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K-State Extension

Beyond the Bite: Understanding Ticks & Alpha-Gal

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Beyond the Bite Understanding Ticks & Alpha-Gal

Because one bite can change a life

Ticks are more than just a nuisance—they can carry diseases and,
in some cases, trigger long-term, life-altering health conditions
such as Alpha-Gal Syndrome. Join Southwind Extension to learn
how to protect your family and navigate life after an Alpha-Gal
diagnosis.

The program will feature two K-State experts:
Priscilla Brenes, MPH, Ph.D. will talk on how Alpha-Gal affects the body and nutritional strategies for managing life with AGS.

Raymond Cloyd, Ph.D. will talk on tick species, life cycles, and behavior, diseases associated with ticks, and prevention and personal protection tips

Whether you spend time outdoors for work, recreation, or everyday
life, this program offers practical, research-based information to
help reduce risk and increase awareness.

Monday, March 23
Fort Scott Community College
Ellis Meeting Rooms
6:00 p.m.
Call 620-244-3826 by March 20 to register.

K-State Extension

Biscuit Making Class Coming March 7

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Beyond the Box: Easy Biscuit Making

3.7.26 Ft. Scott Biscuit Flyer

Learn to make both drop and rolled biscuits while building
practical, from-scratch baking skills. This Southwind
Extension Food Volunteers class explores ingredient function,
simple techniques, and the benefits and tradeoffs of
homemade versus mix-based options.

Saturday, March 7, Noon – 2pm
First Southern Baptist Church
1818 S. Main in Fort Scott
$10 supplies fee

Contact Sandy Haggard to register:
620-365-2242 or [email protected]

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Choose Your Unsung Hero

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ARTEFFECT Competition
Steps to Participate
Step 1: Choose Your Unsung Hero
The 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition for middle and high school students is open through April 21, 2026! The first step for young artists in creating an ARTEFFECT submission is to select an LMC Unsung Hero—an individual who resonates as a role model.

The ARTEFFECT website now features an Unsung Heroes Role Models Interactive that encourages students to explore all LMC Unsung Heroes through a choice-based activity. Use this interactive to learn about what type of role model you would like to be and what Heroic Traits are most important to you!
Role Models Interactive
Still Time to Join!
Remembering the Holocaust Session
Tomorrow, February 18, 2026
4:00-5:15 PM Pacific Time
All educators are invited to join the next ARTEFFECT online session. Led by 2020 Nebraska Teacher of the Year and 2021 LMC Fellow Megan Helberg, this session explores best practices for guiding students in the creation of visual artworks representing stories of Unsung Heroes from the Holocaust and other genocides. All registrants will receive the lesson plan and recording. Attendees to the live session can receive a Certificate of Participation. Free to join—registration required. Learn more about the session and instructor.
Register Now
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Ashli Knoell, a S.T.E.A.M. + Robotics Teacher at V. Sue Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. Here is an excerpt from Ashli’s Capstone Project report:

“As students explored the lives and legacies of their Unsung Heroes, their creativity and excitement soared … In essence, the ARTEFFECT Project has become more than just an activity; it’s a transformative process that empowers students to merge creativity with problem-solving, developing them into well-rounded individuals ready to tackle complex problems in the real world.”

Congratulations to Ashli and her students at V. Sue Cleveland High School for their incredible ARTEFFECT projects!
Read more about Ashli’s capstone project
JOIN THE GROWING COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS:
ARTEFFECT Educators Facebook Group
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Celebrates Completion of 69Express Project in Overland Park

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Submitted photo. Governor Laura Kelly is second from right. The scene behind is a Hwy 69 Project poster.

Governor Kelly Celebrates Completion of 69Express Project in Overland Park


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly was joined by Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03), the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), local leaders, and state and local officials today in Overland Park to cut a ceremonial ribbon marking the opening of Kansas’ first express lanes on the U.S. 69 Express corridor. The project was among the first selected for funding under the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), a 10-year bipartisan initiative to modernize and expand Kansas’ transportation infrastructure.

KDOT’s $572 million design-build project, known as 69Express, included reconstruction of U.S. 69 in Overland Park, widening the highway with added express lanes – one northbound and one southbound between 103rd and 151st Streets – and interchange improvements at U.S. 69/167th Street.

The express lanes are scheduled to open to traffic on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.

“The launch of Kansas’ first express lanes is a huge win for infrastructure in our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This project represents a forward-thinking approach to reducing congestion immediately while building a foundation for Johnson County’s future economic growth.’’

More than 80,000 vehicles use the 69Express corridor each day, with traffic volume expecting to increase by more than 30% by 2050. The express lanes will allow KDOT to manage congestion using tolls that vary based on traffic levels and time of day to keep express lane trips congestion-free. When drivers choose to pay the toll and move into the express lanes, traffic is then reduced in the non-tolled general-purpose lanes as well.

“This is a big day for our community,” said Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03). “Anyone who lives, works, or drives through Johnson County knows the frustration of sitting in traffic on U.S. 69. Too many families have also felt the pain of crashes on the highway. These new lanes will ease congestion, make travel safer, and give thousands of Kansans a more predictable, reliable commute every day. I’m proud of this team effort.”

Drivers will be able to enter and exit the express lanes at three points along U.S. 69: 103rd Street, Blue Valley Pkwy, and 151st Street. Dynamic messaging signs at these entry points will show the current toll rate to the driver’s destination. The rates shown on the sign are for drivers with two-axle vehicles and a KTAG or compatible transponder. These drivers will pay the lowest toll rate on 69Express – 50% lower than vehicles without a KTAG.

“69Express is the result of successful collaboration between our federal, state, and local partners,” said Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “Together, we’re implementing express lanes as a sustainable congestion-management solution to provide drivers with reliable travel times today and as traffic grows in the future.”

The Kansas Turnpike Authority is KDOT’s tolling partner for 69Express. Drivers are encouraged to visit DriveKS.com, Kansas’ toll payment system, to set up their accounts and order a free KTAG for use on 69Express and all other Kansas toll facilities, as well as on compatible systems in Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida.

69Express was funded by federal, state, and local sources and completed as part of Kansas’ IKE Program. Additional project information is available on the 69Express project website, www.69express.org.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Government

Capitol Update Over Coffee Saturday Feb. 28 at KRI

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Join us for a

Capitol Update Over Coffee
Saturday, February 28th

9am-10am

Kansas Renewal Institute

in the McAuley Center

401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

Guests should enter through the main east doors; the meeting room is located down the hallway on the right.

We hope to see you there!

Chamber members and the community are invited to attend a Capitol Update Over Coffee hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, February 28th, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

The event will take place at Kansas Renewal Institute (KRI), 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., in the McAuley Center. Guests should enter through the main east doors; the meeting room is located down the hallway on the right. KRI will sponsor coffee and light refreshments provided by Common Ground Coffee Co. Tours of the KRI facility will be offered immediately following the event.

Kansas Senator Tim Shallenburger and State Representative Rick James are confirmed to attend. The legislators will provide an update on the current legislative session, share information about the committees on which they serve, and address questions and issues presented by attendees. Bryan Holt will serve as moderator for the event.

Events such as this reflect the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to supporting commerce, building community, and promoting spirit throughout Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the surrounding area.

For more information, please contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566.

Click HERE to visit

Kansas Renewal Institutes Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Kansas Renewal Institutes website!
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members 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
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Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 18

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Arrest Summary

THOMAS, TYNELLIUS MARQUESE, 27
Arrested: 2/17/2026 11:15 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Warrant: Bourbon County ( Failure To Appear) *
Bond Total: $5,000

Inmate Released List

CLAYTON, JOHN EDWARD, 47
Booked: 01/13/2026
Released: 2/17/2026 at 11:12 AM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: Wyandotte County

FRANKLIN, DEJUAN T, 32
Booked: 02/06/2026
Released: 2/17/2026 at 9:50 AM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: Douglas County

LOWER, NATALEE KAYLYNN, 18
Booked: 02/16/2026
Released: 2/17/2026 at 11:00 AM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: A+ Bonding

STONE, MICHEAL PAUL, 51
Booked: 02/16/2026
Released: 2/17/2026 at 3:27 PM
Type: Own recognizance
Released to: Self

THOMAS, TYNELLIUS MARQUESE, 27
Booked: 02/17/2026
Released: 2/17/2026 at 1:35 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding

WILSON, STACEY M, 36
Booked: 02/15/2026
Released: 2/17/2026 at 5:02 PM
Type: Time served
Released to: Self

Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Presbyterian Church Hosts Chamber Coffee on Feb. 19

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

First Presbyterian Church
Thursday, February 19th

8am

First Presbyterian Church

308 S. Crawford St.

(in Zimmerman Hall)

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, February 19th at 8am, hosted by First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., in Zimmerman Hall. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

This Chamber Coffee event, held the day after Ash Wednesday, will include a presentation of the nondenominational Lenten devotional the church will use throughout Lent, as well as a first look at the church’s Lenten prayer stations and indoor labyrinth. The prayer stations will be open to the public on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the Lenten season. The congregation looks forward to welcoming the community.

For more information, please contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.

Click HERE to visit

First Presbyterian Church

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

First Presbyterian Church website!
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members 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
 
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Meet and Greet on February 20

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Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for February 20th!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to attend a Downtown Meet & Greet on Friday, February 20th from 8:30–9:30 a.m.

The event will be held at the Courtland Hotel & Spa, 121 E. 1st Street.

These quarterly informal gatherings provide an opportunity to network, collaborate, and share ideas regarding downtown events, promotions, and other topics impacting our downtown district. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments

will be provided.

For more information, please contact

the Chamber at (620) 223-3566.

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 17

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Arrest Summary

CLIFFMAN, TARIN, 27
Arrested: 2/13/2026 9:30 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Sanction
Bond: $0

JOHNSON, DOUGLAS, 39
Arrested: 2/13/2026 11:57 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Other Agency Hold
Bond: $0

HACKWORTH, ANTHONY GENE, 33
Arrested: 2/13/2026 12:33 PM
Agency: Douglas County
Charge: Other Agency Hold
Bond: $0

HERDMAN, CHADWICK FRANK, 32
Arrested: 2/13/2026 1:31 PM
Agency: Douglas County
Charge: Other Agency Hold
Bond: $0

CLEM, CAIDEN, 19
Arrested: 2/13/2026 1:55 PM
Agency: Douglas County
Charge: Other Agency Hold
Bond: $0

STEWART, JAMES, 42
Arrested: 2/13/2026 1:46 PM
Agency: Douglas County
Charge: Other Agency Hold
Bond: $0

BYINGTON, FRANCIS W, 41
Arrested: 2/13/2026 1:57 PM
Agency: Douglas County
Charge: Other Agency Hold
Bond: $0

HARE, DILLON CALVIN, 34
Arrested: 2/13/2026 12:42 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Fleeing OR Eluding A Leo (CASH/SURETY)
– Interference With Leo; Obstruct/Resist Misd ($2,000 cash/surety)
– Warrant: Bourbon County probation violation (NO BOND)
– Warrant: Bourbon County probation violation (NO BOND)
– Warrant: Bourbon County probation violation (NO BOND)
Bond Total: $2,000

PEARSON, MARTIN JOSEPH JR, 40
Arrested: 2/13/2026 5:16 PM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charges:
– Agg Battery; Cause Great Bodily Harm ($100,000 cash/surety)
– Assault Of A Leo ($2,500 cash/surety)
– Interference With Leo; Obstruct/Resist Misd (CASH/SURETY)
Bond Total: $102,500

TAYLOR, BLAKE, 18
Arrested: 2/14/2026 1:57 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Agg Assault ($2,000 cash/surety)
– Assault
Bond Total: $2,000

TAYLOR, BAILEY CHRISTOPHER, 28
Arrested: 2/14/2026 1:57 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Agg Assault ($2,000 cash/surety)
– Assault
Bond Total: $2,000

MCADAMS, BRANDON CURRY, 39
Arrested: 2/14/2026 5:28 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Agg Assault; W/ Deadly Weapon (NO BOND)
– Burglary; Building Is A Non-dwelling (NO BOND)
– Crim Damage To Prop; Without Consent < $1000 (NO BOND)
– Criminal Trespass; Posted, Locked, Fence Property (NO BOND)
– Theft Of Prop/Services; Felony (NO BOND)
Bond: $0

CARSON, LOWELL HILTON, 74
Arrested: 2/15/2026 10:23 AM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charge: Warrant: Fort Scott Municipal
Bond Total: $500

WILSON, STACEY M, 36
Arrested: 2/15/2026 5:04 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Sanction
Bond: $0

LOWER, NATALEE KAYLYNN, 18
Arrested: 2/16/2026 1:42 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Dui; Misdemeanor (NO BOND)
– Possession Of Certain Depressants (NO BOND)
Bond: $0

STONE, MICHEAL PAUL, 51
Arrested: 2/16/2026 2:30 PM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charge: Warrant: Bourbon County ( Failure To Appear) *
Bond Total: $1,500

GONZALEZ, MARSHA ANN, 58
Arrested: 2/16/2026 10:35 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Dui; Misdemeanor (NO BOND)
– Transporting An Open Container (NO BOND)
Bond: $0

Inmate Released List

CLIFFMAN, TARIN, 27
Booked: 02/13/2026
Released: 2/16/2026 at 9:34 AM
Type: Time served
Released to: Self

GARRISON, JULIAN, 20
Booked: 01/16/2026
Released: 2/13/2026 at 12:07 PM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: Douglas County

GLOVER, BRYAN KEITH, 47
Booked: 02/01/2026
Released: 2/13/2026 at 10:50 AM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: Jackson County

KLINGLER, WILLIAM, 36
Booked: 01/16/2026
Released: 2/13/2026 at 12:12 PM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: Douglas County

MCADAMS, BRANDON CURRY, 39
Booked: 02/14/2026
Released: 2/15/2026 at 10:31 AM
Type: Nothing filed
Released to: Self

ODOM, ZACHARY, 29
Booked: 01/26/2026
Released: 2/13/2026 at 12:16 PM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: Douglas County

SCARFF, BRANDON MICHAEL, 20
Booked: 02/09/2026
Released: 2/13/2026 at 6:36 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding

SMITH, KENDAL SHAUN, 19
Booked: 02/11/2026
Released: 2/13/2026 at 6:49 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding

TAYLOR, BLAKE, 18
Booked: 02/14/2026
Released: 2/15/2026 at 11:06 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding

TAYLOR, BAILEY CHRISTOPHER, 28
Booked: 02/14/2026
Released: 2/15/2026 at 11:26 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding

Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF

Fort Scott Community College, Sports

FSCC Softball Opens Season with Sweep of Avila University JV

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Fort Scott, KS – The Fort Scott softball team opened the 2026 season in strong fashion on Feb. 12, sweeping Avila University JV in a doubleheader on the road. Fort Scott secured a 12-4 victory in Game 1 and followed with a 7-2 win in Game 2 to start the year 2-0.

In the opener, Fort Scott’s offense came out swinging, tallying 13 hits and 12 runs. Kylee Goad led the charge with five RBIs, while Madelyn Burkdick and Chloe Shoemaker each added multiple hits. Aubrey Kinsey earned the win in the circle, pitching six innings with three strikeouts.

Game 2 saw another balanced effort from Fort Scott, which recorded 12 hits in the 7-2 victory. Madelyn Burkdick collected two RBIs, and Amia Carr and Bailey Couch also contributed key runs batted in. Makenna Lawson picked up the win, throwing six strong innings with seven strikeouts, while Kaylyne Gregg closed out the game in relief.

Head Coach praised the team’s complete performance across both contests.

“Opening the season with two wins over Avila University JV was a great way to start, and it was truly a total team effort,” the coach said. “Everyone contributed in their own way, and I’m proud of how we pulled it together to get the job done. We know there’s still a lot of work ahead of us, but this was a strong first step for our team.”

Fort Scott showcased depth throughout the lineup and in the pitching staff, combining timely hitting, aggressive baserunning and solid defense to secure the sweep.

The team will look to build on its momentum as the season continues.