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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:
“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
“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.”
“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.



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.


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.

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.

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.






The Fort Scott Farmers Market vendors are planning a party on July 4 at the Gathering Square Pavilion on North National Avenue.
The regular market vendors will be there to purchase from, but in addition, there will be added fun activities for the whole family.

“Since Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year, we wanted to make the most of a unique opportunity,” said Stephanie Carrell, secretary of the vendors. “The Farmers Market is already a place where people come together, so adding some patriotic fun felt like a natural fit.”
Join them to celebrate Independence Day with a morning of family-friendly activities and patriotic fun.
“Activities begin at 8:00 a.m. with the ‘Best Cookie of the Market’ Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest, where visitors can participate in a blind taste test and vote for their favorite cookie entry from participating market vendors. Voting will continue until 11:30 a.m., with the Cookie Champion announced at noon.”
All registrations for participating in certain events close on July 2. Find the event on Fort Scott Farmers Market Facebook page or enter at the link listed below.

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

“At 10:00 a.m., the Wheels of Glory Patriotic Parade will invite participants to decorate bikes, wagons, scooters, strollers, wheelchairs, and Power Wheels and show off their patriotic spirit. Spectators will vote to determine the crowd favorite.”
“We were thinking through the pavilion (for the parade). They can circle back along the sidewalk, then park in the center of the pavilion for voting,” she said.

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

“Registration for the scheduled events is free, and trophies and prizes will be awarded. Every participant will receive a prize,” she said.
“Visitors are encouraged to come enjoy the market, cheer on participants, sample cookies, and celebrate the Fourth of July with a morning of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit.”
Fort Scott Farmers Market Association contacts are
President: Lori Hueston and
Secretary: Stephanie Carrell
email: fortscottfarmersmarket@gmail.
call/text: 620-303-9878
Sign up for events here: https://forms.gle/
” We hope people will stop by to pick up fresh produce, local meats, sweet treats, and other handmade products for their holiday celebrations, enjoy the festivities, and spend some time visiting with friends and neighbors,” Carrell said. “Celebrating the Fourth of July is about more than fireworks—it’s about community, and we’re excited to give people another way to celebrate together.”
Several new recreational activities are being offered by Buck Run Community Center this summer: an outdoor fitness court, an inaugural Independence Day Run, and a new fitness trainer added to the team.
New Outdoor Fitness Center

“The new outdoor Buck Run Fitness Court is open,” said Lucas Kelley, Recreation Director and Buck Run Community Center Manager.

The new space is free to the public and accessible to people of all ages and levels of expertise, Kelley said.

“It was paid for by multiple organizations: Fort Scott Recreation, City of Fort Scott, a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, and the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.”

“We wanted to provide another option to the citizens to enjoy the fresh air and stay active in our community! We will also utilize the studio space on the south side to teach classes when the weather is enjoyable.”




#FortScottRec #BuckRunCommunityCenter #OutdoorFitnessCourt #HealthyCommunity #GetActiveFortScott
The center is offering a first-ever 5K run on the day the community is celebrating Independence Day, June 27.











The Fourth of July is coming early this year in Fort Scott.
On June 27, the City of Fort Scott is hosting its annual community event.
“We wanted to avoid family activities/traditions on the Fourth of July,” said Rachel Carpenter, Fort Scott’s Director of Community Development. “There will not be anything happening from the city on the 4th.”

The City of Fort Scott and community partners do invite residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day at the annual Fort Scott Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Fort Scott Community College, Carpenter said.
“The family-friendly event will feature an afternoon and evening filled with food, live music, competitions, games, and fireworks, offering something for all ages.”
The churches near Fort Scott Community College are opening their parking lots for the afternoon activities, and there is ADA parking near the cosmetology department on the south central side of the campus.
June 27 city-sponsored activities begin at 3:00 p.m. and include:
Participants are needed for the above activities and the BBQ contest, according to the City of Fort Scott’s monthly newsletter.
Participants can register through the event QR codes available on promotional materials in this publication.
The People’s Choice judging for the Butcher Block BBQ Contest will begin at 5:00 p.m., allowing attendees to help crown the community’s favorite pitmaster.
Live entertainment will be provided throughout the evening with free concerts featuring:
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of great music, food, and community fellowship before the fireworks display.
“This celebration is a great opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to come together and celebrate our nation’s independence while enjoying everything that makes Fort Scott a special place to live and visit,” organizers said
Residents and visitors are encouraged to wear their red, white, and blue and join in a day of community pride, family fun, and patriotic celebration, according to Carpenter.
For additional event information, follow City of Fort Scott announcements and event updates on social media.
The annual city-sponsored fireworks display will start at 9:30 p.m., Carpenter said. Cars can line up on South Horton Street as in prior years to view the show.
The show will be launched at the Fort Scott Community College campus, at 1801 S. Horton, with lead pyrotechnician Shaunn Pytlowany and his crew from Premier Pyrotechnics handling the setup and shooting.
Fire works 2026 Rules

From The City of Fort Scott ordinances:



Ella Townley, 18, graduated from Spring Hill High School last week, and tomorrow she will open her new business venture, Eternal Grace Boutique LLC, in Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown District.
The store is located at 13 N. Main Street.
Ella is the daughter of the owners of Be The Light Boutique, Susan and Ed Townley, just across the street.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do after graduating,” she said. “I will attend Pittsburg State University, majoring in management and marketing, in the fall.”
In the future, Townley plans to have her own brand of clothing.
“I always wanted to own my own clothing store and bring ideas to life,” she said.
The products she sells are clothes for girls of all ages, she said
“In addition to young women’s clothing (ages 14-25). I sell two lines of jewelry, collegiate ware, home decor items, Bibles, prayer journals, devotionals, and hats.”
The store opens today, May 28, at 3 p.m., and there will be a ribbon-cutting and grand opening at 5:30 p.m. sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.
The hours of operation for the store will be Thursday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, the store is closed.
For information, contact the store at: 913-827-2574.