Monthly Archives: September 2025
Growing with 4-H by Kendal Henson
Growing with 4–H: September as a Season of Reflection and Renewal
September is a month of transition. The long, warm days of summer give way to crisp mornings and evenings, school buses resume their routes, and the first hints of autumn colors begin to appear in the trees. For many, September feels like both an ending and a beginning. In 4–H, this sense of change is particularly significant—it is a time to reflect on past accomplishments with pride and to look forward with excitement to what is yet to come.
Celebrating Summer Successes
For 4–H members, summer is typically the busiest season of the year. They spend countless hours caring for livestock, tending to gardens, practicing demonstrations, working on sewing projects, and preparing entries for the fair. County and state fairs serve
not only as showcases of hard work but also as celebrations of dedication, perseverance, and growth.
As September arrives, many members take time to reflect on their summer experiences. They remember the early mornings in the barn, the nerves they felt before stepping into the show ring, the satisfaction of completing a project, and the joy of hearing their names called during the awards ceremony. These experiences teach valuable lessons that go beyond what ribbons can represent. They instill a sense of responsibility, time management skills, resilience, and pride in a job well done.
A Fresh Start for a New 4–H Year
September is not just a time for reflection; it’s also a season of renewal. For many clubs, the start of September marks the approach of a new 4–H year. New members are welcomed, officers are elected, and goals are set for the upcoming months. This season represents fresh starts, allowing young people to choose new projects, explore different areas of interest, and challenge themselves to grow in exciting ways.
Just like the harvest season that September brings, 4–H teaches us that growth occurs when seeds are planted with care and nurtured with time and effort. The lessons learned in barns, gardens, kitchens, and meeting rooms extend well beyond 4–H. They help shape members into leaders, problem solvers, and responsible citizens in their schools and communities.
Looking Ahead: National 4–H Week
September brings excitement for National 4–H Week, which occurs in early October. Clubs start brainstorming ideas to showcase their projects, promote 4–H to new audiences, and highlight the positive impact 4–H has on their communities. This is a time for members to share their pride, invite friends to join, and tell their personal stories about how 4–H has made a difference in their lives.
This preparation goes beyond mere publicity; it serves as a reminder of the vital importance of outreach and service. 4–H is not just about the individual benefits members receive, but also about the contributions they make to their communities. By getting ready
for National 4–H Week, clubs reinforce the connections they share with their schools, neighborhoods, and counties.
for National 4–H Week, clubs reinforce the connections they share with their schools, neighborhoods, and counties.
September’s Message: Making the Best Better
Ultimately, September reminds us of the pledge every 4–H member knows well: “I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
As we transition from one season to the next, our pledge takes on a deeper significance. It encourages us to use our talents and energy not only to improve ourselves but also to strengthen the world around us. September marks the start of fall and signifies the beginning of another year of growth, leadership, friendship, and service in 4–H.
As the leaves begin to change, let’s welcome the opportunities that lie ahead. We should take the lessons we’ve learned from the summer fairgrounds and apply them in our classrooms, communities, and homes. Let’s continue to embody the mission of 4–H: to make the best even better.
Kendal Henson is a Kansas State Extension 4–H & Youth Development agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620–625–8620.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda, Sept. 22, 2025
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Date: September 22, 2025, 5:30 PM
Location: Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
I. Call Meeting to Order
- Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes
- Minutes from 09/15/25 & 09/16/25
IV. Consent Agenda
- Approval of 09.19.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $302,193.56
- Approval of 09.19.25 Payroll Totaling $299,558.52
- Tax corrections
- Lynne Oharah – Road Concern
- Derek Raines
- Sheriff & Ben Hart
- Tusa – Dean Hart & Dennis Ward
- Enterprise Lease – Kenneth Olsen
V. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VI. Old Business
- Budget Discussion
- Culvert Discussion – Milburn
- CIC Discussion – Milburn
- Gov. Deals – Milburn
- Cereal Malt Beverage – KC Mart, 2191 Soldier Road
- Elevator Milburn
- Mapleton Redfield Road – Tran
- Planning Commission Selection – Beerbower
- Security Cameras – Beerbower
- Resolution Review – Beerbower
- Commission Meetings & Commissioner Conduct
VII. New Business
- Application for Road Closure 140th between Cavalry Road & Birch Rd – Beerbower
VIII. Build Agenda for following meeting
IX. Commission Comments
X. Adjournment
Information Packet Summary
Executive Sessions (Page 2) The document outlines the form of motion for executive sessions, referencing Kansas statutes for matters such as:
- Personnel matters of nonelected personnel
- Consultation with an attorney
- Employer/employee negotiations
- Financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations
- Preliminary discussion of real estate acquisition
- Matters relating to security measures
The document also notes future agenda items including a Vehicle Lease Program, Economic Development, 911 Dispatch Worksession, Juvenile Detention Contract, and a Sanitation Worksession.
Financial Summaries The packet includes a summary of open invoices by department, providing details on various funds.
General Fund (Page 3-5) The General Fund has 40 invoices totaling $13,595.68. The invoices include payroll-related payments to entities like Bourbon County Treasurer, Bourbon County-State Withholding, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas, and the Bourbon County-IRS.
Appraisers Fund (Page 5-6) The Appraisers fund has 31 invoices totaling $3,096.78. Payments include gas purchases from Bourbon County Road & Bridge and various payroll invoices.
County Treasurer Motor Fund (Page 6-7) The County Treasurer Motor Fund has 15 invoices totaling $1,398.93. This includes mileage reimbursement for a county meeting, continuing education fees, and various payroll-related payments.
Election Fund (Page 7-8) The Election Fund has 17 invoices totaling $324.92, all related to payroll.
Employee Benefit Fund (Page 8-10) The Employee Benefit Fund has a large number of invoices, with a total amount that is not explicitly summed in the provided snippets. The payments are primarily for health insurance to Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas and various payroll vendors.
Road and Bridge Funds (Page 10, 15) The Road and Bridge Fund has invoices totaling $731.28 for dyed diesel, $3,408.22 for gas and diesel, and $523.53 for dyed diesel. The Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund includes invoices for dyed diesel totaling $4,010.28 and $2,940.00.
Ambulance Service (Page 22) The Ambulance Service fund has 23 invoices totaling $13,489.32.
Budget Information (Page 72-74) The budget section shows the Adopted Budget for various funds.
- General Fund: Expenditures estimated at $3,010,849 for 2025.
- Employee Benefits: Expenditures estimated at $2,611,090 for 2025.
- Special Bridge: Expenditures estimated at $0 for 2025, with all funds being moved to the Road & Bridge Fund.
Medicare Prescription Drug Costs Hard to Swallow?
Medicare Prescription Drug Costs Hard to Swallow?
Did you know that you can review and change your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan annually? Medicare Annual Election Period, running from October 15th to December 7th, is the time to do just that!
On Tuesday, October 28th, from 9:00 am-3:00 pm, at 735 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott; area Senior Health Insurance Counselors for Kansas (SHICK) will be available for you! Call 620-244-3826 to schedule an appointment.
Even if you have been happy with your plan in the past, plans and your medications do change! It is a good idea to compare options to see what meets your current needs. Last year, counselors helped beneficiaries save on average $909.00 per person by changing plans.
Back to the Land: Plot Perfect — Garden Planning for an Abundant Harvest
Back to the Land: Plot Perfect — Garden Planning for an Abundant Harvest
Whether you’re a first-time or a seasoned gardener, the homesteading series from K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District is designed to help you grow smarter — not harder.
Join us for the first session of Back to the Land with Plot Perfect: Garden Planning for an Abundant Harvest on Wednesday, October 1st, at 6 p.m. in the Agriculture Building at Fort Scott Community College.
This free, interactive workshop is designed to help gardeners plan and grow a more productive food garden from the ground up. Topics will include:
- Starting strong with healthy transplants
- Do-It-Yourself indoor grow light system
- Choosing the best soil amendments
- Selecting crop varieties that support your homesteading goals
- Designing efficient garden layouts to reduce waste and boost yields
Whether you’re building a backyard homestead or want to put more fresh food on your family’s table, this session will provide practical, hands-on skills to help you make the most of the growing season.
Call 620-223-3720 to reserve your spot today.
SEK Entrepreneur and Small Business Support Fund:empowering small businesses
CFSEK Hosts New Rural Community Partners Fund to Support Local Businesses
At a time when funding is growing increasingly uncertain and hard to obtain, the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is stepping up in a big way! Jody Love, President and CEO of HBCAT, is a small business owner herself, and after renovating a downtown building in Fort Scott, she saw first-hand the limited support for small businesses in Southeast Kansas.
“I saw the need for economic development and growth across the region, and I knew that we just needed access to opportunities,” Love said. “People believe in where they live and want it to improve, so what can we do to help?”
Rural Community Partners (RCP), a subsidiary of HBCAT, is creating a new fund at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) called the SEK Entrepreneur and Small Business Support Fund, which will help empower small businesses across Southeast Kansas.
The grants will be managed by Small Business and Entrepreneurs (SBE) Council of RCP, which is composed of local business owners from five counties in Southeast Kansas, representing a diverse range of geographical locations, racial backgrounds, and includes low-income and women entrepreneurs. The grants will also serve as an opportunity for networking and mentorship with similar organizations facing similar challenges.
One local business that has already utilized these services is Bushel and a Peck in Girard. With Southeast Kansas connections and experience in Philadelphia restaurants, owners Michael and Kelley Gringas were equipped for success. HBCAT has started to build systems to connect restaurants like Bushel and a Peck to locally produced food.
“One of the recipients of our food producer grant was Freedom Farms, based out of Bourbon County, with the concept of creating a food co-op model,” Love said. “That has now come full circle, and we have been able to connect Bushel and a Peck with Freedom Farms to source local chicken and lamb!”
“Commerce is at the heart of every community,” Love said, “and this project from HBCAT is supporting our SEK communities, continuing their economic development for years to come! We are serious about it being a regional fund, which is why we are housing it at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.”
“We are excited to work with Jody and Rural Community Partners to create this endowment that will support our friends and neighbors who operate small businesses,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “Small businesses are crucial to rural economies, and Southeast Kansas has some incredible small businesses. We are delighted to try and help bring them more resources.”
Applications for the Entrepreneur and Small Business Support Fund are accepted via email to Jody Love at HBCAT. She can be contacted at [email protected].
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2024 and has facilitated over $25 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
Kansas Labor Report for August
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has released the August 2025 Kansas Labor Report. The full report and accompanying news release can be accessed here: August 2025 Kansas Labor Report
The September 2025 Kansas Labor Report will be issued on Friday, October 17, 2025.
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FSCC Trustees Agenda Packet for Sept. 22
September 22, 2025
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
September 22, 2025. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
BOARD PRAYER
MISSION STATEMENT
Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and diversity that
provides affordable academic, technical and occupational programs to meet student needs while fostering a
mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Recognitions and Retirements, 4
PROGRAM REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 6
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on August 25, 2025 and Special
Meetings conducted August 7, 2025, August 22, 2025, September 4, 2025, September 8, 2025, and
September 16, 2025, 7
C. Approval Treasurer’s Report, 16
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 19
A. Retirement 403B Plan Policy, 19
ACTION ITEMS, 20
A. Consideration of Financial Aid Policies, 20
B. Consideration of Shuttle Lease, 54
C. Approval of Bank Signer Resolution, 67
D. Approval of Sale of Property – Greyhound Lodge, 69
E. Consideration of Maintenance Building Expansion Bid, 70
CORRESPONDENCE AND TRUSTEE COMMENTS, 73
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 741
Board Meeting
Board Workshop
Board Meeting
Board Workshop
Board Meeting
ADJOURNMENT, 75
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
August 25, 2025 (to facilitate budget process)
September 19, 2025
September 22, 2025 (to facilitate budget process)
October 17, 2025
October 20, 2025
November 14, 2025 Board Workshop
November 17, 2025 Board Meeting
December 12, 2025 Board Workshop
December 15, 2025 Board Meeting
January 23, 2026 Board Workshop
January 26, 2026 (Changed from January 19 due to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) Board Meeting
February 13, 2026 Board Workshop
February 16, 2026 Board Meeting
March 13, 2026* adjusted for spring break Board Workshop
March 23, 2026 (Changed from March 16 due to spring break) Board Meeting
April 17, 2026 Board Workshop
April 20, 2026 Board Meeting
May 14, 2026* adjusted for graduation Board Workshop
May 18, 2026 Board Meeting
June 11, 2026* adjusted for summer schedule Board Workshop
June 15, 2026 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Dr. Jack Welch, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2
ROLL CALL
_____ Ronda Bailey
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Chad McKinnis
_____ Doug Ropp3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. RECOGNITIONS AND RETIREMENTS
Nursing and CNA
PROGRAM REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES
A. GORDON PARKS CENTER4
Miami County Campus & Environmental Water Technology Program
August 2025
• Barrett and Willis loaded and delivered 12 – Fifty-pound cans of Lincoln Excalibur 7018
5/32 rods, with an estimated value of $3,000. Also included miscellaneous stainless steel
rods (valued at minimum $400).
• Barrett and Willis put the “Enroll Now” banner on the lawn to help encourage enrollment
this week (08/07).
• Barrett and Willis received a steel donation from WEBCO. They loaded it on their trailer
and brought it back to the college before the start of classes.
• Meeting with Dr. Guerrero (8/5) to discuss MCC programs and EWT programs.
• Cabinet meeting (8/6).
• Attended a concurrent meeting with Louisburg High School (8/8).
• Fire Marshall visit (8/11).
• Osawatomie, Louisburg and Paola High School starts (8/13), Prairie View High School
starts (8/14). Paola changed their procedures for concurrent enrollment to FSCC and the
students appropriately identify the section code used for each individual student. It
should help with parent awareness.
• Met with EWT students from the local area to help them apply, enroll and find their
books to start class. Also, talked with out-of-town students over the phone and email as
they were having difficulty with Bb, Email and MYFSCC due to J1 issues.
• ZOOM meeting with EWT faculty and Dr. Guerrero (8/19).
• Toured Sutherlands building (08/26) with Lindsay, Dr. Welch, Dr. Guerrero, and Ralph
(08/25).
• Attended HLC ZOOM meeting regarding the higher Learning Commission (8/28).
• Met with 2 students at the Paola Adult Education Center (08/29).
• Revised/Edited a new Application/Enrollment Checklist based on the new MYFSCC
program. Working with Joe and the Jarred on a flyer for the fall EWT workshops.
• Seven students are attending the Criminal Justice courses (9 credit hours).
• Attended Fall Inservice (8/13)
• Held an Adjunct Inservice at the Miami County Campus (8/13).
• Barrett and Willis (WLD instructors) installed the new Entrance Gates at the Miami
County Fairgrounds.
• Nolanda proctored 7 C.N.A. state exams (interstate students)
• Nolanda proctored 13 ACCUPLACER tests
• Joint Conference in Topeka – August 25-28th.
• Cody Isbell and joe Cribbs presented on Basic and Advanced Water Math (8/28) at the
Joint Conference.5
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on August 25, 2025 and Special
Meetings conducted August 7, 2025, August 22, 2025, September 4, 2025, September 8, 2025, and
September 16, 2025
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT AND CHECKS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report, Financial Report, and Checks Written, Cleared, or Voided
D. PERSONNEL ACTIONS
Separations
1) Tracy Dougherty, Nursing Instructor, effective September 18, 2025
A Vote for Change by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Most of us do not like change. We get comfortable where we are and lose our sense of adventure and exploration. We keep the same job, the same friends, the same house, the same favorite restaurant, the same vacation destination, the same exercise routine (if we have one at all). Recently, when Cracker Barrel announced that it would change its logo, customers rebelled.
The company saw severe backlash over its plans to modernize and simplify its nostalgic logo, an overall-clad man—said to represent Uncle Herschel, a relative of Cracker Barrel’s founder—leaning on a barrel, with the words “Old Country Store” underneath. When stocks fell, the company reversed course.
I get it. Change is hard. New technology brings with it the word “Smart,” and that adjective alone makes my blood pressure rise. When Dave and I bought a house in Las Vegas, we had no idea what angst a “Smart House” would bring us. We had to hire a technician to teach us how to turn on our television, and when the thermostat needed adjusting, we considered selling.
Yesterday, in my classroom, I needed to show a Power Point on my television. First, I had to “mirror” my laptop to the t.v., insert the code the television gave me into my computer, and go from there. I had written down the steps preceding the “mirror” part, but something went wrong. The little circle thingy kept spinning—not something students want to stare at for 52 minutes.
I walked across the hallway to ask a seasoned teacher for help. He apologized but had no idea. He, too, was of the “old school” and found all the new techniques draining. Thank goodness, another teacher (a younger one) offered to help, and after he turned my laptop off-and-on a few times, it did what it was supposed to do. (Where is a chalkboard when you need one?)
Mind you, a month before school started, I spent most of my days designing clever power points for my lectures and downloading (uploading?) them onto a thumb drive. Searching the internet, I found funny photos to complement my lecture. But something happened when I inserted my thumb drive into the school computer. Of course, I didn’t know that until I started my lecture and photos were upside down, on their side, or covering my words. And yes, I probably should have checked that out ahead of time instead of assuming…well, anything.
Yesterday, in theater class, I was showing highlight clips with Harvey Korman and Tim Conway. Suddenly my screen began projecting a physics’ lecture. My students told me that sometimes the airway paths of two classrooms get confused. Physics vs. comedians. What a breath of fresh air for those physics’ students, I thought. The point is, technology is moving fast. And I’m not. I miss the good old days.
So did the Pharisees. They had their laws (613 of them!), and by golly, no one was going to dictate to them that, perhaps, there was a better way. Certainly not some nobody from Nazareth. When “an eye for an eye” became “turn the other cheek,” enough was enough! Everybody knew that obeying the laws was the ticket into Heaven, so who was this 30-year-old, parable-speaking man, telling the crowds that he was the only way? That answer became clear with the miracle of the resurrection.
If ever a change were worth adopting, I vote for that one.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 19
Sunflower Tourism Awards Wins National Award
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