Members of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees met at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, for a board workshop at the Ellis Fine Arts Building.
Chair Doug Ropp called the meeting to order.
Emily Franks with Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips, PA, presented the 2024–2025 final audit.
Dr. Larry Guerrero, Vice President of Academic Affairs, reported that he had received word from the state that Certificate A and Certificate C have been accepted as presented.
President Dr. Jack Welch provided an update on the number of projected graduates for the current school year, along with an update on student headcount. He emphasized that when Fort Scott Community College grows, Fort Scott grows, and that the college serves as a driver of economic opportunity for the community.
Vanessa Poyner, Vice President of Student Affairs, shared information regarding the upcoming Outstanding Student Receptions held in conjunction with graduation. She also noted a new service award for faculty and staff who have made a significant impact on students, based on student feedback, to be presented at the end-of-year luncheon.
Athletic Director Dave Weimer invited the board to the upcoming golf tournament and noted that the Hall of Fame ceremony will be held on May 2.
Courtney Metcalf, Registrar, discussed graduation procedures for board members. As part of the board’s review of the April 20 consent agenda items, topics included board goals, updates on the FRAME grant, a proposed 4.5-day work week, board policies, a food service contract, tuition and fees, and a professional services agreement with USD 234. No action was taken.
Board members also participated in governance training related to KOMA and executive sessions to strengthen understanding and preparedness in those areas.
Chair Ropp adjourned the meeting at 1:41 p.m.
April 20 Meeting
Members of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, for their regular board meeting at the Ellis Fine Arts Building.
Chair Doug Ropp called the meeting to order.
The Board approved the official agenda with the removal of Item 8.5 Heavy Equipment Operator equipment purchases.
The Board approved the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
March 12, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
March 13, 2026, Board of Trustees Meeting
April 06, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register – $738,222.98
Payroll
March 13, 2026 – $731,953.65
April 15, 2026 – $707,707.76
Contract Ratification
Nevada Baseball Club, Inc.
Vector Solutions
STARS (finalized)
The Board approved the following items:
Board Goals
2026–2027 food service contract with Great Western Dining
Tuition and Fees for the 2026–2027 academic year
Professional Services Agreement with USD 234
Personnel Report (as follows)
The Ag and President Ambassadors presented to the Board on their programs. Track, Softball, Baseball coaches and their athletes were recognized for their programs.
Trustee Rhonda Bailey reported on Greenbush and shared information from the KACCT meeting.
Chair Ropp adjourned the meeting at 6:39 p.m.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
APRIL 20, 2026
EMPLOYMENT
Lindsay Hill – Board Clerk, effective 05/01/26
RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT
Resignation – Seth Cross, HEP Grant, effective 04/17/2026
Resignation – Matt Glover, Men’s Basketball Coach, effective 05/15/26
Resignation – Chris Goddard, Band Faculty, effective 06/03/26
It’s time to submit to the 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition! Please plan at least 30 minutes to complete your submission using the online portal. Follow this step-by-step Submission Guideto submit projects. There is no entry fee. All students entering the competition can receive a Certificate of Participation. All finalists and winners will be featured on the ARTEFFECT website and receive a certificate.
The ARTEFFECT team is here to support you. If you need assistance with your submission, please email arteffect@lowellmilken.org.
2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Certificate of Participation
Making a complete submission to the 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition is an achievement unto itself! ARTEFFECT honors the teaching and learning of all participating students with a digital Certificate of Participation.
Upon submitting a project to the competition, each participant will receive a confirmation email that includes a link to the Certificate of Participation that they can complete and print.
If you need assistance, and would like to request a completed Certificate of Participation for yourself or on behalf of your student(s), please email arteffect@lowellmilken.org upon completion of your submission.
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
Visiting Kansas Communities Impacted by Tornados
On Monday night, three confirmed tornados touched down and caused severe damage across areas of northeast Kansas. While the storms caused significant physical damage to homes and buildings, thankfully there were no lives lost and few reported injuries. I traveled to Hillsdale on Friday morning to assess the damage and speak with folks in the area about how the federal government can assist them in rebuilding. I walked through the community with Kansas State Rep. Chip VanHouden, State Sen. Doug Shane, Miami County Sheriff Frank Kelly and Miami County Commissioners George Pretz and Tyler Vaughan, and they provided an update on the ongoing relief efforts and how the community is coming together to clean up and rebuild following this devastating storm.
Later on Friday, I also traveled to Ottawa, where I saw the damage caused by the storm and met with community leaders and residents at Ottawa City Hall who came out to lend a hand to their fellow Kansans. I also appreciated speaking with Kansas State Rep. Rebecca Schmoe, County Commissioner Sabrina Meador, City Commissioner Mike Skidmore, City Manager Thatcher Moddie, Mayor Zach Clayton, Ottawa Chief of Police Adam Weingartner, Ottawa Police Department Lt. Brian Luft and his wife, Jessica, and Ottawa Public Schools teacher Jason Circle to discuss the work ahead and how I can support these efforts.
I want to thank the many volunteers and first responders across our state that are continuing to aid their fellow Kansans during this difficult time. I will continue to work closely with state and local leaders to make certain residents receive the resources and support necessary to recover.
Chairing Joint Hearing on FIFA World Cup 2026 Security Preparations On Wednesday, in my role as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I led a joint hearing with Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) to examine federal security preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026. We heard from officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the FBI and the Department of Commerce on coordination efforts to protect the safety of fans, athletes and host communities. The World Cup presents an important opportunity to demonstrate the strength of our federal, state and local partnerships and to showcase the U.S. on the world stage, but the success of the event will depend on strong coordination across all levels of government.
Over the past two years, I have worked to make certain Kansas is prepared for this global event. In 2024, I led a bipartisan effort calling on the administration to establish a White House Task Force to coordinate federal planning for the World Cup. I also helped secure $59.5 million for the Kansas City region through the Reconciliation Bill to assist state and local partners with World Cup-related safety and security costs. In March, I also requested an update from DHS on federal planning efforts and coordination with host cities. I will continue working with federal agencies and local partners to make certain Kansas is ready to safely and successfully welcome visitors from around the world.
You can watch my opening remarks here and learn more about efforts to prepare for a safe and successful World Cup here.
Leading a Hearing on Supporting Justice-Involved Veterans On Wednesday afternoon, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing with veterans from Kansas, advocates from the Veterans Justice Commission and All Rise, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) about federal, state and local programs for justice-involved veterans. We also discussed the importance of Veteran Treatment Courts (VTC) and the DOJ’s plans to establish a National Center for Veterans Justice. During the hearing, we heard from three Kansans: former Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawton Nuss, U.S. Army Major General (Ret.) Clyde “Butch” Tate and U.S. Army veteran Corey Schramm from Gardner.
The core premise of VTCs is that many justice-involved veterans are better served by an accountability-and-treatment model, particularly where military service, trauma, PTSD, substance use or related conditions are contributing factors. Since the Johnson County Veterans Treatment Court opened in 2016, five more VTCs have opened across Kansas. Corey Schramm graduated from the Johnson County VTC in 2022, and he shared his story at the hearing. He testified that “behind every statistic is a veteran like myself, who struggled and who, with the right combination of support, can find their way back.” Since his graduation from the VTC, Corey has earned an associate’s degree in addiction counseling, and he now works as an adult care manager at the Johnson County Mental Health Center.
Corey and the other witnesses at this hearing provided clear examples of why Congress works to support veterans as they transition out of the military, and they highlighted the value that veterans bring to our communities and country. In January, Congress passed my legislation to fully fund Veterans Treatment Courts, including $4 million for the DOJ to establish a National Center for Veterans Justice. These investments reflect a welcome focus on justice-involved veterans, not only in Kansas but across the country.
Learn more about VTCs and watch my questioning of the witnesses here.
Update on U.S. Military Operation in Iran
While the two-week ceasefire with Iran continues to be largely upheld, it is due to expire in the coming days unless it is extended. The situation remains tense with the United States Navy maintaining a blockade of Iranian-related shipping in and out of the Persian Gulf, and Iran has reversed its announcement of permitting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, the Strait effectively remains closed, impacting oil supplies and other goods. Last week I followed up on my floor remarks in March to once more urge the White House to resume sanctions on Russian oil, and I believe the decision to renew the sanctions waiver for another month goes against our national interests and does little to ease pressure on American consumers.
Instead of ineffective waivers, prices will depend on a resolution in the Persian Gulf. I continue to call on the administration to provide Congress and the American people with an update on where the conflict currently stands and what the strategy is to reach a successful conclusion. It is my hope that offensive operations can be concluded before the end of the month and our troops begin returning home.
You can read more about this from Bloomberg Government here.
Introducing Kansas Federal Judicial Nominees During Committee Hearing
This week, I had the opportunity to introduce three highly qualified Kansans: Jeffrey Kuhlman, The Honorable Anthony Powell and Tony Mattivi, during their nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding their appointments to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. Each of these nominees brings a strong record of public service, legal experience and integrity, and I was grateful to offer my support for their nominations. Jeffrey Kuhlman brings extensive experience in private practice and previously served as a federal judicial law clerk in Kansas. Hon. Anthony Powell has served Kansans for decades, including as Kansas Solicitor General, a judge in the Eighteenth Judicial District and on the Kansas Court of Appeals. Tony Mattivi most recently led the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and previously served as a federal prosecutor, handling complex and high-profile cases. Following a thorough review process earlier this year where I met with many qualified candidates, I was pleased to support their nominations and will continue working with my colleagues as the Senate considers them for confirmation.
You can watch my introduction of the nominees here.
PASSED: Committee Approves Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Airport Security
On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed my legislation, the SAFEGUARDS Act. For more than a decade, the $5.60 9/11 security fee that passengers pay when they purchase an airline ticket has been diverted to non-security purposes. My legislation would make certain this security fee is returned to its original intent of investing in new technology to help bolster the safety and efficiency of U.S. air travel. I look forward to the passage of this important aviation safety legislation by the full Senate.
You can learn more about my legislation from KSN here.
Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2031. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on September 18, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Sending on behalf of Chamber Member The Gordon Parks Museum
Fort Scott Stories isn’t just a film… It’s a powerful, emotional look at the people, history, and moments that define our community.
And this is your chance to experience it.
Through real voices and real stories, from youth to elders, this documentary captures the heartbeat of Fort Scott in a way that will stay with you long after the night ends.
You’ll laugh. You might cry. You’ll definitely feel something.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Doors Open: 6:30 PM Film Begins: 7:00 PM
Gordon Parks Museum (Ellis Fine Arts Building)
FREE Admission (Donations welcome)
Cash Bar Available
Reservations Required — contact the Gordon Parks Museum to reserve your seat.
Seats will fill quickly. Don’t miss this unforgettable night celebrating the soul of Fort Scott!
TOPEKA – A virtual workshop on Wildfire Risk and Utility Readiness will be hosted by the Kansas Corporation Commission on Friday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
House Bill 2107, passed by the Kansas Legislature during its 2025 session, requires the KCC to hold a workshop addressing the topics of general wildfire risk, mitigation strategies, wildfire emergency response, and managing cost recovery.
This comes at a time when, according to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, wildfires are increasing in frequency, destructiveness, and cost. Wildfire-driven financial risks affect all types of electric utilities, including investor-owned, cooperative, and public.
The virtual workshop will feature a series of presentations from national and local experts, each followed by a Q&A session and discussion. View the agenda.
The workshop can be accessed on the agency’s YouTube channel. No preregistration is required.
I. Call Meeting to Order II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Prayer IV. Introductions V. Approval of Agenda VI. Approval of Minutes 04.13.26 VII. Approval of Accounts Payable 04.15.26 ($6,590.70), 04.16.26 ($345.96), 04.17.26 ($286,279.61) VIII. Hay Bid Opening 5:35 PM IX. Department Updates
Jennifer Hawkins X. Public Comments XI. Old Business
Planning Commission – Milburn
Juvenile Detention – Sheriff/Angie Eads
Vacation & Sick Leave Resolution – Beerbower
Meeting Resolution – Milburn-Kee XII. New Business
Kanren 2025 Invoice
Maintenance Supervision XIII. Future Agenda Topics
Audit Presentation 05.04.26 XIV. Commission Comments XV. Adjournment
Information Packet Summary
Approval of Minutes and Financials (Page 2-3) The commission reviewed minutes from March 31 and April 6, 2026. Accounts payable totaling $445,485.34, tax corrections, and February 2026 financials were all approved unanimously.
Public Comments and Economic Updates (Page 3)
Forensic Audit Request: Micheal Bryant requested the commission revisit the forensic audit of the Sheriff’s Department, citing a lack of documentation and inaccurate information provided previously.
Economic Development: Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin reported the sale of the Value Merchandisers building (expected to bring up to 350 jobs over three years) and the Timken building (expected to bring 200 jobs).
Legislative and Technology Updates (Page 4)
Legislative Report: Senator Tim Shallenberger provided updates on state bills affecting county operations and noted that he receives more inquiries from Bourbon County than his other two counties combined.
IT Infrastructure: Stronghold Data reported that county systems are stable. Current projects include network segmentation and preparing for the mandatory Windows 11 transition by 2027.
Emergency Services Sales Tax (Page 4) The oversight committee reported that 2025 sales tax receipts totaled over $705,000. These funds were successfully directed to the Freeman Fort Scott Hospital for emergency room services as intended.
Payroll and Personnel Policy Disputes (Pages 4-6) A significant portion of the meeting involved approximately 40 county employees addressing the commission regarding payroll and leave policies.
Policy Concerns: County Clerk Susan Walker highlighted that 21 employees had their hire dates changed in the system without notice, affecting retirement and benefit calculations.
Employee Testimony: Several employees expressed frustration over losing years of service credit and being locked out of viewing their own leave balances.
Commission Action: The commission voted to restore employee access to view and manage their time entries and leave balances.
Juvenile Detention Membership (Pages 6-7) Michael Walden, Director of the Southeast Kansas Juvenile Detention Center, urged the county to maintain its membership. He warned that upcoming legislative changes (House Bill 2329) will likely increase admissions and stay lengths, potentially overwhelming state facilities.
Old and New Business (Pages 7-8)
Equipment Auction: The commission is waiting for final confirmation from contractors before proceeding with an auction for remaining building equipment.
Special Improvement District: A proposed $135,018 project for 190th Street was tabled until June to assess county equipment capacity.
Meeting Schedule: A proposal to move to bi-weekly formal meetings with alternating work sessions is under review.
Accounts Payable Detail (Pages 10-20) The packet includes a full breakdown of invoices by department. Notable entries include card services for training expenses, fuel, and supplies for the Sheriff’s department, as well as payroll clearing accounts for employee benefits and taxes.
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to Host Public Meetings on Turkey Seasons and Waterfowl Hunting Regulations
PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will host two public meetings this spring to discuss the possible re-establishment of a fall turkey season and proposed regulations affecting non-resident waterfowl hunting on public lands. Both meetings will include time for questions and public feedback.
“These conversations are an important part of how we manage wildlife and hunting opportunities across Kansas,” said Jake George, KDWP’s wildlife division director. “We want to hear directly from hunters and others who care about these resources as we consider potential changes and make informed decisions moving forward.”
Regulations remain unchanged at this time; any adjustments would require approval by the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission before they are implemented.
Meeting Schedule:
April 22 | 6:00 p.m.
Great Plains Nature Center Auditorium
6232 E. 29th St N
Wichita, KS 67220
May 6 | 6:00 p.m.
Kansas Highway Patrol Training Center (Small Auditorium)
2025 E. Iron Ave
Salina, KS 67401
Attendees at the Salina meeting are asked to park in the lower parking lot. Parking is not permitted in the lot east of the main drive.
These meetings are open to the public, and all interested individuals are encouraged to attend.
Those unable to attend in person may submit comments through the KDWP public comment form at ksoutdoors.gov/contact.
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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visitksoutdoors.gov.
Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon Co RWD 2C and City of Uniontown, Bourbon County (Taken from the City of Fort Scott’s Facebook page)
TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon Co RWD 2C, and City of Uniontown public water supply systems located in Bourbon County. This advisory does not affect those customers of city of Fulton nor those of city of Prescott.
Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
The advisory took effect on April 18, 2026 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break in the city of Fort Scott’s distribution system, resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. The City of Fort Scott water system provides water to Bourbon Co RWD 2C, who provides water to city of Uniontown.
Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
For consumer questions, please contact the City of Fort Scott water system at 620-223-5160, or Bourbon Co RWD 2C water system at 620-223-1110, or the city of Uniontown water system at 620-756-4742, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at [email protected] or call 785-564-6767.
kdhe.ks.gov
Consumer Information Regarding a Disruption in Water Service | KDHE, KS
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Far-out Prayer for a Wife
As a young girl, I remember the congregation of my childhood church gathering around the altar to pray for the healing of a newborn baby girl. She was born without soft spots (fontanelles) on her head. As the adults fervently poured out their hearts before God, baby Cynthia was precious and content. Her parents,
Leo and Geneva, returned her to the doctor’s office a few days later and she was deemed completely healed and whole. Because I was there for this special prayer and experienced the entire situation, I have never doubted that God answered our prayers. And I have a lifetime of answers to prayer.
I think God actually enjoys answering bizarre prayers just to prove He’s a listening all-powerful God. In the Old Testament, Abraham’s senior servant, Eliezer, was told to go back to Abraham’s home country and get a wife for his son Isaac. Abraham told Eliezer, “God will send His angel ahead of you to get a wife for my son.” So Eliezer took ten camels loaded with gifts and headed to the city of Nahor. Just outside the city, he made the camels kneel at a well and he prayed a far-out prayer: “O God, God of my master Abraham, make things go smoothly this day… Let the girl to whom I say, ‘Lower your jug and give me a drink say,’‘Drink and let me also water your camels’ – let her be the woman You have picked out for your servant Isaac. Then I’ll know that You’re working graciously behind the scenes” (Genesis 24 MSG).
Eliezer wanted to make sure he brought home the right wife for Isaac, so he prayed very specifically. And we know Eliezer’s prayer was answered exactly as he prayed. When Rebekah offered to water all the camels (at least 11), that was the clincher. A normal woman wouldn’t offer to water any of the camels, a considerate woman might offer to water Eliezer’s camel, but only the right woman would offer to water all the camels! It’s been roughly estimated that one camel can drink 25 gallons of water after a long journey. Rebekah sure wasn’t lazy or puny – she drew approximately 275 gallons of water for all the camels. If I had been Rebekah I guess I’d have remained unmarried.
Some Christ followers might think, “Well, I’m not going to ask for anything from God, that way I won’t be disappointed.” That’s a strange way to think about your heavenly Father. I’ve heard it said this way: “I’d rather ask God for a lot and receive half of it than not ask for anything and get all of it.”
God’s Word tells believers to ask for what they need. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT). “I always pray, I don’t faint, quit or give up” (Luke 18:1). “Because of my faith in Him, I dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear)” (Ephesians 3:12 AMP). The definition of “Amen” is the end of a prayer and the beginning of an answer.
“You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it” (James 4:2 GNT). I double-dog dare you to ask God for what you need and then step back and watch Him work.
The Key: Never underestimate the power of a far-out prayer to an awesome God.
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