Category Archives: Bourbon County

West Bourbon Elementary School: Kindergarten Roundup Coming March 20

West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown, KS

West Bourbon Elementary School – Uniontown

Kindergarten Roundup Coming in March

 

 

A screening clinic for 2023-2024 kindergarten students has been scheduled for Monday, March 20 at West Bourbon Elementary. To be eligible for kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2023.

Students who will be new to WBE will sign up for a 30 minute slot to be assessed on March 20. Please bring in your child’s birth certificate and immunization record. The agenda for the child will include kindergarten skills assessment, vision, hearing, speech, and checking health records.

Kindergarten children are required to have a physical exam within 12 months of beginning school and have all current immunizations. The Bourbon County Health Department will be onsite providing immunizations and physicals.

Due to the screenings, there will be no Kindergarten class on March 20th.

For the best testing environment for your child, we ask that you not bring brothers or sisters.

To set up a time for screening and assessment, please call the school at 620-756-4335 or visit https://tinyurl.com/WBEKindergartenRoundup.

Bourbon County Job Fair April 13

Fort Scott – Bourbon County
JOB FAIR
Hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
Now taking registrations for employer booths!
Employers interested in having a booth
can click here to register online.
For a printable registration form click here.
Click here for a printable copy of the Job Fair flyer if
you can post it to help us promote the event.
The event will take place
Thursday, April 13th from 3-6pm.
Ellis Fine Arts Center
on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton St.
ALL job seekers welcome ~ ALL types of jobs available!
KANSASWORKS will be onsite at the Job Fair to provide resources and any assistance to employers or job seekers!
The deadline to register for an employer booth is March 29th, but the earlier you register, the more we can promote
you will be there and the jobs for which you are hiring!
Contact the Chamber for more info. or any questions:
620-223-3566 or [email protected]
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

K-State Healthy Lifestyle Challenge Begins

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Southwind Extension District…
Walk Kansas registration is open now at WalkKansas.org! This eight-week healthy lifestyle challenge will inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active and making better nutrition choices. You are part of a six-member team which selects a goal and supports one another in reaching it. If you don’t have a team, we can assign you to one or you can fly solo! The cost to participate is $10 per adult. (Youth can participate for free.)
The benefits of participating in Walk Kansas include:
  • Weekly newsletters filled with motivational healthy lifestyle information, resources, and recipes;
  • Access to the online tracking system, as well as the Walk Kansas app, to help keep you on track as you work to reach your goals;
  • Support in working towards leading a healthier life, including support gained from your teammates and exclusive membership in a closed Walk Kansas Facebook group; and
  • A new opportunity this year to participate in the online “Med Instead of Meds” class series! If you are interested in eating the Mediterranean way but not sure where to start, this is the perfect way to learn more.
We will also be hosting a kickoff event this year in collaboration with the Wildcat Extension District! At this event, participants will be able to run or walk a 5K, 3K, or 1K. The cost to participate in the kickoff event is $25 per adult, which includes a t-shirt and your Walk Kansas registration fee. If you are interested in attending the kickoff event, please register for it first at https://bit.ly/wildwindwalkrun. If you have any questions, please contact Clara Wicoff at 620-365-2242 or [email protected].
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Learn How to Can

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Southwind Extension District…
Are you interested in food preservation? Do you need to brush up on current food preservation methods? Come join food safety specialist Karen Blakeslee for a hands-on workshop
in Bronson on April 14th!
Registration is required by contacting Clara Wicoff at 620-365-2242. There is a $25 fee to cover the cost of supplies and lunch. This fee must be paid to secure your spot in the class.
Learn about and practice:
  • Pressure canning
  • Waterbath canning
  • Dehydrating herbs
Location:
Bronson Community Center
504 Clay Street
Bronson, KS 66716
K-State Research and Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Program information may be available in languages other than English. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including alternative means for communication (e.g., Braille, large print, audio tape, and American Sign Language) may be requested by contacting Clara Wicoff two weeks prior to the start of the event by March 31, 2023 at 620-365-2242 or [email protected]. Requests received after this date will be honored when it is feasible to do so. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Bourbon County Arts Council Exhibit Features Many Local Artists

A 2016 photo of the Bourbon County Arts Council Annual Exhibit.

An annual art exhibit will include several local artists this weekend.

The Bourbon County Arts Council will present its 31st Annual Fine Arts Exhibit, March 2 through 11, at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College at 2108 S. Horton.

Local artists entered include Kathryn Allen, Haley Beaton, Trista Brigg, Rylee Coulter, Stephanie Erie, Bareigh Farrell, Steve Floyd, Grace French, Alie Fuhrman, Chance Fuhrman, Barbara Gibson, Lucy Gladbach, Alexis Herring, Bobbi Kemna, Terry Koester, Connie Neil, Kadra Nevitt, Gayle Sackett, Jim Sackett, Caitlynn Tate, Cadence Tuck, amd Cayden Woods.

Other artists who are participating in the exhibit are from Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

The mission of the council is to foster, promote and increase the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts, according to its Facebook page.

The council will host the Fort Scott Chamber Coffee at 8 a.m. on Thursday  March 2, at the Ellis Center, which kicks off the event.

A reception will be held on March 2  from 6 to 8 p.m. to honor this year’s juror and artists. The public is invited to attend and enjoy the opportunity to meet and visit with them about the art.

The exhibit will be open to the public  beginning  March 2 through Saturday March 11, weekdays from noon to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There is no admission charge for this event, and the community is  encouraged to come and enjoy a collection of original artwork.

Artists will have their work on display and for sale in this multi-media exhibit, with categories including ceramics, drawing and  graphics, fiber arts, glasswork, jewelry, mixed media, painting, pastels, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and watercolor.

This year’s theme is “Doorways and Windows.”

Cash prizes awarded for category winners are given by the Bourbon County Arts Council in memory of E.C. Gordon, and by the generous sponsorship from these local businesses:  Buerge Art Studio, Citizens Bank, City State Bank, Edward D. Jones, Fort Scott Broadcasting,  H&H Realty, Landmark Bank, Lyons Realty, MidContinental Restoration, Osage Timber Mills, State Farm Insurance, Union State Bank, and Ward Kraft.

About the Juror

Trent Freeman is the juror for the exhibit.  Freeman received his Bachelors in Fine Arts from Emporia State University, and also studied at Kansas University and abroad in Australia.

Freeman is a sculptor whose works have been featured in private collections, local galleries, and at fine-art festivals.

He has instructed privately from his studio for the past 25 years, and continues teaching workshops and private classes currently in Fort Scott where he and his wife, Kate Riddle Freeman, have recently opened  a privately owned art gallery, The Artificers,  at 8 North National Avenue. From here, they are resident artists in their teaching and working studio.

As an artist, he draws inspiration from Old World and Asian techniques, using native wood, and recycled glass and metals to create his eclectic designs.

He has spent much of his career in education and instruction, facilitating college workshops, providing continuing education for teachers, and instructing at the Carnegie Art Center in Leavenworth.

He was a member of the Board of the Bonner Springs Art Alliance from 2017 -2020.

The Arts Council Board

The Bourbon County Arts Council Board is made up of Deb Anderson, President; Bre Eden, Vice President; Steve Floyd, Secretary; Terri Floyd, Treasurer; Cindy Bartelsmeyer, Elaine Buerge, Deb Halsey, Justin Meeks, Kelly Nelson, Linda Noll, Robin Whitlock, and Chris Woods.
Bourbon County Arts Council Members present at the Chamber Coffee in 2020, from left, Elaine Buerge, Deb Anderson, Terry Floyd, Steve Floyd and Linda Noll.

 

 

 

 

 

Bo Co Coalition Meets March 1 at Scottview Apartments

The monthly Bourbon County Coalition  meeting will be Wednesday, March 1, 1:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott.

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

March 1, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome: 

 

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1. Program: Bailey Lyons and possibly others of her committee will tell us about the project and progress of the Splash Pad.

 

 

  1. Open Forum:

 

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be April 5, at 1:00 p.m.  Carson Felt and an ensemble from the FSHS orchestra will present our program.

Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County Arts Council at FSCC On March 2


The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, March 2nd at 8 a.m. hosted by Bourbon County Arts Council. The event will be held at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 Horton St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

The 31st Annual Bourbon County Arts Council exhibit will be open to the public Thursday, March 2nd through Saturday March 11th, weekdays 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the two included Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  An artist reception will also be held March 2nd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. where participating artists will have the opportunity to listen to the juror critique and visit with him about their pieces. The public is welcome to the artist reception where light refreshments will be served.  Categories included in the exhibit will be Ceramics, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Jewelry, Pastel, Watercolor, Fiber Art, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Drawing & Graphic (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Photography, Glasswork, Printmaking, and a Themed Category of “Doorways & Windows”.

Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2023 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].

 

Letter to the Editor: Crista Horn

Bourbon County CASA
PO Box 146

Fort Scott, KS 66701

6202152769

February 22, 2023


 CASA worth volunteering for

I follow where my heart leads me and my heart lead me to CASA 25 years ago.

I began this journey as aCASA volunteer in 1998. I heard a friend talk about this organization she was volunteering for that
involved working through the court system with abused and neglected children. I had never heard of CASA, but when I heard the words children, abused, advocate and court I knew this organization was meant for me.

And all these years later, I continue to become more and more excited about the impact of CASA volunteers in our community. I would say becoming a CASA is one of the best choices
Ive made. Ive been the Program Director of Bourbon County CASA for 19 years now and have been blessed to work with some of the most amazing volunteers to be found.


As a CASA volunteer I would spend anywhere from two to 10 hours a month on a wide variety of selfdirected tasks, including visiting my assigned foster child, attending court hearings, interviewing families and service providers, connecting parties to each other, and writing reports to the Court. I am the advocate the voice for the child; this means getting to know the child, but also getting to know their familys case deeply so that I can speak with confidence about what I believe best for the childs longterm health and happiness.

Because my position as a volunteer is appointed by the court, I am a direct conduit to the judge on the case and my informed opinion carries significant weight when decisions are made. Because I am a volunteer and do not have a large case load (yes, I am the Program Director but outside of my job I still serve as a CASA volunteer), I can become the expert on the needs and situation of each family.

And because I have access to nearly unlimited training and support, I can help connect dots and solve issues that could cripple the case (and the childs wellbeing) otherwise. My very favorite
part of this work is when my actions directly dissolve barriers to the progress of the case, helping the child and easing the stress and difficulty of everyone involved. I love seeing anxiety leave faces and
peace come in its place.


Consider becoming a CASA if you love children. Or, even, if youre not particularly drawn to children, you love furthering justice and peace. Or if you simply want to challenge yourself and broaden your
understanding of your community. You dont have to be retired (many CASAs have fulltime jobs) or have any background in legal matters. All you have to have is willingness to step in, to learn, and to act.


Spring training begins in April. Call Bourbon County CASA at 6202152769 or email
bbcocas[email protected]
to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer.


Christa Horn

Bourbon County CASA

Starlite FCE Minutes February 2023

 

 

The Starlite FCE held its February meeting at the Presbyterian Village meeting room.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order.  Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Nine members and one guest were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for twelve hours and had recycled thirty-five pounds.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson presented the treasurer’s report, and Karen Peery announced that the Area Recognition Day will be April 18th at the Methodist Church in Humboldt.

 

Old business consisted of a report that the Valentines we had signed were delivered and that we had received a thank you from the VA hospital.

 

New business was planning the March meeting on Men’s health, which we are opening up to the community.  Glenda Miller and Deb are presenting the program, Doris Ericson will be providing the paper products, Terri Williams will provide refreshment of cobbles, chocolate cake, and ice cream, Joyce Allen will provide the drinks and Betty Johnson the sugar and creamer.  Glenda Miller also announced the Jack Jackson will be presenting the program for the Uniontown Ruritan meeting on March 20th.

 

Glenda Miller asked that all the members bring a dozen filled Easter eggs to the March meeting to be taken to Tri-Valley.

 

Doris Ericson moved the meeting be adjourned, Taylor Bailey seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting the club enjoyed a program on Woman to Woman searching for Chocolate (Hearth Fire lesson #7) presented by Karen Peery.  The lesson gave the history of chocolate.  Karen also had candy bar fortunes and identify the candy games.

 

Refreshments of a layered chocolate dessert, assorted chocolates and water were prepared by Karen Peery and Betty Johnson and enjoyed by all.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Bourbon County Arts Council Hosts 31st Fine Arts Exhibit March 2-10

31st Annual Fine Arts Exhibit!
The Bourbon County Arts Council is hosting their
31st Annual Fine Arts Exhibit!
Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center
Fort Scott Community College
March 2nd- Chamber Coffee 8am
March 2nd- Artist Reception 6pm-8pm
Public Welcome. Light Refreshments Served.

Exhibit Open:

March 2nd-March 10th from 12pm to 7pm

March 11th from 9am to 1pm

The mixed media competition is open to artists of age 16 and older. Categories include Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Art, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor.

A new themed category has been included; the theme this year is “DOORWAYS & WINDOWS”. An artist may create a piece in any of the above media categories, as it relates to the theme.

Entry fees are $7.50 per piece for Bourbon County Arts Council members and $10.00 per piece for non-members. Artists may enter up to five pieces, but only three in any one category. Entry deadline and payment are due by February 24th, 2023.

Entry forms may be requested by calling Deb Anderson at 620.224.8650, Deb Halsey at 620.224.0684 or emailing [email protected].

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701