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New Collegiate Summer Baseball Team Needs Host Families
A new collegiate summer baseball team, a part of the 2026 Mid-America League, based in Fort Scott, will begin the season next month. The team name honors the U.S. Army’s 1st Regiment of Dragoons, a mounted infantry unit at Fort Scott National Historic Site in the 1840s.
“The Dragoons are a developmental collegiate league, a wood bat league baseball team,” said Steve Anthony, Dragoons Host Family Coordinator. “There will be 26 players on the team from all over the United States coming to Fort Scott. The Players will be from NCAA Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3 NAIA and Junior Colleges.”
“This will be the first season in Fort Scott. League play starts in late May and will run until late July,” he said. “They will be playing their home games at LaRoche Stadium here in Fort Scott. Folks who decide to house players will receive season tickets as well as discounts at the concession stand.”
“From what I understand, the players will have their own transportation to and from home games, and they require a bed and bathroom, and also provide meals for the players.”
The team is owned by Bill Larsen, managed by Mike Albin, with Justin Miles as General Manager.
The team is still being assembled, but Fort Scott athletes, Lennox Vann and Kanin Brown, among others, have signed on to play with the Dragoons, according to its Facebook page.
From a press release:
Fort Scott Dragoons Announce 2026 Season Schedule
The Fort Scott Dragoons have officially released their 2026 season schedule, featuring a summer packed with competitive baseball and family-friendly entertainment. After starting the season on the road, the Dragoons will host their Opening Night in Fort Scott on May 26.
The upcoming season highlights include:
Competitive Matchups: Key games against the Meridian Blues, Bryan Yard Dogs, and Nacogdoches Niners.
Fan Experience: A full slate of promotions, theme nights, and premium seating options.
Community Focus: Affordable entertainment designed for youth teams, businesses, churches, and local organizations.
Mid America League Action: The league features talented collegiate and professional players dedicated to community connection.
Test Before You Invest: Making Every Fertilizer Dollar Count by Lonnie Mangarelli
Test Before You Invest: Making Every Fertilizer Dollar Count
Lonnie Mengarelli, Ag and Natural Resources Agent-Southwind District
With fertilizer prices continuing to put pressure on farm budgets, making informed nutrient decisions is more important than ever. When inputs like urea (46-0-0) are pushing $900 per ton, DAP (18-46-0) is near $900 per ton, and potash (0-0-60) is around $450 per ton, every application represents a significant investment. In this environment, one of the most practical tools available to both crop and forage producers is soil testing—a relatively low-cost practice that can deliver substantial returns in efficiency, productivity, and long-term sustainability.
Crop production depends heavily on the availability of nutrients for plant uptake. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential nutrients must be present in the right balance to support healthy plant growth and maximize yields. However, nutrient availability varies widely depending on soil type, past management, and environmental conditions. Without soil testing, fertilizer decisions become guesswork—often resulting in unnecessary expense or unrealized yield potential.
Management of all nutrient sources, including commercial fertilizer, compost, and manure, within the constraints of farm production systems and operational goals, is a prerequisite for both profitable crop production and environmental sustainability. Soil testing provides the foundation for managing these inputs effectively, allowing producers to properly credit nutrients already present and apply only what is truly needed.
Inappropriate management of these nutrient sources can lead to reduced economic returns and environmental degradation of both surface and groundwater. Matching nutrient applications to actual soil needs helps protect water quality and reduces the risk of nutrient losses, all while maintaining strong levels of production. Overapplication wastes dollars—especially costly at today’s fertilizer prices—and increases the risk of nutrient runoff or leaching. Underapplication, on the other hand, can limit crop performance and reduce profitability. It is imperative that nutrient management planning activities are recognized and carried out, and soil testing is the critical first step in that process.
The value of soil testing extends well beyond row crop production and is equally important in forage and rangeland systems. Healthy soil is the foundation of every successful operation—whether you’re raising corn and soybeans or managing grass pastures and hay meadows.
Soil testing remains one of the simplest, most cost-effective tools available to improve productivity across both row crop acres and grazing land. Removing uncertainty from fertility decisions and ensuring nutrients are applied where they are needed most. This precision improves yields, boosts input efficiency, and strengthens return on investment. In pasture and rangeland systems, proper fertility supports healthy forage growth, stand persistence, and grazing potential. Whether managing row crops or grasses like brome or fescue and native range, understanding soil nutrient levels helps keep production systems efficient, resilient, and productive—especially when fertilizer costs are high.
To support producers in making data-driven decisions, the Southwind Extension District is offering a Soil Testing Initiative. A total of 200 soil tests are available with a $15 discount per test, with a limit of two tests per producer. This cost-share opportunity is made possible through the Bill House Grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas. Producers must request the discount at the time of submission to receive the cost-share, so be sure to ask when turning in samples.
Bottom line: soil testing is not an added expense—it’s an investment. Especially with today’s fertilizer prices, it is one of the smartest decisions a producer can make. It equips you with the information needed to optimize inputs, improve profitability, and sustain your land for the long term. Whether you’re managing row crops or rangeland, it all starts from the ground up.
Lonnie Mengarelli is a Kansas State University Extension Agriculture agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720
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Eternity: Not a Game by Patty Laroche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Marbles and Jokers is one of our favorite games. Dave and I were introduced to it a few years ago and immediately became fans. Since that time, most of the couples whom we taught to play have ordered the game for themselves and for their adult children.
Months ago, we had two couples over for dinner and taught them the game. The following morning, one pair ordered the game for themselves. We play marathon M&J every chance we can.
Today, while talking to my friend, Lael, a fellow M&J player, I shared with her that wonderful things seem to happen over dinner and that game. She asked how many people had bought the game because of us. I said about 30. But then she asked me a question that made me realize the opportunity I was missing.
“Can you imagine sharing Jesus with 30 people over the course of the last few years?” Granted, most of the people who have played this game with us are Christians, but some aren’t, and even though they know where we stand, why haven’t I been as determined to tell them about Heaven as I have been about teaching them a competitive game? Too, could Marbles and Jokers be the tool I use to do so? Why do I make witnessing so difficult?
Finding the way to Christ is simple, and the “Romans Road”—seven scriptures in the Book of Romans—is a great path to get there.
3:10—There is no righteous person.
3:23—Everyone sins and comes short of the glory of God.
5:12—Sin (and death) entered the world through Adam’s sin; that death was passed to all of us.
6:23—Sin leads to death, but God gives the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
5:8—God covered our sins by his son, Jesus’, death.
10:13— Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
10:9-10 (NLT) “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
And yes, I understand that, unless the Holy Spirit inspires me, I would not share those seven scriptures with a non-believer I had invited over to play a game (not even if they were winning and I wanted them to go home).
There are simpler ways to witness. Our example, for…well, example. This school year, I have had many opportunities to pray for faculty and students. Sometimes, it is as simple as hearing their problems and asking how I can pray for them. Other times, I drop them a note to tell them what a blessing they are to me or simply to encourage them, reminding them that God hears our prayers.
I have had deep conversations with students who were wounded by their parents, reminding them that we all are sinners and that God grieves when He sees parental figures abusing their children. I have apologized to an entire class when I showed anger instead of doling out fair consequences, telling them that as a Christian, I failed to show mercy.
Lael’s question made me realize that I was missing an incredible opportunity. After all, losing a game is nothing compared to losing our eternal lives.
FSCC Agendas for Today and April 20
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
APRIL 17, 2026 – 12:00 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER – VICE-CHAIR CHAD MCKINNIS
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk
___Bailey___Brown___Cosens___Hoyt___McKinnis___Ropp
2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION
3.0 PRESENTATION OF 2024-25 AUDIT (INFORMATION)
4.0 LEADERSHIP REPORTS & UPDATES (INFORMATION)
4.1 Academics – Vice President of Academic Affairs – Dr. Larry Guerrero
4.2 Advancement – Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
4.3 Athletics – Athletic Director – Dave Wiemers
4.4 Finance – CFO – Vice President of Finance & Operations – Gina Shelton
4.5 Student Services – Vice President of Student Affairs – Vanessa Poyner
4.6 Administrative Committees – Vice President of Student Affairs – Vanessa Poyner
4.7 Presidential Update – President Dr. Jack Welch
5.0 REVIEW OF APRIL 20TH AGENDA ITEMS (INFORMATION)
6.0 BOARD PICTURES (INFORMATION)
7.0 BOARD MEMBER TRAINING (INFORMATION)
8.0 ADJOURN (ACTION)
BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
APRIL 20, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER – CHAIR
2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION
3.0 APPROVAL OF OFFICIAL AGENDA (ACTION)
4.0 APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (ACTION)
4.1 Minutes
- March 12, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
- March 13, 2026, Board of Trustees Meeting
- April 06, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register – $738,222.98
4.4 Payroll
- March 13, 2026 – $731,953.65
- April 15, 2026 – $707,707.76
4.5 Contract Ratification
5.0 COMMUNITY, EMPLOYEE, AND STUDENT RECOGNITION (INFORMATION)
5.1 Program Review – President and Ag Ambassadors
- Student Ambassadors will present to the board on their programs
5.2 Recognition: Students & Program Update
- Spring Sports – Coaches & Captains
- Track
- Softball
- Baseball
6.0 LEADERSHIP REPORTS & UPDATES (INFORMATION)
7.0 OLD BUSINESS
7.1 State of the College address will be: (INFORMATION)
- May 21st at 12 pm in the Ellis Fine Arts building
7.2 Graduation Information and Discussion (INFORMATION)
7.3 Board Goals (ACTION)
7.4 FRAME Grant Update (INFORMATION)
8.0 NEW BUSINESS
8.1 4.5 Work Week Proposal (INFORMATION)
8.2 Board Policies (INFORMATION)
8.3 Food Service Contract (ACTION)
8.4 Tuition & Fees (ACTION)
8.5 Heavy Equipment Operator Equipment Purchases (ACTION)
8.6 Consideration of Professional Services Agreement (ACTION)
9.0 PUBLIC FORUM
Comments should be restricted to no more than three minutes. Requests should be submitted by noon on the day of the Board meeting. Forms will be presented to the Board Chair for consideration. Matters which are personal in nature or relate to personnel matters will not be heard publicly.
10.0 PERSONNEL
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (ACTION)
10.2 Exit Executive Session – Return to Open Session (ACTION)
10.3 Employment Matters of Non-Elected Personnel (ACTION)
10.4 Resolution for Nonrenewal 26-05 (ACTION)
10.5 Addition of Athletic Trainer Position (ACTION)
10.6 Addition of Performance Director Position (ACTION)
11.0 BOARD COMMENTS
11.1 Reports of Board Member Appointments (INFORMATION)
12.0 ADJOURN (ACTION)
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 17
KS Labor Report February 2026
Labor Report
February 2026
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor has released the February 2026 Kansas Labor Report. The full report can be accessed here: February 2026 Kansas Labor Report.
The March 2026 Kansas Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 1.
Unofficial Minutes of the April 7 FS City Commission Meeting
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of April 7, 2026 Regular Meeting
A meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta and Mayor Kathryn Salsbury were present.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Deputy Chief Mike Miles/FSFD, Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lisa Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Mary Wyatt/Planning, Housing & Business Development Director, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspections LLC, Daniel Wilson/Owner-Repair Guy, Alex Swank, Kathy Dancer, and Jess Milburn/JCM Restoration.
SALSBURY led the Pledge of Allegiance and BUCHTA said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the Amended agenda as presented. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1405-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of
March 11, 2026 – April 2, 2026 – $763,783.28
– Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of March 17, 2026
– Request to Pay – Application No. 1 – Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. – Davis Lift Station – Mobilization Costs for Bond Expenses and Materials – $28,596.00
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Public Comment – No comments
Appearances
Alex Swank – addressed the Commission to purchase a parcel owned by the City at approximately 101 Clark. Leasing option was discussed because the City maintains it will not sell property.
MOTION: DANCER moved to open the process to solicit bids for a (5) year lease with the stipulation to include something to legally cover any liability.
FARMER added a point of reference that even though the motion is made, nothing happens until it’s written, the Commission has seen it, (the winning bidder) sees it, and it’s signed.
BUCHTA seconded. BUCHTA, WELLS, DANCER and SALSBURY voted yes.
VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
ACTION: FARMER will write the lease document.
Kathy Dancer – addressed the Commission to inform them that the tasks placed upon the CLG board will require a budget and she is requesting they consider that in the upcoming 2027 budget planning. The FSHRPC is exploring grants but the ordinance that was approved did include the establishment of a Preservation Fund and briefly explained how that money would be used. DANCER also stated the fine frequencies outlined in the approved ordinance. Currently in the enforcement section, the wording only addresses the demolition of a building or does any kind of improvements without getting the proper permitting and proper approvals, then it’s enforceable. She does not see provisions to enforce outside of that. Also, the wording is incorrect. It was approved as per week but the ordinance states per day. She explained that violations demolition by neglect, gross neglect of a building or safety hazards are a different category and are not in the current ordinance. She asked the Commission to revisit that and the frequency of fining, with safety issues being of the greatest concern.
Discussion was had about the fining process as it relates to enforcement through the municipal court and addressing additional definitions to be included in the ordinance.
KRUGER stated that anything that is going to be enforced must be paired with a K.S.A. and the state sets the fine schedule per class of crime, the maximums and the minimums. He stated that Class B Misdemeanor does not go up to $1000.00, the maximum is $500.00 and the minimum is $50.00. Currently no fine amount is put on a citation only a Notice to Appear (in court) and the prosecutor will set the fine amount. He explained how the multiple (day to week) fines currently work in our municipal court and what is able to be fined and what is not.
Executive Session:
MOTION: DANCER moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel matters of non-elected personnel pursuant to K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In the meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, City Attorney and City Manager. The open meeting will resume in the City Commission Room at 6:43PM. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: DANCER moved to come out of Executive Session. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Unfinished Business
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3799-Contractor License –Tabled from March 17, 2026
Discussion was had about the implementation of contractor licenses. BUCHTA read a letter she received from Tim Barasa/General Contractor and Licensed Realtor.
WILSON/Owner of Repair Guy addressed the Commission to inform them that he is in favor of a licensing program but has concerns about the contractor board that is being considered and where the money collected for licenses will go and suggested background checks for community safety.
BUCHTA read a text message she received from another contractor (who wanted to remain anonymous) regarding the licensing.
Further discussion was had on the intent of the license to protect citizens and support all local businesses and whether the Commission is in agreement with the proposed ordinance.
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to table the ordinance.
VAN HOECKE requested to amend BUCHTA’S motion to have the ordinance returned to the table at the second meeting of July with a work session prior to that meeting to include all contractors.
VAN HOECKE seconded (the original motion with amendment).
The City Clerk verified that BUCHTA’S motion was as follows:
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to table Ordinance No. 3799 until the second meeting of July. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
ACTION: FARMER will draft an ordinance for the interim to enforce that contractors must show proof of insurance when applying for a permit with the Codes office.
DANCER left the meeting at 7:20PM
New Business
Action Items:
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3798 – Disband Design Review Board
DILLON requested by ordinance that the Commission dissolve the Design Review Board since the City has received its CLG status.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve Ordinance No. 3798 to Disband the Design Review Board. SALSBURY seconded. BUCHTA, WELLS and SALSBURY voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no. DANCER was not present for the vote.
MOTION CARRIED 3-1.
Consideration to Approve Sale of Fire Truck
MILES requested the approval of the Commission to advertise and sell the 1997 (E-One-American Eagle Top Mount Custom Pumper) Fire Truck which is no longer in service and has been replaced with the newly purchase truck. MATKIN stated the proceeds will be placed in a fire department equipment fund.
DANCER returned to the meeting at 7:23PM
MILES stated that the new engine is at Station One and the Pierce was moved over to Station Two and explained the plan to avoid wear and tear.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to allow the fire department to advertise and sell the 1997 fire truck without equipment with the understanding that the funds will go into a fire equipment fund and report the proceeds to the City Manager who will report it to the Commission.
MILES added that the proceeds are being earmarked for extrication equipment.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration to Approve Purchase of Pumps, Control Panel and Guide Rails for Williamsburg and White Grill Lift Stations – $25,860.00
LEMKE stated that over the past (3) years they have been working on improvements for lift stations. This year, Williamsburg (on Tiffany Land) and White Grill Lift Stations (215th and Hwy 54) were selected. Williamsburg’s control panel is approximately (20) years old and the components are getting harder to find. It currently has one pump that is non-operational. The White Grill station has been underwater several times including the control panel. Currently one of the pumps is bypassing and not pumping water. He is requesting permission to replace the control panels and the pumps for both stations using Haynes Equipment for the price of $25,860.00. Grainger’s quote did not include guide rails and the third contact could only offer a complete lift station which is not needed. The work will be done in house, however Haynes has included a one-day startup time if they need assistance. MATKIN stated it will come from the Wastewater Fund.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the purchase of pumps, control panels and guide rails for Williamsburg and White Grill Lift Stations from Haynes Equipment for a total of $25,860.00. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Bids for Repair of Retaining Walls at Gunn Park
MATKIN stated there were (2) bids received with the lowest bid coming in at $66,000.00 from JCM Restoration which he is recommending for approval.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the bid from JCM Restoration for $66,000.00 for repairing the retaining wall at Gunn Park. BUCHTA seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration to Extend Hay Rights for (3) Years
MATKIN stated that currently the invitation for bids is for a (1) year awarded contract. He would like to extend that to a (3) year contract beginning with this year’s invitation to bid for Hay Rights at the airport.
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the extension of the hay rights to (3) years at the next bid opportunity. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Reports and Comments
City Engineer:
– Davis Lift Station update – Vanessa is supervisor until lift station work, then Gary
– Wall Street – CCLIP update
VAN HOECKE left the meeting at 7:49PM and immediately returned.
– Horton asphalt update
ACTION: DICKMAN will follow up with Heck & Wicker
City Attorney: No Comment
City Manager:
– 8th & Eddy is complete and open
– Groundwork for outdoor fitness park at BRCC
– New Clubhouse Manager at Woodland Hills Golf Course and new tee time system that allows everything, including score keeping by your phone-including POS system.
– Moody Building – owner waiting on title report
– Airport hangar lease – Geoffrey Marr
– Timken building update
– Valu building is sold – cannot disclose information yet
– IT Department at next meeting for update
– Public Works update first meeting in May
– April 16 – City/County Meeting at 6:00PM
– Natalia hired to work with Rachel Carpenter on Public Information
Commissioner Van Hoecke:
– Dragoons Baseball season tickets
– Keep military and first responders in prayers
Commissioner Buchta:
– 8th & Eddy
– Salsbury with KDOT
Commissioner Dancer:
– Non-residential residents situation
ACTION: WORK SESSION – May 5 – Homeless situation
WORK SESSION – May 19 – Contractor licenses
Commissioner Wells:
– Barber Shop (118 E. Wall St.) update
ACTION: Barber Shop on next agenda (April 21)
– Skubitz Plaza meeting at 1:30PM
– Federal government cuts
Commissioner Salsbury:
– Code review sent to MATKIN for Commission action
ACTION: MATKIN will distribute to all Commissioners
– 8th & Eddy intersection open
Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:27PM. BUCHTA seconded.
APRIL 7, 2026, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:27PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis/City Clerk
FS City Commission Agenda for April 21
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
April 21, 2026 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1406-A – Expense Approval Report –
Payment Dates of April 3, 2026 – April 15, 2026 – $244,363.32
- Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of April 7, 2026
- Request to Pay – Application No. 2 – Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. – Davis Lift Station – Mobilization Costs and Materials Stored on Site – $195,145.14
- March Financials
- Public Comment
VII. Appearances
- Casey Brown /Community Engagement Coordinator – SEK-CAP Action Program
VIII. Unfinished Business
- Revisit Consideration to Sell City-owned Parcel – 101 S. Clark – Alex Swank – Previously considered April 7, 2026
- Consideration of Ordinance No. 3797 – Connex Boxes – L. Dillon
- Consideration of 118 E. Wall St. – B. Matkin
- New Business
Public Hearing:
- Consideration to Vacate Alley – Daugherty Enterprises, LLC – Dennis S. Daugherty
Action Items:
- Consideration to Purchase Water Meters & Register for 2026 Annual Changeout Program from Sole Source Vendor – $111,496.16 – B. Lemke
- Consideration to Purchase Mower for LaRoche Complex – $23,500.00 – D. Fowler
- Discussion of Gunn Park Caretaker’s House – M. Wells
- Discussion of Horton Street – M. Wells
- Reports and Comments
- Adjourn
Bourbon County Teams Dominate 2026 SunPowered Student Challenge
CLC WASPS Named Grand Champions
Three Heartland-sponsored teams from Bourbon County combine for four first-place finishes and overall championship title
WICHITA, Kan. — Three teams of Bourbon County high schoolers sponsored by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative brought home four first-place awards — including the Grand Champion title — at the 2026 SunPowered Student Challenge, held April 8 at Wichita State University.
The WASPS from Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott topped the overall standings with 1,323 points, outpacing eight other teams from Kansas and Oklahoma to claim Grand Champion honors. Two teams from Uniontown High School — the Solar Queens and Solar Eagles — also finished in the top three overall, giving Heartland-sponsored teams a sweep of the event’s top spots.
“As rural electric cooperatives, it’s part of our mission to help educate our communities, and that includes the next generation as well,” said Mark Scheibe, CEO of Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative. “If we can spark curiosity in students, and if we can help them see the future in energy or engineering, or take some of the problem-solving skills that they learn during this competition to apply in their future lives, then that’s a win for them and the communities that we serve.”
The SunPowered Student Challenge is a statewide competition that begins in the classroom — student teams work through a hands-on solar energy curriculum over several months before competing at Wichita State University. Challenges include designing and installing photovoltaic arrays on scaled model buildings, analyzing real-world site conditions, delivering professional presentations and collaborating with teams they’ve never worked with before.
The competition was founded in partnership with Kansas Rural Electric Cooperatives, Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Pitsco Education and Ten80 Education, and is now housed under the nonprofit Future STEAM.
Heartland REC helped create the program in 2024 and continues as both a program and team sponsor. The cooperative has sponsored teams from communities across its southeast Kansas service territory.
Results by Team:
WASPS — Christian Learning Center
Team members: Holly Cain, Ryan Cain, Abby Jacobs, Henry Morris
Coach: Scott Cain
- 1st Place — Team Presentation
- 1st Place — Solar Site Design Challenge
- Grand Champions (Overall)
- 1st Place — Collaborative Challenge (with Uniontown Solar Eagles and Lincoln Solar Leopards)
Solar Queens — Uniontown High School
Team members: Aryonnah Beaton, Camilla Cagle, Paityn Hueston, Jiyah Middleton
Coaches: Carrie Sutcliffe and Christal Martin
- 1st Place — Creative Curb Appeal
Solar Eagles — Uniontown High School
Team members: Ziggy Barbour, Adam Page, Ty Shelton, Ash Sporleder
Coach: Brad Johnson
- 1st Place — Skills Challenges
- 1st Place — Collaborative Challenge (with CLC WASPS and Lincoln Solar Leopards)
Overall Scores:
| School/Team Name | Score |
| CLC WASPS | 1323 |
| Uniontown Solar Eagles | 1218 |
| Uniontown Solar Queens | 1107 |
| Beloit Solar Swords | 1030 |
| Lincoln Solar Leopards | 1011 |
| Woodward Solar Boomers 1 | 900 |
| Woodward Solar Boomers 2 | 823 |
| Oxford Ra | 811 |
| Woodward Solar Boomers 3 + Rock Creek | 796 |
About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility powering rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes member-owners in 12 counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.
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