Cold Weather Rule and LIEAP application period end soon
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Bourbon County CASA is currently in need of volunteers
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FSCC’s Annual Women’s Free Luncheon is April 16
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The Kansas Water Authority (KWA) will meet April 8,
Kansas Water Authority Meeting in Great Bend |
April 8, Camp Aldrich Dining & Events Center |
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The Kansas Water Authority (KWA) will meet Wednesday, April 8, 2026, outside of Great Bend at the Camp Aldrich Dining and Events Center located at 884 NE 110 Ave, Claflin, KS 67525. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. For additional meeting information and the online meeting link, visit the Kansas Water Office website calendar at kwo.ks.gov or call (785) 296-3185. The KWA is responsible for advising the Governor, Legislature and Director of the Kansas Water Office on water policy issues. They also ensure that water policies and programs address the needs of all Kansans as well as serve as advisors of the Kansas Water Plan. The KWA was established in 1981 and consists of 13 voting members who are appointed by the Governor or Legislative leadership. State agency directors serve as ex-officio members. If accommodations are needed for a person with disabilities, please notify the Kansas Water Office at 900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 404, Topeka, KS 66611-1249 or call (785) 296-3185 at least five working days prior to the meeting. |
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Note to Editor: The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101), requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages. |
Bids & Dibs Hosts Chamber Coffee on March 26
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Newsletter of Lowell Milken Center for March 25, 2026
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Discovery Award project deadline: July 1
Learn more and access submission information:
620-223-1312
Do you know an educator or student who would love this opportunity?
Inspiring educators visiting inspiring stories.
Higher Learning Commission Commends FSCC Faculty for Academic Assessment
Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) is pleased to announce that the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) recognized the college’s efforts in improving the academic assessment process. HLC is an accreditation agency for over 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States. Following a comprehensive peer review in October 2025, HLC commended FSCC for implementing a “systemic, integrated, organized, collaborative and structured approach to academic assessment.”
FSCC faculty transformed academic assessment into a robust, data-informed process for improved student outcomes. Another key to success is the innovative use of a data analytics program and the Learning Management System (LMS) as a centralized repository for collaborative assessment reports, which provide insights guiding instructional strategies for improved student learning outcomes.
The HLC Peer Review Team noted the scope of FSCC’s strategy that ensures quality across student learning experiences. Per HLC’s report, “FSCC developed a comprehensive assessment plan which describes the process for assessing student learning outcomes at the institutional, general education, program/department, course, and co-curricular level.”
The HLC Institutional Action Council (IAC) continued and reaffirmed the accreditation of Fort Scott Community College with interim monitoring with the next Reaffirmation of Accreditation in 2035-2036.
HLC’s recognition confirms FSCC’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable education, meeting the needs of students and community through academic, technical, and occupational programs to prepare students for a global workforce.
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FSCC Expands Commercial Driver’s License Training to Miami County Campus
Fort Scott, KS – Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) is expanding its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program to the FSCC Miami County Campus, with the first class scheduled to begin in March 2026. Enrollment is now open.
The expansion follows the successful re-establishment of the CDL program at the Fort Scott campus in 2025 and is part of the college’s continued commitment to workforce development and addressing the regional and national shortage of professional truck drivers.
The six-week training program prepares students to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License and enter high-demand careers in the transportation and logistics industry. Students receive classroom instruction, range practice, and behind-the-wheel driving experience using industry-standard equipment while meeting all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.
“This expansion allows us to bring career training directly to more students and employers in our service area,” said J.D. Handly, CDL Instructor. “The trucking industry is essential to our economy, and employers need safe, well-trained drivers. Our goal is to remove barriers and provide a clear pathway to a strong, well-paying career.”
Graduates of the program may qualify for positions in local, regional, and over-the-road trucking, as well as employment with construction companies, agriculture operations, and municipal fleets. Many employers offer tuition assistance, sign-on bonuses, and immediate job placement opportunities.
The FSCC CDL program emphasizes safety, compliance, and real-world driving skills. Students train on modern tractor-trailer equipment and receive instruction from experienced industry professionals. The FSCC CDL Training Program offers a variety of options: Class A or Class B CDL, Manual or Automatic transmissions, as well as additional training options with Passenger, School Bus, HazMat, Tanker and Doubles/Triples endorsements.
The Miami County expansion increases training accessibility for residents of Paola, Osawatomie, Louisburg, and surrounding communities while supporting regional employers seeking qualified drivers.
Classes are limited in size to maximize behind-the-wheel training time. Interested students are encouraged to enroll early.
For enrollment information or to apply, contact Fort Scott Community College at (620) 223-2700 or visit www.fortscott.edu.
Fort Scott Community College to Host 49th Annual Aggie Day on March 27
Fort Scott Community College will welcome nearly 1,500 high school students from across the four-state region for its 49th Annual Aggie Day, taking place on Friday, March 27, 2026.
This long-standing tradition remains one of the largest and most impactful agriculture education events in the region.
Students representing Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas will compete in a variety of Career Development Events (CDE) designed to build leadership skills, technical knowledge, and career readiness. These contests include entomology, agricultural speech, floriculture, meat evaluation, livestock judging, poultry evaluation, milk quality and products, veterinary science, food science, farm management, and nursery landscape.
Registration for the event will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in Arnold Arena on the west side of the FSCC campus, with competitions running throughout the day across multiple campus locations.
“Aggie Day is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity for students to experience agriculture at a higher level and see the many career paths available to them,” said Conner Vernon, FSCC Agriculture Instructor and Livestock Judging Coach. “We enjoy watching students apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and take pride in creating an environment where they can grow, compete, and connect with others who share similar interests.”
Sara Sutton, FSCC Agriculture Department Chair, emphasized the broader impact of the event. “Aggie Day is one of the most rewarding days of the year for our department. Hosting nearly 1,500 students on our campus provides a unique opportunity to showcase not only our agriculture programs, but the college as a whole. These students represent future leaders in many different fields, and we are proud to give them a hands-on, high-quality experience that reflects what FSCC has to offer.”
While rooted in agriculture, Aggie Day attracts a diverse group of students with interests that extend beyond the agricultural industry, including science, business, communications, and technical fields. The event provides students with exposure to a college campus environment while highlighting Fort Scott Community College’s commitment to hands-on learning and workforce development.
The success of Aggie Day is made possible through the collaboration of FSCC agriculture faculty and students, college employees, and area FFA advisors, extension agents, and 4-H leaders who assist in coordinating and hosting the contests.
Fort Scott Community College is proud to continue this 49-year tradition and remains committed to supporting the development of the next generation of leaders through experiential learning opportunities.
For more information about Aggie Day or FSCC Agriculture programs, please contact the Fort Scott Community College Agriculture Department.
Small Business Grants For Registered Apprenticeships Awarded
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| Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor: |
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Bids & Dibs Recognized as Family-Friendly Workplace in Fort Scott
Bids & Dibs, the largest resale boutique in Kansas, will be recognized as a Family-Friendly Workplace during a special event on Thursday, March 26 at 8:00 a.m.
“Dana Book from the Kansas Children’s Service League will be at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee in the morning,” said Angela Simon, owner Bids & Dibs. “I believe he is also going to present information on some grant funding opportunities for local businesses. This might be something of public interest.”
The Family-Friendly Workplace recognition is presented through the Kansas Power of the Positive (KPOP) coalition and Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL), honoring employers who are committed to creating supportive environments for employees and families across Kansas, according to a press release from Simon.
Founded in 2012, Bids & Dibs has grown into a thriving community-centered business offering consignment, retail, and online sales while fostering a welcoming and supportive workplace culture.
“Family-friendly workplaces are essential to building strong businesses and strong communities,” said Simon. “Bids & Dibs exemplifies what it means to value employees not just as workers, but as people with families, responsibilities, and lives beyond the workplace.”
Through participation in the Family-Friendly Workplace initiative, Bids & Dibs has demonstrated a commitment to listening to employees and implementing practices that support work-life balance, employee well-being, and a positive organizational culture.
The Kansas Power of the Positive, supported by KCSL and partners across the state, promotes strategies that help organizations build safe, stable, and nurturing environments—both at home and in the workplace.
Community members, partners, and local leaders are invited to attend the recognition event and celebrate this milestone with the Bids & Dibs team.
About Bids & Dibs
Bids & Dibs is a Fort Scott-based consignment boutique offering clothing, accessories, home goods, and more for the whole family. Known for its strong community focus and customer-centered approach, the business has become a leader in retail resale across Kansas.
About Kansas Power of the Positive
Kansas Power of the Positive is a statewide coalition focused on strengthening communities by promoting positive experiences, supportive environments, and prevention-based strategies that improve outcomes for children and families.
About Kansas Children’s Service League
Kansas Children’s Service League is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the well-being of children and families through education, prevention, and community-based services.