All posts by Loretta George
Meet The New Owners of Hedgehog Bookstore
Janet and Tim Miller purchased the Hedgehog INK Bookstore at 16 S. Main on December 1.
Even though they both have full-time jobs, Janet works for Network Kansas as a Community Entrepreneurship Manager serving Southeast Kansas, and Tim works as a history professor at Labette Community College, they decided to start the venture of owning a bookstore.
” We both love to read and enjoy stopping in bookstores anywhere we go – whether in a neighboring town or around the world.
“Hedgehog.INK has been a favorite, so we’re thrilled to take over ownership. And, we’re very thankful to Randi Witt and her family for entrusting us with the store moving forward!,” Janet said.
“We love the store and won’t be making any significant changes. In fact, the only changes you’ll see immediately are the faces at the counter and the business name, which we are changing slightly to Hedgehog Books.”
They are seeking individuals interested in employment at the store.
“We will be in the store a good deal; we will need some help running it day-to-day. If you or someone you know would be interested, please stop by or message us.”
Hours will remain 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, but will have extended hours several days this week for Christmas on the Bricks.
The store’s phone number is 620-670-2752, and the business email is [email protected].
Hours for this week, in conjunction with the Third Annual Christmas on the Bricks this weekend, are:
Tuesday, December 2nd – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, December 3rd – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, December 4th – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (start of parade)
Friday, December 5th – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Santa will be on hand from 5 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 6th – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Santa will be on hand from 12 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., and the Grinch will do storytime from 2 to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 7th – 12 to 4 p.m.
Final Results of the November 4 Election
The Bourbon County election results a re finalized and some of the winners of the November 4 election are listed below:
Fort Scott City Commission Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta, Kathryn Salisbury.
The Fort Scott Tax question received over 57% yes votes.
The Bourbon County Commission results are Greg Motley for District 4 and Mika Milburn Kee for District 5.
Winners of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees are Chad Cosens, Destry Brown and Marilyn Hoyt.
To view the entire document of the election results provided by Amber Page, Bourbon County Accounts Payable/Deputy Election Clerk:
New Businesses Start on East Wall In Fort Scott
Julie and Brian Thurston had a shirt-making home business, and were asked to come to rodeos to sell their wares.
This, along with living in a rural community and having a local college with a rodeo program, prompted their newest venture, Grit & Grace Mercantile at 323 E. Wall.
They thought that with the many local rural communities, and rodeos ( a big fashion/decor trend, she said) they would step out in this venture. Julie previously had designed decor for weddings.
Their boutique sells Western clothing for men, women and children, along with decor and furniture.
“A little something for everyone,” Julie said.
Julie said her husband’s brother has a funnel cake truck and they are hoping to have him at the business site during the upcoming Christmas on the Bricks festival, Dec. 4-7.
The Rest of the Building
They closed on the purchase of the two-story building, circa 1911, on October 24. Thurston said she heard that at one time there was a candy factory in the building and, most recently, a rural real estate agent’s office.
Their storefront neighbor, Dr. Erin Crank, will continue her chiropractic business in the building.
Upstairs, they have been readying two living spaces for use as short-term vacation rentals.
There are two apartments: a two-bedroom, one-bathroom living space and a one-bedroom, one-bathroom living space.
She said they hope to have the rentals available by the holidays.
For more information:
Website: gritgracemercantile.com
The store is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 AM — 7 PM
Phone: 620.215.4999
New Businesses Open On East Wall
Julie and Brian Thurston had a shirt-making home business, and were asked to come to rodeos to sell their wares.
This, along with living in a rural community and having a local college with a rodeo program, prompted their newest venture, Grits & Grace Mercantile at 323 E. Wall.
They thought that with the many local rural communities, and rodeos ( a big fashion/decor trend) they would step out in this venture. Julie previously had designed decor for weddings.
Their boutique sells Western clothing for men, women and children, along with decor and furniture.
“A little something for everyone,” Julie said.
Julie said her husband’s brother has a funnel cake truck and they are hoping to have him at the business site during the upcoming Christmas on the Bricks festival, Dec. 4-7.
The Rest of the Building
They closed on the purchase of the two-story building, circa 1911, on October 24. Thurston said she heard that at one time there was a candy factory in the building and most recently, a rural real estate agent office.
Their storefront neighbor, Dr. Erin Crank, will continue her chiropractic business in the building.
Upstairs, they have been readying two living spaces for use as short-term vacation rentals.
There are two apartments: a two-bedroom, one-bathroom living space and a one-bedroom, one-bathroom living space.
She said they hope to have the rentals available by the holidays.
For more information:
Website: gritgracemercantile.com
The store is open Wednesday thru Saturday 10:00 AM — 7:00 PM
Phone: 620.215.4999
Downtown: New Signs Bring Color
A new sign brings life to the wall next to Sunshine Boutique in downtown Fort Scott depicting hometown legend Gordon Parks.
The sign was created by artist Cbabi Bayoc in honor of Parks and presented to the community during the Gordon Parks Celebration in October 2025.
Also new are the seasonal holiday signs installed by the Fort Scott Public Works Department on November 13.
Skating Rink Is Prepared For Christmas on the Bricks
The skate rink in downtown Fort Scott will soon be ready for the December 5 opening.
The Glide Fort Scott is a 48-by-28-foot synthetic ice skating rink located under the Gathering Square Pavilion, just west of the Fort Scott National Historic Site. across from Brickstreet BBQ Restaurant.
Volunteers Craig Campbell, Jared Weaver and Matthew Wells , along with some inmates from the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, were assembling the flooring on November 13 on a mild fall day.
Campbell, Weaver, and Wells volunteered last year also on the project, which was disassembled and stored until the annual Christmas on the Bricks weekend this December. Robert Coon also volunteered to use his skid steer to move all the materials from storage to the rink site. The flooring materials were made last year and stored, and are now reused for the project.
Once the flooring was finished, the next step was the railing around the perimeter of the rink, then the Christmas lights.
For more information:
(620) 223-3566
Confirmed link
fortscott.com/the-glide-fort-scott
Brenda Stokes Named V.P of CHC/SEK Nursing and Quality
CHC/SEK Names Vice President of Nursing and Quality
PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce Brenda Stokes, RN, BSN, has been named Vice President of Nursing and Quality.
Stokes joined the CHC/SEK team in 2020 as the Vice President of Quality Improvement, overseeing quality initiatives and regulatory compliance. She has more than 18 years of experience in quality improvement and has served for more than 30 years in the healthcare industry working at local hospitals and nursing homes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pittsburg State University and is also a certified professional coder.
Under her leadership, CHC/SEK received several recognition badges from the Health Resources and Services Administration, acknowledging high performance in a variety of clinical areas. Stokes has also ensured CHC/SEK maintains its status as a National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home, a care model that centers around each patient and their individual needs.
“Brenda has continually demonstrated the ability to translate concept into reality and, as a result, CHC/SEK has earned national recognition in its management of chronic disease and in preventative health promotion,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer. “She’s done an incredible job of integrating quality into our nursing operations, and we are extremely lucky to have her.”
In her new role, Stokes will lead the nursing team in addition to the quality department, ensuring quality care for the patients and communities CHC/SEK serves.
“I’m very excited to continue working with the Quality team and to take on this larger role within our clinical operations,” said Stokes. “We have a great nursing staff, and I look forward to supporting them in the incredible work they do every day.”
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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Sunshine Boutique on November 13
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Community Endeavors To Honor Veterans With Flags and Ceremonies
Early this morning community volunteers placed American flags on National Avenue from the Fort Scott Police Station, 1604 S. National Avenue, to the U.S. National Cemetery, on east National Avenue.
The Fort Scott Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, the Fort Scott Fire Department, Fort Scott Community College Softball Team members and other volunteers, placed American flags on National Avenue that leads into the national cemetery.
“We do it every year, ” said Fort Scott Fire Department Assistant Chief Mike Miles. “On holidays such as Flag Day, Veterans Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day. We start at 7 to 8 a.m. then pick them up before dusk.”
“The vets take all the help they can, there are a couple of hundred flags to place,” he said. “Whoever will get involved.”
An estimated crowd of 30 helped this morning.
At noon today, there was a Veterans Day Program at Memorial Hall at 11 a.m. followed by a ham and bean lunch at the VFW on South National Avenue. In both the USD234 School District and USD235 School District there were Veteran honoring assemblies at different schools.
History of Veterans Day, taken fromhttps://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/
“World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
Unofficial Results of the Bourbon County Election on November 4 And Statement From County Clerk
Official Statement from the Bourbon County Election Office – November 5, 2025
2025 City/School General Election
The following was taken from the Bourbon County website, this morning.
“Although the release of election results was not as immediate as in previous years, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Amber Page, Deputy Election Clerk, for her tireless commitment to accuracy and integrity of our election process. We worked diligently to ensure that all ballots were counted, and all audits completed prior to the publication of the unofficial results.
This election cycle included an unusually high number of write-in votes. Each write-in ballot was meticulously hand-counted and verified within our election software to uphold the highest standards of election accuracy.
The Bourbon County Election Office remains committed to maintaining transparent communication with our residents regarding election procedures and the importance of ensuring reliable and verifiable outcomes. Please note that advance ballots postmarked by Election Day, November 4, 2025, will be accepted through November 7, 2025. The official canvassing of votes is scheduled for Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at 210 S. National Avenue.
I would also like to extend endless appreciation to Jennifer Hawkins, previous County Clerk and Current County Treasurer for continually guiding Amber and I through our first election. Furthermore, I wish to express my deep appreciation to the citizens of Bourbon County for their patience and understanding, as well as to the many volunteers who serve selflessly during each election cycle.
About the Bourbon County Election Office
The Bourbon County Election Office is committed to upholding public trust through integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement in all election processes.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk & Chief Election Officer”
To view original document submitted by Walker at 5:19 a.m. this morning:
Unofficial General Election Results
or view here:
| Contest | Choice | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Bronson City Council (Vote for 2) | ||
| Kelly Perry | 30 | |
| Sherri Tibble | 13 | |
| Lysa Long | 8 | |
| Linda Sprague | 2 | |
| [Write-in] Britney Minor | 11 | |
| [Write-in] Brittany Minor | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Doug Tribble | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Mike Stewart | 1 | |
| Bronson Mayor (Vote for 1) | ||
| Josh Marlow | 36 | |
| [Write-in] Bill Marlow | 1 | |
| County Commissioner District 4 (Vote for 1) | ||
| Gregg Motley | 450 | |
| [Write-in] Invalid | 15 | |
| County Commissioner District 5 (Vote for 1) | ||
| Mika Milburn-Kee | 264 | |
| [Write-in] Joe Smith | 87 | |
| [Write-in] Invalid | 8 | |
| Fort Scott City Commission (Vote for 3) | ||
| Tim Van Hoecke | 552 | |
| Julie Buchta | 473 | |
| Kathryn Salsbury | 438 | |
| Dyllon Olson | 409 | |
| Garrett Knight | 335 | |
| [Write-in] Invalid | 83 | |
| Fort Scott Question Submitted (Vote for 1) | ||
| Yes | 604 | |
| No | 457 | |
| FSCC Board of Trustees (Vote for 3) | ||
| Destry Brown | 1,404 | |
| Chad Cosens | 1,404 | |
| Marilyn J. Hoyt, DVM, PHD | 844 | |
| Vince Loffredo | 705 | |
| Joshua Baseley | 390 | |
| [Write-in] Aaron Judy | 2 | |
| [Write-in] Chad McKinnes | 2 | |
| [Write-in] Abel Davis | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Adam Clements | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Anna Graham | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Bailey Lyons | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Barry McCockiner | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Blank | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Bugs Bunny | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Chad Holt | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Debbie Buckley | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Dillon Duffy | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Doug Hurd | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Doug Ropp | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Emily Diebolt | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Fred Larson | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Gary Floyd | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Igao Guffin | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jacky Martin | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Joe Smith | 1 | |
| [Write-in] John Bartelsmeyer | 1 | |
| [Write-in] John Townsend | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Larry Shead | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Michael Hoyt | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Nick Barrows | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Rhet Reed | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Shane Walker | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Smith | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Sonia Gugnani | 1 | |
| [Write-in] These are all corrupt | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Tom Gorman | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Vance Eden | 1 | |
| [Write-in] William R. Dean | 1 | |
| Fulton City Council (Vote for 5) | ||
| Janet Schill | 30 | |
| Caleb Jackson | 28 | |
| Ronald Marsh | 27 | |
| Lawrence Paddock | 26 | |
| [Write-in] Misty Adams | 7 | |
| [Write-in] Steve Doucet | 7 | |
| [Write-in] Carmen | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Dakota Hall | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jessica Walters | 1 | |
| [Write-in] John M Marsh | 1 | |
| [Write-in] John Smith | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Randy Beckford | 1 | |
| Fulton Mayor (Vote for 1) | ||
| Jessica Walters | 16 | |
| Kathy Hurteau | 11 | |
| [Write-in] Misty Adams | 7 | |
| Mapleton City Council (Vote for 2) | ||
| Homer Wisdom | 18 | |
| [Write-in] Clifford Squier | 3 | |
| [Write-in] Clifford Squire | 2 | |
| [Write-in] Alice Myric | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Clifford Squeeir | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Clifford Squier (additional listing) | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Clifford W. | 1 | |
| Mapleton Mayor (Vote for 1) | ||
| Mike Hueston | 11 | |
| Ronald “Buck” Burton | 10 | |
| Redfield City Council (Vote for 2) | ||
| Kirby Martin | 17 | |
| Jon Brown | 13 | |
| Michael Beerbower | 9 | |
| [Write-in] Jeff Reed | 4 | |
| Redfield Mayor (Vote for 1) | ||
| Clarence Ed Guss | 16 | |
| [Write-in] Jeff Reed | 6 | |
| [Write-in] David Duffey | 2 | |
| Southwind Extension District (Vote for 2) | ||
| Gary Palmer | 1,481 | |
| Dennis Fry | 973 | |
| Elli Milburn | 576 | |
| [Write-in] Joe Smith | 5 | |
| [Write-in] Beth Graham | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Better off with no one | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Bugs Bunny | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Curtis E. O’Dell | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Dean West | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Debbie Buckley | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Emily Diebolt | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Fred Larson | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Blank | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jacky Martin | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jamie Holeman | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jared Pollock | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jason Gorman | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Martin Ashwell | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Mert Barrows | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Michael Donahue III | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Michael Houston | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Sam Tran | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Smith | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Wes Warren | 1 | |
| Uniontown City Council (Vote for 2) | ||
| Kyle Knight | 44 | |
| [Write-in] Stewart Troutman | 3 | |
| [Write-in] Tyler Walker | 3 | |
| [Write-in] Josh Hartman | 2 | |
| [Write-in] Mary Pillion | 2 | |
| [Write-in] Shelby Miller | 2 | |
| [Write-in] Amber Kelly | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Christal Martin | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Cindy Mumbower | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Dana Esslinger | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jess Ervin | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jesse Ervin | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Judy Jurgensen | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Mark Hartman | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Nicholas Graham | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Sally Johnson | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Savannah Pritchett | 1 | |
| Uniontown Mayor (Vote for 1) | ||
| [Write-in] Kyle Knight | 5 | |
| [Write-in] Larry Jurgensen | 5 | |
| [Write-in] Brad Stewart | 3 | |
| [Write-in] Bradley Stewart | 3 | |
| [Write-in] Jess Ervin | 3 | |
| [Write-in] Richard Allen | 3 | |
| [Write-in] Larry Jergensen | 2 | |
| [Write-in] Doug Workman | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Douglas Workman | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Joe Warren | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Josh Hartman | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Larry Jergoson | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Sally Johnson | 1 | |
| USD 234 Board Member At-Large (Vote for 5) | ||
| Nick Barrows | 1,153 | |
| David J. Stewart | 1,091 | |
| Mike Miles | 853 | |
| Rory Chaplin | 851 | |
| Phil Jackson | 797 | |
| Robert Harrington | 422 | |
| [Write-in] Aaron Judy | 2 | |
| [Write-in] Danny Brown | 2 | |
| [Write-in] Doug Hurd | 2 | |
| [Write-in] Alissa Ramsey | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Alyssa Glades | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Amy Boyd | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Angie Dela Torre | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Anyone besides Miles | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Bo Graham | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Bob McElwee | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Brian Wade | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Bugs Bunny | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Carol McAurther | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Cathy Bishop | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Chastity Pickert | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Cody J. Dean | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Curtis E. O’Dell | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Dallas Smith | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Dan RenFrow | 1 | |
| [Write-in] David Bruner | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Debbie Buckley | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Emily Deibolt | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Fire them all | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Frank Miller | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Gary Cook | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Harold Martin | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jacky Martin | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jacob Dela Torre | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jeff Armstrong | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jeff Dela Torre | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jim Barrows | 1 | |
| [Write-in] John Hill III | 1 | |
| [Write-in] John Horn | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Johnathon Ramsey | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jonathan Vann | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Judy Earp | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Kevin Allen | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Kevin Davidson | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Lewis Dunkeson | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Lisa Shank | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Lynette Jackson | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Martin Ashwill | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Matt Harris | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Not Mike Miles | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Not Robert Harrington | 1 | |
| [Write-in] P.K. Gugnani | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Pat Harry | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Ryan Bolten | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Ryan Keating | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Shane Walker | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Smith | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Stuart Troutman | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Superman | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Ted Bundy | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Tim McKenney | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Troy Mccloen | 1 | |
| [Write-in] William K. Martin | 1 | |
| [Write-in] William R. Dean | 1 | |
| USD 235 Position 4 (Vote for 1) | ||
| Brian Ray Stewart | 267 | |
| [Write-in] Jeff Reed | 8 | |
| [Write-in] Wes Warren | 8 | |
| [Write-in] Brock Shelton | 3 | |
| [Write-in] Clint Johnson | 2 | |
| [Write-in] Doug Coyan | 2 | |
| [Write-in] Chad McKinnis | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Dale Griffiths | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Blank | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Johnny K. Speer Sr | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Megan Stewart | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Mickey Mouse | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Pamela K. Speer | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Pamela Speer | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Schotze Griffiths | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Terry Nading | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Tony Bradbury | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Wess Warren | 1 | |
| USD 235 Position 5 (Vote for 1) | ||
| Mike Mason | 184 | |
| Edward Ramsey | 51 | |
| [Write-in] Wes Warren | 91 | |
| [Write-in] Wess Warren | 2 | |
| [Write-in] Anyone but Mike | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Brent Smith | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Bugs George | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Blank | 1 | |
| [Write-in] Jamie Holeman | 1 | |
| [Write-in] West Warren | 1 | |
| USD 235 Position 6 (Vote for 1) | ||
| Kolby Stock | 200 | |
| Kyle Knight | 77 | |
| Brent M. Smith | 58 | |
| [Write-in] Wes Warren | 6 | |
| USD 248 Position 6 (Vote for 1) | ||
| Kelly Peak | 0 | |
| USD 346 Position 6 (Vote for 1) | ||
| Ketturah “Kitty” Rhynerson | 14 | |
Candlelight Tour At The Fort Is Carrying On, Although Reduced, On December 5-6
The U.S. federal government shut down on Oct. 1,, 2025 after lawmakers failed to resolve a budget deadlock, halted some federal operations, according to https://www.ncsl.org/in-dc/federal-government-shutdown-what-it-means-for-states-and-programs Triggered by partisan clashes over funding beyond Sept. 30, the shutdown has created uncertainty for many federal programs.
The local Fort Scott National Historic Site is a government facility.
The annual Candlelight Tour at the Fort has a Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site group that is providing press releases and ticket sales for the event during the shutdown.
They are doing their best to make it happen, although reduced in scope, according to Matthew Wells, president of the Friends organization.
They will put out the candles on the walkways of the fort and there may be a few vignettes of life on the prairie in the fort.
“My wife and family may have a vignette,” said Friends of the Fort President Matthew Wells. “We love doing it and love the fort.”
“Our main goal is to get the candles out for the people to enjoy the beautiful fort,” he said.
“We don’t believe we have time to learn the scripts and music, etc.,” with the buildings being closed for the shutdown, he said. “The government isn’t open to do any of it.”
The Fort’s employees are government employees,
But as in years past, on November 1, 2025, tickets for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 44th Annual Candlelight Tour went on sale.
The group is doing the preliminary work to have the event and will be providing music and refreshments, as in the past.
However, how you purchase your ticket is changing for the event this year.
The following information is from the Friends of the Fort organization, via a press release:
Tickets are available by three sources;
1) log onto fofs.ludus.com to make your payment,
2) contact the Chamber of Commerce in Fort Scott, 231 E. Wall.
3) If the shutdown ends, tickets can be picked up at the fort’s visitor center on Old Fort Boulevard, just north of Fort Scott’s downtown area.
Tickets are $5 per person and are non-refundable; children, 5 and under, are free.
It is recommended that you get your tickets early to ensure your choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out.
The 44th Annual Candlelight Tour is Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6, 2025.
Tours on December 5 will begin at 6:30 pm and leave every 15 minutes until 9 pm.
On Saturday, December 6, the tours will start at 5 pm with the final tour leaving at 9 pm. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented.
Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the tour will be outside and on sidewalks.
1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site, and re-enactors (including you) bring the fort to life. During the tour, you will be immersed in ways people have overcome and learned from challenges and new experiences in Fort Scott.
Depending on the end of the Government shutdown, it may look different this year than years past, but we encourage you to come enjoy the beauty of the Historic site in candlelight, according to the press release.
National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable. For more information, please visit: doi.gov/shutdown