All posts by Submitted Story

Bourbon County Community Theatre Brings Melodrama Tradition Back to Fort Scott

Carl, played by Matthew Wells, and Opal, played by Alissa Cook. Submitted photo

A long-standing theatre tradition in Fort Scott, the Melodrama, is returning to Good Ol’ Days this year.

Bourbon County Community Theatre presents the world premiere of “Beauty and the Bull OR Chaos in Fort Scott’’ written by BCCT Vice President Mark Bergmann.

Bergmann says, “It was a challenge offered by other members of the BCCT board to write an original show about Fort Scott. I hope people find it highly entertaining. The whole goal is for people to laugh and have fun with it.”

Jason Silvers returns to the stage as Barnard Cleaner, 18 years after the last Fort Scott melodrama that Silvers starred in, “It feels really good to be back on the stage after so many years. Melodramas are about fun, they’re interactive shows, and I hope the audience has a great experience cheering the hero and booing the villain.”

This is Silvers’ first show with the newly formed BCCT, “You feel camaraderie working together with everybody with different levels of ability and talent. I’ve enjoyed watching everything come together.”

The show is directed by Bergmann with Regen Wells serving as Assistant Director. Featured roles include Alissa Cook as the heroine Opal Openheart, Levi Fairchild as the hero Bull Driver, and Matthew Wells as the villain, Carl Connor.

Performances are at 8 p.m. on June 6 and at 10:30 a.m., and 12:30, 4:30, 6:30 and 8 p.m. on June 7 at 123 S. National (former St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church). Tickets for the show are $5 at bcct.ludus.com or at the door, but seating is limited. Concessions will be available. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

Carl, played by Matthew Wells,  and Horse played by Theodore Bowman. Submitted photo.

# # #

Obituary of Alvin Glen “JR” Lattimer, Jr

 

 

 

Alvin Glen “JR” Lattimer, Jr., age 67, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  He was born May 15, 1958, in Olathe, Kansas, the son of Alvin Glen Lattimer, Sr. and Reva Joy Beasley Lattimer.  JR graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.  He began working for Mid-Continental Restoration in 1977.  He stayed with the company for forty-two years and retired as the corporate safety manager.  JR married Monica Jackson Ingle on February 14, 1981.  JR was an avid collector of all sorts of things.  He especially liked Rock & Roll memorabilia, old coins and antique toys.

 

Survivors include three sons, Jessie Ingle (Laura) of Ft. Worth, Texas and Eric Ingle (Jennifer) and Dail Ingle all of North Richland Hills, Texas, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are his mother, Joy Lattimer Renner of Boliver, Missouri, two brothers, Joe Lattimer and John Lattimer and two sisters, Patricia Noble and Kelly Ash.

JR was preceded in death by his wife, Monica, on August 1, 2009.  He was also preceded in death by his father, Alvin Glen Lattimer, Sr and a sister, Glena Thomas.

 

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, June 9th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private family burial will take place at a later date at the Chapel Grove Cemetery northeast of Ft. Scott.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

FSCC requests proposals to finish existing Maintenance Building by June 6

Fort Scott Community College

Fort Scott Community College is requesting proposals to enclose and finish the south end of the existing Maintenance Building. Sealed bids will be accepted through June 6, 2025

by 1:00pm.

More information can be found at www.fortscott.edu or by contacting Rory Chaplin at 620-223-2700 and requesting details on the proposal.

Click HERE to visit the FSCC website Click HEREfor .pdf printable form

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

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Bourbon County Arts Council Presents The Rough Romance Tour 0n June 5

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Bourbon County Arts Council

Bourbon County

Arts Council

Presents

The Rough Romance Tour

Musical performances by:

“The Rough & Tumble”

and

“Flagship Romance”

Thursday, June 5th

8-10pm

Liberty Theatre Patio

113 S. Main Fort Scott, KS

Tickets

$15 BCAC Member

$20 Non-Member

Contact

Terri Floyd 620-224-7221

Deb Anderson 620-224-8650

Click HERE to visit Bourbon County Arts Council’s

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit The Rough & Tumble’s Facebook page!

Click HERE to visit Flagship Romance’s Facebook page!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

David Schemm Selected KS State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency

 

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2025— The Trump Administration recently appointed David Schemm as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Kansas. Schemm joined the Kansas FSA team on May 5, 2025.

“When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again,” said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

“FSA State Executive Directors serve in a critical role carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level — ensuring that our focus is on meeting the needs of local agricultural producers by putting farmers and ranchers first,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Rural communities need our support now more than ever. Our newly appointed state leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their position as SED and they will play an integral role in shaping the future of agriculture in their state.”

 

Schemm returns to FSA where he previously served as the FSA State Executive Director for Kansas during President Trump’s first term. Before that, he served as Ag Advisor for U.S. Senator Roger Marshall for two years. He has a long history of involvement and leadership with the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers Board and the National Association of Wheat Growers. Schemm also served on the board for the United Sorghum Checkoff Program and served on the A-Team Innovation and Sustainability for United States Grains Council.

As SED, Schemm is responsible for overseeing the delivery of FSA programs to agricultural producers in Kansas. These commodity, conservation, credit, and disaster assistance programs ensure a safe, affordable, abundant and nutritious food, fiber, and fuel supply for all Americans. See USDA news release for full list of recent FSA and Rural Development appointees.

 

###

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

 

 

 

Varia Resale Shop Hosts Chamber Coffee On May 29

Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Varia

Quality Resale Clothing

Thursday, May 29th

8am

at

Varia

114 E. 23rd St.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Varia Quality Resale Clothing, 114 E. 23rd St. this Thursday, May 29th at 8am. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.

Varia offers affordable prices and a variety of high-quality used items, including women’s, teens’, and children’s clothing, as well as purses, shoes, jewelry, and more. Owner, Robin Kendrick, is celebrating her 4th year in business and is excited to host this event, welcoming everyone to join in the celebration.

Varia’s June Special will feature a $50 store credit drawing. Customers who spend a minimum of $20 when shopping in-store can register for the drawing.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at

(620) 223-3566 for more information.

Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for

upcoming locations.

Click HERE for Varia’s Facebook Page!

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

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Order FSHS ALL SCHOOL REUNION YARD SIGNS & BANNERS

FORT SCOTT HIGH SCHOOL

ALL SCHOOL REUNION

YARD SIGNS & BANNERS

The Fort Scott High School All School Reunion will be held the last weekend of June, the 27th-29th! The All School Reunion is held every 5 years, welcoming back all alumni who ever graduated from FSHS along with their families! This means thousands of people will be visiting our community that weekend!

ORDER YOUR FSHS ALL SCHOOL REUNION YARD SIGNS & BANNERS HERE!

BE READY TO WELCOME FSHS ALUMNI & SHOW YOUR TIGER PRIDE WITH YOUR NAME, FAMILY MEMBERS’ NAMES AND THE YEAR OF GRADUATION!

Yard Signs are $20 each, several designs available.

Additional Tiger swag including apparel, drinkware & license plates are also available on the site below through Chamber member Nitro Promo.

ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS ~ there are also generic Welcome Signs available to for you to purchase and help welcome Alumni & show your Tiger Pride during reunion weekend!

Click HERE to order online!

Click HERE for a printable order form to turn in @ Chamber.

Deadline to Order: Monday, June 16th

Pickup: Wednesday, June 25th @ the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

The Sign & Banner options are shown below. There are generic options as well as those that may be personalized w/Alumni Name & Year of Graduation:

Chamber member, Shirt Shack, is also offering reunion T-Shirts!

Click HERE to order!

To stay informed on all details related to reunion, visit fshsalumni.org or follow the Fort Scott High School Alumni Association Facebook page here!

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

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Caryn Tyson
May 23, 2025
Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and can be a busy weekend, especially with all the cemetery services, decorating graves, picnics, and other events.  It is a time to remember and pray for those brave men and women who sacrificed by laying down their lives for our country.  They inspire us to live with courage and gratitude, never forgetting the sacrifice they made for our freedom.
One Big Beautiful Bill is working its way through the U.S. legislature.  Kansans need the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, not only to keep our federal taxes lower but to also keep us from a massive state income tax increase.  Our state income taxes start with the federal adjusted gross income (AGI).  It’s not hard to see, a higher AGI means a higher baseline for state income taxes.  If this bill doesn’t become law, it will be a drastic tax increase.
There are other items in the One Big Beautiful Bill besides tax policy, including Medicaid work requirements for able bodied individuals without children under 7.  Dr. Oz recently reported over $14 billion in Medicaid fraud.  The changes in the bill are an attempt to stop fraud and abuse.  The bill also has funding to build the wall and increase border security.  The legislation is posted at https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text/.
K-12 Funding has been a topic discussed for years.  With spending increases over the years, the money still doesn’t get to the teachers and classrooms.  From 2020 to 2024, it was reported the statewide average spending per pupil increased $3,476, from $14,848 to $18,324.  It is the largest expenditure in the state budget and increasing spending isn’t helping.  An Education Funding Task Force has been established to do a deep dive on K-12 funding.  The task force is made up of legislators and lay people.  A post-audit report completed in 2022 by a non-partisan group reported that only about 1/3 of students met state standards in three major subjects. It’s also been reported that school districts have over $1 billion in cash reserves.  Hopefully, the task force will consider how the money is being spent and managed.
Property Taxes are too high.  The valuation process is broken and subjective.  The burden to prove the valuation is not accurate is on the taxpayer.  Many say the valuation is based on fair market value.  How fair is it that you are paying a tax on unrealized gains?  You don’t pay income tax on estimated future earnings or sales tax on what you think the product will sell for, but you pay property taxes based on an estimated value.  The Senate passed a Constitutional Amendment to limit taxable valuation increases to a maximum of 3% each year (SCR 1603), but it stalled in the House.  This would help stop the bleed on a broken system.  It needs to pass next session so we can get it on the ballot for voters to pass it to become law.
Have a good summer.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae.

The water recreation season in Kansas officially runs from April 1 to Oct. 31, as do the harmful algae blooms (HAB) response program’s active operations. Kansans should remain vigilant while engaging in activities taking place in or on the water, such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

A HAB may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g., direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported as soon as possible at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.

Active Advisories

Warning

  • Augusta Santa Fe Lake, Butler County (Added May 23)
  • Frazier Lake, Grant County
  • Gathering Pond, Geary County
Watch

  • Marion Reservoir, Marion County (Added May 23)
  • Pony Creek lake, Brown County (Added May 23)

Lifted

  • Council Grove City Lake, Morris County
  • Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter

Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

I hope you’re enjoying a safe and restful Memorial Day Weekend. Though many of us will be relaxing over the long weekend, it’s important to remember what we’re commemorating.

 

Freedom is not free, and it’s imperative we never forget the millions of Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our liberties. Our nation owes them an eternal debt of gratitude.

 

Last week, the House passed President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. This is a significant accomplishment and represents a major step toward getting our country back on the right track.

 

Though that was the big news out of Washington last week, I also introduced my first piece of legislation as a U.S. Representative, aimed at protecting taxpayers from frivolous lawsuits.

Getting America Back on Track

Last week, the House passed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

 

This bill delivers much of President Trump’s America First agenda, which a large majority of Kansans in our district favor. After a long negotiation process, we passed a legislative package that features major wins for middle-class Kansans, small businesses, and family farms.

 

Some of the wins we secured include:

Notably, we strengthened federal safety net programs by requiring healthy, able-bodied adults to work to receive public benefits and enforcing the prohibition on illegal aliens receiving public benefits. We also increased payments to rural hospitals and other healthcare providers in states like Kansas that declined to expand Medicaid under Obamacare.

 

Additionally, we fulfilled several of our important promises to the American people, including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on car loans to buy American-made vehicles, and tax relief for seniors who receive Social Security.

 

This bill is not perfect; no legislation is. Our gross national debt now surpasses $36 trillion and there is much more work to be done to adequately reduce our level of federal spending, but this is a start. In fact, this legislation represents the largest reduction of federal spending growth in U.S. history.

 

I will continue working to cut spending, reduce deficits, and institute financially responsible policies until we can fully back our nation away from the fiscal cliff we’re looking over. Failure to do so would be a disaster for generations of Kansans to come; that’s not a risk I’m willing to take.

Mourning a Tragic Loss of Life

Like many Kansans, I was horrified to learn two Israeli Embassy staffers were murdered on Wednesday evening in a horrific act of terror. ​Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were a young couple with their entire lives ahead of them, gunned down in cold blood by a radicalized criminal. Their deaths are particularly painful for Kansas: Sarah is from Johnson County and graduated from the University of Kansas.

 

Their murder was an antisemitic act of hatred carried out against the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Plain and simple. Earlier this month, I joined my colleagues on the House Floor to celebrate May as Jewish American Heritage Month, where I stressed the importance of elected officials, community leaders, and everyday Americans calling out and rejecting antisemitism and hatred.

Video

Wednesday night’s act of terror is – unfortunately – not an isolated incident. Our nation has seen a sharp and extremely concerning rise in antisemitic incidents over the past two years. It’s never been more important to vocally and forcefully support the Jewish people and our ally Israel.

Protecting Taxpayers from Unlawful Injunctions

In March, President Trump issued a memorandum directing federal agency heads to enforce existing federal court rules that require parties seeking injunctions to be completely liable for the cost of these injunctions if they’re found to be wrongful. Though the rules already exist in federal court, they aren’t always enforced. My legislation would mandate enforcement.

 

Several weeks ago, I supported legislation to limit the use of nationwide injunctions, ensuring this extraordinary tool is used as it’s intended: rarely. While my legislation applies to all injunctions filed against the federal government, the principle remains the same: no single person or organization should be able to weaponize our judicial system to grind the gears of self-government to a halt and waste an enormous amount of taxpayer dollars over a policy disagreement.

Far too often, activist groups shop their case around the federal court system until they find a judge who they believe will rule favorably. These judges are often part of the courts that don’t enforce these rules. With this legislation, we’re aiming to reform that vulnerable part of our judicial system to protect Americans’ tax dollars from frivolous injunctions.

 

Thank you to my colleague Harriet Hageman from Wyoming for joining me on this important effort!

Weekly Visitors

Thank you to the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, and Kansas House Majority Leader Chris Croft for visiting with me in Washington last week! I also received the official seal of the United States Marine Corps to display in my office; the Army, of course, was the first to send their seal.

The One Big Beautiful Bill now heads to the Senate. Following passage there, the two chambers will come together to reconcile differences in the bill and send it to the President’s desk.

 

In the meantime, Congress will turn our attention to codifying President Trump’s executive orders, particularly the commonsense border security measures he’s put into place. The American people made it clear they want change in Washington; we’re working to institute it.