The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes’ special summer exhibition honoring Unsung Hero Mary Anning is now open!
Long before paleontology became a recognized field, Mary Anning was making groundbreaking fossil discoveries along the cliffs of England’s Jurassic Coast. Her findings helped shape our understanding of prehistoric life and inspired generations of scientists.
Visitors to the exhibition can explore fascinating fossils, life-sized replicas, dinosaur teeth and claws, and learn how one determined young woman changed science forever. Watch the KOAM-TV News segment featuring the exhibition, and plan your visit today!
Discovery Award Deadline Approaching
Over the years, the Lowell Milken Center Discovery Award competition has grown, as more teachers and students embrace project-based learning and the opportunity to bring overlooked stories to light. The quality, creativity, and depth of research in these projects continue to impress our judges and inspire everyone involved.
We are looking forward to receiving this year’s submissions and seeing the remarkable stories students have discovered. If you are a teacher or student currently working on a project and have questions about the submission process, we are always happy to help—please feel free to reach out.
Do you know an educator or student who would love this opportunity? Please help us spread the word! Share the Discovery Award with teachers, students, and schools in your circle and invite them to discover a hero, create a project, and make an impact.
Welcoming the 2026 LMC Fellows
On June 21, we will welcome our first group of national award-winning educators from across North America to Fort Scott for the 2026 Lowell Milken Center Fellowship.
Katie Botello: 2019 California Milken Educator, Fresno, CA
Heather Hurt: 2018 Alabama Milken Educator, Vestavia Hills, AL
James Lawlor: Discovery Award Winner / ARTEFFECT Ambassador, Jericho, NY
Johnna Stoffregen: 2019 NAEA Kansas Art Educator and ARTEFFECT Ambassador, Andover, KS
Magali Turner: 2023 New Mexico Milken Educator, Deming, NM
Week 2 Fellows (June 28–July 3)
Liz Anstine: 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year, Olathe, KS
Elizabeth Hutton: Life in a Jar Original Cast / Project Member, Lebanon, MO
Jennifer McMunn: Finalist for National History Day Teacher of the Year, Mansfield, CT
Elizabeth Metts: 2025 Massachusetts Milken Educator, Boston, MA
Danyel Smith: 2024 California Milken Educator, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Kelly Steffen: 2019 Gilder Lehrman Award, Vinton, IA
These outstanding teachers will spend the week exploring Unsung Hero stories, collaborating with fellow educators, and developing innovative classroom projects that inspire students to make a difference in their communities. The impact of the Fellowship extends far beyond one week, reaching thousands of students for years to come through meaningful, project-based learning experiences.
Celebrating Joyce’s Service
As Administrative Assistant and Docent, Joyce plays an important role in supporting staff, welcoming visitors, and sharing the stories of Unsung Heroes through tours of the Hall of Unsung Heroes. Her dedication, knowledge, and friendly presence have made a lasting impact on the Center, its visitors, and the educators and students we serve around the world.
Thank you, Joyce, for eight years of service to the LMC mission!
Source: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes newsletter, June 18, 2026. The center is located at 1 South Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
PRICE, SHANNON LEVI, 46
Arrested: 6/17/2026 4:20 PM
Agency: Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office
Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear)
Bond: $0.00
MCDANIEL, NICOLLE SELENE, 29
Arrested: 6/17/2026 4:08 PM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charges:
– Interference with LEO; Obstruct/Resist Misd
– Theft by Deception; Value Unknown
– Warrant – Out of County (Warrant No. CRG-2026-CR-000015)
Bond: $5,000.00 Cash/Surety
Inmate Released List
BECKLEY, JAMES A, 53
Booked: 06/16/2026
Released: 6/17/2026 at 4:16 PM
Type: Surety Bond
Released to: A+ Bail Bonds
Writer’s Note: I know what you’re thinking – “Nick, don’t you have your own website now?” Yes, yes I do, (check out bourboncountymonitor.com). However, the seed that grew into the Monitor started right here at fortscott.biz, with an article I wrote two years ago about…the hospital. More importantly, this is something I believe every Bourbon County citizen should be aware of, so as far as I’m concerned, the more eyeballs, the better.
This is the first in a two-part series that will be published on both sites.
FORT SCOTT, Kan. — An internal memo posted in a local Facebook group last week confirmed weeks of rumors that Bourbon County commissioners are considering legal action to reclaim the former Mercy Hospital building. Until now, commissioners have discussed the matter almost exclusively in executive session.
The memo, authored by Commissioner Gregg Motley, details financial difficulties for building owner Kansas Renewal Institute (KRI) and its primary tenant, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital. It warns that Freeman’s Fort Scott operations are under significant financial strain and face unsustainable losses unless the county implements a plan that involves taking legal action to reclaim the building from owners KRI and Legacy Health.
An Early Warning Sign
Several of the memo’s claims were corroborated by KRI CEO T.J. Denning at a “Capital Update Over Coffee” event hosted by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce in late February, weeks before Motley wrote the memo.
Denning told attendees the state had cut KRI’s daily Medicaid reimbursement rate “from about $815 a day to $572,” leaving the organization “losing about $104,000 a month.”
“That’s a big shock to an organization,” he said.
Denning also described KRI’s difficulties getting a 10-bed license from the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), saying KRI had tried without success for a year and a half. At the time, he expressed hope of receiving the license within 90 days.
He also spoke about the building’s long history of maintenance issues, saying KRI had bought “a building that had lots of maintenance issues over the years” and was still contending with failing systems.
“We have boiler issues each and every day,” Denning said. “We have chillers that are falling apart with all these things that we put the money back into because I care about the community.”
The Origin of the Memo
In an interview with the Bourbon County Monitor, Motley expanded on the financial issues facing both KRI and Freeman, and why he believes legal action is the commission’s best hope of keeping ER and hospital services in Bourbon County.
Motley said he first learned of KRI’s financial problems at a Feb. 12 meeting of local leaders convened by KRI management to discuss recent difficulties and layoffs.
“(In) February, KRI called prominent citizens of Fort Scott, assembled a group, and assembled the key staff members of KRI,” Motley said. “The topic was KRI needs your help because we are having trouble with the state getting fully licensed…”
KRI management also outlined financial problems Denning would discuss publicly later that month, Motley said.
“They said, ‘We need you to get in touch with anybody you have contacts with and contact the state,’” Motley said.
In response, Motley contacted state Sen. Tim Shallenburger, a longtime friend. He said Shallenburger called back a few days later and told him, “You got problems there. I’m not sure that KRI will ever get fully licensed for the 10 beds.”
“$1.4 Million Is a Big Hole”
Motley said KRI’s inability to license the 10 beds has left both KRI and Freeman in an unsustainable position. He said KRI’s lease with Freeman called for KRI to pay Freeman about $120,000 a month — roughly $1.4 million a year — to manage the beds.
“You do an intake, and generally that’s precipitated by a crisis,” Motley said. “A lot of times, it’s a medical crisis. And so they had an arrangement, an agreement with Freeman to manage those 10 beds for them at a cost to KRI of $1.4 million a year.”
After consulting state agencies, Motley said, both Shallenburger and state Rep. Rick James believe KRI has “no chance” of getting the license, though they have not disclosed why. Without that revenue stream, Motley says Freeman Fort Scott’s chances of achieving financial sustainability are poor. Motley said Shallenburger’s assessment, combined with his own understanding of Freeman’s finances from his time as vice chairman of the hospital’s board, prompted him to ask how to keep Freeman in Fort Scott long term.
“$1.4 million is a big hole,” Motley said. “Having been on the board previously and knowing the numbers, it was, ‘Oh boy, this is bad.’ And then he looped me in with Freeman’s attorney.”
“You Can’t Have a Roof Leak in a Hospital”
That attorney was Pamela Lanier, Freeman Health System’s Director of Government Relations. Motley said he learned from Lanier and other Freeman staff that the hospital had been dealing with roof leaks, HVAC failures and other maintenance problems disrupting operations.
“You can’t have a roof leak in a hospital,” Motley said. “The state will shut you down.”
Motley believes KRI’s difficulty maintaining the building is tied directly to their financial struggles, struggles that have been exacerbated by a large, high-interest mortgage on the building.
A Seven-Figure Mortgage at 13% Interest
Motley’s concerns prompted him to pull all public records on the building’s sale at the Bourbon County Register of Deeds office. There, he found not one but two mortgage agreements.
The first, dated Dec. 20, 2024, was a mortgage for Lots 1 and 2 of the former Mercy Hospital property between Kansas RE Investment Group, representing KRI, and California-based Legacy Health LLC, which shares leadership with the Legacy Healthcare Foundation.
The entire former Mercy Hospital property, along with $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, was donated to Legacy Healthcare Foundation on Nov. 17, 2022, by then-county commissioners Clifton Beth, Jim Harris and Nelson Blythe.
The second agreement, dated Dec. 27, 2024, shows Legacy Health LLC then “flipped” the $2.5 million mortgage with KRI to a California-based company called Pasadena Private Lending.
“Legacy immediately turned around and I would say monetized it. They sold that mortgage, that two and a half million dollar mortgage to Pasadena Private Lending, which is a private equity firm out of California,” Motley said.
In the financial industry, such transactions are often done for cash, Motley said, with the buyer accepting a smaller principal in exchange for a higher interest rate.
“Oftentimes those mortgages are sold at a discount,” he said. “Let’s say the mortgage is $2.5 million and the rate was 5%. They’ll discount it to $2 million and you make the same payments, so the yield goes to 13%.”
After reviewing the documents, Motley said he met with Denning, who told him KRI was making payments on the Pasadena mortgage at a 13% interest rate and had paid Legacy $8.5 million in total for the building — though he did not account for the additional $6 million.
No public records account for the additional $6 million, but Legacy Health Foundation’s 2024 IRS filing reports the building was transferred for $7.5 million — leaving a $1 million gap between the purported purchase price and what was reported to the IRS.
The Memo Is Sent, And The Leaks Begin
What he did not anticipate was that the memo’s contents would be shared with private citizens — including a former elected official with public ties to Legacy Health — before the March 9 meeting even began.
Part 2 will be published on Monday on the Bourbon County Monitor, and Tuesday on FortScott.biz
KRI management was contacted for comment on this series, but did not respond before publication.
Legacy Health management and legal counsel was contacted for comment on this series, but did not respond before publication.
Freeman Health Systems was contacted for this series, and sent a statement that will be included in Part 2.
Public Documents
The public documents referenced in this article are linked below.
Savoring Summer: A Mindful Moment in the Middle of the Season
With the first official day of summer just around the corner, it feels like the perfect moment to pause and check in. How is your summer unfolding so far? Are the longer days lifting your spirits? Is the warm weather giving you a chance to spend more time outside? I hope you can answer yes to all of the above. Even with a few rainy days sprinkled in, we’ve had some beautiful weather for summer activities.
But if any of your answers leaned toward no, consider this a gentle nudge to step outside for even a few minutes. Early mornings and late evenings are wonderful times to enjoy the outdoors without the heat. A small moment of fresh air can make a big difference. Not only for well-being, but also to offer an opportunity for mindfulness.
Mindfulness is something many of us struggle to prioritize, myself included. This season is one of the busiest for Extension—camps, cooking classes, community programs, partnerships, and of course, the county fair. The days stretch long, and the todo list never seems to shrink. Yet with two little girls and a husband waiting at home, I know I need to be more intentional about slowing down.
So, I’m challenging both you and myself to practice mindfulness through our five senses, no matter what we’re doing. Let’s try it with something simple: a fresh tomato straight from the garden—a true summer treasure.
Imagine holding that tomato in your hand.
What do you see? Notice the color, the size, the shape. Are there tiny imperfections that make it unique?
What do you feel? Roll it gently in your hands. Is the skin smooth? Firm? Does anything surprise you?
What do you smell? Bring it to your nose. The scent may be faint now, but it will deepen once you take a bite.
What do you hear? Hold it near your ear. It may seem silly, but stay with me—you’ll understand in a moment.
Now take a slow, thoughtful bite.
What do you taste? Let the flavor linger. Did you hear the skin break this time? Can you smell the tomato more clearly now?
Continue eating it slowly, savoring each bite. Too often we rush through our days—and our meals—without truly experiencing them. Mindfulness invites us to be present, even in the smallest moments.
When you finish the tomato, take a breath. How do you feel?
As we move deeper into the season, I hope you’ll continue finding small ways to slow down and reconnect—with nature, with your senses, and with yourself. Summer has a way of reminding us that joy often lives in the simplest moments: a quiet walk, a warm breeze, a ripe tomato from the garden. Let’s carry that awareness with us, even on the busiest days. Here’s to a summer filled with presence, gratitude, and moments that ground us in what truly matters.
For more information about mindfulness programs, reach out to Jennifer Terrell, 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent at K-State Extension | Southwind District.
FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2026 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Johnna Stoffregen, visual art teacher at Andover Middle School in Kansas. Johnna will arrive in Fort Scott on June 21st 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 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.
Johnna Stoffregen, a visual art teacher from Andover Middle School in Andover, Kansas, has been recognized as a 2023-2024 ARTEFFECT Ambassador. Mrs. Stoffregen’s award-winning art program empowers students to use art as a tool for self-discovery and communication. Young artists are encouraged to take risks and solve complex problems using critical thinking skills essential for life beyond the art studio.
Within her district, Mrs. Stoffregen serves as the Professional Learning Community Coordinator for the district’s visual arts team, organizing professional learning and fostering communication between teachers and district administration. She also founded an International Travel Program, providing opportunities for students and families to immerse themselves in global learning. Mrs. Stoffregen provides professional development for adults as well as students by presenting at a variety of conferences and workshops featuring the state standards, arts integration, and project-based learning.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Johnna’s experience as an ARTEFFECT Ambassador and appreciation of the unsung heroes whose selfless lives have profoundly impacted history will be a perfect fit with our dynamic 2026 team of Fellows.”
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.
Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – June 18, 2026
Arrested
Ross, Gavin Lee (Age 23) — Arrested 6/17/2026 11:37 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: DUI; 1st Conviction. Bond: $2,000.00 Cash/Surety.
Price, Shannon Levi (Age 46) — Arrested 6/17/2026 4:20 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear). Bond: $0.00.
McDaniel, Nicolle Selene (Age 29) — Arrested 6/17/2026 4:08 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Interference with LEO; Obstruct/Resist Misd, Theft by Deception; Value Unknown, Warrant – Out of County (CRG-2026-CR-000015). Bond: $5,000.00 Cash/Surety.
Released
Beckley, James A — Released 6/17/2026 4:16 PM via Surety Bond (A+ Bail Bonds).
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Magali Turner, a 2023 New Mexico Milken Educator and fifth-grade teacher at Ruben S. Torres Elementary School in Deming, New Mexico. Magali will arrive in Fort Scott on June 21st 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.
Ms. Turner is a passionate fifth-grade educator who is widely recognized for creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and motivated to succeed. Known for her enthusiasm for mathematics, she challenges students to think critically while maintaining high expectations that empower them to push beyond perceived limits. By encouraging focus, perseverance, and goal setting, Ms. Turner helps students realize that their effort can open doors to greater opportunities than they may have imagined.
Through creative and engaging instruction, she brings energy to every subject she teaches. Ms. Turner is particularly committed to building strong foundations in math, science, and reading—skills that students carry with them long after they leave her classroom. Her innovative teaching style and dedication to student growth have made a lasting impact on her students and the broader school community.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Magali’s enthusiasm for discovering the stories of Unsung Heroes in history will be contagious and will be a great asset as the 2026 Fellows develop their projects.”
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.
Commerce Invites Jobseekers to Explore New Careers at Upcoming Job Fair
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, June 25.
“Summer is in full effect — and this season is all about new adventures and new experiences. If you’re looking for a new career, now is the perfect time,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Whether you’re exploring opportunities or looking for your first job, Kansas employers are looking for the next best candidate — and one of them could be you.”
The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.
This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click 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 KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services. KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
ALLEN, JUDY MARIE, 46
Arrested: 6/16/2026 3:34 AM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charges:
– Possess Opiates/Opium/Narc Drug and Certain Stim
– Possession of Certain Hallucinogenic Drugs
– Use/Poss Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body
Bond: No bond
FASANELLA, ANGELINA M, 27
Arrested: 6/16/2026 8:30 AM
Agency: Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office
Charge: Sanction (warrant)
Bond: $0
REED, WESLEY ALAN, 26
Arrested: 6/16/2026 4:19 PM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charges:
– Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor
– Domestic Battery; Physical Contact in Rude Manner
Bond: $0
BECKLEY, JAMES A, 53
Arrested: 6/16/2026 4:30 PM
Agency: Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office
Charges:
– DWS
– Possess Opiates/Opium/Narc Drug and Certain Stim
– Possess Paraphernalia to Cultivate <5 Plants
Bond: No bond
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by Travelodge & Penny’s Diner
Thursday, June 18 at 8 a.m. Travelodge, 2505 S. Main St. We hope to see you there!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Travelodge & Penny’s Diner, 2505 S. Main St., this Thursday, June 18 at 8 a.m. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register for a special drawing.
Travelodge by Wyndham Fort Scott offers convenient lodging for travelers, visitors, and guests coming to the Fort Scott area. Located along the south edge of Fort Scott, the hotel provides guest amenities including free WiFi, comfortable rooms, and on-site dining.
Located inside the hotel, Penny’s Diner is a 24-hour diner offering classic American favorites in a fun, retro 1950s-style atmosphere. The diner is open around the clock and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and comfort food favorites all day, making it a convenient stop for both local residents and travelers.
For more information, contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and select the Chamber Coffees category for upcoming locations.
