Government, Kansas

Rural Apprenticeship Grant Opportunity

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Grant Applications Open to Expand Rural Registered Apprenticeship Programs

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $500,000 in Rural Apprenticeship Innovation for a Strong Economy (RAISE) funding to support the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs across rural Kansas.

This new grant opportunity is administered through the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship and is available to the state’s educational institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, joint apprenticeship training councils and workforce boards seeking to attract and retain skilled employees through registered apprenticeships in rural areas.

“We have been purposeful in attracting new businesses to all areas of the state to advance economic opportunities for all,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grants will support further expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs in rural areas so we can continue to build our workforce, provide skill building and job opportunities for more Kansans and keep pace with our historic growth.”

Applicants can receive up to $100,000 in funding to support technical instruction, outreach, staffing, partnerships and administrative costs. A dollar-for-dollar match is required, and funded projects must be completed within a 12-month period.

“This grant ensures rural Kansas isn’t left behind,” Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship Director Shonda Anderson said. “By expanding high-wage, high-demand registered apprenticeships in rural communities, we’re creating strong workforce pathways and supporting long-term economic vitality close to home.”

Registered Apprenticeship programs interested in applying must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be a registered apprenticeship program in Kansas or commit to developing a new program within three months of receiving funding
  • Must demonstrate a plan to engage existing or potential employers and apprentices residing in counties with populations under 50,000
  • Must provide a 1:1 matching contribution

For more details and additional requirements, visit the webpage here.

Eligible Kansas Registered Apprenticeship programs are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through April 17. To apply, 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 the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship:

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship was established by Governor Laura Kelly on Sept. 6, 2022, through Executive Order #22-07. The Office supports apprenticeships across multiple industries to provide a highly skilled source of labor for employers and ensure occupational proficiency for career-seekers. The program incorporates on-the-job learning, technical instruction and mentorship to create long-term employment opportunities in Kansas.

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Government, Kansas

Ken Collins Kansas State Representative-Second District Newsletter

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Ken Collins. Submitted photo.

Thoughts From Under the Dome

Turnaround has happened in the Kansas Legislature so now a large part of our time is being spent by the two houses hearing and voting on the other houses bills. Because of that  I am happy to report that the Senate has heard and approved Benny’s Bill (HB 2412) unanimously 40-0. It will now come back to the House for concurrence on a technical amendment before it goes to Governor Kelly’s desk for her approval. Again, for those who don’t know the background behind this legislation it strengthens the penalties for child endangerment and aggravated child endangerment when the victim is under the age of six. I am sponsoring it because of the case of Benny Cannon who suffered lifelong disabilities after a daycare incident when he was four months old. Two daycare workers were found responsible after pleading guilty in court but received light sentences in my opinion considering the damage that was inflicted.

 

HB 2368 is a bill that I mentioned before that would allow for the licensure of Anesthesiology Assistants (AA) in Kansas. I have repeatedly opposed this bill because Kansas is already served by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists who possess a higher degree of training than their AA counterparts. The bill was voted down once this year but it was revived to be shot down with a motion to return it to committee. The motion pretty much kills the bill  because the last day for committees to meet has passed.

 

Another nursing related bill that we just voted on was SB 334 which lowers the minimum education level required to be an instructor in Kansas nursing schools. I have heard from people in the nursing profession who don’t like this bill because it doesn’t make for better trained nurses and that it could potentially jeopardize accreditation of their institutions. I was a no vote on that but it did pass by 81-43.

 

On to other news I am planning to hold some town hall meetings this spring with the first one being in Mulberry on April 13th at 6:30.  More details will be coming but I hope to see you there or at another event.  Until next time, Ad Astra Per Aspera.

Fort Scott

Fly the Flag Subscription Program Offered

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Friends of The Fort Scott National Historic Site

Show your patriotism in 2026 by participating in the

Fly the Flag Project hosted by the

Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Fly the Flag Program

For an annual subscription of $40, volunteers will place a 3′ x 5′ American flag on a 12-foot staff at participating homes or businesses within the Fort Scott city limits on five national holidays:

Memorial Day

Flag Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

The program makes it easy to proudly display the Stars and Stripes without the hassle of purchasing, installing, or storing a flag and pole. Volunteers place the flags in the morning and remove them before sunset in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code.

Applications for new subscriptions and renewals are available at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, and forms must be returned by March 31, 2026.

Proceeds from the Fly the Flag Project support programs at Fort Scott National Historic Site, including the Naturalization Ceremony, Candlelight Tour, Veterans Challenge Coins, and other special programs.

Help celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

and show your community pride by flying

the flag this year!

Click below to download a printable PDF of the Flag Project Agreement. Please bring or mail the completed form to the

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St.
Click here for Flag Project Agreement 
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Bourbon County, Health Care, K-State Extension

Understanding Ticks & Alpha-Gal Presentation Offered on March 23

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
K-State University Southwind Extension District

K-State University Southwind Extension District invites you!

Beyond the Bite: Understanding Ticks & Alpha-Gal

Because one bite can change a life.

Ticks are more than just a nuisance, they can carry diseases and in some cases, trigger long-term , life-altering health conditions, such as Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

Monday, March 23rd

6pm

@ Fort Scott Community College Ellis Meeting Rooms
2108 Horton St.

Call 620-244-3826

by March 20th to Register!

The program will feature two K-State experts:

Priscilla Brenes, MPH, Ph.D.

*How Alpha-Gal affects the body

Nutritional strategies for managing life with AGS

Raymond Cloyd, Ph.D

*Tick species, life cycles, and behavior

*Diseases associated with ticks

*Prevention and personal protection tips

Whether you spend time outdoors for work, recreation, or everyday life, this program offers practical, research-based information to help reduce risk and increase awareness.

Click HERE to visit the

Southwind Extension District

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

K-State Extension Southwind District

website!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Government, Kansas

KS Announces Program for Revitalizing Industrial/Manufacturing Buildings

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Pilot Commerce Grant to Support Renovating Industrial, Manufacturing Buildings

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the launch of the Industrial Renovation for Opportunity and New Economic Development (IRONED) pilot program, a funding opportunity designed to help rural Kansas communities revitalize underused industrial and manufacturing buildings and prepare them for new or expanding businesses.

A total of $200,000 in funding is available through IRONED for Kansas communities with a population of 50,000 or less. Grants up to $100,000 will support projects already in the planning phase that preserve and bring new economic activity to underutilized, vacant or dilapidated industrial and manufacturing facilities. The grants are intended to close financing gaps.

“There are plenty of industrial buildings throughout Kansas with the potential to support new business ventures if they can be brought back to productive use,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said, “By providing targeted support for renovation costs, Commerce can help rural communities move innovative projects across the finish line and start driving local economic growth.”

The IRONED program is administered by the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity at the Department of Commerce. The application window opens March 18 and will close at 5:00 p.m. June 17. Awards will be announced in August.

For those interested in applying for funding, there will be a webinar at 4:00 p.m. Monday, March 23. Registration is required (click here).

The Office of Rural Prosperity will host virtual Office Hours from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. April 16, May 14 and June 11. To sign up, click here.

For additional information about the IRONED program, 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.

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Obituary

Obituary of Edward Louis Eichenberger

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Edward Louis Eichenberger Obituary

Edward L. Eichenberger, known affectionately as Ed to his friends and family, left this world for his heavenly home on March 15, 2026, at the age of 58. He was born on November 20, 1967, in Ottawa, Kansas. Ed’s life was a testament to his unwavering faith, his joyous spirit, and his love for his family, community, and sports.

Ed’s journey began as the beloved son of Carl and Donna Maag Eichenberger, growing up with his brothers Bob, Jim, and Donnie. After graduating from Pomona High School, Ed served in the Kansas Army National Guard, and attended Ottawa University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. He furthered his education with a Master’s Degree in Health, Human Performance, and Recreation from Pittsburg State University.

On August 31, 1996, Ed married the love of his life, Julie Whitley, and together they embarked on a journey filled with love and laughter. They first made their home in Pleasanton, and later Fort Scott, before finally settling in Pittsburg, Kansas. Their union was blessed with two sons, Justin and Daniel.

Professionally, Ed’s career was as diverse as his interests. He worked at area waste management companies, driving school buses, as well as local parks and recreation departments. Ed was currently working for Pittsburg State University.

But it was on the fields and courts where Ed truly shined. As an official for football, basketball, and baseball, he not only enforced the rules but also imparted patience and wisdom to players, officials, and coaches alike. Ed enjoyed all things sports, including watching the Chiefs, Royals, Jayhawks and Wildcats.

A devout Christian, Ed lived his faith. Throughout his life, he served various roles within the church. He was currently attending the Family Life Assembly of God (FLAG) Church of Fort Scott where his son, Justin serves as campus pastor.

Ed is survived by his wife, Julie, of the home in Pittsburg; two sons, Justin of Fort Scott and Daniel and wife, Rebecca of Kansas City. Also surviving are his parents, Carl and Donna, his brother, Bob and wife, Roberta and his brother, Jim, all of Pomona. Ed was preceded in death by his brother, Donnie.

We celebrate the life of a man who was not just a loving husband, father, son, and brother but also a friend, and mentor to many. Edward L. Eichenberger, you have run the race, you have kept the faith, and now, you have claimed the ultimate victory. “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Your memory will forever be cherished.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 21st at Faith Church, 2203 Deer Road, Garland, Kansas, just south of Fort Scott on 69 Hwy. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Fulton, Kansas. The family will receive vistors from 5 to 7 P.M Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to FLAG Church Fort Scott and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

Victim assistance grant opportunities open for application

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TOPEKA – (March 18, 2026) – Six grant programs serving victims of crime across Kansas are open for application, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced today.

More than $2.3 million in grant funds were awarded last year from six state programs through the Office of the Attorney General. Funds are used to assist local and state crime victim assistance organizations across Kansas in providing direct services to crime victims, as well as in developing prevention programs to address violence.

Grant opportunities are open in the following programs:

Child Exchange and Visitation Center Program (CEVC) – This fund seeks to provide supervised child exchange and visitation to children and families at risk due to circumstances relating to domestic or family violence.

Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Fund (HTVAF) – This fund was established by the Legislature in 2013 (K.S.A. 75-758) to provide training regarding human trafficking for law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas, and to support the care, treatment and other services for victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of a child.

Child Abuse and Neglect (CVAF-CA) – This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of programs assisting child victims.

Crime Victims Assistance Fund (CVAF) – This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of programs assisting crime victims and establishing and maintaining new programs providing services to the victims of crimes.

State Protection from Abuse Fund (PFA) – This fund seeks to provide temporary emergency shelter for adult victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and their dependent children, counseling and assistance to those victims and their children, or educational services directed at reducing the incidence of domestic violence or sexual assault and diminishing its impact on victims.

Child Advocacy Center Fund (CAC): This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of Child Advocacy Centers.

More detailed information on the application process for each of the grant programs can be found at www.ag.ks.gov/divisions/victim-services/grant-programs. Applications will be accepted through the Grant Management System located on the website. The first step in the application process is due April 10, 2026.

Awards will be made this summer. These grant programs are administered by the attorney general’s Victim Services Division and the Victim Rights Coordinator.

 

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Kansas Attorney General’s Office | 120 SW 10th Ave. | Topeka, KS 66612 US
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

ARTEFFECT Competition Steps to Participate Submit Your Project!

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In Step 1, students selected an LMC Unsung Hero from the Directory. In Step 2, students reviewed the Rules and Guidelines for the Competition. In Step 3, students created an original work of art visually interpreting their selected LMC Unsung Hero. In Step 4, students wrote an Impact Statement about their Unsung Hero and artwork.

In Step 5, students submit their projects using the online portal!

Use this Submission Guide for a step-by-step overview. Once all information and materials are gathered, visit the Enter page to submit projects by April 21!
ARTEFFECT Competition Enter Page
TIP: Allow ample time to make a submission. Submissions are due April 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
ARTEFFECT Competition
Prize Categories
The annual juried competition offers over $35,000 in prizes across multiple categories for students in grades 6-12. All submissions are eligible for the Grand Prize of $6,000.

In addition to the top awards, the 2026 Competition has three Spotlight Prize Categories: Unsung Heroes, 3D, and Large Format (larger than 24×36 inches).

Spotlight Prize – Unsung Heroes: Browse the 10 Spotlight Unsung Heroes selected for the 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition: ‍Emile Berliner, ‍Emma Darling Cushman, Dr. Sidney Farber, Bela Ya’ari Hazan, Dr. Maurice Hilleman, Curt Lowens, Lt. Col. Tran Ngoc Hue, Dr. Frances Kelsey, Marie Tharp, and Carl Wilkens.

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. Learn more about the prizes.
Download Prize Categories Flyer
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Cheryl Lunger, a retired Drawing & Painting Teacher from LaVilla School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida.

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 Cheryl’s Capstone Project report:

“My capstone project centered around passing the torch to the teacher of record, as I have retired. I worked virtually with the teacher until I was able to make weekly progress meetings with students.”

Congratulations to Cheryl and her students at LaVilla School of the Arts for multiple years of incredible and award-winning ARTEFFECT projects!

Read more about Cheryl’s capstone project
Check out these artworks by Cheryl’s students currently on display at the ARTEFFECT Gallery at MCAAD in Washington, D.C.
JOIN THE GROWING COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS:
ARTEFFECT Educators Facebook Group
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
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Government, Kansas

Spring into a New Career at Upcoming Weekend Virtual Job Fair on March 27

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Feeling Lucky? Spring into a New Career at Upcoming Weekend 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 year’s first Weekend Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, starting from 8:00 a.m., Friday, March 27 through to 5:00 p.m., Sunday March 29.

“As spring starts to roll in, so are new career opportunities — and they’re showing up all across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Whether you’re a company looking to expand your staff — or a jobseeker looking for a new career — we have something for you right here in the Sunflower State.”

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.

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Bourbon County

KS Top Group For Wreaths Across America Announced

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Wreaths Across America
  Wreaths Across America has announced that the local organization, Friends of Fort Scott National Cemetery, has been ranked #1 Sponsorship Group in Kansas for 2025.  There are 80 registered Wreaths Across America locations in Kansas, with a total of 41,672 veteran graves honored in Kansas in 2025.
     The hard work and dedication of this fundraising and sponsorship group made it possible to honor and remember each veteran at Fort Scott National Cemetery with a live balsam wreath last December 17.  Diann Tucker and Mika Milburn, location coordinators for Fort Scott National Cemetery and group organizers for Friends of Fort Scott National Cemetery, want to thank this amazing community for their part in this achievement.  Tucker said this achievement and the success of our local organization’s effort is only possible with the support of our community, and it is truly appreciated.
     You are invited to help again this year as a sponsor.  For more information contact Diann Tucker, 620-224-7054, or Mika Milburn, 620-223-6700.
Fort Scott

Fort Scott Flight of Honor “Come Fly With Us” Gala is March 28

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Honor Flight

Tickets are still available for the

Fort Scott Flight of Honor

“Come Fly With Us” Gala

Organizers invite the community to join them for a meaningful evening honoring our local veterans.

Saturday, March 28, 2026

6:00 – 9:00 pm

@ The River Room Event Center

3 W. Oak Street, Fort Scott, KS

This inaugural gala will raise funds to help send local veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where they will have the opportunity to visit the memorials built in their honor.

Guests will enjoy an evening that includes:

• Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks

• Live music and entertainment

• A live auction and silent auction featuring many great items donated by local businesses

• A chance to support an incredible mission honoring those who served our country

Ticket Pricing:

• $25 – Advance Tickets

• $30 – At the Door

• $200 – Table for 8

Tickets are available online by clicking the button below, or they can be picked up at the

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!

Community members are encouraged to reserve their seats soon and join in supporting this important effort to recognize and honor our veterans.

Thank you for helping make this inaugural Flight of Honor mission possible.

Click HERE to visit the

Fort Scott Flight of Honor

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

Fort Scott Flight of Honor

Donation Page

website!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

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

620-223-3566

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

Bourbon County Local News