Former Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones and Fort Scott Water Distribution Supervisor Bill Lemke discuss the splash pad project in this April 19, 2023 photo at the site on North National Ave.
Joshua Jones Candidate for Kansas House of Representative District 4
As election time approaches, I want to emphasize the need for candidates to remain active even after the election is over.
Too often, elected officials only engage with the community during election periods. As an eighth-generation resident of Bourbon County, I have a deep connection to this area and believe that community service and consistent involvement are key to our success.
Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of working on projects such as refurbishing the high school tennis courts, helping acquire and donate a historic property to the Gordon Parks Museum, organizing events to raise awareness for Memorial Hall, and assisting in the development of a community splash pad.
.Josh Jones helped the Gordon Parks Museum receive the AME Church property in June 2023. Photo Courtesy of and Copyright by The Gordon Parks Foundation (left to right) Josh Jones, Kirk Sharp, Gordon Parks Museum and Sarah Smith, Fort Scott Community College Foundation.
As your representative, I understand that we are all in this together and recognize the dedication required to be a positive and active elected official year-round.
John Crain and Josh Jones paint the bathroom at Third Street Park in this October 2022 photo. Submitted photo.Josh Jones was part of a committee that helped bring the splash pad to Fort Scott. This is opening day in 2023 from the Fort Scott Splash Pad Facebook page.
My Promises to You
**Give Back My Salary**
My belief is simple: if the people I serve benefit, then I benefit. We are all in this together. I am giving back my salary because your tax dollars should work for you.
**Year-Round Accessibility and Transparency**
How often do you only hear from politicians during the election? During my time as Mayor/City Commissioner, I was the first to hold public forums to get citizens’ input.
This ad paid for by Joshua Jones Candidate/Treasurer
Triple Excitement: Competition Results, LMC Fellows, and Fresh Exhibits
Pictured are Suzy Turner, Kadence Huck, Madison Glidden, and Megan Helberg.
On June 26, 2024, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes unveiled exhibit panels featuring two new Unsung Heroes. The ceremony was held inside the Center’s Hall of Heroes, with one newly revealed exhibit honoring Dr. Christine Grant, the University of Iowa’s first director of women’s intercollegiate athletics. She was a national pioneer and voice in the fight for gender equity in athletics, significantly impacting the implementation of Title IX. The second honoree was Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, the first Native American doctor in the United States, a champion for her people’s well-being, and a powerful role model for Native Americans and women in medicine.
Featured VIPs included nationally recognized teachers and their students, whose award-winning projects shared the stories of these heroes. Suzy Turner, teacher and 2022 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow from Iowa, and Kadence Huck, one of the three students whose research uncovered the story of Unsung Hero Dr. Christine Grant, were present to reveal their project. Madison Glidden, who researched and discovered Unsung Hero Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte, attended with her teacher, 2021 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow Megan Helberg from Nebraska.
Additional VIP guests were Susan Picotte, the great-granddaughter of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, and Susan’s niece, Holly. Honored VIPs representing Dr. Christine Grant were her niece, Andrea Weiss, and Dr. Grant’s best friend and former colleague from the University of Iowa, Peg Burke. Other honored guests included the new 2024 Lowell Milken Center National Fellowship members, former National Lowell Milken Center Fellows Carly Bowden and Jennifer Farr, as well as family members and guests of the award-winning students and teachers.
Many guests joined us to celebrate the extraordinary lives of our two new unsung heroes, who have profoundly impacted history.
The 2024 ARTEFFECT Competition received a record-breaking number of entries!
We extend our gratitude to all participating students and their teachers.
Fellows News
The 2024 National LMC Fellow from week 1 are: (sitting) Erica Quale, ND; Aaron Kruger, WY; and Michael Sandstrom, NE; (standing) John Rosenbaum, RI; and Kelly Hamilton, ID.
The LMC Fellowship unites top educators for a prestigious, merit-based professional development opportunity with high standards of excellence, output, and benefits. Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and ongoing support to enhance their classrooms and help students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change.
The LMC Fellowship provides educators with an opportunity to reflect, reenergize, and strategize. Fellows receive personal attention from our dedicated team of educational experts and time to network and collaborate with their exemplary peers. The program strengthens educators’ abilities to facilitate student ownership over projects and to help their students develop skills in critical thinking, research, analysis, and application. Fellows emerge prepared to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students as they apply and evaluate the stories of role models who have changed the world.
The 2024 National LMC Fellow from week 2 are: Bibba Kahn, VT; Sarah Espinal, NY; Ann Marie Vanneste, Canada; Matthew Mayeske, KS; Ashley Libben, IN, and Leah Lawrence, MO.
2024 Lowell Milken Center Fellows Receive Keys to the City
As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, the five fellows for June 16 – 21 were given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 18th, by Jackson Tough, Tourism Director.
Pictured are (seated) Aaron Kruger, WY; Michael Sandstrom, NE; John Rosenbaum, RI; (standing) Erica Quale, ND; Kelly Hamilton, ID.
Six fellows for June 23 – 28 were given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 25th, by Jackson Tough, Tourism Director. During the presentation of the keys, Tourism Director Jackson Tough told both groups, “From Gordon Parks to the history of the Fort and the National Cemetery, along with this amazing place, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, we realize that Fort Scott is the home of heroes. Now we add you, the Lowell Milken Fellows to that list of heroes. You influence so many young people. You mold them, inspire them, and give them direction. We truly welcome you to our community and as a small token of our appreciation, we present each of you with a key to the city of Fort Scott.”
Pictured are (seated) Ann Marie Vanneste, Canada; Matthew Mayeske, KS; Sarah Espinal, NY; Leah Lawrence, MO; (standing) Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce; Ashley Libben, IN; Bibba Kahn, VT; Jackson Tough, City of Fort Scott Public Relations and Tourism Director.
Every summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes awards its Fellowship to national and international award-winning educators from America and around the world. As National LMC Fellows, they deepen their understanding of Unsung Heroes and project-based learning in preparation for developing Unsung Heroes projects with their students. They also learn the stories of powerful role models who have helped to change the world and can be life-changing examples for students today. Along with the time spent deepening their professional skills at the LMC, the Fellows enjoy visiting the Fort Scott area.
LMC News
Experience the June 26 Exhibit Unveiling!
We are thrilled to share the highlights from our June 26 exhibit unveiling, featuring the inspiring stories of Dr. Christine Grant and Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte. Our YouTube video captures the essence of this special event, showcasing the beautiful exhibit panels and the heartfelt moments shared by VIP guests, including nationally recognized teachers, students, and family members of the honorees.
Watch the video now to experience the excitement and honor these remarkable Unsung Heroes!
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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes · 1 South Main St · Fort Scott, KS 66701 · USA
A group of like-minded Fort Scottians have banded together to do theatre in Bourbon County.
It all started with a social media suggestion.
“Bourbon Co Community Theatre came about based on a suggestion on Facebook for a community theatre in Fort Scott,'” said Angie Bin, who is the public relations person for the group. “Melissa Guns took that suggestion and ran with it, creating a list of interested individuals who met for the first time last summer.”
The group set about organizing.
They created a list of bylaws and a board and established its non-profit status. The current officers are President: Matthew Wells, Secretary: Sandy Abati, Treasurer: Danette Popp, Public Relations: Angie Bin, Production Coordinator: Katie Wells, and At-Large Board Members: Barbara Woodward, Eric Popp, and Regen Wells.
The first production is called Holy Mother of Bingo! by Patrick Walsh and will be at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2 and 3 in the lobby of the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. 2108 S. Horton.
Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
“The immersive murder mystery allows audience members to play five full rounds of Bingo with prizes donated by local businesses,” according to a press release from Bin.
“Pioneer Drama describes the show this way, “’An innocent bingo fundraiser at the Our Mother of Mercy church goes awry when parishioners mysteriously drop dead!” according to the press release. “‘The evidence suggests well-calculated murders, but who is to blame? Tensions rise as everyone begins identifying suspects. Past feuds rear their heads as the members of the parish try to state their innocence one by one. Who could be behind the elaborate spree? The disgruntled choir director? The magician turned youth minister? The ex-convict that has recently turned to the power of prayer? It couldn’t be one of the Cookie Cadets selling their beloved cookies! Everyone’s a suspect… even the audience in the zany comedy that takes interactive theatre to a whole new level!'”
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and Senior Citizens. A purchase of an entire table of 7 or 8 gives audience members a discount of $2 on each adult ticket. Tickets are at bcct.ludus.com, at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, or at the door, but seating is limited and advance purchase is suggested.
More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page. BBCO Community Theatre, LLC is a non-profit community organization formed last year whose mission is to bring education, community, and culture to southeast Kansas through theatre.
The production is directed by Angie Bin along with Assistant Director Mark Bergmann. Bin is the drama teacher at Fort Scott High School.
“We wanted our first actual production to be a fun family-friendly show that would generate a lot of interest in the community, but also be a show that our very limited budget could afford,” Bin said.
They formed a committee to select their first production.
“We had a script-reading committee that read many murder mystery-themed plays and decided on Holy Mother of Bingo! as the best choice. It is a brand new play that just recently won the 2024 Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwriting Contest. We have cast members ranging from elementary school to senior citizens.”
Bin praises the cast.
“Even though we have several adults who are in their very first production ever, this has been a stellar cast to work with,” she said. “Everyone has been so energetic and willing to help out the production of the show in so many ways.”
A live Bingo game will weave through the play.
“Cast members have been very proactive about meeting with local businesses to request donations for prizes for the live Bingo games that take place during the show and we have so many tremendous prizes from a very large number of local businesses,” Bin said.
Notable roles include the character of Father Ron Culpepper played by Ben Self, Sister Helen played by Katie Wells, Marabelle Manson portrayed by Regen Wells, and Detective Quinn played by Bradley Whitehead, she said.
One of the prizes for bingo during the murder mystery: cookies by Bree Spurgeon, owner of B-Licious Cookies LLC. from the theatre groups Facebook page.The gift basket with a pink gnome is from Flowers by Leanna, another Bingo prize. Submitted photo.A gift basket from After Effect Salo as a Bingo prize. Submitted photo.
Rick James is a Republican candidate for the 4th district House of Representative, a position currently held by Trevor Jacobs. Trevor announced that he is not seeking another term.
Rick is passionate about protecting the conservative values of fellow Kansans. He understands that freedom is not merely a privilege but a birthright. He was raised in La Cygne, Kansas where he attended La Cygne elementary school and graduated from Prairie View High School in 1981. He entered the Marine Corps a few short days later serving a 30-year career. This career included serving in Desert Storm, Haiti, Iraqi Freedom, serving on embassy duty and as a Marine Drill instructor. He achieved the rank of Sergeant Major and was awarded the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. He also obtained a bachelor’s and a master’s Degree from the American Military University.
There was never a doubt, that he would return to Eastern Kansas. He moved his family to a small farm near highway 69 in 2008 and completed his Marine Corps career at Richard Gebauer Base in Belton. He retired a decorated Marine in 2011.
Since retiring from the Marine Corps he opened two local businesses, Semper Fi Auction Services and Bravo Realty. The Marine Corps instilled a dedication to serving his community. In 2014 he ran for the district 1 Linn County Commissioner. He served 2 full terms from 2014-2022. He did not seek reelection for a third term because, he believes there should be term limits in government at all levels.
He has a personal interest in Kansas, he was a military leader and a small Business owner. He has conservative views!! He believes in the right to bear arms, he is pro-life, he believes in a smaller government and reduced taxes.
Politicians represent the people they serve, and he takes that very seriously! He would appreciate your vote on August 6. Click here to follow him on Facebook. Semper Fi and God Bless!
Paid for by Rick James for KS State Representative.
Gene Todd, a local real estate agent who has been involved in land sales in the area for many years, has joined Stewart Realty Company as a sales representative. With him he brings expertise and knowledge of the land markets and buyer contacts throughout the area. Gene was an original sales agents at Stewart Realty Company when it was established under the brokerage direction of Don Stewart. Gene later obtained a broker’s license and started his own real estate company specializing in ag properties. We are pleased to have him come “back home” as part of the real estate team at Stewart Realty.
Gene grew up in the Moran area and has a master’s degree from Pittsburg State University. He married Joyce Goodsell in 1964. Together they raised 5 children. Gene and Joyce have been active in the Methodist Church and local 4-H.
If you want to buy or sell ag property, give Gene a call at 620-224-1086 or 620-223-6700.
The Museum of Creativity is about to get even better! We are closing from August 4th to September 5th so that we can update and add attractions.
If you haven’t been in lately, I highly recommend visiting this month to see the new Morphing Mini Golf attraction. We built 3 holes and have many obstacles that you can change to create a new challenge each time you putt.
Our prices have remained low @ $1-$2/ visit for the past 3 years as we’ve been making changes here and there and adding things slowly. After this closure we will be opening up for a $5 entrance fee.
We will be initiating memberships and if you visit once a week they definitely reflect our old price more than the new one. Stay tuned for more information!
Along with this revamp of the museum we are also having a fundraiser. An opportunity for you to become a permanent part of the museum. We are building a picket fence at the museum and you can get your name, a grandchild’s, a business or even a pet’s name put onto a picket. We are asking for a $50 donation for up to 20 characters (including spaces). Our goal is to get at least 100 of these sold by the end of July. You can purchase them here:
to subscribe to our email list and donate to a specific project, improvement or just in general. We are dedicated to using your money wisely to improve the museum for all to enjoy. Now is the time that you can make a huge difference!
We appreciate any and all help this next month as we prepare for this huge update. If you would like to donate time or labor, we would love to include you in our plans. Just reply to this email or shoot us a text. We have never paid employees to manage or improve the museum. Everything we do is through volunteer service. Any and all help is very much appreciated. Here is a list of some of the different projects we are hoping to tackle as part of this revamp:
We hope you will come visit us this month and that you will join us for our grand opening event in September to see all the new changes! (flyers attached below)
The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will meet today, July 22, at 1:00 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall for a training followed by a building tour. No official business will take place.
People can say anything they want, but it doesn’t change the truth. The sky is blue but you can say it’s fuscia — that doesn’t mean it is. I can look in the mirror first thing in the morning and say, “I don’t have any wrinkles.” That would simply mean I don’t have my glasses on yet. The truth is, I do have wrinkles, just not as many as a Shar Pei.
There’s a number of people who refuse to say the Pledge of Allegiance because of the phrase, “under God.” Just because they don’t like those two little big words doesn‘t change the truth. We (everyone on planet earth) are all under God. The Bible makes this clear: “At that time the prophets Haggai and Zechariah…prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. They prophesied in the name of the God of Israel who was over them” (Ezra 5:1 NLT). Since God is over us, that means we are under Him. Personally, I love the U.S.A. flag and what it stands for. I’m thankful to be under God, as that allows Him to be my umbrella and protector.
People can say, “There is no God.” People can say, “There is no devil.” The truth is, both exist and God shouldn’t be blamed for what the devil does. Put the blame on Satan because he’s the “godfather of bad.” God is our Heavenly Father and is responsible for all blessings and everything that’s good. You can blame God unjustly if you want, but it doesn’t change the truth. Jesus makes it clear who’s responsible for bad or good. “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. I am the good Shepherd“ (John 10:10-11 NLT).
But don’t take my word for it, I’m not the final authority on anything — God’s Word is. He trumps every card life plays on His children. I’ll share three excellent scriptures: “So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow” (James 1:16-17 NLT). Many people see the wonderful works of God all around them and still remain unconvinced. Nevertheless, the truth of His life-changing Word keeps marching on day after day.
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 NLT). Embracing the reality of Christ Jesus brings freedom and peace into one’s life. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and those wholly following Him can be released from the bondage of lies emanating from our self-absorbed culture. Knowing, accepting, and believing the truth of God’s Word will usually be contrary to what’s popular.
“But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love — not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (1 John 4:8-10 NLT). Since God is love, all that He does is done in holy love. When you love your children, you’re not going to give them a gunnysack full of rattlesnakes for their birthday. But the devil would and he’d get a kick out of it.
The Key: Knowing and believing the truth that God is love, and nothing bad comes from Him, will blow your mind and change your life.
