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Fort Scott, Government

FS Water Distribution Chlorine Burnout Starts July 28

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The City of Fort Scott Water Utility will be initiating a free chlorine burnout of the water distribution system starting Monday, July 28, 2025, and ending as soon as a free chlorine residual is established
throughout the entire system, approximately 2 (two) weeks.

This burnout is necessary maintenance of the water distribution system, which will help maintain State standards for disinfection residual levels and maintain the high quality of water that you have come to expect.

Occasionally, during this process, customers may temporarily experience low pressures, taste or odors, discolored water, or even some sediment in their water.

We do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Any questions, concerns, or comments are welcome.

Please contact the Water Treatment Plant at 223-5160 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. Monday
through Friday.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Youth

Parent Empowerment Circle Sunday, July 27, 2025

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Would anyone like to volunteer to bring snacks for this meeting?   
**You may want to bring your own snacks if your kids will want some.** Thanks!
 
 
Parent Empowerment Circle
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Agenda
1:30 PM – Sign the attendance sheet and get name tag
1:30-1:45 PM – Meet and Greet Time with other attendees
1:45 PM – Round table introductions:  Please briefly introduce yourself, why you are attending today and what you hope to gain from coming to this meeting.  Please share a recent “WIN” that you are positive about.
2:00 PM – July Meeting: “Dealing with Discouragement”, guest speaker – Candy Turner
3:00 PM to 3:15 PM –
August Meeting: meet up at splash pad for a fun day, bring your own snacks, water to drink and lawn chairs.  Invite friends!
September Meeting: “IEP’s and 504’s”, guest speaker – Tonya Barnes
October meeting:  TBA
Other questions, comments, suggestions
3:15 PM – Dismiss meeting but you are welcome to chat with other attendees
3:15 PM to 3:30 PM – Clean up space and leave building
Next meeting:  August 24, 2025, 1:30-3:30 PM at the Splash Pad, The Gathering Pavilion, North National, Fort Scott.
Cherri Walrod
Community Health Worker
K-State Research and Extension Southwind District
620-223-3720, ext. 503
Opinion

Letter to The Editor: Randy Nichols

11 Comments

Caring for others

The United States is the richest nation in the world and we, the people, have historically supported programs to care for the less fortunate, underserved, desperate people of the world.  In the dysfunction of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) dismantling of USAID, the shelf life of five hundred metric tons of life saving high energy biscuits expired. All five hundred tons were taken off the shelf and destroyed.  Because of this, starving people, mostly children, will suffer and some will die.  Their families will grieve.  We should grieve with them.

Some USAID programs were to be shifted to the State Department.  The Secretary of State told congress that how these programs were instituted would reflect the priorities of this administration.  Abandoning desperate people is not government efficiency or even good foreign policy. It is moral bankruptcy and greed conceived and supported at the highest levels of our government.  This is not the way to make America great.  Is this what you voted for?

Randy Nichols

 

Uncategorized

The Comparison Game by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Last week, we looked at Samson, the man who began the work of deliverance for Israel from the Philistines but never saw its completion. His legacy would not be related to his leadership abilities but rather to his inability to recognize women who manipulated.

Most of us, thankfully, have not betrayed our spouses as Samson’s wives did.  However, before we come down too hard on them, we must realize that too many married partners are master manipulators who use looks, threats, paybacks, pouts, tears, or anger if they don’t get their way.  Many are so effective at pouting or verbal chastisement that the spouse tiptoes around them in an effort to avoid their partner’s wrath.  Household, vacation, and child-rearing decisions are made simply to have “peace at all costs.”

Professional baseball gave me an opportunity to watch as big bucks passed hands to assuage the athletes’ guilt for the long road trips they endured.  Diamonds got bigger.  Furs got furrier.  Purses and shoes got matchier. (You get the point).

Even if you, the reader, are not guilty of resorting to manipulative tactics, chances are you know people who are.  Perhaps you will recognize a few of their behaviors in the following category of comparisons.

You have a tummy ache?  I’ll have diverticulitis.  After all, it’s all about me.  Comparisons are typically directed at, and intended for, our spouse:

  • “Sally’s husband is so romantic. Did I tell you what he did for her last weekend?”
  • “I’ve never seen anyone who does more around the house than Karen’s husband.”
  • “Hey, Mark, I heard that you just bought your wife a new car. You must be doing very well.” (said, of course, in front of your husband)

This has to be one of the easiest forms of manipulation.  A few words here, a few words there, and shazam! Suddenly we’ve planted some incredible seeds by which our spouses should measure their performance.  And even if we have convinced ourselves we do not intend to compare (probably a lie), even if we have not one critical bone in our body and sincerely mean to compliment (probably another lie), what good do those comments do?

Put the shoe on the other foot.  Any time our spouses are foolish enough to single out someone of our gender and praise his/her looks or behavior, we probably are a wee bit offended. Rarely (if ever) would we celebrate with them the beauty or accomplishments of this other person.  Can’t you hear it?  “Oh, honey, I agree.  Colleen has lost so much weight I hardly recognized her.  I think I’ll just get a few dozen Krispy Kremes and celebrate her success!

I don’t think there is a person alive who has not compared him/herself to others at one point or another.  She is prettier.  He is stronger.  She is smarter.  He is more spiritual.  Our nature is to see how we measure up.  That is a problem.  But it’s a bigger problem when we have a twinge of delight when we find that we have it a little better than they do.  Sadly, there is no win in comparison.

When we look at Philippians 2:3 (“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves”), we are reminded of the need to be humble enough to acknowledge others’ strengths and be delighted God has gifted them with gifts we need to appreciate, not covet.  Samson learned the hard way.  Let us not be as foolish as he.

Area News, Food

SEKAAA Awarded Grant For 60+ Nutrition Program

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Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging announces they have been awarded a grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas for its 60+ Nutrition Program.

“In the last year, we have added two meal sites where people can get a tasty, healthy meal and visit with friends. Since 2022, the attendance at meal sites has doubled”, says Stacy Dickerhoof, Associate Director, “this is giving us the good problem of needing more utensils, glasses, and bowls to serve the food. We appreciate the Community Foundation supporting our seniors.”

Sometimes called Meals on Wheels, 60+ Nutrition serves a 9-county area and is a combination of home delivery, congregate meals sites, and restaurants.

The purpose of the program is to promote the general health and well-being of older Kansans. Participants are asked to provide a donation, but inability to donate does not prevent anyone from receiving a meal.

 

“Our seniors really enjoy having a place to go have a meal and see friends.”, says Tabitha Torres, Nutrition Coordinator. Sixty-three percent of SEKAAA 60+ Nutrition program participants report they eat alone most of the time. The National Institute on Aging has identified that social isolation increases health risk, such as high blood pressure, depression, and cognitive decline. “The meal is important, but we have found that participants find getting together with friends is just as important,” reports Torres.

 

For more information on SEKAAA 60+ Nutrition Program, please visit www.sekaaa.com or call 620-431-2980 for more information.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott July 25 Edition

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! July 25th Weekly Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset

** Guided tours Saturday & Sunday 10am & 1pm! **

Click HERE to visit the website.

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

Fort Scott Farmers Market

Saturdays | 8am-noon & Tuesdays | 4-6pm

Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am-4pm

Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.

620-231-4250

FS Public Library

*Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm

*Summer Reading June 3rd – July 29th!

201 S. National Ave.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9am-4pm.

Dolly Trolley Historic 50-min narrated tours!

Adults $6 | Children 12&under $4

Call 620-223-3566 or stop in the Chamber at

231 E. Wall St. to book your ride!

Fort Scott Aquatic Center

Opens Memorial Day, May 26th

Monday – Saturday

Public Swim: 1-5:15pm

Adult/Family Swim :5:30-7pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3pm & 5:15pm

Sunday

Public Swim: 1-6pm

Adult/Family Swim: 4:45-6pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3 & 4:30pm

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

UPCOMING EVENTS

7/24-26 ~ 9:45am-1pm | Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church

“The Romans Road” God’s Path to Life with HIM!

Saturday School Supply Giveaway!

123 Scott Ave.

Click HERE for First Baptist FS Facebook Page!

7/25 ~ 9am | 31st Annual Chamber Golf Classic

Woodland Hills Golf Course

7/25 ~ 1-4pm | Aging Forward

First United Methodist Church in Fellowship Hall

Join us for our next “Adventures in Learning!” session for retired adults. This session will feature Trent Freeman from The Artificers!

Canceled – will be rescheduled at a later date

7/25 ~ | Homemade Hot Sundae Cooking Class with Miss Rachel for Ages

at The Kitchen C+C

Click HERE to register!

Noon-1pm Little Chefs

1-2:30pm Junior Chefs

7/26 ~ Kansas Rocks – Newbie Women Wheelers Basic Skills Course

2051 130th St., Mapleton, KS

7/26 ~ 9am-12pm | Summer Arts & Crafts Class: Bullfrogs & Crawdad Replica Mounts brought to you by Tanners Wildlife Artistry, LLC

306 E. 23rd St., Fort Scott, KS

$55/child (limited to 6 participants)

Perfect for ages 6-12

Register 620-238-1382

7/26 ~ 10am-2pm | FSCC Cosmetology Car Wash Fundraiser

FSCC Cosmo Building

7/26 ~ 5pm | 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway hosted by First Presbyterian Church

Zimmerman Hall – 308 S. Crawford St.

Enjoy food and drinks & Movie night! Shrek 2

7/26 ~ 7-10pm | Morgan Rohr LIVE at Sharky’s Fort Scott!

7/26 ~ 6-8pm | Member Appreciation Dinner at The Elks

Members & their guests

7/27 ~ 1:30-3:30pm | Parent Empowerment Circle: Dealing with Discouragement

Find hope, help, tools, resources, and support close to home

First Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main St.

7/29 ~ 11:45am-1pm | HR Roundtable hosted by the Chamber

Speaker Erin Sholz of Labconco Corporate will discuss recruiting followed by an open discussion on retention

Labconco, 2500 Liberty Bell Rd.

Click HERE to Register & order lunch for $10. You may also bring your own lunch!

7/30 ~ | Par-Tee Girls – Women’s Golf League

End of Season Tournament, Banquet, & Awards

Woodland Hills Golf Course

7/31 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee hosted by

Twister Trailer

400 N National Ave.

8/1 ~ 4-7pm | Nevada Pizza Hut popping up in Fort Scott G&W Parking Lot, 911 E. 6th St.

$11 Large 1 topping pizzas *Cheese *Pepperoni *Pork *Beef

$15 Special Requests

 Click HERE to order your special request pizza.

*Special orders should be planned to be picked up at 4PM on the Day of the event so we can guarantee it is High Quality we strive to provide. ( If a number can’t be reached, the order will be canceled before the event day)

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Obituary

Obituary of John Sackett

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John Sackett, age 65, passed away on Tuesday, July 22nd at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. John was born in Fort Scott, Kansas to William (Jim) and Mary Sackett (Monroe).

John enlisted in the Army in 1977. When he stepped onto the bus to travel to Fort Polk, Louisiana for boot camp, he looked back at that moment as the most defining decision of his life. His military career took him to Germany, where in 1980 he wed Margaret Anderson, Texas, Korea, Colorado, New York, (back to) Germany, and then returning to Kansas to finish his service at Ft. Riley, KS, retiring in 1998.

In 2002, John moved to Oklahoma for a supervisor position with the Transportation Security Administration after 9/11. In 2005, he married Christie (Borggren) and they made their home in Blackwell, Oklahoma. There they would host get-togethers where John would break out his DJ skills, vast music knowledge, and congregate with good friends. In 2007 John became a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service until his retirement in November 2019. As a mail carrier, he became the family’s weather/news man. John had numerous friends, many from his youth at Country Kitchen to his Ft. Riley group.

It has been said that John was everyone’s best friend.

John is survived by his wife Christie, daughter Jennifer Thurston (Justin) of Fort Scott, Kansas; daughter Mary Larsen (Chris) also of Fort Scott, Kansas; and son Ian Sackett of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Surviving siblings include brother Jim (Gayle) of Fort Scott, and sisters Jane Burgess (Bob) of Ponca City, OK, and Judy Wilmoth (Jerry) of Webb City, MO.

He has seven grandchildren: Jordan, Madi, Emily, Ryann, Sarina, Owen, and Chance, all of Fort Scott, KS; numerous nieces and nephews; and three godchildren: Deklan, Dawsen, and Kynleigh Moore.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday July 30th at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm the evening before at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Government

Kansas Federal Disaster Declaration Includes Bourbon County

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President Trump Approves Request for
Major Presidential Disaster Declaration

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that President Donald Trump has granted her June 17 request for a federal disaster declaration for the state due to damages caused by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of May 18-19, 2025. Multiple counties sustained damage to utility infrastructure, roads, bridges, and some government-owned buildings.

“I thank President Trump for approving my request for federal disaster assistance,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The rural communities and small towns impacted by this severe weather are the heartbeat of our state. With these additional resources, my administration will continue our commitment to ensure these communities can rebuild and thrive.”

The declaration allows state and local levels of government, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations that provide vital and essential services, such as rural electric cooperatives, to apply for Public Assistance funds for emergency and permanent work for the repair or replacement of infrastructure damaged by the disaster.

The counties named in the declaration are Bourbon, Cheyenne, Edwards, Gove, Kiowa, Logan, Pratt, Reno, Scott, Sheridan, and Stafford counties.

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Bourbon County, Schools, Youth

SparkWheel- Sparking Success for Students in Uniontown Receives Grant

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CFSEK Awards $180,000 in 2025 General Funds Grants

Since 2001, the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) General Funds grant cycle has been making a difference across the region. This year is no different, with $180,000 granted to 68 organizations in 20 towns across 10 SEK counties for projects in the focus areas of Arts & Culture, Basic Human Needs, and Youth Activities. Since 2001, the CFSEK General Funds grant cycle has awarded over $2,100,000 in competitive grants across SEK!

“Our General Funds grant cycle is always a highlight for us because it allows us to support all of Southeast Kansas,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “Our review committee has the opportunity to evaluate proposals from so many different communities, each with their own unique needs. We are proud to support these wonderful organizations that work hard to improve our region.”

This year’s recipients are:

Arts & Culture

  • Altamont Flag Day INC- Bringing Art and Culture to Altamont Flag Day 2026
  • Cato Historical Preservation Association, Inc.- Cato Celebration for Kids (Cato Kids Day)
  • First Baptist Church Riverton- BE THE ART
  • Josiah Fletcher Foundation- Josiah Fletcher Jazz Camp Theme
  • Northeast Unified School District #246- Less Stress Through Crafting
  • Oswego Historical Society- Historic Arts Workshop Series for Youth
  • Safe Families for Children- Support Through Reading

Basic Human Needs

  • Building Health, Inc.- Unlocking Home
  • Caney Valley Agape Network, Inc.- Family Crisis Intervention
  • Care Cupboard Hygiene Pantry- Hygiene for Hope
  • Catholic Charities Inc.- Housing and Homeless Services
  • Catholic Diocese of Wichita – The Lord’s Diner-Pittsburg- Healthy Bodies, Healthy Living
  • Cherokee County Health Department- Good Night, Sleep Tight, Protecting Babies, With All of Our Might
  • CLASS LTD- Client Emergency Assistance Fund
  • Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas- SEK Diaper Stock
  • Cornerstones of Care- Stopping the Spiral
  • Crosstimbers Food Pantry Association- Cooking on a Budget with Shelf Stable Foods
  • DBLO Association- No Longer Sleeping on the Floor for SEK Children
  • Dream Center of the 4 States- Help and Hope Community Meal Project
  • Family Resource Center, Inc.- Detection and Prevention of Bed Bugs in Cherokee and Crawford Counties
  • First Baptist Church Riverton- Share with Love Food Pantry
  • First United Methodist Church Wesley House- One Monty Supply for Food Pantry
  • Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries- Restore
  • Foster Adopt Connect, Inc.- Family Stabilization Assistance
  • Habitat for Humanity of Crawford County KS, Inc- Handicap Accessible Ramps for Two Crawford County Families
  • Homer Cole Community Center Inc- Height Matters…
  • Hospital District 1 Crawford County Foundation- Pressure Check: Expanding Access to Home Blood Pressure Monitoring
  • Integrated Behavioral Technologies, Inc- Acquisition of Needed Assessments and Program Materials for SEK Autism Program
  • Labette County Emergency Assistance Center- Emergency funds for Labette County Residents
  • Mosaic- Making Healthy Lives Happen for People with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities in SE KS
  • Outside the Wire Veterans Foundation- Unit Reunification and Mental Health Wellness retreat
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States- Meeting Basic Human Needs for Families with Hospitalized Children
  • Safehouse Crisis Center, Inc- Soles for Survivors
  • SE Kansas Women Helping Women- Basic Needs
  • Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging- 60+ Nutrition Kitchen Upgrades
  • Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center- Assertive Community Treatment
  • Southwind Extension Education Foundation Inc- Libraries with Heart: Empowering Rural Communities to Take Charge of their heart Health
  • Stay Strong Live Long Wilson County- Free Community Baby Shower

Youth Activities

  • Arma Rec- Arma Rec Free Signup for Basketball and 2 New Goals
  • Caney Valley Agape Network, Inc.- At-Risk Youth Support
  • Care to Share Cancer Support Group of Bourbon County, Kansas, Inc.- FortFest 25
  • Chanute Public Library- Literacy4Littles
  • City of Mulberry- New Playground Equipment for Park
  • City of Pittsburg – Memorial Auditorium- 2025/2026 School Outreach Series
  • City of West Mineral, Kansas- A Gathering Place for All
  • Compass Academy Network, Inc.- Pitsco Modules at Compass Academy Network in SEK, 2026
  • Curious Minds Discovery Zone, Inc.- Exploration Through Energy Release
  • Families and Children Together Inc.- Autism Safe and Play
  • Fostering Connections- Teen Impact Events
  • Frontenac USD 249- Next Gen Assembly at Frontenac USD 250
  • Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland- First Aid and Safety Fair
  • Inspire Health Foundation, Inc.- Inspire Health Careers
  • Kids First Daycare- New Playground Equipment
  • Learning Tree Institute at Greenbush- Interactive Video Wall
  • Miners Hall Museum Foundation- Franklin Community Park Playground Improvements
  • Oswego Historical Society- Voices of Oswego: Youth Oral History Recording and Digital Access Project
  • Our Lady of Lourdes Parish/St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic Schools- Playground Fun
  • Ozark Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America- Ozark Trails Council Recruitment Activity Materials
  • Pittsburg Kiwanis Club (Noon)- Kiwanis Park Improvements
  • Reach One Teach One Foundation- Youth QPR Suicide Prevention Training
  • SEK Running Camp- The Running Camp
  • SparkWheel- Sparking Success for Students in Uniontown
  • Special Olympics Kansas- Unified Games in Southeast Kansas
  • Spring River Mental Health and Wellness- Pathfinders 2025-2026
  • The Foster Closet, Inc.- Family Enrichment Events
  • The Salvation Army- Gifting Indoor & Outdoor Play Items
  • USD 257- Writing Our Way Out: Publishing Youth Perspectives in Allen County
  • Victory Life Church- Back2School Event 2025

CFSEK also granted $5,000 for youth activities to each of its affiliate foundations in Columbus, Fort Scott, and Girard.

CFSEK would like to congratulate this year’s recipients and thank them for their work in Southeast Kansas every day, making this a great place to call home.