Several new recreational activities are being offered by Buck Run Community Center this summer: an outdoor fitness court, an inaugural Independence Day Run, and a new fitness trainer added to the team.
New Outdoor Fitness Center
The outdoor fitness court is located just south of Buck Run Community Center, at 735 Scott Avenue.
“The new outdoor Buck Run Fitness Court is open,” said Lucas Kelley, Recreation Director and Buck Run Community Center Manager.
Warnings for using the fitness court.
The new space is free to the public and accessible to people of all ages and levels of expertise, Kelley said.
One can check in daily at the site.
“It was paid for by multiple organizations: Fort Scott Recreation, City of Fort Scott, a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, and the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.”
Seven exercise zones explained.
“We wanted to provide another option to the citizens to enjoy the fresh air and stay active in our community! We will also utilize the studio space on the south side to teach classes when the weather is enjoyable.”
Summer Pilates at the fitness court is June 26. From the center’s Facebook page.Stephen Toal’s artwork at the fitness court.The artist is featured.The fitness court is sponsored by several entities.
The center is offering a first-ever 5K run on the day the community is celebrating Independence Day, June 27.
1St Fourth of July 5k is June 27, offered by the Buck Run Community Center staff. From its Facebook page.
1st Annual Red, White & Run 5K registration is open.
On June 27, the inaugural Red, White & Run 5K is on the list of activities.
“Make it a full day of fun by participating in the race and then enjoying the city’s fireworks and community activities later that evening! Come dressed to celebrate America! Show us your spirit and win a BRCC Running Club T-shirt,” according to the BRCC Facebook page.
The Race Details:
• Start and finish at the Fort Scott Community College Track
• Route travels north on Horton Street, using the sidewalk to 6th Street
• Turn around at 6th Street and head back to the track
awards and prizes:
• Finisher medals for all registered participants
• Trophies awarded to 1st–3rd place in each age division
• $20 BRCC Fitness Center gift cards
• 4 pool passes awarded as prizes
There will also be family fun opportunities while you wait:
The recreation center welcomed Austin Sinn to the Buck Run team recently.
The personal trainer offers in-person training and online coaching.
The in-person training includes initial consultation, a customized training plan, exercise technique coaching and accountability and goal tracking.
The online coaching includes initial consultation, custom workout plan, form review and exercise feedback, ongoing program adjustments and text support.
Lucas Kelley, director of Fort Scott Recreation, of which Buck Run Community Center is a part.
The Bourbon County Commission met Monday, June 15, 2026, with all five commissioners present and Chairman Samuel Tran presiding. The board worked through county roads, a new development moratorium, the selection of a comprehensive-plan consultant, and an extended discussion of the budget process and election logistics. The full meeting is available on the county’s YouTube channel: June 15, 2026 Bourbon County Commission Meeting.
Hidden Valley Roads
Public Works Director Kenny Allen told commissioners the county has no recorded easements for the Hidden Valley roads in the Mound City/Mapleton area, that the roads do not meet county construction standards, and that bringing them up to standard would require costly reconstruction. After confirming counsel’s agreement, the commission adopted Resolution 23-26, reaffirming that Resolution 7-21 designated the Hidden Valley roads only for law-enforcement access and not for county maintenance. Commissioner Mika Milburn-Kee pointed out that adopting the resolution should keep the same issue from needing the attention of the next set of commissioners, should the residents of Hidden Valley bring it up again in the future.
Accounts Payable and Payroll
The commission approved two accounts-payable batches (setting aside two rock-crusher training charges for Kenny Allen to dispute) and, after amending the agenda, approved two payroll registers. Commissioners also approved the June 1 meeting minutes.
Public Comments: Security Cameras and Drainage
Tristan Smittle and a colleague from INA Alert (introduced as Jacob Strecker) pitched integrated security and camera systems, offering rough per-camera cost figures. Landowner Mark Warren raised drainage and standing-water concerns on three properties — near 120th and Paint Creek south of Redfield, on Limestone Road southeast of Uniontown, and on Kansas Road west of Highway 3. Milburn-Kee took his contact information for follow-up.
Elm Creek Lake Dam Grant Terminated
Don George of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks asked the commission to terminate a five-year-old grant for Elm Creek Lake dam repair, explaining that the cost figures are now outdated.
The county has no records of how the dam was constructed by the WPA, so there’s no way to know what would happen if the face was removed. George pointed out that it’s an important part of Bourbon County and the longer they wait to make repairs, the more expensive it will be.
Commissioner David Beerbower expressed a desire to keep Elm Creek Lake in good condition. MIlburn-Kee asked about reports that the fishing is declining at the lake. George said that he doesn’t stock it as much as he used to because of the leak and how low the water gets, making stocking the lake a potentially poor investment. George also offered to take any interested commissioners on a tour to learn what his department does for the county.
When Tran asked about the conditions of the grant, George said that the Department of Wildlife was going to pay about 1/3 of the cost at $40,000 and the county pay the remainder of $121,000, the majority of which would be using the county’s workers, equipment, and resources. (Background: County Commission Discusses EMS and Elm Creek Quarry.)
The commission voted to terminate the grant, and George invited the county to submit a future application with current numbers for the next grant cycle in May of 2027.
Comprehensive Plan: Confluence Selected
Planning Commission representatives Brian Ashworth II and Pete Owenby recommended hiring Confluence to produce the county’s comprehensive plan — at a cost of $105,500 — along with an optional zoning-code update (costing $46,500), citing stronger community-engagement plans than competing firms. The proposed time line is 10 months from the beginning of work with an additional four months for zoning. One way the county could save money on the cost of the work is to work on the zoning in conjunction with developing the comprehensive plan. By developing a comprehensive plan, the county will provide leverage for various entities in Bourbon County that may wish to apply for grants. “It promotes growth,” said Milburn-Kee.
The commission voted to select Confluence, with Commissioner Gregg Motley abstaining, and authorized Ashworth to pursue best-and-final pricing. The selection follows the Planning Commission’s spring review of proposals (see May 13–14 Planning Commission agendas and the February RFP summary).
Clerk’s Requests: Website Access and Election Room
County Clerk Susan Walker requested front-page access to the county website for herself, the county treasurer and the emergency management department to keep required publications and the emergency status of the county current. No one is updating the finance page at this time. The commission deferred pending consultation with its IT provider, Stronghold.
Walker also formally requested use of the commission room for early voting and election school on specified dates. A motion by Commissioner Milburn-Kee to deny use of the room (while still allowing Public Works and custodial assistance with election equipment) split the vote and failed; a follow-on motion by Commissioner Motley to approve the clerk’s full request passed.
Milburn-Kee claimed that the commission room is the only space she can use on the courthouse for commission work. A heated exchange occurred between Chairman Tran and Clerk Walker over election-room security and tone.
Budget Process
Commissioners Beerbower, Tran, Motley, and Allen said they want department heads to present their budgets directly to the board — beginning with Public Works on June 29 — while Commissioner Milburn-Kee preferred letting financial advisor Baker Tilly handle the process. The commission approved read-only CIC remote access for Baker Tilly so the firm can pull budget information directly. The discussion continues the board’s budget work from its May 18 meeting.
The moratorium will be in effect for one year, or until Bourbon County adopts amendments to the zoning regulation of the county pertaining to utility-scale power generation crypto mining, data centers, and waste disposal operations, whichever first occurs.
Other Business
Signed previously approved Resolution 22-26.
Authorized Chair Tran to sign a real-estate (MLS) listing extension.
Appointed Michael Hoyt as the county’s representative to the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging board, Milburn-Kee and Tran voting against.
Commissioner Allen praised first responders’ performance during a recent incident involving the sheriff and reported the DMV may reopen within the week.
Commissioner Comments
Beerbower: Asked that the commissioners give their opinion on the size of flag to fly from the 40-foot poll at the courthouse. The commission decided to bring it back to the table next week after some research.
Allen: Asked that documents be attached to the meeting agendas prior to the meeting to allow time to read through resolutions prior to voting on them.
He also gave a shout-out to public works for their work mowing and grading. He also commended the first responders with Sheriff Bill Martin’s collapse last week.
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Magali Turner, a 2023 New Mexico Milken Educator and fifth-grade teacher at Ruben S. Torres Elementary School in Deming, New Mexico. Magali will arrive in Fort Scott on June 21st 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.
Ms. Turner is a passionate fifth-grade educator who is widely recognized for creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and motivated to succeed. Known for her enthusiasm for mathematics, she challenges students to think critically while maintaining high expectations that empower them to push beyond perceived limits. By encouraging focus, perseverance, and goal setting, Ms. Turner helps students realize that their effort can open doors to greater opportunities than they may have imagined.
Through creative and engaging instruction, she brings energy to every subject she teaches. Ms. Turner is particularly committed to building strong foundations in math, science, and reading—skills that students carry with them long after they leave her classroom. Her innovative teaching style and dedication to student growth have made a lasting impact on her students and the broader school community.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Magali’s enthusiasm for discovering the stories of Unsung Heroes in history will be contagious and will be a great asset as the 2026 Fellows develop their projects.”
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.
Commerce Invites Jobseekers to Explore New Careers at Upcoming Job Fair
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, June 25.
“Summer is in full effect — and this season is all about new adventures and new experiences. If you’re looking for a new career, now is the perfect time,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Whether you’re exploring opportunities or looking for your first job, Kansas employers are looking for the next best candidate — and one of them could be you.”
The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.
This month’s 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 they might be asked to engage in an interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation 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 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.
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.
ALLEN, JUDY MARIE, 46
Arrested: 6/16/2026 3:34 AM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charges:
– Possess Opiates/Opium/Narc Drug and Certain Stim
– Possession of Certain Hallucinogenic Drugs
– Use/Poss Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body
Bond: No bond
FASANELLA, ANGELINA M, 27
Arrested: 6/16/2026 8:30 AM
Agency: Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office
Charge: Sanction (warrant)
Bond: $0
REED, WESLEY ALAN, 26
Arrested: 6/16/2026 4:19 PM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charges:
– Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor
– Domestic Battery; Physical Contact in Rude Manner
Bond: $0
BECKLEY, JAMES A, 53
Arrested: 6/16/2026 4:30 PM
Agency: Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office
Charges:
– DWS
– Possess Opiates/Opium/Narc Drug and Certain Stim
– Possess Paraphernalia to Cultivate <5 Plants
Bond: No bond
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by Travelodge & Penny’s Diner
Thursday, June 18 at 8 a.m. Travelodge, 2505 S. Main St. We hope to see you there!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Travelodge & Penny’s Diner, 2505 S. Main St., this Thursday, June 18 at 8 a.m. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register for a special drawing.
Travelodge by Wyndham Fort Scott offers convenient lodging for travelers, visitors, and guests coming to the Fort Scott area. Located along the south edge of Fort Scott, the hotel provides guest amenities including free WiFi, comfortable rooms, and on-site dining.
Located inside the hotel, Penny’s Diner is a 24-hour diner offering classic American favorites in a fun, retro 1950s-style atmosphere. The diner is open around the clock and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and comfort food favorites all day, making it a convenient stop for both local residents and travelers.
For more information, contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and select the Chamber Coffees category for upcoming locations.
Steve Han, a 10th grade student at Beckman High School in Irvine, California, earned the $6,000 Grand Prize. Han’s colored pencil, marker, and pen work on paper, The Hands of Reconstruction, Frances Perkins, depicts Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a U.S. Cabinet position and a driving force behind landmark labor reforms that reshaped workers’ rights and social protections during the New Deal era.
In his Impact Statement, Han describes how the imagery of his artwork celebrates Perkins’ leadership: “In the center is Perkins who lifts a torn American flag. The flag shows a nation hurt and sunken by poverty, exploitation, and instability, but she still lifts the flag. Through this gesture, I wanted to express Perkins’ determination not to let suffering define the future.”
ARTEFFECT Winners Celebrated at MCAAD Gallery in Washington, DC!
On Sunday, June 14, ARTEFFECT Celebrated the opening of the ARTEFFECT Gallery at MCAAD in Washington, DC with previous winners Anne Jumper, Grace Li, and Sophie Sterling. Anne and Grace spoke about their artworks in the gallery, sharing about their process and why they chose their unsung heroes as inspiring role models.
Congratulations once again to the 43 young artists featured in the ARTEFFECT Gallery at MCAAD celebrating the LMC Unsung Heroes!
INNOVATION GENERATION 2026 SUMMER ART COMPETITION NOW OPEN!
ARTEFFECT’s new summer competition, Innovation Generation, focuses on the theme of innovation and invites young artists to celebrate the stories of Unsung Heroes who made positive, profound, and lasting contributions to others through their innovations, inventions, and research.
The competition is open to high school students. All students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate, including rising high school freshmen (students entering 9th grade in Fall 2026) and students who graduated high school in 2026.
Meet our 2025-2026 Ambassador Michelle Hickey, an Art Teacher at Scio Middle & High School in Scio, Oregon.
Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities.
Here is an excerpt from Michelle’s Capstone Project report:
“My students learned a lot more about their Unsung Hero’s needing to be able to speak about them, and the process it took to make their artwork, and they are a lot more confident now with what they would do in the future for another project like this.”
Congratulations to Michelle and her students at Scio Middle & High School in Oregon for your fantastic ARTEFFECT projects!
Congratulations to Michelle’s student, Lily Burkett (Grade 11), for winning a 2026 Certificate of Excellence for her artwork Mother of the Mesozoicabout Unsung Hero Mary Anning!
Michelle also had two other students whose projects were selected as Finalists in the 2026 ARTEFFECT annual competition!
2026 Finalists by Michelle Hickey’s students: An Unseen Star by Cecilee Faville (Grade 11) about Unsung Hero Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin; and Resilience and Safety by Lucian Hickey (Grade 8) about Unsung Hero Lt. Col. Tran Ngoc Hue.
SPREAD THE NEWS!
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT and spread the word about the 2026 competition winners. Be sure follow us on these platforms for announcements, news, professional development, resources and more!
Lenita “Lyn” Ellen Pulliam, 81, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away at home on Saturday, June 13, 2026. She was born on November 19, 1944, to Sergeant Benjamin Earl Pulliam, and Cora Alice and Alvin Vernon Tucker.
After attending Fort Scott High School, Lyn worked at various companies over the years, having spent much of her career at Frito Lay in Dallas, Texas, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and later returning to Fort Scott and retiring from the State of Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services Office.
Lyn was a devoted Christian who often found strength in the pages of her Bible. She loved spending time with her family and friends, and was usually full of long talks, loud laughs, and occasional tears. Going to the movies, reading a good book, and margaritas by the pool, were some of her favorite pastimes. Most importantly, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her world and her greatest joy in life. The love, laughter, and endless support she shared with them, will remain her lasting legacy.
Lyn is survived by her daughters, Toni (Rusty) Felt, Lisa (Brent) Neubauer, and Cheryl (Dale) Gates; grandchildren, Jerod (Tracie) Felt, Jordan (Kory) Harding, Nathan Uttinger, Trenton (Jacie) Uttinger, Colton Manley, and Grayson Manley; great-grandchildren, Brady Felt, Karrington Harding, Karoline Harding, Ryan Austin, Mason Uttinger, Tucker Felt, and Adalyn Uttinger; siblings, Sharon Dean, Verna (Phil) Sibona, Frank (Melanie) Tucker, Cindy Breese, and Khris (Jeff) Simpson.
Lyn was preceded in death by her son, Jeffery Dean Uttinger; parents, Earl Pulliam, and Alice and Alvin Tucker; sister, Vivian Tucker.
There was cremation. Rev. Leon Weece from Miami, Oklahoma, will conduct a memorial service at 10:30am on Thursday, June 18th at Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place at the Deerfield Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Scott View Apartments (Highrise) Activity Fund and 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.
The Kitchen Collective+Collaboration is a modern shared commercial kitchen, retail and event space in historic downtown Fort Scott, at 12 S. Main
The Kitchen Collective+Collaboration is located at 12 S. Main, Fort Scott. From its Facebook page.
They offer grab-and-go meals and cooking classes and can also be privately rented.
Bailey Lyons, Rachel French and Angie Simon are business owners of The Kitchen Collection+Collaborative. . Submitted photo.
The business owners are planning a Summer Social on June 25 from 5 to 8 p.m.
“The Summer Social is designed to showcase the entrepreneurs, food businesses, and local producers that make up the The Kitchen Collective+Collaborative community and will include Crumstead, owned by Stephanie Carell, featuring a selection of her handcrafted baked goods and desserts. Also, The Golden Swan Bakery, owned by Grace French, will offer some of her signature gourmet cookies and sweet treats. BBQ by Jarod Bower, serving up samples of smoked barbecue favorites. Jonny O’s, one of our close collaborators, is featuring items from his popular food truck menu. Branch Coffee, owned by Ken Walker, is serving specialty beverages and sharing information about their local coffee offerings,” French said.
“We’re also excited to feature several local farmers and ranchers whose products are available in The Kitchen’s market area, including FB Farms, Freedom Farms, and Sweet Country Farms. These producers will be sharing information about their farms and locally raised meats and eggs they provide to our community.”
“In addition to meeting the vendors, guests will be able to shop The Kitchen’s market, enjoy door prizes, and take tours of our incubator kitchen facility. This event allows an opportunity to connect directly with the community, share their stories and showcase products they work so hard to create. It’s also to see how local businesses can collaborate and support one another and strengthen our regional food economy.”
The event was created to showcase the businesses that have grown within The Kitchen Collective+Collaborative.
“Many people know us as a place to grab lunch, take a class or host an event; fewer realize that we were established as Southeast Kansas’ first food business incubator,” she said. “Our mission is to help food entrepreneurs start, grow and sustain a successful business by providing a licensed, commercial kitchen space, business support and retail opportunities.”
“We are continuing to develop educational programming, business resources and retail opportunities that help local food businesses reach more customers. We’re working to strengthen relationships with farmers, ranchers and producers so local products are available to our community.”
The Kitchen is currently partnering with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas Healthy Pathways Program, so those who qualify will be eligible for matching kitchen rental hours, helping reduce the cost of accessing licensed commercial kitchen space. This program helps remove barriers for entrepreneurs, making it easier for them to test ideas, grow production, and build sustainable businesses, she said.
“We hope to welcome additional entrepreneurs into our kitchens, expand our classes and events, and continue building…a hub where food businesses, producers and the community can connect, collaborate and grow together.
