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Revised Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission
Kiwanis Pioneers for their 37th Annual Chili Feed Tuesday, Nov 18th, 2025 11am-1:30pm and 4-6pm
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Obituary of Billy Joe Cowan
Billy Joe Cowan, 95, originally of Devon, Kansas and later of Nevada, Missouri, passed away November 10, 2025, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport, North Carolina. He was born in Walnut, Kansas April 11, 1930, the son of Charles Oscar and Grace Olive Boileau Cowan. He married Norma Jean Riggs on August 12, 1951. She preceded him in death on September 21, 2021. His son, Phillip Cowan, also preceded him in death August 8, 2022.
He is survived by his daughter, Diana Cowan, Beaufort, North Carolina, daughter-in-law, Lisa Walker Cowan, Tulsa, OK, grandsons Zachary, Tulsa, OK, and Seth (Lizbeth), Houston, TX. Additionally, he is survived by great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Haidyn, and Camdyn, sister, Chalene Bruns, and several nieces and nephews.
Bill owned and operated a service station and tire business in Devon, Kansas for several years. Later he sold cars and eventually he sold insurance. He was a member of both Devon Masonic Lodge and Ft. Scott Scottish Rite. He was a member of Devon and Nevada United Methodist Churches.
Services for Bill Cowan will be at 1:00 p.m., November 21, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home in Fort Scott. Burial will follow at the Centerville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, or the SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House, 100 Big Rock Weigh, Newport, NC 28570. Friends and Family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports November 18
NRMC Foundation Tree of Shining Memories
Where Every Life is Extraordinary & Honored as Sacred
The holiday season is a time to take pause, come together, and create memories with those around us. The NRMC Foundation Tree of Shining Memories provides a unique opportunity for our community members to come together and honor the special people in their lives by participating in this annual tribute ceremony. By doing so, participants are also supporting a worthy cause that will strengthen the quality of healthcare services provided to the community by Nevada Regional Medical Center.
The Tree of Shining Memories program began in the early 2000’s as a way to benefit Hospice services. It has continued through the Foundation for nearly twenty five years. NRMC Foundation Director Jennifer Eaton said, “the holidays are a natural time to think about family and loved ones who are no longer with us. The Tree of Shining Memories is a great way to honor their memory in a positive and meaningful way.”
The sparkling lights of the Tree of Shining Memories honor the memory of our loved ones as their legacy continues to shine. Lights can be purchased from the NRMC Foundation for $10. Registration forms are available at the hospital information desk, clinic lobbies, or can be printed off the hospital website at www.nrmchealth.com/tosm. The names will be displayed in the lobby of the hospital throughout the month of December. Those received by Monday, December 15th will also be printed in the holiday edition of the Nevada Daily Mail Saturday, December 20th.
An evening of remembrance will take place on Friday, December 5th in the hospital lobby at 5:15 pm. Eaton noted “family and friends are welcome to gather for this special naming and lighting ceremony. We are moving this ceremony inside at the hospital this year so that attendees can appreciate this reading of solitude in a climate controlled environment and still have time to return to the square to enjoy the annual Christmas parade afterwards.”
EVENING OF REMEMBRANCE
Friday, December 5th
NRMC Main Lobby
Reading to begin at 5:15 p.m.
For further information about the Tree of Shining Memories, call the NRMC Foundation at 417-448-3710.
Voice Your Opinion on the Atmos Energy Rate Increase Request
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44th Annual Candlelight Tour Tickets on Sale Now
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.
-NPS-
Credit Photo as: NPS Photo
Christmas Party To Improve Bourbon County Fairgrounds Cloverleaf Event Center Is December 12
Local businesses are joining together for a Christmas Party to raise money for improvements to the Cloverleaf Event Center at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, on South Horton Street in Fort Scott.
Cohn’s Cafe on Main Street will cater the event. A tasting menu will include: Bourbon Maple Burger Sliders, Bacon-wrapped Chicken Bites, Meatballs in Marinara, Twice-Baked, BBQ Brisket Potato, Spinach Dip and Chips, and a Seasonal Soup.
The menu will feature locally sourced products. Blue Dog Wine Company will be providing wine samples that pair with the menu.
For those who do not prefer wine, Mmm Flavor Shop will have a Tea Bar with a variety of herbal and black teas. Mmm Flavor Shop will also have a Spiced Up Dessert Bar.
These desserts will be easy to replicate at home. Some of the offerings will be Saffron Coconut Cake, Spicy Brownies, and Chai Angel Food Cake.
Sunshine Boutique will be having a Christmas Centerpiece Class to start the evening. Attendees can also make a customized pen with WriteOn!.
This event will be Friday, December 12th starting at 6 pm. Tickets are $75 and will be available for purchase until November 30th. You can reserve your tickets at the included link.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports November 17
Agenda Packet for the Fort Scott Community College on November 17, This Evening
To view the total packet:11.17.25 Consent Agenda
November 17, 2025
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
November 17, 2025. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
BOARD PRAYER
MISSION STATEMENT
Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and diversity that
provides affordable academic, technical and occupational programs to meet student needs while fostering a
mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Recognitions and Retirements, 4
PROGRAM REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 9
A. Approval of Agenda, 9
Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on October 20, 2025 and Special
Meeting conducted October 17, 2025, 10
B. Approval Treasurer’s Report, 13
C. Approval of Personnel Actions, 9
ACTION ITEMS, 24
A. Consideration of Alcohol Policy Exception, 24
B. Consideration of Cheerleading Proposal, 25
C. Consideration of Soccer Proposal, 27
CORRESPONDENCE AND TRUSTEE COMMENTS, 32
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 35
ADJOURNMENT, 361
November 14, 2025 Board Workshop
November 17, 2025 Board Meeting
December 12, 2025 Board Workshop
December 15, 2025 Board Meeting
January 23, 2026 Board Workshop
January 26, 2026 (Changed from January 19 due to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) Board Meeting
February 13, 2026 Board Workshop
February 16, 2026 Board Meeting
March 13, 2026* adjusted for spring break Board Workshop
March 23, 2026 (Changed from March 16 due to spring break) Board Meeting
April 17, 2026 Board Workshop
April 20, 2026 Board Meeting
May 14, 2026* adjusted for graduation Board Workshop
May 18, 2026 Board Meeting
June 11, 2026* adjusted for summer schedule Board Workshop
June 15, 2026 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Dr. Jack Welch, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:2
ROLL CALL
_____ Ronda Bailey
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Chad McKinnis
_____ Doug Ropp
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. RECOGNITIONS AND RETIREMENTS
Math Relays
Greyhound Student Leadership Organization
PROGRAM REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES
A. MARKETING PLAN REVIEW
B. PLEASANTON CAMPUS UPDATE4
President’s Update to the Board of Trustees
November 2025
Community colleges across the country are rethinking how they grow. In a time of limited
budgets, shifting student demographics, and rising competition, adding a new athletic or
academic program isn’t just about filling schedules, it’s about long-term sustainability. The
institutions that thrive are those that plan with purpose. I’d like to share some updates and
reflections from Greyhound Nation.
Academic and Program Development
The first step in program growth is simple but often overlooked: research the community.
Successful colleges study local high schools, club participation, and workforce data before
adding programs. They talk to parents, coaches, employers, and students to learn what truly
sparks interest. Without that groundwork, even the best-intentioned programs risk falling flat.
As part of our continued community engagement, two events are further strengthening our
connections:
• Town Hall Meeting: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 5:45–6:45 p.m. in the Ellis Building
Auditorium on the Fort Scott Campus. We received several good ideas from our
community about things to add at FSCC.
• John Deere Program Open House: Friday, November 14, 2025, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at
the John Deere Tech Building
When adding programs, cost analysis is critical. Each new program carries hidden expenses,
facilities, equipment, salaries, insurance, travel, and maintenance. I want to commend Ben Souza
and Jared Wheeler for their excellent presentation outlining these factors in a clear, data-driven
matrix.
A smart strategic approach, as Jared noted, is to identify a niche rather than competing directly
with nearby universities. Community colleges thrive when they specialize in programs that fill
unmet needs, strengthening both recruitment and institutional identity.
Equally important is involving faculty and staff from the beginning. Those closest to our students
often hold the best insights. When included from concept to implementation, the result is
stronger programs and deeper collaboration.
After reviewing data presented by Ben and Jared, faculty and staff voted to recommend adding
two new programs for next year, which I am bringing forward for approval at our November
board meeting:
• Non-Competitive Cheerleading
• Men’s and Women’s Soccer5
Research consistently shows that forward-thinking colleges create career-connected and student-
driven experiences. FSCC will continue to explore new opportunities while maintaining a
deliberate pace to ensure sustainability and success.
Campus Life and Student Engagement
Our Greyhound Student Leadership Organization continues to impress with thoughtful input and
creative ideas. Recently, they proposed adding a student game room to enhance campus life and
provide a welcoming space for students to relax and connect. A pool and ping pong tables have
been located in the north west room of the cafeteria, marking a new game room space for the
student body. Our students deserve a vibrant space to unwind, build friendships, and experience
the full life of the college.
Institutional Planning and Organization
Following the completion of our HLC visit, we have begun a thoughtful internal restructuring
process. Faculty and staff are now engaged through committees focused on:
• Mission Statement and Strategic Plan
• Non-Academic Program (Sunset) Review
• Job Description and Salary Structure
• Facility Plan
• Scholarship Plan
• Accreditation Committee
These efforts will strengthen transparency, inclusion, and collaboration as we align our
institutional goals with student and community needs.
Legislative Outreach
In the last month, I have met with Senator Tim Shallenberger, and also had a productive visit
with Representative Rick James, who expressed strong support after hearing about our high
academic standing and community impact.
Institutional Achievements
Greyhound Nation continues to shine:
• 2nd out of 19 Kansas community colleges in 2-Year to 4-Year Transfer GPA
• 6th in total transfer of all completed courses
• Serving 324 Bourbon County students (182 high school / 142 adult)
• Generating 2,929 total credit hours (1,279 high school / 1,650 adult)
Senator Shallenberger and Representative James were particularly impressed by these results, a
direct reflection of our faculty and staff’s dedication.
Athletics and the Arts
Athletics are in full swing, and it’s inspiring to see so many faculty and staff supporting our
teams.
• Women’s Basketball opened the season with three impressive home wins.
• Men’s Basketball dominated Avila University JV with a 111-point performance
showcasing skill, teamwork, and discipline.
• Special thanks to Chris Goddard and our incredible pep band for creating an electric
atmosphere during one of the home games.
Our performing arts program also continues to flourish. The recent production of “The
Fantasticks,” directed by Alan Twitchell, was outstanding, a true testament to our students’
creativity and talent.
Community and Fundraising
A heartfelt thank-you to Lindsay Hill and everyone who helped organize the Big Benefit
Auction, raising $30,000. The event was well attended and raised generous funds that will
directly support student scholarships, a great example of teamwork in action.
Looking Ahead
As we turn our focus toward enrollment management and strategic planning, our goal is to
increase enrollment by at least 200 students next fall while expanding our winter, spring, and
summer sessions.
We’ll also begin developing a new strategic plan and mission statement to guide FSCC into the
future.
Following Monday’s board meeting, we’ll hold our Conversation Meeting on Tuesday at
2:00 p.m. in the Round Room, combined with our Cabinet Meeting so all faculty and staff can
attend.
Our Admissions Office has built a robust recruitment plan, our CTE programs continue to thrive,
and both the Frame Grant and ARPA Grant projects are progressing with construction expected
to begin soon. A comprehensive Facilities Plan is also underway to ensure meaningful
improvements across campus.
Closing Thoughts
Whether in business or in the classroom, success is never accidental. It’s the result of inspired
leadership, intentional design, and a shared belief that great things are possible.
That’s what makes Fort Scott Community College so special, you are part of that leadership.
Together, we’re building not only a strong regional community college, but one that truly serves
its people with excellence, purpose, and heart.
Thank you for your commitment, collaboration, and care for our students. Let’s keep moving
forward, together.
Jack
How Does God Feel? by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
How does God feel?
One morning I had a fleeting thought that I wanted to call Mom. But she’s been gone since May 2015. When you dearly love someone and then they’re no longer around, you miss the sound of their voice and the close relationship you shared. If Mom were still here, she would encourage me, give advice (if asked), kiss and hug me and say, “I love you.“ We had a sweet mother-daughter bond and I knew her like the back of my hand. We always listened closely to each other’s heart. It’s been said that people may not remember what you said but they remember how you made them feel.
Have you ever wondered how you, as a believer, make God feel? I just read an Oswald Chambers quote in one of my old journals and, with tears welling up in my eyes, it caused me to pause and think. He wrote: “We don’t consciously and deliberately disobey God — we simply don’t listen to Him. God has given His commands to us, but we pay no attention to them — not because of willful disobedience, but because we do not truly love and respect Him. Am I constantly humiliating God by ignoring Him, while He lovingly continues to treat me as His child?”
The scriptures reveal that God has feelings/emotions. Here are just a few references: “But Moses again pleaded, ’Lord, please! Send anyone else.’ Then the Lord became angry with Moses” (Exodus 4:13-14 NLT). If we push His buttons long enough, He can get angry. “For the Lord your God is living among you. He will take delight in you with gladness” (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT). God experiences great pleasure in His children. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJV). God loves extravagantly. Love is who He is. “The Lord hates these seven things: eyes that show pride, tongues that tell lies, hands that kill innocent people, hearts that plan evil things to do, feet that run to do evil, witnesses in court who tell lies, and anyone who causes family members to fight” (Proverbs 6:16-19 ERV). God’s love is to the moon and back, therefore, He hates wickedness and injustice to the max.
I think there’s a possibility that we sometimes treat God worse than we would treat our family or friends. If my best friend knocked on the door and I didn’t let her in, that would hurt her feelings. How often does God knock on our heart’s door and we act like we’re not home? How often do we neglect to read His 66 love letters? Not reading the Bible is the same as refusing to listen to Him. God also speaks to us in other ways but we can’t hear Him because we don’t want to be still. To truly love and respect God we must first know Him, and that requires spending a significant amount of time with Him.
Since God loves believers as His very own children, the last thing we want to do is disrespect and ignore Him. We don’t want to be disloyal simply because we’re hard of hearing. As our heavenly Father, He deserves our utmost love and deepest respect all the days of our lives.
The Key: God feels delight when His children make time to love, honor, obey, and worship Him.