Obituary

Obituary of John Sargent “Shadow” Farr, Jr.

Leave a comment

John Sargent “Shadow” Farr, Jr., age 56, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at his home. He was born May 7, 1969, in Orange County, California, the son of John Sargent Farr, Sr. and Lonnie Kay Kieffaver Farr. John lived in California until the age of twelve when the family packed up and moved to Alabama. He served for a time with the United States Marine Corps and later moved to Ft. Scott to be close to his family. He had worked as a cook in California and he had also worked for National Tire in Kansas City and Wal-Mart in Butler, Missouri; however, the job he enjoyed the most was when he was working as a fugitive recovery agent for the State of Kansas. “Shadow” as he was called by his friends had a knack for electronics and spent much of his spare time repairing cell phones, computers and gaming systems. For a time, he operated Shadow Car Audio installing car stereo systems. He will be remembered for his willingness to always help others who were in need, no matter when or where they might be in need.

Survivors include his mother, Lonnie Day, of Ft. Scott and his children, Krystal Wisdom, Trevor Stroud, Isaac Farr, Nicholas Farr, Raven Farr, David Farr, Taylor Henderson, Angel Farr, Kassandra Farr, Tiara Farr and Haley Henley as well as numerous grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Felicia and Angella and an adopted brother, Donald Stump.

Cremation was handled by Cheney Witt Chapel, and no services are planned at this time. Memorials are suggested to the John “Shadow” Farr, Jr. Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

K-State Extension

50 Years of Herbicide Resistance in Kansas: How We Got Here and What’s Next By Lonnie Mengarelli

Leave a comment
Lonnie Mengarelli. Submitted photo.

50 Years of Herbicide Resistance in Kansas: How We Got Here and What’s Next

By Lonnie Mengarelli Ag and Natural Resources Agent – Southwind District

This year marks 50 years since Kansas documented its first herbicide-resistant weed. That 1976 discovery—triazine-resistant kochia along railroad rights-of-way—seemed like an isolated case at the time. Today, herbicide resistance is one of the most serious challenges facing Kansas farmers. As we recognize this anniversary, it’s worth looking back at how resistance evolved, where we stand now, and what it will take to manage it moving forward.

Herbicide resistance is the ability of a weed population to survive an herbicide dose that would normally kill it. This is different from herbicide tolerance, which is a weed’s natural, built-in ability to withstand a certain herbicide.

Resistance develops when herbicide use selects for rare genetic traits that allow certain plants to survive and reproduce. Over time, those traits become more common in the field.

Kochia set the stage for herbicide resistance problems in Kansas. After atrazine-resistant kochia was identified in 1976, resistance spread rapidly thanks to the plant’s tumbling growth habit and widespread use of triazine herbicides in crop fields.

Another milestone came in 1987, when kochia populations resistant to ALS-inhibiting herbicides (Group 2) were confirmed. Since then, kochia has added resistance to dicamba and fluroxypyr (Group 4) and glyphosate (Group 9), making it one of the most challenging weeds in the High Plains.

Palmer amaranth and waterhemp—two aggressive pigweed species—have become the state’s most notorious resistant weeds.

Palmer amaranth resistance to Group 2 herbicides was identified in 1993, and the species has since developed resistance to at least six herbicide groups. Palmer amaranth is the only Kansas weed with documented resistance to HPPD herbicides (Group 27), and resistance to Group 15 herbicides has been confirmed just south of the Kansas border. More recently, dicamba-resistant Palmer amaranth was identified for the first time.

Waterhemp has a similar story. By 1995, Kansas populations were already resistant to both Group 2 and Group 5 herbicides, and glyphosate resistance followed in 2006. Both Palmer amaranth and waterhemp are dioecious, meaning they cross-pollinate readily—and that genetic shuffling speeds up the spread of resistance traits.

As of 2025, 16 weed species in Kansas have confirmed herbicide resistance. Thirteen of these are broadleaf weeds; three are grasses. Many are winter annuals that emerge in the fall and cause problems the following spring.

The largest number of resistant species—13—is associated with Group 2 herbicides. Glyphosate resistance (Group 9) ranks second, with six resistant species identified.

The busiest years for new resistance confirmations were 2013 and 2021, each with six new cases. Only two new cases have been added since 2021, but researchers caution that this does not signal a slowdown—only that resistance often goes undetected for several years before being confirmed.

Herbicide resistance will continue to evolve. It is a natural biological process, but it is accelerated when the same herbicide modes of action are used repeatedly. Kansas farmers have faced this steady march for five decades, and the path forward will require more than relying on new chemistry.

The most effective long-term strategy is integrated weed management—diversifying herbicide programs, incorporating cultural and mechanical practices, and reducing seed production by surviving weeds. More details on these strategies will be covered in a follow-up article.

Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720

 K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Reference:
Heap, I. 2025. International Herbicide-Resistant Weed Database.

For additional information, see the 2025 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, and Noncropland or contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.

Patrick Geier, Weed Scientist, Garden City
Yasir Parrey, Assistant Scientist, Weed Extension Lab
Sarah Lancaster, Extension Weed Management Specialist

Uncategorized

Agenda for the USD 234 Board of Education On December 8

Leave a comment

 

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

December 08, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                                                      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

                                    11-10-25

            4.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – November 20, 2025 – $1,830,914.79

4.5       Activity Funds Accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

4.7       December 2025 KASB Policy Updates

4.8       FSHS Baseball Fundraising

5.0       Counselors – Kansas Star Recognition Award

6.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

7.0       New Business

            7.1       CTE Equipment for Patterson Grant

7.2       Architect Services Agreement – High Jackson Associates

          7.3       Pre-school Playground Project Bid Proposals

7.4       Heavy Duty Work Truck Bids

7.5       Community Green Farms MOU

7.6       Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Agreement (2026-2030)                   

 

8.0       Public Forum

9.0       Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________

9.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

9.2       Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

9.3       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

10.0     Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President

 

 

Elections, Government

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter

Leave a comment
Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

With the end of the year swiftly approaching, Congress is working to finish legislation that will be helpful for Kansans.

Rep. Derek Schmidt (KS-2) speaking in support of the Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act (H.R. 2965) and DUMP Red Tape Act (H.R. 4305). Click to watch each floor speech.

As a member of the House Committee on Small Business and the Main Street Caucus, I was pleased to join my House colleagues in passing two bills I cosponsored that will work to cut burdensome regulations for small businesses across the country. The Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act (H.R. 2965) and DUMP Red Tape Act (H.R. 4305) are two common sense bills that will help small businesses thrive and get government out of the way to allow businesses to focus on best serving their customers.

On Thursday, I partnered with Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) to introduce the National Strategy for Combatting Scams Act (H.R. 6425). Our bill would require coordination among the numerous federal agencies that have jurisdiction over different aspects of fraud and scam prevention. It would also would require federal agencies to improve anti-scam coordination with state and local authorities. As a former attorney general, nothing makes my blood boil more than individuals who take advantage of stealing billions of dollars each year from vulnerable Americans. I also cosponsored the STOP Scams Against Seniors Act (H.R. 6426), which would authorize federal grants to establish Elder Justice Task Forces to help local, state, and federal agencies work together to investigate and prosecute scammers. To recognize the consistent work needed to combat scams, I also cosponsored H.Res.931 which would designate December 4 as “National Scam Prevention Day.”

As we approach the holiday season, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue delivering for the American people. Congress still has work to do, and I am ready to serve the needs of Kansans.
Constituent Services

My team stands ready to help Kansans in the Second Congressional District who are dealing with unresolved federal issues. This includes assistance with the VA, Social Security, the IRS, and other federal agencies.

 

If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency and need assistance, please call my office at (785) 205-5253 or fill out the form on our website.
Visiting with Kansans

I always appreciate the opportunity to visit with Kansans in Washington. This week, I sat down with a group of teachers from Topeka West High School before their Capitol tour, met with the Montgomery County Administrator and Emergency Management Director, and spoke with two students from Wichita State University in D.C. presenting their research. Thank you all for stopping by!

As always, my office is here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Be sure to also follow me on social media at the links below for timely updates from my office.

 

It’s a tremendous honor to represent our Second Congressional District in Congress!

Sincerely,

Derek Schmidt

Member of Congress

Washington D.C. Office
1223 Longworth

House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Topeka Office

3550 SW 5th St.

Suite B

Topeka, KS 66606

Pittsburg Office

402 North Broadway St.

Suite B

Pittsburg, KS  66762
Obituary

Obituary of Bonnie Geiger

Leave a comment

Bonnie Geiger, 93, of Garland, Kansas, passed away Thursday morning, December 4, 2025, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott, Kansas. She was born October 4, 1932, on the homestead in Redfield, Kansas, the daughter of Ralph A. Bolinger and Janie Frances (Asher) Bolinger. She married Dale Geiger November 16, 1952, in the Petersburg Presbyterian church, and he preceded her in death October 13, 2020, after almost 68 years of marriage.

Bonnie graduated from Uniontown High School. She worked for The Western Insurance Co. as an Insurance Underwriter for many years, and she and Dale also farmed.

Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Joyce Jennings, of Mound City, Kansas, her son Steve Geiger, of Uniontown, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband Dale, she was also preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Virginia Dare, and a brother, Darrell Bolinger.

Pastor Marty DeWitt will officiate graveside services at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Uniontown Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Medicalodge Activity Fund and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Fort Scott National Historic Site

44th Annual Candlelight Tour Tickets on Sale Now

Leave a comment

                         Be an Active Part of History this Holiday Season

 

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Tickets are now on sale for the 44th Annual Candlelight Tour at Fort Scott National Historic Site, set for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5–6, 2025.

 

Tickets are available online at fofs.ludus.com for $5 per person; children 5 and under are free. Tickets are non-refundable. Early purchase is recommended, as the event frequently sells out.

 

The 45-minute guided tours depart every 15 minutes, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and 5 to 8:45 p.m. Saturday, and end in the Grand Hall with warm drinks and snacks provided by the Friends of Fort Scott NHS. Visitors should arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, check in and get oriented. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, as the tours are outdoors and follow paved sidewalks.

 

This year’s program, “Comfort and Joy in Fort Scott,” explores the celebrations, large and small, that helped build morale at the fort. 1,000 candle lanterns will illuminate the site as reenactors, including you, bring the 19th-century Fort Scott to life.

 

“Each year, the Candlelight Tour gives visitors a chance to not just observe history, but to walk through it,” said Jill Jaworski, superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site. “It’s a special opportunity to experience the warmth, resilience and community spirit that defined Fort Scott.”

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s exhibit areas and visitor center are open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset. Admission to the park is free.

 

For more information, call 620-223-0310, visit www.nps.gov/fosc, or follow the park on www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS and Instagram www.instagram.com/fortscottnps.

 

 

 

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Opinion

A Choice I Choose by Patty LaRoche

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

A Choice I Choose by Patty LaRoche

Dan’s wife, Sandy, told me that she never has seen her husband “not happy.” I could understand that if they had been married for one or two days, but eighteen years after saying, “I do,” my friend shared this with me.  I asked Dan how he did it.

“Why would I choose not to be happy?” he said.  “There’s always something to be happy about.”

Dave, my husband, and I have been around Dan and Sandy multiple times.  This past week, they flew here to Kansas to hang with us.  No matter what we were doing–touring, playing competitive games or having deep discussions–Dan was delightful.  And always, always happy.

Recently, while my cleaning lady was sharing some difficulties she is having, she said this: “Sometimes, I forget to be happy.”  Clearly, God is telling me something.

After all, happiness is a choice, so why would I ever opt for the alternative?  Maybe because there’s always a reason not to be happy.  Health.  Finances.  Shame.  Guilt.  The grumpy, selfish neighbor.  A friend’s betrayal.  A broken lawn mower.  Lost keys.  Weight gain. Boring retirement.

You get the picture.  Daily, we are given opportunities not to see the blessings amongst the difficulties, yet we fail to seek the good.   Serious stuff.

There is a story about an elderly man who immigrated to the United States from one of the Communist bloc countries of Eastern Europe. After his papers were processed he found his way to a New York cafeteria where he sat down and waited for someone to bring him a menu and take his order. No one came. Eventually a woman with a full tray of food approached, realized the old man’s dilemma, and explained how American cafeterias work.

“Start at the beginning,” she said kindly. “Look at all the choices that are available, decide what you want, and just reach out and take it. When you get to the end, you’ll be told how much you must pay for the things that you’ve chosen.”

After he had settled into his new home, he made this observation: “Life in America is a lot like that New York cafeteria. The options are endless, but you’ll never get what you want if you sit around and wait for someone to deliver it. Anything is possible (a job, education, a home, a car) but you have to be willing to get up and go after it. And in the end, you have to pay the price of your choices.”

I would add that these choices are not only about the material goods we acquire but also the attitudes and beliefs that dominate our thoughts. Psalm 144:15, although brief, tells us how to acquire that happiness: “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.” Just how do we make that happen?   “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

Someone once said, “Being happy doesn’t mean everything’s perfect.  It means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.”  Our choice…and a choice I need to choose.

How about you?

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Every Story You Help Us Uncover Can Change a Life.

Leave a comment
 

View this email in your browser

December 5, 2025

Vol. 14

Your generosity reaches even more classrooms.

Follow Along for More Inspiring Stories

Stay connected as we share more interviews with Discovery Award-winning students and educators, introduce new Unsung Heroes, and celebrate the projects bringing history to life.
Facebook icon
Instagram icon
Twitter icon
Email icon
Website icon
LinkedIn icon
TikTok icon

 

 

 

 
Area News, Health Care

NRMC Welcomes Neurologist

Leave a comment

 

Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Thomas Zabiega to our team of specialty physicians.  Dr. Zabiega is Board Certified in Neurology and completed his residency at the University of Chicago Hospitals.  He has over 20 years’ experience and can provide care for the following:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Brain injuries
  • Epilepsy
  • Headaches (including migraines)
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Nerve disorders
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Stroke related issues

 

Dr. Zabiega will provide services one week a month and his office will be located in the Specialty Clinic at NRMC.  He is accepting new patients and self-referrals are welcome.  Appointments can be made by calling 417-448-2121.

 

###

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda Packet for the Uniontown City Council for December 9

Leave a comment

Agenda for the Uniontown City Council for December 9 at 7 p.m.

ROLL CALL:  ___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett

 ___ Bradley Stewart

2025 Financials -November

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Memorial Stone Design

 

Stone Replacement in the Park

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of November 11, 2025 Regular Meeting
  2. November Treasurers Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & December Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

 

Clerk Report:  Haley Arnold

Municipal Court Update/Codes Update

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

FEMA Flooding–

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by _____________, Second by   __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Unapproved Minutes of the November 11 Uniontown City Council

The Regular Council Meeting on November 11, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Michael Ramsey, Joe George, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Moved by Stewart, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to approve Ordinance No. 207, Vacating Alley between Lots 4, 5, 12 and 13, Block 2, Well’s Addition of the City of Uniontown, Kansas.

 

Discussion of memorial stone design and installation.  Further thought and research will be discussed at a later date.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Joe George commented of two habitual dogs running at large.  Citation will be issued to the owner of the dogs at large.

 

Michael Ramsey asked about official election results.  At this time, no final election results have been released.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson presented the October 2025 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $226,781.89, Receipts $34,948.70, Transfers Out $3,024.00, Expenditures $38,944.50, Checking Account Closing Balance $219,762.09. Bank Statement Balance $225,361.81, including Checking Account Interest of $49.67, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $5,599.72, Reconciled Balance $219,762.09.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,501.14, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $23,159.28, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $45,414.89, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $326,837.40. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $578.48, and Utility CDs $1,920.63 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,449.11.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2025, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00, for Total Transfers of $3,024.00.  Net Loss for the month of October $7,019.80, Year-to-Date Net Loss $44,101.65.  Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $107,340.87 (79.7%), Expenditures $103,176.20 (67.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $29,485.11 (79.2%), Expenditures $35,208.17 (76.3%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $95,286.09 (76.9%), Expenditures $101,689.36 (63.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $154,613.74 (103.3%), Expenditures $204,046.64 (95.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,101.28 (111.6%), Expenditures $5,166.76 (71.2%).  The October 2025 payables to date in the amount of $26,571.99 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting
  • October Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & November Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported 301 2nd St. had been cleaned up and in compliance.  101 Washington has had no change since last meeting, a citation had previously been issued and awaiting court date.  401 Sherman not in compliance after phone call was made to property owner, citation will be issued to the individuals residing on the property and one will be mailed to property owner.

 

City Superintendent Bobby Rich had nothing to report.

 

Clerk Arnold informed the council that the 3-50amp 240 volt outlets had been installed in the park.

 

 

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – Invited any volunteers to install Christmas lights in the park the weekend before Thanksgiving

Councilwoman Pritchett – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

SEED Grant –  Close out paperwork has been submitted and accepted.  Treasurer Johnson has made substantial progress on the library.

 

FEMA Flooding–  Once an invoice from Marbery Concrete is received for the remainder of the project, it will be submitted for review.  Invoice is due before mid-January.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:45PM.

No action from executive session.

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn

Area News

New Community Foundation of SEK Operations/Donor Support Coordinator

Leave a comment

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.

 

Bourbon County Local News