From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch

Hearing the Right Voice

In educational leadership, we talk a lot about noise. The crowd gets loud. Opinions come fast. Everyone has a take on what you should do, how you should lead, and what shortcuts you should take to win.

We’ve all heard it: Swap your integrity for a new sale. Barter your convictions for an easy deal. Exchange your devotion for a quick thrill.

Those voices don’t come screaming, they come subtle. They whisper. They woo. They taunt. They flatter. They are the voices of the crowd.

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend mock interviews at Uniontown High School. What Superintendent Vance Eden has built there is something special. Students, sophomores through seniors, sat down with real professionals and practiced how to interview, how to present themselves, and how to answer and ask questions.

Think about that. Schools do a great job teaching math, science, and English, but how many truly prepare students to get a job? What impressed me most wasn’t just the program; it was the leadership behind it. When I complimented Mr. Eden, he didn’t take credit. Instead, he shared that the idea came after a former student didn’t get a job because of a poor interview. He saw a need and took action. That’s leadership, seeing through expectations and doing what is right.

I was reminded of a leader who faced a tough decision. A shortcut was offered, one that would improve numbers and likely go unnoticed. The pressure was clear: “Just get it done.” It wasn’t right, though. He said no. It cost more. It delayed progress. It wasn’t popular, but over time, trust grew. His team knew where he stood. The culture strengthened because people understood, we don’t win at the cost of who we are.

In John 6, after feeding the five thousand, Jesus heard the crowd rise up. Thousands of voices swelling into a roar, “King Jesus!” It sounded like success. It looked like momentum. Jesus saw through it though. He knew their motives weren’t about truth, they were about control.

Consequently, He walked away. Jesus would rather be alone with the true God than surrounded by a crowd with the wrong motives. That’s leadership. Leadership isn’t defined by what people want; it’s defined by what is right. Doing the right thing, regardless of how it looks to the masses, is always the right thing to do.

Thought for the Week, “When the noise gets loud, make sure you’re still listening for the truth.” Jack Welch

Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.

KS Unemployment Insurance System Is Modernized

Kansas Department of Labor’s Modernized Unemployment Insurance System to Begin Sending out Benefit Overpayment Notices

~~ The modernized system improves operational efficiency and accuracy for unemployment insurance overpayment recoupment ~~ 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) announced that, as part of its modernization of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) system, it is sending 8,526 billing notices to those who received UI benefits overpayments.

Overpayment occurs when individuals receive more unemployment benefits than they are eligible to receive. Recipients receiving these notices have previously been notified of the overpayment through a manual process.

This update provides the agency with more accurate accounting, consistent billing, and reliable recovery. This work supports the long-term integrity of the unemployment trust fund and reflects responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.

“Modernization of the state’s unemployment insurance system from the claimant- and agency-side of the portal has improved how the agency communicates and administers the program,” KDOL Secretary Amber Shultz said. “Addressing these balances is necessary to ensure fairness and maintain the stability of the program for Kansas workers and employers both now and in the future.”

Overpayments can happen for a variety of reasons, including changes in eligibility, reporting discrepancies, or claim adjustments. Many of these overpayments are tied to historic claims, including benefits issued during pandemic-era programs or due to limitations in the previous system.

Those who receive a UI overpayment notice have several options to resolve the issue.

Options include:

  • Paying the balance in full
  • Establishing a repayment plan
  • Requesting a waiver, if eligible

KDOL has updated its website and staff are prepared to assist claimants in understanding their options and navigating the process.

While further collection steps, including liens, are possible under current law, KDOL will provide advance communication and clear instructions before any such actions are taken.

For assistance with overpayments, contact KDOL at (785) 296-3609, visit dol.ks.gov/unemployment/overpayments, or email [email protected].

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Special Event at Hedgehog Bookstore This Saturday

Hedgehog Bookstore is preparing to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day this Saturday, April 25th and would love for you to join us! We’ll have special activities and promotions from 10 am to 5 pm.

�� Golden Ticket Hunt – Find the golden ticket hidden somewhere in the store and win 12 FREE audiobooks from Libro.fm!
��️ Giveaways – Every $10 you spend gets you a ticket for a chance to win book bundles and gift certificates!
��Mystery Book Bundles – We’ll be offering wrapped bundles of books in specific genres. These are great if you love a surprise or want to broaden your horizons!
��️Make Your Own Bookmark – Kids & those who are young at heart will have a chance to create their own bookmark!
If you aren’t able to come in but still want to support the store, you can:
* Make a purchase at the Hedgehog Books shop on Bookshop.org. A portion of each purchase supports Hedgehog Books, and Bookshop is offering free shipping all weekend!
* Purchase an audiobook on Libro.fm. A portion of your purchase supports Hedgehog Books. From April 20th thru the 26th, Libro is offering customers who start a new one credit per month membership two free audiobooks with code BOOKSTOREDAY. And, they’ll have bestselling audiobooks on sale all week long!
“Thanks for your continued support of Hedgehog Books! We appreciate you and value your continued input on ways we can serve you better. Hope to see you soon,” said Janet Miller, co-owner of the store.

CHC/SEK Names Infectious Disease Program Director

 

PITTSBURG, Kan.—The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce the promotion of Taylor Panczer to Infectious Disease Program Director.

Panczer holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Education from Montclair State University. She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.

“Taylor’s compassion for others shines through in everything she does, and she brings a wealth of experience in health education, outreach, and advocacy,” said Lori Rexwinkle, RN, MSN, CHC/SEK Chief Operations Officer. “Her experience, combined with our providers’ expertise, is a great recipe for continued success in our Infectious Disease Program. I look forward to seeing the program grow so we can care for even more patients in our community.”

Panczer joined CHC/SEK in February 2021 as the Diabetes Program Manager and later served as the STI/HIV Outreach Coordinator. Most recently, she has served as the Wellness and Student Advocacy Services Coordinator through CHC/SEK’s partnership with Pittsburg State University (PSU). She will continue in this role alongside her new responsibilities, strengthening collaboration between both organizations, and expanding access to coordinated care for patients and students.

“CHC/SEK brings established, patient-centered workflows, and our campus clinic has built-in opportunities for infectious disease prevention education,” said Panczer. “Now, we have the opportunity to bring these strengths together into a unified program. I look forward to partnering with our highly skilled infectious disease team, local clinics, and health departments to improve the quality of life of our patients.”

As program director, Panczer will work closely with Julie Stewart, MD, Terra Livingston, APRN-C, and the infectious disease team to further develop patient programs. Stewart and Livingston are both Certified HIV Specialists™ through the American Academy of HIV Medicine.

In addition to providing HIV care, CHC/SEK offers comprehensive care for hepatitis, syphilis, and tuberculosis. “These diagnoses are often stigmatized, so compassionate care matters,” said Panczer. “We focus on the whole person, not just their diagnosis, ensuring patients feel respected and supported throughout their care.”

The team also provides service coordination, case management, educational outreach, and sexually transmitted infection testing. “Finances, transportation, and access to food and housing can all serve as barriers to receiving care. We coordinate these services to give patients the best chance of successful treatment,” Panczer said. “For example, if a patient lacks stable housing, it can be much harder for them to stay consistent with medications that require refrigeration.”

Panczer’s promotion supports CHC/SEK’s efforts to provide quality, affordable care to everyone. “Taylor is a great addition to our team, and her background and training are sure to open pathways for those who need them most,” said Julie Stewart, MD, CHC/SEK Physician. “We are excited to increase access for patients facing various medical issues from living with HIV to chronic pain to complex, chronic, multi-system conditions.”

For more information, visit chcsek.org.

 

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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

This email and any attachments may contain confidential information subject to protection under the Federal Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164). If you or your organization is a “Covered Entity” under the above mentioned regulations, you are obligated to treat such information in a manner consistent with the regulations. If it appears that this email was sent to you in error, (1) you are prohibited from utilizing or disseminating this email or any attachments; (2) please immediately delete it from your computer and any servers or other locations where it might be stored and (3) email [email protected] or call 620.231.9873 advising that you have done so. We appreciate your cooperation.

 

Ad: Automotive Technology Instructor – LaHarpe, KS Campus

Automotive Technology Instructor – LaHarpe, KS Campus

Flint Hills Technical College is seeking a full-time instructor for the Automotive Technology program, located in LaHarpe, KS, beginning with the Fall 2026 semester.

The successful candidate will have knowledge of the principles of operation for fundamental concepts of at least half of the following subjects:

  • Automotive Engines
  • Automotive Brakes
  • Electrical
  • Engine Performance                 
  • Automotive HVAC
  • Steering and Suspension
  • Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles
  • Manual Power Trains

Qualifications:

  • Associate’s Degree in related field required (or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe); Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum of two years’ work experience in the automotive field or two years of teaching experience in automotive education.
  • ASE Certifications in instructional areas (or ability to obtain certification within a specified timeframe).
  • Strong communication skills – both verbal and written
  • A Kansas teaching certificate is not a requirement for this position.

Salary and Benefits:

  • Full-time, 9-month position
  • A competitive salary range of $40,000-$54,000, commensurate with experience and education level
  • KPERS retirement plan
  • Employer-paid health insurance for the employee
  • Annual salary is distributed over 12 months
  • Flexible teaching schedule.

Application Process:

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, unofficial college transcripts, and contact information for three professional references to Human Resources at [email protected].

The FHTC Board of Trustees reserves the right to withdraw positions prior to being filled.

 

Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott Public Library On April 23

Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Fort Scott Public Library

Thursday, April 23rd

 

8am

Fort Scott Public Library
201 S. National Ave.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, April 23, at 8 a.m., hosted by the Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National. The coffee will take place downstairs in the events room. Please enter through the north entrance. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize.

This special gathering takes place during National Library Week (April 19–25, 2026), a nationwide celebration sponsored by the American Library Association that highlights the vital role libraries play in our communities. This year’s theme, “Find Your Joy,” encourages everyone to explore all the library has to offer.

The Fort Scott Public Library has proudly served the community since 1891, growing from its beginnings in Eugene Ware’s office into a cornerstone resource for Fort Scott and the surrounding area. Today, the library continues to evolve as a modern information hub, recently completing a new adult learning area while expanding spaces for children, teens, makers, and a “Library of Things.”

In addition to its updated spaces, the library offers a wide range of services including free digital platforms like Kanopy, Hoopla, Libby, and CloudLibrary, along with programs such as Story Time, Golden Aces, Book Clubs, and Summer Reading for all ages. Community members are encouraged to stop in, reconnect with the library, and explore everything it has to offer.

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

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Public Library

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Public Library

website!

Fort Scott Carnegie Library postcard, circa 1908.

Fort Scott Public Library, 2025

Historical Timeline:

  • 1883-The Library Association was founded in Fort Scott.
  • 1891- Eugene Ware established the Ware Public Library in Fort Scott. Mr. Ware uses the front of his law office as the library space. It was located at 113 Market Street, Fort Scott, where it stayed until the fall of 1892. The annual membership cost for the library was $4.
  • 1893- The Ware Public Library opens at the Redfield Building on Wall St.
  • 1894- Ware donated his library collection to the City of Fort Scott, and the citizens voted to establish a free Fort Scott Public Library to be maintained by the taxpayers. The new library board votes to stay in the Redfield building at a monthly rent of $25. Mary Barlow made the first librarian of the Fort Scott Public Library.
  • 1901- Andrew Carnegie donated $18,000 for the construction of a library building.
  • 1902- Fort Scott Public Library construction starts. The building is designed in the Second Renaissance Revival style.
  • 1904- The library is opened sometime in February.
  • 1911- Hitching posts removed from the front of the library.
  • 1918- The Library sent over 700 books, short stories, and boxes to the troops at the front during WWI.
  • 1923- Mary Barlow retires from the Fort Scott Library after 32 years. She had also been the librarian for the Ware Public Library.
  • 1936- A Children’s area was made in the library
  • 1942- The library donated 1,137 books to the Victory Book Campaign during WWII.
  • 1965- The library joins the Southeast Kansas Library System. This provides the library with access to interlibrary loans and rotating collections.
  • 1973- The library was deeded to the city of Fort Scott.
  • 1987- The library is placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the Kansas State Historical Society as a historic Carnegie Library.
  • 1990- The Library card catalog is put on a computer.
  • 2013- Fort Scott Public Library joined the SEKnFind consortium, a group of 52 Southeast Kansas libraries. This gives access to the catalogs and collections of all these libraries, expanding services to patrons.
  • 2014- Fort Scott Public Library joined the Sunflower/Libby eLibrary consortium, giving our patrons access to eBooks and audiobooks.
  • 2016- The library temporarily moved into the old City Hall offices in Memorial Hall, so that the library building could undergo a major renovation.
  • 2017- In April, the library reopened in the newly remodeled original Carnegie Building, giving longevity to the building, ensuring it will be there for future generations.
  • 2025- The library has a newly redesigned library website to serve our patrons better online. The library was also rearranged to accommodate new services and the relocation of the children’s room and computers.
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

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State of FSCC Luncheon – May 21st

You’re invited to attend the State of FSCC on May 21 at 12:00 p.m. in the Ellis Fine Arts Building.

This is a great opportunity for our community to hear important updates on the college’s progress, priorities, and future direction. We encourage all faculty and staff to attend and be part of the conversation as we continue moving FSCC forward.

Lunch will be provided, and we hope you’ll take this time to connect, stay informed, and show your support for our students and institution.

Please RSVP using the link below.

https://forms.gle/z5ccXuBsdFdGzHxT6

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Bourbon County Local News