FORT SCOTT, KS (September 16, 2026) — The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, has named the winners of its 2026 Discovery Award competition, awarding $24,500 in student prizes along with additional educator and district recognitions. The national competition inspires elementary, middle and high school students to develop research projects that share the stories of unsung heroes whose actions made a powerful impact on history, yet remain largely unknown.

Links to Winning Projects

“This year’s National Discovery Award competition drew a record-breaking number of entries, and the exceptional quality of so many projects made judging more difficult than ever,” said LMC CEO Norm Conard. “These students brought curiosity, care and insight to the stories they uncovered. Their work helps us understand the lasting impact of unsung heroes and reminds us that each of us has the potential to make a difference.”

Noah Make, a student at Central High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming, is the $6,000 Grand Prize winner for his documentary, Armin T. Wegner Against the Silence. His project tells the story of Armin T. Wegner, who risked his safety to document the Armenian Genocide. Through photographs and eyewitness testimony, Wegner preserved evidence of atrocities that the world might otherwise have forgotten.

Noah’s documentary explores the responsibility of bearing witness and the courage required to speak out when others remain silent. By bringing Wegner’s story to a new generation, the project demonstrates how one person’s determination to expose injustice can preserve the experiences of victims and leave a lasting historical record. It is a powerful reflection of the Discovery Award’s purpose: to uncover overlooked individuals whose actions continue to matter today. Noah was guided by supervising teacher, 2024 LMC Fellow and 2021 Wyoming Milken Educator, Aaron Kruger.

The $3,000 First Place prize has been awarded to Ajuni Dahm of St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, for Virginia Hall: The Limping Lady. Her documentary tells the story of an American spy who overcame discrimination and disability to aid the French Resistance during World War II. The project explores Hall’s courage and resourcefulness in the fight against Nazi occupation, bringing attention to an extraordinary woman whose contributions helped advance the Allied cause. Ajuni was guided by supervising teacher, 2025 LMC Fellow and 2023 ARTEFFECT Ambassador Sandra Hutton.

The $2,500 Outstanding High School Project award goes to Eunhyeok (Joseph) Lee, Minseo (Leon) Chung, Grace Na, Hosan (Harvard) Kim and Ethan Yo of Santa Ana, California. Two of the students, Joseph Lee and Ethan Yo, attend Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA). Project member Harvard Kim attends Crean Lutheran High School, Leon Chung attends Northwood High School, and Grace Na attends Beckman High School. Their documentary, Miné Okubo: The Unsung Hero Who Drew What America Tried to Hide, explores how Okubo used her art to document the injustice of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. Through her illustrations and firsthand experiences, Okubo preserved the stories of those who were incarcerated and ensured that this chapter of American history would not be forgotten. Nancy Alcala of OCSA served as the supervising teacher for this award-winning project.

Anwita Sajja of Jericho Middle School in Jericho, New York, has received the $2,000 Outstanding Middle School Project award for her documentary, Fighting Silent Poison: The Unsung Story of Dr. Herbert Needleman’s Crusade to Expose Childhood Lead Poisoning. The project relates how Needleman’s research exposed the dangers of lead exposure to children. Anwita explores his determination to challenge powerful interests and advance reforms that helped protect children’s health. Anwita was guided by supervising teacher and 2025 ARTEFFECT Ambassador Michelle Vevante.

The $1,500 Outstanding Elementary Project award has been presented to Jaycie Lockmiller and Brianna Garcia of Texico Elementary School in Texico, New Mexico. Their documentary, Olive Ann Beech: The First Lady of Aviation, shares the story of a pioneering businesswoman who helped shape the aviation industry. The students explore how Beech broke barriers for women and helped build Beech Aircraft into a major force in American aviation. Silvia Miranda, a 2019 LMC Fellow and 2018 New Mexico Milken Educator, served as the supervising teacher for this award-winning project.

The $1,500 Founder’s Award goes to Thanvi Voruganti and Dorothy Zhou, representing Arizona College Preparatory High School and Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona. Their documentary, The Woman Who Would Not Be Silenced: Judith Heumann, the Unsung Hero of the Disability Rights Revolution, tells the story of a leader whose advocacy helped transform opportunities for people with disabilities. The students explore Heumann’s efforts to challenge discrimination and advance equality, accessibility and civil rights. They were led by a sixth grade teacher at New Vistas Center for Education, Stacey Trepanier.

In addition to these top awards, eight projects have received $500 Certificate of Excellence Awards:

• Elina Lin, Kimberly Chen and Abbie Cheng, Jericho High School, Jericho, New York, for Breaking Barriers: The Life of Leonora O’Reilly. (Teacher Justina Zendrian)
• Kaitlyn Chun and Isabelle Deon, Jericho High School, Jericho, New York, for Tony Mazzocchi: An Unsung Hero Who Pioneered Workplace Safety Reform. (Teacher Justina Zendrian)
• Shaeyllan Beardmore, Danrich Botha and Serafim Spekhalskiy, Kelowna Secondary School, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, for Iris Chang: Remembering the Forgotten Holocaust of WWII. (Teacher Graeme Stacey)
• Ara Woo and Chloe Hu, Jericho High School, Jericho, New York, for An Unsung Hero in Cross-Racial Solidarity: Grace Lee Boggs’ Role in Civil Rights Activism. (Teacher Justina Zendrian)
• Bella Antone, Charlee Wells and Hadley Wells, Christian Learning Center, Fort Scott, Kansas, for Bridging Two Cultures: A Crusader that Revolutionized Navajo Health Care with Lasting Reform, about Annie Dodge Wauneka. (Teacher Rachel Wells)
• Emma Chan, Jericho Middle School, Jericho, New York, for The Invisible Hand of Justice: Frances Perkins, The Unsung Architect of Modern America. (Teachers Theresa Cantwell and Valerie Conklin)
• Saketh Chatrathi, Viraj Devgun and Shruti Sundar, Charles B. Pearson Middle School, Frisco, Texas, for The Uncelebrated Miracle Medicines Alien, about Dr. Yellapragada Subbarow. (Teacher Christopher Barker)
• Angel Shah, Jericho High School, Jericho, New York, for a performance about Judy Heumann and the Section 504 Sit-In, A Revolution for Access. (Teacher Justina Zendrian)

LMC also recognizes the educators and schools that support students in discovering and sharing these important stories. Aaron Kruger of Central High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming, receives the $1,000 Outstanding Educator Award, and Jericho Middle and High School in Jericho, New York, receives the Outstanding School Award. There was a tie this year for Outstanding School Award Second Place between Newton High School in Newton, Kansas, and Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Four $500 Outstanding Teacher Awards recognize Brian Skinner and Kynda Faythe of Newton High School in Newton, Kansas; Justina Zendrian of Jericho High School in Jericho, New York; Chris Dier of Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Rachel Wells of Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Through the Discovery Award, students use research and creative storytelling to explore the lasting impact of an individual’s actions. By bringing overlooked stories to new audiences, their projects demonstrate how courage, compassion and determination can inspire positive change across generations.

“Real heroes tower and guide,” said LMC Founder Lowell Milken. “But their stories need to be discovered and heard. And when we do, we have the opportunity to motivate new generations to aspire to values that are essential during the challenging times we face individually, as a nation and as a world community.”

Information about the Discovery Award and future competition opportunities is available at lowellmilkencenter.org/competitions/discovery-award.

About LMC
Established in 2007, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes discovers, develops and communicates the stories of unsung heroes who have made a profound and positive impact on history, yet are largely unrecognized by contemporary generations. Through student projects and the sharing of these stories, LMC helps new generations recognize their own potential to make a difference. Learn more about LMC and the Discovery Award.

Uniontown City Council Regular Meeting

September 8, 2026 – Uniontown Community Center

The Regular Council Meeting on September 8, 2026, at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Mary Pemberton, Kyle Knight, Bradley Stewart, and newly appointed council member Jess Ervin. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Joe George, Betty Dennis, Loretta George, Casie Herrmann, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

Special Considerations/Projects

Mayor Jurgensen suggested that Jess Ervin be appointed to fill the vacant council position.

Motion by Stewart, Second by Knight, Approved 3-0, to approve Jess Ervin to fill the vacant spot on the Council.

Jess Ervin was sworn in and administered the Oath of Office as a member of the City Council.

Citizens Request

(None noted.)

Financial Report

Treasurer Johnson presented the August 2026 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $228,979.05; Receipts $26,173.94; Transfers Out $6,774.25; Expenditures $45,108.12; Checking Account Closing Balance $203,270.62. Bank Statement Balance $203,330.65, including Checking Account Interest of $47.82; Outstanding Deposits $0; Outstanding Checks $60.03; Reconciled Balance $203,270.62. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,929.74; Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,783.10; Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $51,506.03; Total All Funds including Certificates of Deposit $323,489.49. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Account $407.38 and Utility CDs $2,071.88 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,479.26.

Projects Checking Account for August 2026: Beginning Balance $0; Receipts $0; Expenditures $0; Ending Balance $0.

August Transfers: Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; Capital Improvement-Streets from General Fund $3,750.00; Total Transfers $6,774.25.

Net loss for August $25,708.43; Year-to-Date Net Income $2,525.16.

Budget vs. Actual: Gas Fund YTD Revenue $94,980.18 (73.4%), Expenditures $66,817.53 (50.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $27,926.20 (77.4%), Expenditures $21,134.15 (49.5%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $80,511.35 (64.7%), Expenditures $70,700.98 (49.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $96,304.66 (65.4%), Expenditures $116,874.89 (49.8%); Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,054.18 (83.0%), Expenditures $5,524.08 (49.4%).

Payables for the period August 12, 2026, through September 8, 2026, totaled $31,581.04. The invoice from KMGA had not been received by noon on meeting day.

Consent Agenda

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve the Consent Agenda:

• Minutes of August 11, 2026, 2027 Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting
• August Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & September Accounts Payables

Department Reports

Codes Officer Doug Coyan was absent from the meeting but had previously submitted an email regarding code enforcement matters. Clerk Arnold reviewed the email with the Council. One concern discussed was the overgrown vegetation at 101 Washington. Following discussion of previous encounters with the property owner, the Council decided to send a letter advising the property owner to weed-eat the overgrown vegetation around the property. Another property of concern was 202 4th Street, where little improvement had been made. Council Member Knight volunteered, as a private individual, to assist with the cleanup of the property if the property owners agreed. Clerk Arnold stated she would contact the property owners to determine their interest. The Council decided no further action would be taken regarding that property until court proceedings were completed.

Mayor Jurgensen thanked Superintendent Rich for his hard work preparing the City for the Labor Day weekend celebration and asked how the citywide cleanup went. Superintendent Rich stated the dumpsters were not utilized as much this time as in the past.

Clerk Arnold presented the 2025 audit prepared by DBB Inc. to the Council for review.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve the 2025 audit prepared by DBB Inc.

Clerk Arnold presented the Council with a donation request letter from the Uniontown Booster Club. The Council declined to make a donation at this time.

Arnold informed the Council that, due to an issue with QuickBooks, Council checks would not be distributed at the meeting. The checks will be distributed once the issue has been resolved.

Council Reports

• Councilman Knight – None
• Councilwoman Kelly – Absent
• Councilwoman Pemberton – None
• Councilman Stewart – None
• Councilman Ervin – None

Mayor Jurgensen thanked the Old Settlers Committee and all volunteers for their hard work organizing the Labor Day weekend celebration, with special thanks extended to Mary Pillion, Mike Ramsey, Rhonda DeWitt, Marty DeWitt, and all other volunteers. Appreciation was also extended to those who organized the Dale Jackson Car Show and the rodeos. Council Member Knight thanked Mayor Jurgensen for handing out bicycles during the bike raffle.

Mayor Jurgensen reported he has been in communication with the City’s technology representative, Mark Warren, regarding establishing Wi-Fi in the park. Clerk Arnold has ordered the necessary equipment, which has been received. Discussion has also taken place with Kelly Electric regarding adding additional electrical outlets in the park to accommodate Christmas in the Park decorations and Wi-Fi/camera equipment.

Clerk Arnold informed the Council of a dog ordinance violation at 401 2nd Street due to the number of dogs at the property. The property owner submitted a letter outlining her plans to come into compliance and requested an exception to keep four dogs rather than the maximum of three allowed by ordinance.

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0, to allow the property owner 45 days to reduce the number of dogs on the property to four and allow the owner to keep the fourth dog. Once the number is reduced to three, no additional dogs may be added that would cause the property to exceed the three-dog limit.

Old Business

Dog Ordinance Review and Discussion: The Council discussed suggestions and proposed amendments to the draft presented at the previous meeting. The Council agreed that Clerk Arnold would prepare the final draft and submit it to the City Attorney for review. The final draft will be presented to the Council for approval at a later date.

Waterway Project: Mayor Jurgensen stated he had spoken with Mitch Crystal, who had forwarded the information to another surveyor. No response had been received at this time.

New Business

Motion by Stewart, Second by Knight, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss applicants and conduct interviews for a non-elected personnel position; open meeting to resume at 8:35 PM.

Meeting resumed at 8:35 PM. No action taken from executive session.

Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:35 PM.

Documents:

• 09082026_Regular_Meeting.docx

P.E.O. Chapter CA of Fort Scott is teaming up with What the Trivia? for a community Trivia Night benefiting educational and scholarship opportunities for women locally and around the world.

Trivia Night Fundraiser

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Liberty Theater | 113 S. Main, Fort Scott

Doors & Taco Bar Open at 5:00 p.m.
Trivia begins at 6:00 p.m.
$40 per person — dinner included!

No pre-registration needed! Gather your friends and put together a team of six, then simply show up ready to play. Coming solo or don’t have a full team? That’s okay—we’ll help you find a team!

Along with a great night of trivia, there will be raffle items, a 50/50 raffle, a cash bar, and a cash prize for the first-place team.

Best of all, your night out helps P.E.O. continue its mission of creating educational opportunities for women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and support of Cottey College.

Grab your smartest friends—or at least your most fun ones—and join us for a great evening for an even better cause!

For more information, visit the PEO Sisterhood Fort Scott Chapter Trivia Night Fundraiser Facebook Event Page.

Submitted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce on behalf of P.E.O. Chapter CA of Fort Scott.

Notice of and Agenda for Regular Meeting of Fort Scott City Commission

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 15, 2026 – 6:00 P.M.
AMENDED

This agenda has been amended. Changes include:

1. Emergency request for consideration to repair a pump at the College Booster Station (includes proposal submitted) — added to New Business/Action Items.
2. Discussion of lake lots moved to Unfinished Business.

I. Call to Order

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Invocation

IV. Approval of Agenda

V. Consent Agenda

1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1416-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of August 26, 2026 – September 9, 2026 – $505,024.42
2. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of September 1, 2026
3. Request to Pay Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. – Application for Payment No. 7 – Davis Lift Station – $114,300.00
4. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice #18780 – EEI Project No. 26-08 Topo Wall St Phase 3 – Survey Completed 100% – $20,000
5. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice #18797 – EEI Project No. 26-402 Davis Lift Station Extraneous Flow – Payroll – $9,883.14
6. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice #18795 – EEI Project No. 25-12 – East National Phase I – Final Design 95% and Bidding 5% – $10,725.00
7. Request to Pay Strukel Electric – Payment Application No. 1 – FSK Airport Runway Lighting Repair – $139,218.75
8. August Financials

VI. Public Comment

VII. Appearance

VIII. New Business

Action Items

1. Consideration of Emergency Replacement Pump at College Booster Station – $43,772.30 – S. Flater
2. Consideration of Small Business Grant Applications for Quarter 3 of 2026: Brooklyn Holder, Rachel Pruitt, Travis Sawyer, Brent Cavin, Katie Freeman, Maria Morris and Hardi Patel – M. Wyatt

Public Hearing

1. Budget Hearing – B. Hart & J. Oliphant/BakerTilly

IX. Unfinished Business

1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3801 – An Ordinance to Amend Municipal Code 5.08 – Alcoholic Liquor; 5.12 Cereal Malt Beverages and 5.14 Cereal Malt Beverages – Beer Gardens – First Reading – Tabled from September 1, 2026
2. Status Update for 118 E. Wall
3. Discussion of Lake Lot Sales – B. Matkin

X. Reports and Comments

XI. Adjournment

Documents:

• 9-15-26_AgendaAMENDED.docx

Now Accepting Spring 2027 Internship Applications

My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns year-round working closely with my staff to serve Kansans.

Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the spring 2027 are now open. Priority will be given to applications completed before Thursday, October 1. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, November 15 at 11:59 PM CT. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence. Click here for more information and to apply.

Now Accepting Spring 2027 Senate Page Applications

Applications are now open for the spring 2026 Senate Page Program. High school students are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process. Spring Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply is Sunday, October 4 at 11:59 PM CT. Click here for more information and to apply.

Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications

Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2031. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on October 2, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.

Honored to Serve You in Washington

It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.

If you are interested in viewing recent votes on legislation and nominations considered by the United States Senate this week, you can click here.

Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office — Arrest Summary Report

Period: 09/08/2026 – 09/09/2026

Arrests

KARNOWSKI, KNOX EDWIN — Inmate No. 2026-000741

Agency: Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office | Age: 18
Arrested: 9/8/2026 12:20 AM | Released: 9/8/2026 12:03 PM

MURR, EFRAIM JAMUOL — Inmate No. 2026-000742

Agency: Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office | Age: 50
Arrested: 9/8/2026 11:31 PM | Released: —

Inmate Released List

Period: 09/08/2026 – 09/09/2026

Total Inmates Released: 3

Documents:

• release_list.pdf
• arrest_report.pdf