All posts by Submitted Story

An Earring Enigma by Patty LaRoche

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18

Pam’s granddaughter “Polly” is seven years old.  Her mother is African American, her father, Caucasian.  Last week in school, Polly was bullied by a classmate who pulled her hair and called her names.  Polly shared the incident with her mother and asked if she could miss school the next day.  Her mother said that she could.

When Polly awoke the following morning, she told her mother that she had changed her mind.  She wasn’t going to give that bully any power. My friend Pam and I celebrated this child’s confidence.  We all know mean people in this world who think the only way they can climb the ladder of success or popularity or wealth is to keep others on the lowest rung by preying on their lack of confidence, and even though it isn’t the same thing, this past week, Pam, and I, shopping here in Mazatlán, met a store clerk who did something similar.

Pam had purchased a pair of earrings last year but had lost one of them.  They were her favorite pair and she was determined to find them again.  The problem was, we couldn’t.

After exhausting several of the silver stores, we remembered a store where Pam previously had bought a man’s money clip and turned into an exquisite necklace. The store owners were impressed with her ingenuity. We walked there, and the owner recognized Pam immediately.  (Not me, of course, but my friend.)  When Pam saw her earrings hanging on a display, she went bonkers, telling the clerk her story, trying them on, and asking,  “How much?” “$160.00,” she was told.

“Pam, didn’t you spend $20 on those from a guy on the beach?” I asked.  “Maybe $30,” she answered.  But my friend really, really wanted them.  When the clerk reduced the price to $130, Pam handed him her credit card.  Leaving that store, we went down a side street and found the same earrings, stamped with the same silver code on the back, for $62.

Pam needed to return the ones she had bought. Could she, like her granddaughter, stick up for herself?  She didn’t know.  I told her that I would support her. James 4:17 gave me confidence: In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil.      And yes, I imagine this scripture pertains to more serious issues than earrings, but you get the point.  And since Roman’s 12 tells us to live in peace whenever possible, we would not make a scene when we asked for Pam’s money back.

Back at the original store, we were told that it was extremely difficult to return an item purchased on a credit card, the owner was making little money on this sale, the other shop—like most in Mazatlán—had stamped that code on the back, making it appear legitimate, and that this store was the only one in Mazatlán with authentic silver. However, we were “really nice people,” and the owner wanted “to do right” for us. It sounds ridiculous, but when he offered to give Pam $35 back if she kept the earrings, swearing that he now was losing money, Pam gave in.

The only honest thing that clerk said was that we were “really nice people.”

Okay, Pam is.

Mazatlán is known for its beautiful silver.  If all the other silver sellers were frauds, why didn’t the owner say that when we first discussed in front of him how much Pam had paid for her earrings? The next day, my friend and I relived what we could have done differently to get her a refund.  Except for putting up a fuss in front of the other customers and telling the owners that we’d never shop there again, sometimes just being really nice people is the best we can do. At least, that’s what we’re telling ourselves.

Agenda for the FSCC Trustees Meeting on Feb. 20

February 20, 2023
Board of Trustees

Fort Scott Community College

2108 S. Horton

Fort Scott, KS 66701

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
February 20, 2023. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.

5:00 p.m. Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall, followed by regular board meeting at
approximately 5:30 p.m.

THE AGENDA

5:00 DINNER

5:30 ROLL CALL, 3

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

CALL TO ORDER, 4

A. Comments from the Chair, 4

B. Comments from the Public, 4

CONSENT AGENDA, 5

A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 23,
2023, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 8
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 55

A. Consideration of Class and Miscellaneous Fees, 55
B. Consideration of Garrison Restoration Bids, 60
C. Approval of Property Disposal – Salon Chairs, 76
D. Approval of Property Disposal – Print Shop Equipment, 78

REPORTS, 80
A. Administrative Updates, 81
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 100
ADJOURNMENT, 101
1

UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
February 20, 2023: Board Meeting

March 13 – 17, 2023: Spring Break, Campus Closed

March 20, 2023: Board Meeting

March 24, 2023: Aggie Day

April 7, 2023: Good Friday, Campus Closed

April 17, 2023: Board Meeting

May 13, 2023: Graduation

May 15, 2023: Board Meeting

June 19, 2023: Board Meeting

Sincerely,

John Bartelsmeyer, Chair

Alysia Johnston, President

FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
2

ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer

_____ Jim Fewins

_____ Dave Elliott

_____ Kirk Hart

_____ Bryan Holt

_____ Robert Nelson

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 23, 2023.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Evelyn Arevalo, IDRC Project Specialist, effective February 15, 2023
b) Shelly Brennon, Nursing Administrative Assistant, effective February 20,
2023
2) Separations
a) Rebecca Clay, TRIO Database Manager, effective January 27, 2023
b) Diego Calderon, IA MEP Regional Recruiter, effective February 20, 2023
3) Transfers
a) Kris Mengarelli, from VP of Workforce Development to CTEC Director,
effective January 25, 2023

CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

To view the entire packet:

FSCC Board of Trustees Minutes of Jan. 23, 2023

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
January 23, 2023

PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson

ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff

Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:31 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall meeting rooms. The
meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.

CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Holt, and approved by unanimous vote to add
an item C under Action/Discussion as Presentation of Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan
Information.

A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda as
amended.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:

A. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2023-24
academic calendars as presented.

B. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve a total amount
of $800,103 for purchase of heavy equipment simulators.

C. Matt Quick and Jim Harris from Bourbon County presented details of the Bourbon County Neighborhood
Revitalization Plan Information. The last NRP expired 12/31/22. The only change from the previous NRP
is reducing the requirement of $15,000 improvement for a residential area to $5,000. Matt will provide
further information on specific financial impact, and he will have Justin Meeks go through and review to
the document.

ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed correspondence.

REPORTS:

ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Workforce Development,
Instruction, Student Services, Finance and Operations, Student Affairs, Athletics, and the President.

Bryan talked about REDI Board Retreat addressing retail, housing, and workforce studies. He thinks it would be
beneficial for Rob Harrington to come present to the FSCC Board for its part in the work. It will spotlight FSCC’s
contributions to the community. Bryan will work with Rob Harrington to come to a future meeting for the
presentation.

Robert shared about a letter from a previous student who received a scholarship.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:59 p.m. by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote.

From the Land of Kansas 45th Anniversary Celebration

MANHATTAN, Kansas —From the Land of Kansas, the state’s agricultural trademark program, is celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2023. The program will kick off its celebration at the Kansas State Capitol on Tuesday, March 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Members of the From the Land of Kansas program will be offering samples of their products and showcasing their businesses.

The From the Land of Kansas program began in 1978 within the state’s agriculture agency, now the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and was designed to promote and celebrate agriculture experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. The program has grown to include 375 members and farmers’ markets. These businesses span the breadth of the agriculture industry, from restaurants, agriculture equipment manufacturers, retailers, farmers and ranchers, to food processors, agritourism, wineries, breweries and distilleries.

Basic membership of the state’s trademark program is free and additional benefits are tailored to support all types of businesses, new or established, and assist them with taking their business to the next level. The program’s website, FromtheLandofKansas.com, also provides a map to help consumers find Kansas businesses and farmers’ markets across the state.

“It’s been the best thing for our business,” said member Christina Blincoe with Sweet Streams Lavender Farm in Bucyrus, Kansas. “We have seen growth from the program every year consistently. We love having the logo on our website because it’s an automatic accreditation of our farm. We love the online store to share our products on the website.”

From the Land of Kansas also hosts an e-commerce website, shop.fromthelandofkansas.com, where members can sell their products online, reaching more customers across the state of Kansas and the U.S. In honor of the 45th anniversary, the program is offering a limited-edition classic shirt representing products grown, raised and produced in Kansas which can also be found at shop.fromthelandofkansas.com.

“I’m very passionate about helping farmers and Kansas businesses succeed and thrive in the agriculture industry,” said Sammy Gleason, marketing manager for From the Land of Kansas. “My dad is a fourth-generation Kansas farmer, which makes the From the Land of Kansas program something I hold close to my heart. I love serving our members, no matter the size of their business; they give me a purpose.”

For more information about the program and its members, visit FromtheLandofKansas.com or engage with the program through social media by following From the Land of Kansas on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott Weekly Newsletter

 

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

February 16th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, something for all ages!

February Special at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore

Buy 2 Get 1 Free Romance Books!

2/16 ~ BINGO hosted by American Legion at Memorial Hall, doors open 6pm, starts 7pm.

2/16-18 ~ Trap Play by Stephen Gregg, Fort Scott High School 7pm, click here for more info.

2/17-18 ~ Prairie Troubadour Symposium, most events held at The River Room, click here.

2/17-19 ~ 26th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count at Fort Scott National Historic Site, FREE hourly bird walks from 9am-3pm.

Click here for more info.

2/17 ~ First United Methodist Church Mission Soup Lunch, 11:30am-1pm in Fellowship Hall prepared by Don Tucker and Friends, freewill offering. Click here for more info.

2/17 ~ Daddy Daughter Dance Battle at Buck Run Community Center, $5/pre-registration for couple, $2.50 per additional child, $8/at the door for couple, $4 per additional child.

Click here for more info.

2/17 ~ REZA- World Class Touring Illusionist, FSCC in the Ellis Building, 7-9pm,

click here for more info and to order tickets!

2/18 ~ VFW Post 1165 – 8 Ball Pool Tournament, 12-3pm, click here for more info.

2/18 ~ The Artificers Pottery Class: Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class, age 21+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/18 ~ MS Bingo Fundraiser, all proceeds help fund students attending the Washington DC trip, Chili Pie with a dessert and a drink will be available, tickets are $10, click here for more info.

2/19 ~ Bourbon County Democrats General Meeting, Representative Christina Haswood guest speaker, Ellis Fine Arts Center H121,

2-3:30pm, click here for more info.

2/20 ~ Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce closed for President’s Day.

2/20 ~ No School! Skate Days! Buck Run Community Center, ages 7-12 with a parent/guardian, $3.00/per person, 10am-12pm, theme is ugly sweater/sweatshirt, click here for more info.

2/21 ~ Kiwanis Drive-thru Pancake Feed, tickets are $5, 11am-1:30pm and 4-6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church.

2/22 ~ The Artificers Pottery Crash Course, age 17+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/22 ~ Cholesterol Screening, Nevada Regional Medical Center,. 6:30-9:30am, register today by calling 417.448.2101

2/23 ~ Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting hosted by The Beauty Lounge, 2 S. Main, 8am

2/23-24 ~ Radio Auction All-Hit 103.9 FM, 2pm, click here for more info.

2/23 ~ Chess Group Every Thursday at Moe’s Bread, 6-9pm, no admission and all ages are welcome, US Chess Federation members are welcome to play in rated games as well, click here for more info.

2/24 ~ Knights of Columbus Annual Fish Fry, Kennedy Gym 5-7pm, 6 Fridays in a row.

2/25 ~ Kansas Rocks Recreation Park Annual Frostbite Event, ksrockspark.com

2/26-27 ~ FSCC Rodeo Bareback and Bronc Riding School, contact the college for more info.

2/28 ~ Retirement reception for Chief of Police Travis Shelton, come & go from 2-4pm, Buck Run Community Center, click here for FB event.

3/2 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County Arts Council, Ellis Fine Arts, 8am

3/2 ~ BINGO hosted by American Legion post #25, Memorial Hall, doors open at 6pm, Bingo starts at 7pm

3/2-9 ~ Bourbon County Fine Arts Exhibit, open to public for viewing, click here for more info.

3/4 ~ 2nd Annual Marsha Fest at the Liberty Theater, 8-10pm, click here for more info.

3/4 ~ Storytime at Hedgehog.INK!, 2:30pm, click here for more info.

Save the Date!

3/10-12 ~ FSCC College Rodeo

3/17 ~ St. Patrick’s Day! Find the Golden Coins for discounts at Sunshine Boutique

3/24 ~ FSCC Aggie Days

3/24-25 ~ Spring Open House ~ Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event, Downtown & Around

_________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Hedgehog.INK! February Special!

REZA World Class Touring Illusionist!

Link to buy tickets here.

Chamber Member Nevada Regional Center is offering cholesterol screenings!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

FSHS Thespians Present the Thriller “Trap” 

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 presents the docudrama thriller “Trap” by Stephen Gregg at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16-18 at the FSHS Auditorium.

 

The performance includes eighteen FSHS cast members: Allie Barnett, Payton Bowling, Ashley (Sypher) Cannon, Kaiden Clary, Kinsley Davis, Levi Fairchild, Junie Fisher, Cooper George, Casey Gomez, Emma Guns, Lexi Hill, Jericho Jones, Mykael Lewis, Jaedyn Lewis, Luke Majors, Chris Newman, Madison Smith, and Regen Wells. Technical crew members include: Alyssa Popp, Kiara Thompson, Emma Bin, Jackson Elton, Josiah Eisenbrandt, Natalie Woods, Lily Brown, Tobi Larrabee, Lizzie Moore, Piper Weeks, and Skylar Chaplin.

 

Playscripts.com describes the play: “MENACHAP, CALIFORNIA. An incomprehensible event: every person in the audience of a high school play falls unconscious–every person but one. Using interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the investigators pursuing the case, a theatre ensemble brings the story of the strange event to life, documentary-style. But as the strands weave together into an increasingly dangerous web, it becomes clear that this phenomenon might not be entirely in the past.”

 

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com for reserved seating. Remaining tickets will also be available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

 

“Trap” is directed by FSHS Thespian Director Angie Bin and FSHS Thespian alumna Mesa Jones. It is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com).

Roadway Safety Awareness Campaign is Feb. 20-March 3

From February 20th through March 3rd, the Fort Scott Police Department will be conducting an enforcement campaign near the high school.  We will be joining other law enforcement agencies from Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri with increased enforcement near high schools to raise awareness on roadway safety.

 

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States – ahead of all other types of injury, disease or violence.  “Even one teen death is unacceptable,” says Chief Travis Shelton.  “Please slow down, put the phone away, or turn it off, and always buckle up.”

 

Officers will issue citations to any individual who refuses to obey traffic laws, whether it’s for speeding, texting, or failing to buckle up.  Remind teens that driving is a privilege and encourage them to learn about the importance of driving safely.

Fort Scott Airport Receives Improvement Grant

Governor Kelly Announces $11 Million

for 66 Airport Improvement Projects


TOPEKA
– Governor Laura Kelly today announced that 66 airport projects across the state have been selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for planning, constructing, or rehabilitating public-use general aviation airports.

“Whether it be airplane manufacturing, a link in the supply chain logistics, or travel, the Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants ensure the safety and longevity of Kansas airports, all while contributing to economic growth and job creation.”

The aviation industry represents over $20.6 billion in economic impact across a broad spectrum of supply chain and manufacturing industries in Kansas.

“Every mode of transportation is a link to the state’s economic vitality,” said Calvin Reed, Secretary of Transportation. “These airport improvements are a few of many important efforts to empower the aviation industry across Kansas.”

The KAIP typically receives $5 million annually through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) and requires airport sponsors to participate in project costs by paying a minimum of 5% of the total project. This year, the program awarded more than $11 million to 66 approved projects, with a total project value of nearly $14.4 million.

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation received 153 applications seeking a combined total project value of more than $66 million for this round of KAIP grants. Projects were scored according to impact on flight safety, economic growth, and regional benefit.

“We’re grateful to satisfy 22% of the total airport improvements requested this year,” said Bob Brock, Director of the Division of Aviation, Kansas Department of Transportation. “We look forward to new and ongoing partnerships with aviation stakeholders to achieve stronger aviation infrastructure for the future.”

Approved 2023 Kansas Airport Improvement Program projects:

  • Allen County – Replace Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), $153,000; taxiway rehabilitation, $157,500
  • Amelia Earhart, City of Atchison– Construct automated gate, $42,075
  • Chanute – North apron reconstruction, $424,570; perimeter fencing, $180,000
  • Cheyenne County – Replace AWOS system, $153,000
  • Coffeyville – Crack seal and remark runway, $42,750 design, $229,500 construct
  • Colonel James Jabara, Wichita – Relocate/widen taxiway, $114,000 design, $800,160 construct
  • Comanche County – Preserve concrete runway, $19,000 design, $225,000 construct
  • Cook Airfield, Rose Hill – Used Jet A truck, $30,000; electric hose reel for MOGAS pump, $3,000; Parking ramp, $148,500; pavement repairs, $18,000
  • Jack Thomas Memorial, El Dorado – Replace fuel system, $10,800
  • Elkhart Morton County – Rehabilitate terminal building, $29,750
  • Fort Scott Municipal – Taxiway rehabilitation, $57,600
  • Gardner – Taxiway, $47,500 design, $99,000 construct
  • Garnett – Replace fuel system, $90,000; terminal rehabilitation, $15,300
  • Great Bend Municipal – Replace primary wind cone, $5,588
  • Harper Municipal – Replace fuel farm card reader, $21,250
  • Hays Regional – Pavement repair materials, $25,500; upgrade security and access gates, $21,250; ARFF station gate automation, $17,000
  • Hugoton Municipal – AWOS update, $5,700 design; $165,600 construct; fuel dispenser, $4,750 design, $40,950 construct
  • Hutchinson Regional – Install wildlife dig barrier for perimeter fence, $32,504
  • Independence Municipal – Airport rotating beacon/tower, $23,750 design, $112,500 construct
  • Johnson County Executive – Pavement maintenance materials, $13,600; southwest fence, $129,600; north fence, $156,150
  • Kinsley Municipal – Fuel farm card reader, $13,500
  • Lawrence Regional – Airport master plan update, $360,000; apron rehabilitation, $130,500 design, $800,000 construct; runway extension, $99,750 design
  • Lyons-Rice County Municipal – Fuel system. $23,750 design, $282,600 construct
  • Mark Hoard Memorial, Leoti – AWOS III, $163,764
  • Medicine Lodge – AWOS update, $5,700 design, $165,600 construct
  • Montezuma Municipal – Seal, patch, overlay and stripe runway, $792,700
  • Moundridge Municipal – Resurface runway, $720,000
  • New Century Air Center, Johnson County– Airfield electrical vault building, $89,300 design, $338,400 construct; rehabilitation of central portion of the west apron, $133,000 design, $800,000 construct; maintenance materials, $13,600
  • Norton Municipal – Replace and relocate AWOS, $153,000
  • Oakley Municipal – Replace rotating beacon and tower, $76,500
  • Pratt Regional – Apron and hangar area rehabilitation, $59,850 design, $653,400 construct
  • Shalz Field, Colby – Card station for self-serve fuel pumps, $16,200
  • Syracuse-Hamilton County – Replace fuel system, $66,500, design, $486,000 construct; replace AWOS, $121,500
  • Tribune Municipal – Remove telecom tower to mitigate runway obstruction, $72,000
  • Wamego Municipal – Airport development plan/master plan (phase II), $66,500; reconstruct apron and connecting taxiway, $468,000

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Kansas Attraction Development Grants Announced

Kansas Tourism Announces $400,000 Available in Attraction Development Grants

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism today announced the Attraction Development Grant program is open for applications. A total of $400,000 is available. Attraction Development Grants provide strategic economic assistance to public or private entities, or not-for-profit groups, that are developing new or enhancing existing tourism attraction in the state. The deadline for applications is March 31.

“The projects that we are looking for with these grants are those that will bring new visitors to Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Each person that visits our state also supports our economy, by eating at our restaurants, staying at our hotels and shopping at our stores. These Attraction Development Grants will help entice more people to choose Kansas for their next adventure.”

The goals of Attraction Development Grants include:

  • Spur economic growth
  • Develop destination-based assets
  • Increase visitation to Kansas
  • Enhance visitor experience
  • Improve the quality of life in communities across the state.

“Attraction Development Grants are one of the many tools we have to assist travel industry partners across the state,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “With world-renowned destinations, history rich communities and spectacular natural wonders, every corner of Kansas is a vital part of the state’s tourism economy. These grants support our attractions and increase visitation to and throughout Kansas.”

Grant dollars may fund up to 40 percent of a project, with the community or business funding the remaining 60 percent. For more information, including grant applications please visit https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/ or contact Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe at [email protected].

Funding for Kansas Tourism grants, including the Tourism Marketing Grant, is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF) that is derived from state lottery proceeds.

About the Kansas Tourism Division:

The mission of the Kansas Tourism Division is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism is a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce and works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support. 

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.

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Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest Offered By The Fort

CONSERVATION THROUGH THE ARTS

Fort Scott Kan. – Monday, February 20, 2023, Fort Scott National Historic Site and Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge are presenting the 30th annual national Junior Duck Stamp art contest. Art programs will run from 11am to 12:30 and 2 pm to 3:30 pm, and all students in kindergarten through grade twelve are encouraged to participate in the art and conservation message contest. Participants need to check in at the park’s Visitor Center at before 11 am or 2 pm for directions.

 

During the program participants will learn more about types of waterfowl and also what the judges look for in the artwork. Participants will create original artwork using watercolors, crayon, or pencil. Because students express themselves best in different formats, the conservation message contest gives them an opportunity to use the written word to express their knowledge. Submissions of your Junior Duck Stamp entry may be made on this day at the park or to the Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge in Pleasanton for Kansas entries. Entry forms will be available, and all entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2023.

 

In 2021, Margaret McMullen, an 18-year-old from Kansas, took top honors in the Service’s National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest with her acrylic rendition of a pair of Hooded Mergansers. Madison Grimm, a 15-year-old from South Dakota, wins the 2022 National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest with a Green-winged Teal

 

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program began in 1989 as an extension of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp. The first national Junior Duck Stamp art contest was held in 1993. The stamp encourages students to explore their natural world, participate in outdoor recreation activities, and learn wildlife management principles.

 

-NPS-

 

Credit Photo: Margaret McMullen/USFWS