State Agency Jobs at March 19 Virtual Job Fair

KANSASWORKS Highlights Available State Agency Jobs at March Job Fair

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this month’s Virtual State Agency Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 19.

“Our state agencies have provided thousands of Kansans with fulfilling careers in public service,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “For those who are beginning the search for a professional career or those looking for a change of scenery — I encourage you to consider a purpose-driven role at one of our many departments and see what the State of Kansas has to offer.”

There are nearly 500 open agency positions located all across the state that range from entry to senior level careers. The virtual job fair format allows anyone searching for a state position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating agencies.

This month’s Virtual State Agency Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating agencies, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, 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 KANSASWORKS:

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

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Women’s Luncheon March 26 at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott Community College

Women’s Luncheon

Join us for the Women’s Luncheon on

Wednesday, March 26th, from 11 AM to 1:30 PM!

Ellis Fine Arts Center

The event includes door prizes, Wellness Presentations, and Vendor Displays!

$10 lunch tickets available for pre-purchase only.

Click HERE to RSVP by March 21st.

For more information contact Veronica Snow

620-223-2700 x7510

[email protected]

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

ARTEFFECT Celebrates Women’s History Month

ARTEFFECT Celebrates
Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month celebrates the contributions women have made to society. There are over 68 women on the list of Unsung Heroes for the ARTEFFECT competition. They made contributions to diverse disciplinesincluding astronomy, environmentalism, medicine, civil rights, and morethat changed the course of history. Discover their untold stories and learn how their actions impact our lives today.

Click the images below to explore a selection of award-winning ARTEFFECT artworks in honor of Women’s History Month.

See you at NAEA in Louisville, KY!
March 20-22, 2025
Plan to stop by the ARTEFFECT booth in the Exhibit Hall at NAEA National Convention. Pick up some new swag, the 2025 ARTEFFECT brochure, and meet the ARTEFFECT team. See you in Louisville!
The ARTEFFECT annual competition is open to students in grades 6-12 through April 27, 20025. This Quick Start Resource Guide for Educators. includes lesson plans, links to session recordings, and activities to support students in participating in the 2025 ARTEFFECT Competition.
Download Resource Guide
Learn more about the ARTEFFECT Competition open through April 27, 2025.
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through our expanding social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Join a growing network of art educators at the
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
X
Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:

Lowell Milken Center

1 South Main St

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Fort Scott Joins Mid America League

LaRoche Baseball Stadium.
LaRoche Baseball Complex To Serve As Home Field for Team
The Mid America League has announced that Fort Scott, KS has been awarded a franchise for the 2026 season, according to a press release on the City of Fort Scott Facebook page.
The team will play its’ home games at LaRoche Baseball Complex in Fort Scott.
LaRoche Baseball Complex features fixed seating for 500, multiple party and picnic arenas, and an overall seating capacity of 3,500. The facility also features a top-notch locker room/club house area, artificial turf infield and a pro style batting tunnel for players. The ballpark features a full and spacious press box with room for multiple staff, a fixed umpire room, and a full-service concession stand.
“Fort Scott has always been a great baseball town and has a long, rich and storied tradition of baseball in this City”, said City of Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin. “LaRoche Sports Complex is one of the best baseball environments in the state of Kansas and this is a wonderful opportunity to provide a safe, affordable place for our local and area families to enjoy a fun, exciting night of baseball entertainment. I want to thank Mark Schuster and Nick Weisenborn from the Mid America Baseball League for their confidence in Fort Scott. We are very excited about this opportunity and can’t wait for Opening Day 2026.”
“The Mid America League is extremely excited to award Fort Scott, KS the 7th MALB Franchise” said Nick Weisenborn, Mid America League Executive Director. “Being a former college athlete in the area I know personally how important sports in this community are, and I can’t wait for our players to experience that passion. We are very grateful to the city of Fort Scott and their partners for letting us use this top-notch facility, LaRoche Baseball Complex. We can’t wait to get a sneak peak of the action it can provide this July.”
To kickoff baseball in Fort Scott, the Mid America League will host a series in Fort Scott on July 11-13 between the Texarkana Rhinos and the Joplin Outlaws. (This will be a great opportunity to show Fort Scott what MAL baseball is like…… “We are very excited to play a home season against the Rhinos in Fort Scott”, said Brian Flynn, former major league and Joplin owner. “To be able to have our players compete in a stadium as nice as LaRoche Baseball Complex is a great opportunity for our athletes.”
The three-day event will be held on July 11-13. Tickets for the series will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, April 5, at 10:00 AM, available at www.joplinoutlaws.com.
Baseball has deep roots in Fort Scott, dating back to its early years. The game evolved during the Civil War, with soldiers playing in camps said Fort Scott Historian Brian Allen. By the late 1800s, Fort Scott had town teams that traveled to compete against other towns. From 1902 to 1906, the city had a minor league team called the Giants, which played in the Missouri Valley League (a level C league), with 14 of its players advancing to Major League Baseball. Prior to 1902, Fort Scott had an unaffiliated minor league team in 1891. Local leagues, often organized by fraternal groups and churches, also played in later years.
In 1903, Fort Scott’s Lon Ury briefly played for the St. Louis Cardinals, recording a hit off Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson. In October 1922, Babe Ruth played a barnstorming game in Fort Scott, hitting a home run and pitching the town team to an 11-9 victory. Later that month, the Kansas City Monarchs defeated the local team 3-2. Over the years, Fort Scott had several baseball venues, including Athletic Park, Harkey Park (now Cameron Heights), and Othick Park, which was made famous by a photograph taken by Gordon Parks.
Beginning today, fans will have the opportunity to submit their name suggestion for the Fort Scott nickname.
Fans simply need to go to www.fortscottbaseball.com to submit their name.
The winner of the contest will receive two (2) season tickets for life for the Fort Scott franchise.
Also, fans interested in season tickets can reserve their space by clicking on the “Request Information on Season Tickets” on the website.

USD234 Board of Ed. Minutes of March 10

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

 
 

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, March 10, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 409 S Judson.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

Board Minutes

            02-10-25

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – February 20, 2025 – $1,699,042.60

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

 

March is Theatre in Our Schools Month.  Cooper George, President, and Emi King, Secretary, presented to the Board.  Cooper has been involved for six years and he explained the benefits such as working as a team and learning how to become adults.  Emi was excited to share about the creativity and development of many skills that she has been able to acquire in the last two years she has been involved.  They both had a presentation that included many activities, plays, and events that the department is involved in.  Everyone is invited to attend the upcoming Talent Show on March 28, 2025.

 

Meredith Tucker, No Limits Rehab, was recognized by Special Education Director Tonya Barnes.  Meredith is one of the district’s Physical Therapist.  She said she loves being a part of the community and school district.  Mrs. Barnes thanked her for her willingness and excitement to help our district’s students.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported that the district has been chosen for the Stepping Up Initiative Grant.  This first year will be mostly planning, and he said that the group will be great to work with and is excited for this grant.

 

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with a shared update.  The building on Horton Street will be starting demo soon.  He also updated about the Cell Phone Tower purchase and how he is working for a bid soon.

 

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes updated the Board on Categorical Aid with a payment on March 15.

 

Nick Johnson, Preschool Principal, staff, and several students were present to inform the Board about the Preschool program. There are 122 students with five teachers.  Principal Johnson recognized the excellent staff that works with these students. A few of the students help everyone in attendance with their morning pretzel song.  Staff also recognized Principal Johnson for helping in every area throughout the Preschool including driving a van and more.

Michelle Stevenson, Early Childhood Coordinator, works with prenatal to six-year-olds.  She works on building relationships with parent/child/community.  It is a literacy and strength-based program that with each visit the children receive a new book. This program provides different events for families each year.

 

The Board Approved the following items:

  • 2025-26 School Calendar (Pending Negotiations)
  • Designate Make up Day due to missed weather
  • JAG Kansas School to Work Program Renewal

 

There was discussion about possible sale of district owned property.  This was discussion only.

 

There were none present for public forum.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

March 10, 2025

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Hall, Kathi – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach

Holm, Susan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Mills, Lacy – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Trimble, Aidan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

 

TRANSFER:

 

Rainey, Taylor – KRI SPED Teacher to Eugene Ware SPED Teacher

Pitts, Jaxon – Maintenance II Groundskeeper to Maintenance I Groundskeeper/Athletic Fields Manager

Torres, Cynthia – ELA Teacher to Spanish Teacher – High School 2025-26

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Certified Recommendations

Carney, Drew – PE & Weights – High School

Erie, Aleana – English Teacher – High School

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Bowman, Kinsley – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Chaplin, Mercedes – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Miller, Martha – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Weber, Shelia – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Abati, Delynn – Head Dance Team Coach – High School

Glades, Matt – Assistant Football Coach – High School

Horton, Curtis – Assistant Football – High School

Martin, Dave – Assistant Girls’ Swim Coach

Woods, Nick – Assistant Track Coach – High School

 

Administration Contracts – Extended 26-27

Terry Mayfield

Tonya Barnes

Nick Johnson

Chris Garzone

Nicole Gilmore

Yasmina Query

Brandon Boyd

Zach Johnson

Matt Harris

Scott Kimble

Jeff Johnson

 

Traffic Reduced To One Lane On Hwy. 69 This Week In Fort Scott

Graphic from KDOT Facebook page.

 A crack repair project on U.S. 69 in Fort Scott is underway this week. The 2.1-mile project area starts at 23rd Street and continues north to U.S. 54. Traffic is reduced to one lane at the work zone, according to a press release from KDOT.

“They are moving pretty fast on it,” said Priscilla Petersen,  public relations officer with the Kansas Dept. of Transportation in Southeast Kansas. “It is a crack repair with asphalt.”

“There are alternating lane closures for U.S. 69 traffic at the work zone. There should be no significant delays to traffic. The work should take one week, weather permitting,” she said.

 

Pavement Pro’s of McPherson is the contractor. The cost of construction is $81,593.

 

 

Obituary of Lucille Goltra

Lucille R. Goltra, age 97, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Monday, March 10, 2025 (12 days shy of her 98th birthday) at the Medicalodges in Fort Scott.  She was born March 22, 1927, in rural Bourbon County, KS, the daughter of Charles O. and Helen Grace (Roberts) David.  Lucille married Robert J. Goltra, Sr. on January 24, 1947.  He preceded her in death on July 20, 1991.

 

Lucille grew up on the family homestead in rural Bourbon County.  She graduated from the Fort Scott High School with the class of 1944.

 

Lucille worked briefly outside the home, however, with the birth of her and Bob’s 9 children, her life was filled with being a homemaker and Mother.  Her life became more enriched and fulfilled with the births of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

 

Lucille is survived by 3 sons; Robert Goltra, Jr (Carol) of Emporia, KS, David Goltra (Eileen) of Fort Scott, and Tim Goltra (Shirley) of Fort Scott; 4 daughters, Mary Brown of Satanta, KS, Margie Fountain (Rick) of Fort Scott, Carole Minor of Fort Scott, and Teri Crays (Brent) of Fort Scott; and a son-n-law Ron Wunderly, Fort Scott.  Also surviving are 28 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; 4 nieces; and 1 nephew.

 

Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert; her parents; a sister, Maxine Foote; a brother Ralph David; 2 daughter’s Patricia Hall and Kathryn Wunderly; a grandson Daniel (Danny) Hall; and 2 sons-in-law Monty Brown and Floyd Minor.

 

Robert Joseph Goltra, III will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 18th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Monday evening at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Donna Housman

Donna Louise Housman age 76 resident of Fort Scott, KS died Saturday at her home surrounded by family.

She was born on October 7, 1948, in Fort Scott, KS to the parents of Clarence & Virginia Culp Enos. Donna moved to New Jersey where she created her family and moved back to Fort Scott in 1991, where she then worked as CNA and then later worked at BNSF Railroad as a Transportation driver. She loved to volunteer in her community, Christian Motorcycle Association, & in her church! She also made sure to attend all her grandchildren & great grandchildren’s events when she was able. She loved gardening, sewing, and crocheting in her down time.

Survivors include her husband Brian Housman of the home, 2 daughters; Jacqueline Arbogast of Ft. Scott (SIL Charles Arbogast Jr of Oklahoma), Stephanie Smith-Hinson and husband Darrin of Garfield, NJ; 1 Son Christopher Smith of (Utah). 11 grandchildren (their spouses) and 21 great grandchildren & several nieces & nephews; and great nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Virginia, a brother Larry Enos, a sister Pamela Bloomfield, a son John Enos, 1 great granddaughter & 1 rainbow baby & 1 great nephew Christian Golden.

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Friday March 14th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Lloyd “Skip” Brown

 

Lloyd Wilson “Skip” Brown, 79, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife Laura by his side.  He was a beloved son, brother, husband and friend to many people on his journey through life. Born in Baltimore MD, he grew up around the world, courtesy of the United States Army, to include Japan, Europe and numerous family postings in the United States.

He attended Fishburne Military Academy and the Citadel in his youth. In March of 1964, Skip joined the US Army at the age of 18, and in that same year was accepted to Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Fort Benning, GA. Skip graduated from OCS in June of 1965 at the age of 20 years old.  In December of 1967 he was promoted to Captain.  He was deployed to Vietnam in January of 1968, where he was assigned as the company commander for the Infantry Mobile Riverine Force two days before the TET offensive broke out.  Captain Brown was awarded the Silver Star for Valor for his actions in combat while leading his company against a numerically superior enemy force.

Following his service to his country, he lived in several places from coast to coast.  He had various work passions, to include but not limited to being a police officer in Arlington, VA, and had his own construction businesses in California and Columbia, SC.  As his own boss, he built houses, horse barns, and many additions and reconstructions of homes and offices.  He took great pride in his innovations and eye-catching results.  Finally settling in Fort Scott, KS as a deputy with the Bourbon County Sherrif’s Office.

He was preceded in death by his father Col. Lloyd J Brown, his mother Jeanne Brown, his beloved “Pop Pop” Wilson Porter Smith, “Nana” Jane Smith and his step-son Frederick Canaan Lee Smith.

He is survived by his adored wife Laura Brown, stepson Jesse Smith and wife Misty, stepdaughter Tanya Glessner and husband Randy, and mother-in-law Marjorie Turner, of Fort Scott, Kansas.  His Step mother, Gisela Brown of Clearwater FL, his sister Sherrie Coleman and husband David, nephew Sean Coleman and wife Mary and great nephew JAC.  His niece Brittany Moebes and husband Brandon, of Lexington and Columbia SC.   Life long friends Bill and Dr. Nancy Saunders of San Antonio, TX, Larry (Bear) and Melanie Cinicola, of MS.  Numerous close friends of Bourbon County: Chris Cotter, Mike Herrin, Jason Findley, Tom Davis, Sherrif Bill Martin, Adam LaRoche, Arthur Pearson, Lesley Herrin and many others that he met during his 11 years with the Bourbon County Sherrif’s Office.

Skip married his soul mate Laura on April 15, 2016.  He chose that date, he said, so he would never forget his anniversary!  He loved Laura with his whole being and did not want to leave her.  He surpassed every medical obstacle to be with her as long as humanly possible.

Tom Davis will conduct Funeral Services at 10 am on March 17th, 2025, at Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel.

Burial will follow in Oak Grove cemetery.

A visitation will be held Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 2-4 pm at Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the American Legion and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County Local News