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Energy Assistance Starts Today
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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USD 234 Demonstrates Academic Growth Across Core Subjects
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.”
KS Legislative Hotline: Information For Legislative Sessions
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School Board Recognition Month
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
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
On January 22, Brickstreet BBQ Hosts the Weekly Chamber Coffee
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Obituary of Katherine Lorraine Harkness Wynn
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 of Esther Mae Marsh
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.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Jan. 20
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
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
The Worst Party Pooper Ever by Carolyn Tucker
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!
Obituary of Marsha Ann White
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.