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Critical Shortage of Housing and Skilled Labor Response
FRAME Grant Land Donation
Request for Proposal
Fort Scott Community College (FSCC), in collaboration with The City of Fort Scott, is seeking proposals for the donation of land to support a new workforce training initiative under the FRAME Grant program.
The FRAME Grant was developed in response to a statewide housing study conducted by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. This study identified a critical shortage of both quality housing and skilled labor across Kansas. With current contractors operating at capacity, there is an urgent need to recruit and train a new generation of workers to ensure our communities can build, grow, and thrive.
As part of this initiative, FSCC is seeking the donation of at least 2 acres of land located within the City of Fort Scott. The proposed site will be used for the construction of two new residential homes, which will serve as part of FSCC’s hands-on training program for students entering skilled trades.
Proposals for land donation are now being accepted at the City of Fort Scott to advance this vital collaboration with Fort Scott Community College through the FRAME Grant program.
Submit proposals in writing no later than Monday, June 30, 2025. To Lisa Lewis, City Clerk, City Hall, 123 S. Main Street. Fort Scott KS 66701. For questions, please reach out to Lisa Dillon 620-223-0550 x 250 or [email protected].
The city reserves the right as judge of all values of selection.
2025 Lowell Milken Center Fellows Receive Keys to the City
Standing: Jay Weisman, Alex Lahasky. Submitted photo.
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, has awarded its 2025 National Fellowship to 6 educators. As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, each of the six fellows for June 15 – 20 was given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 17th, by Lindsay Madison, Tourism and Chamber Director. (Six more Fellows will arrive on June 22nd.)
Upon presenting the keys, Madison said, “On behalf of the City of Fort Scott and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, it is our honor to welcome you to our community. The tradition of presenting a key to a city represents the highest expression of civic gratitude and trust, honoring outstanding impact through leadership and service. As Lowell Milken Fellows, you are transforming lives into not just what students know but in who they become. Through Unsung Hero projects, you inspire students to gain purpose and vision to grow into stars of the future. May the key serve as a lasting reminder of Fort Scott’s appreciation for your dedication and impact.”
The Fellows honored this week were Theresa Cantwell from New York, Valerie Conklin from New York, Alex Lahasky from Kansas, Meghan Menchella from Missouri, Kelly Ryan from Louisiana, and Jay Weisman from Louisiana. LMC Director Norm Conard praised these outstanding individuals, saying, “It is an honor to be able to network and collaborate with these exceptional educators and provide this opportunity for them to reflect, reenergize, and strategize with each other as they seek new ways to inspire their students.”
Every summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes awards its Fellowship to national and international award-winning educators from America and around the world. As National LMC Fellows, they deepen their understanding of Unsung Heroes and project-based learning in preparation for developing Unsung Heroes projects with their students. They also learn the stories of powerful role models who have helped to change the world and can be life-changing examples for students today. Along with the time spent deepening their professional skills at the LMC, the Fellows enjoy visiting the Fort Scott area.
The Gordon Parks Museum: Extended Hours During FSHS All-Class Reunion Weekend
The Gordon Parks Museum Open with Extended Hours During
Fort Scott High School All-Class Reunion Weekend
FORT SCOTT, Kan. June. 17, 2025 – The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College will be open with extended hours during the Fort Scott High School Alumni Association All-Class Reunion, taking place the weekend of June 27–29, 2025.
The museum invites all returning alumni and visitors to stop by and experience the powerful legacy of Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, a trailblazing photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician.
Extended Museum Hours:
- Friday, June 27: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday, June 28: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This is a unique opportunity to learn more about Parks’ impact on American culture and civil rights, and to explore exhibits highlighting his career, from his early life in Fort Scott to his renowned work with LIFE Magazine and films.
In addition to museum exhibits, visitors are encouraged to take part in the Learning Tree Film Scene Sign Trail, a self-guided tour that highlighting key locations from the 1969 film The Learning Tree, directed by Gordon Parks and filmed in Fort Scott in 1968.
Trail brochures are available at:
- The Gordon Parks Museum
- Fort Scott Visitors Center / Chamber of Commerce
- Local area hotels
“We’re excited to welcome back so many Fort Scott alumni and visitors,” said Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of The Gordon Parks Museum. “This is a perfect time to reconnect not only with old classmates but also with the rich history and legacy of Gordon Parks.”
For more information, visit www.gordonparkscenter.org or follow The Gordon Parks Museum on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 17
Chamber Coffee Hosted by State Farm Insurance on June 19
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Jordann Lankford-Forster Named 2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow
This is part of a series of
2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.
FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in
Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious
Fellowship to Jordann Lankford-Forster (Bright Trail Woman), an Indigenous Education for All instructional coach and educator at Great Falls Public Schools in Great Falls, MT. Jordann will arrive in Fort Scott on June 22nd 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.
Jordann Lankford-Forster, an Indigenous Education for All instructional coach and teacher from Great Falls, MT, has been honored to receive the Montana Indigenous Teacher of the Year Award and named the 2022 Montana History Teacher of the Year. Due largely to Jordann’s leadership, American Indian Studies is a popular subject at Paris Gibson Education Center and encourages students to learn about historical, cultural, and contemporary information concerning American Indian people.
Jordann also assists other educators within her district and state in embedding cultural content into their classrooms and learning spaces. She serves as the Chairwoman of the Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education, the President of the Potlatch Fund, and a Montana representative for the United States Commission on Civil Rights.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “We are so excited to have Jordann, our first Fellow from Montana, as part of the Lowell Milken Center Fellowship. As an award-winning instructional coach for Indigenous Education, she brings a unique cultural perspective and will be a valuable resource for the discovery of many new Unsung Heroes.”
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.
A Father’s Influence by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
A Father’s Influence
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) made a thought-provoking statement when he said, “When the sun goes below the horizon he is not set; the heavens glow for a full hour after his departure. And when a great and good man sets, the sky of this world is luminous long after he is out of sight. Such a man cannot die out of this world. When he goes he leaves behind him much of himself. Being dead, he speaks.” My late husband was a gentle, kind-hearted, influential man who loved God. And I watched him be a good father to our son and daughter for 34 years; he left a goodly part of himself in each one.
Although Jimmy is gone from our children’s sight and touch, he continues to influence them. Whenever my son repairs, builds, uses a chainsaw or power tool, shoots a gun, problem shoots, discusses the Bible, or rides his motorcycle, I am seeing his father in him. A father’s influence lasts a lifetime.
Whenever my daughter goes fishing, shoots a deer, rides a horse, reads a book, plays with her children, helps someone, or starts another hobby, I am seeing her father in her. A father’s influence lasts a lifetime.
Being a great dad doesn’t just happen automatically. A lot of godly wisdom, effort, and selflessness goes into the definition of a good dad. Being a dad to your children is the highest and hardest calling, but it’s not “mission impossible.” Jimmy used God’s Word as the user manual for training our children. The following scripture was underlined in his Bible: “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (Proverbs 22:6 NLT). He believed it was his responsibility to teach our children about God’s Son and they both accepted Jesus as their Savior as youngsters. Today, they are committed believers and a lot of the reason why is because their father’s godly influence is still alive in their lives.
Children spell “love” as T I M E. They don’t want your money, toys, or gadgets as a substitute for your time. They want and need you! The time fathers spend with their kids (no matter their age) is time well spent and well remembered. Forget the term, “quality time.” Just be present and share life with them, whether it’s on the creek bank, the woods, in a tree house, horseback riding, in a deer stand, or on the basketball court. Be present.
Dads are a critical piece to a child’s puzzle of life. Your influence will remain with them forever. The question is, after you’re gone, what will be the main thing you’ll be remembered for? Mariam and Aaron have described their father as an “All-In” Dad. Even though being a dad is often challenging, it’s not complicated. Just keep your priorities straight: love them, don’t spoil them, discipline them, and teach them about Jesus. Be a good man and a godly example for the sake of your children. And don’t beat yourself up when you fall short. God will help you be all you need to be as a man, husband, and father. Simply do your best and God will do the rest.
No matter how old we are, we never outgrow our need for a father. Mine has been gone for 13 years and I still feel him in my heart and hear him in my head — because a father‘s influence lasts a lifetime.
The Key: “Thank you” to all the fathers who are being the #1 Best Dad you can be.
KANSASWORKS Hosts June Virtual Job Fair for Open Positions Across Kansas
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Updated Agenda For FSCC Trustees Meeting This Evening
The updated Fort Scott Community College Trustees agenda for tonight – added minutes from the president interviews special meetings and the transfer of Vickie Laderer from Interim Director to Nursing Director.
Kansas Main Street Program is Tuesday, June 17 at 10 AM at Fort Scott City Hall
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Obituary of Windfred Allen DeMott
Windfred Allen DeMott, age 84, resident of Bronaugh, Missouri, died Saturday June 7, 2025, at the home. He was born September 15, 1940, in Mound City, Kansas and his parents were Clyde Vernon DeMott and Alice Rosemond (Jackman) DeMott. He attended Mound City High School. He had worked at the Hydraulic Cement Plant in Ft. Scott, the Bourbon County Barn as a shop foreman, the City of Ft. Scott with the equipment maintenance dept., Bill’s Coal Co in Garland, Kansas, and a few of the local rock quarry companies in Fort Scott.
He enjoyed restoring and parading his antique tractors. He attended many local festivals with his tractor collection. His 1937 vintage McCormick-Deering Farmall tractor was the featured tractor in the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta in 1994. In his later years, he spent his time spoiling the cows and feeding the chickens on the farm in Bronaugh.
His family included three children, son, Allen DeMott, Fort Scott and two daughters Sheryl Crawley, Overland Park, Kansas and Shelly DeMott, Peculiar, Missouri. His friend for over thirty years, Carol (Griffiths) Claflin of Bronaugh, ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, two brothers, Delton DeMott, Peck, Kansas and Roger DeMott, La Cygne, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Cleta Fern Stump.
The family will receive friends for a celebration of life from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Saturday June 21st at the Cheney Witt Carriage House, 301 S. Main St, in Fort Scott.
Interment will follow at the Woodland Cemetery in Mound City, Kansas at 2:30 PM for those who would like to attend.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.