All posts by Loretta George
Cato Historical Preservation Association Awarded Grant from Community Foundation
Five members (one being the photographer) from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas journeyed to Cato, Kansas on Wednesday, August 6, to present grant money to the Cato Historical Preservation Association, Inc.. The “General Funds” grant was done by Cato member Marilyn Flagg.
The money will be used for supplies and three directional wooden signs with arrows pointed toward Cato. These signs will be made by Chad Cliffman of rural Ft. Scott.
Cato will host 600-700 school kids on Thursday, Nov. 6th and the annual Cato tour is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8th starting with registration in the Cato Christian Church at 9 a.m.
Picture:
Top left to right: Nathan Garrett, Devin Gorman, Kara Mishmash, Robert Magginetti, Anna Swank, Shirley Hensley, and Mary Portwood
Bottom left to right: Linda Grilz, Marilyn Flagg, Jerry Lomshek, and Diane James
(Photographer was Matthew Buck)
Local Couple In The Running For America’s Favorite Couple
A couple with ties to Fort Scott, Myca and Robert Sellers, are in the running for America’s Favorite Couple contest.
“I found out about America’s Favorite Couple through a Facebook ad promoted by the actor, Jeff Goldblum,” said Myca (Short) Sellers. I thought it would be such a fun opportunity to share our love story, which I’ve always believed was something really special. The grand prize is $20,000 and a feature in Variety magazine.”
“While I entered this contest mostly for the fun and story-sharing aspect, I love that it’s tied to doing something good by supporting two worthy causes,” she said in an email interview with fortscott.biz. “The Los Angeles Food Bank is an organization that works to fight hunger by distributing food to those in need, and Oceana focuses on protecting and restoring the world’s oceans. Honestly, I wasn’t super familiar with either organization before this competition. While ocean conservation hasn’t been a passion of mine, I do think it’s great to support environmental causes.”
“The food bank’s mission especially resonates with me, I care deeply about helping people in need, especially those facing hunger and homelessness. As a Christian, giving and serving others is really important to me. My family and I sponsor a child in Tanzania through Compassion International, we currently provide a home for some extended family members going through a tough time, we give to our church, and we do our best to help others when we can. So even though I didn’t enter this competition because of the charities, I’m glad that it supports such meaningful work.”
“So far, we just made it through our group finals and will be moving on to the quarterfinals. We’ve been so blessed to have made it this far in the competition with the help of our friends and family. Every free daily vote really makes a difference. People are also able to donate to the partnered charities mentioned to cast additional votes. We’d be incredibly honored to have support from the Fort Scott community to help us make it to the finish line! Please let me know if you need any more information about the competition or anything else about our story.”
To vote for Robert and Myca Sellers
About the couple
“Robert and I both graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2012,” she said in the interview. “My grandma lived there my entire life until recently moving to Chanute, and my mom, Wendy Stewart Hoeme, worked at Ward Kraft when I was little. I even went to Winfield Scott Elementary for 2nd grade. My dad was Robert (Tony) Short, but he passed away in 2009 when I was 16.
“Robert is the son of James and Jackie Sellers, Fort Scott. Jackie is the manager at the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, and she and James also own and operate Pitt Taxi. James served in the Navy, so Robert spent some of his childhood outside of Kansas, but they eventually returned to Fort Scott when his dad retired from the military.” Robert attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and then Fort Scott Middle School and high school.
“I moved to Fort Scott …when my mom got a job at Great West in 2005. I started 6th grade at the middle school, and that’s where I met Robert. We were in the same homebase class (Mrs. Brittan’s!) and quickly became close friends. I developed a crush on him back then, but kept it quiet, … since a friend of mine dated him for a while. Robert and I stayed close throughout middle and high school, and our friendship was always something special.”
In their senior year, they had a physics class together with Dr. Klassen.
“We flirted constantly. One day, while cruising around town (as small-town Kansas teens do!), we passed each other at a stop sign. Seeing him prompted me to take a risk and text him later to confess my feelings. But it turned out he had liked me all along, too. We went on a date to play disc golf at Gunn Park and made our relationship official after that.”
The summer after graduation, they went cruising in his Jeep, stargazing from the Fort Scott Community College rappel tower, and “just being young and in love.”
He gave her a promise ring before he left for Air Force basic training that fall, and Myca started college at Fort Hays State University.
He was stationed in England.
“When he came home for Christmas, he took me back to the rappel tower at the college and proposed. We got married in Fort Scott at the Scottish Rite Temple on April 6, 2013.”
“Since then, our military life has taken us all over the world. We’ve lived in England, Albuquerque, NM, the little island of Okinawa in Japan, and now we’re stationed in Italy at Aviano Air Base.”
Robert is a Technical Sergeant in the Air Force, working on HH-60 helicopters.
“We’ve now been married 12 years and have three children: our son Castiel (6), and daughters Salem (4) and Sage (2). We’re not sure yet where we’ll go next since we still have 2.5 years left in Italy, but most likely somewhere in Arizona, New Mexico, or Georgia when we return to the States. He’ll have about 4.5 years left until retirement once we move back.”
“I believe what makes our relationship so special is that it was built on a solid foundation of friendship. We’re truly best friends, we’ve grown up together, and we still know how to have fun and make each other laugh. Living this military life, mostly overseas and far from family, has made us grow even more. We were just 19 when we got married and moved to England, and we’ve had to face a lot of challenges. But those trials taught us how to work together, rely on each other, and strengthen our bond. We deeply value one another and always come together as a team.”
Get Ready To Jump Fort Scott
The former Walgreens store at 23rd and South Main Street will soon be filled with lots of excited kids.
Jumpy Jumpland is coming to Fort Scott in that building.
Their opening weekend is August 15-17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The grand opening weekend is free to public for a preview of what the business has to offer, said Heather Sims, district manager.
“We have indoor inflatables, fun for the whole family,” Sims said.
In addition to the many inflatables, they have a snack bar.
“We do birthday parties and Open Jumps, where anyone can come and play for $7 for as long as Open Jump is open.”
There are two choices for birthday parties: deluxe for $200, which has a one-hour jump time and then 45 minutes in the party area; and supreme at $240, which has 1.5 hours of playtime and 45 minutes in the party area.
They can bring outside food and beverages, but no party supplies can be brought into Open Jump.
Currently, there are three employees, she said. “Two people per shift. We want eyes on the bounce floor at all times.”
Their hours of operation: Fridays are Open Jump from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon are available party times, then from noon to 2 is Open Jump, followed by times for parties. The last party of the day starts at 7:30 p.m.
“We chose Fort Scott because it doesn’t have a lot for kids to do,” she said. “We wanted to bring something to them.”
Jumpy Jumpland rents the building from Jake’s Fireworks. Starting the first weekend in June, they will move out and then move back in on the first weekend in August, she said. Jake’s Fireworks’ high sales season is June through August.
“Join us for Open Jump, games, and awesome prizes – we can’t wait to see you there!” said Jessica Benford, marketing director for the To book parties and celebrations, email at jumpyjumpland.com
Their address is 2229 S. Main Street, inside the Jake’s Fireworks building.
About Jumpy Jump Land
Who We Are
Jumpy Jump Land is the premier bounce-house party destination in the Wichita area, offering vibrant indoor play spaces filled with colorful obstacle courses, tall slides, and multiple bounce houses. We host both private parties by reservation and Open Jump sessions where families can drop in and play.
Where We Started
We opened our first location in Andover, Kansas, in 2015. Since then, Jumpy Jump Land has grown into a local favorite and expanded to five locations: Andover, Bel Aire, Haysville, El Dorado – and now, Fort Scott, opening August 15!
Who Owns It
Jumpy Jump Land is owned and operated as a Kansas limited liability company: JUMPY JUMP LAND, LLC.
Why We Do What We Do
Our mission is to create unforgettable moments for kids and families through safe, clean, and energetic indoor fun. We’re passionate about providing a stress-free venue where hosts can truly enjoy birthdays, reunions, corporate events, and more – while kids jump, play, and burn off energy.
50 Years in the Community: Buck Run Community Center
The Buck Run Community Center came into being after the YMCA building was torn down in 1974. The “Y” had served the Fort Scott community for almost seven decades since it was built in 1907.
In 1975, the Neighborhood Center, which was its original name of Buck Run Community Center, was built at 735 Scott Avenue.
Serving on the first board were Jack Eshelbrenner, Harry Fisher, Albert Hill, Les Hinkley, Gloria Key, and Beth King.
Buck Run Community Center celebrates 50 years in Fort Scott this year.
The Center is located east of the Fort Scott swimming pool, and can be seen by passers-by from Hwy. 69.
It continues today to serve the community with recreation programs for all ages and, during winter months, acts as a warming station for those who need it.
Through the years, the original bandshell was transformed into a stage in the Corey Larson Gymnasium. There is a fitness center, another gym, a racquetball court, a kitchen, a lounge, some general-purpose rooms, storage areas, and an office.
Beth King Nuss was the first director in 1975.
“It’s a pivotal place in the community…as a meeting place for people and organizations,” Nuss said.
Lucas Kelley, the current director of Buck Run Community Center, said, “The Center provides a safe place for families, groups to come together and make memories. Just about every weekend, there is a birthday celebration, wedding or baby shower, family reunion, or funeral dinner. There are also skate parties, where for $20 you can rent skates for your group and rent the gym for $40 for three hours, if a kid is having a birthday.”
Here is what is offered to the community: handicap-accessible services, with a full-sized basketball court and two regulation volleyball courts. The structure also has a tumbling/gymnastics and aerobics room upstairs, as well as a weight room and fitness center. Picklball and racquetball are also played there, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.
Buck Run Community Center is having a Back to School Bash with free backpack giveaways on Saturday, August 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To learn more about the Buck Run Community Center’s current programs/activities:
Backpack Giveaways At BRCC Back to School Bash on August 9
Fort Scott School District U234 Starts Classes on August 15
This is part of a series on the schools starting the 2025 school year in our community.
Destry Brown is the superintendent of schools for Fort Scott’s School District, USD234.
“We are looking forward to another great year in Tiger Land!” he told Fort Scott Biz in an interview.
The first day of school for teachers in 2025 is August 11, with students first day of August 15.
He said student school supply lists are all posted on the district’s Facebook page.
Vaccinations are a part of the new school year in schools across the nation.
“If students have started their immunizations before school starts, we work with the families to get them completed by a deadline,” Brown said. “We have not set that deadline for this year yet. It is usually in late September. If the family claims a religious reason for not getting the immunizations, they need to contact the school nurse and complete a form stating that.”
The USD234 student enrollment is approximately the same as last year, 1,750 students in five buildings across the town.
A more accurate number will be after the first couple of weeks of school, he said.
The following are the names of the school district’s 20 new teachers and administrators assigned to each building.
Winfield Scott Elementary:
Amanda Karleskint – 2nd grade
Shana Staton – Special Education
Amanda Johnson – Music
Kendal Bowles – Special Education
Eugene Ware Elementary:
Billie Marlow – 5th Grade
Angela Christy – 3rd Grade
Fort Scott Middle School:
D.J. Brown – Principal
Trey Brown – 7th Grade Social Studies
Kiel Simas – Physical Education
Fort Scott High School:
Jeff Johnson – Principal
Josh Regan – Assistant Principal
Drew Carney – Physical Education
Aleana Erie – English
Eliya Deckinger – Counselor
Marjorie Campbell – Special Education
Chloe Whitt – Drivers’ Education and Business
Jake Durossette – Business
Johnathon Stark – Physical Education
Jesse Turner – Special Education
Kansas Renewal Institute:
Christina Ellis – Elementary
New this year are textbooks and resources for middle and high school English Language Arts classes.
“We have also added a new curriculum for teaching Social and Emotional skills for Kindergarten through 12th grade called Satchel Pulse. The counselors will be using the curriculum to teach weekly lessons to our students throughout the district.”
On the horizon is a new preschool location.
“We are awaiting the architectural drawings for the new preschool building on Horton (at the intersection of 9th Street) to be approved by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office. As soon as those are approved, we will go out to bid on the work inside the building. In the meantime, we will be having dirt work and waterproofing done on the outside of the building.”
Traditions Continue At the 120th Old Settlers Picnic Aug. 29-Sept.1
The 120th Old Settlers Picnic in Uniontown has traditionally been a day for the community to view a parade and enjoy a community picnic, with fun activities for all ages throughout the whole weekend.
A street dance, 5K Run/Walk, fishing derby, co-ed ranch rodeo, community church service, bingo, family fun night, youth rodeo, food and craft vendors, car show, baby contest, a children’s parade separate from the bigger parade, and drawings for the raffles and bicycles will make up the weekend’s festivities.
The theme this year is Remembering the Past, Planning the Future.
Aligning with the theme, not only the recognition of the Old Settlers, but “recognizing the future generation throughout the Monday activities, including the youngest attendee,” said Mike Ramsey, planning committee vice president.
The parade grand marshals are the family of Bill and Doris George.
This year, the West Bourbon Elementary School will be the new location for the Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show.
“We’ve brought back the baby contest,” Ramsey said. “Registration at 9 a.m. with the contest at 9:30 a.m.” The location is at the gazebo in Uniontown’s City Park.
” We’ve brought back the kids’ races on Monday at 1 p.m. on the streets” surrounding the downtown park, he said.
“Personally, I’m excited about having Dustin Treiber playing for the Street Dance Friday night.” On August 29, there will be a street dance with a food truck available for refreshments.
The planning committee is comprised of Rhonda Dewitt, president; Ramsey, vice president; Mary Pillion, treasurer; and Carissa Jones, secretary.
Backpack Giveaways At BRCC Back to School Bash on August 9
Buck Run Community Center is having a Back to School Bash with free backpack giveaways.
The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 9 at the center located at 735 Scott Avenue, in back of the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.
“Enjoy mouthwatering meals and treats from our amazing local food trucks—perfect for lunchtime cravings,” said Lucas Kelley, director of Fort Scott Recreation, of which the Center is a part.
“We’re celebrating 50 years of Buck Run Community Center with a fun-filled Back to School Bash! We will also be handing out backpacks and school supplies that day! Come see what we have for you! We are excited to be able to host our 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway,” said Kelley.
They will give away: 480 backpacks, glue sticks/bottles of glue, pencils, and notebooks.
“Bring the whole family and enjoy free activities like:
mini golf, laser tag, cookies and lemonade, face painting and inflatables,” he said.
The center is celebrating 50 years of service to the community this year, and here is what is offered to the community: handicap-accessible services, with a full-sized basketball court and two regulation volleyball courts. The structure also has a tumbling/gymnastics and aerobics room upstairs, as well as a weight room and fitness center. Picklball and racquetball are played there as well, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.
The recreation program also oversees the maintenance and scheduling of Ellis Park, Fisher Park and Third Street Park.
Additionally, they provide a self-serve kiosk at Gunn Park for renting discs for the disc golf game holes.
To learn more:
https://brcc.recdesk.com/Community/Home
Features of the center:
- Auditorium with a stage
- Fitness center
- Kitchen
- Lounge with a television
- Shower facilities
- 2 meeting rooms
Also outside of the Buck Run Community Center, there is a sand volleyball court. The meeting rooms and auditorium may be rented for private use.
The Fort Scott Recreation Department runs an extensive adult and youth program from within the Center. For information on facilities or recreation programs, call 620-223-0386.
There is an on-site meal for those 60 years old and over at Buck Run in one of the meeting rooms.
Deb Stewart, site director of 60+Nutrition, said the meal is provided with a $2 suggested donation at 11:30 a.m., and the only qualification is being at least 60 years old. For more information: https://www.sekaaa.com/nutrition
The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging manages the 60+ Nutrition Program for nine SEK counties, providing nutritious meals to individuals 60+ years of age. The meals can be provided in home (for those who qualify) or at designated sites in the community. A suggested donation of $2 per meal is requested, but inability to pay does not prevent anyone from receiving a meal, according to its website.
Old Settlers Picnic Celebration is Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 In Uniontown
Hwy. K-7 Will Close From U.S. Hwy. 69 to K-39 Junction on August 4
Beginning Monday, August 4, 2025, the K-7 highway will be closed from US-69 to the K-39 Jct.
Sideroads will remain open at this time. Barricades will be set on K-7 at each sideroad.
Accommodation will be made for residents and landowners to have access to their properties via access from the nearest sideroad.
K-7 from the K-39 Jct South to Girard will remain open to local traffic only, according to the Fort Scott/Bourbon County Dispatch Post on Facebook.
Volunteers Needed To Get The Old Fort Genealogy Society Reopened
For those interested in learning more about their family history in Bourbon County, the Old Fort Genealogy Society is a valuable resource to the community.
“Many people don’t know what we have to offer,” said Susan Karleskint, president of the society. ” We have tons of Bourbon County history….birth records, death records, cemeteries, pictures.”
“We provide help to people who are researching their families in Bourbon County,” she said. “In addition, we have moved beyond genealogical to historical.”
The society is non-profit.
“We don’t charge, but do ask for a donation, should they want to give one,” she said.
In early 2025, the society’s board began searching for an alternative location. The location they were at, in the basement of Memorial Hall, was too small for all the records they housed, and the cost of renovating to a different part of that building was too high.
They found a much larger site for their services at 2801 S. Horton, in the Professional Building, north of the old Mercy Hospital.
In the spring, they began the move to that building, which has been vacant for several years.
“We have encountered some ‘hiccups’ along the way that have slowed our progress,” Karleskint said.
“The space is futuristic,” she said. “We can grow. We had a lot of things that couldn’t be put out (in the prior building), but now can be.”
The space is almost 4,000 square feet.
Now the board members are seeking volunteers to help them get open to the public.
“Volunteers are needed to unpack items….to go to the bookshelves,” she said. “Currently, there are three to four of us. We need helpers in order to get us open.”
“When our doors open, we will have a need for volunteers who would be willing to help at least 1/2 day per week.”
Contact them at 602.223.3300. “If that number is not currently answered, an individual may call my phone at 620-224-6613,” Karleskint said.
The board consists of Karleskint, Ralph Carlson, Peggy Cummings, Shirley Hurd, Jim Logan, Terry Sercer, and Don Tucker.
Karleskint said she wanted to thank this board for all of the time and energy they have contributed in the past few
months.
Micheal Olkowski, Fort Scott, Arrested For Sex Offenses on July 23
Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin confirmed that Michael Olkowski of Fort Scott is still in the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center as of 10 a.m. today.
Olkowski was arrested for sexual exploitation of a child on July 23 at 920 West Park Avenue, Fort Scott, and is being held without bail.
The following was taken from the Kansas Missing and Exploited Facebook page
