The Fort Scott High School Thespians host their 7th Annual Royal-Tea & Friends Party from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 12 in the FSHS Commons and Courtyard.
Children can join their favorite princesses and princes, queens and kings and other members of the royal court. They are invited to take photos with favorite characters as they make crafts, have treats, and play games. Over thirty Fort Scott High School Thespians will be dressed in character and leading the event. New this year: the inclusion of superheroes, villains, and other cartoon characters. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume as well.
Tickets for the Royal-Tea & Friends Party are $5 per child and all must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door.
Featured characters are the stars of the FSHS Fall Musical – Frozen Jr. They include Junie Fisher as Elsa, Chris Newman as Anna, Theodore Bowman as Olaf, and Mykael Lewis as Kristoff. FSHS performs Frozen Jr. on Nov. 12 and 14 at 7 p.m. and on Nov. 16 at 2 and 7 p.m.
For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.
We hope to see you there for Networking * Community News * Refreshments!
Brickstreet BBQ is going on a year and a half of operation with its delectable in-house smoked meats and sides. Their non-barbecue items have been a huge hit as well for locals with wraps and fresh salads. They are moving right along into Fall with soups, bread bowls and pumpkin spice desserts.
They just received fantastic news that Brickstreet’s America’s Best Restaurants premiere date will be late October!
See their menu below!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
CHRISTIAN LEARNING CENTER STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR DISCOVERING UNSUNG HERO WHO IMPACTED HISTORY
FORT SCOTT, KS, (September 18, 2024) – For its 2024 Discovery Award competition, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott has awarded over $25,000 in cash prizes to elementary, middle, and high school students. This international competition is designed to inspire students to develop primary and secondary research projects that share the stories of unsung heroes who have impacted history, yet their stories remain largely unknown.
The $1,500 Outstanding Elementary School Project award was presented to Christian Learning Center students Charlee and Hadley Wells by LMC Program Director Megan Felt in Fort Scott, KS. Their documentary, Etching Voices: An Unsung Hero in the Recording and Music Industry, shares the story of Unsung Hero Emile Berliner, whose invention of the gramophone greatly impacted the accessibility and affordability of recorded music for people worldwide. (Teacher Rachel Wells)
Sharing his thoughts, LMC Executive Director Norm Conard said, “Charlee and Hadley’s documentary highlights the importance of the invention of the gramophone, making us aware of Emile Berliner and his significant impact on our ability to access the music we love.”
LMC’s Discovery Award provides a unique opportunity for U.S. and International students in grades 4 through 12 to research primary sources and use their talents to develop projects that showcase the power of one person to make positive change in the world. “Real heroes tower and guide,” said LMC Founder Lowell Milken. “Their stories need to be discovered and heard, motivating new generations to aspire to values that are essential during the challenging times we face.”
Submissions for the next competition season are due July 1, 2025. Project work may begin immediately.
Established in 2007, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes (LMC) discovers, develops, and communicates the stories of unsung heroes who have profoundly and positively impacted history yet are largely unrecognized by contemporary generations. LMC has reached over 3,000,000 students and 30,000 schools in all 50 states and countries around the world. Learn more about LMC and the Discovery Award. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for talent to take part in the final Virtual Statewide Job Fair of the year, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 25.
“The reliable and resourceful Kansas workforce is attracting a record number of companies to our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “And having so many new jobs is creating opportunities for Kansas jobseekers looking to take the next jump in their professional careers.”
The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.
About KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
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.
John Hrenak, Jr., District Maintenance Engineer for the District Four of the Kansas Department of Transportation, is retiring Oct. 1, following 45 years and four months of service to the State of Kansas.
Hrenak began his career with KDOT in 1979 as Project Engineer at the Fort Scott Area Office. He was promoted to Area Construction Engineer and Area Engineer prior to the closure of the Fort Scott office in 1996. Hrenak then became a Staff Engineer at the district office in Chanute. He was named to his current position in 1998.
As District Maintenance Engineer, Hrenak has overseen all state highway maintenance and snow and ice removal operations in 17 counties of southeast Kansas. “I’ve always been inspired by the dedication of our maintenance employees,” he said. “They’re the first responders to anything that goes bad. They do a good job for their communities and their families. We’re working for the people of Kansas.”
Hrenak lives in Fort Scott. He plans to spend more time with family and friends during his retirement.
An open house for Hrenak will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, in the south building of the KDOT District Four office complex at Chanute. The south building is located at 1502 S. Washington St.
New citizens during the naturalization ceremony in 2015.
Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting the U.S. Federal Court proceeding by the U.S. District Court, Kansas District, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Friday, September 20 at 10:30 a.m.
“The park hosts the proceedings by providing the venue, and, working with the community and state, offers added value to the new citizens, their families, and the community,” said Carl Brenner, Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc.)
Carl Brenner, Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management Fort Scott National Historic Site.
“This includes snacks for the naturalizing citizens before the ceremony, a beautiful and historic setting for the event, information about the community and its businesses, and the opportunity to fulfill the civic duty by registering to vote.” he said. “There are also a series of clubs, organizations, and state and local groups helping to make this happen (it takes a village). The Kansas Secretary of State’s office will have a representative here to register voters, new citizens or otherwise.”
What does one have to do to become a citizen?
“Section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires naturalization applicants to demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including an ability to read, write, and speak words in ordinary usage in the English language, and demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government (civics). To meet the requirements of Section 312 of the INA, applicants must pass a naturalization test to become U.S. citizens. The naturalization test consists of two components: an English language and a civics component. The English language component tests applicants on their ability to speak, read, write, and understand the English language. Applicants who fail one or both test components will have a second opportunity to pass both portions of the test, called a re-exam. More info at www.uscis.gov/citizenship We have been running some of the questions on our Facebook page this week.”
Today’s questions on its Facebook page:
Wednesday’s Questions:
Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
What is one reason colonists came to America?
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
Jane Njeri Lifer smiles following the naturalization ceremony in 2017. In her hand is the certificate of naturalization.
The Ceremony
“Check-in begins at 9 a.m., and the ceremony begins at 10:30. Fort Scott VFW Post 1165, Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post, will be the Color Guard. Musical performances from the Fort Scott High School Orchestra, with welcoming remarks by Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent Jill Jaworski and Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin. A keynote address will be made by Angela Bates, founder, past president, and current executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society and Museum,” he said.
Jill Jaworski, Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent. Submitted photo.Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager. Submitted photo.Angela Bates, founder, past president, and current executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society and Museum. Submitted photo.
“We are looking at 201 naturalized citizens from 57 different countries. One of the largest ceremonies in the National Park Service,” he said.
Countries represented are Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Cameroon, Canada, China, Colombia, Congo (Kinshasa), Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
A prior Naturalization Ceremony at Fort Scott National Historic Site. Photo credit NPS.
KEY Apparel is searching for an entry-level Business to Business Junior Sales Professional to join our KEY For Business team.
The focus will be developing KEY’s direct sales customer base, including sales to businesses and government entities.
Warehouse Employees Looking for ambitious and hardworking individuals who can pay careful attention on the job, follow instructions precisely, and double-check his or her work before completing a task.
Jen Braverman, Visual Art Teacher and LMC Fellow (2021 NJ) has been creating educational coloring books since 2006 to tap into the therapeutic practice of coloring. Her two volumes of Color Unsung Heroes are dedicated to individuals who made the world a better place and demonstrated extraordinary traits such as courage, compassion, and sacrifice—without seeking credit for their actions. Featured in these pages are portraits accompanied by inspirational short biographies of the Unsung Heroes. These coloring books can be used as a teaching and learning resource in the classroom to promote historical empathy and mindfulness.
ARTEFFECT celebrates the Unsung Heroes
as roles models through the visual arts.
The diverse and inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes are at the core of the ARTEFFECT. There are over 130 individuals on the LMC Unsung Heroes list that span time and cut across various disciplines including STEAM, social justice, the environment, medicine, and more. These individuals took actions in service to others and society and demonstrated altruistic qualities such as courage, compassion, sacrifice, and conviction.
In this video, educators share about teaching and learning through ARTEFFECT and the power of artmaking focused on the Unsung Heroes:
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our featured Ambassador in Action Mevlida Turkes-Habibovic Ph.D., a teacher at Tom Benson School in Kenner, Louisiana.
Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. Here’s an excerpt from Mevlida about her capstone project:
“The second part of my capstone projects was my own artistic journey, reflecting on the work of two unsung heroes, Ramiz Nukić, a survivor of genocide in Srebrenica in 1995 and Carl Wilkens, who witnessed the genocide in Rwanda in 1994. Inspired by Jennifer Braverman, the instructor of the ARTEFFECT Unsung Heroes and STEAM online session, I created a coloring/activity book about Nukić and Wilkens.”
Thank you to Mevlida for your dedication and inspiring work as an educator. Congratulations on the amazing lessons learned by the students at Tom Benson School in Kenner, Louisiana.
Alvin Elwood Pellett, aged 94, passed away on September 6, 2024, in Decatur, Texas. Born on July 25, 1930, Alvin affectionately known as Al, was raised on a farm, and learned the value of hard work early in life.
His strength and determination were evident when he played football at Ft. Scott Junior College. His athletic prowess continued in the Air Force, where he also served in Vietnam as a reconnaissance analyst. His commitment to his country was a significant part of his identity and remained a source of pride throughout his life. Al was not only a veteran but also an avid sports fan, often spending time with fellow veterans at the VFW, where he forged many lasting friendships.
In retirement, he and his beloved wife, Brenda, settled in Rhome, Texas, enjoying a quieter life together.
Alvin is survived by his wife, Brenda Pellett, his son, Daniel Pellett, and his daughter, Bari Gaylor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Pellett Jr. and Bertha Pellett, his brothers Harlan and Loren Pellett, and his sister Eloyce Parker.
A service to honor Alvin’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 26th at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where the United States Air Force Honor Guard will provide military honors.
Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to the V.F.W., an organization that was very dear to Alvin’s heart. Donations may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Bourbon County Clay, a new woman-owned business started by Kate Freeman officially became an LLC in June of 2024.
“We have been working to build the business since we discovered the clay vein in 2017 on our family property in northwest Bourbon County,” she said. “We have worked diligently since then to reclaim and test the clay, dreaming of the day we could launch Bourbon County Clay.”
This business is separate from T.E. Freeman Studio LLC and The Artificers, which she and her husband, Trent, own, but will do business housed in the same building at 8 N. National Ave, Fort Scott.
Trent and Kate Freeman. Submitted photo
Andrea Latham, Kansas City, KS is the studio apprentice and production supervisor.
Andrea Latham. Submitted photo.
“Andrea started apprenticing with us in Kansas City in 2020, and now travels to Fort Scott several times a month to work production for Bourbon County Clay LLC. The Artificers gallery also features Andrea’s work out of her own studio.”
The artists have created a handcrafted artisan coffee set as their first product from the clay in Bourbon County and also used locally sourced walnut wood in the design.
Submitted photos.
“Our first product is this handcrafted Bourbon County Artisan Coffee Set collection featuring a clay coffee pot, a matching pour-over, and two coffee cups, each with warm, smooth walnut handles,” she said. “Every piece in this set is made from locally sourced clay and walnut, harvested from the heart of Bourbon County, ensuring that each item carries the spirit of the land. The natural tones of the clay are complemented by the rich, earthy hues of the walnut, creating a harmonious blend that is both functional and timeless. Perfect for those who appreciate the art of slow brewing, this set transforms your coffee ritual into a celebration of craftsmanship and local heritage.”
Submitted photos.
The business is currently offering a pre-sale of thirty sets.
“There will only be 100 sets of each glaze color offered,” she said. “All sets are categorized and numbered.”
Submitted photo.
“Bourbon County Clay is deeply rooted in the land we call home,” she said. “This is a tribute to the place we love, crafted by the hands of artisans connected to this soil. From the hands of our artisans to yours, each piece is a limited-edition work of art, created in small batches.”
Hours of operation for the business are Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located inside The Artificers in Historic Downtown Fort Scott, 8 N. National.
