Area News

New Community Foundation of SEK Operations/Donor Support Coordinator

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COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS ANNOUNCES SAMANTHA GUY AS NEW OPERATIONS AND DONOR SUPPORT COORDINATOR

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce the hiring of Samantha Guy as the new Operations and Donor Support Coordinator!

Sam comes to CFSEK and its affiliates, the Columbus Area Community Foundation, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, and the Girard Area Community Foundation, with a deep love of Southeast Kansas and a drive to be involved. She will support CFSEK’s operations and donor efforts, including assisting with communications and marketing, community engagement activities, donor relations, and providing program support.

“We are excited to have Samantha join our team,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “Her marketing experience, strong community connections, and genuine passion for Southeast Kansas will be of tremendous value for our organization. We’re confident she will make a meaningful impact for our team, our donors, and our partners.”

A native of Walnut and a graduate of Girard High School, Sam attended Pittsburg State University, receiving her undergraduate degree in strategic communication. She spent several years in journalism and advertising before joining the community foundation.

“I want my children and family to experience my community the way I did growing up,” Sam said, “and I am a believer that if you want big things to happen, you have to do big things!”

When Sam is not in the office, she can be found serving as President of the Girard Medical Center Foundation board, serving on the Walnut Events Committee, or volunteering for Walnut. She also previously served on the Girard Area Community Foundation board as a trustee before taking this position. If she has the time, she also enjoys reading and relaxing with her boyfriend, dog, and two cats.

When asked about her new position, Sam had this to say, “I’m excited to join the team and work with nonprofits to benefit our communities, and I am looking forward to the unique challenges that brings!”

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas has awarded over $2.5 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $25 million in grants since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with a wide variety of charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.

 

Government, Kansas

Flags Half-Staff for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7

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Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, today ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

“The events that unfolded on December 7, 1941, were an immense tragedy that claimed the lives of many courageous service members,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The 84th anniversary of Pearl Harbor is a time to reflect on this solemn day, pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and honor the brave men and women who have fought to defend our country and continue to do so now.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, visit: https://www.governor.ks.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.

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Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Thespians Present a Children’s Production of A Christmas Carol

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians present A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

 

Performances are Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium, 1005 S. Main, Fort Scott. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

 

The production involves 45 children in 1st through 8th grades. The role of Ebenezer Scrooge is portrayed by 8th grader Xavier Jeffrey. Other featured roles include Charles Dickens played by 7th grader Dylan Williams, Spirit of Christmas Past played by 7th grader Elsie Fields, and Spirit of Christmas Present portrayed by 8th grade student Claire Bower.

 

A Christmas Carol is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Senior Levi Fairchild serves as Director, Assistant Director is senior Chris Newman, and Music Director is senior Junie Fisher.

 

All tickets are reserved seating and are $5. Tickets can be purchased at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door, but seating is limited.

 

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Jobs, Kansas

Upcoming Virtual Job Fair December 10

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Commerce Encourages Jobseekers and Employers to Take Advantage of Upcoming Virtual 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. Wednesday, December 10.

“In Kansas, we pride ourselves on being the State of Unexpected — but one thing that you can most definitely expect to find is a good-paying job,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “There is no reason to wait until the new year to start a new journey — a rewarding career is waiting for you right now, right here in Kansas.”

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 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 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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Fort Scott

2026 Operation Round Up awardees selected; more than $50,000 to be distributed

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Nonprofits throughout eastern Kansas that serve community members in need will soon receive a total of more than $50,000 in contributions from Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative members through Heartland’s Operation Round Up program.

“It’s always impressive to see what a difference our members can make by contributing just a little bit of change every month,” said Mark Scheibe, Heartland CEO. “We continue to be proud of our board and our members for helping the neediest in their communities through this program.”

Through Operation Round Up, participating Heartland members’ electric bills are rounded up to the next dollar each month. The additional amount is collected and pooled into a fund for distribution to charitable organizations that provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, and other direct services for those in need.

Funds collected through the Operation Round Up program are administered by a panel of volunteer trustees selected by the Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative Board of Directors from throughout Heartland’s 12-county service area.

Applications were accepted in October and November and were reviewed by the Operation Round Up Board of Trustees at its annual meeting on December 1.

Grant recipients for 2026 are listed below in alphabetical order. Each will receive between $800 and $2,400 in January, with a total of $50,400 distributed.

  • Alliance of Churches for Christian Living – Chanute
  • Beacon Food Pantry – Fort Scott
  • Care to Share Cancer Support Group – Fort Scott
  • Church of Christ Fontana – Heavenly Hotdogs Food Pantry – Fontana
  • Columbus Christian Center – Manna Depot – Columbus
  • Community Food Pantry – Girard
  • Concern, Inc. – Mound City
  • Elsmore United Methodist Church – Elsmore
  • Erie Area Community Christmas Basket Fund – Erie
  • Erie Federated Church – Erie
  • First Assembly of God Baxter Springs – Hope Chest – Baxter Springs
  • First Baptist Church – Cherokee
  • First Baptist Church of Pleasanton – Pleasanton
  • First Baptist Church of Riverton – Riverton
  • First Christian Church – God’s Pantry – Chanute
  • First Presbyterian Church of Iola – Iola
  • First United Methodist Church – Columbus
  • Friends of Library District #2 of Linn Co – La Cygne
  • Galesburg Christian Church – Orange Swan Free Store – Galesburg
  • Hope Chapel – Moran
  • Humanity House – Iola
  • Humboldt Ministerial Alliance – Humboldt Community Food Pantry – Humboldt
  • Mound City Christian Church – Christian Women’s Service – Mound City
  • Mound City United Methodist Church – Mound City
  • Parker United Methodist Church – Helping Hands & Hearts – Parker
  • Pitt Chapel Church of God – Pittsburg
  • Prescott United Methodist Church – Reach Out Food Pantry – Prescott
  • Sacred Heart Catholic Church – Mound City
  • Second Chances – Blue Mound
  • Michael Catholic Church – A Meal In His Name – Girard
  • United Methodist Church – La Cygne Food Pantry – La Cygne
  • United Women in Faith – Pleasanton
  • Wings of Warriors – Gas
  • Yates Center United Methodist Church – Bowls of Plenty – Yates Center

Current Operation Round Up trustees include Tom Bradbury of Uniontown, Rev. Daniel Davis of Iola, Carol Houston of Prescott, Nancy Hurd of Columbus, Kelly Perry of Bronson, Sue Stainbrook of Fontana, Mark Taylor of Girard, and Sharon Young of Erie.

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas manages Operation Round Up contributions and disburses funds on behalf of Heartland.

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. powers rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes members in 12 counties, including Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties.

Heartland REC is a non-profit, member-owned cooperative that traces its roots back to three original rural electric cooperatives: Cooperative Electric Power & Light Company in Iola, Sugar Valley Electric Cooperative Association in Mound City, and Sekan Electric Cooperative Association in Girard. Cooperative Electric Power & Light Company joined with Sugar Valley in 1975 to form United Electric Cooperative; United Electric Cooperative joined with Sekan Electric Cooperative Association in 1996 to form Heartland

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Ad: What Fort Scott Community College Offers

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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.

Business, Food, Fort Scott

The Niece’s New Businesses Are About to Open

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Al and Luanna Niece purchased the vacant building at the corner of 6th and Main Street in July 2023 and will open one of the new businesses housed in it this week.

Eventually, they will have several businesses in the circa 1889 building.

Lu’s Ice Cream shop will open on December 5 with flexible hours.

Ice cream, sundaes, malts, coffee, hot chocolate and eventually, when the kitchen is totally completed, sandwiches and soups will be served.

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop has vintage-type furniture and one true vintage Coke machine. A customer on their birthday can get one free bottle of Coke, with a special token provided by the shop.

“The hours are…going to be flexible because of the weather, and it’s December, a cold time of the year, so probably from 4 to 8 p.m.,” Lu said.

The menu of Lu’s Ice Cream Shop. Eight flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream will be rotated out seasonally based on public opinion.

No strangers to the community, Al owns Niece Products of Kansas, located in the Fort Scott Industrial Park on Hwy. 69, south of the city.

“Al has an existing business here, Niece Products of Kansas, that has been running for over ten years, so we have quite a bit invested in this town,” she said. “When we are here, we have become accustomed to Fort Scott in the way of living. We love it here, and we want to be part of the community.” They have a primary home in Texas.

Their original plans were for an ice cream shop on the first floor, two loft apartments on the second floor, and a “man cave” on the ground level.

“We are going to continue with the original plan to have two loft apartments on the second floor. One is going to be for us when we are here in Kansas, the other is going to be  a rental.”

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop will have the entrance on 6th Street, under the red-striped awning. Additional parking will also be available in the rear of the building upon completion.

Nikki Regan is the manager of the ice cream shop, which will have eight flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream, made in Texas. The Nieces have a home and business in Austin, Texas.

The living room of the rental. This is a one-bedroom with one bath and a sleeper sofa.
Lu Niece said she loves the large window exposure in the lofts.

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop and the apartments are all complete.
The “man cave”  is still under construction, with the hope of being completed by the end of 2026.

Lu stands in the future Al’s Speak Easy, which will house an invitation-only club and Al’s office.

“We did a complete renovation (of the whole building). The only thing that was left was the four exterior walls, so basically, we had an open shell once we cleaned everything out.  New roofs, new floors, new plumbing, new electric, new windows, and, really, just a whole new design to the building inside that’s more industrial modern.”

“It was a long haul, lots of very trying moments for all involved, but thanks to Koehn Construction, neighbors, workers, Niece employees, and Fort Scott, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

The Shultz-Payne Building was originally a publishing business of A.B. Payne, a writer, who at one time printed the biography of Mark Twain, and they “ended up being buddies,” Lu said.

 

Lu took this photo during the complete renovation of the building. This is from the basement looking up to the second story.
The before-picture of the Shultz-Payne Building, the original name of the property.
This original sign on the west side of the building, which says Schultz-Payne Building, 1889, remains intact.

To see the prior story on the build:

https://fortscott.biz/news/nieces-are-working-to-renovate-the-payne-building-at-6th-and-main

 

Art, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Story Telling Through Art: December 10

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The Unsung Hero’s Journey
In the upcoming Storytelling through Art session on December 10,,award-winning Milken Educator Brad LeDuc (KS’ 13) will present strategies for creating narrative visual artworks―from developing storylines to completed artworks.

Brad will unlock the six key components to effectively interpret the story of an Unsung Hero’s Journey: Character, Problem, Heroic Action, Sacrifice, Impact, and Heroic Traits. Use this graphic as a classroom resource and to support students with identifying unique entry points in the Unsung Hero’s journey for their ARTEFFECT projects.
Download Unsung Hero’s Journey Graphic
UPCOMING SESSION!
Storytelling through Art
Wed. December 10, 2025
4:00-5:15PM Pacific Time
All educators are invited to Storytelling through Art, an interactive and engaging session with teachers participating from across the nation. Brad LeDuc will model a step-by-step process that guides students through novel and effective approaches to visual storytelling about the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes from history. Various visual analyzing tools, classroom resources, and lesson plan will be provided.

Learn More about the Storytelling through Art session and Brad LeDuc.
Register Now! Storytelling through Art Session
ARTEFFECT online sessions are free to join and registration is required. All registrants receive a session recording and lesson plan. Certificate of Participation available for session attendees.
2026 ARTEFFECT Competition
The 2026 ARTEFFECT competition invites submissions from all students in grades 6-12 interested in making a positive impact through their art. The competition invites students to creatively interpret the story of an Unsung Hero by creating an original visual artwork, accompanied by an artist’s Impact Statement. Various awards are available including the Spotlight Prizes. Learn more about the 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition.
2026 Spotlight Prize – Media Categories
The 2026 Spotlight Prize – Media category encourages students who create artworks in selected mediums and sizes outlined below:

  • Sculpture/3D: Three-dimensional artworks including assemblage, ceramics, pottery, glass, metals, and textiles.
  • Large Format: Artworks in any medium that measure 24 x 36 inches or larger.

Spotlight Prizes are $1,000 and there may be multiple winners in this category. Spotlight Prize submissions are eligible for all top awards and prizes but can only win one.
See Competition Rules
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Dr. Samantha Fields, a Lead Art Teacher in the Dougherty County School System in Albany, Georgia.

Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. Here is an excerpt from Samantha’s multifaceted Capstone Project report:

“The project exposed me to a wide array of Unsung Heroes—far more than I would have encountered working in isolation. As a district, we encouraged our students to research and select different historical figures to avoid repetition and to enrich the final exhibition.”

Congratulations to Samantha and her colleague Taneisha Whatley (2025-26 ARTEFFECT Ambassador) for their student Adrian Rodgers (Grade 12) being named a Finalist in the 2025 Competition for his project Unsung Hero “Miriam Makeba”.
Read more about Samantha’s capstone project
JOIN THE GROWING COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS:
ARTEFFECT Educators Facebook Group
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
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