Area News, Fort Scott, Youth

Raj Gugnani, Fort Scott High School Senior, Elected Attorney General At Kansas Boys State

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from left: State Treasurer Baron Rodvold; Lieutenant Governor Beckett Romain; Governor Bo Barkley; Attorney General Raj Gugnani; and Secretary of State Jackson Roberts. Submitted photo.

 

 

June 2, 2025 — Bo Barkley, a resident of McPherson, Kan., and a senior-to-be at McPherson High School, has been elected governor of the 2026 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas. The announcement was made this evening during the Kansas Boys State evening retreat at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

 

Barkley, the Kansas Boys State Federalist Party governor candidate, and his lieutenant governor running mate, Beckett Romain, a resident of Wichita, Kan., and a junior-to-be at Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, won the election over the Nationalist Party governor candidate Burklee Jackson, a resident of Concordia, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Concordia High School and his lieutenant governor running mate, Alexander Caldwell, a resident of Overland Park, Kan., and a senior-to-be at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

 

Election results for other state offices:

(Name, Party, Hometown, High School – all cities/high schools in Kansas unless noted; all are seniors-to-be)

  • Secretary of State — Jackson Roberts, Nationalist, Spring Hill, senior-to-be at Spring Hill High School, defeated Keaden Yim, Federalist, Lenexa, senior-to-be at Olathe Northwest High School.
  • Attorney General — Raj Gugnani, Federalist, Fort Scott, senior-to-be at Fort Scott High School, defeated Jace Daugherty, Nationalist, Andover, senior-to-be at Andover High School.
  • State Treasurer — Baron Rodvold, Federalist, Wichita, senior-to-be at Derby High School, defeated Alex Ray, Nationalist, Winfield, senior-to-be at Winfield High School.

 

Kansas Boys State Governor Barkley will give his inaugural address tomorrow (Wednesday, June 3) at 8 p.m. at K-State’s McCain Auditorium. The event will conclude with the Kansas Boys State band, chorus and talent show.

 

Wednesday evening’s festivities kickoff at 7:30 p.m. with a flag retirement ceremony at the World War II Memorial in front of McCain Auditorium. The event is an observance of the proper respect for the American flag and how unserviceable flags are properly disposed. The honor guard from the American Legion Pearce-Keller Post No.17 in Manhattan will present the ceremony. Dr. John Lindholm, a 1949 KSU graduate who provided the dog tags as a model for the “Tags of Honor” sculpture at the World War II Memorial, was a longtime Kansas Boys State staff member as a Legionnaire advisor before passing away in January 2020. Both events on Wednesday night are open to the public.

 

High school students from across the State of Kansas are participating in the 2026 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, which started on Sunday (May 31) and ends Saturday, June 6, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This is the program’s 34th consecutive session at KSU and 88th overall. The Kansas Boys State program includes students who have just completed their junior year of high school (will be seniors in the fall) and sophomore year of high school (will be juniors in the fall).

 

The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

 

— #KSBoysState —

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

 

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Food

Perry’s Pork Rinds Announces A Major Milestone

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Submitted photo. Kelly and Thaddeus Perry.

 

PERRY’S PORK RINDS ANNOUNCES USDA FEDERAL INSPECTION EXPANSION, POSITIONING COMPANY FOR NATIONWIDE GROWTH

BRONSON, Kansas — Perry’s Pork Rinds, a family-owned food manufacturing company based in rural Southeast Kansas, announced a major milestone in its growth journey as the company moves forward with USDA Federal Inspection, paving the way for expanded wholesale distribution throughout the United States.

Founded in 2017 by husband-and-wife team Kelly and Thaddeus Perry, Perry’s Pork Rinds began with a simple idea, a few recipes, and the last $250 in the family’s savings account. What started as a small local venture has grown into one of Kansas’ fastest-growing handcrafted snack brands.

Today, Perry’s Pork Rinds products can be found in more than 200 retail locations across Kansas and are shipped directly to customers nationwide. The company has built a loyal following through its commitment to quality, bold flavors, customer service, and small-town values.

The transition to USDA Federal Inspection slated for July 2026 represents one of the most significant milestones in company history. Federal inspection will allow Perry’s Pork Rinds to wholesale products beyond Kansas state lines and pursue larger retail, distribution, and food service opportunities throughout the country.

“This is a dream that has been years in the making,” said Kelly Perry, co-owner of Perry’s Pork Rinds. “We’ve faced plenty of challenges along the way, including rapid growth, cash flow struggles, long hours, and moments where we weren’t sure how we were going to keep moving forward. But we’ve continued to invest in our business, our customers, and our vision. Federal inspection opens the door to opportunities we’ve been working toward since day one.”

The company currently produces ten flavors of handcrafted pork rinds and has become a familiar presence at farmers markets, fairs, festivals, sporting events, fundraisers, and retail stores throughout Kansas.

As part of its growth strategy, Perry’s Pork Rinds is investing in upgraded production equipment, enhanced packaging capabilities, expanded manufacturing systems, and increased distribution infrastructure designed to support long-term national growth.

“Our goal has never been to become the biggest,” said Thaddeus Perry, co-owner of Perry’s Pork Rinds. “Our goal has always been to build something we could be proud of, create jobs, support our community, and make a quality product people enjoy. We’re excited to show the rest of the country what our Kansas company can do.”

In addition to its business growth, Perry’s Pork Rinds remains heavily involved in community development efforts throughout Southeast Kansas. The company regularly supports local fundraisers, nonprofit organizations, schools, youth programs, and rural economic development initiatives.

The Perry family credits much of the company’s success to faith, perseverance, loyal customers, and the support of the communities that have rallied behind the business since its founding.

“Whether people remember us for our pork rinds or simply for our determination and faith, we hope they remember that we gave this everything we had,” Kelly Perry said. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we’re even more excited about where we’re headed.”

For additional information, wholesale inquiries, retail opportunities, or media interviews, please contact:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.PerrysPorkRinds.com

About Perry’s Pork Rinds

Founded in 2017, Perry’s Pork Rinds is a family-owned food manufacturing company headquartered in Bronson, Kansas. Specializing in handcrafted pork rinds made in small batches, the company offers ten unique flavors and serves customers through retail partners, special events, fundraisers, and direct-to-consumer online sales. Perry’s Pork Rinds is committed to quality, customer service, community involvement, and creating opportunities in rural America. —

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Elections, Fort Scott, Government

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Teletown Hall

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to invite you to join me for a live teletown hall tonight, where I’ll be discussing the latest developments in Congress and answering your questions directly.

 

This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts, hear updates on the issues that matter most to our community, and engage in an open conversation about the direction of our country.

Teletown Hall Details:
Date: Tonight (June 2)
Time: 5:30 p.m. CDT
How to Join: You can participate by answering the call if you receive it, or by dialing in at 855-920-0552.

 

I always value hearing from you, and your input helps guide my work in Washington. I hope you’ll be able to join me for this important conversation.

Sincerely,

Rep. Derek Schmidt

Member of Congress
Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Public Library Board Member Vacancy

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VACANCIES FOR LIBRARY BOARD – (1) opening for a (4)-year term.

This board meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Fort Scott Public Library.

For further information please contact the library director, Jennifer Gum-Fowler at (620) 223-2882

. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS MONDAY, JUNE 8 AT 5:00pm.

Please submit ALL Letters of Interest to the City Clerk by the deadlines indicated either in person at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street or by email.

PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE CONTACT INFORMATION.

All letters will be verified, and all candidates must appear before the City Commission when scheduled by agenda.

If letters cannot be verified, they will not be considered. For questions, please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected] or (620) 223-0550 ext. 507.

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

City of Fort Scott

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Gordon Parks Museum, History

Fort Scott Stories Documentary Film Returns for Encore Theatrical Version

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Fort Scott, Kan. June. 2, 2026 – The Gordon Parks Museum, in partnership with photojournalist and documentary filmmaker D. Michael Cheers, recipient of the 2025 Choice of Weapons Award, proudly presents the encore screening of Fort Scott Stories, the theatrical version. The feature-length documentary is inspired by Gordon Parks.

The screening will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as part of the 23rd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration that is taking place October 1 – 3, 2026. General admission doors will open at 12:30 p.m., followed by the film screening at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required.

Fort Scott Stories offers a compelling and intimate portrait of present-day Fort Scott, capturing the heartbeat, character, and vibrancy of a community rich in history, resilience, and diverse cultural experiences. Through the voices of residents spanning generations, from youth to elders, business owners to church members, the documentary weaves together authentic narratives that reflect both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life in Fort Scott that reflects the city’s enduring spirt.

“Fort Scott Stories is about honoring the everyday lives that shape a community,” said D. Michael Cheers. “Gordon Parks taught us that there is power, dignity, and beauty in telling people’s stories with honesty and care. This film is my creative way of continuing that conversation, by listening deeply, bearing witness, and allowing Fort Scott to speak for itself.”

Inspired by Gordon Parks’ unpublished LIFE magazine assignment in Fort Scott in 1950, this film continues his legacy of truth-telling through art, empathy, and vision.

“We are very fortunate to have this film being shown once again here in Fort Scott with the shortened length theatrical version.” said Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum. “We had a had packed house for the premiere of the film this past April, and we expect even a larger crowd for the encore screening. Fort Scott Stories will make you smile, cry, and feel inspired and empowered. It is an honest and deeply human reflection of a community, seen through compassion, memory, and hope. The film is both a continuation of history and a living conversation about where we came from, and who we are today.”

The documentary also features actor Kyle Johnson, who portrayed Gordon Parks in the 1968 film The Learning Tree and is a 2021 Choice of Weapons Award recipient.

Ticket registration is available through the Gordon Parks Museum website event page at
https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events or by calling 620-223-2700, ext. 5850.

Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes.

Limited Edition DVDs will be on sale following the showing.

For more information about the Fort Scott Stories Feature Documentary Premiere in Fort Scott, Kansas, please contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700, ext. 5850, or email [email protected].

Michael Cheers. Submitted photo.

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Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Finishes County Business in Record Time

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06.01.26 Agenda

Commissioners Gregg Motley and Mika Milburn-Key in person, and Samuel Tran and Joe Allen via video chat attended the County Commission Meeting which lasted less than 6 minutes.

TUSA was removed from the agenda for lack of attendance at Sheriff Bill Martin’s request.

Approval of Minutes 05.11.26, Special 05.18.26, 05.18.26

Minutes were approved pending changes to attribution requested by Milburn-Key.

Approval of April 2026 Financials

Approved

Approval of Tax Corrections

Approved

Approval of Accounts Payable 5.22.26 $139,611.15, 5.29.26
$456,069.98

Approved, Tran abstaining.

Allen and Tran asked that Motley sign the AP checks in absence of Allen. Motion approved.

There were no Public Comments, Department Updates, Old Business, Future Agenda Topics, New Business, or Commissioner Comments.

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

St. Mary’s Students Finish Project,

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Submitted photo. Back row – John Doherty, Father Yancey Burgess, Faber White; middle row – Kendrick Simon, Jake Lewis, Cole Casper, David Regan, Beckham Fox; front row – Jhett Lyons, Avery Meeks, Jaxon Lyons

 

A spring tradition at St. Mary’s Catholic School is for the outgoing students to help beautify the area. These projects have included planting spring bulbs and annuals in front of the building, tending a pollinator garden behind the school, and filling pots with blooming flowers. Each group has learned about gardening while adding to the beauty of the school grounds. This year’s group is particularly noteworthy because these ten boys have been together as St. Mary’s students since they started kindergarten.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Bourbon County Arts Council: patio concert featuring Roxie & The Moon King, Friday, June 26

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Bourbon County Arts Council patio concert flyer

The Bourbon County Arts Council presents a patio concert featuring Roxie & The Moon King.

  • When: Friday, June 26, 8:00–10:00 p.m.
  • Where: Liberty Theatre Patio, 113 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
  • Tickets: $15 BCAC members / $20 non-members
  • Reservations required
  • Contact: Terri Floyd, 620-224-7221

Roxie & The Moon King concert details

For more details, visit the Bourbon County Arts Council Facebook page or the Roxie & The Moon King Facebook page.

Roxie & The Moon King promotional image

Art, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

ArtEffect Competition Awardees Are Announced

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Announcing the 2026 Competition Awardees!
View Winners
ARTEFFFECT is excited to announce 46 winners in the 11th annual competition. In total, $49,750 in prizes were awarded to the 46 winners across the middle and high school divisions.

In this year’s international competition, students in grades 6-12 explored and championed the stories of LMC Unsung Heroes—role models who made a positive and profound, yet previously unrecognized, impact on the course of history. For their entries, these young artists created original works of art and wrote reflective impact statements to reframe these untold stories in an array of artistic expressions and reflections.

“In bringing these overlooked stories to life through art, students deepen their understanding of history and demonstrate the power of creativity as a tool for empathy, reflection and positive change,” says ARTEFFECT Executive Director Dr. Toni Guglielmo. “These visual arts projects highlight how individual acts of courage and compassion can inspire future generations to thoughtfully interact with the world around them.”

Thank you to all sponsoring classroom educators, art instructors, families, and communities for supporting these talented young artists through the 2026 competition. ARTEFFECT looks forward to celebrating these achievements over the coming weeks!
Read Press Release
Congratulations to the
2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Winners!
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Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections Above Estimates

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May Total Tax Collections at $703.8 Million;
6.4% Above Estimate


TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends May 2026 with total tax collections at $703.8 million. That is $42.5 million, or 6.4%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 7.0% from May 2025.

Individual income tax collections were $367.7 million. That is $52.7 million, or 16.7% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 16.8% from May 2025. Corporate income tax collections were $16.2 million. That is $8.8 million, or 35.2% below the estimate, and down 44.4% from May 2025.

“While total May tax collections were in line with projections, Kansas continues to see corporate income tax collections miss the mark,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “In the years and months ahead, we must continue to prioritize fiscal responsibility to ensure Kansas remains financially sound.”

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $290.9 million, which is $896,104, or 0.3%, above the estimate, and up 3.1% from May 2025.

Click here to view the May 2026 revenue numbers.

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Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Good Ol’ Days Hosts The Weekly Chamber Coffee

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by Chamber Member

Fort Scott

Good Ol’ Days Committee
Thursday, June 4th

 

8am

@ Skubitz Plaza
Downtown Fort Scott

*In case of inclement weather, stay tuned for location updates.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Good Ol’ Days Festival Committee this Thursday, June 4th at 8am, on Skubitz Plaza in Downtown Fort Scott. In case of inclement weather, stay tuned for updated information. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register for a special door prize drawing.

Trey Sharp, Good Ol’ Days Chairman, and the committee are excited to celebrate the 45th Annual Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days, taking place June 5-6 in Downtown Fort Scott. This year’s theme, Red, White, & Good Ol’ Days, is a fitting tribute as America celebrates its 250th birthday, while also honoring the traditions that have made Good Ol’ Days a community favorite for 45 years.

One of those traditions is the popular vendor fair, featuring more than 100 booths offering food, crafts, shopping, family activities, and much more.

Plan to attend the parade, which kicks off Good Ol’ Days at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 5. Before and after the parade, stroll along Main Street north of Wall Street and throughout Skubitz Plaza to explore the many vendors, who will open at 5 p.m. Friday evening will also feature live entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. with a DJ, followed by The KC All Stars live band at 8 p.m. on Skubitz Plaza.

On Saturday, vendor booths open at 9 a.m., with a full day of activities, entertainment, and live music planned throughout downtown. For a complete schedule, visit www.fortscottgoodoldays.com or follow Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days on Facebook.

The Good Ol’ Days Committee extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, donors, and supporters who help make this annual tradition possible. Everyone is encouraged to join the fun and help celebrate 45 years of Good Ol’ Days memories in Fort Scott.

For more information, contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit fortscott.com Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees for upcoming locations

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days

website!
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Fort Scott National Historic Site

Native American Dance Presentation and Native Craft Workshop

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Fort Scott, Kan. – Learn Native American stories and experience dance performances by the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers. Then create traditional corn husk dolls in Native Plains fashion. All activities are free and open to the public.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

10 a.m.: Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort, meet in the Visitor Center

1 p.m.: Oklahoma Fancy Dancers (Native American Cultural Dance Presentation), Parade Ground

2:30 p.m.: Make & Take Traditional Native Corn Husk Doll Workshop for youth and some space for adults, meet inside of the Grand Hall

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

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Credit Photo as: NPS Photo

Bourbon County Local News