and Jarett Stanton (Stan) Harkness and wife Deana of Texas; two stepchildren, Jeremy Wynn and wife Stanna of Colorado, and Julie Patton and husband T. C. of Oklahoma; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by beloved cousins, nieces, and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, K. W. Harkness; her son, Kevin Harkness; and two sisters, Irene Paddock and Ladeen (Vaughn) Poole.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, January 22nd at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Burial will follow in the Prescott Cemetery in Prescott, Kansas.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the International Waldenstrom’s Macrogloblinemia Foundation and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Esther Mae Marsh

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Esther Mae Marsh, age 80, resident of Fort Scott, KS and formerly Bronson, KS, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS. She was born on September 22, 1945, in Iola, KS, the daughter of Claude Charles Bennett and Goldie Mae Dunbar Bennett. Esther was raised on the family farm northwest of Iola. She attended Carpenter country school and later graduated from Iola high school with the class of 1963.

Esther worked for SEKAN Printing for over 30 years. She married Clifton Carl Marsh in 1981 in Fort Scott KS. He preceded her in death on July 18, 2025. She enjoyed sewing, making quilts, flowers, gardening and all things outdoors. She loved listening to classic country music.

Survivors include a son, Ted Sutterby, Linn Valley, KS, a daughter, Audra Peterson (Les), Highlands, NC; 4 grandchildren, Luke, Gregory, Joshua, and Emily; 4 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Chester Bennett, Buffalo, KS, and Lester Bennett, Colony, KS; a sister, Mary Evans, Yates Center, KS; a sister-in-law Margaret Bennett, Humboldt, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Vincent Marsh, a brother, Webster Bennett, and her parents.

Pastor Jeff Feagins will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Saturday, January 24th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Cremation will follow. Memorials are suggested to Medicalodge Activity Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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January 16, 2026

 

…and they’re off.  Well, that’s what the first week of session was like.  Committee meetings were the big focus.  The Governor’s State of the State was also the first week of session, which was unusual.  Who knows why she gave her last one early in session.  Most likely because she has heard what most legislators have heard – it is going to be a short session because a few in leadership are running for statewide office.  The Senate President has said it will not be a shortened session and that we will use the 90 days as defined in the Kansas Constitution (even numbered years can only last 90 days).  That is good because there is plenty of work.

 

Property Taxes have reached a boiling point.  The appraisal system is not always accurate, and some local government officials continue to deny that there were property tax increases – when we all know we are paying more.  The Senate Tax Committee had hearings on Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1616, Cap Assessment-value Protection (CAP) Amendment, to cap your annual assessment value increases to 3% or less with a base year of 2022, and the capped assessment value would transfer with the property when it sells.  The CAP Amendment is a constitutional amendment that would help rein in sudden property tax jumps on individual properties.

 

The Governor was silent on property taxes in her State of the State speech.  As you know, it takes a supermajority in each chamber for a constitutional amendment and then a vote of the people.  Other legislation takes a simple majority in both chambers and the Governor or a supermajority to override a Governor’s veto.  It took a few years to pass income tax cuts, including exempting Social Security from state income tax and a property tax freeze for seniors in need and disabled veterans.  I am working diligently with numerous colleagues to achieve property tax relief and to repair a broken system.

 

Redistricting it appears there are not enough legislators who want to tackle redistricting of U.S. Congressional seats in Kansas.  There has been much national attention on the issue, and several states are moving forward on the effort – red and blue states.  It is not to be taken lightly, and it appears it will not happen in Kansas.

 

Waste and Fraud have national attention.  Concerns about welfare fraud in Kansas, fueled by taxpayer frustration and high-profile cases like Minnesota, are resulting in much needed increased reporting and investigations.  SNAP (food stamps) and TANF (welfare cash assistance) benefit cards have been hacked in Kansas with card readers that steal card numbers and PINs, allowing a clone card to drain the funds.  In Kansas, it’s mainly being reported in the KC and Wichita areas.

 

KSLegislature.gov has bill information, a list of legislators, videos of committee meetings and floor debates, and much more available information.  My email address is [email protected] or phone number during session is 785.296.6838.

 

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

Caryn

 

Art, Business, Fort Scott

Faithful Together: Written By Local Author Tanya Glessner

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Tanya Glessner. Submitted photo.

Local author, Tanya Glessner, Fort Scott, continues mentoring people who are incarcerated and those in recovery from addiction.

“It remains the work I’m most passionate about,” she said. “I truly believe God is taking every part of my past—along with all the healing He’s brought into my life—and using it to help pull others out of the darkness they’re facing. That said, everyone has to do their own part; real change requires our active effort.”

In addition to mentoring, she is an author of several books.

Her latest book is “Faithful Together.”

Submitted graphic.

“My motivation for writing this book comes straight from my own life—the real, messy, beautiful experiences I’ve walked through,” she said. ” It started with everything I learned from my past marriage: the highs, the lows, the mistakes, and the hard lessons that shaped me. Then I watched and listened to so many other people’s marriages—the joys they shared, the struggles they faced, and the wisdom they gained along the way.”

“But the heart of this book is really about what I’ve seen and lived in my marriage now. We’ve taken everything we’ve learned from our past relationships and poured it into building something stronger together. Our children, our stepchildren, our grandchildren, this whole blended family we’ve been blessed with—they’ve all been part of the journey. We’ve grown through the challenges, the blending, the laughter, and even the tears.”

“Most importantly, though, what has made the biggest difference is having Jesus Christ right in the center of our lives,” she said. “Instead of focusing on ourselves or even on each other first, we’ve learned to put Him first. When we do that, everything else starts to fall into place—our love, our communication, our forgiveness, our hope. That’s the truth I want to share through this book: real transformation is possible when Christ is the foundation, and when we stop making ‘me’ or ‘us’ the priority and make Him the priority instead.”

Faithful Together” is in print form, with an ebook version coming soon, and can be purchased on Amazon.com.

About the Author

She and her husband  “love spending time with our grandbabies, and our home is always open to our kids and grandkids. We enjoy sharing our whole story with others—the victories, the struggles, and yes, even the hiccups along the way. We’re convinced there’s no shame in talking openly about past mistakes once God has made us overcomers. Speaking those things out loud can help someone else avoid the same pitfalls.”

“We’re still a work in progress, still learning and growing every day. Above all, we hold fast to the truth that a family that prays together stays together.”

Opinion

The Worst Party Pooper Ever by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

Worst Party Pooper Ever

Jesus would often teach the crowds by telling parables (earthly stories with spiritual meanings). One of His most-familiar parables is about the prodigal son. However, there’s a great lesson regarding the other son too. In order to make the story simpler to write and read, let’s name the two brothers: Prodigal Pete is the younger brother and Selfish Sam is the elder.

So a father had two sons. Pete told his dad he wanted his share of the estate. So Dad distributed their inheritance between the two sons. Soon, Pete packed up and traveled to see the world. In no time he managed to waste all his inheritance in extravagant and reckless living. He was starving and homeless, so he begged a farmer to hire him to feed his pigs. Pete finally came to his senses and decided to go home, admit he was wrong, ask for forgiveness, and work as a hired servant since he didn’t believe he was worthy to be called a son after all he’d done. So when Pete arrived home, his dad was delighted, and immediately threw a “welcome home” party.

When Sam heard the celebration of music and dancing and was told that Pete had  returned home, he became angry and refused to go in the house. Not an ounce of forgiveness could be found in Selfish Sam’s heart. He was raging inside with the fact that Pete had dragged the family name through the gutter. Sam was not happy or thankful that his little brother had rejoined the family.

Sam’s dad left the party to find out why he was acting so terrible. Sam responded, “Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you never gave me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him. And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’” (Luke 15:29-32 NASB).

It’s interesting to note that Sam wouldn’t even claim Pete as his brother. He referred to him as “this son of yours.” But Dad reminded him that “this brother of yours” is worth celebrating! Sam’s self-righteous legalistic spirit demanded that Pete be punished with no room for mercy. Sam chose to stew in the juices of anger and bitterness and be a party pooper. A life lived with no love, forgiveness, or mercy is actually no life at all. Sam even tried to steal the moment of celebration from his brother and make it all about him. He claimed he had never done anything wrong. Well, maybe so, but because of his selfish attitude, hateful actions, and unloving words he proved he was in the wrong now! Glen Campbell would tell him to try a little kindness.

When someone in your life makes a genuine change for the better, don’t throw a wet blanket on their celebration of restoration. Show forgiveness and mercy and top it off with a blanket of love.

The Key: Don’t be a party pooper!

Uncategorized

Obituary of Marsha Ann White

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Marsha Ann White passed away on November 22, 2025 at her residence in Belton, MO. Marsha was born Juloy 24, 1944 to the late Thomas Beauford and the late Lora Irene New of Mound City. Born in Fort Scott to a farm family of three brothers and five sisters, Marsha was very much a caring and compassionate soul. She was know for her warm heart, wittiness, and the kindness she showed to everyone she met. Marsha graduated from Mound City High School and later lived in Pleasanton, Olathe, and Melton, MO.

She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers (JB and Wilbur), and two sisters (Alberta Murray and Janet Keating). She is survived by her children: Bobby Smith of Belton, MO; Danny (Jenny) Smith of Olathe; and Mark (Jessica) White of Olathe, along with her six dear grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; siblings: Charolote Dunavan of Pleasanton, Charles (Dorothy) New of Kansas City, Sandra (Bobby) Snow of Pleasanton, Joetta (Darin) Marti of Manhattan, and brother-in-law Ed Keating (Janet) of Bucyrus. Additionally, there is a long list of nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory always.

A Celebration of Life is being planned of immediate family in the spring.

Government

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt’s Newsletter

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

While there is still much work to be done, it was a rewarding week in Congress as several commonsense bills advanced, some becoming law, and Americans’ tax dollars are being handled with much greater care and transparency than has been the case in many years.

On Monday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 909, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act, a bill I had the pleasure to co-lead with Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-2). When I served as Kansas attorney general, I oversaw critical support services for crime victims and their families. These services are vital to support victims of rape, domestic violence, and child abuse. Our bill will stabilize funding for these services for several years until a permanent fix to declining funding can be agreed upon. I appreciate the House approving our bipartisan legislation with broad support and hope for a similar outcome in the Senate to get our bill to President Trump’s desk.

Rep. Derek Schmidt (KS-2) speaking on the House floor on the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act (H.R. 909). Click here to watch remarks.

Earlier this week, the House also passed S. 269, the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, sending it to the President. This bill makes permanent the Trump administration’s priority of eliminating government payments to deceased individuals by tearing down bureaucratic walls that have allowed those who commit fraud to hide their misconduct. I was proud to join my colleagues in both political parties in supporting this bill. In my view, its just common sense.

On Wednesday, I cosponsored the American Dream Act (H.R. 7051), which would allow individuals 65 or older to sell any real property, including rental houses, with a sales price of $500,000 or less to a first-time homebuyer without the sale being subject to capital gains tax. In my view, removing the capital gains tax on sales to first-time homeowners will help increase the supply of houses available for first-time buyers by encouraging owners of those houses to sell to first-time buyers. This is a creative and reasonable step to make homeownership possible for more new buyers, and I am proud to be an original cosponsor on this bill.

Funding annual government operations through the ordinary appropriation process that is open and transparent is progressing. The House passed Wednesday night two more annual appropriation bills – National Security and Department of State & Financial Services and General Government (H.R. 7006) – that fund operations of the federal government. This brings to 9 the total number of annual funding bills that have passed the House (there are 12 in total).

On Thursday, the Senate passed the three appropriation bills that had passed the House last week with bipartisan support – Commerce, Justice, and Science; Interior and Environment; and Energy and Water (H.R. 6938). They will now make their way to the President’s desk.

My goal in the appropriations process is to reduce overall federal spending as much as possible because of the urgent need to slow the explosive growth of the federal government. Once Congress has an agreement on how much spending can be reduced and still pass the appropriation bills, then my focus becomes fighting hard to make sure our priorities in the Second District are fully considered within those limits.  So far in this Congress, I have secured funding for the following district priorities:

  • Crawford County: $5.1 million for research and commercialization at Pittsburg State University, including $1.5 million for the Center for Graphene, $1.5 million for the Center for Commercialization, and $2.1 million for the Kansas Cyber Security Institute.
  • Shawnee County: $750,000 for expanded mental health services for the Shawnee County Department of Corrections
  • Leavenworth County: $1.25 million for water distribution system improvements for Leavenworth Waterworks
  • Montgomery County: $4.0 million for water distribution system improvements for Caney. Schmidt secured this funding in close cooperation with Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)
  • Labette County: $2.3 million for public safety modernization for Parsons
  • Marion County: $600,000 for fire station modernization for Hillsboro
  • Neosho County: $668,975 for medical imaging equipment and department modernization and related community health needs for the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center

Funding for other Second District community priorities is pending in the remaining bills that have not yet passed.
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.
 

 
 

Bourbon County Local News