Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church will be dedicated on November 23.
The Catholic Church members persevered and will dedicate the new church building soon, following the devastating fire that destroyed the former building in August 2022.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church fire on August 29, 2022. Courtesy of Stephen Toal.
“We are having our first mass, a dedication mass, on Saturday, Nov 23 at 10 am,” said Mark McCoy, chairman of the church building committee. This mass is for parish members.
“The new church is looking beautiful and is in the same image and likeness of our previous church,” McCoy said
The regular mass services will begin on November 23 at 5:30 pm,
on Sunday, November 24 at 8 am and 10 am.
The members have been praying a special prayer each time they have services, for God’s guidance in the building of the church.
The prayer the Catholic Church has been praying during the church rebuild. Submitted photo.
“Having this prayer written by one of the rebuild committees was our first step,” McCoy said. “After each mass, since the fire and at gatherings and meetings, we have said that prayer.”
“Our parish members gave their time, talents and treasures to help with the rebuild.” McCoy said.
The artifacts of the church were all able to be brought back from the ashes, even the stained glass windows, McCoy said.
The cornerstone of the new Catholic Church in Fort Scott, states the church was established in 1860 and dedicated in 2024.
Restoration of the Artifacts
The professional restorer of the artifacts, Robert Ellis of Wichita, underestimated the time and cost of the restoration and started a donations account to meet the costs of time and labor of the years-long restoration.
Currently, $41,000 has been raised of the $65,000 restoration project, according to the GoFundMe page that Elliot set up.
“He wasn’t able to analyze all the depth of restoration or the artifacts at that time,” McCoy said in a prior interview. “We are so appreciative of the work he has taken on.”
One of the Stations of the Cross, following the devastating fire. Submitted photo.
When all of the stations and statues arrived at his studio, they were able to assess their condition and begin to comprehend the immense task they had undertaken, Elliot said in a prior interview.
All of the money allocated to the project was to cover the cost of labor, materials, studio rent, and insurance, he said.
One of the Stations of the Cross that was fully restored. Submitted photo.
“The Stations of the Cross and statues are completed and safely delivered and installed at the church,” Elliot said. “We succeeded in restoring every station and statue, restoring them to their original beauty and beyond.”
Elliot said a team of 34 artists, painters, apprentices, volunteers, and others helped with the 20-month project.
“We had four primary artists: Mary Francis Skinner – sculptor, painter; Kathy Faulkner – painter, researcher; Ian Snyder – painter; and myself, director/project manager, restorer, painter.
Three secondary painters: Leo and Jael Keesling, and Anna Gabriel
Two first assistant apprentices: Hector and Michael Ibarra
Four paid apprentices: John Suffield, Matan and Gabe Umbarger, Madi Brunke
Two former parishioners from MoQA, Fort Scott volunteers: Jane Clark and Pat Lowrance
Three Wichita State University Interns: Tiffany Tucker, Haylee Vu and Marshall Woodie
Three Bishop Carroll Catholic High School volunteer apprentices: Landon Whiterock and Luke Ramsick, and Amara Erwin
One homeschool high school age volunteer apprentice: Micheala Ferguson
Four Concordia AcademyHigh School volunteer apprentices: Sarah Lovett, Esther Postier, Amara Garfield, and Ryan Harms
Six volunteers: Roberta Sheahan, Maria Rice, John Killian, Kenna Alderson, Naphtali Garfield, and Sarah Erwin
One paid helper: Spencer Hoff
Our mold maker: Dan Ochs
In total, we had 34 people working on the project over the course of 20 months,” he said.
“We are still requesting donations until the end of the year to help offset our deficit at gofund.me/95a83e95 or directly to Mary Queen of Angels Church earmarked Stations and Statues Fund,” he said.
The stained glass window of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.
The 36th annual Kiwanis Pioneers Chili Feed is today, November 19th at the First United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott.
A meal of the Pioneer’s signature chili, (the same recipe prepared since the chili feed’s inception) with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
A free-will donation (suggested minimum $8.00 donation per meal) will be collected at the door.
“All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County,” stated
Kiwanis Pioneer President Kelley Collins. “The annual fundraiser will be drive-through only. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy of the First United Methodist Church on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.”
Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.
This is the Kiwanis Pioneers major fundraiser for the year.
In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of Improving the world one child and one community at a time, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including college scholarships, Court Appointed Special Advocates (for children), the Backpack food program,
Fort Scott High School Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, foster children, Feeding Families in His Name, Care to Share,
and school reading and arts programs.
About Pioneer Kiwanis
They are a service organization helping the children of Bourbon County.
Recently they completed a project for the local Head Start Program that involved Fort Scott Community College Construction Trades class members.
Head Start Fort Scott now has two new picnic tables for picnics and art classes at their site at 409 S. Judson.
A recent project of the Pioneer KiwanisPictured are (seated) front row from left, Pioneer Kiwanis members Kelley Collins and Vickie Chaplin; SEK-CAP Child and Family Development Educator Janice Durbin and Marie Wheeler, cook; middle row (seated) Maggie Brenner and Marlene Braker (standing) of the Pioneer Kiwanis; back row from left, Fort Scott Community College construction trades instructor Jason Johnson and students.
Members of the Pioneer Kiwanis club, SEK-CAP representatives, students in Fort Scott High School’s construction trades program, and their instructor pose for a photo, above, during the presentation of the two picnic tables to the SEK-CAP Head Start program this month.
“Hope for the Holidays” is December 3 from 6 to 7 pm at the Cheney Witt Funeral Home, 201 S Main Street, provided by Mt. Carmel Hospice.
Cheney Witt Funeral Home, 201 S. Main, taken from its website.
“The event honors those patients we have served and cared for over the last year who have passed,” said Mt. Carmel Hospice Chaplain Jeff Feagins. “It is also open to anyone in the community who has lost a loved one they would like to honor.”
Mt. Carmel Hospice offices are located at 2322 S Main Street at the Community Health Center of Southeast location.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott, 2322 S. Main.
“Mount Carmel Hospice takes its name to honor the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Wichita, who were early pioneers in healthcare and founders of Mount Carmel Hospital in Pittsburg in 1902,” he said.
Jeff Feagins, Mt. Carmel Hospice Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator. Submitted photo.
“The holidays can be a difficult time for families and friends remembering a lost loved one,” Feagins said. “This service can provide a time to honor and remember those we’ve lost. We want to strive to help people through the grieving process. There will be a time of worship, prayer, and a message of hope, to help people having a difficult time grieving the loss of a loved one.”
Services Provided by Mt. Carmel Hospice
The mission of the Mt. Carmel Hospice team is to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of both patients and their family members at the end of life by providing care wherever the patient calls home. Services include:
RN Case Manager
Social Work Services
Medications
Medical Equipment and Supplies
Chaplain Services
Hospice Aid Services
Therapy Services
Volunteer Services
Short-Term Inpatient Care
Short-term Respite Care
Bereavement Counseling
Feagins explains the chaplain services he provides:
“My first task is to understand the patient/family’s current spiritual needs,” Feagins said. “I am there to listen and provide spiritual guidance. Spiritual care may include: offering companionship, talking about life, values, fears, hopes or dreams, difficult health decisions, ways to find hope and purpose, honoring or healing relationships, giving or asking for forgiveness, letting go of anger, hurt or past wrongs, the meaning of life and what happens after death. The care plan can also include prayer, talking about faith, and reading scripture. I also offer grief support for the family after their loved one passes away. This includes phone calls, visits, and mailings throughout the next 13 months. I also offer a monthly grief support group called Grief Unveiled throughout the year.”
The current First Presbyterian Church building is at 308 S. Crawford. Submitted photo.
The First Presbyterian Church is celebrating 165 years in the Fort Scott community.
“A special worship service will be held Sunday, November 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the church, with a celebration fellowship in the parlor afterward,” said Pastor Sarah Gengler.
Pastor Sarah Gengler. Submitted photo.
“Through the years, First Presbyterian has been blessed with 11 installed pastors, as well as two installed associate pastors,” Gengler said.
The current congregation members were deeply committed to continuing worship and ministry outreach while searching for a new pastor recently, according to information provided by Gengler. Twenty-three different members volunteered at least once, to preach a sermon during their Sunday morning worship. On February 1, 2024, the congregation gratefully welcomed their newest pastor, Rev. Sarah Gengler. Rev. Gengler has been in ministry for 10 years and moved here from Minnesota.
Currently, there are 134 members and worship service is 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
Pastor Gengler provided some of the outreaches of the church:
“First Presbyterian Church volunteers to cook and serve a meal for the Feeding Families Program at the Methodist church on the 4th Wednesday of every month.
There are two different adult Faith Formation classes beginning at 9:15 and 9:30 a.m. As well as “Waffles and Jesus” in the Zimmerman Hall dining room at 9:15 a.m., where a hot breakfast is prepared by church volunteers, and then class is held for children grades Kindergarten through 9th.
“The church co-hosts Vacation Bible School each summer with First United Methodist Church
“We hold a friendly competition between us and First United Methodist Church each year to see who can raise the most pounds of food for the Beacon Food Pantry.
“The Presbyterian Women’s organization directs a long-ago gift known as the Hack Memorial Fund, which helps those with the greatest need in Fort Scott. Included in the scope of this ministry are assistance with utilities, rent, and some medical and dental needs, all requests are received and recommended through the Beacon, Bourbon County’s food pantry.”
“The church remains active in the community,” she said. “Members are hosting two special showings of The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever at Fort Scott Cinema. Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tell them First Presbyterian sent you!”
“The church will be holding a community-wide service of remembrance called Blue Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 8,” she said. “People are invited to join us at 2 p.m. for a time devoted to remembering those we love, and whose loss is felt more deeply this time of year.”
History of the church, provided by Pastor Gengler:
In the summer of 1859, a church-planting Presbyterian missionary, the Reverend Alexander Taylor Rankin of Buffalo, New York, was sent to Kansas by the Presbyterian General Assembly, according to information provided by Gengler. He officially organized the First Presbyterian Church on November 17th, 1859, with three members. In the first few years after its inception members met in each other’s homes for worship. Reverend George C. Irvin became the first installed pastor in 1865. The foundation for the first church was laid in 1864, where the present-day Cheney-Witt Carriage House now stands at the southeast corner of Third and Main. The church building was completed in 1865.
The first building of the First Presbyterian Church was at Third and Main Street. Submitted photo.
In 1888 the second church was constructed on the current property at 308 S. Crawford St., to accommodate the growing congregation.
By early 1920’s the congregation again recognized that it needed more space. The 1888 building was razed and the third church was built, laying its corner stone in 1924. The 100-year-old building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
The second building of the First Presbyterian Church was located at the current site, 308 S. Crawford. Submitted photo.
The First Presbyterian Church has participated in many different ministries over the years, including youth groups, sewing groups, Presbyterian Women, the Methodists’ Feeding Families program, the Beacon Food Pantry, Sunday Serve events where congregation members completed service projects in the community, and Vacation Bible School, according to information provided by Gengler.
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church is once again hosting a non-denominational event to help those grieving the loss of a loved one this holiday season.
The Surviving the Holidays Grief Share event is Tuesday, December 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the church at 705 S. Holbrook St.
The architect’s rendition of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church is nearing rebuild completion following a devastating fire two years ago. Submitted graphic.
A book is provided, as well as lunch for each one attending. There is no cost.
Laura Meeks is the facilitator.
“What I have experienced through GriefShare is the comfort of a journey with others,” she said. “The root meaning of comfort is to call alongside, to speak tenderly, to speak to the heart, to give encouragement. This program is a blessing to us.”
“The purpose of attending the December 5, two-hour Surviving the Holidays is to connect with a small group of others who are grieving the loss of a loved one, who may be facing this holiday season feeling hurt and sad,” Meeks said. “They face social gatherings, holiday cheer, and traditions enjoyed with their loved ones. This loss may be recent or years ago, but the holiday season is a painful reminder that a loved one is missing.”
“GriefShare Surviving the Holidays is a professionally developed path to help provide a comforting place with others who are also on this path of grieving during Thanksgiving and Christmas,” she said. “This nationally recognized program contains three components including a 35-minute video, small group discussion, and a personal reflection guided through a workbook.”
GriefShare is facilitated by area leaders who follow structured training to help bring reassurance, practical advice from national professionals, and guidance to find a way forward through the season. Information about content is easily found through griefshare.org
Past participants in GriefShare ‘s 13 sessions are also encouraged to attend this focused session.
“My involvement began two years ago when I was encouraged to receive training by Father Yancey Burgess who had GriefShare at his former Kansas parish,” Meeks said. “His suggestion was to host a non-denominational group. Since then, our community has hosted GriefShare with two of the offerings being held at Mary Queen of Angels. One last year was a 13-week session on Tuesday mornings and the other session is being held now as a 13-week program over this year meeting the last Monday of each month.”
“The one evening each month Grief Share is going well now with twelve participants,” she said.
On January 7, 2025, the third 13-week session at Mary Queen of Angels will be held each Tuesday morning from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton, will host a Women’s Self-Defense Class. this evening Wednesday, November 13, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM in the gym area of Arnold Arena.
Arnold Arena on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
Jill Leiker, Kansas City, will be the instructor.
“This is the same instructor that came to Fort Scott in 2019 and was sponsored by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office,” said Vanessa Poyner, FSCC Dean of Students and a criminal justice instructor.
Vanessa Poyner. Submitted photo.
“I wanted to offer this to our female students, but decided it is needed for everyone,” she said. “It’s part of the safety and well-being initiative.”
“We have invited junior high and senior high students along with the FSCC students,” she said. “I’ve been told that we’ll have some from Presbyterian Villiage (an assisted living facility).”
A waiver will need to be signed for everyone under 18, by a parent, she said.
This is a FREE event for all FSCC female students/employees, and community members over the age of 12.
The class is provided by The Ali Kemp Educational (T.A.K.E.) Foundation™
The tragic murder of his daughter spurred Roger Kemp and his wife to action.
Ali Kemp was 19 years old in 2004 when she was raped and murdered in Leawood, a Kansas City suburb. Her father, Roger then helped facilitate a self-defense class for females that continues to this day.
A group of award-winning teachers will visit Fort Scott in December, with two local teachers bringing attention to innovative ideas the local school district has in place.
“These Kansas educators are quite accomplished and the event is about sharing information and ideas for better education,” according to Jackson Tough, City of Fort Scott Public Relations and Tourism Director.
“Fort Scott was chosen as a location to tour because of Fort Scott teachers Sara Jackman and Amy Harper,” he said.
Amy Harper and Sara Jackman. Submitted photo.
Jackman was chosen District Teacher of the Year last year and 2024 is her service year. Harper was selected in 2023 and last year was her service year.
“Fort Scott is one district that participates in the program, not many in our area do,” Jackman said. “A school district committee votes on the yearly winner. Once chosen, you compete at the state level for Kansas Teacher of the Year. That was held in Topeka in April. Starting in September the nominees are put into groups that tour each other’s schools looking for innovative ideas that we can use in our districts. We also work on bringing attention to the positive things going on in our district”
The goal is to learn from each other and share best practices from award-winning teachers to implement in schools.
Teachers will be visiting each of the Fort Scott schools.
“The group will be meeting with teachers and learning about some of our programs including Computer Aided Manufacturing, CAM, taught by Dr. Laubenstein, Tiger Times taught by Erica Clark, Tiger Threads taught by Morgan Sage and our art, welding, and automotive programs taught by Chris Griffeths, Michael Casner, and Ryan Miller respectively,” she said.
“The teachers will also tour Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown District, the Fort Scott National Historic Site, and have lunch,” Tough said. “A breakfast will be prepared by the new Kitchen Collective and snacks prepared by the Fort Scott High School FACS class.”
The visiting educators will be in Fort Scott on December 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The teachers, all of whom won their respective district teacher of the year awards:
Michelle Weltz is a high school English teacher from Spring Hill
Jason Werner is a second-grade teacher from Turner School District in KCK
Catherine Leake is a sixth-grade math teacher from Nickerson
Michelle Ernst is a high school English teacher from Nickerson High School
Karen Withers is a middle school social studies teacher from the Shawnee Heights district
Mallory Koger is a second-grade teacher in the Santa Fe Trail district, and
Kelsey Mann is a preschool teacher from Junction City
For more information please contact Sara Jackman at USD 234, [email protected].
Inside the Mapleton Medical Clinic. Submitted photo.
Tiffany Yowell, 42, and her parents opened Mapleton Medical Clinic in December 2023.
Tiffany Yowell and her mother, Cindy Larson. Submitted photo.
Yowell has a Master’s degree from the University of Saint Mary and is an Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner.
She works beside her parents, Fred and Cindy Larson, who are registered nurses, with over 25 years of nursing experience.
Tiffany Yowell and her father, Fred Larson. Submitted photo.
“I have been in healthcare for 22 years and have watched a significant decline in the quality of care,” Yowell said. “I have worked in multiple clinic settings and have a strong background in emergency medicine and family medicine. The clinic is a family operation. Cindy and Fred Larson are registered nurses with a solid clinical background and a wealth of knowledge.”
“The clinic is a private practice,” she said. “I do not have a collaborative. I have been waiting for Kansas to pass the law that allows nurse practitioners to practice independently of a physician, and now I have finally got my wish.”
Since 2005 she has been dreaming of working as an independent provider.
” I wanted to be independent because we can provide better healthcare,” she said. “If I worked within a healthcare system, I would have a lot of background noise distracting providers from high-quality and personalized healthcare, such as patient volume, time constraints, and meeting quotas. As a patient, you can rarely speak directly to your provider, every process seems to take too long, and let’s be honest, most of us avoid the process altogether because it can be uncomfortable, time-consuming, and less than satisfactory.”
“Our philosophy is patient-centered care, striving to provide care tailored to each patient’s unique needs and preferences,” she said. “I believe in helping individuals, educating them about their health conditions, and empowering them to collaborate with me to develop the best treatment plan. We believe in treating the WHOLE person, not just their symptoms. I do not believe in cookie-cutter medicine. I believe in listening to patients and allowing them the time they deserve to tell their stories. People are often misdiagnosed and overmedicated just because healthcare providers do not give the patient enough time to work through their concerns.”
For her community, she provides tailored medical care and telehealth services, lab services and on November 12 they are starting monthly education classes.
“On Nov 12 we have a Medicare representative coming in to talk with residents about Medicare services, and a question and answer session,” she said.
There is a fee for service to uninsured patients, with
concierge care also available- a monthly membership fee for uninsured patients or patients requiring frequent contact with the provider.
“Radiology services are not available at the clinic,” she said. “Orders can be sent to a local hospital or diagnostic center.”
Hours of operation vary.
“The goal is to be open every other week on Thursdays and Fridays, but it is best to check our Facebook page or the website for days the clinic is open. I want to be full-time in the next 5-10 years.”
Several years ago (when Dad was still alive) I was looking through his World War II citations and decorations as he explained what each one represented. I respectfully picked up the Bronze Star which was still nestled in its original box. He had previously told me that a total of 400 infantrymen were to secure the village of Morhausen, Germany. Unfortunately, the other company of 200 that was to enter from the opposite side never made their objective. The village was full of Hitler’s SS troopers. Out of the 200 U.S. soldiers engaged in this horrific battle, 183 were either killed or wounded. My dad was never wounded in the war. After telling me this detailed incident of earning his Bronze Star, he walked out of the room and bawled like a baby.
My brother and I were very proud of our father’s military heroics. I appreciate the booklet Randy wrote entitled, “Step by Step in Patton’s Third Army,” which was Dad’s personal account of his service during World War II. While writing this column, I fought back tears as I fingered through all his military insignia, and studied the U.S. Army Combat Infantryman Badge in my hands. This was awarded to Dad for performing duties under fire and engaging in active ground combat in the 90th Infantry Division. I can still hear Dad explain, “Nobody got one of these unless he’d fought on the front lines.”
“Carry on” is a military command that means to continue with what you were doing. It describes someone who continues with his/her assignment despite difficulties. I think Christ followers should adopt this terminology as well. No matter what is going on in the family, at work, church, our Nation, or the world, we must persevere in the face of obstacles. God will reward us for carrying on and being faithful. When my dad died, I was heartbroken and took it very hard. During that season of sorrow, I was reminded of his two beautiful Army pins that read “Carry On.” Those two little words encouraged me to pull myself up by my bootstraps and carry on with life. Of course, I couldn’t have done that without God’s strength and grace. “If my heart is broken, I’ll find God right there; if I’m kicked in the gut, He’ll help me catch my breath” (Psalm 34:18 MSG.)
Dad’s Honorable Discharge pin displays our national eagle inside a wreath. A lot of the service men, including my dad, referred to it as the Ruptured Duck. Many WWII vets wore this pin on their civilian lapels for years after the war’s end as proof of their service. While writing this column, I also found a piece of “sweetheart jewelry.” Mom wore a smaller and delicate USA Army Staff Sergeant pin to show that her young 21-year-old husband was currently in the military (1944 to 1946.) This was considered a fashionable and personal way to support the war effort during that era.
I love, appreciate, and honor our U.S. military heroes. When I salute our United States flag, I proudly think of all our past and current brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom. They deserve our deepest gratitude and utmost support. They carry on, no matter what. Retreat or surrender was simply not in General Patton’s vocabulary. When life turns into a hot battle, the enemy (Satan) will try to convince you to wave a white flag. Don’t do it — just carry on! “If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God! (James 1:12 TPT.)
The Key: If you want that Ruptured Duck (crown of life), you gotta “carry on.“
It’s that time of year that people begin thinking about Thanksgiving holiday celebrations, and for many, having enough food to feed their families is an ongoing issue.
Three local organizations have started a food drive, the Bourbon County-Wide Gratitude Challenge, that will help contribute to limited-resource residents’ food availability. The food drive will continue until November 25.
Canned goods, boxed meals, and dry goods, as well as essential personal hygiene products, will be collected. The items will be distributed to local food pantries and other organizations working to support those in need during the holiday season and beyond.
“During this season of gratitude, we have an opportunity to give back to our neighbors in a meaningful way,” said Lisa Robertson, Community Health Worker with The Local Health Equity Action Team. “Food insecurity is a real challenge for many in our community, and by coming together, we can make sure that no one has to go without the basic necessities of life.”
The Guild Mortgage Company, 1 E. Wall, is taking donations for the food drive. Submitted photo.
Tomorrow: A Drive-up, Drop-off Event
Saturday, November 9, Lisa Robertson, LHEAT Community Health Worker, and Lea Kay Karsleskint, with K-State Extension SNAP-ED, will be outside at Brick Street BBQ Restaurant on North National Avenue from 10 a.m. to noon for the convenience of drive-up and drop-off contributions.
There are several options for those who want to help the cause.
Monetary Donations: HBCAT will accept monetary donations to purchase essential food pantry items.
Drop Off Non-Perishable Items: Take non-perishable food items to any of the participating drop-off sites below. Several partner organizations are offering drawing entries for gift cards and more, to those who donate at their business establishment.
5 Corners Mini Mart
Bourbon County Courthouse
Bourbon County EMS
Buck Run Community Center
Citizens Bank
City Hall
City State Bank
Community Health Center of Fort Scott
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
Fort Scott Christian Heights
Fort Scott Fire Station #2 – 23 S. Franklin
Fort Scott Police Department
Guest Home Estates
Guild Mortgage – 1 E Wall
Kansas Renewal Institute
HBCAT – 104 N. National
The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative
Landmark National Bank – Downtown location
Papa Don’s
Peerless Products
Perry’s Pork Rinds
SEK-Mental Health
The Artificers
Union State Bank
Uniontown Spark Wheel
Ward-Kraft
Order from Walmart: Place an online order for delivery directly to the HBCAT office at 104 N. National.
Drive-Up and Drop-Off: On Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 AM to 12 PM, drive up and drop off your donations in front of Brick Street BBQ. Volunteers will be on hand to unload your donations.
Get Your Church or Organization Involved: If you have not yet been contacted and would like your church or organization to participate in making this food drive a success, please reach out to HBCAT.
Contact for More Information: Call the HBCAT office at 620-224-2563 for additional details or questions.
Landmark Bank, 200 S. Main, created a Thanksgiving theme at their drop-off location.
The drive, spearheaded by the Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), and K-State Research and Extension SNAP-ED, has set in motion area partners who are collecting non-perishable food items, according to a press release from Kansas State.
“The Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) coalition is taking proactive steps to address pressing health disparities in our community,” Karleskint said. “Meeting bi-monthly, this diverse group of local leaders, health professionals, and community members collaborates on identifying and tackling the most urgent public health challenges affecting residents.”
“One of the critical issues that the LHEAT has identified and is actively working to address is food insecurity,” she said. “With many individuals and families in our community struggling to access healthy and nutritious food, the coalition is committed to finding sustainable solutions that will help alleviate hunger and improve overall health outcomes.”
“We know that food insecurity is not just a matter of access—it’s a health issue that impacts individuals across all ages and backgrounds,” said Karleskint. “By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, we’re not only raising awareness about the issue but also working collaboratively to implement real, lasting change.”
“The coalition’s efforts are part of a larger initiative to reduce health disparities and improve well-being for all community members, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Through these ongoing discussions and partnerships, the Local Health Equity Action Team is paving the way for a healthier, more equitable community.”
How It Started
“At a recent LHEAT meeting, Lisa Robertson, our LHEAT lead, proposed organizing a food drive to address the ongoing food insecurity in Bourbon County,” Karleskint said. “Having seen firsthand the struggles faced by many in her role as a Community Health Worker, Lisa is deeply committed to supporting underserved community members. After she introduced the idea, the LHEAT team came together to brainstorm ways to make it a meaningful event. A few weeks later, Lisa reached out to several local food pantries, churches, and The Beacon, inviting them to meet with she and I. As an LHEAT member and the KSRE SNAP-Ed nutrition educator for Bourbon County, I was eager to partner on this project. Together, we held a productive brainstorming session, generating ideas that would inspire community involvement and ensure the food drive’s success. With the weather getting colder and the holidays approaching, we thought now would be the perfect time to implement our project.”
Here’s a summary of the food assistance resources in Bourbon County they plan to assist:
The Beacon Food Pantry provides essential services for those in need Monday – Friday
Fort Scott High School Pantry and Fort Scott Community College Pantry offer students access to essential food items.
Uniontown Spark Wheel and Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church Pantry serve Uniontown residents, supporting families and individuals facing food insecurity.
Blessing Boxes are small, community-based outdoor pantries stocked with essentials for immediate access.
Bethesda Church Food Pantry and First Baptist Church Food Pantry provide ongoing support for local families in need.
Fulton Community Pantry will assist local households in need, and Bronson Library Food Pantry extends support to residents in the Bronson area.
These organizations are part of a collaborative network dedicated to combating hunger in Bourbon County.
“We encourage any additional food pantries in Bourbon County that we may not yet be aware of to reach out to us,” Karleskint said. “Connecting with these resources allows us to strengthen our community network and better support residents facing food insecurity.
On the November 5 ballot, The Fort Scott School District 234 and the Bourbon County Commission had the following questions about who/how many can serve as representatives of their constituents in their respective entities.
USD 234 Question
“Shall the method of election in Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas, be changed from the six-member district method of election, under which the school district is not divided into any member districts and all board members are elected at large?
The vote was 3,515 yes and 1,578 no, on November 5.
What’s next?
“We have advertised for an open board position,” said USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown. “We will repost the position for at-large candidates now that it has passed. Next year, when we have four positions open for election, anyone can file for the open positions. Then, voters will see the whole group of candidates and vote for their top four. The four candidates with the most votes then become board members.”
The Bourbon County Commission Question
“Shall the current number of Bourbon County Commissioner Districts set forth in KSA 19-203(a)(b)(c)(d) & (e), be increased to five (5) Commissioner Districts?
3,769 voted yes and 2,238 voted no.
According to Kansas Law, this is the process of moving from three to five commissioners:
Sec. 5. K.S.A. 19-204a reads as follows: 19-204a. When the voters of a county approve a change in the number of county commissioner districts at an election held under K.S.A. 19-204(c), and amendments thereto, the board of county commissioners, on or before January 1 immediately following such election, shall adopt a resolution dividing the county into the number of districts approved by the voters. If the board of county commissioners fails to adopt such resolution within the time prescribed, the chief judge of the district court of the county, on or before the following January 31, shall order the county divided into the appropriate number of districts, according to https://www.sos.ks.gov/publications/register/Volume-43/Issues/Issue-16/04-18-24-52068.html#:~:text=(c)%20The%20board%20of%20county%20commissioners%20of,of%20the%20county%20are%20entitled%20to%20vote.
Tanya Glessner, Fort Scott, is a Christian author who loves sharing her experience of overcoming addiction, abuse, incarceration, and loss through God’s grace.
Her newest book, Unyielding Faith: Drive Out The Enemy With Divine Power was just released on Amazon.com.
Other books by Glessner, in order of release date:
The Light You Bring September 2023, Stand Up Eight January 2024,
Prayer Journal May 2024, and New Mercies Every Morning July 2024.
Of the newest book:
The words we speak reflect our hearts and wield immense power—to build up or tear down. They have a far-reaching impact that can alter the course of many lives. Therefore, we must intentionally align our words with God’s word, training ourselves to use language that brings victory and life. according to a press release from Glessner.
In Unyielding Faith: Drive Out the Enemy with Divine Power there are prayers, proclamations, scriptures, and more that will help break every curse that has come against you and those you care about such as:
*Prayer For Blessings And Breakthroughs
*Prayer For Family
*Prayer Against Satanic Forces
*Prayer To Release Guilt
*Prayer Against Fear
*Prayer For Guidance
*Proclamations
*And more…
God’s divine presence lives within His followers. Exercise the authority He has granted to overcome obstacles, reclaim control of our lives, and declare words of life that drive out the enemy.
