All posts by Loretta George

Church news, Fort Scott

New Women’s Wholeness Seminar Offered by Danielle Bauer

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Submitted graphic.
Danielle Bauer and her family have lived in Fort Scott for seven years is offering a free webinar to help women live life to their fullest on July 29 from 6- 7 a.m. CT (online).
Bauer is a mother of four, with another child on the way. She knows the everyday grind of life can be overwhelming.

“After years of feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, I asked out to God for help, peace, and renewed energy. His answer surprised me. He led me to practical skills, intentional habits, and personal formation that transformed the way I lived.

“That journey eventually led me to become a Certified Wholeness Coach.”

“I will be presenting the whole webinar, and I will share more about why women often feel either overwhelmed, anxious, or flat in their lives – why women need more life in their life,” Bauer said.
“Then I will share some practical skills and formation needed to live a life fully alive. And women will hear more about a course I lead women through called the New Woman Masterclass.”
Her testimony
“I can honestly say my life has been transformed by the New Woman Masterclass – a course that has developed in me the skills and formation I never received as a young woman,” she said.
“How is it we get through 12 years of schooling without learning foundational skills like how to make a decision, how to communicate effectively, how to know our irreplaceable self worth and value, how to manage feedback and the opinions of others, how to create boundaries with toxic people, how to have a thriving marriage, how to have optimal health, what deep, meaningful friendships look like, and how to manage our mind, emotions, and thoughts – and direct them to our highest good – not towards our demise.”
“When I had three little children and was underskilled as a young mom, I didn’t realize that challenging moments throughout my day were not big fires – I was making mountains out of molehills because no one had taught me how to manage my thoughts. I was often thinking, ‘my kids are making a mess for me to clean up’, ‘everything depends on me,’ ‘this is TERRIBLE!'”
“Instead, when I learned to manage my mind, I learned to say aloud and in my thoughts: ‘Kids are curious. It’s only a spill; let’s clean it up. This is no big deal.’ Just this one skill of managing one’s own thoughts will impact a woman’s self-worth, her marriage, her family life, her health and so much more.”
“There is so much to be said about how this experience has changed the trajectory of my life. My family is more peaceful. My marriage is thriving. My health has never been better. My house is clean, orderly, and beautiful. My friendships are deep and meaningful. My career is expanding. And I’ve never been more confident and happy ever before in my life. When we begin to see ourselves as a whole woman and gain the skills and formation needed to become the woman God created us to be, then clarity, peace, and order return to our lives (and the lives of those we love)!”

How to join the free online webinar

“If you’re longing for greater peace, purpose, and direction, I’d love to invite you to join me for a FREE online webinar where we’ll explore how to intentionally become the woman God created you to be—instead of simply drifting from one day to the next.

Registration closes soon, and I’d love to have you there.”

Reserve your free seat today:  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/L8W2Hz-vRrymMI6aoA_rug#/registration


Danielle Bauer. Submitted photo.
Danielle Bauer is Founder at Call Me Blessed, a

Catholic Formation & Wholeness Coaching for Women

She is the RECIPIENT OF 2025 TELEIOS COACHING AWARD
Presented to the Certified Wholeness Coach who embodies and lives out the Wholeness Manifesto
 
Fort Scott, Schools

U.S.D. 234 Enrollment Has Started for the 2026-27 Year, With Some New Staff and Teachers

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U.S.D. 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main
The U.S.D. 234, Fort Scott School District, starts the 2026-27 school year on Friday, August 14, a little over three weeks away.
Enrollment is currently open and can be done through PowerSchool, a district-wide computer software program.
If a student is new to the district, they must sign up at their school’s building office.
August 10-13 are pre-service and work days in the district.
August 14 is the first day for students.
December 21 through January 1 is Christmas break.
Spring break is March 15-19.
The last day of school is May 14.
The following are newly hired staff and teachers for the year:
The west entrance of the Kansas Renewal Institute, June 2024.
KRI is located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., Fort Scott.
Kansas Renewal Institute-Danae Esslinger
Unified School District 234 is committed to providing general and special education services to KRI residents within school age. These services will be provided on-site at Kansas Renewal Institute, according to a prior fortscott.biz interview with KRI administration.
The Fort Scott Preschool, at 409 S. Judson.
Fort Scott Preschool-Alyssa Smith, special education
Winfield Scott Elementary School, 316 W. 10th Street, Fort Scott.
Winfield Scott Elementary School: Caleb Hendricks-assistant principal, MaKayla Pickert- second grade, Madison Hughes-physical education, Kimberly Demko-speech/language, Katherine Hill and Emily Stephans-special education.
Eugene Ware Elementary School, 900 E. Third Street.
Eugene Ware Elementary School: There are no new teachers, and the administration is still hiring for paraprofessionals that are needed, according to a spokesman at Eugene Ware.
Fort Scott Middle School. 1105 East 12th Street.
Fort Scott Middle School: Jennifer Ellis-science, Don VanBuskirk-business essentials, electives, history instruction, Dawna Krebs-math teacher, Trinadie Oney-science teacher.
Fort Scott High School. 1005 S. Main.
Fort Scott High School: Jared Martin, athletic director; Ashley Keylon-counselor, Dan
i Cummings-business teacher, Sage Hill-special education teacher, and Lucretia Rugero, special education.
The school district’s board of education phone number is: 620-223-0800.
Business, Clothing, Fort Scott

New Women’s Clothing Boutique Opens August 1: Midwest Runway

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Maria Morris. Submitted photo.

Maria Morris grew up on the Kansas/Missouri border in Deerfield, MO.

“I bar tended at Sharkey’s Pub for eleven years,” Morris said. “A year ago, I decided to start a different career. I always loved fashion, so I decided to follow my dream and own a clothing store.”

She started her venture in Nevada, MO in 2025.

“I was talking to Dean Striler (co-owner of the new space she is leasing in Fort Scott), and he presented the opportunity to open in Fort Scott. I always loved the community of Fort Scott and wanted to be a part of bringing customers to the area.”

The new space is 6 North Main, the former Tribune storefront.

The name of her new venture is Midwest Runway.

“I am really excited to be a part of the community,” she said. “I believe clothing is more than what we wear, but is also a unique part of who God created us to be.”

 

The next two weeks are the last weeks at her location at 14182 E. U.S. 54 Hwy, Nevada, and also starting the move to the new location in downtown Fort Scott.

 

Once she gets moved in, there will be a grand opening on Saturday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Normal hours will follow: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The business is closed on Sundays.

 

Morris said she likes to “make women feel empowered and beautiful on the outside and the inside.”

 

The selection ranges from lounge wear to special-occasion clothing.

“Outfits you can take from day to night,” she said.

Sammie Barner is the manager of Midwest Runway. Submitted photo.

Sammie Barner will be the store manager, and there are some part-time employees as well.

The business can be contacted on its Facebook and Instagram pages or at [email protected].

Fort Scott, Schools

New Superintendent For Fort Scott School District: Zach Johnson

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USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

Zach Johnson is the new superintendent for U.S.D. 234, Fort Scott’s school district, as of July 1.

ZJHeadshot – 1

As a leader, Johnson hopes to help facilitate a collective vision that focuses on the success of all students, he said.

“I believe in supporting and creating a culture that adds value and support to our staff. I look forward to working alongside our staff to create positive student outcomes every year.”

Background

“I am originally from Willard Missouri. I have been in education for 13 years. I have spent six of those years as a teacher and coach in Missouri. I then spent four years as an assistant principal/athletic director at Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville and I was the principal at Fort Scott Middle School for three years, and assistant superintendent for one year.”

Family

“My wife Bethany is a therapist at Kansas Renewal Institute (KRI). We have four kids. We are very active in the school and the Fort Scott community. We are excited to be here and look forward to continuing to build connections throughout our community.”

What is the best thing about being in education for you?

” The relationships that are made and the positive impact that is made on students.”

What is a challenge?

” I believe a challenge would be external factors that influence our district and other school districts across Kansas. Examples would be state and federal legislation that affects public education and the day-to-day work of educators.”

Is there anything new on the horizon for the district this year?-

” I am excited for the strategic planning that we will begin working on. This process will involve all stakeholders in our community to help develop the mission, vision, and values for U.S.D. 234. More information will come as we get closer to the school year.”

Fort Scott

Frankie’s Mission: Helping the Homeless

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Submitted photos. Frankie’s Mission volunteers had a dinner at Wesley House for the homeless in Pittsburg.
Vickie Crowe, Fort Scott,  started a mission to honor her son Frankie, who died about three years ago, and was homeless.

Since then, the group that has volunteered to help her has held dinners for the homeless at Wesley House and the Salvation Army in Pittsburg because she couldn’t find a place in Fort Scott to do a dinner, she said. She also does mission work in Pittsburg.

Recently, at the Heritage Pavilion in Fort Scott, she and a group of helpers handed out sack lunches to those in need.
“We would like to do more and more often,” she said. “We have to raise money to do this.”
The group that helps the mission consists of Cara Guthrie, Donna Brisbin, Jeri Mitchell, and Burt Hawkins, and recently some others have expressed interest in joining the group, she said.
Submitted photos from Vickie Crowe, a dinner for the homeless in Pittsburg.
Frankie’s Mission is a non-profit organization in Fort Scott.
“We help the homeless and less fortunate,” said Vickie Crow. “We pass out food, hygiene items, clothes, etc. We recently set up at the pavilion and handed out sack lunches and hygiene supplies . The photos I sent are of dinners we have had. We do things to raise money to do this stuff.”
A free-will donation yard sale to benefit the mission will be held on July 31 to August 1 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations for the sale are accepted.
The yard sale will be at 2403 Jayhawk.
Submitted photos of the dinner for the homeless in Pittsburg, which Frankie’s Mission volunteers supplied.

For questions, contact Crowe at [email protected]

or

phone number 620-215-4816.

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government, Kansas

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

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Voter booths at the Bourbon County Courthouse.
 

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

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

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

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

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

Vote Yes or No

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

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

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

Shall the following be adopted?

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

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

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

“Shall

_______________________________
(Here insert name of justice.)

_______________________________
(Here insert the title of the court.)

be retained in office?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⬭ Yes
⬭ No

Bourbon County, Fair, Food, Youth

2026 Bourbon County Fair Started Today: Join The Fun

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

Open Class exhibitors enter their art work.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following is an interview with Kenna:

When/how did you hear about this opportunity?

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

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

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

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

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

Kenna Miles Sponsorship Levels Flyer

What is the deadline to help?

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

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

What is your hope/dream following this training?

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

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

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

Fort Scott National Historic Site, Youth

Children Learn Flag Etiquette in Happenstance Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

Lu’s Ice Cream Begins New Hours Today

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

 

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

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

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

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

Regan is a former special education teacher.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

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

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