
Flags at Half-Staff for National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day
Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown
at Half-Staff in Honor of
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, on Thursday, directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Sunday, May 4, 2025, in recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day.
“Our first responders risk their lives every day in service to our communities and Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day is a time to honor Kansas firefighters for their tireless work and ensure the ultimate sacrifice that far too many have made will never be forgotten.”
To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://www.governor.ks.gov/
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Pioneer Kiwanis Host Chamber Coffee at 1st Methodist Observing National Day of Prayer May 1

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Bo Co Commission Work Session Today at 4 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission will hold a work session on 04.30.25 at 4:00 PM in the commission chambers to discuss budget.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
Updated: K-39 section in Southern Bourbon County to close May 6

Tuesday, May 6, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to close K-39 between the east K-3 junction and the K-7 junction in Bourbon County.
The intersection at K-39/K-7 is being reconstructed during the closure, which is expected to remain in effect through late June. Traffic will follow a signed detour on K-3, K-47, K-7, U.S. 69 and U.S. 54 (see map).
The intersection reconstruction is the first phase of the tied K-7 pavement rehabilitation and widening projects from Girard northeast to U.S. 69. KDOT awarded the K-7 construction contracts totaling $20.4 million to APAC-Kansas Inc., Shears Division, Hutchinson.
K-7 traffic will not be affected during this phase.
Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.kandrive.gov, for more highway conditions and construction details. People with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Information Officer Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
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Offering KS Rural Communities Faster, Affordable Program To Construct Community Centers
Commerce Launches Blueprint to Build Grant Program for Community Centers
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the launch of the Blueprint to Build program, an initiative offered in conjunction with the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding round. This program provides rural Kansas communities a faster, more affordable way to construct state-of-the-art community centers.
This program is aimed to boost community engagement, improve physical health, and reduce social isolation within the community but especially for low- to moderate-income residents. Centers are designed for energy efficiency and are encouraged to be placed in walkable downtowns or near existing community spaces to maximize the impact.
“Finding affordable solutions for community facilities can be difficult for many Kansas communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said, “and this new collaboration with the CDBG program will provide resources to plan and build vibrant community spaces across Kansas. These investments in quality of place make our communities more attractive to new businesses and residents.”
With $12.7 million available to help reduce overall construction costs, the Blueprint to Build program makes it easier for Kansas communities to develop modern, energy-efficient community centers.
CDBG has developed three pre-approved “off-the-shelf” Blueprint to Build designs, enabling communities to save hundreds of thousands of dollars and significantly reduce design timelines. With most architectural and engineering costs already covered, communities can focus on construction. In addition to covering design costs, the Blueprint to Build program will fund up to $2.5 million toward construction expenses, allowing proposals to concentrate primarily on building.
Each approved Blueprint to Build community center design will include:
- Multi-purpose room with flexible use options
- Serving kitchen with fixed equipment
- Fitness center
- Telemedicine office
- Welcoming lobby with small gathering area
- Restrooms
- Storm shelter
- Customizable, durable exterior and interior finishes
- Covered patios and overhead doors for fitness and multi-purpose rooms
Applicants may also incorporate optional features, such as gymnasiums or aquatic amenities, given they align with program guidelines.
Cities and counties with more than 2,500 population may apply for up to $2.5 million in funding for new community center construction using one of the three pre-approved designs. Cities and counties with fewer residents may apply for up to $1.5 million. Eligible applicants include all non-entitlement cities and counties (i.e., those that do not receive direct CDBG funding from HUD). The following entitlement communities are ineligible for funding: Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita and Johnson County.
Interested cities and counties are required to submit a pre-application and will be contacted within 10 business days with further instructions. Only those with an approved pre-application will move forward with a full application. Approval does not guarantee funding.
The application period for the program opens May 1 and will close November 14, 2025. Those interested in submitted a pre-application should visit here.
For additional information about Blueprint to Build or any other CDBG initiatives, visit the webpage here or contact the Kansas CDBG team at [email protected].
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 CDBG Program:
The Kansas Community Development Block Grant program provides funding to cities and counties to improve the lives of low- and moderate-income Kansans. Administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, the program supports projects in housing, community facilities and economic development.
About the Quality Places Division:
Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.
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Design Review Advisory Board Meeting Is May 6
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A vote to submit to City Commission to increase board from 5 members to 7 members.
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There will be no Certificates of Appropriateness discussed at this meeting.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 30
Nevada Community Blood Drive is May 5

Fort Scott Baseball Unveils Finalists in “Name the Team” Contest
After receiving hundreds of creative, quirky, and community-driven submissions from baseball fans across Bourbon County, the team is thrilled to announce the finalists in the “Name the Team” Contest. The list has been narrowed down to six (6) finalists that reflect the history, culture, and personality of Fort Scott. The final voting begins today at 10:00am at www.fortscottbaseball.com. The fan whose submission is ultimately chosen will receive two (2) lifetime season tickets for the Fort Scott franchise.
The six (6) finalists are:
- Cavalry
During the Civil War, Fort Scott, Kansas served as a key supply base and training center for Union troops, including cavalry units. The 6th Kansas Cavalry, for example, was organized and trained there. Fort Scott also housed a quartermaster supply depot, a U.S. Army district headquarters, and a recruitment station.
- Dragoons
A dragoon was a mounted soldier, specifically a member of the U.S. Army’s mounted troops, trained to fight on horseback and on foot. They were considered an elite fighting force. The term “dragoon” comes from the French word “dragon,” referring to a short musketoon or carbine with a dragon-head decoration, a weapon often used by dragoon soldiers.
- Marmots
The Marmaton River winds through Bourbon County and Fort Scott and is critical to the community’s founding and roots. River access was essential to Fort Scott being built in 1842, and the river was the backdrop to the fort during the Civil War as the area served as the Union’s supply base, hospital, training ground, and recruiting center in their defense of the middle border. The Marmaton River was named after French trappers who saw prairie dogs along the river. They were called marmots and evolved into “Marmaton.”
- Sentinels
A sentinel is a soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch. Sentinels played a major role in the defense of Fort Scott as a military outpost during the 19th century, particularly during the period of “Bleeding Kansas” preceding the Civil War. Fort Scott was a U.S. Army fort established in 1842 and served as a symbol of federal authority in a volatile region.
- Saber Rattlers
A combination of a calvary soldier’s saber and the prevalent rattlesnake that can be found in the area.
- Hay Balers
Hay baler technology was crucial to Fort Scott, and the surrounding agricultural areas because it significantly improved efficiency and reduced labor requirements for hay production. The technology enabled farmers to create larger, more manageable bales of hay, which were easier to store, transport, and distribute, ultimately boosting the region’s hay production and economy.
“These six names stood out for their originality, connection to Fort Scott’s story, and the energy they bring to the ballpark,” said Nick Weisenborn, Executive Director for the Mid America League. “We’re excited to take the next step and let the fans have their say.”
Fort Scott’s new team will be part of the Mid America League, bringing baseball excitement to southeast Kansas for the first time in decades. The team will play 32 home games starting in May 2026 at the LaRoche Baseball Complex which features fixed seating for 500, multiple party and picnic areas, and a first-class natural playing surface. With grass berms and a general admission area, the complex can accommodate up to 3,500 patrons for games. The facility also includes a top-notch locker room/clubhouse area, a pro-style batting tunnel, a spacious press box with room for multiple staff members, a dedicated umpire room, and a full-service concession stand. Fans interested in season tickets can email the team at [email protected].
To kick off baseball in Fort Scott, the Mid America League will host a regular-season series this summer from July 11-13, with games starting at 7:05 PM between the Texarkana Rhinos and the Joplin Outlaws. Tickets for the series are now on sale at www.joplinoutlaws.com.
Launched in 2024, the Mid America League has quickly become one of the premier independent summer baseball leagues in America. The league features top collegiate players alongside post-college players pursuing professional baseball careers. These athletes include players who were undrafted, unsigned free agents, or former professionals working to return to affiliated baseball. The league compensates its players through a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program, which is closely monitored by the league.
The Mid America League currently consists of franchises in: Joplin, MO; Fort Smith, AR; Texarkana, TX; White Oak/Longview, TX; Sherman, TX; Abilene, TX with a goal of expanding to 12 teams by 2026, the Mid America League is committed to growing and strengthening independent baseball in the region.
Southeast Kansas Library System Newsletter April 2025
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The SEKnFind Newsletter
April 2025
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Obituary of Donald Gene Cooper
Donald Gene Cooper, 76, of Richards, Missouri, passed away early Thursday morning, April 17, 2025. He was born July 1, 1948, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of William Jay Cooper and Lois (Houston) Cooper. He married Linda Lewis May 23, 2003, and she survives of the home.
He is also survived by his sons, J.R. Cooper, William J. Cooper; his daughters, Rachel Wheeler, Elizabeth Underwood; sixteen grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two siblings.
Following cremation, the family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.




