USD234 Board of Education 2025-26 Budget Hearing will be Sept. 11 at 5:45 p.m. at the board office at 424 S. Main.
Terry Mayfield, assistant superintendent, provided the following information regarding the hearing:
All posts by Loretta George
Bourbon County Is Connected to Southwest Power Pool Energy Project
A power delivery project, many years in the making, has started transmitting energy through Bourbon County.
NextEra Energy Transmission (NEET) – Southwest began producing energy over the 92-mile, 345-kV Wolf Creek – Blackberry transmission line on July 16, 2025, according to Lillie Zeng, spokesperson for NEET-Southwest.
The project was within budget and nearly five months ahead of Southwest Power Pool’s (SSP) required in-service date. The project was completed within three years, according to the spokesperson.
This is the second of three competitively awarded transmission projects in SPP that the company is building, she said.
“NextEra Energy Transmission – Southwest is proud to support SPP and its customers in Kansas and Missouri with a transmission line that will help enhance grid reliability and support economic growth in the region.”
The NEET-Southwest field office is at 2522 Richards Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
“We are in the process of hiring local office staff. In addition, NEET Southwest has access to approximately 70 affiliate technical staff located in the project area,” according to the spokesperson.
The project included a diagonal power line through the southwest part of Bourbon County as noted in the graphic from NextEra.
The process can be summed up this way:
Electric power is generated by nuclear energy at the Wolf Creek Nuclear Plant near Burlington, Kansas in Coffee County.
The power is moved via transmission power lines to the southwest, to the Blackberry Electrical Substation, just over the state line in Missouri.
There, high voltage power is then stepped down to a lower voltage and distributed over power lines to neighborhoods, businesses, and residences, according to https://www.nexteraenergytransmission.com/subsidiaries/neetsw/projects/wolf-creek-blackberry
This project is a new 94-mile, 345-kilovolt (kV) regulated transmission line that runs from the Wolf Creek substation (Evergy Energy) in Kansas to the Blackberry substation, Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.(AECI) in Missouri.
About Wolf Creek
Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Station, Kansas’s only nuclear power plant, has been providing energy to Kansans and Missourians since 1985, according to https://www.evergy.com/landing/wolf-creek-nuclear-generating-station
The Wolf Creek site is about 10,500 acres, and 1,500 acres of company land are reserved and managed for wildlife. Wolf Creek employs approximately 750 employees, many of whom have worked at the site since the plant began providing electricity to the nation’s power grid more than three decades ago, according to the Evergy website.
Wolf Creek provides electric generation for Evergy and generates about 1,200 megawatts of electricity, which is enough energy to power more than 800,000 homes, according to the Evergy website.
Wolf Creek generates 20.7 percent of Kansas’ electricity, and 36 percent of its emissions-free electricity, according to the NextEra website.
Evergy is an electric service provider in Bourbon County.
“Evergy and Next Era are both members of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), which helps manage the power grid and energy markets across 14 states in the middle of the country, including Kansas and Missouri,” said Evergy Director of Corporate Communications Gina Penzig. “SPP keeps track of how electricity moves through the system and helps ensure coordination among area utilities.”
“The Wolf Creek–Blackberry Transmission line simply connects to Evergy’s equipment and helps send electricity into the power grid,” Penzig said. “The SPP chose Next Era to build this line through a competitive bid process. Even though the line connects to Evergy’s substation and electricity flows through it, Next Era owns and operates the line.”
NextEra Energy
In October 2021, NextEra Energy Transmission (NEET) Southwest was awarded the construction of a new approximately 92-mile 345 kV transmission line from the Wolf Creek substation to the Blackberry substation in Jasper County, Missouri.
NEET Southwest finances, develops, constructs, owns, operates, and maintains the Wolf Creek-Blackberry 345 kV transmission project. The project received regulatory approvals, and construction began, according to https://www.nexteraenergytransmission.com/subsidiaries/neetsw/projects/wolf-creek-blackberry.html
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The project is part of the 2019 Integrated Transmission Plan approved by SPP in October 2019 to address the need for a more reliable and cost-effective grid. This project will reduce congestion and provide market efficiencies and benefits to ratepayers, according to the NextEra website.
According to NextEra, the project benefits are:
- “Leads to lower electricity costs for customers
- Enhances the reliability and resiliency of the electric grid
- Creates job opportunities in the short and long term
- Spurs investment in the local economy during construction
- Supports public health and safety through access to reliable electricity
“Environmental & Visual Considerations
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Conducted rigorous environmental analyses to limit impacts on wildlife, sensitive habitats, and natural resources
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Coordinated with federal and state agencies to identify protected species found along the route
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Selected monopole structures to minimize tree clearing and agricultural impacts
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Incorporated considerations for visual impacts into the routing study.”
Mapleton Cafe Reopens With New Owner
The Mapleton Cafe, located in rural northern Bourbon County, is under a new manager.
“This cafe had been shut down for eight years,” Adam Clay, the new owner/manager,” said. “Joe Bisogno owns the building.”
It opened at the end of July.
“I was given an opportunity to open my own business in the country, where I want to be,” Clay said. “I have always been drawn to the country. I lived in DeSoto. Panasonic moved into the area, and lots of people have moved in.”
“You need to seize an opportunity.”
He moved a fifth-wheel recreation vehicle to the site of the building in Mapleton, population 99, in January and started renovating the building.
“I had to fix it up. I moved here, living in the fifth-wheeler.”
Clay has 35 years in the hospitality business with a focus on kitchen, menu, costing, and trends in the food business.
“I come from the K.C. area, Desoto, and worked as a chef for a corporation in their test kitchen. I left my position with Goodsents in K.C. at the end of June to do this full-time. Up to then, I only worked on weekends.”
The restaurant passed the Kansas Department of Agriculture inspection in mid-July.
“Even though a lot of work needs to be done, with the help of the Mapleton City Council, the local residents, and Joe Bisogno, we’ll make it successful,” he said.
“I’m the only cook; there are two local people as employees, Shawn Mierkey and Zoe Charley, and other local people pitch in to help.”
About the cafe
“It’s a country cafe with a modest breakfast and lunch menu,” he said. “It’s a starter menu. I’m still trying to figure out what works in this marketplace.”
“We are open to suggestions. A new dish for me is chili with a cinnamon roll and a pickle,” he said.
He said he is trying to keep the prices that fit this rural area.
The restaurant is located at 423 N. Bourbon Street in Mapleton. Contact info: 785-813-6051. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
GriefShare Begins August 26 at Community Christian Church
“Classes begin Tuesday evening at Community Christian Church Use the southeast side door. Classes will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for 13 weeks beginning August 26th,” said a spokesman, Jon Bailes. “Everyone is welcome and there is no charge except for a workbook.”
“This is a Biblically based program that has been operating with great success at helping people who have lost a loved one.”
Community Christian Church is hosting, but is not responsible.
USD235 New Teachers, Goals, and Construction Projects in 2025
Students start school in USD235, Uniontown, on August 20.
“We anticipate enrollment numbers being similar to what it was last year,” said Superintendent Vance Eden. “We frequently see fluctuations in enrollment all the way through the first week of school, though.”
This year, there is a new athletic director/assistant principal, Megan Mason.
Additionally, the following new teachers are: Aidan Abandon, high school history; Jennifer Ziegler, high school English; Cole Criss, junior/senior high physical education; Lauren Shinn, 6th grade; and Dallas Masoner, 6th grade.
The teachers in new assignments this year are Jenny Covey, 3rd grade; Rose Gauthier, 2nd grade; and Haley Troutman, Kindergarten.
“The kindergarten through 8th grade have new math resources this year, and there is a sprinkling of new supplementary materials throughout the district,” Eden said.
“A noteworthy item, the new ag shop will provide students with a better learning and shop space,” Eden said. “We are excited for what this can mean for the (agriculture) program.”
“For pre-kindergarten, we opened enrollment to three-year-old students who meet the necessary criteria for participation. We are excited to provide this opportunity to families and those young learners.”
“The district has adopted six goals as part of this year’s strategic plan. Those include:
- 1.5- Conduct a thorough review of literacy and math proficiency rates K-12 to determine successes, trends, and potential gaps.
- 1.8- Conduct a review of discipline policies and align them and their implementation to district objectives of clarity, consistency, and accountability.
- 2.3- Support staff development efforts through shadowing other educators in other districts.
- 2.8- Develop additional ways to utilize hands-on and experiential learning opportunities.
- 3.4- Develop additional ways to recognize students who are consistently meeting specific expectations.
- 3.6- Increase timely, consistent, and effective communication between schools and families. Consider options with apps, newsletters, and additional surveys for input.”
“Aside from that, the district will be completing all of the relevant construction projects related to the passing of the bond (last year approved by constituents) over the next year. Timelines for those individual projects vary.”
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 11
Cato Historical Preservation Association Awarded Grant from Community Foundation
Five members (one being the photographer) from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas journeyed to Cato, Kansas on Wednesday, August 6, to present grant money to the Cato Historical Preservation Association, Inc.. The “General Funds” grant was done by Cato member Marilyn Flagg.
The money will be used for supplies and three directional wooden signs with arrows pointed toward Cato. These signs will be made by Chad Cliffman of rural Ft. Scott.
Cato will host 600-700 school kids on Thursday, Nov. 6th and the annual Cato tour is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8th starting with registration in the Cato Christian Church at 9 a.m.
Picture:
Top left to right: Nathan Garrett, Devin Gorman, Kara Mishmash, Robert Magginetti, Anna Swank, Shirley Hensley, and Mary Portwood
Bottom left to right: Linda Grilz, Marilyn Flagg, Jerry Lomshek, and Diane James
(Photographer was Matthew Buck)
Local Couple In The Running For America’s Favorite Couple
A couple with ties to Fort Scott, Myca and Robert Sellers, are in the running for America’s Favorite Couple contest.
“I found out about America’s Favorite Couple through a Facebook ad promoted by the actor, Jeff Goldblum,” said Myca (Short) Sellers. I thought it would be such a fun opportunity to share our love story, which I’ve always believed was something really special. The grand prize is $20,000 and a feature in Variety magazine.”
“While I entered this contest mostly for the fun and story-sharing aspect, I love that it’s tied to doing something good by supporting two worthy causes,” she said in an email interview with fortscott.biz. “The Los Angeles Food Bank is an organization that works to fight hunger by distributing food to those in need, and Oceana focuses on protecting and restoring the world’s oceans. Honestly, I wasn’t super familiar with either organization before this competition. While ocean conservation hasn’t been a passion of mine, I do think it’s great to support environmental causes.”
“The food bank’s mission especially resonates with me, I care deeply about helping people in need, especially those facing hunger and homelessness. As a Christian, giving and serving others is really important to me. My family and I sponsor a child in Tanzania through Compassion International, we currently provide a home for some extended family members going through a tough time, we give to our church, and we do our best to help others when we can. So even though I didn’t enter this competition because of the charities, I’m glad that it supports such meaningful work.”
“So far, we just made it through our group finals and will be moving on to the quarterfinals. We’ve been so blessed to have made it this far in the competition with the help of our friends and family. Every free daily vote really makes a difference. People are also able to donate to the partnered charities mentioned to cast additional votes. We’d be incredibly honored to have support from the Fort Scott community to help us make it to the finish line! Please let me know if you need any more information about the competition or anything else about our story.”
To vote for Robert and Myca Sellers
About the couple
“Robert and I both graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2012,” she said in the interview. “My grandma lived there my entire life until recently moving to Chanute, and my mom, Wendy Stewart Hoeme, worked at Ward Kraft when I was little. I even went to Winfield Scott Elementary for 2nd grade. My dad was Robert (Tony) Short, but he passed away in 2009 when I was 16.
“Robert is the son of James and Jackie Sellers, Fort Scott. Jackie is the manager at the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, and she and James also own and operate Pitt Taxi. James served in the Navy, so Robert spent some of his childhood outside of Kansas, but they eventually returned to Fort Scott when his dad retired from the military.” Robert attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and then Fort Scott Middle School and high school.
“I moved to Fort Scott …when my mom got a job at Great West in 2005. I started 6th grade at the middle school, and that’s where I met Robert. We were in the same homebase class (Mrs. Brittan’s!) and quickly became close friends. I developed a crush on him back then, but kept it quiet, … since a friend of mine dated him for a while. Robert and I stayed close throughout middle and high school, and our friendship was always something special.”
In their senior year, they had a physics class together with Dr. Klassen.
“We flirted constantly. One day, while cruising around town (as small-town Kansas teens do!), we passed each other at a stop sign. Seeing him prompted me to take a risk and text him later to confess my feelings. But it turned out he had liked me all along, too. We went on a date to play disc golf at Gunn Park and made our relationship official after that.”
The summer after graduation, they went cruising in his Jeep, stargazing from the Fort Scott Community College rappel tower, and “just being young and in love.”
He gave her a promise ring before he left for Air Force basic training that fall, and Myca started college at Fort Hays State University.
He was stationed in England.
“When he came home for Christmas, he took me back to the rappel tower at the college and proposed. We got married in Fort Scott at the Scottish Rite Temple on April 6, 2013.”
“Since then, our military life has taken us all over the world. We’ve lived in England, Albuquerque, NM, the little island of Okinawa in Japan, and now we’re stationed in Italy at Aviano Air Base.”
Robert is a Technical Sergeant in the Air Force, working on HH-60 helicopters.
“We’ve now been married 12 years and have three children: our son Castiel (6), and daughters Salem (4) and Sage (2). We’re not sure yet where we’ll go next since we still have 2.5 years left in Italy, but most likely somewhere in Arizona, New Mexico, or Georgia when we return to the States. He’ll have about 4.5 years left until retirement once we move back.”
“I believe what makes our relationship so special is that it was built on a solid foundation of friendship. We’re truly best friends, we’ve grown up together, and we still know how to have fun and make each other laugh. Living this military life, mostly overseas and far from family, has made us grow even more. We were just 19 when we got married and moved to England, and we’ve had to face a lot of challenges. But those trials taught us how to work together, rely on each other, and strengthen our bond. We deeply value one another and always come together as a team.”
Get Ready To Jump Fort Scott
The former Walgreens store at 23rd and South Main Street will soon be filled with lots of excited kids.
Jumpy Jumpland is coming to Fort Scott in that building.
Their opening weekend is August 15-17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The grand opening weekend is free to public for a preview of what the business has to offer, said Heather Sims, district manager.
“We have indoor inflatables, fun for the whole family,” Sims said.
In addition to the many inflatables, they have a snack bar.
“We do birthday parties and Open Jumps, where anyone can come and play for $7 for as long as Open Jump is open.”
There are two choices for birthday parties: deluxe for $200, which has a one-hour jump time and then 45 minutes in the party area; and supreme at $240, which has 1.5 hours of playtime and 45 minutes in the party area.
They can bring outside food and beverages, but no party supplies can be brought into Open Jump.
Currently, there are three employees, she said. “Two people per shift. We want eyes on the bounce floor at all times.”
Their hours of operation: Fridays are Open Jump from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon are available party times, then from noon to 2 is Open Jump, followed by times for parties. The last party of the day starts at 7:30 p.m.
“We chose Fort Scott because it doesn’t have a lot for kids to do,” she said. “We wanted to bring something to them.”
Jumpy Jumpland rents the building from Jake’s Fireworks. Starting the first weekend in June, they will move out and then move back in on the first weekend in August, she said. Jake’s Fireworks’ high sales season is June through August.
“Join us for Open Jump, games, and awesome prizes – we can’t wait to see you there!” said Jessica Benford, marketing director for the To book parties and celebrations, email at jumpyjumpland.com
Their address is 2229 S. Main Street, inside the Jake’s Fireworks building.
About Jumpy Jump Land
Who We Are
Jumpy Jump Land is the premier bounce-house party destination in the Wichita area, offering vibrant indoor play spaces filled with colorful obstacle courses, tall slides, and multiple bounce houses. We host both private parties by reservation and Open Jump sessions where families can drop in and play.
Where We Started
We opened our first location in Andover, Kansas, in 2015. Since then, Jumpy Jump Land has grown into a local favorite and expanded to five locations: Andover, Bel Aire, Haysville, El Dorado – and now, Fort Scott, opening August 15!
Who Owns It
Jumpy Jump Land is owned and operated as a Kansas limited liability company: JUMPY JUMP LAND, LLC.
Why We Do What We Do
Our mission is to create unforgettable moments for kids and families through safe, clean, and energetic indoor fun. We’re passionate about providing a stress-free venue where hosts can truly enjoy birthdays, reunions, corporate events, and more – while kids jump, play, and burn off energy.
50 Years in the Community: Buck Run Community Center
The Buck Run Community Center came into being after the YMCA building was torn down in 1974. The “Y” had served the Fort Scott community for almost seven decades since it was built in 1907.
In 1975, the Neighborhood Center, which was its original name of Buck Run Community Center, was built at 735 Scott Avenue.
Serving on the first board were Jack Eshelbrenner, Harry Fisher, Albert Hill, Les Hinkley, Gloria Key, and Beth King.
Buck Run Community Center celebrates 50 years in Fort Scott this year.
The Center is located east of the Fort Scott swimming pool, and can be seen by passers-by from Hwy. 69.
It continues today to serve the community with recreation programs for all ages and, during winter months, acts as a warming station for those who need it.
Through the years, the original bandshell was transformed into a stage in the Corey Larson Gymnasium. There is a fitness center, another gym, a racquetball court, a kitchen, a lounge, some general-purpose rooms, storage areas, and an office.
Beth King Nuss was the first director in 1975.
“It’s a pivotal place in the community…as a meeting place for people and organizations,” Nuss said.
Lucas Kelley, the current director of Buck Run Community Center, said, “The Center provides a safe place for families, groups to come together and make memories. Just about every weekend, there is a birthday celebration, wedding or baby shower, family reunion, or funeral dinner. There are also skate parties, where for $20 you can rent skates for your group and rent the gym for $40 for three hours, if a kid is having a birthday.”
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 also played there, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.
Buck Run Community Center is having a Back to School Bash with free backpack giveaways on Saturday, August 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To learn more about the Buck Run Community Center’s current programs/activities:
Backpack Giveaways At BRCC Back to School Bash on August 9
Fort Scott School District U234 Starts Classes on August 15
This is part of a series on the schools starting the 2025 school year in our community.
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.”
Traditions Continue At the 120th Old Settlers Picnic Aug. 29-Sept.1
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.
“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.
