All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Government

Greg Motley: New Bourbon County Commissioner

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Gregg Motley. Submitted.

 

Gregg Motley was sworn in as commissioner on January 12 during the regularly scheduled Bourbon County Commission meeting.

To learn more https://fortscott.biz/news/new-commissioners-sworn-in

The Bourbon County Commissioners are the chief elected officials of the county, according to the county’s website https://www.bourboncountyks.org/contact-us/. They set policy and procedures for the running of the courthouse and set the budgets for all taxing entities of the county.

Motley represents Bourbon County Commission District #4, which includes most of Southwest Fort Scott, which runs down 69 Highway to Grand Street, then west to about 150th Street, then north to the Marmaton River and back to Fort Scott, he said.

His education

“I have a B.A. in Accounting and Economics from Greenville University and a graduate degree in Bank Management from the University of Virginia.  I am a Lee’s Summit High School graduate.
“My faith informed my decision to run.
” I am a strong believer in our civic responsibility to serve our community and this opportunity seemed to fit my experiences and skill sets.”
His priorities
“Aligned with my business experiences, my priorities are financial stability and responsibility, operational management and economic development. I am also interested in better coordination and cooperation with other government entities in Bourbon County.”
Regularly scheduled meetings are on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at the commission meeting room in the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse at 210 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott.
There are five commission districts in Bourbon County.
Here is a map of the districts:
The five districts in Bourbon County. Submitted graphic.
To contact your commissioner:
District 1 Commissioner Samuel Tran’s office phone: 620.215.5954
District 2, David Beerbower: 620.215.5821.
District 3, Joe Allen, none yet, as per the county clerk’s office.
District 4, Gregg Motley: 620.215.7125.
District 5, Mika Milburn-Kee: 620.215.5880.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

January 23, 2026

 

Property Tax Relief – The CAP Assessment Protection (CAP) Amendment (SCR 1616) has cleared the Senate Tax Committee, moving us closer to protecting Kansans from runaway property tax increases. Currently, there’s no cap on how much a property’s assessed value can rise. It has been reported in the past five years that Kansas saw a 45-52% surge in residential valuations statewide, with an average 26-32% jump in just the last three years. Linn County led the state with a 66% increase. (Thankfully the County has remained neutral since 2021, but other taxing authorities like the schools took all the increase). The CAP Amendment would limit annual assessment growth to 3% or less, using 2022 as the baseline and the limit stays in place even after a sale of the property. County appraisals remain unchanged; the taxable value becomes the lower of the unrestricted assessment or the capped value. By capping the biggest driver of your tax bill—the assessed value—the amendment shields homeowners from inflation-driven tax spikes and addresses the problem of taxes on unrealized gains. It’s a common-sense safeguard to keep Kansans in their homes.

 

Kansas City Chiefs Stadium Deal was discussed in recent House and Senate committee hearings because legislation creating a stadium authority must pass for the project to advance. Hall talk suggests over 100 lobbyists are pushing it. Committee proponents highlighted the revenue the project would generate for the state, but a Wyandotte County representative commented that similar promises for past STAR bond projects fell short. It’s a public-private partnership with approximately 60% public funding (mainly via STAR bonds – sales taxes in the affected area would be used to pay off the bonds). These deals often let private businesses tap taxpayer dollars for their projects.

 

Committee work is the focus at the beginning of any session. This is the stage where a bill, such as the CAP Amendment, undergoes its most rigorous scrutiny before ever reaching the floor of a chamber for a full vote. Committees are where legislators review language of a bill and hear testimony from conferees. During this phase a bill can be amended, refined, or even completely rewritten when the committee “works” a bill. Because committees act as gatekeepers, a bill’s passage out of a committee can be a significant milestone; it signals that the proposal has enough merit and support to be considered by the entire legislative body of the Senate or the House, whichever chamber the bill is currently located.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn Tyson

Kansas Senate, District 12

Art, Business, Fort Scott

Faithful Together: Written By Local Author Tanya Glessner

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Tanya Glessner. Submitted photo.

Local author, Tanya Glessner, Fort Scott, continues mentoring people who are incarcerated and those in recovery from addiction.

“It remains the work I’m most passionate about,” she said. “I truly believe God is taking every part of my past—along with all the healing He’s brought into my life—and using it to help pull others out of the darkness they’re facing. That said, everyone has to do their own part; real change requires our active effort.”

In addition to mentoring, she is an author of several books.

Her latest book is “Faithful Together.”

Submitted graphic.

“My motivation for writing this book comes straight from my own life—the real, messy, beautiful experiences I’ve walked through,” she said. ” It started with everything I learned from my past marriage: the highs, the lows, the mistakes, and the hard lessons that shaped me. Then I watched and listened to so many other people’s marriages—the joys they shared, the struggles they faced, and the wisdom they gained along the way.”

“But the heart of this book is really about what I’ve seen and lived in my marriage now. We’ve taken everything we’ve learned from our past relationships and poured it into building something stronger together. Our children, our stepchildren, our grandchildren, this whole blended family we’ve been blessed with—they’ve all been part of the journey. We’ve grown through the challenges, the blending, the laughter, and even the tears.”

“Most importantly, though, what has made the biggest difference is having Jesus Christ right in the center of our lives,” she said. “Instead of focusing on ourselves or even on each other first, we’ve learned to put Him first. When we do that, everything else starts to fall into place—our love, our communication, our forgiveness, our hope. That’s the truth I want to share through this book: real transformation is possible when Christ is the foundation, and when we stop making ‘me’ or ‘us’ the priority and make Him the priority instead.”

Faithful Together” is in print form, with an ebook version coming soon, and can be purchased on Amazon.com.

About the Author

She and her husband  “love spending time with our grandbabies, and our home is always open to our kids and grandkids. We enjoy sharing our whole story with others—the victories, the struggles, and yes, even the hiccups along the way. We’re convinced there’s no shame in talking openly about past mistakes once God has made us overcomers. Speaking those things out loud can help someone else avoid the same pitfalls.”

“We’re still a work in progress, still learning and growing every day. Above all, we hold fast to the truth that a family that prays together stays together.”

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

New Preschool Facility Is Expected by December 2026

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Exterior work at 904 S. Horton. Submitted photo.

USD234 Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided an update  on the district’s new preschool facility at 904 Horton, which has been an ongoing project for several years.

This former medical clinic is being transformed into a modern preschool.

Background on the Project
“The district purchased the building during the 2023–24 school year with the long-term goal of creating a dedicated early childhood and preschool facility,” Mayfield said in a press release. “Following the purchase, the project timeline extended longer than originally anticipated for several reasons: the previous owner/tenant remained in the building through Fall 2024, which delayed demolition and construction activities. Once the building was fully vacated, the district completed demolition of the first floor to open the space for preschool use.”

Additionally, as the project moved forward, the scope was revised due to budget constraints, updating designs with engineers and architects, addressing structural needs (excavation, foundation waterproofing,  and drainage improvements), he said

“While these steps added time, they are important to ensure the building is safe, functional, and durable for long-term use as a school facility,” he said.

About the Program

“The Fort Scott USD 234 preschool program provides early childhood education for young learners, with a strong focus on school readiness, social-emotional development, and foundational academic skills,” said Mayfield. “The program also serves as the district’s early childhood special education site, supporting students with identified disabilities as well as children considered at risk.”

The current preschool center is located at 409 S. Judson. Services for the district’s preschool program are located at this site and also Winfield Scott Elementary School.

“Bringing these services together in one purpose-built facility will improve coordination, accessibility, and overall support for students and families,” he said.

Exterior work on 904 S. Horton by the Fort Scott School District in preparation for use as a preschool. Submitted photo.
Exterior work. Submitted photo.
Interior work at 904 S. Horton. Submitted photo.

Current Status and Timeline
“Excavation and waterproofing work is currently underway, with interior shoring in the final stages of approval. Once approved, shoring installation is expected to begin in mid-January and be completed within a couple of weeks. Architectural plan development is ongoing, with a revised timeline targeting final plan approval and submission to the construction manager, Crossland Construction, by June. Bidding and Board approval of pricing are anticipated in July, followed by a late July construction start. Project completion and turnover to the district are projected for late November to early December 2026.”

“In addition, playground equipment for the site has already been manufactured and is ready for delivery. Installation is planned for late January or early February, with an on-site coordination meeting scheduled to finalize logistics and align the work with ongoing site activities.”

Current Enrollment and Capacity
“The preschool program currently serves approximately 120 students. Enrollment typically grows throughout the school year as children age into the program. At present, the district operates two preschool classrooms in the existing preschool building and utilizes two additional classrooms at Winfield Scott Elementary to accommodate enrollment.”

“The new facility will initially include four dedicated preschool classrooms, allowing the district to fully serve current enrollment in one centralized location. The building has also been designed with future expansion in mind, including the potential to add an additional classroom as enrollment needs grow.”

 

Terry Mayfield. Submitted photo.

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Terry Mayfield, Assistant Superintendent
Fort Scott USD 234 can be reached at
620-223-0800 or
Church news, Clothing, Fort Scott

Saw A Need: Trying to Meet That Need

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First Baptist Church, Fort Scott. 123 Scott Avenue. Submitted photo.
The congregation of Fort Scott’s First Baptist Church noticed a need for a coat drive following the recent holidays.
“We have high hopes of making sure everyone in Fort Scott who needs a coat has a coat,” said Christy Graves, church secretary.

 

“When we began, it was for sharing in the church, then by word of mouth, other people heard, ” said church assistant Glenda Lalman.
Fort Scott’s First Baptist Church Pastor Norman Tillotson shows the coats the church has accumulated to give away to those who need them. Submitted photo.
The coats are all sizes, mostly adult size, currently.
Submitted graphic.
Coats can be tried on during the times between noon and 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Lalman said.
People are asked to come in on the west side of the church at 123 Scott Avenue.
The church’s phone number is 620.223.3080.
Other outreaches of the congregation:
* a food pantry and hygiene pantry in front of the church which are filled six days a week.
*a care home service on the 4th Sunday of each month
* a collection center for Operation Christmas Child
Sunday services are 10 a.m. Sunday School, 11 a.m. Morning Service, with youth group, young adult group and adult Bible Study at 5 p.m.
Wednesdays at 6 p.m. is a men’s Bible study and women’s prayer group.
Saturdays, there is a women’s Bible study at Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall,  at 9:30 a.m.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

New Additions at the Fort Scott Public Library

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Fort Scott Public Library, 2nd Street at National Avenue.

Late last year, the Fort Scott Public Library received notification it would receive a $10,000 gift in celebration of our country marking the 250th year since the Declaration of Independence was signed.

“The Carnegie grant is for the celebration of the U.S. 250th anniversary,” said the library director, Jennifer Gum-Fowler. “Out of the 1,280 Carnegie Libraries left operating, we are part of those 750 that are still in our original buildings. Which we are very proud of. We have not yet received the grant, but it is to arrive within the next couple of months. As of now, we are considering several areas for the grant funds, but haven’t settled on anything yet.”
Sensory Area

Currently, new additions from an American Library Association $20,000 grant last year are in the works for children of all ages.

“We have the new Shushbooth in and I have received the correct furniture, but am still waiting on just one piece for it to be complete,” she said. “The Shushbooth is a sound-deadening room where children can decompress with less stress. It is also where they can do therapy. When not in use for that purpose, the booth can be used by community members for study, job interviews, and telehealth. It is upstairs, next to the east window, so they can see the reading mural across the way and it is in the new study area. I have one more piece of furniture for the booth, and that will be done.It is available for patrons for limited use at this time.”

The Shushbooth at the Fort Scott Public Library.

 

 

The staff is creating a new children’s area, teen area and maker space for the library.

Fort Scott Public Library Awarded $20,000 For Children’s Section

“The Shushbooth is part of the ALA grant,” she said. ” It was $20,000 for the library to support a project serving children in the community with sensory issues. The Shushbooth and the sensory toys the library is ordering are tied to that grant. The toys are also slowly arriving.”
“Most of the furniture for the rest of the makeover spaces is in the building, just not in the locations where it will be once everything is finalized. I try to buy American-made as much as possible, so things trickle in as they get finished.
“The goal was to make the library a more welcoming space for children with sensory issues and to provide privacy when needed in a small building. This grant does that for children and their families, with the added benefit that others in the community benefit as well.”
“Once the makeover is complete, I will be on the lookout for more grants like that one so the library can contribute more to the community. My goal is to make the library a proactive part of Fort Scott and a place the community comes to hang out, learn, and grow.”
Jennifer Gum-Fowler is the Library Director and also does Adult Services.
Jennifer Gum-Fowler. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott Public Library
201 S National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-2882
Government

Eddy At 8th Street Will Be Closed Two to Three Weeks

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8th and Eddy Intersection will be closed for the next two-three weeks while City Crews work on the stormwater system in this area. Intersection will then be concreted. 8th Street will be closed from Crawford to Holbrook and from St. Mary’s road to 9th Street except for residents. Thank you,

 

Brad Matkin

City Manager

City of Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

620-223-0550 ext. 210

Health Care, Kansas

Suicide Lifeline Is A Critical Resource For Kansans

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Kansas’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Coordinating Council Reports Year-3 Data

TOPEKA – The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has been in operation for a full three years and has seen successes with response to those in crisis. Today, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is sharing a report detailing actions taken by the Kansas 988 Coordinating Council in 2025 and highlighting data on the 988 Lifeline in the state. The report to the 2025 Kansas Legislature was created by the council with support from the Kansas Health Institute (KHI).

Throughout 2025, the 988 Coordinating Council convened six times, focusing on several topics, including evaluating key performance indicators such as call volumes, in-state answer rates, and response times, which are instrumental in assessing the impact of the 988 system.

“The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a critical resource for Kansans in moments of distress,” KDADS Deputy Secretary Andrew Brown said. “Whether someone is facing a mental health crisis, struggling with substance use, or simply needs someone to talk to, 988 provides immediate, confidential support anytime, anywhere in Kansas. The 988 Lifeline ensures that help is just a call or text away.”

The most recent data indicate that overall, Kansas is maintaining the goals set in the original Kansas 988 Implementation Plan. Some highlights include:

  • A steady increase in call volume, with the number of routed calls climbing from 2,751 in January 2025 to as high as 3,796 in October 2025.
  • An in-state answer rate that remained around or above the state goal of 90 percent after March 2025, after starting the year below the goal.

In 2025, the council focused on strengthening coordination across Kansas’s crisis response system and evaluating future needs as 988 call volume and public awareness continued to grow. Discussions centered on improving mobile crisis response and dispatch technology, enhancing 988-911 interoperability, and expanding outreach to ensure statewide access to services. The council also reviewed trends in sustainable funding used by other states, assessing long-term budget capacity as demand increases.

 In Kansas, the 988 call centers are independently operated and receive additional state funding and oversight from KDADS and the coordinating council. The report includes recommendations for legislators to consider.

The 988 Coordinating Council recommends that the legislature take action to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of Kansas’s 988 system by increasing available funding and maintaining coordinated oversight of crisis response services. Specifically, the council recommends increasing the budget for 988 operations and related crisis services, either by:

  • Raising the current $10 million cap on the 988 Fund to $13 million;
  • Identifying alternative or supplemental revenue sources, such as allocating a percentage of state lottery proceeds or sports betting revenue to the 988 Fund;
  • Revisiting the discussion of the telecommunications fee as an additional, stable funding stream to support ongoing 988 operations, technology, and workforce needs.

An additional recommendation from the council is to extend the 988 Coordinating Council beyond June 30, 2026, to provide continued oversight, coordination, and system development.

The launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) in July 2022 represented a shift in how the U.S. addresses behavioral health crises. By simplifying access to support — replacing the longer National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number with the easy-to-remember 988 — the goal was to provide an immediate, accessible resource for anyone in distress. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress, including thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, and/or any other kind of emotional distress. 988 serves as a universal entry point, so that no matter where someone lives in the United States, they can reach a trained crisis counselor for help.

Learn more about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Kansas. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for help.

For details about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Kansas or the 988 Coordinating Council, contact KDADS Communications Director Cara Sloan-Ramos at [email protected]. For more information about the report, contact KHI Director of Strategic Communication and Engagement Theresa Freed at [email protected] or 316-305-5190.

The Kansas Health Institute supports effective policymaking through nonpartisan research, education, and engagement. KHI believes evidence-based information, objective analysis, and civil dialogue enable policy leaders to champion a healthier Kansas. Established in 1995 with a multiyear grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, KHI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization based in Topeka. Learn more about KHI.

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Business, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Hand-Scooped Ice Cream With A Mission

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Nichole Regan stands behind the counter at Lu’s Ice Cream shop at 6th and Main Street.
Nichole Regan is a special education teacher for USD 234, Fort Scott.  As a teacher, she is concerned about what happens to her students after they leave school.
“As a special education teacher, for years it has bothered me that when our kids age out of the school system and leave us, there are very few opportunities in our area for them to work,” she said. “Meaningful work provides people with social connection, purpose, and dignity. It is a positive part of all of our lives.”
“I was always hoping that more opportunities would be created in our community.”
“About a year and a half ago, I went to a conference that discussed post-secondary transition planning for students with special needs.”
One presenter was a previous Kansas City Special Education teacher who opened “The Golden Scoop”, an ice cream and coffee shop, which employs individuals with special needs.
“I thought it was awesome,” she said.” I started thinking about doing something like that in Fort Scott.”
Regan heard that Al and Luanna Niece were opening an ice cream parlor in Fort Scott. The Nieces are Texans who have a business in the Fort Scott Industrial Park. They noticed the dilapidated building at 6th and Main St. and have been working for two years to bring it back. They have a vacation rental and apartment for themselves on the second floor, and the ice cream shop was developed on the first floor of the building.
Lu Niece stands at the entrance to her new business, Lu’s Ice Cream Shop at 6th and Main in Fort Scott. Nichole Regan is the manager of the ice cream shop. The entrance to the shop is on the 6th Street side of the building.
To view that recent story:
“A friend of mine put me in contact with them, and I pitched them the idea. If you know Al and Luanna, they are wonderful people who continue to invest in the city and especially the people of Fort Scott. They loved the idea, and it took off from there!”
The first weekend of December, during the Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks Festival, the ice cream shop opened for business, with Regan as the manager.
“We have started right away with employing some kids from the high school, as well as a few adults,” she said. “We will have a mix of employees, as I feel that everyone has something to offer and we can all learn from each other! “
Regan hired an assistant who has experience working in both special education and the restaurant industry.
“We also have a couple of shift leaders who I know on a personal level and trust to be the kind and patient leaders needed in this position.”
  “My plan is to add as many employees with unique abilities as possible. They have assigned duties based on their current strengths and tasks they are comfortable with. As we grow, we will continue to train and ease into new job duties. It has been amazing so far! Everyone is doing such a great job, and they love the experience!”

“We currently have eight employees and two individuals completing a job tryout period through Vocational Rehabilitation,” she said. “Five adults and five high schoolers. We have all of the employees we need at this time, but will be looking to add a couple more this spring. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.”

She will be teaching employment skills while they earn money at the shop

“That is definitely one of the goals. For most of our employees, this is their first consistent job. They are learning a lot about responsibility, expectations, customer service, and working alongside other people. With all of our employees, as they learn more and become more familiar, they will be given more responsibilities.”

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop has vintage type furniture and one true vintage Coke machine. A customer on their birthday can get one free bottle of Coke.
Lu’s Ice Cream Shop is one of several businesses at 523 S. Main..

The address is 523 S. Main, but the entrance for the ice cream shop is on 6th Street-the phone number is 620-418-4288.

Current Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Friday 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sunday 2:00-7:00 p.m.

“We plan to stay open later this spring once ball season begins” she said. “After the school year is over, and I move to a full-time position at Lu’s, we will be open during the day and will offer some light lunch options in addition to our ice cream! At this time we plan to offer paninis and salads as well as soups next fall and winter.”

Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment

Join Bourbon County Community Theatre And Have Fun at the 3rd Annual Adult Prom

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A scene from Holy Mother of Bingo, a murder mystery from Bourbon County Community Theatre’s Facebook page.

Do you have an interest in portraying characters and using vocal expression in imaginary circumstances with others…also known as acting?

Consider the Bourbon County Community Theatre as an outlet.

“BCCT membership is open to anyone who is interested,” Angie Bin, publicity chairman for the group, said. “Anyone 18 and over can become a member by completing the form at https://forms.gle/HkrjceuxqoP1biQk7 and paying a $5 yearly fee. The entire general membership assembly meets in May of each year, and any other time a general assembly is called by the president. The board meets once a month.”

“The board plans all of the upcoming productions, events, and fundraisers; reports on all income and payments for the month; and analyzes past events,” she said.

There is an upcoming fundraiser on February 21: Adult Prom.

Melodrama auditions are April 27 and 28, and performances  are June 5 and 6, a community musical with auditions in June and a performance in August, and the Voices from the Grave Tour on Oct. 24.

On October 24, the group will lead the Voice from the Grave Tour.

Bourbon County Community Theatre in Fort Scott hosts Mardi Gras Masquerade, an Adult Prom, as a fundraiser for future events and performances.

About Adult Prom

BCCT formed in 2023 and is holding its third annual prom for adults (age 18 and over), a night of fun, dancing, and community support, according to a press release.

This formal dance is from 8 p.m. to midnight on Feb. 21, 2026 on the upper floor of Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National in Fort Scott. In addition to dancing to a live DJ, there will be non-alcoholic drinks and snacks included in the ticket price, as well as alcoholic beverages and meals available for purchase from the bar.

They hope to add to the fun (and success) of the night with some lighthearted music dueling. Attendees can pay $1.00 to request and/or dedicate a song, $5.00 to request a song NOT be played for an hour, or $10.00 for a song to be banned for the night.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at bcct.ludus.com or at the door on Feb. 21. Tickets are $40 per couple or $25 for a single ticket. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best formal or masquerade attire.

BCCT is accepting members. If you’d like to be a part of bringing community theatre back to Bourbon County, visit the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page and complete the form to become a new member.

Currently, the group is made up of:
President: Matthew Wells
Vice President: Mark Bergmann
Secretary: Abby Starkey
Treasurer: Danette Popp
Publicity: Angie Bin
Production Coordinator: Katie Wells
At-large members: Eric Popp, Ben Self, Regen Wells

 

A scene from the Bourbon County Community Theatre’s “Holy Mother of Bingo” from its Facebook page.
Gordon Parks Museum, History

Presentation Explores Wichita’s Dockum Drugstore Sit-In

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Fort Scott, Kan. – The Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott, KS will host “The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In,” a presentation and discussion by Dr. Prisca Barnes on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 12:00p.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.

 

This is a free Lunch and Learn event, with gumbo soup lunch provided by Great Western Dining. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this celebration event” said Museum Director, Kirk Sharp.

 

Seeking racial equity and an end to segregation, Wichita’s Black students organized and staged a sit-in in 1958 at Wichita’s Dockum Drugstore. Long denied entry into the city’s movie theaters and restaurants, students exercised their right to peacefully protest over a three-week period at the popular lunch counter. What transpired, how it ended, and the lasting impact it had on race relations in the city is the focus of this talk. More broadly, the talk will explore how these types of protests transformed the struggle for racial equity in America.

 

Dr. Prisca Barnes is the founder of Storytime Village, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Wichita that promotes reading among low-income children and families. She is a passionate advocate for equity in education and literacy.

 

“The Dockum Sit-in was one of the first student-led lunch counter protests of the Civil Rights era and it happened here in Kansas,” said Barnes. “It’s important to revisit its circumstances.”

 

“The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau and “21st Century Civics,” a collection of resources that invite Kansans to participate in community discussions and learn more about the history of American democracy and the shared responsibilities of citizenship. “21st Century Civics” is made possible with support from “A More Perfect Union: America at 250,” an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

 

For more information about “The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In” in Fort Scott, KS contact The Gordon Parks Museum at 620- 223-2700 ext. 5850 or visit https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Business, Fort Scott

The Davis’s Develop Historic Downtown Building Into Two Businesses

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20 North Main Street, Fort Scott, KS. One can see the reflection of the Fort Scott National Historic Site in the storefront glass reflection on the ground level. The upper level is a vacation rental in a historic downtown district apartment.

Another Historic Downtown Fort Scott building has been renovated, adding to the revitalization that has been moving forward in the area.

Don and  Sandra Davis purchased the building at 20 North Main Street in 2021 and began renovation.

“Located in the heart of Fort Scott’s downtown district, the building is within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and community attractions. The goal of the renovation was to preserve the building’s history while creating functional space that contributes to ongoing downtown revitalization,” said Julia Shore, office manager of Davis Accounting, another business the Davis’s own and she also is the Airbnb host.

 

Sandra and Donald Davis in front of their business at 1519 S. National Ave. in 2024.

“The building was long known in downtown Fort Scott as the home of J & W Sport Shop, a family-owned sporting goods retailer that first opened at this location in 1978, after beginning business elsewhere in the community,” said Shore. “The shop served generations of local customers before relocating, making the historic storefront a familiar presence in the heart of Main Street’s commercial district.”

 

There are two businesses in the newly renovated building.

 

“The fully renovated ground-floor storefront is available for leasing in 2026,” she said. “The first floor is reserved for commercial use, providing space for a retail or business operation.”

 

“The upper level has also undergone a complete transformation and now features a three-bedroom, two-bath apartment designed for short-term rental use through Airbnb,” she said. “The upstairs Airbnb is fully operational and is now accepting reservations.”

 

The upstairs is available for booking through Airbnb.

https://www.vrbo.com/5009286?

 

To lease the first-floor property, call 620-223-9777.