All posts by Submitted Story
Cohn’s Cafe & 110 South Main Mercantile Host Chamber Coffee on April 17
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Popular Sunflower Summer Program Returning for Another Summer
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the popular Sunflower Summer program, which encourages young Kansans to explore and fall in love with Kansas, will return this summer. Designed for Kansas residents and families with school-aged children from Pre-K to Grade 12, Sunflower Summer will run from July 12 to August 3.
“The Sunflower Summer initiative is a great opportunity for our young and growing Kansans to explore all the things that make our state great,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “While encouraging exploration, the program also drives tourism, ushering in new dollars and new memories for families and communities alike.”
The program covers admission costs for eligible students and one adult guardian per attraction, per season. Tickets can be claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and are later redeemed at the participating venues upon arrival.
“This program is a wonderful opportunity for Kansas attractions to welcome families from across the state,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Sunflower Summer not only provides free admission to incredible destinations, it strengthens communities by making family adventures more accessible and extends the length of their vacations.”
Kansas Tourism is encouraging eligible tourism attractions to apply to be part of this year’s Sunflower Summer season. The application for attractions opens April 15 and will remain open through April 30. Participating attractions will be announced in early June.
Sunflower Summer has updated venue participation requirements and reimbursement guidelines for the 2025 season. For important updates, the attraction application and additional information, visit the program webpage 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 Kansas Tourism:
The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education and support.
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FSCC Work Session on Presidential Selection Process April 16 at 5:30 p.m.
The FSCC Board of Trustees will hold a work session Wednesday, April 16 beginning at 5:30 pm. The Board will meet in the Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Hall with the Greenbush team facilitating the presidential selection process. No official action will take place.
Juley McDaniel
Director of Human Resources
Fort Scott Community College
Minutes From the USD234 Board of Education Meeting on April 14
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, April 14, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 1005 S Main.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
03-10-25
03-31-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – March 13, 2025 – $1,700,506.75
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Food Service Fundraiser
LEA Assurances
Superintendent Destry Brown provided the Board with a Legislative update. Also, the Board was given an overview of a possible project at Fisher Park with the City and Buck Run.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with a shared update. The building on Horton Street has completed demo. Mr. Mayfield updated on the school budget and several projects that the Board will have to prioritize in the coming years.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes recognized the related services team for their work with Medicaid. Also, invited all to attend Special Olympics at Pittsburg State on April 29th.
Scott Kimble & Michelle Laubenstein introduced the Career & Tech Education Team. Kevin Flanner, Ryan Miller, Morgan Sage, Chris Griffetts, Matt Glades, and Michael Casner were all able to present to the Board their classes. (Mark Spore, Sydney Cullison, & Deb Russell are also a part of the team) Each were able to express the amazing accomplishments of their students. They have a huge heart for their classes and are excited about the future and opportunities these courses are providing for the students.
Superintendent Brown reviewed the district’s goals and values that the Board has put in place.
The Board Approved the following items:
- Cell Tower Purchase with American Tower
- KASB Legal assistance fund contract
The Buck Run Hill property will be left as is.
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
April 14, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Altic, Xoe – Resignation – 3rd Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware
Floyd, Gary – Supplemental Resignation – Head Soccer Coach – High School
Foulk, Joe – Resignation – Help Desk Technician
Johnson, Zach – Resignation – Principal – Middle School
Madison, Kendall – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Metcalf, Alvin – Supplemental Resignation – Head Wrestling Coach (Boys & Girls) – High School
Newman, Ronna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Staton, Shanna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool
Yoakam, Bobbie – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool
LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
Reed, Bob – LOA
TRANSFER:
Harper, Angel – Preschool Paraprofessional to Preschool Speech Paraprofessional
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations
Johnson, Zach – Assistant Superintendent
Preschool Certified Staff
Winfield Scott Certified Staff
Eugene Ware Certified Staff
Middle School Certified Staff
High School Certified Staff
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Avery, Mike – Maintenance Grounds Position
Supplemental Recommendation:
Blackburn, Brendan – Assistant Track Coach – Middle School
Eastwood, Kim – Elementary Summer School Administrator – Summer 2025
Farrington, Jannah – ESY Coordinator – Summer 2025
Regan, Nicole – ESY Coordinator – Summer 2025
Simas, Kiel – Summer Weights & Conditioning – Middle School
Smias, Kiel – Head Football Coach – Middle School
Bo Co Commission Special Meeting at 4 p.m. Today
There will be a special meeting for the board of county commissioners on April 15, 2025 at 4:00 PM in the commission chambers.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 15
Reinstatement of Federal Funds to Support Teachers, Child Care Providers Is Sought
Governor Kelly Calls on Trump Administration
to Reinstate Federal Funds to Support Teachers, Child Care Providers
~ Governor Kelly sends letter to secretary of education requesting
restoration of $22.6 million in funding for Kansas students and educators ~
TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday she has sent a letter to United States Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, requesting reinstatement of $22.6 million in federal pandemic relief funds. The United States Department of Education announced in late March that the federal government was recouping nearly $3 billion in pandemic relief funds from states. Many states, including Kansas, had already obligated these funds for programs and services benefiting students and educators.
“Abruptly stripping this funding is a disservice to the Kansas students and teachers who rely on it to excel in the classroom,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding is critical for our schools to continue setting Kansas children up for a strong start to life. I urge the Trump administration to reinstate this funding to ensure our students can continue to access these key resources they need to succeed.”
In Kansas, these funds have been critical for supporting student learning recovery and ensuring the education workforce is prepared to assist those students in their academic needs. Funds have been used to retrain teachers in the science of reading and other evidence-based interventions to support student learning, career and postsecondary exploration experiences for students, and to lower start-up costs for child care providers.
On April 3, 2025, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) requested the Trump administration restore Kansas’ funding and allow for KSDE to continue using these funds toward its intended purposes. That request continues to be under consideration by the secretary of education.
In October 2024, Governor Kelly announced the state would cover the cost of licensure, fingerprinting, and background check fees for early childhood educators using these federal education funds. The Kelly administration began waiving these fees using federal and state funds in 2021.
Since 2021, these efforts have saved child care providers $3.34 million in fees and covered application costs of over 15,500 providers and background checks for over 39,400 providers. These fees will be reinstated until the Trump administration restores Kansas’ funding allocation.
Governor Kelly’s full letter to Secretary McMahon can be found here.
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Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson April 12
The 2025 session has ended. There were several veto overrides, and more legislation sent to the Governor. Below are some of the vetoed bills and the results of the override.
Nutrition In Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), SB 79, directed the Secretary for Children and Families to request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exclude candy and soft drinks from the definition of eligible foods for the food assistance program, SNAP. The Senate voted to override the veto 29 to 11, but the House did not vote on it so the veto was sustained. I voted for the legislation and for the override. It didn’t stop people from purchasing these items. They just would not have been able to use taxpayer funded SNAP money to buy those products. It was reported before the veto override that the Governor’s office had sent a letter requesting the waiver and then withdrew it before she vetoed the bill.
Income Tax reductions will occur when income taxes collected exceeds inflation and there is 15% or more in the rainy-day fund because SB 269 will be law. SB 269 will help reign in the out-of-control state government growth. In 2023, all funds spending increased over 10%, $2.3 billion – in one year. State government spending has increased approximately 50% since Governor Kelly took office. Last year, we were able to reduce state income taxes by exempting Social Security, increasing personal exemptions, and reducing the tax brackets. Even with these cuts, the state continues to collect more in income taxes. SB 269 will keep us on the path started last year of limiting government growth. The Governor’s veto was overridden 30 to 10 in the Senate, 87 to 37 in the House. I voted Yes.
State Welfare programs will be audited as result of the veto override of HB 2217. We must ensure that state assistance is getting to those in need and stop the waste, fraud, and abuse of these programs. HB 2217 will give the inspector general the authority to audit. It’s disappointing we must pass laws to audit fraud. It doesn’t make sense. However, it is now law. The Senate voted 30 to 10 on the override. I voted Yes.
Budget Continuous Funding is ensured in SB 14. Looking forward, there could be a time when the budget is used as leverage to force legislators’ hands. SB 14 would put the previous year’s budget in place if there is a year that a budget doesn’t pass, preventing a government shutdown. It passed the Senate 31 to 9 and the House 85 to 39. I voted Yes on the override.
“Bidenbucks” No More in Kansas as SB 5 becomes law. Election officials can no longer accept federal funds unless approved by law. A couple of years ago we passed into law an amendment that I had ran to stop financial influences such as “Zuckerbucks” on Kansas elections. It became law. Since them, federal money has been used to influence how we execute Kansas elections. That will no longer be the case. The override passed the Senate 31 to 9 and 86 to 37 in the House. I voted Yes.
There were several other items passed into law, too many to cover in this week’s report. I’ll write more next week. In the meantime, all legislation is posted at www.KSLegislature.gov.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Tennyson Creek Solar Donates to Uniontown Summer Ball Association
Tennyson Creek Solar donated to Uniontown Ball Association to support youth development and remains committed to local education through SunPowered Student Challenge.
Tennyson Creek Solar, a project by Doral Renewables LLC, today announced a donation of $1,000 to the Uniontown Summer Ball Association as part of their commitment to improving the communities they operate in and to promote inclusivity. The donation will help provide participation for those in need in the community.
“Our aim is to foster a love of the game of baseball as well as provide an inclusive environment where youth can go to feel part of a team and develop their confidence and interpersonal skills,” said Jacy Walker, with the Uniontown Summer Ball Association.
The Uniontown Summer Ball Association is a community organization based in Uniontown, Kansas, dedicated to providing youth baseball, softball, and T-ball programs during the summer months. They offer opportunities for children to engage in team sports, develop their skills, and enjoy recreational activities.
In addition to this recent donation, students sponsored by Tennyson Creek Solar recently participated in the SunPowered Student Challenge, where students across Kansas came together for an exciting event focused on the future of solar energy. Through hands-on activities, creative projects, and innovative presentations, participants explored how solar power can shape a more sustainable world.
The Uniontown Eagles presented their project and competed in a variety of technical and social competitions to test their knowledge and problem-solving related to the application of solar in different contexts. In the end, the Eagles were able to win the Curb Appeal Award and take home fifth in the overall competition. This was their first year of competition and the students report excitement and lofty goals for competing next year. Mr. Vance Eden, USD 235 Superintendent shared, “I’m really proud of our team. We were probably the youngest and least experienced group there, but the kids made up for it in effort and passion. I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.”
“Congratulations to the Uniontown Eagles for their involvement in the SunPowered Challenge,” said Cliff Williams, Vice President of Development at Doral Renewables. “We are honored to have been a part of the next generation learning more about the solar industry and the future of energy.”
The individuals in the Uniontown ball donation are photo are as follows from left to right:
Jacy Walker and Marlon Merida, representing Tennyson Creek Solar
Revised Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission Meeting For Today
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Vacant
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
April 14, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer – David Beerbower
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 03.31.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of 04.11.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $308,360.48
b. February Financials
c. Tax Roll Corrections
V. SEK Health Department 2026 Budget Request – Rebecca Johnson
VI. Old Business
a. Hay Bid Letter – Pat Murphy
b. Letters of Interest Zoning Committee
VII. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VIII. New Business
a. Letter of Support for SEK-CAP
b. Department Updates
i. Eric Bailey
c. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) M. Hoyt (15 minutes)
d. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) Job Performance
e. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(2) Ongoing Litigation
f. Commissioner Comments
IX. Adjournment
Fort Scott Community College Weekly Bulletin April 14
