FSCC Adult Education Program Offers Year-Round Opportunities and Comprehensive Support

 

Fort Scott, KS – The Adult Education program at Fort Scott Community College is providing individuals ages 16 and older with the opportunity to advance their education, strengthen essential skills and prepare for future success.

The FSCC Adult Education program helps students prepare to take the GED test and earn the Kansas State High School Diploma issued by the Kansas Board of Regents. In addition to GED preparation, the program offers instruction to improve skills in reading, writing, mathematics and technology.

Beyond academic preparation, the Adult Education program supports learners in several additional areas. Students receive financial literacy education to build practical money-management skills, workforce readiness training that focuses on workplace expectations and soft skills, resume-building assistance to confidently present their experience and strengths, and mock interviews and career coaching to prepare for real employment opportunities. These services help adult learners become more confident, capable and prepared for both higher education and the workforce.

“Many of our students come to the Adult Education program balancing work, family responsibilities and other challenges, but they are determined to improve their lives through education,” said Fatimah Bader, Adult Education instructor at Fort Scott Community College. “Watching students gain confidence, pass their GED tests, and move forward toward careers or college is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.”

Bader said some students even bring their children to class while working toward their goals, demonstrating their dedication to building a better future.

Adult learners can also raise their skill levels to gain employment or pursue advancement in their current careers. Classes are offered year-round to provide flexibility for students balancing work and family responsibilities. A mandatory three-day, in-person orientation is required for all new students. A $35 materials fee is due at orientation. The cost of each GED test is $39 per subject, with four subjects required for a total of $156.

In-person classes are held Monday through Thursday. Online instruction is also available, with times varying.

Classes are held at FSCC Bailey Hall, 2108 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

For more information or to enroll, contact Fatimah Bader at (620) 644-6126 or (620) 223-2700, ext. 4400, or by email at [email protected].

 

Fort Scott Community College Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Named 2025 REACH Chapter


Front Row: Taylor Ramirez, Jameson Anderson, Jackson Wood, Will DeBates, and Emmanuel Ebia
Back Row: Susie Arvidson, Braxton Young , Quinton Berg, and Ashley Page
Submitted photo.

 

 

Fort Scott, KS – The Phi Theta Kappa chapter at Fort Scott Community College has been recognized as a 2025 REACH Chapter through Phi Theta Kappa’s REACH Rewards program.

 

The REACH Rewards program honors Phi Theta Kappa chapters that demonstrate excellence in membership development and a strong commitment to expanding opportunities for eligible students. The program was created to encourage chapters to grow membership and ensure more students benefit from the organization’s mission of recognition and opportunity.

 

Through REACH, Phi Theta Kappa emphasizes the importance of providing students with access to scholarships, leadership development, and meaningful engagement with peers and faculty; all of which contribute to higher rates of student success and completion.

 

As a 2025 REACH Chapter, the FSCC Main Campus chapter will receive official Phi Theta Kappa graduation stoles. The stoles will be sent directly to the chapter’s advisor and may be distributed to chapter officers or members to wear during commencement ceremonies and keep as a symbol of their academic achievement and college completion milestone.

 

This recognition highlights the dedication of FSCC’s Phi Theta Kappa members and advisors in advancing the organization’s mission and enhancing the overall college experience for students.

 

Fort Scott Community College congratulates its Phi Theta Kappa chapter on this achievement and thanks its members and advisors for their continued commitment to student success and academic excellence.

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to host TWO Business-Building Workshops

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to host TWO Business-Building Workshops

designed to help your business grow smarter and stronger.

Smarter Social Media Strategies
Tuesday, March 10th ~ 1:30-2:30 PM

&

Google Business 101
Tuesday, March 31st ~ 1:30-2:30 PM

📍Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Room

302 E. Wall St., Fort Scott

Chamber Members

$10 per workshop

Non-Members

$20 per workshop

Register for both workshops & save:

Members

$15 total

Non-Members

$25 total

Register online by clicking below

or call the Chamber at 620-223-3566!

Visit our website for more info at fortscott.com !

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

About the classes:

Smarter Social Media Strategies

“Stop Posting and Hoping: A Smarter Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses”

Google Business 101

Learn how to improve your business visibility in local searches, build customer trust, and make your Google Business profile work for you.

About the presenter

Sara Comer, owner of Gracefully Managed of Columbus, KS has presented workshops and offers remote training around the region on topics such as e-commerce, websites, & social media.

These workshops are brought to you by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, made possible through Network Kansas and our Bourbon County eCommunity program.

DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER – CLICK HERE!

Click HERE to visit

Gracefully Managed LLC

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

Gracefully Managed LLC

website!

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

Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Constant Contact

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Meeting Minutes of March 4  

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

March 4, 2026

 

 

  1.  Welcome: Seventeen members from fourteen agencies attended the meeting in the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.

 

Coalition Board News: There is an open seat on the Coalition Board.  Reach out to Nick if you are interested.

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Kathy Romero – Angels Care Home Health – Angels Care has several specialty programs that other companies don’t offer. The focus this month is on traumatic brain injury. Kathy has emergency blankets available for anyone working with the unhoused.  Reach out to her if you could use some.
  • Shelby Moore- Families Together – Shelby works to support students and families as they navigate the special education process.
  • Patty Simpson – Fort Scott Housing Authority – The housing authority has a few vacancies that will be filled with applicants on the waitlist as soon as they are ready. The waitlist is short right now.
  • Rachel Carpenter – City of Fort Scott
  • Janelle – Early Childhood Block Grant
  • Megan Smith – Parents as Teachers – Megan has five openings in Bourbon County.
  • Star Culp – Parents as Teachers – Star has one opening in Bourbon County.
  • Dee Dee – Greenbush Community Liaison
  • Lora Wilson – SEK/CHC
  • Theresa Amershek – Child Exchange & Visitation Center
  • Henry Coronado – SER Corporation – The SER Corporation helps students going into the tech field with financial assistance.
  • Ashlee Reader – SEK Mental Health Center
  • Cherie Walrod – Credo Senior Living – Credo has both assisted living and memory care units. On March 11th from 7:30-8:30, Credo will host a senior care coalition to network and learn more about senior care. They will also have a virtual dementia tour available that day.  Credo has several rooms/suites available.
  • Kelly Stammer – DCF – DCF is hosting a Together Family Event in Pittsburg on April 9th from 4-7pm. People of all ages are welcome to attend.
  • Nick Johnson – Early Childhood Spring Fling – April 23 from 5:00-6:30 in the FSPC Gym 409 S. Judson. All children ages birth to six and their families are invited.

 

 

  1.  Program: 

 

FSCC Cosmetology Program- Talley McCullough & Harley Watson-

Talley and Harley, current FSCC cosmetology students, explained basic components of the cosmetology program and highlighted reasons they have enjoyed the program.  The cosmetology school is a full-time program with classes Monday through Thursday from 7:30-5:00.  There is also a nail class in the evenings.  Cosmetology students learn and provide services in the areas of hair, nails, waxing, facials, massage basics, and pedicures.  Students can also pursue additional certifications in the field. The cosmetology program offers flexible enrollment opportunities.  Students complete 1500 hours throughout the program, which usually takes 10-12 months.  Since the program is through the community college, grants and financial assistance are available.  Students also noted that the program is very affordable compared to other private cosmetology schools in the region.  Several area community colleges have closed their cosmetology programs, which has led to an increase in enrollment.  Upon completion of the program, the school helps students find apprenticeships and employment and helps students obtain licensure in their preferred state. Anyone interested in cosmetology services can make an appointment by calling FSCC.  For more information about the cosmetology program, see the cosmetology school’s Facebook page.

 

 

 

 

 

  1.  Open Forum:  Nothing further came before the coalition.

 

 Adjournment:  The next G

Ken Collins Kansas State Representative-Second District Newsletter

Thoughts From Under the Dome

Ken Collins

Kansas State Representative-Second District

 

 

Thie week started out somber in the Kansas Statehouse with the unexpected death of a friend and colleague,  Representative John Resman of Olathe. I sat next to John on the House floor during my freshman term an got to know him well. He didn’t speak up much but when he did I knew that what he had to say was worth listening to. Condolences to his family

 

Benny’s Bill (HB 2412) has been passed favorably by the Senate Judiciary Committee so it will soon be voted on by the whole Senate. They did make one technical amendment changing the effective date after the Governor’s approval but I believe that was done so it would go to a conference committee to be bundled with other related legislation. For those who don’t know the background behind this legislation it strengthens the penalties for child endangerment and aggravated child endangerment when the victim is under the age of six. For those who might not be familiar with the bill I am sponsoring it because of the case of Benny Cannon who suffered lifelong disabilities after a daycare incident when he was four months old. Two daycare workers were found responsible after pleading guilty in court but received light sentences in my opinion considering the damage that was inflicted.

 

In my last update I mentioned HB 2368 which allows for the licensure of anesthesiologist assistants in Kansas, As I mentioned before the bill was voted down but it has been brought up again and could possibly be voted on again this year. I voted against it the last time and I intend to vote that way again because I believe that it is a model that doesn’t work well for healthcare in Kansas.

 

HB 360 deals with PBM reform. PBMs or Pharmacy Benefit Managers are the middlemen between drug manufacturers and retail pharmacies. Currently many of the big drug chains and the PBMs are owned by the same companies which creates an unfair advantage to locally owned pharmacies like Richey’s in Erie, Mathis in Girard or Cardinal in Chanute. The bill is awaiting a committee hearing in the House where I will be voting in favor.

 

That is it for now. I’m hoping the best for everyone as we approach Spring even though it has been a mild Winter. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns that you might have. Ad Astra Per Aspera.

Fort Scott Area Chamber Launches 2026 Business Builder Workshop Series

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Network Kansas and Bourbon County eCommunity, is launching its new 2026 Business Builder Workshop Series, designed to provide practical, affordable education to help local businesses grow and thrive.

The first two one-hour workshops in the series will focus on digital marketing strategies that help small businesses increase visibility, attract customers, and work more efficiently.

The first session, “Stop Posting and Hoping: A Smarter Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses,” will be held Tuesday, March 10 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Room, 302 E. Wall Street. This session will provide practical guidance on building a focused, results-driven social media strategy rather than simply posting content without a plan.

The second workshop, “Google Business 101,” will take place Tuesday, March 31 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. This session will help businesses improve their visibility in local search results, strengthen customer trust, and better utilize their Google Business profile.

Both workshops will be presented by Sara Comer, owner of Gracefully Managed, who has worked with businesses throughout Southeast Kansas to improve their online presence and marketing effectiveness.

“These workshops are designed to give our members real tools they can immediately apply to their businesses,” said Lindsay Madison, Chamber President & CEO. “Whether you’re a retailer, restaurant, nonprofit, service provider, or attraction, these sessions are intended to help you grow smarter and stronger in 2026.”

Registration is $10 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. A discounted rate is available for those registering for both workshops. Seating is limited to allow for discussion and questions.

In addition, the Chamber encourages businesses and community leaders to save the date for Monday, April 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a special Destination Creation Workshop at The River Room Event Center featuring nationally recognized speaker Jon Schallert, an expert in transforming businesses, attractions, and entire communities into destinations. This extended workshop will focus on strategies to attract visitors, increase spending, and position Fort Scott as a must-visit destination. Additional details and registration information will be released soon.

Businesses, organizations, and community members are encouraged to register for the workshops through the Chamber office or online via fortscott.com.

For more information or to register, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

Give ‘Em Heaven by Patty LaRoche

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

“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves.  Living for others is a rule of nature.  We are all born to help each other.  No matter how difficult it is…Life is good when you are happy but much better when others are happy because of you.”

The same day I read this quote from Pope Francis, someone sent me this post: “If God is making you wait, then do what waiters do.  Serve.”

The photo to the left shows a man who stands outside the church Dave and I attend in Las Vegas.  Faithfully, each Sunday, he is on the corner after the service, smiling to every exiting vehicle.  Granted, he’s not on the stage preaching or singing, but his service is no less appreciated.

Ephesians 2:10 (TLB) says this:  God . . . has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. I have met people who say they “serve” in their church.  When I ask them how, they answer “by going to church” or “attending a Bible study.”  Those are good things to do, of course, but that’s not the message Paul intended for the Ephesians.           

What makes people prone to take care of their own needs and no one else’s?  Fortune Magazine ran an article and referred to Faith Popcorn, a New York City marketing expert, as the “Nostradamus of Marketing.”  Ms. Popcorn addresses a shift since Covid: “One of the major changes that is taking place in American culture is the ‘cocooning of America.’ It is looking for a haven at home – drawing their shades, plumping their pillows, clutching the remotes. Hiding . . . and everybody is digging in.”

Churches reflect this behavior as Christians choose to stay at home and “play it safe” on Sundays instead of obeying Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

The bottom line is that we Christians must be inconvenienced for the Gospel.  We must be willing to sacrifice so that others may come to know Jesus. Why is it so hard to think of others first, to remember that every person we see is someone Jesus thought enough of to die for?

Even praying for someone becomes an after-thought instead of an intentional, purposeful opportunity to bombard the thrones of Heaven to plead for them.  And Heaven forbid we take the time to mentor someone with the good news of eternity.  In Romans 10:14, Paul asks how people will come to believe in Christ.  Answer: through us.

Three Scriptures in Romans pave the road to sharing the gospel.

1.  3:23—For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God

2.  5:8—God shows his love for us that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.

3. 4:4-5—Salvation can’t be earned (or else Jesus wouldn’t have died.) We need to believe in Christ.

Reread the quote by Pope Francis and ask yourself this simple question: “What is the best thing I can do sacrificially to make others happy?”  I pray that leading others to Christ is at the top of your list.

USD234 Board of Education Agenda for March 9

Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
March 9, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
02-09-2026
02-11-2026
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – February 20, 2026 – $1,842,624.59
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
4.7 Food Service Fundraiser
4.8 Archery Club Fundraiser
4.9 Boys Golf Fundraiser
5.0 FSHS Theatre Students presentation – March – Theatre in Our Schools Month
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
7.0 New Business
7.1 Health Insurance Refund
7.2 Cost Containment Planning
7.3 10 Passenger Van Purchase
7.4 Approval of 2026-2027 School Calendar (Pending negotiations)
7.5 Approval of Graduation Requirements
7.6 High School Activity/Athletic Director Mentor Contract
7.7 KASB Membership Renewal 2026-2027
7.8 KASB Legal Assistance Fund Renewal 2026-2027
7.9 Sparkwheel Memorandum of Understanding
8.0 Public Forum
9.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
9.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters
9.2 Exit Executive Session
9.3 Approval of Personnel Report
10.0 Adjourn Meeting David Stewart, President

March is Woman’s History Month.

March is Women’s History Month. It behooves us to recognize how women have played an important role in our nation’s 250-year history.

Women have worked hard for 152 of those years in the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. Founded on November 18, 1874 in Cleveland, Ohio, it’s objectives are the following:
To protect the home
To instill Christian virtues in our children
To promote good citizenship
To inform society about the values of total abstinence by providing scientific facts concerning the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs
To build public sentiment for total abstinence

Beginning with women on their knees against the scourge of alcohol on their homes, the WCTU work expanded greatly under the leadership of Frances E. Willard, who became National WCTU Second President in 1879. She served as NWCTU President (and of the World WCTU from 1891) until her death in 1898.

The WCTU women proposed, supported and helped to establish: stiffer penalties for sexual crimes against girls and women, laws
that raised the age of consent from as low as seven years, higher education for women, uniform marriage and divorce laws, dress reform, travelers’ aid (originally protection for women and children traveling alone), matrons in jails, the Pure Food and Drug Act, legal aid, labor’s right to organize, equal pay for equal work and an 8-hour work day, legislation in every state mandating scientific instruction in public schools as to the dangers of smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages, and use of other drugs.

World peace was
proposed and supported.

WWCTU was a charter member of the United Nations.
Susan B. Anthony in the 1890’s introduced Willard to a United States Senate Committee as a “general with an army of 250,000.” At the time of her death she was , next to Queen Victoria, the best known woman in the world. On February 17, 1905 her statue
(sculpted by a woman) was placed in Statuary Hall of the US Capitol in Washington D.C.

She was the first woman so honored.

If you get the opportunity to visit Statuary Hall, you might enjoy seeing the statue of Frances B. Willard, as I did a few years ago.

Submitted by Loreta Jent, NWCTU Education Director

Bourbon County Local News