All posts by Loretta George

Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott School District U234 Starts Classes on August 15

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This is part of a series on the schools starting the 2025 school year in our community.

Destry Brown. Submitted photo.

 

Destry Brown is the superintendent of schools for Fort Scott’s School District, USD234.

“We are looking forward to another great year in Tiger Land!” he told Fort Scott Biz in an interview.

The first day of school for teachers in 2025 is August 11, with students first day of August 15.

He said student school supply lists are all posted on the district’s  Facebook page.

Vaccinations are a part of the new school year in schools across the nation.

“If students have started their immunizations before school starts, we work with the families to get them completed by a deadline,” Brown said. “We have not set that deadline for this year yet. It is usually in late September. If the family claims a religious reason for not getting the immunizations, they need to contact the school nurse and complete a form stating that.”

The USD234 student enrollment is approximately the same as last year, 1,750 students in five buildings across the town.

A more accurate number will be after the first couple of weeks of school, he said.

The following are the names of the school district’s 20 new teachers and administrators assigned to each building.

Winfield Scott Elementary:
Amanda Karleskint – 2nd grade
Shana Staton – Special Education
Amanda Johnson – Music
Kendal Bowles – Special Education

Eugene Ware Elementary:
Billie Marlow – 5th Grade
Angela Christy – 3rd Grade

Fort Scott Middle School:
D.J. Brown – Principal
Trey Brown – 7th Grade Social Studies
Kiel Simas – Physical Education

Fort Scott High School:
Jeff Johnson – Principal
Josh Regan – Assistant Principal
Drew Carney – Physical Education
Aleana Erie – English
Eliya Deckinger – Counselor
Marjorie Campbell – Special Education
Chloe Whitt – Drivers’ Education and Business
Jake Durossette – Business
Johnathon Stark – Physical Education
Jesse Turner – Special Education

Kansas Renewal Institute:
Christina Ellis – Elementary

New this year are textbooks and resources for middle and high school English Language Arts classes.

“We have also added a new curriculum for teaching Social and Emotional skills for Kindergarten through 12th grade called Satchel Pulse. The counselors will be using the curriculum to teach weekly lessons to our students throughout the district.”

On the horizon is a new preschool location.

“We are awaiting the architectural drawings for the new preschool building on Horton (at the intersection of 9th Street) to be approved by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office. As soon as those are approved, we will go out to bid on the work inside the building. In the meantime, we will be having dirt work and waterproofing done on the outside of the building.”

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food

Traditions Continue At the 120th Old Settlers Picnic Aug. 29-Sept.1

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The 120th Old Settlers Picnic in Uniontown has traditionally been a day for the community to view a parade and enjoy a community picnic, with fun activities for all ages throughout the whole weekend.
A street dance, 5K Run/Walk,  fishing derby, co-ed ranch rodeo, community church service, bingo, family fun night, youth rodeo, food and craft vendors, car show, baby contest, a children’s parade separate from the bigger parade, and drawings for the raffles and bicycles will make up the weekend’s festivities.
The theme this year is Remembering the Past, Planning the Future.
Aligning with the theme, not only the recognition of the Old Settlers, but “recognizing the future generation throughout the Monday activities, including the youngest attendee,” said Mike Ramsey, planning committee vice president.
The parade grand marshals are the family of Bill and Doris George.
This year, the West Bourbon Elementary School will be the new location for the Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show.
“We’ve brought back the baby contest,” Ramsey said. “Registration at 9 a.m. with the contest at 9:30 a.m.” The location is at the gazebo in Uniontown’s City Park.
” We’ve brought back the kids’ races on Monday at 1 p.m. on the streets” surrounding the downtown park, he said.
Girls race in a contest during a prior Old Settler’s Picnic.
“Personally, I’m excited about having Dustin Treiber playing for the Street Dance Friday night.” On August 29, there will be a street dance with a food truck available for refreshments.
The planning committee is comprised of Rhonda Dewitt, president; Ramsey, vice president; Mary Pillion, treasurer; and Carissa Jones, secretary.

 

The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade on Labor Day, 2019.
Exercise, Fort Scott, Sports, Youth

Backpack Giveaways At BRCC Back to School Bash on August 9

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On the inside wall of the Center.
Buck Run Community Center is having a Back to School Bash with free backpack giveaways.
The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 9 at the center located at 735 Scott Avenue, in back of the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.
“Enjoy mouthwatering meals and treats from our amazing local food trucks—perfect for lunchtime cravings,” said Lucas Kelley, director of Fort Scott Recreation, of which the Center is a part.
Lucas Kelley, director of Fort Scott Recreation, of which Buck Run Community Center is a part.
“We’re celebrating 50 years of Buck Run Community Center with a fun-filled Back to School Bash! We will also be handing out backpacks and school supplies that day! Come see what we have for you! We are excited to be able to host our 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway,” said Kelley.
They will give away: 480 backpacks, glue sticks/bottles of glue, pencils,  and notebooks.
“Bring the whole family and enjoy free activities like:

 mini golf,  laser tag,  cookies and lemonade, face painting and inflatables,” he said.

A plaque inside Buck Run Community Center.

The center is celebrating 50 years of service to the community this year, and here is what is offered to the community: handicap-accessible services, with a full-sized basketball court and two regulation volleyball courts. The structure also has a tumbling/gymnastics and aerobics room upstairs, as well as a weight room and fitness center. Picklball and racquetball are played there as well, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.

Pickleball players enjoy the air conditioning while playing on July 31 in a gym at Buck Run.
The recreation program also oversees the maintenance and scheduling of Ellis Park, Fisher Park and Third Street Park.
Additionally, they provide a self-serve kiosk at Gunn Park for renting discs for the disc golf game holes.
To learn more:

https://brcc.recdesk.com/Community/Home

The fitness center at Buck Run.

Features of the  center:

  • Auditorium with a stage
  • Fitness center
  • Kitchen
  • Lounge with a television
  • Shower facilities
  • 2 meeting rooms
In the Corey Larson Gym, there is a stage available and a small adjacent kitchen.

Also outside of the Buck Run Community Center, there is a sand volleyball court. The meeting rooms and auditorium may be rented for private use.

The Fort Scott Recreation Department runs an extensive adult and youth program from within the Center. For information on facilities or recreation programs, call 620-223-0386.

Deb Stewart is the 60+Nutrition Site Director for meals that are provided at 11:30 a.m. daily in one of Buck Run’s meeting rooms.

There is an on-site meal for those 60 years old and over at Buck Run in one of the meeting rooms.

Deb Stewart, site director of 60+Nutrition, said the meal is provided with a $2 suggested donation at 11:30 a.m., and the only qualification is being at least 60 years old. For more information: https://www.sekaaa.com/nutrition

The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging manages the 60+ Nutrition Program for nine SEK counties, providing nutritious meals to individuals 60+ years of age. The meals can be provided in home (for those who qualify) or at designated sites in the community. A suggested donation of $2 per meal is requested, but inability to pay does not prevent anyone from receiving a meal, according to its website.

Bourbon County, Government

Hwy. K-7 Will Close From U.S. Hwy. 69 to K-39 Junction on August 4

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Beginning Monday, August  4, 2025, the K-7  highway will be closed from US-69 to the K-39 Jct.
Sideroads will remain open at this time. Barricades will be set on K-7 at each sideroad.
Accommodation will be made for residents and landowners to have access to their properties via access from the nearest sideroad.
K-7 from the K-39 Jct South to Girard will remain open to local traffic only, according to the Fort Scott/Bourbon County Dispatch Post on Facebook.
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, History

Volunteers Needed To Get The Old Fort Genealogy Society Reopened

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The Professional Building, located at 2801 S. Horton, is situated across from the former Mercy Hospital, which is now home to several entities.

 

For those interested in learning more about their family history in Bourbon County, the Old Fort Genealogy Society is a valuable resource to the community.

“Many people don’t know what we have to offer,” said Susan Karleskint, president of the society. ” We have tons of Bourbon County history….birth records, death records, cemeteries, pictures.”

“We provide help to people who are researching their families in Bourbon County,” she said. “In addition, we have moved beyond genealogical to historical.”

The society is non-profit.

“We don’t charge, but do ask for a donation, should they want to give one,” she said.

In early 2025, the society’s board began searching for an alternative location. The location they were at, in the basement of Memorial Hall, was too small for all the records they housed, and the cost of renovating to a different part of that building was too high.

They found a much larger site for their services at 2801 S. Horton, in the Professional Building,  north of the old Mercy Hospital.

In the spring, they began the move to that building, which has been vacant for several years.

“We have encountered some ‘hiccups’ along the way that have slowed our progress,” Karleskint said.

“The space is futuristic,” she said. “We can grow. We had a lot of things that couldn’t be put out (in the prior building), but now can be.”

The space is almost 4,000 square feet.

Now the board members are seeking volunteers to help them get open to the public.

“Volunteers are needed to unpack items….to go to the bookshelves,” she said.  “Currently, there are three to four of us. We need helpers in order to get us open.”

“When our doors open, we will have a need for volunteers who would be willing to help at least 1/2 day per week.”

Contact them at 602.223.3300. “If that number is not currently answered, an individual may call my phone at 620-224-6613,” Karleskint said.

The board consists of Karleskint, Ralph Carlson, Peggy Cummings, Shirley Hurd, Jim Logan, Terry Sercer, and Don Tucker.

Karleskint said she wanted to thank this board for all of the time and energy they have contributed in the past few
months.

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government

Micheal Olkowski, Fort Scott, Arrested For Sex Offenses on July 23

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Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin confirmed that Michael Olkowski of Fort Scott is still in the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center as of 10 a.m. today.

Olkowski was arrested for sexual exploitation of a child on July 23 at 920 West Park Avenue, Fort Scott, and is being held without bail.

The following was taken from the Kansas Missing and Exploited Facebook page

Bourbon County, Business

Bourbon County Veterinary Clinic Is Open For Business

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Dr. Trent Callanan, left, and Dr. Joely Johnson.
From the business Facebook page.

Bourbon County Veterinary Clinic, LLC is fully open for business at  1251 240th Street in Fort Scott.

Owners are  Dr. Trent Callahan and Dr. Joely Roe Johnson.

Dr. Callahan and Dr. Joe (Joely Johnson) both come from an agricultural background and share a love for providing veterinary care to rural communities, Dr. Callahan said.

The new business is just over the Bourbon County line in Bates County, Missouri, where the two are vets at the Bates County Veterinary Clinic in Butler.

The two clinics will share goals, clients, veterinarians, and patients.

Their core values are “Keeping your pets happy and healthy and your livestock profitable!”

Dr. Joe and her family also call Bourbon County home, with her husband’s family having deep roots in the area, she said.

“We will have a broad range of experience and knowledge,” said Dr. Joe. “We will provide large animal and small animal services ranging from routine vaccines, surgeries, herd work, consulting, and much more. We are excited to serve Bourbon County and surrounding areas.”

Dr. Callahan earned a  Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri with the class of 1998. He opened his first practice in 2008 in Bates County after practicing for eleven years as an associate veterinarian in Butler, Missouri.

Dr. Joe earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine  degree from Purdue University, class of 2023

In 2021, Bates County expanded and remodeled its facility, offering the newest technology and expanding the veterinarians on staff. In 2023, Dr. Joe joined the Bates County Veterinary Clinic team.

They will have a rotation of four veterinarians with support staff at the Kansas clinic. Other vets who will be rotating are Dr. Levi Cade and Dr. Megan Westerhold.

Contact info: phone:620-223-1171, email: bourboncountyveterinary@gmail.com, website: bcvet.us, and find us on Facebook

Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Fort Scott, Sports, Youth

Fort Scott Mud Turtles 16U Softball Team Wins World Championship in KC

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Front row left to right: Jace Cowan, Abbie Gorman, Rylee Loercher, Lexie Forester, Bristol Marsh, Raylee Cowan. Back row left to right: Kylee Hampton, Kinley Clements, Ella Regan, Aubrey Yarick, and Elsa Bishop.

“The Fort Scott 16b Mud Turtles have finished their summer season,” said Chrystal Cowan, coach. “One of the many highlights of the season was the KC Metro World Series Championship, in which the crew battled through rain, lightning, and extreme heat. The team has fought adversity this summer, but has managed to put it all together and continue to fight for each other.  Southeast Kansas is loaded with softball talent, and continues to dish out incredibly skilled kids!”

The girls are coached by Cowan, Zack Marsh, and Eric Loercher.

“The 16U Mud Turtles participated in a softball tournament on the weekend of July 11-13th,”.  The team competed against 24 other regional teams and went undefeated to win the tournament.  The girls on the team have been playing together for almost eight years and display remarkable sportsmanship and teamwork,” said Marnie Zimmerman, an aunt to Lexie Forester, a member of the team.

This group of young athletes is a 16-year-old and under traveling softball team from Fort Scott.

 

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Miniature Golf Project Organizers Are Surveying Options

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Photo from Wikipedia.

Justin Miles and Josh Jones have been working on a miniature golf course project for the community to enjoy.

“It’s an idea that has been lingering for a little over a year, and we have been hard at work for about the last eight months ironing out the logistics of everything,” Miles said.
Recent Facebook debates over the location are prompting a rethink of several options that will work.

“Since Facebook has a way of muddying the water and stirring up confusion, we wanted to take a moment to clear the air about the mini golf project,” he said.

“First and foremost: this is a privately owned business, not a city project. We’ve been working behind the scenes on something we believe could bring fresh foot traffic, tourism, and life downtown. Because of the positive economic impact we hoped to create, we felt it was fair to ask the city for a little support, not ownership, just support.”

“This is not a get-rich scheme. This is a passion project. One we’ve poured time and heart into because we love this town and wanted to bring something new and fun to it,” Miles said.

The parking lot that was looked at was across from Sharky’s Pub and Grub on North National Avenue.

“It was presented to us—we didn’t go after it blindly. It’s a public city-owned lot, not owned by any one private business. After getting some initial thumbs-up from a handful of downtown business owners and neighbors, we decided to bring it to the  Fort Scott City Commission to test the waters and get their input.”

“That (recent) commission meeting was the public communication step. It was the beginning of the conversation, and we hoped a public hearing would allow everyone to share thoughts and be part of the process. But instead of discussion, we got a Facebook frenzy.”

“To be clear, we never intended to take over the entire lot. In fact, plans included Wall Street adjustments to add new parking, and we hoped to use only about 50% of the lot, leaving 15–20 public spots.”

“But at this point, if it even needs to be said: We will not be moving forward with that location. We’re disappointed, sure—this wasn’t the welcome we hoped for. But we hear you.”

“We’re now going back to the drawing board, exploring new options, and reevaluating the overall feasibility of the project.”

“We truly appreciate everyone who has supported this idea and shared constructive feedback. Thank you for being part of the conversation—even if it came a little louder and messier than expected,” Miles said.

“We are surveying possible options and what will work best for us moving forward.”
Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Flash Flood Warning For Bourbon County KS In Effect Until 12:15 p.m.

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Prior flooding in  May 2017.
Flood Warning
National Weather Service Springfield MO
613 AM CDT Thu Jul 17 2025

KSC011-171715-
/O.NEW.KSGF.FA.W.0026.250717T1113Z-250717T1715Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Bourbon KS-
613 AM CDT Thu Jul 17 2025

...FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1215 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

* WHERE...A portion of southeast Kansas, including the following
  county, Bourbon.

* WHEN...Until 1215 PM CDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying
  and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - At 613 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to
    thunderstorms. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
    shortly in the warned area.
  - Some locations that will experience flooding include...
    Fort Scott, Uniontown, Redfield, Marmaton, Hiattville, Pawnee
    Station, Devon, Petersburg and Garland.
  - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Many flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Photo from May 1, 2017 of area flooding.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Events in Downtown Fort Scott Updated At Meet and Greet on July 8

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Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison, in green dress, leads the meeting, Second from right. Katie O’Kelly is the manager of the Landmark National Bank.

The Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet attendees learned of upcoming events, grants, and advertising opportunities on July 8 at the meeting, hosted by the Landmark National Bank.

Upcoming events:

Attendee John Hill commended the recent Fort Scott High School All Class Reunion committee for scheduling the majority of the events downtown.

Sales Tax Holiday, August 1-3, with a 9.65% discount on purchases from participating stores

Fall Fest is September 5; the Chamber staff is asking for ideas for this event.

The annual downtown Halloween Parade is on October 25, the Saturday before Halloween.

The Holiday Open House is November 6-8, with Thursday night the big event.

Small Business Saturday is November 29.

Christmas on the Bricks is December 4-7, when stores will be open late, and lots of activities for the community to enjoy.

July 25 is the Chamber Golf Classic fundraiser at Woodland Hills, and they are still taking sponsorships.

At the July 15 Fort Scott City Commission, a new downtown business will be announced, according to Mary Wyatt, Planning, Housing, & Business Development Director for the City of Fort Scott.

The Hedgehog INK Bookstore is for sale in the downtown district. Contact Randi Witt.

Jill Jaworski, Superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site, said that the site’s buildings remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday. They hope to have three seasonal employees by the end of August. A new executive order set a hiring freeze that affects the Fort until October 18.

The city and the chamber are having tourism meetings in preparation for the World Cup Soccer Game that is coming to Kansas City in 2026, in an effort to encourage people to come to Fort Scott.

The new Fort Scott Baseball Team, the Dragoons, will join the Mid-America League next season as the league expands to eight teams, according to a KOAM news report. The events surrounding the announcement of last weekend’s LaRoche Baseball Stadium events were given by Mary Wyatt at the meet and greet.

Evergy Kansas Central, Inc. spokesperson Kari West said there are business energy efficiency updates available at /ways-to-save/incentives-link/business-energy-savings

Grants available:

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation offers grants to local 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government agencies, and religious institutions, with applications starting in August, said Becky Tourtillot.

E-Community Loans are available through www.networkkansas.com with 6 % interest for 10 years, a minimum is $5,000 and, maximum is $50,000.

Grow KS grants are 4% interest for five years, 6% for 10 years, maximum $100,000.

 

 

Some of the attendees of the meet and greet listen to speakers in the lobby of the Landmark Bank.

Advertisement Opportunities

New, revised downtown maps are being devised, with business card-sized ads available on them.

The Chamber Community Guide and Membership Directory is getting ready to launch by the first of 2026.

4 by 9-inch rack cards are available from Sekan Printing Company for Chamber distribution to visitors.

About the Host

The Landmark National Bank has two locations in Fort Scott: one at 2nd and Main Street in the downtown area, and another at 23rd Street and Highway 69. Statewide, there are 29 branches. Currently, a teller position is available. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.