Opinion

The Woman They Could Not Silence by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Should you ever go through Springfield, Illinois, I encourage you to visit the Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center. It is now on my Bucket List. After completing the book The Woman They Could Not Silence about Elizabeth’s heroism, I am recommending the museum to everyone I see.

With the author’s portrayal of this remarkable woman, I learned much, particularly how spoiled we are because women in the 1800’s, having no legal rights, sacrificed much to make a difference. Women then were beholden to their husbands, and she was his property. Thus began the story of Elizabeth Packard.

Married for twenty-one years to a controlling, Confederate-sympathizing pastor, she disagreed with his teachings and took the bold step to attend a different church, taking her six children with her. With that decision, Theophilis, her husband, had her committed to a mental asylum in Jacksonville, Illinois. There she encountered Dr. Andrew McFarland, a man who not only was threatened by her keen intelligence but proved to be even more dangerous than her traitorous husband. Little did she know she would spend years trying to regain access to her children as she spoke out against the savage injustices.

I could not put the book down. Her story made me ask myself at which point I would have broken: freezing from lack of heat; sleeping on a straw, urine-filled cot; watching fellow inmates tortured; fighting for the hundreds of women–as sane as she–who were subjected to years of mistreatment because, they, like she, had done something to annoy their husbands.

Elizabeth’s life is a testament to the power of one person who was determined to do what she believed God called her to do. There are others who have no institution named after them who also made a difference.

Mordecai Ham (1877-1961) was a tent evangelist who converted over 300,000 men and women to Jesus. At one revival, two fourteen-year-old boys heard the commotion and decided to check out what was happening in the nearby tent. Realizing there were no available seats, they left but were stopped by an usher who assured the boys that he would find them a seat together. And he did.

At that meeting, both young men made a declaration of faith and asked Jesus to be their Lord. Their names? Billie Graham and Grady Wilson. Graham went on to lead millions to Christ, and Wilson stayed by his side, doing whatever Graham needed him to do. No one knows the name of the usher. He was the unknown man who did what he could to make sure those two teens had a seat to hear Ham’s teaching.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to get to Heaven and meet these heroes/heroines, some with names that live in infamy and others who have no public claim to fame. All I know is, God uses both. We don’t have to live the life of a celebrity to be used by God. We just need to have the desire to usher others into His eternal kingdom.

After all, my job probably is not to change the world. My job is to change someone else’s world.

History, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Unsung Heroes Semi-Finalists To Be Revealed

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August 15, 2025

Vol. 8

The 2025 Semi-Finalists — Stories That Inspire!

2025 National Discovery Award Semi-Finalists Announced! 🎉

We are excited to reveal this year’s talented semi-finalists, students whose powerful projects reveal the untold stories of Unsung Heroes from around the world. Their creativity, research, and storytelling shine a light on individuals who made a lasting impact yet remain absent from most history books.

Finalists will be announced on September 2, so stay tuned to see who advances to the next round.

Explore the full list of semi-finalists and be inspired by the stories that are shaping tomorrow’s changemakers.

More Insights from The 2025 Fellows

”The LMC fellowship is a week full of being poured into by the most dedicated and passionate staff, the most welcoming and open townspeople, and the unexpected charm and quiet gravitation of the small town itself, so educators leave with their professional cups overflowing with renewed inspiration, a stronger network, and the ability and drive to make a positive difference in more students’ lives.”

~ Kelly Ryan, LA

“The Lowell Milken Fellowship highlights the best of what public education has to offer. As educators we all work to help students use their creativity and dive deep into topics they are passionate about; that’s what helps set them up for their best post secondary success. The work of this Fellowship offers educators even more tools to build spaces for success within and beyond their classroom.

Some of what I loved most about my week at the Lowell Milken Center was being able to see the range of passions that other Fellows and LMC staff demonstrated. It shows how finding and celebrating unsung heroes can cross all disciplines.”

~ Brian Skinner, KS

“The LMC Fellowship will reshape my approach to curriculum design by emphasizing the importance of spotlighting unsung heroes and fostering student engagement through both in-depth research and the creative development of projects intended for public sharing.  I deeply valued the opportunity to collaborate with fellow like-minded educators and to connect with the LMC and Fort Scott community, whose warmth and generosity were truly moving. A piece of my heart remains in Fort Scott, Kansas, and I return feeling inspired and energized for the new school year.”

~ Jennifer Klein, CT

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Norm Conard

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our CEO, Norm Conard.

A visionary educator and tireless advocate for project-based learning, Norm has dedicated his career to inspiring students and teachers to uncover and share the stories of Unsung Heroes. His leadership at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes continues to shape classrooms across the country and around the world.

Norm Conard is a third-generation educator who taught for over 30 years, during which time he developed non-traditional teaching methods that extend the boundaries of the classroom. One of his great sources of pride is having seen over 60 of his students achieve national recognition in the national history competition, and almost 200 students receive state history awards. He is known internationally for his development of projects that teach respect and understanding among all people and for innovation in project-based learning.

Norm’s leadership at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is another step in the process of bringing innovative educational ideas to the classrooms of America and around the world. He mentors teachers in the development projects that feature Unsung Heroes, such as the Irena Sendler Project, Life in a Jar.

A member of the National Teachers Hall of Fame, Norm has received much local, state and national recognition for his work, including the Milken Educator Award in 1992. He is a Kansas Teacher of the Year, National Secondary Social Studies Outstanding Teacher, USA Today All-American Teacher, Nationally Board Certified educator and the 2012 Kansan of the Year. Mr. Conard retired from classroom teaching in 2007 to become CEO of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

📢 2025 Discovery Award Finalists Coming Soon!
Mark your calendars — the finalists will be announced on September 2. Stay tuned to see which projects are moving forward in the competition.
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Bourbon County, Youth

Parent Empowerment Circle Is August 24 at the Splash Pad

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Our next Parent Empowerment Circle will focus on fun! The gathering will be held on Sunday, August 24 from 130 – 3:30 at the Splash Pad and Sensory Park, 111 N. National Avenue in Fort Scott. Families should bring their own lawn chairs, water to drink, plus their own snacks, sunscreen, towels, and dry clothes for their kids.
Questions? Contact Cherri Walrod: 620-223-3720 or [email protected]
Submitted by
Cherri Walrod
Community Health Worker
K-State Research and Extension Southwind District
620-223-3720, ext. 503
K-State Extension

Back-to-School 2025: Tips, Trends, and Fresh Starts

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Kendal Henson. Submitted photo.

As the summer sun fades and the crisp air of autumn approaches, it’s time for one
of the most exciting (and sometimes hectic) times of the year: Back-to-School. Whether
you’re a student stepping into a new grade, a parent preparing for the morning rush, or a
teacher welcoming fresh faces, this season marks a new chapter full of opportunities,
growth, and fresh routines.
Returning to school isn’t just about shopping for supplies—it’s about preparing
mentally and emotionally for the months ahead. Setting clear goals early can make the
transition smoother. Students can jot down three key things they want to achieve, while
parents can plan supportive routines to help kids stay on track.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Instead of trying to get everything perfect from the start, view the school year as a journey
focused on improvement. Celebrate small victories—such as completing a difficult
homework assignment, answering a question in class, or making a new friend—these
successes help build confidence over time. Mistakes are also part of learning, and each
challenge is a chance to grow. Celebrate small wins—finishing a tough homework
assignment, answering a question in class, or making a new friend—as they build skills
over time.
The start of a school year is also a chance to create new friendships and strengthen
old ones. Encourage open communication, inclusivity, and kindness—it goes a long way in
creating a positive school environment. A great question starter for the new school year is,
“What are you looking forward to in the new school year”?
For Parents and Guardians
Your role in the back-to-school journey is vital. Create a family calendar to track
assignments, projects, and activities. Stay engaged with your child’s teachers and check in
regularly—not just when problems arise.
Back-to-school season is a reset button—a time to embrace new challenges,
explore possibilities, and grow. With the right preparation, a touch of organization, and a
positive mindset, the 2025 school year can be the most rewarding yet.
Kendal Henson is a Kansas State Extension 4-H & Youth Development agent assigned
to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-625-8620.
Kansas State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Bourbon County

Key summary points from 8/11/2025 County Commission meeting

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Key points from 8/11/2025 Commission Meeting with links to that section of the video recording.

  • 07:35 Brad Matkin from the City of Fort Scott requested the county produce asphalt for the city at $65 per ton, requiring approximately 2,000 tons this year, which would save the city about $35 per ton plus travel costs compared to other sources.
  • 18:17 The commission discussed canceling the IT support Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Fort Scott as they had hired their own IT support, with Commissioner Milburn moving to cancel the agreement effective immediately.
  • 20:47 Bob Guilfoyle from Crawl Can Internet presented two internet service proposals: maintaining the current network at a reduced rate of $1,100/month (down from $1,400) or separating the Sheriff’s Department onto its own network for $1,220/month total, which would provide better security and redundancy.
  • 01:02:17 Justin from Crawl Can explained the difference between hosted and on-site phone systems, noting that hosted systems cost about $30/month per phone (with 125 county phones currently) and require each phone to have its own number, while on-site systems have a one-time purchase cost with some recurring software fees.
  • 01:07:49 The commission tabled the internet service decision until August 25th to allow Commissioner Tran to consult with a technical expert and gather more information about the total costs involved.
  • 01:52:17 Susan Walker, County Clerk, presented information about upcoming election deadlines, including October 14th as the voter registration deadline, October 15th for mailing advance ballots, October 20th for early voting at the courthouse, and November 4th as the general election date.
  • 02:06:50 Matt, the County Appraiser, reported that Bourbon County is in compliance with state valuation requirements but still approximately 18% below the ideal valuation ratio of 90–110%, with residential properties and farm home sites showing the largest increases in value.
  • 02:19:34 Commissioner Tran presented data showing that 20.8% of Bourbon County households pay less than $800 annually in property taxes, 19.2% pay between $800–$1,499, and 18.5% pay $3,000 or more, with the median home value at $95,600 and median tax bill at $1,694.
  • 03:14:58 The commission voted to move forward with Emerson and Company for payroll services, with the understanding they would work with the County Clerk’s office during the transition period.
  • 03:17:03 Commissioner Milburn reported on discussions with the driver’s license office and sixth judicial district about relocating them from their current building, with the driver’s license office potentially moving to the courthouse and the judicial district to the former health center trailer.
  • 03:29:59 The commission discussed repealing Resolution 1425 to remove the Budget Payroll Benefits Officer ($10,000), Road Records Officer ($5,000), and Chief Operations Officer ($88,616.84) positions from the county’s organizational structure.
  • 03:39:11 The commission scheduled a special meeting with insurance broker Don Doherty for August 22nd at 5:00 PM to learn more about the county’s insurance plans.
  • 03:41:22 Commissioner Tran emphasized the importance of reaching consensus on maintaining the current mill levy before determining budget priorities, stressing the need to take care of county services while maintaining professionalism throughout the budget process.
  • 03:43:17 Commissioner Milburn announced that the tax sale list was sent to the law firm on August 8, 2025, and emphasized that property valuations are market-based, with the commission only directly raising taxes when they increase the mill levy or choose not to lower it when valuations increase.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Jumpy Jump Land Expands to Fort Scott-Opens August 15

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Jumpy Jump Land, the Wichita area’s top indoor bounce-house party spot, is excited to announce the grand opening of its fifth location in Fort Scott on August 15. Known for its vibrant, safe, and energetic indoor play spaces filled with colorful obstacle courses, tall slides, and multiple bounce houses, Jumpy Jump Land has quickly become a beloved destination for families seeking unforgettable fun.

Founded in 2015 in Andover, Kansas, Jumpy Jump Land has grown to serve communities in Andover, Bel Aire, Haysville, and El Dorado, with Fort Scott marking the latest expansion. Owned and operated by JUMPY JUMP LAND, LLC, the brand is dedicated to providing a clean, safe, and stress-free environment where families can jump, play, and celebrate milestones – from birthdays and reunions to corporate events.

Fort Scott Grand Opening Weekend Details:

Dates: August 15–17
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM daily
Location: 2229 S Main St, Fort Scott, KS (inside the Jake’s Fireworks building)

The grand opening weekend will feature FREE Open Jump sessions, exciting games, and fantastic prizes for attendees. Families are invited to drop in, explore the colorful play zones, and join the
festivities. Parties and celebrations can now be booked at jumpyjumpland.com, offering a convenient, fun- filled venue for hosts who want to relax while their kids enjoy hours of energetic play.
For more information, visit jumpyjumpland.com or contact:
Jessica Benford
620.231.2264 ext 11197
[email protected]

Bourbon County, Government, Schools

USD235 New Teachers, Goals, and Construction Projects in 2025

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Vance Eden from the district’s website.
Students start school in USD235, Uniontown, on August 20.
“We anticipate enrollment numbers being similar to what it was last year,” said Superintendent Vance Eden. “We frequently see fluctuations in enrollment all the way through the first week of school, though.”
This year, there is a new athletic director/assistant principal, Megan Mason.
Additionally, the following new teachers are: Aidan Abandon, high school history; Jennifer Ziegler, high school English; Cole Criss, junior/senior high physical education; Lauren Shinn, 6th grade; and Dallas Masoner, 6th grade.
The teachers in new assignments this year are Jenny Covey, 3rd grade; Rose Gauthier, 2nd grade; and Haley Troutman, Kindergarten.
“The kindergarten through 8th grade have new math resources this year, and there is a sprinkling of new supplementary materials throughout the district,” Eden said.
“A noteworthy item, the new ag shop will provide students with a better learning and shop space,” Eden said. “We are excited for what this can mean for the (agriculture) program.”
“For pre-kindergarten, we opened enrollment to three-year-old students who meet the necessary criteria for participation. We are excited to provide this opportunity to families and those young learners.”
“The district has adopted six goals as part of this year’s strategic plan.  Those include:
  • 1.5-  Conduct a thorough review of literacy and math proficiency rates K-12 to determine successes, trends, and potential gaps.
  • 1.8- Conduct a review of discipline policies and align them and their implementation to district objectives of clarity, consistency, and accountability.
  • 2.3-  Support staff development efforts through shadowing other educators in other districts.
  • 2.8-  Develop additional ways to utilize hands-on and experiential learning opportunities.
  • 3.4-  Develop additional ways to recognize students who are consistently meeting specific expectations.
  • 3.6-  Increase timely, consistent, and effective communication between schools and families. Consider options with apps, newsletters, and additional surveys for input.”
“Aside from that, the district will be completing all of the relevant construction projects related to the passing of the bond  (last year approved by constituents) over the next year. Timelines for those individual projects vary.”
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Town Wide Garage Sale is Sept. 19-20

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FORT SCOTT’S

FALL TOWN-WIDE

GARAGE SALE

SEPTEMBER 20th & 21st

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale will be held September 19th and 20th, 2025.

The Chamber encourages the community to start cleaning out households and garages and saving back unnecessary and unwanted items and hold sales to make some cash.

Sales may be registered with the Chamber and listed on the official garage sale map for only $12.

Those interested may register in person at the Chamber, over the phone by credit, debit or Venmo, or online at fortscott.com. The deadline to register a sale on the official map is

1pm on Tuesday, September 16th.

The Chamber also offers display ads to businesses and organizations on the map for $35.

The Chamber sincerely appreciates sales and ads being registered with the Chamber as those funds make it possible for the Chamber to host the event and cover expenses incurred on the event to bring as many people to the community as possible to shop the sales and patronize other businesses while here.

Contact the Chamber for more information at

620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW THE

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE COPY OF THE REGISTRATION FORM

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
 
Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 Board Minutes from August 11

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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, August 11, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

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

Board Minutes

07-14-25

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – July 18, 2025 – $1,681,850.38

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Resolution 25-08 – Remove Bank Signers

Resolution 25-09 – Add Bank Signers

 

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported about Open House in the district happening this week. School starts this Friday and KRI will start Monday, August 18.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with an update on the Preschool building and the progress being made in the facility. Also, informing about how each department is preparing for the new school year.

Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on iReady scores. The district is showing growth and an increase in scores. He also informed the Board about New Teacher Orientation and gearing up for the new year.

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes provided a shared document and reported on the beginning of the year starting up. The Special Education audit will be coming up soon.

The Board Approved the following items:

  • 2025-26 High School Handbook
  • Parent Athletics Expectation Policy
  • Audit Contract with Diehl, Banwart, and Bolton, CPA’s, P.A.
  • MOU for IT Services between USD 234 and City of Fort Scott
  • All Weather Track Structural Spray Bid
  • Purchase of Transit Van
  • 2025-26 High School Activity Handbook

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

August 11, 2025

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Chaplin, Mercedes – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Clements, Adam – Supplemental Resignation – Coach – Boy’s Basketball – High School

Coen, Serenity – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool

Emmerson, Lynette – Resignation – Secretary – Middle School

Floyd, Gary – Resignation – ISS Supervisor – High School

Kitsmiller, Natalie – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

Pinkerton, Sammie – LOA – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

TRANSFER:

Beyers, Amy – Cook (Middle School) to Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Moberg, Katelynn – Paraprofessional – High School to Winfield Scott

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:

Ackerman, Melina – Cook – High School

Collins, Ashley – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Coon, Osha – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Dotson, Destiny – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Engstrom, Lauren – Secretary – Middle School

Esslinger, Danae – Paraprofessional – KRI

Feagins, Addison – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Heckman, Opal – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Hoener, Rhonda – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Reinbolt, Katren – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Strakal, Eileen – Cook – High School

Tucker, Sandy – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Waala, Emily – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Walker, Jessica – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:

 

Aikin, Kent – Head Softball Coach – High School

Altic, Abby – Supplemental – Assistant Volleyball Coach – High School

Carney, Drew – Supplemental – Powerlifting – High School

EW PBIS Committee

Hall, Dakota – Supplemental – Head Wrestling Coach – Middle School

Woods, Nick – Assistant Track Coach – High School

 

 

Bourbon County Local News