Monthly Archives: June 2025

Business, Food, Fort Scott

La Hacienda Restaurant Owners Celebrate 15 Years In Fort Scott

5 Comments
Lupe and Mirna Santana in front of La Hacienda, 24 N. Main.

 

Sixteen years ago, Mirna and Lupe Santana moved to Kansas from Georgia. Lupe had family in Parsons who owned a Mexican restaurant, and they decided to venture into that business, so Lupe began looking in other towns in the area.

In Fort Scott, they discovered that a Mexican restaurant had recently relocated from the downtown area, and they believed this would be an ideal location.

In 2010, they moved into 20 S. Main, Mirna said. By 2015, they were looking for a different location because of the condition of the building.

“We moved into 24 N. Main in 2015,” she said. “And we are celebrating 15 years in Fort Scott.”

“We enjoy when we see people happy and thankful they had a great meal,” she said. “That makes us feel proud.”

Mirna has her father living in their home, and Lupe has his mom and dad in town, and that requires a lot of time, she said. They enjoy having their parents so near,  but it is a challenge, because “We think about the business 24/7,” she said.

But despite this challenge, “We hope to keep La Hacienda open for another 15 years. We just want to work.” And they are thankful to own their own business.

Her mom and dad were in the food business as well.

“My daddy used to be a baker and my mama used to put a table out on the street and sell food, and I helped her,” she said.

One of their son helps care for her father, and another son, nephew, uncle, and daughter-in-law work with them in the restaurant.

Last month, the restaurant reopened on Sundays after a year-long break.

“We invite you to come and try, we cook with lots of love,” Mirna said.

The history of Mirna and Lupe is told on a page in their menu.

The “mom and pop”  restaurant is open Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The restaurant also does catering.

To contact: (620) 223-4400 or
The La Prima on their menu is the favorite dish of Fort Scottians.

 

La Prima is the number one requested dish in Fort Scott, she said.

“It’s whatever meat you want, over a bed of rice with cheese sauce, served with tortillas,” she said.

 

Opinion

“Today’s test is tomorrow’s testimony” by Patty LaRoche

Leave a comment
Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

 

 

 

Did you notice how “testimony” begins with the word “test”?  2 Corinthians 1:4-5 explains how one leads to the other. “God comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, He brings alongside someone who’s going through hard times so we can be there for that person, just as God was there for us.” (MSG)

In “Words of Hope and Help,” Max Lucado explained that scripture. “You didn’t sign up for this crash course in single parenting?  No, God enrolled you.  He’s taken the intended evil and rewoven it into this curriculum.  Why?  So you can teach others what He’s taught you.  Rather than say, ‘God, why?’ ask ‘God, what?  What can I learn from this experience?’ Rather than ask God to change your circumstances, ask Him to use your circumstances to change you. Life is a required course — might as well do your best to pass it.  You will get through this.”

When I wrote A Little Faith Lift: Finding Joy Beyond Rejection, I didn’t have to conjure up life-tests in which I had failed.  I had more than I could count and had to choose which to eliminate.  Since the book was published, I have had enough new “tests” to create a sequel.  What I had prayed for (that others would be able to relate to my humiliation and find confidence in their own miscues) happened.  Hearing that my readers now take risks or recognize they have value or no longer give bullies any power in their lives made me thank God for my messes.  My tests had become my testimony.

Through God’s power, what seems like a setback becomes a setup for a testimony. Not giving up allows our Heavenly Father to do His work, His unexplainable masterpiece.  Piece by piece, He is completing His tapestry of perfection out of our challenges. We just have to be willing to turn our mess into our message.

When our baby died at the hands of a quack doctor, I despaired, never realizing that God would use that depression to lead me into a relationship with Him.  Because of that, I have had numerous opportunities to offer comfort and hope to mothers whose baby died.  I can say “I understand” and mean it.

If we learn to be honest about our brokenness rather than playing super Christian and pretending all is well, God can do His work.  Billy Graham understood the importance of us turning our victimhood into our victory: “The unbelieving world should see our testimony lived out daily because it just may point them to the Savior.”

The devil never can take away our testimonies of God’s provision.  How frustrated he must be as he watches us deal with troubling times only to have us rely on the only One who can turn things around so we can brag about His provision!  What test are you dealing with right now?  Are you looking for ways to cheat your way through it, trying to figure out how to deal with it on your own, or are you patiently enduring, waiting for God to teach you what you need to know to grow closer to Him?

Remember, there is no testimony without a test.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Kelly Ryan Named  2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow

Leave a comment

This is a series on the

 2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.

 

FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Kelly Ryan, an AP environmental science and chemistry teacher at Northshore High School in Slidell, LA. Kelly will arrive in Fort Scott on June 15th for a week of collaboration with LMC staff and the other members of the Fellowship.

 

The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.

                                                                                                                                 

Ryan was honored to receive the 2023 Louisiana Milken Educator Award. Her dedication to academic excellence shines through her meticulously structured, standards-based approach, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ryan’s goal is not just to impart knowledge but to empower students to think independently, navigate challenges, and make informed decisions throughout their lives.

​​Through a partnership with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), Ryan is an active member of her school’s Instructional Leadership Team (ILT), which drives professional development and support on campus. She also serves as the science department chair, head of the school’s ACT committee, and member of the district’s ACT committee. In 2024, the district achieved the highest ACT scores among all public-school districts in Louisiana. Ryan is also the coach of two award-winning robotics teams and is the advisor of National Honor Society.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Kelly encourages her students in collaborative scientific exploration. By incorporating project-based learning, the students become adept at analytical reasoning and higher-order thinking skills. With the importance of scientific fields of discovery throughout history, Kelly’s knowledge of unsung heroes within these fields will bring to light many new unsung heroes for our Fellows to research with their students.”

While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas GOP Chair issues statement on Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iran

Leave a comment
In response to the Israel’s strikes on Iran, Kansas GOP Chair Danedri Herbert issued the following statement:
“The Kansas GOP stands behind our closest ally in the Middle East, Israel, in its preemptive strikes against Iran. It was an act of self defense, and Israel was well within its rights to protect its citizens by destroying Iran’s nuclear capability.”
Paid for by the Kansas Republican Party, Roger Lomshek, treasurer.
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Minutes of the June 13 Meeting

Leave a comment

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

Friday, June 13, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, for a special meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

June 13, 2025

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Kimble, Scott – Resignation – Principal – High School

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Certified Recommendations

 

Marlow, Billie – 5th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware

Deckinger, Eliya – Counselor – High School

 

Classified Recommendations

 

Collins, Clayton – Full Time Substitute at FSHS

 

Transfer Recommendations for 2025-26 School year

 

Hutchinson, Patty – Paraprofessional – Preschool – Transfer from Food Service

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:

 

Collins, Clayton – Assistant Football Coach – High School

Simas, Kiel – Assistant Wrestling Coach – High School

 

Bourbon County, Uncategorized

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Minutes of June 6  

Leave a comment

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

 Minutes of June 6

 

 

  1.  Welcome: Twenty-four members representing thirteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Jenny Layes – HBCAT Community Health Worker- Shared of resource share and and event to come.
  • Rhonda Dewitte-Sparkwheel

-First Missionary Baptist Church of Uniontown Food Pantry.

 

  • Rachel Eden-Sparkwheel Student Support Coordinator at FSHS.
  • Shelby Moore-Families Together-Flyers were provided explaining the services provided by FAST.
  • Ashley Reeder-SEKMCH
  • Stephanie Breckenridge – Family Strong Social Worker – Always accepting referrals.
  • Christine Abbott-SE Kansas Works-Promoting Job Fair June 24th at the Ellis Center with a flyer. Resources are available for youth wanting to work on employment.  Fort Scott office space inside the HBCAT office.
  • Michelle Stevenson – FS Early Childhood Program – Fully funded by the Early Childhood Block Grant. She has 2-3 spots available.  She attended the BBCO Baby Shower, which provided safe sleep for families.
  • Star Culp-Parents As Teachers through Greenbush- They have been able to add more spots throughout the program. There are no necessary qualifications, but must have a child prenatal-6. PAT has an open position for an additional parent educator.
  • Janelle Tate – ECBG – Transitions Coordinator of ECBG. Along with Kelli Mengarelli, Michelle Stevenson, and Samantha James, our program was fully funded by the Early Childhood Block Grant.  Planning a recruitment event along with other non-profit organizations to promote resources to families.

Mentioned update from Jenni Simhiser’s Path of Ease Association announcement about the new van awarded by grant funding.

  • Kelli Mengarelli-FRC ECBG-
  • Samantha James-FRC ECBG-
  • Jalaine Davis – Core Community – Informational meeting about Core Community coming up in the fall. Great program for volunteer opportunities.
  • Tori Riebel-SEK MCHD-Shared about the BBCO Baby Shower SEK MCHD hosted, with many more to come in other surrounding communities.
  • Lauren Klinksick- Angels Care Home Health -Flyers were available for the Angels Fall Prevention Program, and a coverage map. One of the many therapies offered is physical therapy, and assisting those in home health care.
  • Dave Gillen – Beacon – Help clients with food twice a month. Help with other personal items.  A limited number of taxi passes and gas vouchers are available.  The Beacon is open  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.  Clients must live in Bourbon County, and qualifications must match DCF.  The Beacon served 340 families last month..  Other items they have helped with include hygiene items, laundry and dish soap, taxi passes, rent, and utilities.
  • Patty Simpson – Fort Scott Housing Authority – FSHA has 190 income-based apartments. She shared that there would be some available housing authority apartments soon.

Patty introduced Guests from High Rise Group-Martha and Lynn.  Shared about how the program they are a part of wanted to see how they can help others by monetary donation.

  • Rhonda Hoener-Sparkwheel-Post Secondary Success Coach -Works with ages 18-25 years old who have ever been enrolled in Sparkwheel in the southern region.
  • Lacey McCarley-Head Start Teacher-Accepting applications for fall center-based preschool.
  • Janice Durbin- Head Start SEK CAP – Home-Based Teacher – Always accepting applications. Flyers were available for distribution.  Attended the BBCO Baby Shower.
  • Larry Jump-SEKCAP-Area Liaison
  • Theresa Amershek – Safe House Children’s Director- Currently seeking a part-time residential staff member to work evenings and weekends at the shelter.
  • Ana Salas – Safe House Crisis Center –
  • Heather Shepherd CHCSEK/USD 234 Community Health Worker-
  • Lora Wilson-CHC/SEK
  • Dee Dee LeFever – Greenbush Community Liaison – Accepting applications for Parents As Teachers through Greenbush.

 

 

 

  1.  Program: 

 

Rhonda Dewitt presented to our group about her Church’s Free Food Pantry.  She and some of her congregation members who attend the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown have organized a pantry that is for those in need 24 hours a day.  She listed the multiple ways they are helping the community, such as Outreach Programs, Food Pantry, Commodities, Emergency Night Stay, Celebrate Recovery, and GriefShare.  She mentioned having breakfast foods available for summer grab and go for kids, and they have a way to have cold items as well.  She has great community support, even mentioning the Ruritan Club.  To help Rhonda out they are always accepting donations of snacks.

 

Rhonda also presented to us about her position as the Sparkwheel Student Support Coordinator K-12 in the Uniontown School District.  She mentioned her caseload is usually around 60 students.  She said she gets to do all the things the administration and teachers want to do, but there is sometimes not enough time to do so by bridging gaps.  There are many ways she can assist students, whether it be assisting in getting homework done to meet academic goals, making sure students’ needs are met to prevent truancy, or helping support parent and school relationships.  With her help, students have access to food, clothes, and hygiene products if needed.  Hoping she can help someone have a better day than yesterday.

 

There are also ways others in the school district are supported universally, such as a grade school monthly award.  This program serves students who aren’t on her caseload.  She has all staff recognizing positive behavior by passing out recognition cards so they are rewarded, and hopefully the behaviors modelled are repeated.  Students can exchange the cards for prizes.  They also hand out goodie bags to all.  Other events Sparkwheel has hosted include  Fun Night, as well as a mock interview and career fair.

 

She introduced the Sparkwheel staff who were present.

 

Rhonda Hoener’s position through Sparkwheel is a Post Secondary Success Coach serving 9 high schools, including Garden City and Dodge City.  She stated that anyone who had been enrolled in Sparkwheel would qualify for her program as long as they were in the 18-25 age range.  By contacting the Juniors and Seniors each year to see if this program would benefit them after graduation, she is able to help her clients by setting goals that will, over time, improve their lives.  Sometimes these goals change due to a crisis occurring.  She is able to support them through the crisis by being able to teach them life skills that will help them be more self-sufficient.  Some are facing homelessness, or losing jobs due to illness, with her help, she is able to help them navigate some pretty tough challenges.

 

There are also college campus-based programs that work with colleges such as PSU, and they are hoping to branch out more soon.  This program serves all students, not just Sparkwheel graduates.

 

Rachel Eden, the Student Support Coordinator for Sparkwheel at Fort Scott High School, shared about building relationships with staff and students.  Working on academics, life skills, and connecting students with resources.  Assisting with FASFA to help with future planning.  She mentioned we have a Student Support Coordinator at the Fort Scott Middle School as well, her name is Winter Moore.

 

  1.  Open Forum:  Nothing further came before the membership.

 

 

  1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be August 6, 2025. 
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott June 12 Edition

Leave a comment

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! June 12th Weekly Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset

** Guided tours Saturday & Sunday 10am & 1pm! **

Click HERE to visit the website.

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

Fort Scott Farmers Market

Saturdays | 8am-noon Tuesdays | 4-6pm

Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am-4pm

Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.

620-231-4250

FS Public Library

*Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm

*Summer Reading June 3rd – July 29th!

201 S. National Ave.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9am-4pm.

Par Tee Girl Ladies’ Golf League –

Every Wednesday thru July!

League Fee: $40

Contact:

Diane Striler at [email protected] or 248-568-7790

Click HERE for the Facebook Group Page!

Dolly Trolley Historic 50-min narrated tours!

Adults $6 | Children 12&under $4

Call 620-223-3566 or stop in the Chamber at

231 E. Wall St. to book your ride!

Fort Scott Aquatic Center

Opens Memorial Day, May 26th

Monday – Saturday

Public Swim: 1-5:15pm

Adult/Family Swim :5:30-7pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3pm & 5:15pm

Sunday

Public Swim: 1-6pm

Adult/Family Swim: 4:45-6pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3 & 4:30pm

Daily Admission:

2& under Free

3-14yrs $2

15-62yrs $3

63yrs+ $2

Questions: 620-223-8142

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

__________________________________

__________________________________

Fort Scott High School

All Class Reunion Yard Signs!

Signs $20/each

*Several personalized designs available

*Additional Tiger swag including apparel, drinkware, license plates, banners also available

Deadline to order: Monday, June 16th

Pick up: Wednesday, June 25th @ the Chamber

231 E. Wall St.

Click HERE for order form .pdf file

Show off your Tiger Pride in style!

__________________________________

__________________________________

UPCOMING EVENTS

GOLF CART RAFFLE – donated by

Bourbon County Cars

Proceeds benefit:

Kiwanis Youth Scholarships & Care to Share

2011 Yamaha 48V Electric Golf Cart

Tickets: $20 each or 10 for $100

Tickets can be purchased at Bourbon County Cars

via Venmo by texting Josh Jones 620-215-3680

or by clicking HERE!

Drawing will be held July 12th at the

Care to Share Golf Tournament!

6/2-7/17 ~ 9:15am-10am | Freedom Fitness KidFit Summer 7-week Session

Mon-Thurs.(4 days a week)

Skill/Sport-specific training

Limited spots available

$110 due on the first day

Good Ol’ Days Raffle!

Enter to win some of the exciting activities Fort Scott has to offer! Raffle Ends Friday, June 13th at midnight. Drawing will be Sunday, June 15th time TBD.

Tickets $5/each or 5 for $20

6 Raffle items to choose from!

1 Year Family Fitness Membership for Buck Run Community Center

1 Year Family Aquatic Center Membership at the Fort Scott Aquatic Center

1 Year Single Golf Membership at Woodland Hills Golf Course

1 Candlelight Tour Ticket at the Fort Scott National Historic Site (1st weekend of Dec)

1 Candlelight Tour Ticket at the Fort Scott National Historic Site (1st weekend of Dec)

1 Tractor Supply Gift Card valued at $25

Click HERE to order tickets online or pick up tickets at the Chamber until 2pm Friday, June 13th.

6/13 ~ 3-4:45 | FSCC Presidential Search – Community Forum

Ellis Fine Arts Center at FSCC

Candidate 1 | 3pm-3:45pm

Candidate 2 | 4pm-4:45pm

6/13 ~ 6-8pm | Raku Firing Experience by Trent Freeman at The Artificers

Age 16+ | $45

— SOLD OUT —

6/13 ~ 7-8pm | Friday Night Concerts in the Park

Feat.Micheal Lundeen (piano/solo act)

Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main St.

In case of inclement weather concert will move inside at

Common Ground Coffee Co.

6/14-15 ~ | 4Spurs Rodeo

Bourbon County Fairgrounds

6/14 ~ 8am-12pm | Help Joe Fight Fundraiser at the Farmers Market

$5 Biscuits & Gravy 8-10am or sold out

$7 Pulled pork Nachos 10:30am-12pm or sold out

Variety of baked goods

**All proceeds will be used towards cancer treatment in Arizona. Treatment is not covered by insurance.

6/14 ~ 9am-1pm | The Lavender Patch Farm Saturdays

Admission Free | Fields & Store are open

2376 Locust Road

Click HERE for Facebook page!

6/14 ~ 10am | Dragoon Charge – American Legion Riders Post 25 for Wreaths Across America

$20 per bike | $10 per passenger

Kick Stands Up at 10am at 5 Corners Mini Mart

Potluck dinner provoded at end of ride

at Memorial Hall.

50/50 Raffle, Women’s Raffle, & Men’s Raffle

6/15-17 ~| Bob Vanschoelan Group Golf Outing

Woodland Hills Golf Course

6/16 ~ 3-5pm | Free Physicals for FSHS Students by Girard Medical Center

at GMC in Fort Scott, 1624 S. National Ave.

**Please fill out and sign all KSHAA physical & concussion forms BEFORE the day of physical.

KSHSAA Physical Form:

https://5il.co/3gs4d

Concussion Form:

https://5il.co/3grkz

Dates and times are as follows:

Monday, June 16th: 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Tuesday, July 1st: 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Tuesday, July 8th, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Questions? Call the provider: 620-224-2627

6/13 ~ 3-4:45 | FSCC Presidential Search – Community Forum

Ellis Fine Arts Center at FSCC

Candidate 3 | 3pm-3:45pm

Candidate 4 | 4pm-4:45pm

6/16-20th ~ 5:30-8pm | VBS with First Presbyterian Church & the First United Methodist Church

Ideal for K-5th grade

Food & Snacks available

6/19 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee hosted by State Farm – Kale Nelson – Celebrating 20 years!

1805 S. National Ave.

6/19 ~ 6-8pm | Create a Peony Flower with Katie Hueston at The Artificers!

21+ ages, bring your own beverages as you sip ?& paint with Katie. Limited spots

Click HERE to sign up!

6/13 ~ 7-8pm | Friday Night Concerts in the Park

Feat. David Prickett (guitar/vocal/solo act)

Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main St.

In case of inclement weather concert will move inside at

Common Ground Coffee Co.

6/20-22nd ~| Bourbon County Fair Rodeo, Bourbon County Fairgrounds

Contact: Stewart Gulager 620-215-5302

6/20-21st ~ 7-10pm | RockBallet Dance Recital

6/21 ~| Kansas Rocks – Newbie Women Wheelers

Basic Skills Course

2051 130th Mapleton, KS

6/21 ~ 8am-12pm | Woodland Hills Jr. Golf

2-person Scramble

8am start

6/21 ~ 11am-1pm | Bike Show for

Guest Home Estates, 737 S. Heylman

BBQ, Meet & Greet with the residents

Enjoy food & great company!

Bike Show & 50/50 Raffle

Trophies for 1st place in residence choice.

** All proceeds benefit Guest Home Estates

6/21 ~ 12pm-5pm | Pool Tournament – Brent Wheeler Benefit

Jack & Jill tourney

Holmtown Pub, 206 S. National Ave.

$20/per | $40/team

Calcutta starts at 12pm | Play starts at 1pm

Pool Register: Les 620-215-3199 or

Jena 620-704-9399

Silent Auction Items:

Shotgun a5 sweet 16 & Winchester 36 Gun Safe

Raffle tickets: Nick 316-212-6450 or

Chase 620-224-8015

6/21 ~ 6-10pm | Mardi Gras in the Fort – Ernest James Zydeco Band

Care to Share providing Shrimp Boil for a

free will donation.

Downtown The Gathering Square Pavilion.

Bring your lawn chair!

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
…
Government, Kansas

KS Governor Supports California’s Request To Block The Federalization/Deployment of National Guard

3 Comments

Governor Kelly Joins States Opposing Trump’s Military Deployment Without
Gubernatorial Coordination


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly joined an amicus brief with leaders from 20 states supporting California’s request for a court order blocking the president’s unlawful federalization and deployment of that state’s National Guard.

“The United States of America is founded on the rule of law, including respect for states’ rights. The federalization of the California National Guard by President Trump, without the coordination of the Governor of California, is a violation of states’ rights,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “President Trump’s actions constitute a threat to the authority of the nation’s governors to command their National Guards. I joined this brief to preserve state sovereignty and halt federalization of state National Guards without the coordination of their governors.”

The amicus brief outlines how Trump’s action is wholly inconsistent with our nation’s founding principle that freedom depends on the subordination of the military to civilian authority.

“By calling forth troops when there is no invasion to repel, no rebellion to suppress, and when state and local law enforcement is fully able to execute the laws, the President flouts the vision of our Founders, undermines the rule of law, and sets a chilling precedent that puts the constitutional rights of Americans in every state at risk,” the brief reads.

The president’s memo federalizing the Guard does not restrict these actions to just Los Angeles, California, or any specific U.S. region. Instead, it is an unlimited claim of presidential authority to deploy the National Guards of any state for the next 60 days. The states have an interest in standing up against this unnecessary and legally unjustified military call-up.

The states also have an interest in ensuring their National Guards are available to perform the essential services they provide the states on an ongoing basis. They provide critical services responding to natural disasters, counter-drug operations, and cybersecurity support, among other daily contributions to public safety. This unlawful federalization pulls volunteer service members away from performing vital services, and states are not in a position to replace them.

The president’s unlawful and unconstitutional use of the military has exacerbated safety issues and threatened constitutionally protected activity under the First Amendment. Every state has an interest in protecting their residents from these threats.

The brief is led by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings. Others joining are the state attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

A copy of the amicus brief is available here.

###

Bourbon County

Bronson Leaders Are Dreaming Big

Leave a comment

 

Kelly Perry,  Bronson’s Rural Champion through the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity, sent the following press release.

I’m writing to share exciting updates about a transformational project in Bronson, Kansas—our City Park Placemaking Project, which has been made possible by countless hours of travel, planning, and commitment from residents, regional partners, and dedicated volunteers.

In 2022, the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) and the Kansas Sampler Foundation launched the Rural Champions Program to empower leaders in rural communities. The program entered its second round in 2024, and I helped bring it to the attention of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT). With the support of Jody Love and former team member Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT agreed to apply—if the City of Bronson could identify someone willing to serve as the Rural Champion.

At the time, Bronson’s City Council—like many small-town councils—was already stretched thin. Many of them juggle full-time jobs while also managing Bronson Pride, the Bronson Ball Association, and other civic duties. Despite having been accepted to start my degree at PSU that fall, I told the Council that if they wanted me to apply as the Champion, I would do it—and they encouraged me to move forward.

I worked with HBCAT to apply and was officially named Bronson’s Rural Champion in September 2024. Training began immediately, and I’ve since logged hundreds of hours of travel and training, including multiple trips across the state. Our kickoff meeting in Newton, Kansas, was followed by mandatory virtual Kansas Leadership training, and just last week, I traveled over 15 hours round-trip to attend a quarterly meeting in Saint Francis.  During my second quarterly meeting in February in Comanche County, I had the honor of speaking directly with Lieutenant Governor David Toland about the challenges and goals of our local project. His team followed up with resources and guidance, showing the real intent behind this program—action and follow-through.

We’ve hosted two community-wide town hall meetings—one with 17 participants and the second with 37 community members in attendance—where we shared our vision for the park. We asked: “Can we dream bigger?” And the community responded with a resounding “yes.” That support gave us the confidence to pursue a major grant to take this project even further.

Submitted photo.

Applied For Community Development Grant

In partnership with the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission (SEKRPC), the City of Bronson’s City Council and the critical help of HBCAT making those connections for us, Southeast SEKRPC submitted a pre-application for a $210,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The full application is being submitted this Month, with award announcements expected in July 2025. If successful, this will bring together funding from several sources, including:

  • $25,000 Rural Champions Implementation Grant
  • $4,256 KDHE Waste Tire Product Grant (for recycled picnic tables)
  • Helen Bolling Memorial Fund donations
  • Bourbon County Community Foundation
  • Over $5,000 in matching funds from HBCAT
  • Private donations from the Iola banking center and the Community National Bank Foundation have both agreed to donate $1,500 total.

Special thanks go to City Clerk Danielle Minor, who voluntarily completed grant writing training and works to submit applications for additional funding for the park among her daily duties and work on sewer grants etc. Jennie McKee and the engineers at Agriculture Engineering Associates, Inc., Uniontown, have also been instrumental, helping us address ADA compliance, site drainage at the park, and accessibility concerns to ensure the new investment will be safe and long-lasting.

Planned improvements include:

  • New, modern playground equipment
  • ADA-compliant sidewalks to the restrooms
  • A full concrete walking trail loop around the park
  • Recycled material picnic tables that are all inclusive
  • Better drainage to prevent flooding and equipment damage
  • Additional improvements will continue as more funding is provided

These aren’t just cosmetic upgrades—they’re foundational changes to support health, accessibility, and community well-being.

Invitation to Bronson Day

We also want to invite everyone to Bronson Day 2025, held on Saturday, June 28, at the Bronson City Park. This will be the last celebration before construction begins, with renovations targeted for completion by May 2026. This year’s Bronson Day will be more low-key, as we desperately rebuild our volunteer base. If you’d like to be part of future Bronson Day planning or serve on an event board, please email me at [email protected] or Danielle at the city hall.

I truly believe we can prove that even the smallest towns can dream big and create lasting change. Bronson isn’t where I grew up, but it’s the place I proudly call home.

Volunteers Needed

That said, it takes more than just a few committed individuals to keep the heart of a town beating. We need new energy, new voices, and fresh leadership. As of today, there is no one on the planning committee for Bronson Day 2026. Without volunteers stepping up now, future community events like the Easter Egg Hunt, Santa Coming to Town, Bronson Day, and even our fireworks display are at serious risk of being canceled. These events take nearly a full year to plan and coordinate, and the handful of folks who’ve carried that torch for years are in desperate need of a well-earned break to recharge.

Change, growth, and progress require compromise, delegation, and community ownership. If you see something broken—say something. If you want to make a difference—join us. If you care about Bronson, now is the time to show it.

 

To volunteer or learn more, please contact me at [email protected]. Let’s work together to protect and grow what makes Bronson special.

 

Sincerely,
Kelly Perry
Rural Champion – City of Bronson
[email protected]

—

Legacy Health Foundation

Meghan Menchella Named 2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow

Leave a comment

This is part of a series on the

2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.

 

FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Meghan Menchella, a history teacher at Crestview Middle School in Ellisville, MO. Meghan will arrive in Fort Scott on June 15th for a week of collaboration with LMC staff and the other members of the Fellowship.

 

The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.

 

Meghan Menchella, a­­­n 8th-grade United States History teacher from St. Louis, Missouri, was recognized in 2023 as a Milken Educator. History is a popular subject at Crestview Middle School, as Meghan empowers her students to succeed and excel by fostering open discussion and critical thinking skills. She places a priority on building relationships with students in her classroom and creates a classroom that is welcoming and engaging.

Within her school, Meghan has served as a leader on her Professional Learning Community and her 8th-grade team. She also serves on the Building Leadership Team and sponsors clubs like National Junior Honor Society. She mentors second-year teachers throughout her district and works with universities to mentor preservice teachers. Her leadership skills and organization foster collaboration throughout her community.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Meghan’s exceptional ability to make history come alive for her students within the classroom has kindled their love of learning about the past and its effect on the present. Our team of 2025 fellows can look forward to gaining many new techniques from Meghan for using project-based learning to discover unknown heroes and their impact on history.”

While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.