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.
Rural Apprenticeship Grant Opportunity
Grant Applications Open to Expand Rural Registered Apprenticeship Programs
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $500,000 in Rural Apprenticeship Innovation for a Strong Economy (RAISE) funding to support the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs across rural Kansas.
This new grant opportunity is administered through the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship and is available to the state’s educational institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, joint apprenticeship training councils and workforce boards seeking to attract and retain skilled employees through registered apprenticeships in rural areas.
“We have been purposeful in attracting new businesses to all areas of the state to advance economic opportunities for all,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grants will support further expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs in rural areas so we can continue to build our workforce, provide skill building and job opportunities for more Kansans and keep pace with our historic growth.”
Applicants can receive up to $100,000 in funding to support technical instruction, outreach, staffing, partnerships and administrative costs. A dollar-for-dollar match is required, and funded projects must be completed within a 12-month period.
“This grant ensures rural Kansas isn’t left behind,” Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship Director Shonda Anderson said. “By expanding high-wage, high-demand registered apprenticeships in rural communities, we’re creating strong workforce pathways and supporting long-term economic vitality close to home.”
Registered Apprenticeship programs interested in applying must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a registered apprenticeship program in Kansas or commit to developing a new program within three months of receiving funding
- Must demonstrate a plan to engage existing or potential employers and apprentices residing in counties with populations under 50,000
- Must provide a 1:1 matching contribution
For more details and additional requirements, visit the webpage here.
Eligible Kansas Registered Apprenticeship programs are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through April 17. To apply, 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 the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship:
The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship was established by Governor Laura Kelly on Sept. 6, 2022, through Executive Order #22-07. The Office supports apprenticeships across multiple industries to provide a highly skilled source of labor for employers and ensure occupational proficiency for career-seekers. The program incorporates on-the-job learning, technical instruction and mentorship to create long-term employment opportunities in Kansas.
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Ken Collins Kansas State Representative-Second District Newsletter
Thoughts From Under the Dome
Turnaround has happened in the Kansas Legislature so now a large part of our time is being spent by the two houses hearing and voting on the other houses bills. Because of that I am happy to report that the Senate has heard and approved Benny’s Bill (HB 2412) unanimously 40-0. It will now come back to the House for concurrence on a technical amendment before it goes to Governor Kelly’s desk for her approval. Again, for those who don’t know the background behind this legislation it strengthens the penalties for child endangerment and aggravated child endangerment when the victim is under the age of six. I am sponsoring it because of the case of Benny Cannon who suffered lifelong disabilities after a daycare incident when he was four months old. Two daycare workers were found responsible after pleading guilty in court but received light sentences in my opinion considering the damage that was inflicted.
HB 2368 is a bill that I mentioned before that would allow for the licensure of Anesthesiology Assistants (AA) in Kansas. I have repeatedly opposed this bill because Kansas is already served by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists who possess a higher degree of training than their AA counterparts. The bill was voted down once this year but it was revived to be shot down with a motion to return it to committee. The motion pretty much kills the bill because the last day for committees to meet has passed.
Another nursing related bill that we just voted on was SB 334 which lowers the minimum education level required to be an instructor in Kansas nursing schools. I have heard from people in the nursing profession who don’t like this bill because it doesn’t make for better trained nurses and that it could potentially jeopardize accreditation of their institutions. I was a no vote on that but it did pass by 81-43.
On to other news I am planning to hold some town hall meetings this spring with the first one being in Mulberry on April 13th at 6:30. More details will be coming but I hope to see you there or at another event. Until next time, Ad Astra Per Aspera.
Fly the Flag Subscription Program Offered
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Understanding Ticks & Alpha-Gal Presentation Offered on March 23
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KS Announces Program for Revitalizing Industrial/Manufacturing Buildings
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Obituary of Edward Louis Eichenberger
Edward Louis Eichenberger Obituary
Edward L. Eichenberger, known affectionately as Ed to his friends and family, left this world for his heavenly home on March 15, 2026, at the age of 58. He was born on November 20, 1967, in Ottawa, Kansas. Ed’s life was a testament to his unwavering faith, his joyous spirit, and his love for his family, community, and sports.
Ed’s journey began as the beloved son of Carl and Donna Maag Eichenberger, growing up with his brothers Bob, Jim, and Donnie. After graduating from Pomona High School, Ed served in the Kansas Army National Guard, and attended Ottawa University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. He furthered his education with a Master’s Degree in Health, Human Performance, and Recreation from Pittsburg State University.
On August 31, 1996, Ed married the love of his life, Julie Whitley, and together they embarked on a journey filled with love and laughter. They first made their home in Pleasanton, and later Fort Scott, before finally settling in Pittsburg, Kansas. Their union was blessed with two sons, Justin and Daniel.
Professionally, Ed’s career was as diverse as his interests. He worked at area waste management companies, driving school buses, as well as local parks and recreation departments. Ed was currently working for Pittsburg State University.
But it was on the fields and courts where Ed truly shined. As an official for football, basketball, and baseball, he not only enforced the rules but also imparted patience and wisdom to players, officials, and coaches alike. Ed enjoyed all things sports, including watching the Chiefs, Royals, Jayhawks and Wildcats.
A devout Christian, Ed lived his faith. Throughout his life, he served various roles within the church. He was currently attending the Family Life Assembly of God (FLAG) Church of Fort Scott where his son, Justin serves as campus pastor.
Ed is survived by his wife, Julie, of the home in Pittsburg; two sons, Justin of Fort Scott and Daniel and wife, Rebecca of Kansas City. Also surviving are his parents, Carl and Donna, his brother, Bob and wife, Roberta and his brother, Jim, all of Pomona. Ed was preceded in death by his brother, Donnie.
We celebrate the life of a man who was not just a loving husband, father, son, and brother but also a friend, and mentor to many. Edward L. Eichenberger, you have run the race, you have kept the faith, and now, you have claimed the ultimate victory. “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Your memory will forever be cherished.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 21st at Faith Church, 2203 Deer Road, Garland, Kansas, just south of Fort Scott on 69 Hwy. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Fulton, Kansas. The family will receive vistors from 5 to 7 P.M Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to FLAG Church Fort Scott and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 18
Victim assistance grant opportunities open for application
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ARTEFFECT Competition Steps to Participate Submit Your Project!
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Spring into a New Career at Upcoming Weekend Virtual Job Fair on March 27
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