Kale Nelson State Farm is collecting donations to benefit FSCC students throughout the holiday season, now through the month of December.
What is the FSCC Student Pantry?
The Student Pantry is located on the Fort Scott Community College campus and available to all currently enrolled
students, the pantry is a safe, welcoming space where students can find what they need to stay focused, healthy, and ready to learn. Whether they’re facing unexpected hardship or just need a little extra support, the Greyhound Student Pantry is here for them.
Please drop off donations of food, hygiene products, school supplies and warm clothing.
Commerce Awards Over $7.6M in CDBG Grants to 19 Kansas Communities
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced more than $7.6 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding has been awarded for 19 projects across Kansas. These investments are aimed at strengthening infrastructure, housing, and economic opportunities in rural and low- to moderate-income communities.
“Communities throughout Kansas need partners as they work to rehabilitate housing, revitalize community facilities, and build safe playgrounds and attractions,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The CDBG program provides lasting, positive change through infrastructure advancements and quality-of-life improvements — all together growing local economies and creating stronger towns across the state.”
The 19 awardees received a total of $7,690,591 in federal funds, which was matched by $9,885,173 in local investments. The result was a combined total of $17,575,764 to be used for public improvements across Kansas.
Projects awarded in this round include:
Arkansas City, $300,000 – Rehabilitating five housing units, including four owner-occupied homes, and demolishing two vacant blighted structures
Auburn, $312,779 – Revitalizing Auburn Civic Center Park with a new basketball and pickleball court, fencing, facility lighting and more
Bronson, $199,575 – Replacing playground equipment and constructing ADA-accessible sidewalks
Carbondale, $650,000 – Building multi-purpose sport courts, a toddler play area, facility lighting and sidewalks to the park
Chapman, $300,000 – Restoring the second floor of the historic Buhrer Opera House for future commercial use
Chase, $650,000 – Upgrading the wastewater system to replace deteriorated sewer mains and lift stations to reduce infiltration and inflow
Delphos, $650,000 – Redeveloping a downtown park with a new playground, small splash pad, restroom and accessibility upgrades
Ellsworth, $300,000 – Rehabilitating seven houses and demolishing five vacant, dilapidated structures
Emporia, $750,000 – Installing a synthetic turf soccer field, refurbishing an existing field and building an ADA-accessible restroom
Enterprise, $650,000 – Upgrading park amenities including pool improvements, splash features, shade structures, concessions, restrooms and fencing
Girard, $72,000 – Purchasing new safety gear for volunteer firefighters
Grinnell, $56,237 – Replacing 40 tornado-damaged water meters
Hill City, $650,000 – Reconstructing 3.5 blocks of Prout Street, including curbs, gutters and drainage
Junction City, $300,000 – Upgrading structures and making façade improvements to Highwind Brewing as an event space
Kingman, $300,000 – Restoring the historic Kingman Bank Building for commercial use
Leon, $50,000 – Replacing two obsolete storm sirens with a new unit near City Hall
Lyndon, $650,000 – Expanding and rehabilitating the local library with ADA access, façade repairs and site drainage improvements
Sterling, $750,000 – Installing more than 6,000 feet of new waterlines to serve a proposed business development site
Sumner County, $100,000 – Covering tuition, books and tools for income-eligible students attending Cowley College
“Our rural towns have the passion for advancing quality of life in their communities — but sometimes lack the resources to take on necessary projects,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “CDBG awards are more than just a check — they match the heart and vision of our communities with opportunities and resources to build a brighter future.”
The funded projects are tangible results of how CDBG dollars help communities support economic development and develop spaces that improve the lives of Kansans.
To learn more about the Community Development Block Grant program and view awardees, visit here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Quality Places Division:
Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.
About the Kansas CDBG Program:
The Kansas Community Development Block Grant program provides funding to cities and counties to improve the lives of low- and moderate-income Kansans. Administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, the program supports projects in housing, community facilities and economic development.
This interactive tool offers the public, policymakers, researchers, and other partners access to information on the presence of viruses in Kansas communities. Community members will be able to access KDHE data on detections of important viruses in wastewater along with suggestions for how to stay healthy.
“The dashboard shares both our data and our interpretations clearly and transparently so people can make informed decisions about their health,” Dr. John Anderson, KDHE Informatics and Molecular Epidemiology program director, said. “Essentially, this dashboard will be another resource that Kansans can use to understand what germs are making our communities sick.”
The KDHE Informatics and Molecular Epidemiology program oversees Kansas’ wastewater pathogen monitoring, an effort to better understand disease trends by looking for viruses at wastewater treatment plants. KDHE currently monitors levels of Influenza A and B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the virus that causes COVID-19. Detecting viruses this way provides high-quality insights into disease trends, often before hospitals see an increase of patients, while remaining completely anonymous and preserving privacy.
The Kansas Wastewater Monitor for Respiratory Viruses shows data from nine wastewater treatment plants across three counties: Reno County, Shawnee County, and Johnson County. For residents of other counties, it provides a statewide summary of trends. This work is collaborative, and wastewater treatment facilities and their city or county commissioners have to opt-in to participate in the program.
With the support of participating facilities personnel, city and county commissioners, local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this dashboard will provide critical insights for protecting Kansas communities from disease.
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Stay Connected with Kansas Department of Health and Environment:
Kansas State Park Annual Permits and 2026 Campsite Reservations Coming Soon
TOPEKA – Whether it’s camping under the stars, hiking new trails, or enjoying a cabin by the lake, now is the time to plan ahead. Mark your calendars for upcoming dates to purchase annual permits and reserve campsites at Kansas State Parks.
“Kansas State Parks are where family memories are made,” said Conner O’Flannagan, Kansas State Parks director. “Annual permits and campsite reservations are a gift you can give yourself and your loved ones this holiday season.”
Annual Vehicle Entrance and Camping Permits Available December 1
Beginning December 1, 2025, annual permits for visiting and camping at Kansas State Parks throughout 2026 will be available online and at state park offices.
Annual Vehicle Permits – Unlimited entry to all Kansas State Parks January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
$25 for standard permits (residents and non-residents)
$13.75 for senior/disabled Kansas residents
Unconventional Vehicle Permits – $52.50 (for UTVs and golf carts; available only at park offices; valid on improved roads and parking areas
Annual Camping Permits* – Covers all daily camping fees (utility fees still apply) January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
$202.50 if purchased before April 1 or after September 30
$252.50 if purchased between April 1 and September 30
14-Night Camping Permits* – $112.50 for 14 nights of camping (utility fees still apply)
*Note: Camping permits do not cover additional daily utility fees or prime site fees, and valid state park vehicle permits are also required. You must be 18 or older to rent a campsite or cabin at Kansas State Parks.
Prime Season Reservation Dates
Reservations for campsites during the prime season (April 1–October 31) open at 12 p.m. CST on:
December 10, 2025 – Cedar Bluff, Cheney, Clinton, Eisenhower, Hillsdale, Kanopolis, Meade, Milford, Pomona, Perry, Sandhills, and Tuttle Creek State Parks.
December 17, 2025 – Crawford, Cross Timbers, El Dorado, Elk City, Fall River, Glen Elder, Historic Lake Scott, Lovewell, Prairie Dog, Webster, and Wilson State Parks.
Holiday Weekend Minimum Stay Requirements
For those planning to visit Kansas State Parks during holiday weekends, please note these minimum stay requirements for campsite and cabin reservations:
Campsites:
Memorial Day Weekend – 4-night minimum, customer choice of
Thursday through Sunday nights, May 21-24, 2026 or
Friday through Monday nights, May 22-25, 2026
July 4th Weekend – 3-night minimum, customer choice of
Thursday through Saturday nights, July 2-4, 2026 or
Friday through Sunday nights, July 3-5, 2026
Labor Day Weekend – 4-night minimum, customer choice of
Thursday through Sunday nights, September 3-6, 2026 or
Friday through Monday nights, September 4-7, 2026
Cabins
Memorial Day Weekend – 3-night minimum including May 22-24, 2026
July 4th Weekend – 2-night minimum including July 3-4, 2026
Labor Day Weekend – 3-night minimum including September 4-6, 2026
Tips for a Smooth Reservation Experience
To improve your chances of securing your preferred dates:
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, visit ksoutdoors.gov.
Bourbon County CASA has been providing screened, trained community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court room setting here in Bourbon County for 35 years.
ARTEFFECT JOINS IN OBSERVING
NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
ARTEFFECT recognizes November as National Native American Heritage Month by spotlighting the extraordinary legacies of Indigenous people throughout American history. Through their contributions across varied disciplines, these four Unsung Heroes made positive impacts on the course of history.
Learn more about their extraordinary stories and view ARTEFFECT projects on these individuals:
Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott(1919-2010) was a pioneering Native Hawaiian scientist who revolutionized marine botany and connected traditional knowledge with modern science.
Oscar Howe(1915-1983) was a modernist painter and arts educator who challenged art institutions’ preconceptions about Native American artwork. challenged stereotypes in modern art and redefined artistic boundaries around Native American art.
Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte(1865-1915) was the first Native American to earn a medical degree in the United States was the first Native and broke barriers as the first Native American to earn a Medical Degree in the United States.
Chester Nez(1921-2014) was one of the “First Twenty-Nine” Navajo Code Talkers and veteran of World War II and the Korean War helped develop an encrypted communication system for the U.S. military.
Through the ARTEFFECT competition, students consider, interpret, and create original artworks that champion the LMC Unsung Heroes as role models. The competition is accepting submission in various 2D & 3D media from students in grades 6-12 worldwide through April 21, 2026.
ARTEFFECT is pleased to announced our four 2025-2026 ARTEFFECT Mentors! This group of exceptional visual arts educators will work closely with ARTEFFECT Ambassadors this year on their capstone projects. Congratulations on the new role!
Jennifer Braverman is an Art Teacher at Maple Shade High School in Maple Shade, New Jersey
Renna Georgia Moore-Edwards is the Visual Arts Department Chair at Ida B. Wells Academic and Performing Arts Complex in Jackson, Misssissippi
Kristin Ponden is the Visual Arts Department Chair at The Unquowa School in Fairfield, Connecticut
Matt Shain Young is a Visual Art Teacher at Pickerington Central High School in Pickerington, Ohio
ARTEFFECT has recently announced the new 2025-2026 Ambassadors cohort. These 28 esteemed middle and high school educators will participate in online professional development focused on Unsung Heroes and develop innovative capstone projects to engage their classrooms and communities.
STILL TIME TO JOIN US TOMORROW! CHARACTER & VALUES
Wed. November 19, 2025
4:00-5:15PM Pacific Time
Dr. Veronica Alvarez will lead this session spotlighting heroic character traits and actions of Unsung Heroes. This session presents research-based strategies for teachers to strengthen historical empathy and awareness–with SEL and ELA connections.
UPCOMING SESSION! Storytelling through Art
Wed. December 10, 2025
4:00-5:15PM Pacific Time
ARTEFFECT announces Storytelling through Art with art teacher and Milken Educator Brad LeDeuc! Engage in a step-by-step process with your students for developing novel and effective approaches to visual storytelling with a focus on the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes from history. Educators learn the six key components to storytelling that lead from storyline development to a completed artwork. Various visual analyzing tools, classroom resources, and lesson plan will be provided.
ARTEFFECT online sessions are free to join and registration is required. All registrants receive a session recording and lesson plan. Certificate of Participation available for session attendees
Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries is located on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Center at 26 N. Main. Submitted photo.
ScoutTROOP 114 is helping Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries
We are asking for donations of hygiene items:
-Bar soap
-Body wash
-Deodorant for men and women
-Shampoo and Conditioner
-New combs or hairbrushes
We will be in the Christmas parade on Dec. 4, 2025.
You can bring the items with you then or drop off at
26 N. Main in Fort Scott Tuesday-Thursday
Between 10am and 1pm.
If you need to have the items picked up please
Call or text
620-215-5311
Thank you for your support.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, November 20th at 8am hosted by Key Apparel. The coffee will take place at 2400 S. Main, Suite 200, in the shopping center next to T-Mobile. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.
KEY Apparel is pleased to announce its 17th Annual Warehouse Sale, taking place from November 22nd through November 29th. This event provides an exclusive opportunity for shoppers to take advantage of significant close-out discounts on apparel and accessories across men’s, women’s, and children’s lines. During the sale, customers can browse a diverse selection of workwear, office attire, and casual styles; all offered at deeply reduced prices. With the holiday season approaching, this warehouse sale presents an ideal moment to stock up on quality garments for family, friends, and professional wardrobes.
KEY Apparel has been a trusted name in quality clothing and accessories, providing versatile, durable, and stylish options for a wide range of customers. With a long tradition of community engagement and retail excellence, KEY Apparel continues to support local commerce while offering exceptional value.
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.
🥣 A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll.
🚗 The annual fundraiser will be drive through only.
Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the national Ave. side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.
🛍️ Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.
This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year.
In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of
“Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, Foster Kids, CORE, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs.
Billy Joe Cowan, 95, originally of Devon, Kansas and later of Nevada, Missouri, passed away November 10, 2025, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport, North Carolina. He was born in Walnut, Kansas April 11, 1930, the son of Charles Oscar and Grace Olive Boileau Cowan. He married Norma Jean Riggs on August 12, 1951. She preceded him in death on September 21, 2021. His son, Phillip Cowan, also preceded him in death August 8, 2022.
He is survived by his daughter, Diana Cowan, Beaufort, North Carolina, daughter-in-law, Lisa Walker Cowan, Tulsa, OK, grandsons Zachary, Tulsa, OK, and Seth (Lizbeth), Houston, TX. Additionally, he is survived by great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Haidyn, and Camdyn, sister, Chalene Bruns, and several nieces and nephews.
Bill owned and operated a service station and tire business in Devon, Kansas for several years. Later he sold cars and eventually he sold insurance. He was a member of both Devon Masonic Lodge and Ft. Scott Scottish Rite. He was a member of Devon and Nevada United Methodist Churches.
Services for Bill Cowan will be at 1:00 p.m., November 21, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home in Fort Scott. Burial will follow at the Centerville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, or the SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House, 100 Big Rock Weigh, Newport, NC 28570. Friends and Family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
