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Monthly Archives: June 2025
Critical Shortage of Housing and Skilled Labor Response
FRAME Grant Land Donation
Request for Proposal
Fort Scott Community College (FSCC), in collaboration with The City of Fort Scott, is seeking proposals for the donation of land to support a new workforce training initiative under the FRAME Grant program.
The FRAME Grant was developed in response to a statewide housing study conducted by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. This study identified a critical shortage of both quality housing and skilled labor across Kansas. With current contractors operating at capacity, there is an urgent need to recruit and train a new generation of workers to ensure our communities can build, grow, and thrive.
As part of this initiative, FSCC is seeking the donation of at least 2 acres of land located within the City of Fort Scott. The proposed site will be used for the construction of two new residential homes, which will serve as part of FSCC’s hands-on training program for students entering skilled trades.
Proposals for land donation are now being accepted at the City of Fort Scott to advance this vital collaboration with Fort Scott Community College through the FRAME Grant program.
Submit proposals in writing no later than Monday, June 30, 2025. To Lisa Lewis, City Clerk, City Hall, 123 S. Main Street. Fort Scott KS 66701. For questions, please reach out to Lisa Dillon 620-223-0550 x 250 or [email protected].
The city reserves the right as judge of all values of selection.
Bourbon County Commission Considers Change to Juvenile Detention Provider
Sheriff Bill Martin, Under-sheriff Kevin Davidson, and Angie Eads, Director for the Sixth Judicial District Community Corrections, spoke with Commissioners Mika Milburn and David Beerbower about a possibility of saving the county money by changing their juvenile detention center provider.
The county has use the facility in Girard, KS for juvenile detention services for several years. The annual contract amount has risen steadily over the last few years. Martin asked that the commissioner consider the option of changing to a pay-as-you-go agreement with the facilities in either Johnson or Douglas County.
Undersheriff Kevin Davidson researched the county’s interaction with the juvenile detention facility at Girard. The 2023 budget for Girard was $81,227, in 2024 it was $90,000, and the same is budgeted for 2025. Johnson County has a program that charges the county $180 per day to keep Bourbon County juveniles. Douglas County offers a similar rate and service.
He said that if the county had used Johnson or Douglas County’s juvenile detention centers in 2023, the county could have saved more than $50,000, and more than that in 2024.
Martin said they’ve been discussing getting away with Girard for years. He wants the commission to think very seriously about changing from an annual contract with Girard to a pay-as-you-go set up with either Douglas or Johnson County. He also said they only sent 3 or 4 kids to Girard last year.
Commissioner Mika Milburn said the worst case scenario from the county’s records was in 2022 with 548 days of juveniles from Bourbon County at Gerard. At the $180 per day rate, the cost would be $98,640 for the year.
Eads, whose department does the juvenile intake and assessments to determine, alongside law enforcement, if a juvenile should be held in detention, said that in a 3-year period, one individual used up more than 50% of the days that the county paid for juvenile detention.
County Clerk Susan Walker said that her records show higher numbers billed to Bourbon County for juvenile detention services, causing her to wonder if they have been over-billed. Her math shows a cost of $236-$274 per day over the last few years.
She also said that getting a contract with Girard has become a challenge, that in 2024 it was $98,000 and in 2025 it is $134,000. She also recommended looking at changing to the per-day system that the Sheriff’s department is suggesting.
“You’ll save right off the bat,” said Walker.
Martin plans to bring information for the agreement with Johnson County to the commission for their consideration.
SEK Mental Health Budget
“This has been an ongoing controversy,” said Beerbower. He has been visiting with the 6 counties that also use SEK Mental Health, and said most of them have elected to reduce the budget money towards SEK Mental Health and have recalled their board members. This may be due to a rise in the pay to the CEO.
Bourbon County SEK Mental Health board member Marty Dewitt was at the meeting. He is the pastor of Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church and has been on the board of SEK Mental Health for the past 10 years. The other member from Bourbon County is Jeff Fischer.
Beerbower suggested waiting for a third commissioner to be sworn in before making any decisions. Milburn agreed
Dr. Cohen Service Agreement
Milburn reviewed the contract and spoke to Dr. Cohen, and he removed number 7 from the contract and explained further about number 9, now number 8.
Milburn moved to sign the new contract. Beerbower agreed and signed as chair.
Budget Committee Selection
Commissioners read letters of interest aloud in the meeting. Those who submitted letters were: Greg Motley (already appointed to sit in on all budget hearings), Carolyn Smith, Katy Casper, Joseph Smith, Marla Heckman, Josh Jones, and Michael Hoyt.
Milburn chose Carolyn Smith and Katy Casper. Beerbower chose Marla Heckman and Josh Jones. Along with Greg Motley, that creates a board of 5. Motley will report to the commission and organize the meetings of the board.
The commissioners thanked everyone for their letters of interest.
Parliamentarian Proposal
Kaety Bowers agreed to serve as parliamentarian to the board of county commissioners. Milburn recommended having more than one parliamentarian to allow for scheduling conflicts. At this time, Bowers is the only one who has agreed to serve. Milburn’s motion included adding parliamentarians “as they decide they want to volunteer,” and was approved.
Mission Statement
Beerbower liked the long version of the mission that Milburn read in the meeting on June 2.
Milburn received some feedback from a citizen, Courtney Halsey, and read it in the meeting.
Beerbower moved to adopt the mission statement submitted by Milburn and the vision statement submitted by Halsey.
Motion carried.
Office Restructuring
The commissioners discussed the required changes in how county office space is used that will occur in January of 2026, when the commission moves from 3 to 5 commissioners. Milburn said that because of all they have going on as a county right now and her stance of only doing what’s absolutely necessary at this time, she is not in favor of spending any money or time on restructuring right now.
Beerbower said that he has received feedback from citizens to the same effect.
“You have a valid point, that we don’t need to rush into this,” said Beerbower.
Beerbower moved to cancel the restructuring for now, to be added back on later in the year when needed. Motion carried.
New Business
Commissioners held a 15 minute Executive Session with members of the Sheriff’s department for matters pertaining to non-elected personnel to protect their privacy. They returned to regular session with no action.
A second Executive Session was held to discuss other personnel matters with just the two commissioners attending. They returned to regular session with no action.
Property Disaster Relief Application – Duane & Tawnya Glasscock
Milburn moved to sign the abatement for 1726 Buckeye Road based on photographic evidence submitted by the Glasscocks. Motion carried.
SEK Regional Planning Commission Update
Greg Motley spoke to the commission about the potential benefits of SEK RPC. He said the organization is the driver of economic development in Southeast Kansas. Montgomery County has been reaping the benefits of the organization, but Bourbon has been “kinda minimalist,” and he wants to make everyone aware of what SEK RPC has to offer. Besides municipal infrastructure and affordable housing, there are loans to establish and expand or retain employees in new businesses. There are also agricultural grants.
“If anybody in the county wants to know what’s available through this organization in grants or loans,” they should contact the commission, he said, who will put them in touch with Motley.
“We should just keep these programs in mind so we’re not on the sidelines and can get our fair share of money,” he said.
Beerbower said he was interested in grants that would help with animal shelters.
Motley said they should consider applying for grants through SEK RPC for the deferred maintenance needed on the courthouse.
Bronson City Park CDBG Grant Letter of Support
A grant was applied for through SEK RPC and a letter of support from the county will help them gain consideration for the grant to the improve the part.
Commissioners approved.
Commissioner Comments
Milburn expressed that she is pleased with the citizens’ response to the need to replace District One Commissioner Brandon Wisenhunt by attending the Republican Party Convention last week.
2025 Lowell Milken Center Fellows Receive Keys to the City
Standing: Jay Weisman, Alex Lahasky. Submitted photo.
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, has awarded its 2025 National Fellowship to 6 educators. As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, each of the six fellows for June 15 – 20 was given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 17th, by Lindsay Madison, Tourism and Chamber Director. (Six more Fellows will arrive on June 22nd.)
Upon presenting the keys, Madison said, “On behalf of the City of Fort Scott and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, it is our honor to welcome you to our community. The tradition of presenting a key to a city represents the highest expression of civic gratitude and trust, honoring outstanding impact through leadership and service. As Lowell Milken Fellows, you are transforming lives into not just what students know but in who they become. Through Unsung Hero projects, you inspire students to gain purpose and vision to grow into stars of the future. May the key serve as a lasting reminder of Fort Scott’s appreciation for your dedication and impact.”
The Fellows honored this week were Theresa Cantwell from New York, Valerie Conklin from New York, Alex Lahasky from Kansas, Meghan Menchella from Missouri, Kelly Ryan from Louisiana, and Jay Weisman from Louisiana. LMC Director Norm Conard praised these outstanding individuals, saying, “It is an honor to be able to network and collaborate with these exceptional educators and provide this opportunity for them to reflect, reenergize, and strategize with each other as they seek new ways to inspire their students.”
Every summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes awards its Fellowship to national and international award-winning educators from America and around the world. As National LMC Fellows, they deepen their understanding of Unsung Heroes and project-based learning in preparation for developing Unsung Heroes projects with their students. They also learn the stories of powerful role models who have helped to change the world and can be life-changing examples for students today. Along with the time spent deepening their professional skills at the LMC, the Fellows enjoy visiting the Fort Scott area.
The Gordon Parks Museum: Extended Hours During FSHS All-Class Reunion Weekend
The Gordon Parks Museum Open with Extended Hours During
Fort Scott High School All-Class Reunion Weekend
FORT SCOTT, Kan. June. 17, 2025 – The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College will be open with extended hours during the Fort Scott High School Alumni Association All-Class Reunion, taking place the weekend of June 27–29, 2025.
The museum invites all returning alumni and visitors to stop by and experience the powerful legacy of Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, a trailblazing photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician.
Extended Museum Hours:
- Friday, June 27: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday, June 28: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This is a unique opportunity to learn more about Parks’ impact on American culture and civil rights, and to explore exhibits highlighting his career, from his early life in Fort Scott to his renowned work with LIFE Magazine and films.
In addition to museum exhibits, visitors are encouraged to take part in the Learning Tree Film Scene Sign Trail, a self-guided tour that highlighting key locations from the 1969 film The Learning Tree, directed by Gordon Parks and filmed in Fort Scott in 1968.
Trail brochures are available at:
- The Gordon Parks Museum
- Fort Scott Visitors Center / Chamber of Commerce
- Local area hotels
“We’re excited to welcome back so many Fort Scott alumni and visitors,” said Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of The Gordon Parks Museum. “This is a perfect time to reconnect not only with old classmates but also with the rich history and legacy of Gordon Parks.”
For more information, visit www.gordonparkscenter.org or follow The Gordon Parks Museum on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 17
Chamber Coffee Hosted by State Farm Insurance on June 19
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Jordann Lankford-Forster Named 2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow
This is part of a series of
2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.
FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in
Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious
Fellowship to Jordann Lankford-Forster (Bright Trail Woman), an Indigenous Education for All instructional coach and educator at Great Falls Public Schools in Great Falls, MT. Jordann will arrive in Fort Scott on June 22nd for a week of collaboration with LMC staff and the other members of the Fellowship.
The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
Jordann Lankford-Forster, an Indigenous Education for All instructional coach and teacher from Great Falls, MT, has been honored to receive the Montana Indigenous Teacher of the Year Award and named the 2022 Montana History Teacher of the Year. Due largely to Jordann’s leadership, American Indian Studies is a popular subject at Paris Gibson Education Center and encourages students to learn about historical, cultural, and contemporary information concerning American Indian people.
Jordann also assists other educators within her district and state in embedding cultural content into their classrooms and learning spaces. She serves as the Chairwoman of the Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education, the President of the Potlatch Fund, and a Montana representative for the United States Commission on Civil Rights.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “We are so excited to have Jordann, our first Fellow from Montana, as part of the Lowell Milken Center Fellowship. As an award-winning instructional coach for Indigenous Education, she brings a unique cultural perspective and will be a valuable resource for the discovery of many new Unsung Heroes.”
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.
A Father’s Influence by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
A Father’s Influence
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) made a thought-provoking statement when he said, “When the sun goes below the horizon he is not set; the heavens glow for a full hour after his departure. And when a great and good man sets, the sky of this world is luminous long after he is out of sight. Such a man cannot die out of this world. When he goes he leaves behind him much of himself. Being dead, he speaks.” My late husband was a gentle, kind-hearted, influential man who loved God. And I watched him be a good father to our son and daughter for 34 years; he left a goodly part of himself in each one.
Although Jimmy is gone from our children’s sight and touch, he continues to influence them. Whenever my son repairs, builds, uses a chainsaw or power tool, shoots a gun, problem shoots, discusses the Bible, or rides his motorcycle, I am seeing his father in him. A father’s influence lasts a lifetime.
Whenever my daughter goes fishing, shoots a deer, rides a horse, reads a book, plays with her children, helps someone, or starts another hobby, I am seeing her father in her. A father’s influence lasts a lifetime.
Being a great dad doesn’t just happen automatically. A lot of godly wisdom, effort, and selflessness goes into the definition of a good dad. Being a dad to your children is the highest and hardest calling, but it’s not “mission impossible.” Jimmy used God’s Word as the user manual for training our children. The following scripture was underlined in his Bible: “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (Proverbs 22:6 NLT). He believed it was his responsibility to teach our children about God’s Son and they both accepted Jesus as their Savior as youngsters. Today, they are committed believers and a lot of the reason why is because their father’s godly influence is still alive in their lives.
Children spell “love” as T I M E. They don’t want your money, toys, or gadgets as a substitute for your time. They want and need you! The time fathers spend with their kids (no matter their age) is time well spent and well remembered. Forget the term, “quality time.” Just be present and share life with them, whether it’s on the creek bank, the woods, in a tree house, horseback riding, in a deer stand, or on the basketball court. Be present.
Dads are a critical piece to a child’s puzzle of life. Your influence will remain with them forever. The question is, after you’re gone, what will be the main thing you’ll be remembered for? Mariam and Aaron have described their father as an “All-In” Dad. Even though being a dad is often challenging, it’s not complicated. Just keep your priorities straight: love them, don’t spoil them, discipline them, and teach them about Jesus. Be a good man and a godly example for the sake of your children. And don’t beat yourself up when you fall short. God will help you be all you need to be as a man, husband, and father. Simply do your best and God will do the rest.
No matter how old we are, we never outgrow our need for a father. Mine has been gone for 13 years and I still feel him in my heart and hear him in my head — because a father‘s influence lasts a lifetime.
The Key: “Thank you” to all the fathers who are being the #1 Best Dad you can be.
KANSASWORKS Hosts June Virtual Job Fair for Open Positions Across Kansas
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Updated Agenda For FSCC Trustees Meeting This Evening
The updated Fort Scott Community College Trustees agenda for tonight – added minutes from the president interviews special meetings and the transfer of Vickie Laderer from Interim Director to Nursing Director.
Kansas Main Street Program is Tuesday, June 17 at 10 AM at Fort Scott City Hall
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