Opinion

Catching Lightning Bugs by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

Catching Lightning Bugs

I fondly remember the fun I had as a young girl after the summer sunsets. With my older brother or a childhood friend, I would run barefoot all over the yard catching lightning bugs. As they blinked their pretty golden tail lights, I’d carefully place them into the fruit jar. Dad would, of course, punch holes in the lid so they could breathe. I wouldn’t trade my simple, country, growing-up years for a ranch in Texas!

I don’t know if God created lightning bugs just so kids could have summer fun or not. But I’m sure glad He did. I recently saw a coffee mug with the following imprinted on it: “If God can make a bug’s butt light up, just think what He can do for you.” I thought this was hilarious, plus it was a pretty good theology too!

Sometimes Christ followers settle for dry crumbs out of the toaster instead of a loaf of  hot bread out of the oven. Apostle Paul’s prayer for spiritual growth in believers is a vital tool in order for us to believe and receive. We, too, can say this prayer: “I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” (Ephesians 3:16-17 NLT). God is not limited in what He can do, but we sometimes limit Him with our little faith.

Paul continues his prayer: “And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God” (Ephesians 3:18-19 NLT). The fullness of life and power that believers desire and require is not found in self-help books or autobiographies of famous dead people. The abundant life only comes from God through Christ Jesus.

This is a life-changing prayer — and Paul isn’t finished yet: “Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think (Ephesians 3:20 NLT). Amazingly, God’s power is working in His followers to accomplish above and beyond anything we can even imagine. God has unlimited resources, but we need to pray and tap into all that’s available to us as His children. God can do everything Himself, but He chooses to work through His followers. We need big faith that’s rooted in God’s love if we want to “let our little light shine” in real time.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught: “You are the light that shines for the world to see. You should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16 ERV). A little later, He then rhetorically asked the crowd, “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin…will He [God] not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:28,30 NKJV). We ought to thank God every day that He has given believers unlimited resources to help us live victoriously.

The Key: Consider the lightning bug and just think what God can do for you!

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda Summary, March 16, 2026

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The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda

agenda-packet 03.16.26

March 16, 2026 | 5:30 PM

  • I. Call Meeting To Order

  • II. Pledge Of Allegiance

  • III. Prayer

  • IV. Approval Of Agenda

  • V. Approval Of Minutes (03.09.26)

  • VI. Approval Of Accounts Payable ($151,687.49)

  • VII. Public Comments

  • VIII. Executive Session (K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1))

  • IX. Department Updates

    • a. Public Works: Hard surface road plan

    • b. County Clerk Updates

  • X. Old Business

    • a. 108 W 2nd Listing

    • b. Salary Resolution

    • c. Forensic Audit Point of Contact (POC)

  • XI. New Business

    • a. KORA (Kansas Open Records Act)

  • XII. Future Agenda Topics

  • XIII. Commissioner Comments

  • XIV. Adjournment (Page 1)

Detailed Summary of Meeting Packet

Previous Meeting Minutes (March 9, 2026)

The Commission reviewed the minutes from the March 9 session. Key highlights included:

  • New Transparency Measures: Commissioner Tran introduced a process where all commissioners review check packets and expenditures before meetings to ensure collective oversight.

  • Public Comments: Residents discussed several high-profile issues, including requests for an independent forensic audit and concerns regarding commissioner compensation and potential recalls.

  • Executive Sessions: The Commission held multiple closed sessions to discuss non-elected personnel matters, specifically regarding code enforcement and a neighborhood septic system dispute.

  • Salary Resolution Debate: A motion to maintain current salary levels for commissioners (while allowing for voluntary donations back to the county) failed in a 2-3 vote. The discussion was tabled for one week.

  • Forensic Audit: The Commission voted 3-2 to engage an independent firm for a forensic audit of county transactions to maintain public confidence. (Pages 2–7)

Departmental Updates & Reports

  • Valuation Compliance: Preliminary 2026 property valuations show a projected 7% increase for residential properties and a 4% increase for commercial properties.

  • Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP): Officials addressed software issues that affected 34 properties, resulting in incorrect bond and interest processing. Manual corrections are underway.

  • County Clerk: Deadlines were announced for candidate filing (June 1) and voter registration (July 14). A recent KPERS audit of $10.7 million in payroll showed a near-perfect accuracy rate (0.0009% error). (Pages 4–5)

Financial Summary: Open Invoices by Department

The packet includes a detailed breakdown of accounts payable. Significant departmental totals include:

  • General Fund: $0.00 (Standard payroll clearing entries)

  • Landfill: $10,101.90 (Includes equipment repairs and waste processing fees)

  • Sheriff / Correctional: $11,126.70 (Includes vehicle leases, medical care, and training)

  • Road and Bridge: $39,463.89 (Largest expenditure category, including equipment parts, fuel, and road maintenance supplies)

  • County Treasurer Motor Fund: $1,603.25 (Pages 8–14)

New Business & Resolutions

  • Building Access: The Commission discussed security concerns regarding key card access for employees and the need for a comprehensive audit of building security.

  • Infrastructure Approvals: Recent approvals were granted for a picnic area at the Sixth Judicial District, a CMB license for Sugar Valley Home Lake Association, and culvert/water line installations on Unity Road and Eagle Road. (Pages 6–7)

KORA Guidelines (Kansas Open Records Act)

The packet contains educational material regarding KORA, emphasizing that most county records are public. It outlines:

  • Response Times: Counties must typically respond to records requests within three business days.

  • Fees: Charges for staff time and copying must be “reasonable.”

  • Exemptions: Specific records (medical, certain personnel files, attorney-client privilege) may be legally withheld. (Pages 36–37)

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Ad: What FSCC Offers

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Looking for a college that gives you options? At Fort Scott Community College, students can choose from associate degrees in Arts, Science, Applied Science, and General Studies, along with a variety of certificates that lead straight to rewarding careers. Whether you’re interested in healthcare fields like Certified Medication Aide, Nurse Aide, EMT, Home Health Aide, Manicuring, or Phlebotomy, or want to take on a technical challenge with certificates in Ag Technology (John Deere), Construction, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Environmental Water Tech, Farm & Ranch Management, Harley-Davidson Technology, Heavy Equipment Operation, HVAC, Masonry, or Welding we’ve got you covered!

But college isn’t just about the classroom. FSCC offers plenty of ways to get involved through music and performance opportunities (band, choir, theater), student clubs and organizations (like Collegiate Farm Bureau, Phi Theta Kappa, SkillsUSA, STEAM Club, FSCC Media Team, and more), and even competitive judging teams in livestock and meat.

If athletics is more your thing, FSCC is home to intercollegiate sports for both men and women. Compete in basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, rodeo, track & field, or cross country, all while building friendships and representing the Greyhounds.

And the best part? We’re still growing. New programs, degrees, certifications, and athletic opportunities are on the horizon! There’s never been a better time to join FSCC!

Fort Scott Community College; where opportunity meets possibility.

K-State Extension

Read, Talk, Play: Simple Steps for Smarter Kids by Tara Soloman-Smith

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

Read, Talk, Play: Simple Steps for Smarter Kids

Helping children build early literacy skills is one of the most important things parents and caregivers can do. Long before a child enters school, their brain is rapidly growing. The way adults talk, read, and play with young children shapes how they learn, communicate, and form relationships.

Birth to 12 Months: Early Language Growth

Babies begin learning language by listening to voices and watching faces. They coo, babble, and explore books by touching and looking at them. Caregivers can support learning at this age by talking about daily activities, reading books with simple, high-contrast images, and responding to a baby’s sounds as if they were in a real conversation. These interactions build early brain connections that support later reading skills.

12 to 24 Months: Building Vocabulary

Between the ages of one and two, toddlers start to understand more words. They may point to pictures, mimic sounds, and say a few words. Reading books with short phrases and rhymes, labeling everyday objects, and singing together all help toddlers build vocabulary and confidence.

24 to 36 Months: Early Reading Skills

By age two to three, children begin recognizing letters, noticing rhymes, and retelling simple stories. Caregivers can ask questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or point out letters on signs and labels. Pretend play also helps them understand stories and use their imagination.

Use Everyday Moments to Teach

Everyday outings are great chances to learn. At the grocery store, children can hear new words, see colors, and practice counting. At the park, they build motor skills and interact with others. These real-world experiences are more valuable for learning than screen time.

Create a Simple Nightly Routine

A simple routine can also make literacy a habit. The “Brush, Book, Bed” approach—brush teeth, read a book, then go to bed—helps families build reading into their daily routine. Even 15 minutes of daily reading helps children grow their vocabulary, build strong bonds, and enjoy books.

Watch for Early Delays

Caregivers should also watch for early signs of delay, such as limited babbling, failure to respond to voices, or little interest in books by age three. Early support can make a big difference.

Information from today’s article came from the K-State Extension Fact sheet, Early Literacy: Building the Foundation for Lifelong Learning. Please contact Tara Solomon-Smith at [email protected] or 620‑244‑3826.

Opinion

Our Limitless God by Patty LaRoche

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

A foolproof way to find out if you are a true, authentic friend is if you are thrilled when others have success.  No matter what happens to you.  No matter if they got the promotion you wanted, they got the book deal you prayed for, they were healed and you were not, they have perfect kids and yours spend more time in detention than in the classroom. No matter what!

This, of course, works both ways.  You will know if your friends are authentic if they celebrate your accomplishments when they themselves are struggling.  I have some friends who meet that description, but I wonder if I don’t have “a little” work to do in this area.

In Genesis 4, we read that Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel.  Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil.  In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord.  And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. 

Many of my Christian author friends admit they struggle with envy when they cannot manage to carve out time to write their second or third book, yet their fellow authors post about their 40th book going to print or how a respected publishing company has offered them a huge endorsement. We (yes, I fall into that category) understand Cain’s frustration.

Frustrations over God’s generosity towards others aren’t a new concept. In fact, the idea that we are entitled to God’s blessings coupled with our irritation over God’s generosity to others is at the heart of the first recorded murder in Scripture. Big brother Cain is one unhappy camper when little bro Abel got the “atta boy” from God and he didn’t.

God does not comfort Cain.  He lets him know that if he does what’s right, he also will experience God’s favor.  Cain has a choice.  He can accept God’s sovereignty—even though he might not agree with it—or he can allow his jealousy and pride to rob him of what little peace he has.  We all know which he chose, ultimately ending with him murdering Abel.

Granted, no one I know—including me—has ever murdered because another author’s book received more accolades.  God does not suffer from limited generosity.  He blesses as He sees fit, meaning He blesses me in different ways than He does my friends.  Who am I to think that I deserve a blessing He has not given me?  God is limitless in His ability to love, show grace and mercy, and bless.  I should do likewise.

So, if you find yourself disappointed when others are the benefactors of something that you had hoped for, maybe even prayed for, God understands your feelings.  Nevertheless, like Cain, we have a choice to trust in God’s decisions to bless others (and be happy for them), or we can allow sin to take root and be consumed with a bitter heart.

I know which kind of friend I want to be.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

Highlights From the FSCC Special Meeting on March 12

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PRESS RELEASE – Fort Scott Community College Special Board Meeting

March 13, 2026

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College met in special session at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Burris Hall.

Vice Chair Chad McKinnis opened the meeting.

Leadership reports were shared by the following:

Dr. Larry Guerrero, Vice President of Academic Affairs, presented information on academics, including Farm & Ranch Management certificates, the addition of an Equine Management & Production program, and adding a Pharmacy Technician Certificate.

Lindsay Hill, Dean of Advancement, provided updates on the facilities master plan; the fleet management plan, which includes the disposal of some vehicles; and Foundation updates, including fundraising for soccer field enhancements, Hall of Fame Alumni Weekend taking place May 1–2, the annual scholarship dinner, and a scholarship drive aimed at establishing new endowed funds.

Dave Wiemers, Athletic Director, celebrated that the men’s basketball team has advanced to the National Tournament, with its first game on Monday at 9:00 a.m. He also provided an update to the board on the 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees, who will be honored at a ceremony on May 2 during Hall of Fame Weekend.

Gina Shelton, CFO/Vice President of Finance & Operations, updated the board on ongoing accounting work, audit progress, student refunds issued, and the upcoming rodeo weekend, noting the positive economic impact these activities have in the community.

Vanessa Poyner, Vice President of Student Affairs, presented an update on the Strategic Plan work being done through committee efforts. Mrs. Poyner reviewed the six goals established by the committee, as well as the work to be done on tactics and measurable outcomes. She also reviewed changes to the employee scholarship.

Dr. Jack Welch, President, shared an update on visits to school districts over the last few weeks and the feedback being received about FSCC through that outreach.

The board reviewed agenda items for the March 13, 2026, regular meeting. The remainder of the time was spent on board training on goal setting, guided by Dr. Michelle Hubbard with KASB.

The board adjourned.

Obituary

Obituary of Haley Dawn Merriman

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Screenshot

Haley Dawn Merriman, age 42, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family on March 11, 2026, in Fort Scott, KS.

Haley was born in Fort Scott, KS on July 18, 1983, to Don and Terri Shelton.  She was raised in the Fort Scott and Uniontown area.  Haley was best described as energetic and fun.  She was voted “most mischievous” in the 3rd grade.  Haley always saw fun in even the smallest things.  She was given the nickname “Hula Hopper” by her dad when she was very young, due to her high energy and enthusiasm.  She was lovingly called “MacGyver, Jr.” by some family members because of her ingenuity and ability to problem solve, while others lovingly called her “Halo.”  Haley was the life of the party and could light up any event with her laughter and fun-loving spirit.  She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2001.  She graduated from Fort Scott Community College Nursing Program in 2004.

Haley was married to her teenage sweetheart, Timothy Merriman.  Haley married Tim on March 22, 2011, in Portland, TX.  Haley and Tim also repeated their marriage vows on January 25, 2026.  Haley loved traveling with Tim and her family, exploring new places and enjoying hiking whenever possible.  She loved camping, canoeing, cookouts, and hiking.  She also became a certified scuba diver.  Haley loved trying out new recipes that she could cook for her family.  She loved animals.  She had many pets throughout her life, but she especially loved her Great Danes, Loki and Pig.

Haley was a supervisor at First Source Insurance for over 10 years.  She was employed at Kansas Renewal Institute at the time of her passing.

Survivors in the home include her husband Tim Merriman, a son, Kolton Merriman, and her daughter, Kylea Merriman.  Also surviving are her son Kaidon Shelton of Fort Scott, bonus daughter Krista Spurgeon of Salt Lake, UT, bonus son Jayce Stewart of Fort Scott, parents Don and Terri Shelton of Fort Scott, brother, Heath Shelton (Ashley) Uniontown, KS, sister Shanon Byrnes (Tony) of Melissa TX, nephews Brayden and Jacob Byrnes of Melissa, TX, Gage Shelton of Springfield, MO, Jaxon Shelton of Uniontown, KS, one niece Alyssa Shelton also of Uniontown, two grandchildren, Paxton and Parker of Salt Lake, UT, father and mother-in-law, Kenny and Liz Merriman, and brother -in-law Josh Merriman, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Leroy and Shirley Harris, John Shelton, uncle, John Kruger, and mother-in-law Beverly Merriman.

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Monday, March 16th, at Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.  Cremation will follow.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Monday at the Church.  Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Youth

One Caring Adult Changes Everything

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Bourbon County CASA

When a child enters foster care, everything changes — their home, their school, their routines… and often the adults in their life.

A CASA Volunteer may be the only consistent adult showing up just for them.

Be the steady voice.

Be the one who shows up.

Bourbon County CASA is currently in need of volunteers who are willing to make a difference in a child’s life. Your time and compassion can provide stability, advocacy, and hope when it matters most.

If you feel called to serve, we would love to visit with you about how you can get involved.

Contact Christa at (620) 215-2769 or email [email protected] to learn more.

One caring adult can change everything.

Will it be you?

Click HERE to visit the

Bourbon County CASA

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

Kansas CASA Association

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 U
Art, Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Garden Art Creation Workshop Offered

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
K-State University Southwind Extension District

K-State University Southwind Extension District invites you!

Kokedama Workshop
Kokedama is the Japanese art of growing plants in a moss-covered ball of soil wrapped with string, transforming ordinary houseplants into elegant living sculptures.

Tuesday, March 17th

6pm

@ Fort Scott Public Library
201 S. National Ave.

$45 pre-registration required

online by clicking HERE!

Walk away with your own garden art creation that will make for a unique personalized gift or addition to your home and garden décor.

** NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED **

• Limited to the first 25 individuals who sign-up!

• Classes appropriate for ages 7+.

• Pre-registration with payment is required.

** Attention **

YOU MAY/WILL GET MESSY AND DIRTY, BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT!

** Bonus **

Simple Morea will also bring a variety of trending tropical indoor plants for sale.

Click HERE to visit the

Southwind Extension District

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

K-State Extension Southwind District

website!

Other upcoming K-State Extension Southwind District Events:

Passport To Fun: Spring Break Edition

March 16th at Buck Run Community Center, 735 S. Scott Ave., Fort Scott & other dates/locations – see flyer below.

Click HERE to Register!

Passport To Fun: Beyond the Bite:

Understanding Ticks & Alpha-Gal

Monday, March 23rd @ 6pm

Fort Scott Community College – Ellis Meeting Rooms
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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Bourbon County, Food

Food Access, Environmental Health Grant For Southeast Kansas Announced

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Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Partners on $200,000 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Project to Advance Food and Environmental Justice in Southeast Kansas

Fort Scott, Kansas — March 12, 2026

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is partnering with the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) on a new $200,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to support community-driven solutions that improve food access and environmental health in Southeast Kansas.

The two-year initiative, “An Action-Oriented Study of Community-Driven Solutions to Address Food and Environmental Justice,” is co-led by Christina Pacheco, JD, MPH, Assistant Professor at KUMC, and Jody Love, MBA, President and CEO of HBCAT. Together, they will partner with the Montgomery County Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), a coalition that brings together residents, local organizations, and cross-sector partners to identify priorities and implement practical solutions that improve health and quality of life.

Through this project, community members will design and implement locally driven strategies to strengthen food systems and improve neighborhood environments. Potential solutions include edible landscapes, raised garden beds, and other place-based approaches that expand access to nutritious food while revitalizing underused community spaces.

“This project reflects the power of community leadership,” said Jody Love. “When residents are at the center of planning and implementation, the solutions are more practical, more sustainable, and more reflective of local priorities.”

Jody Love

The project builds on community infrastructure developed through the COPE initiative, which helped establish LHEATs across Kansas to advance health through collaboration and shared governance.

HBCAT will provide community coordination, resident engagement, and implementation support, drawing on more than a decade of experience building cross-sector partnerships and supporting community-led initiatives across Southeast Kansas.

This work also aligns with the broader regional strategy being advanced through Rural Community Partners (RCP), a Southeast Kansas initiative focused on strengthening long-term systems for community development across county lines. By connecting local coalitions, organizations, and residents throughout the region, RCP works to ensure that community-led solutions are supported not just locally but regionally, helping communities share learning, coordinate resources, and build sustainable change over time.

In addition to supporting local implementation, the project includes an evaluation component that will document outcomes related to food access, community capacity, and systems change. Findings will be shared with community members, regional partners, and other rural communities interested in replicating effective strategies.

The grant was awarded through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Rapid Response: Reinvesting in Racial and Indigenous Health Equity Research program, which funds community-centered research designed to advance equitable and sustainable health solutions.

About the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is a community-based organization dedicated to improving health, well-being, and opportunity through collaboration, resident leadership, and locally driven solutions. HBCAT’s mission is to increase access to physical activity and healthy food, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life, and encourage economic growth.

About the University of Kansas Medical Center

The University of Kansas Medical Center is an academic medical center committed to improving the health and wellness of Kansans through education, research, and patient care.

About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

RWJF is a leading national philanthropy paving the way, together, toward a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. Through funding, convening, advocacy, evidence building, and impact investing, they work side-by-side with communities, practitioners, and institutions to get to health equity, faster and together.

This research was supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Evidence for Action Program. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the Foundation.

Area News

2026 CFSEK Scholarship Stories: Brayton Brueggen, Milling for the Future

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Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas logo.

 

The future of agriculture is no longer confined to local borders; it is a global industry that requires world-class expertise. For students like Brayton Brueggen, the path to mastering the ancient craft of milling now leads from the heart of the Midwest to the cutting-edge laboratories of Europe.

Brayton, a Louisburg native and junior at Kansas State University, is currently studying Milling Science and Management. Thanks to the support of the Stacy Goedeke Scholarship through the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK), he recently traded the Manhattan campus for a six-month intensive program at the renowned Swiss Milling School in St. Gallen, Switzerland.

“I like to say the experience was informative, transformative, and fun,” Brayton said. “I learned so much about milling and about myself while having a great time.”

During his semester abroad, Brayton immersed himself in eight major areas of milling science. However, the education wasn’t just technical. He networked with future industry leaders from 14 different countries across six continents, all while finding time to explore and admire the historic architecture of Europe.

“I got to pursue my passion while having an incredible experience I’ll remember forever,” he noted.

For Brayton, the Stacy Goedeke Scholarship through CFSEK was the key that unlocked this international door. He explained that scholarships are vital because they allow students to pursue high-level ambitions without the weight of financial barriers. “My scholarship helped pay for my experience abroad so I could focus on my studies and enjoy the experience without financial stress.”

When it comes to the application process, Brayton encourages his peers to be bold. “Don’t be afraid to talk about your accomplishments,” he advised. “Asking for help is the whole idea, so sell yourself.”

CFSEK scholarship applications close March 31st, 2026. A full list of scholarships and their requirements is available at SoutheastKansas.org/Students/Scholarship. Scholarship applications are available online at SoutheastKansas.org/Scholarship-App.

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.

Bourbon County Local News