Category Archives: Area News

Area News

New Community Foundation of SEK Operations/Donor Support Coordinator

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COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS ANNOUNCES SAMANTHA GUY AS NEW OPERATIONS AND DONOR SUPPORT COORDINATOR

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce the hiring of Samantha Guy as the new Operations and Donor Support Coordinator!

Sam comes to CFSEK and its affiliates, the Columbus Area Community Foundation, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, and the Girard Area Community Foundation, with a deep love of Southeast Kansas and a drive to be involved. She will support CFSEK’s operations and donor efforts, including assisting with communications and marketing, community engagement activities, donor relations, and providing program support.

“We are excited to have Samantha join our team,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “Her marketing experience, strong community connections, and genuine passion for Southeast Kansas will be of tremendous value for our organization. We’re confident she will make a meaningful impact for our team, our donors, and our partners.”

A native of Walnut and a graduate of Girard High School, Sam attended Pittsburg State University, receiving her undergraduate degree in strategic communication. She spent several years in journalism and advertising before joining the community foundation.

“I want my children and family to experience my community the way I did growing up,” Sam said, “and I am a believer that if you want big things to happen, you have to do big things!”

When Sam is not in the office, she can be found serving as President of the Girard Medical Center Foundation board, serving on the Walnut Events Committee, or volunteering for Walnut. She also previously served on the Girard Area Community Foundation board as a trustee before taking this position. If she has the time, she also enjoys reading and relaxing with her boyfriend, dog, and two cats.

When asked about her new position, Sam had this to say, “I’m excited to join the team and work with nonprofits to benefit our communities, and I am looking forward to the unique challenges that brings!”

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas has awarded over $2.5 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $25 million in grants since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with a wide variety of charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.

 

Area News

Seeing Risk Clearly: Navigating Danger, Poverty, and Perception

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Presented by the Kansas Department for Children and Families and University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
You’re invited…

At our previous community gatherings, many of you shared that we need to keep digging into how we see and respond to families’ circumstances. Whether you joined us before or are coming for the first time, this is your chance to be part of that ongoing conversation.

DCF and the KU Center for Public Partnerships and Research are continuing their partnership to bring you Seeing Risk Clearly: Navigating Danger, Poverty, and Perception—a session designed to explore real-life scenarios, challenge assumptions, and strengthen how we respond to families in our communities.

Through interactive activities and discussion, we’ll look at:

  • What safety really means—and how to distinguish between risk, danger, and safety concerns.
  • How poverty differs from neglect, and why that distinction is important.
  • How perceptions influence decisions in child welfare and community response.
  • Ways to strengthen compassionate, consistent approaches to supporting families.

Your perspective matters. We hope you’ll join us in creating solutions that reflect the needs, strengths, and realities of the communities we serve.

Lunch will be provided, please RSVP using the button below.

Button: RSVP Here

 
Map of Fort Scott Nazarene church.Location

Fort Scott Nazarene Church

1728 Horton

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Thank You!

We hope you’ll take this opportunity to learn more about ongoing efforts to help build support for children and families in Kansas. Thank you for being a part of these important conversations!

Thank you to our partners:

 

Kansas Department for Children and Families logo    Family Strong Logo

 

The University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research logo  

 

 

Kansas DCF FB LogoKansas DCF X logo Kansas DCF Instagram Logo Kansas DCF LinkedIn Logo
Area News, Fort Scott

Match Week 2025; A Rousing Success!

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The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) and its affiliates in Columbus, Fort Scott, and Girard achieved record-breaking results during Match Week 2025, raising over $1,066,000 in combined donations for charitable funds benefiting Southeast Kansas!

Match Week took place November 10-14, 2025. Thanks to a generous matching challenge from the Patterson Family Foundation, additional matching funds were available for each foundation to amplify community contributions.

CFSEK brought in an outstanding $437,227 in community donations to support 48 local organizations. Columbus donors stepped up in a big way, with over 100 contributors giving $145,992, while Fort Scott supporters raised $67,452 for 13 different organizations. Girard donors kept the momentum going with $72,423 raised for 10 participating funds. And the excitement doesn’t stop there—the Patterson Family Foundation’s matching challenge is adding another $339,875, amplifying the impact for nonprofits throughout our region.

“We were blown away by the generosity of our community,” said CFSEK Executive Director Devin Gorman. “Expanding from Match Day to Match Week significantly increased support for local nonprofits in our area, and we are so pleased to help them grow their endowments while also providing immediate matching funds. We want to extend our sincere gratitude to all of the donors for their incredible generosity and steadfast support of their communities.”

Next year’s Match Week will take place November 9-13, 2026.

Visit SEKMatchWeek.org to see a full list of participating funds and updates about next year’s Match Week!

 

To view Fort Scott’s donations

https://www.fortscottgives.org/

 

Area News, Youth

Applications for 2026 Boys State of Kansas Session Open

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December 1, 2025 — The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is accepting applications for its 2026 session. The event is set to be held Sunday, May 31, through Saturday, June 6, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 34th consecutive session at KSU and 88th overall.

Traditionally, Kansas Boys State has been for individuals who will complete their junior year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. However, the ALBSK program will again expand the pool of applicants for this year’s session to also include those who will complete their sophomore year of high school this spring.

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2026 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply. The deadline to apply for the 2026 program is Thursday, April 30; applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. In addition, those who register by Saturday, Jan. 31, will receive a KBS sweatshirt or polo. Furthermore, delegates who are returning for a second year have the opportunity to attend the 2026 session for just $50 total, provided they get at least three people from their school (or another school) to attend.

Kansas Boys State attendees are eligible to receive a three-hour course credit (Introduction to Political Science [POLSC 110-C]) through Kansas State University at a 72% discount, as well as earn merit badges to attain the Eagle Scout rank through Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, attendees can apply to win a Samsung American Legion Scholarship. The American Legion Department of Kansas finalist is guaranteed a $1,250 scholarship, with the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 as a national scholar.

 

Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit ksbstate.org/sponsor. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at [email protected] or (785) 550-6492.  For complete information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas program, visit ksbstate.org.

 

For information about the 2026 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, May 31, through Friday, June 5, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit ksgirlsstate.org.

— #KSBoysState —

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

Area News

NRMC Foundation Tree of Shining Memories 

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Where Every Life is Extraordinary & Honored as Sacred

 

The holiday season is a time to take pause, come together, and create memories with those around us. The NRMC Foundation Tree of Shining Memories provides a unique opportunity for our community members to come together and honor the special people in their lives by participating in this annual tribute ceremony. By doing so, participants are also supporting a worthy cause that will strengthen the quality of healthcare services provided to the community by Nevada Regional Medical Center.

 

The Tree of Shining Memories program began in the early 2000’s as a way to benefit Hospice services.  It has continued through the Foundation for nearly twenty five years.  NRMC Foundation Director Jennifer Eaton said, “the holidays are a natural time to think about family and loved ones who are no longer with us.  The Tree of Shining Memories is a great way to honor their memory in a positive and meaningful way.”

The sparkling lights of the Tree of Shining Memories honor the memory of our loved ones as their legacy continues to shine.  Lights can be purchased from the NRMC Foundation for $10.  Registration forms are available at the hospital information desk, clinic lobbies, or can be printed off the hospital website at www.nrmchealth.com/tosm. The names will be displayed in the lobby of the hospital throughout the month of December.  Those received by Monday, December 15th will also be printed in the holiday edition of the Nevada Daily Mail Saturday, December 20th.

An evening of remembrance will take place on Friday, December 5th in the hospital lobby at 5:15 pm.  Eaton noted “family and friends are welcome to gather for this special naming and lighting ceremony.  We are moving this ceremony inside at the hospital this year so that attendees can appreciate this reading of solitude in a climate controlled environment and still have time to return to the square to enjoy the annual Christmas parade afterwards.”

EVENING OF REMEMBRANCE             

Friday, December 5th

              NRMC Main Lobby

              Reading to begin at 5:15 p.m.

 

For further information about the Tree of Shining Memories, call the NRMC Foundation at 417-448-3710.

 

 

Area News, Business

Voice Your Opinion on the Atmos Energy Rate Increase Request

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Kansas Corporation Commission to hold a public
hearing on Atmos Energy rate increase request

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will hold a public hearing on December 2nd to give Atmos Energy gas customers the opportunity to learn more about the company’s rate increase request, ask questions and make comments before the Commission. Atmos is requesting approval to increase rates by $19.1 million to recover costs already incurred by the company to support safe and reliable service for its Kansas customers.

If approved, the average residential bill would increase by 11.2%. For a residential customer with average usage, that equates to an increase of approximately $9.12 per month. Atmos is also proposing a rate increase for commercial, public authority, school, large industrial, and transportation customers.

The public hearing will be held at Regnier Hall Auditorium on the KU Edwards Campus located at 12610 S. Quivira Rd in Overland Park beginning at 6 p.m. To make the hearing accessible for Atmos customers across the state, a virtual option through Zoom is available, giving remote participants a chance to comment and ask questions as well. Zoom participants must register in advance on the KCC’s website  by noon on December 1. The hearings will also be broadcast live on the KCC’s YouTube channel and recorded for later viewing. Registration is not required to view on YouTube.

The Commission is accepting written comments through 5 p.m., January 20, 2026. Comments may be submitted on the KCC’s website, by mail to the Commission’s Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.

The Commission will issue an order on the application on or before March 24, 2026.

 

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Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

CHC/SEK Names New Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer: Ashley Hopkins

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Ashley Hopkins. Submitted photo.

CHC/SEK Names Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce Ashley Hopkins has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer.

Hopkins joined the CHC/SEK team in January 2023 as the Vice President of Human Resources. She has more than 10 years of experience in human resources and has served more than 19 years in the healthcare industry. Hopkins also currently serves as a STARS board member. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from Pittsburg State University.

“During her tenure at CHC/SEK, Ashley has been instrumental in the complete reorganization of our human resources division,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer. “She has spearheaded a variety of initiatives including improving recruitment and benefits, maximizing our payroll system, simplifying and tracking staff education, and increasing employee engagement.”

In her new role, Hopkins will continue to oversee the human resources division. Her new responsibilities will include serving on the CHC/SEK leadership team, participating in the Board of Directors meetings, and serving as coordinator of the Board’s personnel committee.

“Our staff is our greatest asset,” said Postai. “It is imperative we have HR in the room during all key organizational decisions.”

“I’m excited to expand my role within CHC/SEK. Growing with an organization that empowers HR to be more than just completing tasks and checking boxes is truly inspiring,” said Hopkins. “Our team remains focused on supporting employees at every stage of their careers as well as strengthening the culture that makes CHC/SEK such a special place to work. When we take better care of our employees, they can focus more on the quality, compassionate care they are known for.”

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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

 

 

 

Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Brenda Stokes Named V.P of CHC/SEK Nursing and Quality

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Brenda Stokes. Submitted photo.

CHC/SEK Names Vice President of Nursing and Quality

PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce Brenda Stokes, RN, BSN, has been named Vice President of Nursing and Quality.

Stokes joined the CHC/SEK team in 2020 as the Vice President of Quality Improvement, overseeing quality initiatives and regulatory compliance. She has more than 18 years of experience in quality improvement and has served for more than 30 years in the healthcare industry working at local hospitals and nursing homes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pittsburg State University and is also a certified professional coder.

Under her leadership, CHC/SEK received several recognition badges from the Health Resources and Services Administration, acknowledging high performance in a variety of clinical areas. Stokes has also ensured CHC/SEK maintains its status as a National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home, a care model that centers around each patient and their individual needs.

“Brenda has continually demonstrated the ability to translate concept into reality and, as a result, CHC/SEK has earned national recognition in its management of chronic disease and in preventative health promotion,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer. “She’s done an incredible job of integrating quality into our nursing operations, and we are extremely lucky to have her.”

In her new role, Stokes will lead the nursing team in addition to the quality department, ensuring quality care for the patients and communities CHC/SEK serves.

“I’m very excited to continue working with the Quality team and to take on this larger role within our clinical operations,” said Stokes. “We have a great nursing staff, and I look forward to supporting them in the incredible work they do every day.”

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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

 

 

 

Area News, Government

K-146 to be closed Nov. 18 east of Walnut

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K146 Walnut

K-146 to be closed Nov. 18 east of Walnut

WALNUT – K-146 east of Walnut will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 18, so a Kansas Department of Transportation crew can replace a drainage pipe under the highway.

The highway is expected to be closed just for the day, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., conditions permitting. The 24-inch pipe is located 4 miles west of the K-3 and K-146 junction in Crawford County. KDOT will close K-146 from the east city limits of Walnut to K-3.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/southeastnews.

 

Area News, Entertainment, History

Roosevelt Living History Performance in Pittsburg on November 20

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Step Back in Time with Teddy Roosevelt:

Stilwell Heritage and Education Foundation Presents Dinner with Teddy Roosevelt – November 20, 2025

Pittsburg, KS – The Stilwell Heritage and Education Foundation invites the community to an evening with America’s most dynamic president, Theodore Roosevelt, brought vividly to life through a captivating living-history performance on Wednesday, November 20, 2025, in the Timmons Ballroom at the Stilwell Hotel, 707 N. Broadway, Pittsburg, Kansas.

This engaging event features nationally recognized Teddy Roosevelt reenactor Joe Wiegand, who embodies the 26th president’s larger-than-life personality—his grit, humor, and vision that shaped a nation. Performing as Theodore Roosevelt, Wiegand will share stories from Roosevelt’s lifetime. From battling asthma and taking boxing lessons as a young boy to challenging special interests as President of the United States, Wiegand brings Theodore Roosevelt to life with energy, intelligence, and wit reminiscent of the original. Following a 45-minute presentation, he will take questions from the audience as Teddy Roosevelt.

“We’re thrilled to bring this kind of living history to Stilwell,” said Foundation President Lyndon Lawson. “It’s a chance for families, students, and history lovers to connect with the past in a way that feels alive and relevant today. It’s as if we are able to step back in time to when Teddy Roosevelt spoke at the Hotel Stilwell.”

Proceeds from the event will support the Stilwell Heritage and Education Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve the historic building, renovate the apartments for senior and low-income housing, and provide educational programming for the community.

Tickets are on sale now for $45.00 each (which includes dinner, drink, and dessert). Doors and the silent auction will open at 5:30 p.m. Meet-and-Greet tickets can be purchased for an additional $20.00; the VIP Meet-and-Greet will begin at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.givebutter.com/stilwelltrevent or by calling the Hotel Stilwell. Seating is limited, so advance purchase is strongly encouraged.

Join us for a night of inspiration, laughter, and history as President Roosevelt himself takes the stage and reminds us to “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

Event sponsored by Explore Crawford County, Pittsburg State University, and the Stilwell Heritage and Education Foundation.

Area News

Local Community Foundation Match Week is November 10-14

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FSACF’s Match Week 2025 is Almost Here!

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) is expanding its annual Match Day event into Match Week, taking place from Monday, November 10 through Friday, November 14, 2025!

Match Week is an exciting fundraising campaign to help provide matching funds for community contributions to participating charitable funds. Match Week is a way your generosity can have an even greater impact in supporting our community by amplifying your donations. FSACF is offering $25,000 in matching funds this year!

“Match Week is one of my favorite times of the year because it really shows what our community can do when we come together,” said Becky Tourtillott, FSACF Board Chair. “Thanks to the generous support of the Patterson Family Foundation, every gift made adds up to something even bigger. We’re so grateful for their commitment to helping rural communities in Kansas grow and thrive. It’s a great reminder that when we all pitch in, good things happen right here at home.”

CACF charitable funds participating in Match Week this year:

  • Anna Faye Steele Memorial Fund
  • Care to Share Cancer Support Group
  • Pratt and Pauline Irby Endowment Fund
  • DuVall Family Memorial Endowment Fund
  • First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Fort Scott Endowment
  • Fort Lincoln School House Endowment Fund
  • Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation
  • Fort Scott Area Community Foundation General Endowment Fund
  • Fort Scott Area Public Parks Endowment Fund
  • John Valentine and Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund
  • Robert Gordon Steele Memorial Fund
  • Shepherd Family Endowment Fund
  • Shirley Yeager’s Animal Friends Foundation Endowment

Donations are accepted online, in-person, or via mail during Match Week. Please visit FortScottGives.org to see a full list of funds and how to donate.