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What’s Happening in Fort Scott June 12 Edition
…
KS Governor Supports California’s Request To Block The Federalization/Deployment of National Guard
Governor Kelly Joins States Opposing Trump’s Military Deployment Without
Gubernatorial Coordination
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly joined an amicus brief with leaders from 20 states supporting California’s request for a court order blocking the president’s unlawful federalization and deployment of that state’s National Guard.
“The United States of America is founded on the rule of law, including respect for states’ rights. The federalization of the California National Guard by President Trump, without the coordination of the Governor of California, is a violation of states’ rights,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “President Trump’s actions constitute a threat to the authority of the nation’s governors to command their National Guards. I joined this brief to preserve state sovereignty and halt federalization of state National Guards without the coordination of their governors.”
The amicus brief outlines how Trump’s action is wholly inconsistent with our nation’s founding principle that freedom depends on the subordination of the military to civilian authority.
“By calling forth troops when there is no invasion to repel, no rebellion to suppress, and when state and local law enforcement is fully able to execute the laws, the President flouts the vision of our Founders, undermines the rule of law, and sets a chilling precedent that puts the constitutional rights of Americans in every state at risk,” the brief reads.
The president’s memo federalizing the Guard does not restrict these actions to just Los Angeles, California, or any specific U.S. region. Instead, it is an unlimited claim of presidential authority to deploy the National Guards of any state for the next 60 days. The states have an interest in standing up against this unnecessary and legally unjustified military call-up.
The states also have an interest in ensuring their National Guards are available to perform the essential services they provide the states on an ongoing basis. They provide critical services responding to natural disasters, counter-drug operations, and cybersecurity support, among other daily contributions to public safety. This unlawful federalization pulls volunteer service members away from performing vital services, and states are not in a position to replace them.
The president’s unlawful and unconstitutional use of the military has exacerbated safety issues and threatened constitutionally protected activity under the First Amendment. Every state has an interest in protecting their residents from these threats.
The brief is led by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings. Others joining are the state attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
A copy of the amicus brief is available here.
###
Bronson Leaders Are Dreaming Big
Kelly Perry, Bronson’s Rural Champion through the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity, sent the following press release.
I’m writing to share exciting updates about a transformational project in Bronson, Kansas—our City Park Placemaking Project, which has been made possible by countless hours of travel, planning, and commitment from residents, regional partners, and dedicated volunteers.
In 2022, the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) and the Kansas Sampler Foundation launched the Rural Champions Program to empower leaders in rural communities. The program entered its second round in 2024, and I helped bring it to the attention of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT). With the support of Jody Love and former team member Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT agreed to apply—if the City of Bronson could identify someone willing to serve as the Rural Champion.
At the time, Bronson’s City Council—like many small-town councils—was already stretched thin. Many of them juggle full-time jobs while also managing Bronson Pride, the Bronson Ball Association, and other civic duties. Despite having been accepted to start my degree at PSU that fall, I told the Council that if they wanted me to apply as the Champion, I would do it—and they encouraged me to move forward.
I worked with HBCAT to apply and was officially named Bronson’s Rural Champion in September 2024. Training began immediately, and I’ve since logged hundreds of hours of travel and training, including multiple trips across the state. Our kickoff meeting in Newton, Kansas, was followed by mandatory virtual Kansas Leadership training, and just last week, I traveled over 15 hours round-trip to attend a quarterly meeting in Saint Francis. During my second quarterly meeting in February in Comanche County, I had the honor of speaking directly with Lieutenant Governor David Toland about the challenges and goals of our local project. His team followed up with resources and guidance, showing the real intent behind this program—action and follow-through.
We’ve hosted two community-wide town hall meetings—one with 17 participants and the second with 37 community members in attendance—where we shared our vision for the park. We asked: “Can we dream bigger?” And the community responded with a resounding “yes.” That support gave us the confidence to pursue a major grant to take this project even further.
Applied For Community Development Grant
In partnership with the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission (SEKRPC), the City of Bronson’s City Council and the critical help of HBCAT making those connections for us, Southeast SEKRPC submitted a pre-application for a $210,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The full application is being submitted this Month, with award announcements expected in July 2025. If successful, this will bring together funding from several sources, including:
- $25,000 Rural Champions Implementation Grant
- $4,256 KDHE Waste Tire Product Grant (for recycled picnic tables)
- Helen Bolling Memorial Fund donations
- Bourbon County Community Foundation
- Over $5,000 in matching funds from HBCAT
- Private donations from the Iola banking center and the Community National Bank Foundation have both agreed to donate $1,500 total.
Special thanks go to City Clerk Danielle Minor, who voluntarily completed grant writing training and works to submit applications for additional funding for the park among her daily duties and work on sewer grants etc. Jennie McKee and the engineers at Agriculture Engineering Associates, Inc., Uniontown, have also been instrumental, helping us address ADA compliance, site drainage at the park, and accessibility concerns to ensure the new investment will be safe and long-lasting.
Planned improvements include:
- New, modern playground equipment
- ADA-compliant sidewalks to the restrooms
- A full concrete walking trail loop around the park
- Recycled material picnic tables that are all inclusive
- Better drainage to prevent flooding and equipment damage
- Additional improvements will continue as more funding is provided
These aren’t just cosmetic upgrades—they’re foundational changes to support health, accessibility, and community well-being.
Invitation to Bronson Day
We also want to invite everyone to Bronson Day 2025, held on Saturday, June 28, at the Bronson City Park. This will be the last celebration before construction begins, with renovations targeted for completion by May 2026. This year’s Bronson Day will be more low-key, as we desperately rebuild our volunteer base. If you’d like to be part of future Bronson Day planning or serve on an event board, please email me at [email protected] or Danielle at the city hall.
I truly believe we can prove that even the smallest towns can dream big and create lasting change. Bronson isn’t where I grew up, but it’s the place I proudly call home.
Volunteers Needed
That said, it takes more than just a few committed individuals to keep the heart of a town beating. We need new energy, new voices, and fresh leadership. As of today, there is no one on the planning committee for Bronson Day 2026. Without volunteers stepping up now, future community events like the Easter Egg Hunt, Santa Coming to Town, Bronson Day, and even our fireworks display are at serious risk of being canceled. These events take nearly a full year to plan and coordinate, and the handful of folks who’ve carried that torch for years are in desperate need of a well-earned break to recharge.
Change, growth, and progress require compromise, delegation, and community ownership. If you see something broken—say something. If you want to make a difference—join us. If you care about Bronson, now is the time to show it.
To volunteer or learn more, please contact me at [email protected]. Let’s work together to protect and grow what makes Bronson special.
Sincerely,
Kelly Perry
Rural Champion – City of Bronson
[email protected]
—
New Shade For the Splash Pad
The Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park was a grassroots project that opened in 2023, according to its Facebook page. This year a new handicapped-accessible restroom and two shading devices were installed on the north side of the park.
Meghan Menchella Named 2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow
This is part of a series on the
2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.
FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Meghan Menchella, a history teacher at Crestview Middle School in Ellisville, MO. Meghan will arrive in Fort Scott on June 15th for a week of collaboration with LMC staff and the other members of the Fellowship.
The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
Meghan Menchella, an 8th-grade United States History teacher from St. Louis, Missouri, was recognized in 2023 as a Milken Educator. History is a popular subject at Crestview Middle School, as Meghan empowers her students to succeed and excel by fostering open discussion and critical thinking skills. She places a priority on building relationships with students in her classroom and creates a classroom that is welcoming and engaging.
Within her school, Meghan has served as a leader on her Professional Learning Community and her 8th-grade team. She also serves on the Building Leadership Team and sponsors clubs like National Junior Honor Society. She mentors second-year teachers throughout her district and works with universities to mentor preservice teachers. Her leadership skills and organization foster collaboration throughout her community.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Meghan’s exceptional ability to make history come alive for her students within the classroom has kindled their love of learning about the past and its effect on the present. Our team of 2025 fellows can look forward to gaining many new techniques from Meghan for using project-based learning to discover unknown heroes and their impact on history.”
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.
Death Notice of Winfred DeMott
Winfred Allen DeMott, ate 84, resident of Bronaugh, MO passed away Saturday, June 7, 2025, at his home. Services for Windfred Allen DeMott will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 12
USD234 Holds a Special Meeting On June 13
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
June 13, 2025 – 7:30 A.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________
4.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
4.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
4.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
5.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
FSCC Trustees Agenda and Packet For June 16
To view the entire packet, including minutes:
June 16, 2025
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, June
16, 2025. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Hall at Fort Scott Community
College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MISSION STATEMENT
Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and
diversity that provides affordable academic, technical and occupational programs to meet student needs while
fostering a mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Recruiting/Admissions Update, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on May 19, 2025 and Special
Meeting conducted on June 5, 2025, 6
C. Approval Treasurer’s Report, 10
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 29
A. Construction Technology and Heavy Equipment Location, 29
ACTION ITEMS, 30
A. Scheduled Policy Review and Approval, 30
B. Consideration of Gramm Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Information Security Policy, 36
C. Consideration of 2024 -25 Worker’s Compensation Member Participation Agreement, 41
D. Consideration of Property and Casualty Insurance Renewal, 47
E. Consideration of Athletic Insurance Renewal, 50
F. Consideration of 2025-26 Meeting Dates and Time, 88
G. Consideration of Memberships and Consortium Dues, 89
H. Consideration of Annual CAMP Grant Laptop Purchase, 90
I. Consideration of Maintenance Shop Enclosure Bid, 91
J. Consideration of Managed Firewall Service, 93
CORRESPONDENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES, 951
FSCC Special Meetings June 13 and June 16 To Interview President Finalists
The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold four special meetings in the Hedges Administration Building during the following dates and times. After calling the meeting to order, the Board will immediately adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as they conduct interviews of four presidential finalists. No action is expected to follow any of these special meetings.
Friday, June 13, 2025
8:15 am – 11:15 am
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Monday, June 16, 2025
8:15 am – 11:15 am
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Submitted by
Juley McDaniel
Director of Human Resources
Fort Scott Community College
June 12: Convention to Appoint New District 1 County Commissioner
Brandon Whisenhunt resigned from his District 1 County Commission seat on June 2, after holding office since April of 2024.
This is the second county commissioner resignation in 2025. Leroy Kruger of District 3 resigned in March. Mika Milburn has since been appointed to take the District 3 seat.
The Republican Party of Bourbon County now has the task of filling the District 1 seat. They will hold a convention on Thursday, June12 for that purpose. The convention will be at 6 p.m. in the Bailey Conference room.
Republican Party chair Kaety Bowers said that the candidates for the position are Lynne Oharah, Mike Embry, Rick Allen and Samuel Tran.
When asked to comment on the need to appoint another county commissioner, this is what Bower said:
“As Chair, part of my duty is to recognize and respect our history while stewarding and leading us forward. Recently, while perusing the roll call sheet binder, I was humbled to see the names of some of our current core members on sheets from the early 2010s. That makes me proud to be a Republican here. As new members join and our county evolves, it is my responsibility to ensure our core values remain steadfast amid resignations and appointments. District One boasts a great mix of seasoned delegates and younger families, and I trust their decisions. I know that this Thursday, many years—perhaps generations—of experience will guide their votes. Therefore, I cannot overemphasize the importance of precinct positions! County Commissioners, State Representatives, and Senators can all be appointed through precinct conventions. That said, we still have open precinct seats in Bourbon County.
This brings me to a frustrating trend that negatively impacts our communities. I would expect every disgruntled resident in Bourbon County to line up to fill the very positions they are unhappy with. Social media platforms like Facebook are filled with self-proclaimed experts expressing their opinions, yet I don’t see their names on the candidate lists. I closely monitored the list of individuals running for various positions (school boards, FSCC trustees, commissioners, city roles, etc.) this season, and at one point, I was deeply concerned that we would face an abundance of empty seats come election time. In some cases, we still do.
My path in politics was initially shaped by a single mantra: ‘You don’t get to complain if you don’t vote.’ That’s no longer enough. I would extend it to this: You don’t get to complain if you’re not actively working to make a positive change. So, Bourbon County, it’s time to get involved. Ask not what your county can do for you, but what you can do for your county. (Yes, I just quoted a Democrat—sort of.) Many will say they lack the time, and I understand. As a mother of six, I know time is fleeting, and we’re all busy. However, I refuse to hand my children a world I didn’t help improve or fail to show them how to lead others in doing the same. My own mother joined a fraternity in a small western Kansas town because no female organizations existed to serve the community! Let me be clear: not everyone needs to run for office to make an impact. Volunteering, joining or creating a committee or club, or simply picking up trash during a walk are all ways to make a difference. Don’t wait for controversy to demand your involvement.
In closing, I liken an abundance of candidates to a church running out of seats for its congregation. The more, the merrier—that’s what primaries are for, right? (Elections, not church seats.)”
The newly appointed candidate will have to be approved by the governor’s office before taking his or her seat on the commission.
Chamber Coffee Hosted by The Artificers on June 12
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