Bourbon County Teams Dominate 2026 SunPowered Student Challenge

April 16, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

CLC WASPS Named Grand Champions

Three Heartland-sponsored teams from Bourbon County combine for four first-place finishes and overall championship title

WICHITA, Kan. — Three teams of Bourbon County high schoolers sponsored by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative brought home four first-place awards — including the Grand Champion title — at the 2026 SunPowered Student Challenge, held April 8 at Wichita State University.

The WASPS from Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott topped the overall standings with 1,323 points, outpacing eight other teams from Kansas and Oklahoma to claim Grand Champion honors. Two teams from Uniontown High School — the Solar Queens and Solar Eagles — also finished in the top three overall, giving Heartland-sponsored teams a sweep of the event’s top spots.

“As rural electric cooperatives, it’s part of our mission to help educate our communities, and that includes the next generation as well,” said Mark Scheibe, CEO of Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative. “If we can spark curiosity in students, and if we can help them see the future in energy or engineering, or take some of the problem-solving skills that they learn during this competition to apply in their future lives, then that’s a win for them and the communities that we serve.”

The SunPowered Student Challenge is a statewide competition that begins in the classroom — student teams work through a hands-on solar energy curriculum over several months before competing at Wichita State University. Challenges include designing and installing photovoltaic arrays on scaled model buildings, analyzing real-world site conditions, delivering professional presentations and collaborating with teams they’ve never worked with before.

The competition was founded in partnership with Kansas Rural Electric Cooperatives, Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Pitsco Education and Ten80 Education, and is now housed under the nonprofit Future STEAM.

Heartland REC helped create the program in 2024 and continues as both a program and team sponsor. The cooperative has sponsored teams from communities across its southeast Kansas service territory.

Results by Team:

WASPS — Christian Learning Center

Team members: Holly Cain, Ryan Cain, Abby Jacobs, Henry Morris

Coach: Scott Cain

1st Place — Team Presentation
1st Place — Solar Site Design Challenge
Grand Champions (Overall)
1st Place — Collaborative Challenge (with Uniontown Solar Eagles and Lincoln Solar Leopards)

Solar Queens — Uniontown High School

Team members: Aryonnah Beaton, Camilla Cagle, Paityn Hueston, Jiyah Middleton

Coaches: Carrie Sutcliffe and Christal Martin

1st Place — Creative Curb Appeal

Solar Eagles — Uniontown High School

Team members: Ziggy Barbour, Adam Page, Ty Shelton, Ash Sporleder

Coach: Brad Johnson

1st Place — Skills Challenges
1st Place — Collaborative Challenge (with CLC WASPS and Lincoln Solar Leopards)

Overall Scores:

School/Team Name	Score
CLC WASPS	1323
Uniontown Solar Eagles	1218
Uniontown Solar Queens	1107
Beloit Solar Swords	1030
Lincoln Solar Leopards	1011
Woodward Solar Boomers 1	900
Woodward Solar Boomers 2	823
Oxford Ra	811
Woodward Solar Boomers 3 + Rock Creek	796

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility powering rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes member-owners in 12 counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.

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Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 16

April 16, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

4-16-26 A

4-16-26 R

Government, Jobs

Virtual Statewide Job Fair is April 23

April 16, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Spring Into a New Career at KANSASWORKS Virtual Statewide 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 Statewide Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 23.

“Companies are investing in Kansas — making this the perfect time for you to start investing in a new fulfilling career,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “With an array of industries represented at this month’s job fair, our KANSASWORKS professionals can help you find the perfect fit.”

The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers 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 accommodation 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 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.

Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:

Fort Scott, Gordon Parks Museum, History

Fort Scott Stories Documentary Film Premiere is April 25

April 16, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College is excited to remind the community and surrounding region of the upcoming premiere of Fort Scott Stories, a powerful feature-length documentary created in partnership with acclaimed photojournalist and filmmaker D. Michael Cheers, recipient of the 2025 Choice of Weapons Award.

The premiere will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the screening beginning at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets as soon as possible, as availability is limited and the event is nearing capacity. Donations are welcome and will support the ongoing work and programming of the Gordon Parks Museum.

As the premiere date approaches, anticipation continues to grow for Fort Scott Stories, a documentary that captures the spirit, voices, and lived experiences of the Fort Scott community. Through deeply personal interviews and rich storytelling, the film reflects the beauty, complexity, and resilience of everyday life, echoing the legacy of Gordon Parks and his 1950 photographic work in Fort Scott.

“Fort Scott Stories is about honoring the everyday lives that shape a community,” said D. Michael Cheers. “Gordon Parks taught us that there is power, dignity, and beauty in telling people’s stories with honesty and care. This film is my creative way of continuing that conversation, by listening deeply, bearing witness, and allowing Fort Scott to speak for itself.”

Executive Director Kirk Sharp emphasizes the emotional impact of the film: “This documentary will make you smile, cry, and feel inspired. It is an honest and deeply human reflection of our community, bridging the past and present while inviting us to reflect on who we are and where we are going.”

Inspired by Gordon Parks’ unpublished LIFE magazine assignment in Fort Scott in 1950, this film continues his legacy of truth-telling through art, empathy, and vision.

The documentary also features actor Kyle Johnson, who portrayed Gordon Parks in the 1968 film The Learning Tree and is a 2021 Choice of Weapons Award recipient.

Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets by visiting: the Gordon Parks Museum website event page at
https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events or by calling 620-223-2700, ext. 5850.

For more information about the Fort Scott Stories Feature Documentary Premiere in Fort Scott, Kansas, please contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700, ext. 5850, or email [email protected].

Ad: What FSCC Offers

April 15, 2026 Advertisement Leave a comment

Looking for a college that gives you options? At Fort Scott Community College, students can choose from associate degrees in Arts, Science, Applied Science, and General Studies, along with a variety of certificates that lead straight to rewarding careers. Whether you’re interested in healthcare fields like Certified Medication Aide, Nurse Aide, EMT, Home Health Aide, Manicuring, or Phlebotomy, or want to take on a technical challenge with certificates in Ag Technology (John Deere), Construction, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Environmental Water Tech, Farm & Ranch Management, Harley-Davidson Technology, Heavy Equipment Operation, HVAC, Masonry, or Welding we’ve got you covered!

But college isn’t just about the classroom. FSCC offers plenty of ways to get involved through music and performance opportunities (band, choir, theater), student clubs and organizations (like Collegiate Farm Bureau, Phi Theta Kappa, SkillsUSA, STEAM Club, FSCC Media Team, and more), and even competitive judging teams in livestock and meat.

If athletics is more your thing, FSCC is home to intercollegiate sports for both men and women. Compete in basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, rodeo, track & field, or cross country, all while building friendships and representing the Greyhounds.

And the best part? We’re still growing. New programs, degrees, certifications, and athletic opportunities are on the horizon! There’s never been a better time to join FSCC!

Fort Scott Community College; where opportunity meets possibility.

Bourbon County

Senior Care Coalition Meets April 22

April 15, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Senior Care Coalition
The Senior Care Coalition is an opportunity
to network, gather resource information, and
mingle with other senior care professionals
serving seniors in and around Bourbon
County. Join us!
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location:
Credo Senior Living
820 S. Horton Street, Fort Scott

:
Call or email Cherri Walrod, Credo Senior Living and Memory Care, with questions! 620-223-1822, option 1 or [email protected].
Network • Learn • Share
Senior Care Coalition
The Senior Care Coalition is an opportunity
to network, gather resource information, and
mingle with other senior care professionals
serving seniors in and around Bourbon
County. Join us!

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government

Joint Meeting of County and City Commissions, 6PM, April 16

April 15, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

There will be a joint City and County Meeting 4/16/26 at 6:00 PM at the Empress Center. All Bourbon County Commissioners plan to be in attendance but no official business will be conducted.

Schools

Unified School District 234 Board of Education Regular Meeting, April 13, 2026

April 15, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

Unified School District 234 Board of Education

Regular Meeting Agenda Date: April 13, 2026 Time: 5:30 P.M. Location: 424 South Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701

1.0 Call Meeting to Order

Presiding Officer: David Stewart, President

2.0 Flag Salute

3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)


4.1	Board Minutes: 03-09-2026
4.2	Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3	Check Register
4.4	Payroll – March 12, 2026 ($1,840,933.48)
4.5	Activity Funds Accounts
4.6	USD 234 Gifts
4.7	Resolution 25-17 – Bank Signers

5.0 Honor’s Flight Presentation

Amy Harper & Guests

6.0 Leadership Reports

Information/Discussion Item

7.0 New Business

7.1 Approval of Professional Services Agreement with FSCC for Technology Leadership Services (Action)
7.2 Declaration of Surplus Property – 1996 Ford Mustang (Action)
7.3 Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Program Renewal – 2026-2027 (Action)
7.4 School-Based Health Services Agreement Renewal – Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (2026-27) (Action)
7.5 Strategic Planning Proposal – Teeter Leadership Group (Action)
7.6 FSHS Electrical Modernization Project – Bid Award (Action)

8.0 Public Forum

9.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters

9.1 Enter Executive Session – Negotiations (Information)
9.2 Exit Executive Session
9.3 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
9.4 Exit Executive Session
9.5 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

10.0 Adjourn Meeting

Presiding Officer: David Stewart, President

District Contact Information:

Superintendent: Destry Brown
Website: www.usd234.org
Phone: 620-223-0800 | Fax: 620-223-2760

Food, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC’s Annual Women’s Luncheon Thursday, April 16th 10am-2pm

April 15, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC’s Annual

Women’s Luncheon

Thursday, April 16th

10am-2pm

Ellis Fine Arts Building

2108 Horton St.

FREE Event!

$10 with the pasta bar lunch

Questions:

Taylor Bailey

620-223-2700 x 4600

Email: [email protected]

Attendees can look forward to a day of presentations, giveaways, and community engagement!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Unofficial “teaser” of the vendor list!

Riggs Chiropractic

Write On

Dream Aesthetics and Wellness

SEK Health Dept

Early Detection Works

FSPV

SEK Area Agency on Aging

HBCAT/LHEAT

Punkin’s Place

The Lavender Patch Farm

B.B. K9 School LLC

Gordon Parks Museum

Path of EASE Association

Bids & Dibs, Inc.

Papa Don’s Pizza

Methodist Church

Harry Hynes Hospice

Creations Sew Cute

Body Smart Massage

Boba Drinks

Walmart Vision Center

Farmers Insurance

Southwind Extension

United Women in Faith

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center

Abundant Medicare Health and Life Solutions

Fort Scott Public Library

3 High School tables (more details available at event!)

Enjoy some photos from last year’s

2025 FSCC Women’s Luncheon Event!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

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

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Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

2026 Downtown Spring Clean Up is April 22: Volunteers Wanted

April 15, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to host 2026 Downtown Spring Clean-Up

Help beautify Downtown Fort Scott

RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 22ND!

Volunteers WANTED!

Individuals, Groups, & Families

Wednesday, April 22nd

Earth Day!

Volunteer Check-in:

3:30-4pm

@ Lyons Realty Group, 8 E. Wall St.

Event:

4-7pm

@ Downtown Fort Scott

We have many projects planned including painting, leaf blowing, planting, mulching, general trash pickup, and more!

Click here for the volunteer signup link
and all the details!

FREE pulled pork sandwich meal following the event for the first 150 confirmed volunteers!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

A special thank you to The Elks Foundation

for supporting this event!

DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER – CLICK HERE!

Wednesday, April 22nd

Organized by the Chamber Board’s Downtown Division, in partnership with the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County Garden Club, and the Good Neighbor Action Team.

Chamber Downtown Division

Cheryl Adamson, Chair, Courtland Hotel & Spa

Cathy Bishop, The River Room Event Center

Carissa Bowman, Brickstreet BBQ

Kate Freeman, The Artificers

Kinede Jennings, Blissful Aesthetics & Wellness

Karen Wilterding, Lowell Milken Center

James Wood, DBB Inc. & Holmtown Pub

Rachel Carpenter, representing City of Fort Scott

Special thanks to Craig Campbell of GNAT and Barb McCord of Bourbon County Garden Club for all of your assistance with this event, and to Bailey Lyons for use of Lyons Realty Group as the check-in location.

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

Area News, Government, History

Quindaro Townsite Designated National Historic Site in K.C.

April 15, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Kansas City-area Lawmakers Introduce Bill Designating Quindaro Townsite as National Historic Landmark

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-2), Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3), and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5) introduced the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act to designate the Quindaro Townsite in Kansas City, Kansas, as a National Historic Landmark. The site served as a critical entry point for anti-slavery settlers and a sanctuary for those escaping bondage via the Underground Railroad prior to and during the U.S. Civil War.

National Historic Landmarks are designated through the National Park Service System Advisory Board or an official act of Congress. Last May, the National Historic Landmarks Committee unanimously recommended Quindaro Townsite for designation as a National Historic Landmark, however the administrative process has since stalled. This bill would bypass the administrative process and designate the site by congressional action.

“Quindaro holds an important place in the history of our region and nation,” said Congressman Schmidt, whose district includes the site. “Designating the site as a National Historic Landmark would ensure its legacy is properly preserved and recognized for generations to come. I’m honored to lead this bill and join Representatives Davids and Cleaver in supporting Quindaro.”

“Quindaro was a place of courage, hope, and resilience — a sanctuary for those risking everything for freedom. Designating this site as a National Historic Landmark has been long overdue and would ensure future generations can learn from the sacrifices and triumphs of those who came before us. I’m proud to join Representatives Schmidt and Cleaver in this bipartisan effort to protect our Kansas City history and honor Quindaro’s legacy,” said Congresswoman Davids.

“The Quindaro Townsite is an important piece of the regional history in eastern Kansas and western Missouri – and its legacy must be preserved for the generations still to come,” said Congressman Cleaver. “By designating Quindaro as a National Historic Landmark, we can ensure the story of those who resided on these grounds lives on through the locals and tourists who visit every day, spreading the inspiring story of Americans who fought to ensure the United States lives up to its highest ideals. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Reps. Schmidt and Davids, and I look forward to working with them to ensure it is passed into law.”

Bill text is available here.

BACKGROUND

Founded in 1857, Quindaro emerged as a beacon for Free-State advocates during the turbulent “Bleeding Kansas” era. Strategically located along the Missouri River, it served as a critical entry point for anti-slavery settlers and a sanctuary for those escaping bondage via the Underground Railroad. The town’s establishment was a collaborative effort among the Wyandot Nation, New England abolitionists, and African American settlers, exemplifying a unique and harmonious multicultural alliance during a period marked by division and conflict.

Beyond its pivotal role in the anti-slavery movement, Quindaro became a nucleus for post-Civil War African American advancement. The establishment of the Quindaro Freedman’s School, later known as Western University, marked a significant milestone as the first Black school west of the Mississippi River. Institutions like Douglass Hospital further underscored the town’s commitment to education and healthcare within the African American community.

Archaeological excavations have unveiled a wealth of artifacts, offering invaluable insights into the daily lives of Quindaro’s diverse inhabitants. The site’s preserved foundations and structures provide a tangible connection to this rich history. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 2002, Quindaro’s significance has been further acknowledged through its designation as a National Commemorative Site in 2019.

Art, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Art Competition Deadline Nears

April 15, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

COMPETITION COUNTDOWN:
— 7 Days Remaining! —
Time to Submit!

The ARTEFFECT annual competition, free to enter, invites students in grades 6-12 to create original artworks about Unsung Heroes and their invaluable lessons as role models. Students choose from a directory over 150 individuals. Students also write reflective Impact Statements (500-1000 words).

Multiple awards total over $35,000. Various 2D & 3D Media are eligible.

Submissions are due April 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Enter Now!

2026 ARTEFFECT Competition
Submission Guide

Follow this 10-Step Submission Guide to submit projects for the 2026 ARTEFFECT competition. There is no fee to enter the competition.

PRO-TIP: Allow at least 30 minutes to complete your submission using the online portal once you have gathered all the required information and materials on the Submission Checklist.

Download ARTEFFECT Competition Submission Guide

Congratulations
2025-2026 ARTEFFECT Ambassadors!

Last week, the ARTEFECT Ambassadors presented their capstone projects in the final session of the program. Since last fall, 28 fellows from across 17 states nationwide have been developing visual-arts-based projects. This diverse array of learner-centered projects demonstrates their wide-ranging creativity and the meaningful application of Unsung Heroes stories within their classrooms and communities. These capstone projects are being implemented through June. We are looking forward to sharing out more over the coming months! Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Ambassadors for a stellar year of incredible work!