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All posts by Submitted Story
Bourbon County Arts Council – Bad Art by Good People 2025 On November 13
The Bourbon County arts Council would like to invite you to join them in celebrating creativity in our community at this year’s “Bad Art by Good People” Fundraising Event and Auction, this Thursday November 13th, at 7 pm at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center in Fort Scott.
The first “Bad Art” Event was held in 2013. This year’s auction will be the 7th of its kind, with 19 “artists” participating. Since that first auction, 145 community members have donated their time and creative energy (with a bit of humility) to this project, where individuals are given a canvas and asked to create an original piece of art. The BCAC provides “Mentoring Workshops” with the help of local artists, to provide inspiration and technical advice to those partaking.
This year’s artists include Thyra Babcock, Joshua Baseley, Carissa Bowman, Teresa Davenport, Vance Eden, Reverand Christopher Eshelman, Cassi Farmer, Carson Felt, Yolanda Gray Furman, Reverand Sarah Gengler, Britney Halsey, David McCord, Rita Schroeder, Angie Simon, Summer (Buerge) Timperley, Susan Townley, Kate Williams, Karen Wilterding, and Hunter Witt.
The event will begin at 7:00pm, with viewing and voting for this year’s “Best Bad Artist”. The winner of this award will receive a certificate for $50.00 in Chamber Bucks, which can be spent at any of over 60 local retailers. Auctioneer Marty Read will conduct the sale at 7:30, and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Bad Art by Good People is one way that the BCAC attempts to fulfill its mission to “foster, promote and increase the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts” in our community. The funds raised are used to support local students, by donating annually to “Project Art” at Fort Scott Middle School and providing scholarships to high school seniors in Bourbon County who will be pursuing art related majors in college. This year, the BCAC provided scholarships for the Children’s Camp at the Artificers Gallery and contributed to the Gordon Parks Celebration; they also hosted three Patio Concerts at Crooners and their Membership Drive Concert featuring Barnaby Bright at the Liberty Theater. The BCAC will host its 34th Annual Fine Arts Exhibit, for local and regional artists, from March 5th through the 14th 2026 at the Ellis Family Fine arts Center.
The Bourbon County Arts Council is comprised of the following Board members: Deb Halsey, President, Lucy Gladbach, Vice-President, Terri Floyd, Treasurer, and Steve Floyd, Secretary, as well as former President Deb Anderson, Sheryl Bloomfield, Elaine Buerge, Trent Freeman, Kelly Nelson, Ron Query, and Robin Whitlock.
Again, come out and enjoy an evening of original art, and cast your vote for this year’s “Best Bad Artist”!
Kiwanis Pioneers Host Drive Through Chili Feed Fundraiser is November 18
With November comes cooler weather and thoughts of piping hot comfort food. The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers stands ready to dish up some warm satisfying fare as they hold their 37th annual Chili Feed on Tuesday, November 18th at the First United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott. A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $8.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door.
This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year. In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, Foster Kids, CORE, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs. “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Kiwanis Pioneer President Kelley Collins.
“The annual fundraiser will be drive through only.” according to Collins. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.
Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.
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Teddy Roosevelt Living History Performance Corrected Date is November 20
Pittsburg, KS – The Stilwell Heritage and Education Foundation invites the community to an evening with America’s most dynamic president, Theodore Roosevelt, brought vividly to life through a captivating living-history performance on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in the Timmons Ballroom at the Stilwell Hotel, 707 N. Broadway, Pittsburg, Kansas.
Obituary of Janet Irby Braun
Janet Irby Braun (1941-2025)
Janet Irby Braun, 84, of Fort Scott, KS passed into eternal life at the University of Kansas Medical Center on Friday, November 7, 2025. She was born in Oklahoma City, OK on March 28, 1941 to Dr. Pratt and Pauline Robinson Irby.
She grew up in Fort Scott as the proud big sister of Robert and Mary. The siblings enjoyed traveling with their family and doting on their beloved dog, Annie. Janet enjoyed being a Rainbow Girl, acting in plays, and serving as a Fort Scott High School class officer for the class of 1959. She attended Baker University where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta, starring in several theatre productions and earning her degree in elementary education in 1963. She later earned her Masters in Special Education at the University of Kansas in 1966.
Janet and her former spouse, Edward Braun, raised three children together: Becky, Ted, and Mac, living first in Durham, NC, then St. Louis, MO, then Orlando, FL, and finally Fort Scott, KS. Janet loved being a mom and was known for transporting her kids and all their friends in her famous red van to all kinds of activities including dance lessons, baseball games, swim team practices, golf lessons, and play practices.
Janet was a caring and compassionate special education teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School. She loved supporting her students and helping them soar. She rooted for every student during their time in her classroom and loved staying in touch with them as they grew up. She won the Kansas Special Education Teacher of the Year award in 2001.
Janet loved everything about living in Fort Scott. She was known for her philanthropy, service, and friendship in her beloved hometown. She was a member of the U234 School Board from 2003 to 2019, serving as president from 2012 to 2014. She was on the Good Ol’ Days Steering Committee from its inception. She was also a founding board member of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation and served as Chairperson from 2007 to 2013, and has been a board member from 2019 to the present. Her faith was important to her as a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church. There, Janet was a member of the Memorials Committee and was Secretary of the Administrative Board. She served on the Visioning A Healthier Bourbon County Board as well as the Children’s Advocacy Board in Pittsburg. She was a member of the Fort Scott Rotary Club, serving on the Rotary Board. She was proud to be named the Rotarian of the year in 2008, 2010, and 2019. A member of the Bourbon County Garden Club, her home was on the Secret Garden Tour in 2009. She was the Bourbon County Representative on the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Board. She also served on the Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee, and won the Keystone Award in 2010 and the Chamber of Commerce Community Spirit Award in 2018. She recently celebrated her 61st anniversary of membership in the PEO sisterhood. She was also the winner of the Wal-Mart Citizenship Award in 1997.
Janet loved spending time with her eight grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Nana.” She was their biggest cheerleader, and attended many musicals, awards ceremonies, and gymnastics meets with bells on. Later in life, she supported all of her grandchildren’s endeavors virtually. In recent months, Janet loved visiting individually with each of her grandchildren.
Janet was a connoisseur of all things Broadway and enjoyed many trips to New York City. She loved gardening, tending to her backyard oasis at 1606 Clairmont Street as well as her pink mums at the Presbyterian Village. She enjoyed travels to Ireland, Switzerland, England, and Greece. She also enjoyed volunteering as a costumer for productions at FSCC and in the community.
She is survived by her loving family: daughter Becky and (Pat) Hulla and their children Brendan, Katie, Kellen and Ryan of Overland Park, KS, son Dr. Ted Braun and (Karen) Braun and their daughters Rachel and Allie of Leawood, KS, and son Mac and (Jodi) Braun and their children Emily (Justus) and Nick of Gilbert, AZ. She is also survived by her brother Robert Irby of Faribault, MN and a sister, Mary Rio of Austin, TX, and a niece, Jessica Rio, and her daughters, Paulina and Sofia, of Austin, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Pratt and Pauline Robinson Irby, and her dear friend Jackie Webster.
Janet is missed already by her friends and family. Her family would like to thank all of her caregivers and friends at the Presbyterian Village for everything they did to support her in her later years.
Funeral services for Janet Irby Braun will be on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott with Pastor Christopher Eshelman officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral beginning at 11:00 a.m. The burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation and sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
“Sunrise, sunset. Sunrise, sunset. Swiftly fly the years one season following another, laden with happiness and tears.”
CHC/SEK Names New Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer: Ashley Hopkins
CHC/SEK Names Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer
PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce Ashley Hopkins has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer.
Hopkins joined the CHC/SEK team in January 2023 as the Vice President of Human Resources. She has more than 10 years of experience in human resources and has served more than 19 years in the healthcare industry. Hopkins also currently serves as a STARS board member. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from Pittsburg State University.
“During her tenure at CHC/SEK, Ashley has been instrumental in the complete reorganization of our human resources division,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer. “She has spearheaded a variety of initiatives including improving recruitment and benefits, maximizing our payroll system, simplifying and tracking staff education, and increasing employee engagement.”
In her new role, Hopkins will continue to oversee the human resources division. Her new responsibilities will include serving on the CHC/SEK leadership team, participating in the Board of Directors meetings, and serving as coordinator of the Board’s personnel committee.
“Our staff is our greatest asset,” said Postai. “It is imperative we have HR in the room during all key organizational decisions.”
“I’m excited to expand my role within CHC/SEK. Growing with an organization that empowers HR to be more than just completing tasks and checking boxes is truly inspiring,” said Hopkins. “Our team remains focused on supporting employees at every stage of their careers as well as strengthening the culture that makes CHC/SEK such a special place to work. When we take better care of our employees, they can focus more on the quality, compassionate care they are known for.”
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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports November 12
Minutes of the USD234 Board of Education Meeting New Release on November 10
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, November 10, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at Fort Scott Middle School
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
10-13-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – October 20, 2025 – $1,826,376.48
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Resolution 25-13 Add Bank Signers
FCA Fundraising Application
Orchestra Fundraising Application
Choir Fundraising Application
DJ Brown, Middle School Principal, and a couple from his team were able to present to the Board. Travis Wilcoxen, SPED teacher, gave a report about Special Olympics. Track & Field, Basketball, Bowling, and Corn hole are a few of the events that the students have been participating in. Tracy Homan, Language Arts Teacher, is working with Student council and Leadership Class students. They are focusing on creating a positive school culture where students enjoy coming to school. They also will be attending Leadership and Team Building at Greenbush throughout the year. Matt Harris, Assistant Principal, explained about the advisory period schedule. This is designed to specifically help students in ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science. The teachers can work directly with students on skills that will help keep them on grade level. They have seen great growth with this program. Mr. Brown informed on the Veteran’s Day program the Middle School will be having on Wednesday. He also explained that a major goal for the school is building relationships between staff and students. The staff is working great together to make sure each student is involved and has someone they can turn to.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided information on the completed financial audit and the upcoming KSDE audit. Mr. Mayfield is working on several grants that will help offset some costs with the Preschool and the CTE program.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on the Veterans’ Day Assemblies that will be held throughout the district on Tuesday and Wednesday. He also updated on iReady testing and other training that has been taking place.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes praised the SPED team and informed the Board of future planning for transitioning students between buildings.
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
November 10, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Hazen, Clint – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Jackman, Sara – Supplemental Resignation – History Club – High School
Mitchell, Jacqui – Supplemental Resignation – PBIS – Winfield Scott
Pearson, Vanessa – Resignation – Paraprofessional – KRI
LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
Nation, Laura – LOA – Winfield Scott
TRANSFER:
Brown, Jodi – Speech Pathologist – .5 to .75
Whitt, Derrick – ISS Supervisor – High School to Alternative School Director
EMPLOYMENT:
Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:
Brown, Khya – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Isaac, Britney – Paraprofessional – High School
Khang, Julianne – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Lail, Brandon – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:
Allen, Brian – History Club – High School
Bowels, Kendall – PBIS – Winfield Scott
Coyan, Paula – Assistant Softball – High School
Hartman, Heather – Assistant Softball – High School
Nelson, Andrew – PBIS – Eugene Ware
Nickelson, Aaron – Assistant Softball – High School
Norris, Danielle – PBIS – Eugene Ware
Whitt, Derrick – Assistant Girl’s Basketball – High School
FROM THE BLEACHERS BY DR. JACK WELCH
FROM THE BLEACHERS
BY DR. JACK WELCH
Leadership and Design
Whether on the field or in the classroom, success is never accidental. It’s the result of inspired leadership, intentional design, and a shared belief that great things are possible. That’s when the magic happens, programs are reborn, people begin to believe again, and winning becomes more than a goal; it becomes a culture. It is designed.
Over the years of writing From the Bleachers, I’ve had the privilege of serving in many administrative and leadership roles. Each has taught me to be thoughtful about what I write. My columns are never meant to carry hidden messages, but now and then, colleagues or employees have wondered if I was referring to them. The truth is, any article about leadership touches us all in some way, and that’s really the point. Leadership affects everyone.
In my current role as a college president, I have the opportunity to work alongside talented and dedicated people. I’m fortunate to receive great ideas from them, and this week one stood out: leadership and design truly go hand in hand.
Why do programs fall, and how do they rise again? The answer often comes down to two things, leadership and design. Successful programs are built that way. Leadership provides the tools, people, and vision that form the foundation of success. When the right leader combines those tools with energy and expertise, even the most struggling program can come back to life.
One example comes from a Central Texas school district that had only a couple of winning seasons in thirty years. Then, a redesigned administrative approach and new leadership produced twenty winning seasons, eight district titles, and two state final appearances. Later, after a shift in administrative and board philosophy, the program cycled through four head coaches in six years and posted a record of 18–43, five straight losing seasons.
This school year, the district welcomed a new superintendent and several newly elected board members, marking the beginning of a redesigned philosophy and a fresh direction. One of the superintendent’s first moves was hiring former assistant Rodney Southern, a decision grounded in trust, alignment, and leadership. With one regular-season game remaining, the team stands at 7–2 and has earned a spot in the state playoffs. The stadium is full again, and the community’s excitement is unmistakable.
In addition, during the 2024–25 school year, the district faced a failed bond election. Under this new administration, transparent communication and a clear design for the district were shared with the community. The result: the bond has now passed.
This is what happens when leadership and design come together, confidence is restored, momentum builds, and communities move forward.
Thought for the Week, “Great leaders don’t just manage, they design. They build systems, empower the right people, and provide the tools for success.” Lindsay Hill, Fort Scott Community College Foundation Director
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
Bo. Co. Republicans Meet November 13
The Bourbon County Republican meeting will be Thursday, 11/13/25,at 6pm, at Fort Scott Community College- Bailey Hall.
Submitted by Kaety Bowers
K-146 to be closed Nov. 18 east of Walnut
K-146 to be closed Nov. 18 east of Walnut
WALNUT – K-146 east of Walnut will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 18, so a Kansas Department of Transportation crew can replace a drainage pipe under the highway.
The highway is expected to be closed just for the day, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., conditions permitting. The 24-inch pipe is located 4 miles west of the K-3 and K-146 junction in Crawford County. KDOT will close K-146 from the east city limits of Walnut to K-3.
KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/southeastnews.
Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda: Nov. 10, 2025
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary Agenda 11.10.25
Meeting Details
Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 Time: 5:30 PM Location: Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
I. Agenda Outline (Page 1)
I. Call Meeting to Order
- Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes (unofficial until approved)
- Meetings to be approved: 09.22.25, 09.23.25, 09.26.25, 09.29.25, 10.06.25, 10.14.25, 10.20.25, 10.22.25, 10.27.25
IV. Consent Agenda
- Approval of 10.31.25 Accounts Payable ($161,816.71)
- Approval of 10.31.25 Payroll ($243,122.51)
- Approval of 11.07.25 Accounts Payable ($88,471.66)
V. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VI. Old Business
- Sheriff Lease for Vehicles
- 2026 Benefits
- AP & Payroll approvals
- Sanitation Discussion
- Elevator Discussion
- Stop Sign removal north & southbound 205th & Overbrook
- 108 W 2nd Transition
- Emerson Payroll
- Noise Resolution
- Bitcoin
- Longevity
VII. New Business
- Letter of Support Tri-Valley
- Road Closure Application Patricia Daniels
- HR Assistant
- Evotech
- Baker Tilly
- Schwab-Eaton Engineering Services Agreement – Dustin Hall/Kenny Allen
VIII. Department Updates
IX. Build Agenda for following meeting
X. Commission Comments
XI. Adjournment
II. Detailed Information Packet Summary
Executive Sessions and Future Agenda Items (Page 2)
- Executive Sessions: Motions may be made to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel, consultation with an attorney, employer/employee negotiations, financial affairs or trade secrets, preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate, or matters relating to security measures.
- Future Agenda Items:
- Upcoming Dates: Credit Card Policy (11/17/25), 190th Street Benefit District (11/24/25, 12/01/25, 12/08/25).
- General Future: Economic Development, Juvenile Detention Contract (Spring 2026), Benefits Committee Letters, Elm Creek Quarry, Phone System.
Accounts Payable and Payroll Details (Pages 3-22)
The detailed Open Invoices By Department Summary provides the specifics behind the 10.31.25 Accounts Payable and Payroll items listed on the Consent Agenda.