FSCC Launches Men’s Soccer Program, Names Luis Pulido Head Coach

Fort Scott Community College has officially launched its new men’s soccer program and announced the hiring of Luis Pulido as the team’s inaugural head coach, marking a significant step in the college’s continued athletic growth.

Pulido brings a high-expectation, accountability-driven coaching philosophy to Fort Scott, emphasizing structure, discipline and personal responsibility both on and off the field. His approach centers on creating clear systems that allow student-athletes to thrive while holding everyone, including himself, to demanding standards.

“My philosophy is simple: I create an environment with no excuses,” Pulido said. “If I lay a strong foundation and put the right systems in place for success, then it’s up to the players to put in the work from there.”

In the program’s first season, Pulido said his goal is to make Fort Scott a regional and national contender from day one, while establishing championship-level habits that extend beyond the scoreboard.

“Success isn’t only measured by wins and losses,” Pulido said. “It’s about behaving like champions and striving for excellence in everything you do.”

Player development under Pulido will extend beyond tactics and training, with a strong emphasis on academic success, personal growth and self-sufficiency. A former educator, Pulido prioritizes classroom performance and life skills as essential components of student-athlete development.

“Academic success is our highest priority,” Pulido said. “Soccer is a privilege. You earn the opportunity to play on the field by fulfilling your academic responsibilities first.”

Athletic Director Dave Wiemers said the launch of soccer and the hiring of Pulido align with FSCC’s mission to build competitive programs rooted in accountability and student success.

“We are excited to have Luis and his family join our great group of coaches,” Wiemers said. “He has been a sitting head coach, has had success, and will fit in perfectly with our ideas moving forward.”

Community engagement will be a cornerstone of the program, with players encouraged to build strong relationships on campus and throughout the Fort Scott area through service, outreach and involvement.

“The opportunity to build this program from the ground up is incredibly exciting,” Pulido said. “I want to create something the school and community can truly be proud of.”

Additional details regarding competition schedules and recruiting opportunities for FSCC men’s soccer will be announced at a later date.

 

 

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FSCC Names Gemini Pulido Head Coach of Women’s Soccer Program

 

Fort Scott Community College has announced the hiring of Gemini Pulido as head coach of its women’s soccer program, bringing a student-centered, development-focused approach to one of the college’s growing athletic offerings.

Pulido said her coaching philosophy extends well beyond performance on the field, with an emphasis on confidence, resilience, accountability and long-term success for student-athletes.

“Coaching should support the overall growth of the student-athlete, not just what happens during matches,” Pulido said. “My goal is to help players build confidence and discipline while preparing them for success in the classroom, in soccer and in life.”

In her first season, Pulido said her priorities include establishing a strong team culture, building trust, and creating alignment around how the program trains, competes and represents Fort Scott Community College.

“Success goes far beyond wins and losses,” Pulido said. “It looks like consistent effort, accountability, academic progress and athletes leaving the program prepared for the next level.”

Pulido’s approach to player development is intentional and individualized, focusing on technical and tactical growth alongside leadership development, communication skills and personal responsibility. She said meeting athletes where they are and providing structure and honest feedback are central to her coaching style.

Academics will remain a non-negotiable priority within the program, with clear expectations for class attendance, communication with instructors and academic accountability.

“Success in the classroom directly impacts opportunities on and off the field,” Pulido said.

Athletic Director Dave Wiemers said Pulido’s hiring reflects FSCC’s commitment to developing women’s athletic programs that emphasize both competitive excellence and student success.

“Gemini brings a thoughtful, intentional approach to coaching that aligns perfectly with our mission,” Wiemers said. “She understands the importance of building culture, setting clear standards and developing young women into confident leaders. We’re excited about the direction she will take our women’s soccer program.”

Community engagement will also play a key role in the program’s growth, with Pulido planning to build strong relationships across campus and throughout the Fort Scott community through involvement and service.

“The opportunity to build something meaningful is what excites me most,” Pulido said. “Shaping culture, mentoring young women and helping them grow as student-athletes and individuals is incredibly rewarding.”

Additional information regarding the women’s soccer program, including competition schedules and recruiting opportunities, will be announced at a later date.

 

FSCC Trustees Meeting Agenda for Feb. 16

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING

ELLIS FINE ARTS BUILDING

FEBRUARY 16, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY

 

1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER – CHAIR DOUG ROPP

1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk

___Bailey___Brown___Cosens___Hoyt___McKinnis___Ropp

2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION

3.0 APPROVAL OF OFFICIAL AGENDA                                    (ACTION)

4.0 APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA                                  (ACTION)

4.1 Minutes

4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report

4.3  Check Register – $483,321.50

4.4  Payroll – January 15, 2026 – $660,869.98

4.5  Contract Ratification

5.0 COMMUNITY, EMPLOYEE, AND STUDENT RECOGNITION                                                                                                      (INFORMATION)

  • CDL Program Review
  • Recognition: New Coaches

 

6.0 LEADERSHIP REPORTS & UPDATES                  (INFORMATION)

6.1 Academics

  • Vice President of Academic Affairs – Dr. Larry Guerrero

6.2 Advancement

  • Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
    • Gordon Parks Museum

6.3 Athletics

6.4 Finance

  • CFO – Vice President of Finance & Operations – Gina Shelton
    • Business Office Update
    • Maintenance Update

6.5 Student Services

  • Vice President of Student Affairs – Vanessa Poyner

6.6 Administrative Committees

6.7 Presidential Update

  • President Dr. Jack Welch

7.0 OLD BUSINESS

7.1 Scholarship Proposals 2026-2027                     (ACTION)

7.2 State of the College address will be:

  • May 21st at 12 pm in the Ellis Fine Arts building                                                                                (INFORMATION)

7.3 Board Selection of Honorary Associate Degree                                                                                                     (ACTION)

8.0 NEW BUSINESS

8.1 Acceptance of Deed of Land for FRAME Grant                                                                                                                    (ACTION)

8.2  RFP – FRAME Grant – Contractor RFP                                                                                                     (INFORMATION)

9.0 PUBLIC FORUM

FSCC Trustee Board Special Meeting: Feb. 13 at Noon

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING – BOARD WORKSHOP

ELLIS FINE ARTS BUILDING

FEBRUARY 13, 2026 – 12:00 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

 

1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER – CHAIR DOUG ROPP

1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk

___Bailey___Brown___Cosens___Hoyt___McKinnis___Ropp

2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION

3.0 LEADERSHIP REPORTS & UPDATES                  (INFORMATION)

3.1 Academics

  • Vice President of Academic Affairs – Dr. Larry Guerrero

3.2 Advancement

  • Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
    • Gordon Parks Museum Update

3.3 Athletics

  • Athletic Director – Dave Wiemers
    • Athletic Update

3.4 Finance

  • CFO – Vice President of Finance & Operations – Gina Shelton

3.5 Student Services

  • Vice President of Student Affairs – Vanessa Poyner

3.6 Administrative Committees

3.7 Presidential Update

  • President Dr. Jack Welch

 

 

 

4.0 REVIEW FEBRUARY 16, 2026, AGENDA ITEMS                                                                                                      (INFORMATION)

4.1 CONSENT AGENDA

  • Minutes
  • Financials – Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register – $483,321.50
  • Payroll – January 15, 2026 – $660,869.98
  • Contract Ratification

4.2 COMMUNITY, EMPLOYEE, AND STUDENT RECOGNITION REVIEW

  • CDL Program Review
  • Recognition of New Coaches

4.3 OLD BUSINESS

  • Scholarship Proposals 2026-2027
  • State of the College address will be:
  • May 21st at 12 pm in the Ellis Fine Arts building
  • Board Selection of Honorary Associate Degree

4.4 NEW BUSINESS

  • Acceptance of Deed of Land for FRAME Grant
  • FRAME Grant – Contractor RFP Approval

4.5 PUBLIC FORUM

4.6 OTHER BUSINESS – EMPLOYMENT OF NON-ELECTED PERSONNEL MATTERS

4.7 BOARD COMMENTS

5.0 ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – PERSONNEL MATTERS                                                                                                                     (ACTION)

6.0 EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION – RETURN TO OPEN SESSION                                                                                                      (INFORMATION)

7.0 BOARD MEMBER TRAINING – GOAL SETTING                                                                                                     (INFORMATION)

8.0 ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE                             (INFORMATION)

9.0 ADJOURN              (INFORMATION

Startups and Entrepreneurs Accelerate Kansas Innovations: March 10 Event

Gamechangers & Champions Event to Feature Startup Pitch Competition, Networking

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce, in partnership with NXTUS, Inc. and KU Innovation Park, announced today it will host Gamechangers & Champions 2026: Bracket Bash for Innovators and Angels in March. The high-energy event will bring together startups and angel investors, along with corporate and innovation leaders from across the Midwest.

“In Kansas, startups and entrepreneurs fuel innovation and spur next-generation businesses that create the jobs and wealth of the future,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Events like Gamechangers & Champions are a great opportunity for them to connect with one another — and with investors — to discover resources that can help advance their ideas and companies.”

Gamechangers & Champions 2026 will take place Tuesday, March 10, at the University of Kansas Conference Center connected to the David Booth Memorial Football Stadium in Lawrence. The event is a one-day experience designed to catalyze new angel investments, support early-stage companies, and accelerate Kansas’ innovation momentum. It will feature educational sessions, networking opportunities, speaker presentations and the popular competitive pitch event.

The bracket-style pitch competition is open to Kansas-based, high-growth startups in the pre-seed or seed stage. Winning startups will be chosen at the event with the grand prize being $25,000, sponsored by the University of Kansas Business School. Those interested in participating can find applications here.

Key competition dates include:

  • February 15: Applications due by midnight
  • February 25: Round of 32 winners announced
  • March 4: Sweet 16 winners announced
  • March 10: Elite Eight live pitch and selection of Final Four takes place

Registration is open for Kansas entrepreneurs, angel investors, potential investors, innovation leaders, corporate partners and community members. Following the event, NXTUS, Accelerate Venture Partners and the OREAD Angel Group will coordinate follow-on investment opportunities.

To purchase tickets for the event, visit here.

“Last year, our first Gamechangers & Champions event was an incredible success — and brought many innovative Kansans together to collaborate and discover available startup resources,” Commerce Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer Romaine Redman said. “Regardless of the phase your startup may be in, I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to speak to investors and innovation leaders and hear other ideas from like-minded innovators.”

 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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USD 234 Minutes of the Feb. 11 Special Meeting

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

NEWS RELEASE

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, for a special meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda.

 

The board approved the purchase of 850 State Street.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

Fly the Flag Subscriptions for 2026 Begin

 

Friends Now Accepting New and Renewed Subscriptions for U.S. Flags

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country.  What better way to celebrate than to fly the Stars and Stripes in 2026?  The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc. makes it easy.

The Friends provide homeowners and businesses, within the city limits of Fort Scott, the opportunity to display “Old Glory” on five different flag holidays during 2026 without the hassle of purchasing, placing, and storing a flag and pole.  No need to even remember the holiday!

For $40 annually, the Friends will install a 3’x5′ flag on a 12 foot staff at your home or business on each of the following Flag Holidays :

Memorial Day, May 25th

Flag Day, June 14th

Independence Day, July 4th

Labor Day, September 17th

Veteran’s Day, November 11th

 

Applications for new subscriptions can be obtained at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce or can be requested by phone, text, or email. Call 417-684-2484 or email [email protected].  Renewal notices are being mailed/e-mailed to 2025 subscribers. Both new agreements and renewals must be returned by March 31, 2026.

 

All proceeds support programs at Fort Scott National Historic Site including the Naturalization Ceremony, Candlelight Tour, and Veterans Challenge coins among other special programs.

 

Show your patriotism and help our local National Park by displaying the nation’s symbol!

 

The Fly the Flag project is a yearly project sponsored by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site.  Once signed up, you will receive the option to renew annually.

 

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ARTEFFECT Competition Step 1: Choose Your Unsung Hero

ARTEFFECT Competition
Steps to Participate

Step 1: Choose Your Unsung Hero
The 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition for middle and high school students is open through April 21, 2026! The first step for young artists in creating an ARTEFFECT submission is to select an LMC Unsung Hero—an individual who resonates as a role model.

The ARTEFFECT website now features an Unsung Heroes Pictographs Interactive that encourages students to explore STEAM Unsung Heroes through images and photographs. Use this interactive to learn about the positive, profound, and lasting impact their contributions made across the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics!

Pictographs Interactive
Remembering the Holocaust Session
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
4:00-5:15 PM Pacific Time
All educators are invited to join the next ARTEFFECT online session. Led by 2020 Nebraska Teacher of the Year and 2021 LMC Fellow Megan Helberg, this session explores best practices for guiding students in the creation of visual artworks representing stories of Unsung Heroes from the Holocaust and other genocides. All registrants will receive the lesson plan and recording. Attendees to the live session can receive a Certificate of Participation. Free to join—registration required. Learn more about the session and instructor.
Register Now
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Jennifer Bolesta, a Visual Art Teacher at Visitation Academy in St. Louis, Missouri.

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 Jenn’s multifaceted Capstone Project report:

“Each student created an original visual design inspired by their hero and chosen virtue. As a 7th grade class, we collaborated to select three designs, which were then transformed into large scale mosaics—a permanent tribute to these unsung heroes, which will be installed in our middle school’s new wing next summer. This public artwork serves as both a visual celebration of history and a reminder of the power of virtue in action.”

Congratulations to Jenn and her students at Visitation Academy for their incredible ARTEFFECT projects!

Read more about Jenn’s capstone project
JOIN THE GROWING COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS:
ARTEFFECT Educators Facebook Group

 

 

 

 

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Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store: Bulk Wholesale Groceries

Sending on behalf of Chamber member

BULK SAVINGS ALERT!

No need to drive out of town for wholesale groceries. We are bringing bulk produce savings local so families, businesses, and organizations can stock up while keeping dollars in the community.

CURRENT BULK SAVINGS:

• Mangos — 12 ct. $15

• Bananas — 40 lb case $25

• Cosmic Crisp Apples — approx. 40 lb case $40

• Russet Potatoes — 50 lb box $20

• Yellow Onions — 6 lb bag $4

Order online by February 12.

Pickup Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

at Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store in Bronson.

Don’t forget!

PERRY’S MONTHLY PRODUCE BOX:

Designed for consistent grocery savings and rural food access. Each box includes about nine various produce items monthly.

Pre-order deadline February 12.

Pickup February 14.

Order online:

www.PerrysPorkRinds.com

Questions or EBT ordering assistance: 620-939-4300

Shop bulk. Save money. Keep it local.

Click HERE to follow

Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store Facebook Page

Click HERE to visit

Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store’s website

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

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

Minutes of the USD234 Board of Education Meeting on Feb. 9

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
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, February 9, 2026
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, for
their regular monthly meeting at 900 E 3rd St.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
01-12-26
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – January 20, 2026 – $1,801,674.26
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Key Club Fundraising Form
Students from Eugene Ware presented to the Board. Working with Mrs. Keating the students cover
announcements and help make the parent weekly newsletter. They have been able to participate in
leadership training at Greenbush and do several fun fundraisers during this school year. Mrs.
Query, Eugene Ware’s Principal, had a presentation that highlighted a few amazing things
happening in the building. She ended explaining how staff morale has been great thanks to
Secretaries Jessica Johnson and Kenda Schmidt and their entertaining projects that include
everyone.
Superintendent Destry Brown informed the Board on great things happening at Tiger Academy and
has appreciated all the support that they have been given.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. Mr. Mayfield reviewed
budget projections and insurance renewals. He also updated on Preschool Building project with
the playground being installed soon.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on winter iReady scores showing
positive growth throughout the district. Later this week a few staff will be traveling to PSU to
participate in Teacher Interviews with graduation students.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update on reports that are coming due soon.
She also invited all to Special Olympics Basketball at Fort Scott High School on February 18.
The Board approved the following:
● Resolution 25-16 Healthy Kansas Farm to School Program
The Board received an informational overview of Fort Scott USD 234’s five-year long-range
financial outlook for FY25–FY30. This review examines enrollment trends, revenue assumptions,
and projected expenditure growth to provide a forward-looking view of the district’s financial
trajectory. No board action was requested.
The Board went into an executive session for property acquisition.
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for attorney-client privilege.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
February 9, 2026
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Barr, Lynn – Supplemental Resignation – Head Girls/Boys Tennis Coach – High School
Campbell, Erin – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Hudiburg, Kenny – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Girls Tennis Coach
Rogers, Jamie – Supplemental Resignation – Girls Basketball Coach – Middle School
Leave of Absence:
Barrager, Terry – Custodian – Eugene Ware
TRANSFER:
Clayton, Emily – Paraprofessional to OT Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Durossette, Jake – Business Teacher to Math Teacher – High School – 2026-27
Weber, Betty – Paraprofessional – KRI to Winfield Scott
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for 2026-27 School year:
Hendricks, Caleb – Assistant Principal – Winfield Scott
Martin, Jared – Athletic Director – High School
Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:
Carson, Jessica – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Cooper, Tyler – Custodian – Middle School
Davenport, Sam – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Hodges, Julius – Paraprofessional – KRI
Ruggero, Frankie – Custodian – Middle School
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:
Carney, Drew – Supplemental – Assistant Track Coach – High School
Chipman, Karlie – Supplemental – Assistant Boys Golf Coach – High School
Sponsor Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:
Cook, Gary – Head Sponsor – Archery
Whitehead, Trisha – Assistant Sponsor – Archery

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