All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Health Care

Boil Advisory for Fort Scott and Uniontown As Of April 18

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Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon Co RWD 2C and City of Uniontown, Bourbon County (Taken from the City of Fort Scott’s Facebook page)
TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon Co RWD 2C, and City of Uniontown public water supply systems located in Bourbon County. This advisory does not affect those customers of city of Fulton nor those of city of Prescott.
Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
The advisory took effect on April 18, 2026 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break in the city of Fort Scott’s distribution system, resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. The City of Fort Scott water system provides water to Bourbon Co RWD 2C, who provides water to city of Uniontown.
Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
For consumer questions, please contact the City of Fort Scott water system at 620-223-5160, or Bourbon Co RWD 2C water system at 620-223-1110, or the city of Uniontown water system at 620-756-4742, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at [email protected] or call 785-564-6767.
Consumer Information Regarding a Disruption in Water Service | KDHE, KS
kdhe.ks.gov
Consumer Information Regarding a Disruption in Water Service | KDHE, KS
Fort Scott

New Collegiate Summer Baseball Team Needs Host Families

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A new collegiate summer baseball team, a part of the 2026 Mid-America League, based in Fort Scott, will begin the season next month. The team name honors the U.S. Army’s 1st Regiment of Dragoons, a mounted infantry unit at Fort Scott National Historic Site in the 1840s.

 

“The Dragoons are a developmental collegiate league, a wood bat league baseball team,” said Steve Anthony, Dragoons Host Family Coordinator. “There will be 26 players on the team from all over the United States coming to Fort Scott. The Players will be from NCAA Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3 NAIA and Junior Colleges.”

“This will be the first season in Fort Scott. League play starts in late May and will run until late July,” he said. “They will be playing their home games at LaRoche Stadium here in Fort Scott. Folks who decide to house players will receive season tickets as well as discounts at the concession stand.”

“From what I understand, the players will have their own transportation to and from home games, and they require a bed and bathroom, and also provide meals for the players.”

The team is owned by Bill Larsen, managed by Mike Albin, with Justin Miles as General Manager.

From Instagram.

The team is still being assembled, but  Fort Scott athletes, Lennox Vann and Kanin Brown, among others,  have signed on to play with the Dragoons, according to its Facebook page.

 

From its Facebook page.
From Facebook.

From a press release:

Fort Scott Dragoons Announce 2026 Season Schedule

The Fort Scott Dragoons have officially released their 2026 season schedule, featuring a summer packed with competitive baseball and family-friendly entertainment. After starting the season on the road, the Dragoons will host their Opening Night in Fort Scott on May 26.

The upcoming season highlights include:

Competitive Matchups: Key games against the Meridian Blues, Bryan Yard Dogs, and Nacogdoches Niners.

Fan Experience: A full slate of promotions, theme nights, and premium seating options.

Community Focus: Affordable entertainment designed for youth teams, businesses, churches, and local organizations.

Mid America League Action: The league features talented collegiate and professional players dedicated to community connection.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 14

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Arrest Summary

BROYLES, MATTHEW ALLEN, 42
Arrested: 4/13/2026 12:40 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Warrant: Bourbon County probation violation
Bond: $0

MUELLER, LYNN MARIE, 34
Arrested: 4/13/2026 3:51 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Warrant: Bourbon County probation violation
Bond: $0

HURTEAU, NATHAN ALLAN, 22
Arrested: 4/13/2026 4:30 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Warrant: Bourbon County ( Failure To Appear) * (case BB-2024-DM-000007, $500 cash)
– Warrant: Fort Scott Municipal (case E0012357, $500 cash)
Bond Total: $1,000

Inmate Released List

GROSHONG, JOHN, 55
Booked: 03/21/2026
Released: 4/13/2026 at 8:49 AM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: KDOC

HALL, JOSHUA GENE, 45
Booked: 03/12/2026
Released: 4/13/2026 at 8:49 AM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: KDOC

HURTEAU, NATHAN ALLAN, 22
Booked: 04/13/2026
Released: 4/13/2026 at 6:08 PM
Type: Cash bond
Released to: Self

LEE, TERRANCE DEWAYNE, 41
Booked: 11/17/2025
Released: 4/13/2026 at 8:48 AM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: KDOC

PEVETO, CHELSEA LIN, 36
Booked: 03/31/2026
Released: 4/13/2026 at 3:47 PM
Type: Own recognizance
Released to: Self

RUTHERFORD, PETER, 58
Booked: 03/27/2026
Released: 4/13/2026 at 8:48 AM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: KDOC

WHITE, JERAD WALKER, 35
Booked: 03/06/2026
Released: 4/13/2026 at 4:18 PM
Type: Cash bond
Released to: Self

Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF

Schools, Youth

Brazilian Student Experiences High School Life in Uniontown

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Gabriella Basso, 17, is an international student attending Uniontown High School this school year.

She is from Garibaldi, a municipality in Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil,  with an area of approximately 35,000 people. Uniontown has around 300 people.

 

“I learned about the exchange program through my sister, who also participated in one during the 2022–2023 school year. She originally found out about it on YouTube, and after hearing about her experience, I became really interested in doing the same,” Gabi said.

 

Her first experience in America was visiting Walt Disney World when she was young.

Gabi at Disney World when she was a child. Submitted photo.

“At that time, everything felt very big and exciting,” she said. “Later on, through movies and social media, I imagined American high schools as having a lot of school spirit and opportunities. When I finally came as an exchange student, I realized many of those impressions were true, especially the size of the schools and how involved students are in activities.”

 

“While living here, I’ve learned that sports are a big part of student life, and many people are very involved in school activities. I also noticed how important cars are for daily life, since most people rely on them to get around. Another thing that stood out to me is the strong sense of pride people have in their schools and colleges, as well as the sense of community in many towns.”

 

Learning all the differences in everyday English and adapting to a new culture have been the biggest challenges for her, she said.

 

“Even though I studied English before coming, it was still difficult at first to understand everything and express myself the way I wanted. Being away from my family and adjusting to a different routine was also challenging, but it helped me grow a lot as a person.”

 

“Here in the U.S., I’ve had the opportunity to take classes that are not usually offered in the same way in Brazil, especially as separate, specialized subjects. For example, I’ve taken Human Anatomy & Physiology, FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences), and Agriculture classes. These types of courses are more hands-on and focused on specific skills or career areas, which makes them very different from what I would typically experience in Brazil.”

“American high schools are quite different from schools in Brazil. Here, students have more flexibility to choose their classes and schedules, while in Brazil the curriculum is more fixed.”

“There is also a much bigger focus on extracurricular activities, like sports and clubs, which are a central part of student life. In addition, American schools often have a strong sense of school spirit, which is something I found really interesting.”

The hosting family

She is being hosted by the Chris and Lael Woods family.

“We have enjoyed hosting Gabriella,” said Lael Woods. “Not only is she a sweet, kind-hearted, and fun person, but it has been fun learning about her culture and seeing her experience life as an American teenager. She has been busy learning all the sports and participating in AG and art classes, along with earning a 4.0 GPA.”
“We have a sophomore daughter, Makiah, who is also involved in many activities, so it has packed this year to the brim with fun.”
“Gabi is a Junior. She arrived a week before school started this year, on August 12th. She will leave at the end of May,  two weeks after school is out.”
“While she is here, our obligation as her host family is to provide  three meals a day and transportation.”
“We have encouraged her to participate in as many activities as she wanted to explore and she has taken that advice to heart! We’ve supported all those endeavors, however, her family pays for any of the expenses that come from her extracurricular activities, like equipment and clothing.”

 

About the organization that brought Gabi to Uniontown

“Gabi has tried a lot of new activities – sports, art, clubs….everything,” said Janice Rake,  with the sponsoring organization, the Pan American Foundation, that matched Gabi with her host family. “Right now, we are working to place many wonderful students for the upcoming school year. They are eager to experience American culture and share their culture—but without a host family, that opportunity is not possible.  Families who do host often describe it as a life-changing experience, forming lasting relationships and gaining a global perspective right from their home.”

Rake can be reached at
[email protected]

or
iwanttohost.org .

Bourbon County, Government, Jobs

Bourbon County’s New Emergency Manager: Lou Howard

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Lou Howard, Bourbon County Emergency Manager. Submitted photo.

Lou Howard was hired as the new Bourbon County Emergency Manager on February 13.

She knows the area because she has lived and worked here her entire life.

“I have spent many years serving in public safety in several different roles. I served with Bourbon County Fire District 3 for many years as a firefighter / EMT,” Howard said. “I held several officer positions and served as a board member for several years. I gained extensive experience in emergency response, incident command, and working alongside other first responders to protect our community.”

“I also worked for the City of Fort Scott as a Communications Technician before becoming the 911 Communications Director for the Fort Scott Police Department/Bourbon County 911 Communications Center. As Communications Director, I oversaw the day-to-day operations of the 911 center and supervised staff while helping ensure emergency calls and radio communications were handled accurately and efficiently.”

She is currently working full-time at the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office as an administrative assistant for the sheriff and Bourbon County Corrections.

The Emergency Manager position is a part-time position.

“Fortunately, Sheriff Martin, Major Moore, and my coworkers have been very easy to work with,” she said. “I can leave the office if I need to take care of Emergency Management issues or attend meetings or trainings, and make up the time as long as everything is getting done.”
“Anything that can be taken care of for Emergency Management outside of business hours, I have been doing before clocking in at the Sheriff’s office or after clocking out and working weekends on it.”
“Emergency Management, like other emergency services, is definitely not a Monday through Friday 9-5 job. It has been a balancing act juggling both positions, but I feel like I am handling it well so far.”
Yes! Our Facebook page is Bourbon County Kansas Emergency Management.

What does the Bourbon County Emergency Manager do?

“As the Bourbon County Emergency Manager, my role is to coordinate activities relating to the prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery to natural disasters, major emergencies, or terroristic events. I will work closely with local fire departments, law enforcement, EMS, public health, and local, state, and federal government officials to coordinate emergency planning and response efforts.”

My responsibilities include disaster preparedness planning, coordinating response efforts during emergencies, supporting training and exercises, and helping educate the public about preparedness and safety.

“One of the first projects I am working on is implementing Genasys Protect, which will replace CodeRED as Bourbon County’s emergency notification system. The system will allow residents to receive important emergency notifications and updates, including severe weather alerts and other public safety information.”

To learn more about emergency management and the new alert system, stop by the Emergency Preparedness booth at the 103.9 Home Show this Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fort Scott Community College.

With the Kansas tornado season in full swing, this is a good time to know where to get alerts.

“I will have a Bourbon County Emergency Management booth and will be happy to help residents get registered for the new alert system and answer questions.”

Education and Experience

She graduated from Fort Scott High School and has continued her education and training through her career in public safety.

She completed Firefighter I and Fire Service Instructor, and many other training courses through the University of Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute.

“I completed my Kansas Board of EMS Emergency Medical Technician certification through Fort Scott Community College and went on to complete the Emergency Medical Training Officer certification. I am an American Heart Association instructor and have completed coursework in Emergency Management through Barton County Community College.”

“In the field of emergency communications, I earned certifications through The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) as a Public Safety Telecommunicator and Communications Training Officer, and completed the Center Manager Certification Program through the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).”

The Bourbon County Courthouse.

Contact information

Lou Howard, Bourbon County Emergency Manager, has an office in the courthouse at 210 National Avenue, Fort Scott.
Phone: 620-215-6316
Email: [email protected]
Website: bourboncountyks.org

The Facebook page is Bourbon County Kansas Emergency Management.

Gordon Parks Museum

Freedom’s Frontier NHA grant awarded to The Gordon Parks Museum

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The Gordon Parks Museum received $1,000 in grant funding from Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. This award will help to support a project focused on enhancing visitor experience, accessibility, and engagement through expanded promotional materials, interactive elements, and interpretive resources.

The grant will fund the production of 4,000 rack cards promoting the Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church Commemorative Park, helping visitors better understand its historical significance. Additional improvements include the purchase of heavy-duty metal easels (8–12 inches) for exhibit displays and four large “Museum Open/Welcome” feather-style flags to increase visibility and guide visitors to the museum.

“We are very honored to be selected as a recipient of the Freedom’s Frontier NHA grant,” said Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director Kirk Sharp. “We are excited to begin this project and further enhance the visitor experience both in our museum and during our events.”

The museum anticipates having the rack cards, easels, and welcome flags installed and available for visitors by May 29, 2026.

For more information about the Gordon Parks Museum, visit gordonparkscenter.org

 

###

Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) is a federally funded nonprofit organization and affiliate of the National Park Service dedicated to building awareness of the struggle for freedom along the Missouri-Kansas border. Established by Congress in 2006, its nationally significant themes are the settlement of the frontier, the Missouri-Kansas Border War and Civil War, and the enduring struggle for freedom. These diverse, interwoven, and nationally important stories grew from a unique physical and cultural landscape. FFNHA inspires respect for multiple perspectives and empowers residents to preserve and share these stories. We achieve our goals through interpretation, preservation, conservation, and education for all residents and visitors.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Kingfisher Inn: Boutique Vacation Accommodations in Historic Mansion Reopens

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Inside the Kingfisher Inn, 742 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott. From its Facebook page.

The two historic mansions on South National Avenue are back to business.

Following a couple of changes of ownership since they were known as The Lyons Mansions, the north mansion is ready for travelers once again, and the south mansion is currently rented for office spaces.

Daniel Kerr is the owner of Kingfisher Properties LLC and owns the two mansions, plus a small house on the property that faces Judson Street.

“In December, I was hired as the manager,” said Mindy McDonald. “We offer boutique lodging,  more upscale. We are just now starting to get the word out that we are open.”

Mindy McDonald is the manager of the Kingfisher Inn in Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

 

One can rent the entire mansion or a single room.

Single use allows usage of the common areas in the building: living area, billiard room, sun room, she said.

The east side of the Kingfisher Inn. One can see the sun room available for guests. From its Facebook page.

“To rent the entire mansion, prices start at $600 per night,” she said. “It will sleep 16 people.”

There is a full kitchen with various coffee makers,  stove, oven, full fridge, and dishwasher available for guest use.

The single room starts at $130 per night, excluding the cleaning fee and taxes.

“There is a family suite on the third floor that starts at $210, with two bedrooms and two baths and a sitting area. It sleeps 8 people, with three beds in one room and one bed in another.”

“The Kingfisher Inn stands out as a piece of history in Fort Scott,” she said. “It’s pretty important to keep these historic buildings alive. It’s unique to stay in an historic building. My husband and I stayed in the Lyons Mansion when visiting Fort Scott, when Miss Pat was the host and owner.”

“We operate like an Airbnb, through me,” she said. “They self-check into their room and contact me with any issues during their stay.”

To rent a room, use the business website: http://thekingfisherinn.com

One can learn more about the business also on its Facebook page.

The Kingfisher Inn, 742 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott. From its Facebook page.

 

Business, Fort Scott

The Jennings Will Relocate One Business, Add Another

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3 North Main, on the left,  will be the new site of Blissful Medical Aesthetics and Wellness later this year. The boutique at 1 North Main at right, will have its grand opening on April 1.

Kinede and Damon Jennings will relocate their aesthetics and wellness business to 3 North Main, formerly the Iron Start Antiques and Such business, later this year, and open a new boutique business on April 1.

Kinede Jennings. Submitted photo.

” Blissful Medical Aesthetics & Wellness will remain the same business but will be relocating into the former Iron Star location in downtown Fort Scott, with an estimated move date of early fall.
This move allows us to expand services, space, and overall client experience,” Family Nurse Practitioner Kinede Jennings, said.

Blissful Medical Aesthetics & Wellness can be reached by phone: 620-489-5124 or email: [email protected]

Currently, their address is 4 South Main.

Jennings noted Blissful Medical Aesthetics & Wellness is a full-service medical aesthetics and wellness clinic offering:

  • Trt/bhrt- testosterone replacement therapy, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy
  • Medical weight loss (GLP-1 programs)
  • Botox, Daxxify, Xeomin
  • Dermal fillers and biostimulators
  • IV therapy and NAD
  • Peptide therapy
  • Laser treatments (Intense Pulsed Light therapy, hair removal, skin tightening)
  • Advanced facials and skincare treatments
  • Hair restoration (DE|RIVE system)
  • Functional Medicine
The building purchased by Kinede and Damon Jennings, at the corner of Wall and Main in Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown.

Blissful Meadows Boutique

Blissful Meadows Boutique, 1 North Main,  is a curated retail shopping experience featuring:

  • Accessories and jewelry
  • Home décor
  • Gifts and seasonal items
  • Loaded energy tea “Kickstart Energy”

Blissful Meadows Boutique is having a grand opening on April 1 from 2-6 p.m. at the store located at the corner of Main and Wall Streets in Fort Scott’s Historic District.

A ribbon cutting will be hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 5:30 p.m.

The grand opening will feature refreshments, opening-day deals, and a first look at its curated collection of home décor and unique finds that blend modern and western charm, according to a Chamber press release.

The Chamber will host brief remarks and an official ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m., and community members are encouraged to attend and help welcome this new business to downtown Fort Scott.

Kinede Jennings, a Chamber Board Member, continues to invest in the growth and vitality of Fort Scott’s downtown through multiple business ventures and property improvements. The boutique will be managed by her mother-in-law, KerryJennings, according to the press release.

Jennings is part of a multi-generational Fort Scott family with deep roots in downtown business, including Sunshine Boutique, established by her grandparents, Georgia and Donnie in 1981, with additional family members continuing that tradition today, according to the press release.

“The Chamber appreciates Jennings’ continued investment in the community and looks forward to celebrating this exciting addition with the owners, staff, and community,” according to the press release. For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620)223-3566.

“We are incredibly excited to continue growing in Fort Scott—bringing both elevated wellness services and a unique boutique shopping experience to our community,” Jennings said. “Our goal is to create spaces that empower confidence, style, and overall well-being.”

 

 

Government, Kansas

Ken Collins Kansas State Representative-Second District Newsletter

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Ken Collins. Submitted photo.

 

Thoughts From Under the Dome

Ken Collins

Kansas State Representative-Second District

 

 

Benny’s Bill was passed unanimously in the Senate as I have previously reported and was bundled in conference committee with three other public safety measures and is now on the way to Governor Kelly’s desk for approval. The package combines several good pieces of legislation and was done in the memory of the late Representative John Resman. The bill includes:

 

Benny’s Bill (HB2412): Elevate child endangerment charges from a misdemeanor to a felony if the victim is under the age of six.

 

Electronic Monitoring for Domestic Violence (HB2479)

 

Blackmail and Deepfake Protections (HB2594): Expands blackmail laws to include threats involving images especially involving minors including cases involving AI.

 

Position of Authority Law (HB2762): Strengthens law prohibiting sexual relations with students by clarifying adults in positions of authority at schools.

 

The Pharmacy Benefit Manager bill (SB 360) that I have previously mentioned was recently passed by the House under the new designation of SB 20. This bill puts some much needed regulation on the PBM monopoly that currently exists in this country. The House vote on this measure was 104-17 and it is now headed to the Governor for her signature.

 

Recently the House voted on and rejected by a vote of 46-75 was House Bill 2527. The purpose of HB 2527 was to restrict registered sex offenders from entering school property. That is a goal that I think that almost everyone would support but the bill did not address some of the possible scenarios that could come about and thus could cause unintended consequences. I voted no and I believe that was why most of my colleagues did as well.

 

The House and Senate are both adjourned until April 9th when we return for veto session. I would like to remind everyone that I have two legislative update events planned. The first one will be at the Mulberry Senior Citizens Center on Monday April 13th at 6:30 with the other one a week later on April 20th at the Galesburg Community Center. Ad Astra Per Aspera.

 

 

Bourbon County, Youth

Bourbon County CASA is currently in need of volunteers

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Bourbon County CASA

When a child enters foster care, everything changes — their home, their school, their routines… and often the adults in their life.

A CASA Volunteer may be the only consistent adult showing up just for them.

Be the steady voice.

Be the one who shows up.

Bourbon County CASA is currently in need of volunteers who are willing to make a difference in a child’s life. Your time and compassion can provide stability, advocacy, and hope when it matters most.

If you feel called to serve, we would love to visit with you about how you can get involved.

Contact Christa at

(620) 215-2769

or email

[email protected]

to learn more.

One caring adult can change everything.

Will it be you?

Click HERE to visit the

Bourbon County CASA

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

Kansas CASA Association

website!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
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Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Google Business 101 Is March 31

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to host Business-Building Workshop #2

designed to help your business grow smarter and stronger.

Google Business 101
Tuesday, March 31st ~ 1:30-2:30 PM

📍Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Room

302 E. Wall St., Fort Scott

Chamber Members

$10 per workshop

Non-Members

$20 per workshop

Register online by clicking below

or call the Chamber at 620-223-3566!

Visit our website for more info at fortscott.com !
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

About the class

Google Business 101

Learn how to improve your business visibility in local searches, build customer trust, and make your Google Business profile work for you.

About the presenter

Sara Comer, owner of Gracefully Managed of Columbus, KS has presented workshops and offers remote training around the region on topics such as e-commerce, websites, & social media.

This workshop is brought to you by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, made possible through Network Kansas and our Bourbon County eCommunity program.
DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER – CLICK HERE!

Click HERE to visit

Gracefully Managed LLC

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

Gracefully Managed LLC

website!
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
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Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Young Professional League Restarts In Fort Scott, Next Social Hour is March 24

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Arlo Simon. Submitted photo.
A new generation of young people has reorganized to serve the Fort Scott community through an organization called Young Professional League.
Eighteen years ago, the group was started, and with the  COVID Pandemic, YPL membership dwindled.
Late last year, a different group picked up the ideals to serve the community.

 

They have a mission and motivation to serve.
“The mission of the Young Professionals League is to be adaptive advocates of a better community through progressive partnerships and networking,” according to its new president, Arlo Simon.
“The motivation to restart The Young Professionals League came from a drive to serve the community and provide support, in various ways,” Simon said.
“Our vision is to be a catalyst for a better community,” she said.
“We have meetings on the first Friday of every month in the Celebration Room inside Papa Don’s Pizza (10 N.Main), at noon. We also have a social hour at various local restaurants once a month. Our next one will be Tuesday, March 24 at La Hacienda Restaurant, 6:00 p.m.”
Submitted photo of a recent YPL meeting.
“Our target audience to join YPL would be anyone interested in being a part of like-minded people who have an interest in bettering the community,” Simon said. “The age range for joining: 17-year-old high school seniors (who may have an interest in business) as well as up to 45-year-old individuals.”
The current leadership team is Simon as president, Hunter Witt as vice president, Taylor Bailey as secretary, Stevia Ratcliff as treasurer, Tabitha Castleberry as communications and Henry Witt as events.
Submitted photos of a recent Young Professional League meeting at The Kitchen Collaborative.

History of YPL In Fort Scott

Eighteen years ago the group was founded by Jamie Armstrong, Gary Palmer, along with Kenny and Megan Felt, to name just a few.

“YPL was launched by a small group of young professionals in the fall of 2008,” said Jamie Armstrong.  We hosted a large group of local young professionals, and Kendall Gammon, former long-snapper for the K.C. Chiefs, was our speaker.”

“It was a moment to capture a common sense of community and connection, and it served as a great catalyst to our launch. We started off focused on economic development, community service, civic engagement and social connections.”

“Over the next seventeen years, we served many community roles, and we grew. Until we didn’t,” Armstrong said.

” Many of us shifted out of leadership roles in YPL and into other community and civic responsibility and our purpose changed. Post COVID Pandemic, the membership has dwindled, and we disbanded. I am thrilled to see young professionals like Henry and Hunter Witt and others coming back to the table to once again talk about the future of this amazing community we live in.”