Kansas Department of Corrections Announces Implementation of Grants Expanding Behavioral Health Services for Juveniles in Detention
WICHITA, Kansas. – The Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) today announced the successful implementation of over $1.4 million in grant funding, which has enabled juvenile detention centers across the state to provide vital mental health and substance use services to young people. The grants, established through the 2023 passage of House Bill 2021, address the significant behavioral health needs of juveniles and connect families to crucial support services sooner.
“This funding is a game-changer for our ability to effectively help Kansas youth in the justice system,” said Megan Milner, KDOC Deputy Secretary. “By identifying and addressing mental health and substance use needs early, we are providing a pathway for young people to receive the support they need to avoid future system involvement. For many detention centers, this is the first time they have had the capacity to offer these essential services”.
This grant program utilizes the state’s Evidence-Based Programs fund to improve services in Kansas’ nine locally operated juvenile detention centers. Assessments conducted since the grants were implemented in 2023 have revealed a critical need: over 80% of youth admitted to a detention center have mental health or substance use disorders. The grants are directly addressing this by funding timely assessments, case management, and behavioral health services.
“These grants provide crucial funding to address the needs that may be influencing a youth’s behavior in the community, thus resulting in them coming to the attention of the justice system. By getting them connected to services as early as possible, we can provide a structure of support for the youth and their family to hopefully change their trajectory in the juvenile justice system”, said Steve Stonehouse, Sedgwick County Director of Corrections.
The KDOC is responsible for the adult and juvenile correctional systems in the state, ensuring a safe and secure environment while providing opportunities for offenders to become productive members of society upon release.
We are proud to introduce this year’s outstanding student winners, whose projects honor Unsung Heroes with remarkable creativity, research, and passion.
The award-winning documentaries, performances, and websites highlight the courage, innovation, and impact of newly discovered Unsung Heroes whose legacy continues to inspire change today.
Discover the full list of winners and celebrate the stories—and students—that are making history come alive.
Jay Patel and Rayan Hasan of Jericho High School in New York were surprised with the announcement that their documentary, The Unsung Hero of Industrial Health: Alice Hamilton’s Responsibility in Shaping Industrial Health Policies, earned the $6,000 Grand Prize.
LMC CEO Norm Conard presented the award in front of classmates, family, school and district officials, and their supervising teacher, Dr. Brian Dussel.
Their compelling project brings to life the story of physician and researcher Alice Hamilton, whose groundbreaking investigations into workplace hazards shaped policies that protected workers nationwide.
Join us in celebrating Jay and Rayan’s incredible achievement!
Watch for Our Next Newsletter
There’s more to come! In upcoming editions, we’ll take you behind the scenes with interviews from the Discovery Award–winning students, offering a closer look at their research journeys and creative process. You’ll also learn more about the Unsung Heroes they uncovered—extraordinary individuals whose courage and impact continue to shape our world today.
Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox for these inspiring stories and student spotlights!
Staff Spotlight: Megan Felt
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our Program Director, Megan Felt.
As Program Director at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Megan Felt plays a vital role in guiding teachers and students around the world to uncover and share powerful stories of Unsung Heroes. From her beginnings as a high school student who helped launch the Life in a Jar project about Irena Sendler, to her leadership today, Megan has dedicated her life to education, storytelling, and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.
Megan Felt was a student in Norm Conard’s class and is one of the founders of the Life in a Jar project that began in 1999, which discovered Irena Sendler. Megan was named a National Coca-Cola All-American Scholar for her community service. She was also selected to the 2nd team USA Today All-American Academic Team for 2003. She graduated from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, and earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership. About the development of the Life in a Jar project, Megan says, “During my freshman year in high school, we discovered the story of an amazing woman named Irena Sendler, and our research began. We thought the Irena Sendler Project would end after the National History Day competition, but to our surprise, the project had taken a life of its own. The first time I met Irena, I was amazed by her wisdom and grace. Her courage and love could tear down any barrier. She challenged us to continue her story and inspire others. This is a tremendous task we will all try to achieve for the rest of our lives.” As Program Director, Megan works with teachers and students all over the world, developing projects.
What Our Visitors Are Saying…
Each year, thousands of visitors walk through the doors of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes—and they leave inspired. From teachers and students to lifelong learners, guests share how meaningful and powerful the Unsung Hero stories are. Here’s just a glimpse of the impact the Center is making, in the words of our visitors.
Want to experience it for yourself? Schedule a group tour or plan your visit today! Call us at 620-223-1312 or email: [email protected] for more information.
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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes · 1 South Main St · Fort Scott, KS 66701 · USA
A majority of Fort Scott Community College’s Board of Trustees may be present at the Foundation’s President’s Dinner this Thursday, September 18; however, no official board business will be conducted during this celebration.
Wreaths Across America adopts a new theme each year as we work to fulfill our commitment to Remember, Honor and Teach, in conjunction with the annual wreath placements at Fort Scott National Cemetery. This year’s theme is “Keep Moving Forward”. Something we each need to do, although it is not always easy. Our lives are often filled with joy, commitment, busy schedules, as well as loss and disappointment. None the less, as we who remain, we must keep moving forward.
Diann Tucker, location coordinator at our local Fort Scott National Cemetery, wants to remind the community of the need for additional wreath sponsorships to fulfill the goal of providing a wreath for each of the over 7000 honorary stones at the cemetery. If you know someone, have a friend or loved one buried here, please honor them with a wreath this year. Perhaps you just want to honor a soldier who didn’t know you but was willing to give his or her life for your freedom. Wreaths are $17.00 each and a donation can be made by check, cash or credit/debit card. Checks can be made payable to Wreaths Across America and mailed to “Wreaths Across America”, c/o Diann Tucker, 746 215th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701 or drop your donation by Stewart Realty Co., 1707 S. National, Fort Scott. To donate with a debit or credit card please call Diann or Mika at 620-223-6700 or 620-224-7054. You can also tell us if you have a grave specific site to be dedicated for your wreath purchase. All donations must be received no later than November 20 and are tax deductible.
We appreciate your past and current support and ask that you share this event with your friends, family, email friends, and Facebook friends. The annual ceremony and wreath remembrance placement is scheduled for December 13, 2025. We always need and appreciate volunteers.
Registration for the 2025 Governor’s Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas is open. The conference will take place on Wednesday, November 12 and Thursday, November 13 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan.
The conference will feature the latest policy and research developments on water issues in Kansas, including presentations on:
– Surface and Groundwater Issues
– Water Quality
– Education and Outreach
Registration closes on October 24. For more information, including the draft conference agenda and speaker bios, visit the Governor’s Water Conference page at kwo.ks.gov under the News & Events section.
This event is open to the press. Press badges are available for one or both days. When you arrive, visit the late registration desk to get a badge.
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As the state’s water office, KWO conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.
The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation. KWO in coordination with the KWA also reviews all water laws and makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for needed legislation.
Cover art by Calvin L. Osborne. Submitted graphic.
Untold Stories of African American History
Fort Scott, Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting author, historical researcher, and Civil War reenactor Calvin L. Osborne on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Grand Hall of the East Infantry Barracks, where he will share an epic story of a once-enslaved man who fought for freedom, helped shape a nation, and unknowingly laid a foundation for generations to come.
The pre–Civil War South story follows Osborne’s great-great-grandfather’s journey from bondage to the battlefield, through the Battle of Westport, the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry, into his new life in Kansas.
Mr. Osborne explores the world of African Americans labeled as “contraband,” freed slaves who were neither fully free nor protected. Osburne brings to light the triumphs and tragedies of a people caught between bondage and liberation, family and fate, heartbreak and hope.
By day, Osborne is a practicing real estate attorney and has more than two decades of experience in law and real estate development. He is a student of African American military history and heritage, participating in reenactments to honor the courage and sacrifice of black soldiers. His research into genealogy and primary documents unearthed the real-life love story between his great-great-grandparents, William and Lucinda Lacy.
Fort Scott National Historic Site’s exhibit areas and visitor center are open Friday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. Fort Scott National Historic Site is a free park that offers a glimpse into the growth of our nation. A walk through the fort reveals the significant role it played in the opening of the West, as well as the Civil War and the strife in the State of Kansas that preceded it. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc, on Facebook www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS and Instagram www.instagram.com/fortscottnps
Erie, KS – Area Homeschool families are invited to participate in a day of hands-on science learning at the upcoming STEM Discovery Day for Homeschoolers on Friday, October 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Neosho Valley Event Center, 321 N. Wood St., Erie, Kansas.
This free event is designed to spark curiosity and excitement about science, technology, engineering, and math through interactive, age-appropriate sessions led by experienced educators and professionals. Students will rotate through engaging stations that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and discovery.
All materials are provided, but participants are asked to bring a sack lunch. Parents must accompany their children.
Registration is required by October 10. To register or for more information, call 620-244-3826.
STEM Discovery Day is hosted by K-State Research and Extension, Southwind District, Wildcat District, and Cherokee County.
The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta (PHF) is an annual Bourbon County event that takes place this year from October 3-5 at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street in Fort Scott.
The event showcases rural American culture in an earlier time period.
The event kicks off with a parade of antique and classic farm implements and more, through Fort Scott’s historic downtown on Thursday, October 2, at 6 p.m., according to the PHF website.
One can experience educational and historic exhibits, refreshments, and live musical entertainment all weekend.
All three days showcase steam engines, blacksmiths, food and Flea Market vendors, drag saw demonstrations, Tractors and Gas Engines on display, Baker Fan demonstrations, arts and crafts, straw baling, wheat threshing, corn husking and shelling, sorghum making, rock crushing, saw mill operation, Car Show, Tractor Pull (Antique & Classic), Garden Tractor Pull, and many more.
This year’s full weekend admission is only $5 per person and includes a collector button and the Friday Bean Feed at 5 PM. Children under age 12 are free.
Free admission does not include a collector button. Prior year’s collector buttons are available for purchase for $1.
One of the new additions to the event is a fiber arts show in conjunction with the annual quilt show.
New Craft Added
The PHF quilt show has a new name this year and a new direction. The Quilt and Fiber Arts Show will feature beautiful quilts as usual, and will also showcase examples of various fiber arts, according to a press release from Linda Rogers, a local quilter.
Fiber art is work done with thread, yarn, fiber, or fabric, according to Rogers. Examples of fiber art include weaving, rug hooking, spinning, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, needlepoint, cross-stitching, tatting, needle felting, macramé, and more.
Area quilters and fiber artists are invited to enter items for the show to be held October 3-5 at the Myers Building at the Bourbon County Fairground during the annual Pioneer Harvest Fiesta. This event is free to the public.
“Anyone may enter items not previously shown at this show, no limit on the number of items, and the public is invited to view the entries at NO COST! (There is an entry fee for the machinery show.)” said Linda Rogers, this year’s quilt and fiber arts organizer at the annual event.
In addition to the exhibits, fiber artists will be present at various times during the show, working on their current projects. The public is invited to drop in, view the exhibits, talk to the artists, and bring their needlework projects to work on, according to Rogers.
“Generations ago, quilting and needlework were necessary skills,” she said. “These traditional crafts continued to be kept alive by many of our grandmothers and mothers who, although they no longer needed to make things, nevertheless enjoyed filling their spare time with creative pursuits.”
Recently, quilting and traditional crafts have been “rediscovered” by new generations of enthusiastic fans and are sometimes referred to as “granny crafts” or “Grandma Core”, she said.
“In our hyper-connected, technology-driven world, both adults and youth are finding the simple joy and calm that comes from working with colors and textures to create something tangible with their own hands, according to the press release.”
“A quilt and fiber arts show is a wonderful place to come be inspired, encouraged, and tempted,” said Rogers.“You will see some fantastic quilts, some showcasing new techniques and contemporary colors, as well as more traditional quilts. And if you are thinking about taking up a new craft, or if you are in the middle of a needlework project and have hit a roadblock, maybe one of our quilters or artisans can make suggestions to help you.”
The “take-in” time to enter quilts and items for exhibit is Thursday, October 2, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There is no fee to exhibit items. The only award that will take place is a “People’s Choice Award”. Items can be picked up on Sunday, October 5, from 2:30 to 3:00.
The Quilt and Fiber Arts Show will be open for public viewing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4, and on Sunday, October 5, from noon to 2:00. Admittance to the quilt show is free. For more information, contact Rogers at 620-215-4905.
Rogers is entering a quilt that was pieced by an ancestor of hers, and gives the details:
History of Linda Ramsey Roger’s Family Vintage Quilt
Quilts often become heirlooms, taken care of and handed down to generations after their creation. Such is the case with Linda Ramsey Roger’s quilt, which was created in 1864.
Linda Rogers’ quilt has been handed down through her family for over 150 years. Submitted photo.
“Information below is taken from a handwritten note, written by my great-grandmother, Alice Ann (Hinton) Konantz, concerning the quilt, other death dates of my family, and an email sent to me from my 1st cousin, who gifted the quilt to me.
*1864 – Charlotte (Hinton) Hinton (great-great-grandmother), age 23, pieced and appliqued the quilt while living in Iowa. Her daughter, Alice Ann, recalls in a note remembering her mother working on it when she was 7 years old. Charlotte died later that year, and shortly after, she and her dad moved to Bourbon County, Kansas.
*1923 – Alice Ann (Hinton) Konantz (great-grandmother), age 66, had it hand quilted by the Methodist Episcopal Ladies Aid, which Rogers reckons is the United Methodist Church of Uniontown.
1933 – Alice Konantz wrote the *note telling the above information.
1940 – Alice Konantz died at 83 years old. “Most likely the quilt passed to my grandmother, Grace Miriam (Konantz) Griffith.”
1982 – Grace Miriam Griffith died at age 84. “Most likely the quilt passed to her oldest living daughter, my aunt, Betty Jane (Griffith) Perry, while living in Montana.”
1999 -Her Aunt Betty gifted the quilt to her oldest daughter, Kathleen (Perry) Martinell, Roger’s first cousin, who still resides in Montana.
2024 – Kathleen gifted the quilt to Rogers, who lives in Bourbon County, Kansas.
This quilt that Rogers made is from a pattern by Krista Moser, made of 60* triangles. The fabric was purchased from various shops and quilted on her Bernina Q20 sewing machine. This is a sit-down machine where the quilt is moved under the stationary needle to create the designs. It received the grand champion award this past summer at the Bourbon County Fair Open Class and a red ribbon at the Little Balkans Quilt Show over Labor Day weekend. Submitted photo.
Join us in celebrating Jay and Rayan’s incredible achievement!
Watch for Our Next Newsletter
Staff Spotlight: Megan Felt
What Our Visitors Are Saying…
Want to experience it for yourself? Schedule a group tour or plan your visit today! Call us at 620-223-1312 or email: 
