All posts by Loretta George

Business, Fort Scott

Better in Bourbon Boutique Will Open In a New Building In The Near Future

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Rachel Pruitt stands in front of her new location for her business in downtown Fort Scott.

A downtown boutique will be moving in the near future to a bigger location one street over, with more parking availability.

Better in Bourbon is owned by Rachel Pruitt is currently located on North Main Street but will be moving to a location on National Avenue.

“Better in Bourbon, the independently owned boutique known for its curated items (selected best styles for the season) AND personalized shopping experience, is expanding,” Pruitt said.

The newly renovated space at 2 Old Fort Blvd., in the former H&H building, offers customers more room to shop and a major upgrade in convenience with dedicated parking.

Pruitt says the move marks an exciting new chapter for the business, which began as a small pop-up and quickly became a staple in the Fort Scott retail scene.

“This expansion is about creating a better experience for our customers,” Pruitt said. “We’ve outgrown our current space, and this new location allows us to offer more of what people love—more inventory, more styling options, and an easier, more comfortable way to shop.”

The new location will feature increased floor space for apparel, accessories, and the boutique’s popular permanent jewelry offerings. The additional room will also allow for more curated, head-to-toe outfit displays—an approach that has set Better in Bourbon apart with its “solution-based shopping” model, according to a press release from Pruitt.

 

The expansion is part of a larger renovation effort aimed at breathing new life into a prominent Fort Scott property, while also supporting small business growth in the community, according to the press release.

Pruitt will be offering other businesses places to lease.

As part of the renovation, three unique spaces will also be available for lease. These turn-key spaces are suitable for a variety of business types and include all amenities. For more information, contact Nancy Pruitt at 620-224-9480.

Spring items are in stock at the current location on North Main Street, Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

Better in Bourbon plans to continue operating during the transition, with new arrivals and customer-favorite services still available as the move progresses.

The current site of Better in Bourbon on North Main Street, Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

An official opening date for the new space is expected to be announced soon. In the meantime, Pruitt encourages the community to stay tuned and stop in to see what’s new.

Pruitt also expressed gratitude to the loyal customer base that made the expansion possible. “We are so thankful for our customers—near and far—who have supported us every step of the way,” she said. “This growth wouldn’t be possible without you.”

“We’re excited to grow right here in Fort Scott and continue bringing something unique to local shopping,” she added.

 

 

 

The Better in Bourbon boutique is located at Old Fort Blvd. and National Avenue on the southeast corner.
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Get Planting: Bourbon County Garden Club Sale at Fort Scott Farmer’s Market on May 2

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The Gathering Square Pavilion.

Spring is finally here, and the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market will start May 2 at the Gathering Square Pavilion, located at 111 N. National Avenue, just across from Brickstreet BBQ.

The Gathering Pavilion is a community hub featuring a covered pavilion, splash pad, and the Glide synthetic ice rink (during the winter).

The pavilion houses the Farmer’s Market (May–October),  in addition to concerts and events. It serves as a central venue for community gatherings.

The local garden club will offer plants for sale as a fundraiser, as they have done for the last several years.

 

The Bourbon County Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale on the opening day of the downtown Farmers’ Market, Saturday, May 2, from 8 a.m. until noon, at the north end of the pavilion.

Garden Club offerings. Submitted photo.

 

“Proceeds from the sale support beautification efforts throughout the community, including the city swimming pool islands, Heritage Park, the North Main area, and Riverfront Park,” according to Martha Jane Gentry, a spokeswoman for the group.

“Assistance is also provided with the plantings, at the downtown splash pad (adjacent to the pavilion). The garden club partners with Tri-Valley Developmental Services to sell a wide variety of plants, all of which are geared to our area’s challenging weather. Club members offer plants freshly dug from their own gardens.”

Submitted photos.

“Tri-Valley provides annuals, herbs, and both floral and foliage hanging baskets, all of which are ideal for Mother’s Day gifts. Other garden-related items will be available, such as pots, plant markers, tools, and books. There will also be drawings for several unique pots of flowers and herbs. Knowledgeable members and Master Gardeners will be available to offer advice and answer questions about gardening during the sale,” she said.

Submitted photos.

“This year’s plant sale has a committed focus, beyond community beautification,” she said. “The garden club has pledged $1,000 toward the replacement of the Lexan roof of the Tri- Valley greenhouse. The  (greenhouse) site provides plants for civic areas, individual gardens, and fund-raising, in addition to horticultural therapy for developmentally disabled adults.”

Tri Valley Greenhouse is located in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park, south of town. From its Facebook page.

 

Those who are interested in gardening can join the club.

“The Bourbon County Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of the month, March through October. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 12th, at 6 p.m. Like us on Facebook for news, specific meeting announcements, and photos,” she said.

 

“Support the Bourbon County Garden Club’s commitment to the Tri-Valley greenhouse’s new roof project, and community beautification by shopping at the plant sale on Saturday, May 2,” she said.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Boil Water Advisory Still In Effect For City of Uniontown

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Uniontown is located 17 miles west of Fort Scott.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment rescinded a boil-water advisory for the Bourbon County Rural Water District # 2 public water supply system on April 23, according to the KDHE website press release. But the City of Uniontown, located 17 miles west of Fort Scott, is still under a water boil order. That boil order should end this afternoon, if the water samples submitted are cleared.

The City of Fort Scott was cleared to stop boiling its drinking water on April 21, following water samples sent to a KDHE-approved lab.

“Fort Scott has to be cleared first, then Water District #2, and then Uniontown,” said Uniontown City Clerk Haley Arnold.

“(Uniontown City Superintendent) Bobby Rich took the water samples yesterday to the lab at Frontenac to submit them. They have to incubate for 24 hours, so we should find out by 2 p.m. today.”

“Some people thought we were out of the boil order because Water District 2 is our supplier, but we are following the guidelines we have been given,” she said.

The advisory was issued last weekend because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the city of Fort Scott’s distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

The Boil Water Advisory is still in effect for the City of Uniontown public water supply system, according to the press release.

“Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory,” according to the press release.

“Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Bourbon Co RWD 2C system indicates no evidence of bacteriological contamination, and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

“For consumer questions, please contact the 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 our webpage: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service.”

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Special Event at Hedgehog Bookstore This Saturday

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Hedgehog Bookstore is preparing to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day this Saturday, April 25th and would love for you to join us! We’ll have special activities and promotions from 10 am to 5 pm.

�� Golden Ticket Hunt – Find the golden ticket hidden somewhere in the store and win 12 FREE audiobooks from Libro.fm!
��️ Giveaways – Every $10 you spend gets you a ticket for a chance to win book bundles and gift certificates!
��Mystery Book Bundles – We’ll be offering wrapped bundles of books in specific genres. These are great if you love a surprise or want to broaden your horizons!
��️Make Your Own Bookmark – Kids & those who are young at heart will have a chance to create their own bookmark!
If you aren’t able to come in but still want to support the store, you can:
* Make a purchase at the Hedgehog Books shop on Bookshop.org. A portion of each purchase supports Hedgehog Books, and Bookshop is offering free shipping all weekend!
* Purchase an audiobook on Libro.fm. A portion of your purchase supports Hedgehog Books. From April 20th thru the 26th, Libro is offering customers who start a new one credit per month membership two free audiobooks with code BOOKSTOREDAY. And, they’ll have bestselling audiobooks on sale all week long!
“Thanks for your continued support of Hedgehog Books! We appreciate you and value your continued input on ways we can serve you better. Hope to see you soon,” said Janet Miller, co-owner of the store.

—

Business, Fort Scott

The Dillons Open The Market at 23 Main

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Rob and Lisa Dillon. From her Facebook page.

Rob and Lisa Dillon purchased Main Street Gallery on April 9 and reopened the store on April 14 as The Market at 23 Main.

“We bought the inventory and historic building, the Von Fossen Building, at 23 S. Main,” Rob said. “We have always enjoyed flea market shopping, and we were looking to start a business with another downtown merchant, and that didn’t work out. This came available, and we jumped on it.”

The products they sell are consignment items, antiques, home decor, clothes, collectables, and knick-knacks on the multi-level booth areas.

Along with Lisa and Rob and their children, they have hired an employee, Madi Collins, who worked for the previous owners, the McClellans.

The current hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The store’s phone number is 620.223.2210.

They currently have over 30 consignors and 28 vendors who sell items at the store. “Each booth is based on square footage,” he said. “We are looking for more vendors.”

Lisa is the Housing and Urban Development coordinator for the City of Fort Scott, which includes the Land Bank and the Certified Local Government designation.

Rob has been a locksmith for 15 years and can make duplicate keys for the public. He is hoping for the future of the business to add leather works to the store and an engraving business (on wood, slate, and leather).

 

Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Boil Order for Water Will Be In Effect For Days

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Bourbon County with Township designations, from the Bourbon County KS website.

Bourbon County is still under a boil advisory, following the mainline water break in Fort Scott on April 18.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil water advisory for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County Rural Water District # 2C, and City of Uniontown public water supply systems located in Bourbon County on Saturday.
The city of Fort Scott experienced a mainline water break on Burke Street between Eighth and Ninth Streets at around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, said Scott Flater, Public Utility Director.
“It wasn’t reported until  6 a.m,” he said.
“I’m collecting water today that will be sent back to the lab,” Flater said.
As soon as the city sends the water sample, it has to incubate for 24 hours. Then the Rural Water District #2 will get notifications to take water samples, to send in to KDHE, which must be incubated for 24 hours as well. Once the samples are cleared, the boil order will be lifted, according to Mark Pollmeir, RWD#2 spokesman.
This advisory does not affect customers of the City of Fulton, nor Bronson, who are both in separate water districts, but does affect all the other small rural towns and rural residents in the county.
City of Uniontown Clerk Haley Arnold said she has put notices up at Union Station (gas station), the Uniontown Post Office,  City Hall, and her personal Facebook page asking others to share the news, to help get the word out about the boil order.
Communicating to residents in rural areas about these events is difficult, and Arnold is open to suggestions for getting the word out, she said.
Lou Howard, Bourbon County Emergency Manager, said she called the local radio station to help get the word out and published it on the Bourbon County website.
Both receiving and delivering communication has been difficult regarding the boil advisory, Howard said.
“While communicating the boil water advisory presented some challenges, we will continue working to improve how important information is shared with the public,” she said.
“Residents can receive emergency alerts and general community information through several sources, including local television and radio stations, wireless cell phone alerts, official websites, and other online resources. Important updates are also often shared through friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers,” Howard said.
“Community members are encouraged to help ensure information reaches everyone. If you know someone who does not regularly use the internet or a cell phone, please consider sharing important alerts and updates with them so they can stay informed and prepared,” she said.
Emergency alerts are transmitted through:
or for this specific boil order for rural residents:
Consolidated RWD2 website to register for their alerts – Home | Consolidated Rural Water Dist. 2.
Jack Ripper, Bourbon County Water District #4, which serves Bronson and the surrounding area, said he had not heard of the boil order for the rest of the county.
“We have our own lake for our water supply,” he said. “So we are not affected at all.”
According to the KDHE notification sent out by the City of Fort Scott on its Facebook page, customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
1) Boil water for one minute before drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
2 ) Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
3) If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
4) 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.
5 ) 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, according to the press release.
The City of Fort Scott water system provides water to Bourbon Co RWD 2C, which distributes water to Bourbon County.
Only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
For consumer questions, 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.
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 .