All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Elections, Government, Kansas

Early Voting Starts in Bourbon County Next Monday, July 20 at the Courthouse

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Voter booths at the Bourbon County Courthouse.
 

Early voting in Bourbon County begins next Monday, July 20 and runs until August 3. The election is August 4.

Voters will be able to vote Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 am. to noon at the Courthouse only.

Election Day is August 4 and voting will be at the usual polling places on that day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Those running for office are listed on this document send from the Bourbon County Clerks staff:
“Everyone can vote,” said Bourbon County Election Clerk Amber Page. “But, since August is a Primary, there will only be ballots for Republican and Democrat parties to vote on candidates.
“For those who choose not to affiliate with either of the major parties, there will be an Unaffiliated Ballot with just the Constitutional Amendment question on it.”
“The Constitutional Amendment is copied exactly how the State sent it to us to put on the ballot,” Page said. “If I understood correctly, the strike-through is over the original script that is being voted on to change or remove.”

The following constitutional amendment will be voted on during the August 4, 2026 Primary Election, taken from the Kansas Secretary of State website.

Vote Yes or No

“Explanatory statement. This amendment gives the voters the right to elect the justices of the Kansas supreme court. The justices shall serve terms of six years, with the elections of justice positions 1, 2 and 3 to occur in 2028, positions 4 and 5 to occur in 2030 and positions 6 and 7 to occur in 2032, and every six years thereafter. The rules applicable for such elections and the designation of position numbers shall be provided by law. Any vacancy on the court for an unexpired term shall be filled at an election as provided by law.

“A vote for this proposition would give Kansas citizens the right to elect Kansas supreme court justices as provided by law. Justices will hold office for terms of six years. The Kansas supreme court nominating commission, whose membership consists of a majority of lawyers, would be abolished.

“A vote against this proposition would continue the current system in which the Kansas supreme court nominating commission, whose membership consists of a majority of lawyers, provides the governor a list of three individuals to choose from for vacancies on the Kansas supreme court. Justices hold office for a term of six years and retain their offices if they win a retention election in which they do not face an opponent.

Shall the following be adopted?

Ҥ 5. Selection of justices of the supreme court. The citizens of Kansas who are qualified electors shall elect the justices of the supreme court. The rules applicable for such elections and the designation of position numbers shall be provided by law. Justice positions 1, 2 and 3 shall be elected at the general election in November of 2028, justice positions 4 and 5 in November of 2030 and justice positions 6 and 7 in November of 2032, and every six years thereafter, respectively. Any vacancy occurring on the supreme court for an unexpired term shall be filled by election as provided by law.(a) Any vacancy occurring in the office of any justice of the supreme court and any position to be open thereon as a result of enlargement of the court, or the retirement or failure of an incumbent to file his declaration of candidacy to succeed himself as hereinafter required, or failure of a justice to be elected to succeed himself, shall be filled by appointment by the governor of one of three persons possessing the qualifications of office who shall be nominated and whose names shall be submitted to the governor by the supreme court nominating commission established as hereinafter provided.

(b) In event of the failure of the governor to make the appointment within sixty days from the time the names of the nominees are submitted to him, the chief justice of the supreme court shall make the appointment from such nominees.

(c) Each justice of the supreme court appointed pursuant to provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall hold office for an initial term ending on the second Monday in January following the first general election that occurs after the expiration of twelve months in office. Not less than sixty days prior to the holding of the general election next preceding the expiration of his term of office, any justice of the supreme court may file in the office of the secretary of state a declaration of candidacy for election to succeed himself. If a declaration is not so filed, the position held by such justice shall be open from the expiration of his term of office. If such declaration is filed, his name shall be submitted at the next general election to the electors of the state on a separate judicial ballot, without party designation, reading substantially as follows:

“Shall

_______________________________
(Here insert name of justice.)

_______________________________
(Here insert the title of the court.)

be retained in office?”

If a majority of those voting on the question vote against retaining him in office, the position or office which he holds shall be open upon the expiration of his term of office; otherwise he shall, unless removed for cause, remain in office for the regular term of six years from the second Monday in January following such election. At the expiration of each term he shall, unless by law he is compelled to retire, be eligible for retention in office by election in the manner prescribed in this section.

(d) A nonpartisan nominating commission whose duty it shall be to nominate and submit to the governor the names of persons for appointment to fill vacancies in the office of any justice of the supreme court is hereby established, and shall be known as the “supreme court nominating commission.” Said commission shall be organized as hereinafter provided.

(e) The supreme court nominating commission shall be composed as follows: One member, who shall be chairman, chosen from among their number by the members of the bar who are residents of and licensed in Kansas; one member from each congressional district chosen from among their number by the resident members of the bar in each such district; and one member, who is not a lawyer, from each congressional district, appointed by the governor from among the residents of each such district.

(f) The terms of office, the procedure for selection and certification of the members of the commission and provision for their compensation or expenses shall be as provided by the legislature.

(g) No member of the supreme court nominating commission shall, while he is a member, hold any other public office by appointment or any official position in a political party or for six months thereafter be eligible for nomination for the office of justice of the supreme court. The commission may act only by the concurrence of a majority of its members.”

“§ 8. Prohibition of political activity by justices and certain judges. No justice of the supreme court who is appointed or retained under the procedure of section 5 of this article, nor any judge of the district court holding office under a nonpartisan method authorized in subsection (a) of section 6 of this article shall directly or indirectly make any contribution to or hold any office in a political party or organization or take part in any political campaign, except when such judge is a candidate for election to a position on an appellate court.”

“§ 15. Removal of justices and judges. Justices of the supreme court may be removed from office by impeachment and conviction as prescribed in article 2 of this constitution. In addition to removal by impeachment and conviction, justices may be retired after appropriate hearing, upon certification to the governor, by the supreme court nominating commission that such justice is so incapacitated as to be unable to perform adequately his duties. Other judges shall be subject to retirement for incapacity, and to discipline, suspension and removal for cause by the supreme court after appropriate hearing.”

⬭ Yes
⬭ No

Bourbon County, Fair, Food, Youth

2026 Bourbon County Fair Started Today: Join The Fun

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Today was the start of the county fair, the culmination of the work that 4-H’ers put into their projects.
Most of the action was in the Myers Building, with people bustling to have their items entered into the competition.
Each 4-H Club creates a diorama for competition which is on display in the Cloverleaf Event Center.
Another 4-H diorama.
Another diorama in the Cloverleaf Event Center.
The Myers Building was busy with people entering their exhibits on Monday afternoon.

Open Class exhibitors enter their art work.

People went to different stations in the Myers Building to enter their items.
Exhibitors of all ages were entering their projects in the Myers Building on Monday afternoon.

 

All indoor exhibits and open class exhibits were entered, in addition to 4-H and Open Class Market Animals, Poultry and Rabbits.
Judging was completed on the indoor exhibits in the Clover Leaf Event Center.
Karlee Hereford, Northeast Scott 4-H Club Member, readies her goats for the Bourbon County Fair on Monday afternoon.
Karlee’s Dad, Jake Hereford hands his daughter a bale of hay for feeding to her goats. The 17-year-old has been in 4-H for eight years.
Market animals were weighed, ready for the judging to start this week.
The following schedule for tomorrow’s activities is provided by Emelia Whiteaker, vice president of the Bourbon County Fair Association.
Tuesday, July 14th at the Bourbon County Fair, located on Horton Street in Fort Scott.
The tables are ready for fairgoers and participants to enjoy a meal in the Clover Leaf Event Center.
7 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Uniontown 4H Club Concession Stand in the Cloverleaf Event Center
8 a.m. – Rabbit Judging
9 a.m. – Open Class Judging – Myers Building is Closed
9 a.m. – Southwest/Southland Dairy Mobile Classroom with presentation at 9:30 am and 10:30 am
10 a.m. – Poultry Judging
11 a.m. – Operation Wildlife Eagle Presentation
12 p.m. – FCE Bake Sale in the Myers Building
12 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Myers Building Open for viewing
1 p.m. – Bourbon County 4H Council Afternoon Matinee in the Cloverleaf Event Center
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Merchant’s Building Open – over 15 vendors
5 p.m. – Sheep Show
6:30 p.m. – Meat Goat Show
Food Vendors:
7 a.m. to 2 p.m.  at the Uniontown 4H Club Concession Stand in Cloverleaf Event Center
All Day – Lemonade Lagoon
5 p.m. – Jonny O’s Food Truck
Some of the flyers on the doors of the buildings, telling of some of the week’s fair events.
A draft horse pull is July 16 at 8 p.m. at the fair.
On July 14 from noon to 2 p.m. is the selling of the prize winning foods judged in open class in the Myers Building.
There will be a free pancake breakfast on July 15 from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Cloverleaf Event Center, provided by Landmark Bank.
Fort Scott, Youth

Recent Fort Scott High School Grad Kenna Miles Pursues A Childhood Dream

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Kenna Miles is a 2026 Fort Scott High School graduate and is asking her community to help reach her goal to attend Theatre Arts Preparatory School in Las Vegas, Nevada starting September 1.

Kenna is chasing a dream she has had since a small child.

“More than anything, I want to give myself the chance to chase the dream I have had since I was little,” she said. “I have worked hard in dance and wrestling, and now I am ready to step back into dance and performing with everything I have.”

“She got a scholarship in wrestling to attend a university, but feels called by God to go into dancing,” her mother, Leslie Godden said.

She has been accepted into a training program in Nevada and is seeking help with funding for tuition, program fees, housing, and living expenses.

Godden said Kenna was dancing even in her womb. “And in her car seat, her head would be bobbing along with music. She started dancing at age 4.”

In school, Kenna was in both dance and wrestling. She started wrestling in 8th grade after watching her younger brother, Ryken Miles, wrestle. She won the state championship in wrestling twice.

The family found out about one month ago that she is eligible to attend the Theatre Arts Preparatory School in Las Vegas.

Even though Kenna received a Peterson Scholarship from Fort Scott High School, that and the FAFSA approval that she received are both for university attendance. The school she is wanting to attend is a trades school.

The FAFSA form is an application for student aid, such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans.

“They both had certain guidelines, and trade schools are not approved,” Godden said.

In the submitted graphics, there is information about the mechanism to help fund Kenna’s training.

The following is an interview with Kenna:

When/how did you hear about this opportunity?

“I first heard about Theatre Arts Preparatory School, TAPS, through Don Mirault.https://theaterartsprepschool.com/faculty/don-mirault/ I have known Don through Talent on Parade, which is a dance competition and convention I have attended and competed at for many years. Through dance, I have been able to learn from so many people, and TAPS was always one of those programs I knew about and looked up to.

“One of my “big sisters” from dance also went to TAPS after high school, so I have been able to watch her journey for years.”

Aubrey Colvin, from Southeast High School, Cherokee, was the ‘big sister’, said Godden.

“Seeing what the program did for her made me realize it was something I could see myself doing someday too. It has always been in the back of my mind as a dream opportunity.

“When the time came, I decided to go for it. I submitted my audition videos, tried out, and was accepted. Now I am working hard to make it possible to actually get there.”

Kenna Miles Sponsorship Levels Flyer

What is the deadline to help?

“The biggest need is as soon as possible. My schooling begins September 1, 2026, and I need to be moved to Las Vegas before then. I am currently trying to raise $9,000 to help with my initial program costs, housing deposits, moving expenses, and getting started once I arrive.

“Because I was accepted later than many of the other students, payments and planning have to happen quickly. Any help now makes a huge difference and helps me get one step closer to being able to attend.”

What is your hope/dream following this training?

“My hope after this training is to build a future in dance, theatre, and performing. Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I want to keep growing as a performer and see where it can take me professionally.

“I would love to work in the entertainment industry, whether that is stage, live performance, commercial dance, theatre, or other opportunities that come from training and being in Las Vegas. I know this program would push me, challenge me, and help prepare me for the next level.”

Godden said if the funding doesn’t come through this year, next year Kenna will be working hard to attend TAPS.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, Youth

Children Learn Flag Etiquette in Happenstance Meeting

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Cal Proctor, Judah Proctor, Wes Proctor and Stetson Harris with Fort Scott National Historic Site Ranger Paige Randolph, following the raising of the flag.. Submitted photos.

Kevin Moyers was having a morning walk with a couple of his grandchildren a few weeks ago at the Fort Scott National Historic Site and a ranger was putting the flags up for the day.

“She asked if the kids wanted to help,” Moyers said. “They did, and it was a thrill for them. So, over the 4th of July, more grandkids were coming in and I called the Fort to ask if we could help again, and they were glad for that to happen.”

Ranger Paige Randolph gave the children some points on respect for the flag and flag raising, he said.

Ranger Paige Randolph gives a lesson on raising the flag at Fort Scott National Historic Site to Cal Proctor, Wesley Proctor, and Stetson Harris. Submitted photo.
Business, Food, Fort Scott

Lu’s Ice Cream Begins New Hours Today

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Lu Niece stands at the entrance to her new business Lu’s Ice Cream Shop at 6th and Main in Fort Scott in this December 2025 photo.

 

Starting today, July 1, Lu’s Ice Cream shop, at the corner of 6th and Main Street in Fort Scott, will have a new menu and new hours.

The business owners, Al and Luanna Niece, recently purchased fudge equipment from Perry’s Pork Rinds (Bronson) and will be making fresh fudge and, in addition, will offer ballpark-inspired food: loaded hot dogs, nachos, paninis, and salads.

New hours are Mondays: closed. Tuesday through Thursday: 3-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday: 2-7 p.m. They will be closed July 4.

One novel aspect of this business venture is that they employ individuals of all abilities and are committed to creating a workspace where every team member is valued, supported, and empowered to succeed, said Nicole Regan, manager of Lu’s Ice Cream.

Regan is a former special education teacher.

Nichole Regan stands behind the counter at Lu’s Ice Cream shop at 6th and Main Street.

They sell Blue Bell Ice Cream, whose headquarters are in Texas, where the owners, the Nieces, are from.

“The Blue Bell delivery driver said we are the second largest delivery account in this region, second only to Branson, MO,” Regan said.

The response from the community so far has been “incredible”, she said. “The ice cream sales have exceeded our expectations. We are grateful to our customers and community for making this achievement possible.”

The building at 6th and Main was dilapidated until a few years ago, when the Nieces took it on as a project.

Al and Luanna Niece in 2023, outside their new purchase, the building at 6th and Main Street, Fort Scott.

It is ideally located directly across from the ballpark that is used consistently throughout the summer.

The Nieces own  Niece Equipment in the city’s industrial park and is a leading manufacturer of custom-built water trucks and fuel lube trucks.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fourth Of July Fun On Burke Street And The Torch Is Passed

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Margaret and Merle Humphrey and granddaughter, Meg, in a prior year’s parade. Submitted photo.
The 44th Annual Burke Street Parade will celebrate the USA’s 250th anniversary of declaring independence from Britain on Saturday, July 4.
“Margaret and Merle Humphrey are symbolically passing the torch to any and all people, young and old, who will proudly dress as The Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam,” said Barbara Albright, a spokesperson for the parade organizers. “For the first time, Margaret and Merle will be celebrating as spectators.”
“We have a team now (of organizers). The event got so big, and I was so happy to have all these Burke Street people make it more organized. But we always called it an unorganized parade, which made it more fun. A few rules: we would rather not have cars. No trucks,” Margaret said.
The parade starts at 10 a.m at the lineup spot at 10th and Burke Street. The parade will go south around the triangle in the street and then proceed down Burke Street to the Humphreys’ property at 1024 Burke for refreshments. Bailey Lyons will be there to direct.
“Cheering spectators and energetic participants are encouraged to dress in patriotic attire. Bring lawn chairs as seating is open along the parade route,” said Margaret. “Patriotic songs by Kids on Burke, will be led by Jill Gorman and Susan Foster.”
EVERYONE IS WELCOME to post-parade refreshments at 1024 S. Burke Street, hosted by the Humphreys.  Cookies are donated from the community and are asked to be at this location before the parade or shortly after its conclusion.
“Preferably, bring cookies the day before,” Margaret said.
For safety concerns,  no large vehicles are allowed in the parade, and people are asked to watch out for children. “They are everywhere,” Margaret said.
Burke Street Parade Leaders for 2026:
Traffic Control: Frank Halsey
Sound System and Flag Salute: Louie Dunkeson
Starting Area: Bailey Lyons
Information Distribution: Barb Albright
If there are any questions, call Margaret Humphrey (620-224-7388) or Barb Albright (620-224-7762).
A severe storm or lightning will cancel the parade, “however, we HAVE conquered rain in the past,” Margaret said.
Humphrey said the parade started decades ago with 20-30 people and has grown.
“The kids all look forward to it,” she said. “It’s a good way to start the day.”
Dusty Drake in a prior parade. Submitted photo.
Some parade spectators, Sheryl Bloomfield and Mary Jane Gentry. Submitted photo.
Susan Foster and her grandson, Jack, in a prior parade. Submitted photo.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Scott’s Independence Day Celebration Is June 27: Location of Events

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From  the City of Fort Scott’s Facebook page.
The City of Fort Scott has organized a fun day for the whole family to celebrate Independence Day, this year on June 27.
All events will be located at or near Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton, near Bailey Hall.
In the event map above, locations are shown for live music, a cooling station, water wars, food trucks and BBQ taste testing, a golf cart obstacle course, and a kickball tournament.

There is public parking and handicapped accessible parking available.

The designated parking spaces are at the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene and Community Christian Church.

Handicapped- accessible parking spaces are on the south side of FSCC near the only available entrance, across from the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.


Be sure to note the designated entrances, parking areas, and event locations before you arrive. Then grab your friends and family and enjoy an evening packed with food, games, entertainment, and one spectacular fireworks finale!

#VisitFortScott #FortScottKS #IndependenceDayCelebration #FourthOfJuly

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Farmers Market First July 4 Celebration: Fun For All Ages

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The Fort Scott Farmers Market vendors are planning a party on July 4 at the Gathering Square Pavilion on North National Avenue.

The regular market vendors will be there to purchase from, but in addition, there will be added fun activities for the whole family.

The Gathering Square Pavilion.

“Since Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year, we wanted to make the most of a unique opportunity,” said Stephanie Carrell, secretary of the vendors. “The Farmers Market is already a place where people come together, so adding some patriotic fun felt like a natural fit.”

Join them to celebrate Independence Day with a morning of family-friendly activities and patriotic fun.

“Activities begin at 8:00 a.m. with the ‘Best Cookie of the Market’ Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest, where visitors can participate in a blind taste test and vote for their favorite cookie entry from participating market vendors. Voting will continue until 11:30 a.m., with the Cookie Champion announced at noon.”

All registrations for participating in certain events close on July 2. Find the event on Fort Scott Farmers Market Facebook page or enter at the link listed below.

“At 9:00 a.m., participants of all ages will compete in the Chomp Champion Watermelon Eating Contest, with multiple age divisions and trophies awarded in each group.”

“At 10:00 a.m., the Wheels of Glory Patriotic Parade will invite participants to decorate bikes, wagons, scooters, strollers, wheelchairs, and Power Wheels and show off their patriotic spirit. Spectators will vote to determine the crowd favorite.”

“We were thinking through the pavilion (for the parade). They can circle back along the sidewalk, then park in the center of the pavilion for voting,” she said.

“At 11:00 a.m., teams of up to four people will compete in the Know-It-All Cup Trivia Challenge, featuring questions about Fort Scott.”

“Registration for the scheduled events is free, and trophies and prizes will be awarded. Every participant will receive a prize,” she said.

“Visitors are encouraged to come enjoy the market, cheer on participants, sample cookies, and celebrate the Fourth of July with a morning of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit.”

Fort Scott Farmers Market Association contacts are
President: Lori Hueston  and
Secretary: Stephanie Carrell
email: fortscottfarmersmarket@gmail.com
call/text: 620-303-9878

Sign up for events here: https://forms.gle/C8szZQS76Nj2qg9y9

” We hope people will stop by to pick up fresh produce, local meats, sweet treats, and other handmade products for their holiday celebrations, enjoy the festivities, and spend some time visiting with friends and neighbors,” Carrell said. “Celebrating the Fourth of July is about more than fireworks—it’s about community, and we’re excited to give people another way to celebrate together.”

Exercise, Fort Scott

Summer Happenings at Buck Run Community Center

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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.

#FortScottRec #BuckRunCommunityCenter #OutdoorFitnessCourt #HealthyCommunity #GetActiveFortScott

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:
• Cornhole
• Ladder Golf
• Giant Jenga
New Personal Trainer: Austin Sinn
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.

Business, Food, Fort Scott

The Kitchen Social Evening Is June 25

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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.
To see a prior story on the business:
Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Martin Is In Good Spirits Following An Apparent Heart Attack

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Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin. Submitted photo.
The following is a statement from Bourbon County Undersheriff Kevin Davidson.
“Sheriff Martin was presenting a life-saver award at Fort Scott Community College (on June 9) and suffered what is believed to be a heart attack. He was transported to a Kansas City Hospital. I spoke with him today, and he is awake and in good spirits. I appreciate the support shown to the Sheriff’s Office from our great community and we are all thankful for everything. The family is asking for prayers for a speedy recovery!”
Kevin Davidson, Bourbon County Undersheriff. Submitted photo.
“I will send an update as I get further information. I will be stepping up in his absence, along with Chief Deputy Shawn Pritchett, to accommodate his absence. There will be no changes in our office for the time being. The Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to serving our community, and that will not change. I appreciate everyone’s support and all the prayers Sheriff Martin has received.”