Category Archives: Area News
CFSEK Announces 2026 Recipients of Bill House Agricultural Grants
Bill House was a visionary figure in the world of agriculture in Kansas and across the country. When Mr. House passed in 2009, he chose to give back to the future of agriculture across Kansas. Following the sale of his land in 2024, the Bill House Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) to support agricultural initiatives and scholarships for students pursuing agricultural-related degrees.
“Bill House understood that the land is only as strong as the people who manage it. We are honored to carry on his legacy and lifelong commitment to education and leadership,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “These grants are an investment in the families and students who will keep the legacy of Kansas agriculture strong for future generations. We strive to carry out Mr. House’s vision of leaving the land better than he found it.”
In the inaugural grant cycle in 2025, 11 projects received grants totaling $100,000. In 2026, 21 projects through 9 organizations received a total of $200,100 in grant funds. These grants focus on supporting agricultural education opportunities across Kansas for all age groups.
The 2026 recipients of the Bill House Agricultural Grants are:
- Hereford Youth Foundation of America
- National Junior Hereford Association Fed Steer Shootout Program and Educational Field Day
- Kansas 4-H Foundation Inc.
- Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes
- Kansas State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest Enhancement
- Southeast Kansas 4-H Challenge Days
- Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation
- Agricultural Leadership Conference Scholarships
- Kansas FFA Foundation Inc.
- Supervised Agriculture Experience Grants
- Agricultural Educator Development & Retention Initiative
- Kansas Livestock Foundation
- Kansas Junior Livestock Show CFSEK Bill House Leadership Award
- Kansas State University
- Returning to the Farm Family Scholarship
- Transition Planning Coaching for Farm and Ranch Families
- K-State Junior Beef Producer Day
- Bovine reproductive practices workshop and reproductive efficiency conference
- Cow-Camp
- Enhancing training tools for cattle producers
- KOMA Cattle Conference
- Beef and Forage Field Days
- Pioneer Bluffs Foundation, Inc.
- Far Corners- A segment of Emil Redmon’s Cow Stories from the Farm and Ranch
- Southwind Extension Education Foundation Inc.
- Forage Testing Incentive – An Extension Effort to Improve Feed Quality & Profitability
- Soil Sampling Incentive – An Extension Effort to Improve Crop Production and Forage Quality
- Wildcat Extension Education Foundation
- Forage Probes
- Livestock Production Youth Programming Materials
In the spirit of Bill House’s dedication to the ranching community, the selection committee also allocated $20,000 to support Kansas livestock producers affected by recent wildfires in the state. This contribution to the Kansas Livestock Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund reflects a commitment to providing critical support for producers as they navigate the difficult path to recovery.
CFSEK would like to congratulate all the recipients and thank them for their work supporting the future of agriculture in Kansas and beyond.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by connecting donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK and the Bill House funds is available at SoutheastKansas.org/BillHouse
Karate Tournament/Seminars April 24-26
The Japan Karate-do Genbu-kai of Pittsburg, Kansas will be hosting their 49th annual karate tournament and seminars April 24-–26, 2026. A karate tournament will be held on Saturday, April 25th at the St. Mary’s Colgan Fieldhouse in Pittsburg, Kansas. This is a traditional invitational karate tournament with 125-150 competitors regionally and throughout the United States competing in kata (forms), kumite (sparring), kobudo (okinawan weapons), and batto (Japanese sword). The tournament begins at 9:30 and is open to the public. There is no admission fee for spectators.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact James Otter, Chief Instructor, 620.232.4480 or [email protected].
Fatherhood Group Offered
NRMC Foundation to Host 23rd Annual Golf Classic
Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) Foundation is set to host the 23rd annual Caring with Pride Golf Classic on Friday, May 8th at the Frank E. Peters Municipal Golf Course. Proceeds from this annual tournament help fund needed patient care equipment or services throughout the hospital.
“We’re truly grateful to continue hosting this popular fundraiser in support for our hospital,” said Foundation Director Jennifer Eaton. “The many individuals who return year after year – some for all 23 years – are a testament not only to the quality of this event, but also to their shared commitment to the continual improvements for the health of our community.”
The tournament is open to the first 40 teams who register and will be scored with a first, second and third place team in three flights. This year, as in recent years, prizes awarded will be in cash, totaling more than $4,000.
“The tournament will begin with a 9 a.m. shotgun start,” Eaton said. “This format gives participants time to gather beforehand, enjoy a grab and go breakfast, connect with one another, and learn more about the day’s games and prizes.”
A 50/50 cash drawing will once again highlight the event, alongside a variety of popular on-course contests. Golfers will have multiple chances to win in side-event challenges, including the coveted hole-in-one competitions on the par-3 holes. This year’s grand prize raises the stakes even higher, offering a $10,000 hole-in-one opportunity.
There are many opportunities for sponsorships of the Golf Classic. The deadline to register to play in the tournament is Friday, May 1st. For more information or to register, call the NRMC Foundation office at (417) 448-3710 or visit www.nrmchealth.com/golf.
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CFSEK Announces 2026 Mount Carmel Foundation Legacy Grant Recipients
The Mount Carmel name has been synonymous with quality healthcare in Southeast Kansas for over 100 years. When the Mount Carmel Foundation ceased operations in 2024, it transferred its assets to the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas to establish the Mount Carmel Foundation Legacy grant cycle. During the inaugural grant cycle in 2025, $214,000 was granted for healthcare projects in Southeast Kansas.
The Mount Carmel Foundation Legacy grant committee is proud to announce the awarding of this year’s grants, totaling $180,559 in support of 10 organizations in Southeast Kansas for 14 projects.
“The diversity of this year’s projects, from an autism clinic expansion to veteran suicide prevention, demonstrates the amazing impact the Mount Carmel legacy continues to have in Southeast Kansas,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with these great organizations as they work on the front lines to improve healthcare in our region and provide essential services to our community.”
2026 Mount Carmel Foundation Legacy Grant recipients:
- Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas – CHC/SEK’s Victim Services Program
- Families and Children Together Inc. – Tools for Tomorrow
- Family Resource Center, Inc. – Employee Health Helping Hand Fund
- Hospital District 1 Crawford County Foundation – Enhancing Cardiac Diagnostic Capacity at Girard Medical Center
- Inspire Health Foundation, Inc. – Pathways of Possibility: The Inspire Health Camp Scholarship Fund
- Integrated Behavioral Technologies, Inc – Southeast Kansas Autism Clinic Expansion & Stabilization
- Mercy Health Foundation Southwest Missouri/Kansas – Patient Assistance Program
- Mercy Health Foundation Southwest Missouri/Kansas – Cardiac Care Support: Diagnostics, Intervention, & Recovery
- Mercy Health Foundation Southwest Missouri/Kansas – Therapy Traction Table
- Mercy Health Foundation Southwest Missouri/Kansas – Patient Experience Grant
- Mercy Health Foundation Southwest Missouri/Kansas – Imaging Services
- Outside The Wire Veterans Foundation – Rural Veteran Suicide Prevention and Resilience Program
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States – Supporting Families in Care: Guest Suite Refresh Project
- SEK Interlocal 637 – Unlocking Potential: Empowering inclusive learning through adaptive equipment
CFSEK congratulates the recipients and thanks them for their work supporting healthcare projects in Southeast Kansas.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.
CFSEK 25th Anniversary Story Series: “Right Place, Right Time”
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026. This is the second part of CFSEK’s story series honoring the 25-year history of the organization, while also looking ahead to the next 25 years of positive impact in Southeast Kansas.
Kayla Joy was serving as the President of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce in 2001. She was attending a conference in Wichita in early January hosted by the Kansas Community Leadership Initiative (which eventually became the Kansas Leadership Center). Kayla recalled a particular lunch session at the conference that she remembers fondly:
“We were just chatting over lunch when a Kansas Health Foundation representative casually mentioned a matching funds opportunity to benefit leadership in local communities,” Joy said. “I still laugh that it was so nonchalantly mentioned when it could mean so much to a community, but it stuck with me!”
The matching challenge mentioned that day was to raise $300,000 by the end of 2001, and those funds had to be housed at a community foundation. With a challenge to meet and no community foundation, work had to start quickly.
“I’ve found that if you want something done, you need to involve the right people. Namely, Lynda Wilkinson,” said Joy. “I went and presented her with the idea of doing this challenge and starting a community foundation. She jumped right on board, and we got to work getting a leadership team and laying out the groundwork! I also remember calling Judy Scudamore and talking to her about becoming the first executive director for the foundation, which was so amazing and she was a perfect fit!”
Kayla thought about where the foundation began, and seeing what it has grown to be over 25 years.
“When the foundation started, my daughter was just a baby, and now she has a baby of her own! Time flies, but the work of the foundation is for forever, so who knows where we will be in another 25 years!”
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.
Kratom Products Are Seized by Kansas ABC
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2026 CFSEK Scholarship Stories: Brayton Brueggen, Milling for the Future
The future of agriculture is no longer confined to local borders; it is a global industry that requires world-class expertise. For students like Brayton Brueggen, the path to mastering the ancient craft of milling now leads from the heart of the Midwest to the cutting-edge laboratories of Europe.
Brayton, a Louisburg native and junior at Kansas State University, is currently studying Milling Science and Management. Thanks to the support of the Stacy Goedeke Scholarship through the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK), he recently traded the Manhattan campus for a six-month intensive program at the renowned Swiss Milling School in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
“I like to say the experience was informative, transformative, and fun,” Brayton said. “I learned so much about milling and about myself while having a great time.”
During his semester abroad, Brayton immersed himself in eight major areas of milling science. However, the education wasn’t just technical. He networked with future industry leaders from 14 different countries across six continents, all while finding time to explore and admire the historic architecture of Europe.
“I got to pursue my passion while having an incredible experience I’ll remember forever,” he noted.
For Brayton, the Stacy Goedeke Scholarship through CFSEK was the key that unlocked this international door. He explained that scholarships are vital because they allow students to pursue high-level ambitions without the weight of financial barriers. “My scholarship helped pay for my experience abroad so I could focus on my studies and enjoy the experience without financial stress.”
When it comes to the application process, Brayton encourages his peers to be bold. “Don’t be afraid to talk about your accomplishments,” he advised. “Asking for help is the whole idea, so sell yourself.”
CFSEK scholarship applications close March 31st, 2026. A full list of scholarships and their requirements is available at SoutheastKansas.org/Students/Scholarship. Scholarship applications are available online at SoutheastKansas.org/Scholarship-App.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.
CHC/SEK Launches Specialized Support for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence
PITTSBURG, Kan.—No one should have to face the aftermath of domestic or sexual violence alone—and thanks to expanded services from the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK), help is now closer than ever.
The numbers behind these experiences are sobering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of women and more than one in six men have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetimes. In rural communities, domestic violence and sexual assault occur at rates equal to or higher than in urban areas. Due to a lack of services and resources, the impact on rural survivors is often more severe. Many cases also go unreported, which means the true number of people affected is likely far greater than statistics can capture.
The ripple effects of these crimes touch every part of a survivor’s life, impacting their children, families, work, and sense of safety in the world. “As a result of these crimes, survivors’ mental health is often impacted, but there are frequently unmet medical needs too. Together, these can impact their everyday lives in so many ways,” said Keri Thompson, RN, CHC/SEK Forensic & Victim Services Program Manager. “Ensuring each person gets the compassionate care they need, when they need it, is vital to the healing process.”
Ensuring access to timely care is central to the mission of CHC/SEK, which has expanded its services and support for survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking. CHC/SEK has created a dedicated new team—including a program manager and forensic nurse, nurse case manager, and community health worker—to support survivors and their children as they receive the care they need.
At CHC/SEK, care extends beyond medical treatment. The team will also coordinate wraparound services such as dental care, transportation, and behavioral health support—with trauma-informed care woven throughout. “People’s lives can be challenging. In addition to the ‘regular’ medical issues, a person’s past experiences and trauma shape their health and how they live in the world, including in healthcare settings,” Thompson said. “Trauma-informed care means recognizing these complexities, caring for the whole person, and being careful not to retraumatize them. Receiving trauma-informed healthcare can give survivors a sense of safety, control, and a chance to rebuild trust that’s often fractured by abuse.”
CHC/SEK is also working to strengthen the broader community safety net. Through partnerships with Safehouse Crisis Center, law enforcement, and other local organizations, a Community Response Team will be established to improve communication, identify gaps in services, and ensure that every survivor receives a consistent, compassionate response. Training opportunities for healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community partners will further support this unified approach.
“We know this is an issue that all communities face. Many of the people who walk through our clinic doors are survivors,” said Thompson. “No one should suffer in silence. We want survivors to know that we’re here to care for them and help them stay safe as they work through the process of healing. Their well-being is our top priority.”
These efforts are made possible by two grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women and Office for Victims of Crime.
For more information, call the CHC/SEK Forensic & Victim Services Hotline at 620-240-5090.
For those who are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, local support is available 24/7/365 through Safehouse Crisis Center by calling 800-794-9148 or texting 620-670-0754.
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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.
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National Senior Nutrition Month: Helping Older Adults
SOUTHEAST KANSAS AREA AGENCY ON AGING Joins National Campaign to Reduce Food Insecurity Among Older Americans During National Senior Nutrition Month
Fort Scott, KS – In 2025, 13 million older adults experience food insecurity – they lacked reliable access to nutritious meals needed for healthy living. During National Senior Nutrition Month, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging is joining USAging in a national consumer campaign focused on helping older Americans get the healthy, nutritious food they need to maintain their physical and cognitive health.
“Eat Well. Live Well. Age Well.” Highlights the importance of nutrition in promoting healthy aging, the different kinds of meals programs and nutrition services available to older adults in their communities and how to find them.
Healthy food and nutrition are vital for older adults to maintain their health and well-being. Proper nutrition is critical to reduce chronic illness, improve immune system functioning and enhance cognition. Food also brings people together, bosting mood and decreasing feelings of isolation and loneliness. But it is challenging for many older adults to get the healthy foods they need.
AAAs strive to make healthy eating accessible, appetizing, and affordable. AAA nutrition services include home-delivered meals, meals served in groups settings, and more.
“It is amazing the positive comments we receive from our participants. We received a note recently from someone receiving home delivered meals, “Do you all realize what lifesavers you are?” It is amazing that a meal and a friendly hello from the driver can make such a difference. Unfortunately we do have a waiting list for home delivery but we have openings at all our meal sites. People report they get so much more than a meal. They make new friends and as one person said she didn’t know what to do with herself after retirement and going to the meal site she met people who showed her how to be a senior.”, Kathy Brennon, Executive Director
Call 620-431-2980 or visit www.sekaaa.com to learn more.
A Very Special Night to Remember
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Rinehart Christian Church and Community Christian Church from Nevada recently hosted an event that gave special love and attention to the area’s special needs people. It was a night where sweet memories were made.
The “Night to Remember” is an event very like Tim Tebow’s “Night to Shine” that has been going on for a number of years around the country. This was the 2nd such event that Rinehart has offered, and this time around CCC jumped in to help.
It’s a prom-like event for the special needs people, and not only is there fun dancing and good clean music, there was Bingo played and lots of fun prizes given out, and there was a wonderful meal served. About 130 special guests were in attendance, and they went away feeling loved and very special.
There were some special services offered too for the guests to enjoy. Jeanette Hawkins (I heart art with Jeannette) was painting faces. Kortney Post with Healing Kneads LLC, was giving chair massages. And Kaylie Leftwich with Fire Esthetics was giving hand massages and scalp massages.
Also, the following businesses in Nevada gave donations to help the night to happen and be extra special: Conners Auto Repair, DBA Coonrod Construction, Flip Side Salon, Cash’s Quality Electric,, Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers, Color Confident Boutique, Sonic, Mil-Nevada (Jason Hedges), 54 Veterinary Clinic, 54 Feed and Seed, Buzz’s BBQ and Steakhouse, and Community Outreach. Thank you to all of these businesses for their very generous donations.