Category Archives: Area News

Area News

Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Quilt and Fiber Arts Show a Success

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A quilt show is part of the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta.

The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Quilt and Fiber Arts Show was a success! Area quilters and fiber artists entered over 80 items in the Meyers Building at the Bourbon County fairgrounds last weekend.

This year, the show featured several vintage quilts, one over 100 years old.

Many visitors came through the doors, including third graders from Uniontown and Arma, who enjoyed voting for their favorite quilt.

Various fiber artists worked on their craft and shared their knowledge with visitors, covering wool rug hooking, embroidery, spinning, hand piecing, tatting, and needle felting.

Congratulations to Lita Miller and her “German Shepherd” quilt for winning Viewers’ Choice. Raffle basket winners were Susan Jones, Evelyn Rhodes, and Lita Miller.

The following businesses donated items for the raffle baskets: Blue Top Quilt Shop, Sew Happy Quilt Co, Rocking Chair Quilt Shop, Bee Creek Sewing Center, Linda Weidert of the Ponderosa Retreat, and Kay Walker, teacher of painted barn quilts.

A big thank you to all who helped make this year’s show a success, including Judy Wilson, Bobbie Schroeder, Ginger McElwee, Janet Tucker, and Jean Strader. The FSCC baseball team helped move display cases the Tuesday before the show for set-up and again after the show on Sunday. Organizers also thanked the Bourbon County Fair board for the use of the Meyers Building.

The love of hand-crafted gifts and treasures will remain for generations to come, and organizers said they enjoyed sharing with everyone who walked through the exhibits.

Area News, Fair

Heartland REC gives $5,000 grant to Bourbon Co. Fair Assn.

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The Welcome Sign at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative (HREC) has presented a $5,000 Concern for Community grant to the Bourbon County Fair Association to fund safety and accessibility upgrades across the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

The grant will pay for a new speaker system across four barns, the show arena and stands, and the pavilion, along with replacement lighting in the show arena and pavilion, four new bike racks to reduce tripping hazards in high-traffic areas, and electrician services for the installation. The Fair Association will complete all non-electrical work.

“This project touches nearly every corner of the fairgrounds — better sound, better lighting, safer walkways,” said Doug Graham, Communication Specialist at HREC. “It’s a great example of a fair board making practical improvements that benefit everyone who comes through the gate.”

Concern for Community is funded through capital credit retirements intended for former members that the cooperative was unable to reach. Rather than letting these funds sit unused, Heartland developed the Concern for Community grant program to return these dollars to the community.

Concern for Community grants are exclusively for capital projects such as construction, renovation, or durable equipment purchases. Due to overwhelming interest in the program, the HREC board decided to limit this year’s applications to area fair boards and 4-H groups.

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative headquartered in Girard, Kansas, providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to 8,500 member-owners across 12 counties in southeast Kansas. As a cooperative, HREC is governed by a board of directors elected by and from its membership, and reinvests in the communities it serves through programs such as Concern for Community, Operation Round Up, and Future Foundations. In addition to electric service, HREC’s wholly owned subsidiary, Heartland Propane, serves propane customers throughout the region.

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Area News, Entertainment, History

Cato Kids’ Day and Cato Day set for Oct. 2-3

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Cato Kids’ Day & Cato Day set for October 2-3

The Cato Historical Preservation Association will hold its annual fall events in historic Cato, Kansas, on Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3.

Cato Kids’ Day — Friday, October 2

Over 500 fourth- and fifth-graders from area schools will be bused to Cato from approximately 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see presentations on life in the late 1800s and Cato’s history. Students will rotate through stations covering schools, blacksmithing, covered wagons, cattle drives, 1800s weaponry, farming, cowboys and Native Americans, and the day will close with a reading of the Gettysburg Address and a sing-along. Participating schools include Uniontown, Bronaugh, Girard, Lakeside, Liberal, Westside, Frontenac, Fort Scott, Northeast, St. Mary’s FS and Meadowlark. Visitors are welcome.

Stations and presenters:

  • Welcome, songs and introduction — Dan Duling, Jim Harris, Katharine Spigarelli
  • Station 1: One-room schoolhouse — Anna Swank, Elizabeth & Jamie Thompson
  • Station 2: Blacksmith — Troy Kukovich
  • Station 3: Covered wagon travels — Carter & Jill Pugh
  • Station 4: Drovers — Mel Haase
  • Station 5: 1800s weaponry — Matthew Wells
  • Station 6: Farming history & cowboys — Judd Bailey, George Parsons
  • Station 7: Native Americans — Barry Lynn Linduff
  • Closing: Gettysburg Address & sing along — Dan Duling, Jim Harris, Wayne Bockleman

See the full station list here: Cato Kids’ Day Stations/Presenters (2026)

Cato Day — Saturday, October 3

Cato Day, the public celebration of Cato’s pioneer heritage, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Sign-in begins at 9 a.m., but visitors are welcome to arrive anytime; guests are asked to sign the guest book.

  • 9:30 a.m. — Music and history in the church, presented by Matt Wells and friends, followed by a talk on Cato’s history by Carl Brenner
  • 10:30 a.m. — Cavalry saber drills behind the church, led by Matt Feild
  • 10:45 a.m. — One-room schoolhouse presentation in the “Old Stone School,” with Anna Portwood Swank, Elizabeth Portwood Thompson and Jamie Thompson
  • 11:30 a.m. — Historical re-enactment of the 1860 Settler Removal in front of the Pioneer Cabin
  • 12 p.m. — Outdoor lunch break with music by Jim Harris and the Players Circle; pulled pork sandwiches prepared by Shawn Pryer and the Mighty MO Chuck Wagon crew, with proceeds supporting preservation of Cato’s buildings and educational events for local schoolchildren; Shawn will also demonstrate Chuck Wagon and Dutch oven cooking
  • 12:30 p.m. — Quilt raffle drawing, featuring a quilt donated by longtime member Sue James of Texas
  • 1 p.m. — Hayrack wagon ride to local historical sites, led by Joe Bournonville
  • 3 p.m. — Event concludes (all times approximate)

The Cato Store will sell t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, historical booklets, insulated cups and other Cato merchandise — cash or check only. Proceeds from the quilt raffle, “Cowboy Stew,” books and merchandise support preservation of Cato’s historic buildings and Cato Kids’ Day, held every year for local fourth- and fifth-graders.

About Cato

Cato is the oldest town in Crawford County, located off Hwy 69 in northern Crawford County. From Hwy 69, turn west on 720th Avenue and follow the signs to Cato. Directions are also available at catoschool.com.

The Cato Historical Preservation Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Cato’s buildings and history, including the “Old Stone School” (built in 1869 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places), the Cato Christian Church (built in 1915), and a full-sized replica of an 1860s settler cabin. A stone bridge, part of the “Old Wagon Road,” also sits on the property. Cato’s buildings are open to the public only a few times a year, making this a rare chance to visit.

See the full event flyer here: Cato Days 2026 flyer

Photos

Reenactors in front of the Cato cabin
Left to right: Matt Feild, Carl Brenner, Dan Duling and Matt Wells reenact the 1860 settler removal in front of the Cato cabin.
Matt Feild with cavalry equipment
Matt Feild demonstrates 1860s cavalry equipment.
Matt Feild talking about cavalry life
Matt Feild, in 1860s cavalry uniform, talks about cavalry life.
Matt Wells demonstrates a flintlock rifle
Matt Wells demonstrates a flintlock rifle.

Contact: Katharine Spigarelli, President, Cato Historical Preservation Association, 417-825-2127, kspigarelli@gmail.com, catoschool.com.

Area News, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Fort Scott NHS to Host Naturalization Ceremony Sept. 16

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A previous naturalization ceremony at Fort Scott National Historic Site. NPS Photo.

National Park Service / U.S. Department of the Interior
Fort Scott National Historic Site News Release

Fort Scott National Historic Site to Host Special Naturalization Ceremony on September 16

Fort Scott, Kan. – Media outlets and the general public are invited to Fort Scott National Historic Site on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, for a Special Naturalization Ceremony at the fort’s parade ground.

Check-in for ceremony participants begins at 9:30 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. The Honorable Holly L. Teeter, United States District Judge for the District of Kansas, is scheduled to preside.

Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent Jill Jaworski and Fort Scott Mayor Kathryn Salsbury will provide opening remarks. The Fort Scott High School Orchestra is scheduled to perform.

Seating will be provided for ceremony participants. Friends, family, guests, and the public are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for seating. In case of rain or inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall (1 E 3rd St, Fort Scott, KS 66701).

Media attending the ceremony are requested to RSVP and be in place by 10 a.m. at Fort Scott National Historic Site, 1 Old Fort Blvd., Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

Photo credit: NPS Photo

Area News, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Sept. 3

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Chamber Coffee

Thursday, September 3rd
8am
@ Tri-Valley Developmental Services
4305 Campbell Drive

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend this week’s Chamber Coffee hosted by Tri-Valley Developmental Services. 4305 Campbell Dr. on Thursday, September 3rd, at 8 a.m.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, along with a door prize drawing.

Tri-Valley Developmental Services empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in their communities. Through residential, employment, day, case management, and horticultural services, Tri-Valley helps individuals build independence, pursue meaningful opportunities, and feel a sense of belonging.

Representatives will also share information about upcoming events supporting their programs, including the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Fall Golf Classic on September 12th, garden mum preorders with pickup September 21st through 25th, and the Autumn Plant Sale on September 26th. The plant sale will feature mums, winter pansies, ornamental cabbage, houseplants, garden items, and décor.

For more information about Chamber Coffees or other Chamber events, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

Tri-Valley Developmental Services

Tri-Valley Developmental Services

Tri-Valley Developmental Services

Tri-Valley Developmental Services

Tri-Valley Developmental Services Facebook Page

Greenhouse at Tri-Valley Facebook Page

Area News

U.S. 69 survey to begin today, Aug. 31, in Crawford County

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Kansas Department of Transportation - Southeast District Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aug. 28, 2026

Contact: Ray Nolting | 620-902-6433

U.S. 69 survey to begin Aug. 31 in Crawford County

Beginning Monday, Aug. 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a survey on 11 miles of U.S. 69 in Crawford County to gather information necessary for the design of proposed intersection improvements.

The survey of U.S. 69 will look at multiple intersections on the corridor: East 510th Avenue, East 520th Avenue, East 530th Avenue, Centennial Drive, South Olive Street, K-126/Fourth Street, West 20th Street, Atkinson Road, the Frontenac corridor and East 610th Street.

Survey activities will include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor. A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property.

KDOT expects this survey to be completed by early March 2027.

Ernie Cantu, Survey Project Manager for PEC, will oversee this survey. For questions, please contact KDOT Public Information Officer Ray Nolting at (620) 902-6433.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert, follow posted signs and refrain from hand-held mobile device use in all active work zones. For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 511. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/projects/southeast-kansas-projects.

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Area News, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Fall Town-Wide Garage Sale Set for Sept. 11–12

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Fall Town-Wide Garage Sale Scheduled for September 11–12

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites residents to participate in the Fall Town-Wide Garage Sale, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 11–12.

Community members are encouraged to register their garage sales to be included on the official garage sale map for a fee of $12. The map helps shoppers easily locate participating sales throughout Fort Scott and is distributed throughout the community prior to the event.

Local businesses and organizations also have the opportunity to promote their products and services by purchasing a business card-size display advertisement on the official map for $35. Advertising space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Garage sale registrations and advertising reservations may be completed in person at the Chamber office, online through the Chamber’s website, or by calling the Chamber office to register by credit/debit card or Venmo.

The deadline to register a garage sale or reserve advertising space is 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 8.

Printed copies of the official garage sale map will be available beginning at 12 p.m. Thursday, September 10, at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce office and participating local businesses. The map will also be available online through the Chamber’s website and Facebook page.

For more information, to register a garage sale, or to reserve advertising space, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

Fort Scott's Fall Town-Wide Garage Sale Flyer – September 11–12, 2026

Area News, Church news

GriefShare Weekly Support Group at Community Christian Church

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Are you grieving a loss? Find hope and healing after the death of a loved one by joining GriefShare, a weekly grief support group meeting at Community Christian Church in Fort Scott.

When: Tuesdays, 6–8 p.m., August 25 – November 17

Where: Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

Contact: Jon Bailes — hemi69jon@yahoo.com | 620-224-3437

Register: griefshare.org/findagroup

Area News, Health Care

Nevada Hospital Recieves Sleep Lab Accrediation

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NRMC Achieves Sleep Services Accreditation With ACHC

 

Nevada, MO Nevada Regional Medical Center proudly announces that the Respiratory Therapy Department has renewed its accreditation through Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for Sleep Lab services upon successfully passing the accreditation survey on June 9, 2026.

 

This achievement recognizes the hard work, clinical excellence, and attention to patient safety demonstrated by the NRMC Respiratory Therapy and Sleep Lab teams.  The accreditation recognizes NRMC’s dedication and commitment to providing high-quality sleep care services, including home sleep testing and in-lab services, in accordance with nationally recognized standards.

 

“Sleep accreditation validates the quality of care our team delivers every day,” noted Andrea Miller, RRT, Respiratory Therapy Manager.  “It confirms that our processes, technology and patient care meet the rigorous national benchmarks.”

 

“Having accredited sleep services available locally at NRMC allows patients to receive timely diagnosis and treatment close to home, which makes a real difference for individuals and families in our community.”

 

Sleep disorders can have significant negative health impacts including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression, obesity, and more. Symptoms of a sleep disorder include snoring, breaks and pauses in breathing while sleeping, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, the urge to move legs or uncomfortable feeling in the legs at night, excessive sleepiness during the day, and reduction in concentration, memory, and attention.

 

If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, please make an appointment to discuss this with your primary care provider, who can recommend appropriate sleep testing at NRMC.

 

For more information about sleep studies and respiratory therapy services, please visit www.nrmchealth.com/sleep-center, or contact us at (417) 667-3355 ext. 3183.

 

 

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Area News, Health Care

Freeman Acquires Pinamonti Wellness Center

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Freeman Health System Announces Acquisition of Pinamonti Wellness Center  

 

 

JOPLIN, Mo. — Freeman Health System is pleased to announce the acquisition of Pinamonti Wellness Center, a respected community-focused fitness and wellness facility known for its commitment to performance, longevity, and whole-person health.

The center is located at 1014 Mt. Carmel Way, Pittsburg, KS.

 

This strategic investment represents a significant step forward in Freeman’s ongoing commitment to expand access to high-quality orthopedic care, rehabilitation, and preventive wellness services across the region. By integrating Pinamonti Wellness Center into its care network, Freeman is strengthening its ability to support patients across the full continuum of musculoskeletal health, from injury prevention and recovery to long-term performance and well-being.

 

“This is a meaningful opportunity to bring together two strong programs with a shared focus on patient outcomes and whole-person health,” said Mick Ward, Director of Professional Support for Freeman Health System. “Together, we are enhancing access to services that help patients stay active, recover more fully, and live healthier lives, close to home.”

 

Located in a modern, state-of-the-art facility, Pinamonti Wellness Center will complement Freeman’s growing Orthopedic Medicine program by offering expanded programming, stronger integration between clinical care and wellness services, and access to leading physicians and care teams.

 

Freeman Health System also looks forward to supporting the Center’s long-term growth by investing in resources and programming that strengthens community health and empowers individuals to lead more active, healthier lives.

 

“At Freeman, we believe care should extend beyond the walls of a hospital,” Renee Denton, MO/KS Market President for Freeman Health System added. “This partnership allows us to meet people where they are, supporting movement, recovery, and wellness in ways that improve outcomes and enhance quality of life.”

 

The acquisition reflects Freeman’s continued focus on expanding access, strengthening communities, and delivering high-quality care where patients need it most.

 

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System is a not-for-profit health system serving communities across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas through a network of hospitals, physician clinics, outpatient locations, and specialty services. The system includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, and the Freeman Health System facilities in Bentonville, Springdale, Willow Creek, and Siloam Springs. Freeman Health System also operates Ozark Center—the region’s largest provider of behavioral health services, and offers comprehensive cancer, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, and women’s and children’s services. The system is supported by more than 7,000 employees and is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit Freeman Health System.

 

 

    

#YourHealthIsWhyWeCare

 

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Hosts Annual Spring Fundraiser, Boardwalk BBQ

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Submitted photo.

A crowd of 172 attended the 2026 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation annual spring fundraiser on Friday, May 1st.  Doors at the SEK Impact Center opened at 5:30 pm.  Décor was provided by Lisa Wolverton of Hitch and Hoedown Rentals.  Approximately $15,000 was raised during the evening from stretch, silent, and live auctions.  Following last year’s successful appearance, Robbie Bell once again provided entertainment throughout the evening.

Attendees were treated to a delicious meal of barbecue chicken, pulled pork, potato salad, baked beans, lettuce salad, and roll furnished by Mark Hall.  Dessert was cobbler, provided by Brenda Harrison of Sassy Chef’s.  Neosho County Community College students helped serve the meal.  Door prizes were courtesy of the TVDS greenhouse in Fort Scott and Jennifer Deitsch State Farm.

As in year’s past, the live auction was the highlight of the evening.  Dave Petersen served as auctioneer and did a fantastic job.  For 2026, our featured trips were courtesy of Monarch Cement and included a trip for two to Nashville and a trip for two to San Antonio.  Other items auctioned off include:  a Breckenridge CO vacation package courtesy of Home Savings Bank; a Branson MO vacation package courtesy of Community National Bank; a full-size recliner courtesy of Ruddick’s Furniture in Fort Scott; and Dinner for 10 courtesy of Brenda Harrison.  Thank you to the local merchants that provided gift baskets for both the silent and stretch auctions.  Thank you to Larry Holman for serving as the evening’s photographer.  The pictures are amazing.

Submitted photo.

All money raised from the evening will go towards the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation projects.  Since 2001, the Foundation has built six homes and acquired nine additional homes and a duplex.  The houses are located in our communities of Buffalo, Chanute, Fort Scott, Humboldt, Iola, Moline, and Neodesha.  These houses are home to 92 of our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by Tri-Valley Developmental Services.

“The evening was fantastic”, said Bill Fiscus, CEO. “The food, drawings and conversation were phenomenal.  Thank you to everyone who attended.  We hope you had an enjoyable evening and look forward to seeing you all in 2027.”

A big thank you goes to the evening’s sponsors.  Promenade Level:  Monarch Cement Company

Colonnade Level: Acrisure; Cardinal Drug Store & Gifts; Community National Bank – Chanute; Hofer & Hofer & Associates; Larry Holman; IMA; Dave Peterson Auction Services; and Smith Law Office, LLC

Esplanade Level: Ash Grove; Hitch & Hoedown; and Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, CPA

Arcade Level: Bank of Commerce; CASA of the 31st Judicial District; Cheney Witt Chapel; LeRoy Coop; Mertz Tax Service; SEK COOP; and Shields Motor Company

 

 

Area News, Fort Scott, Youth

Raj Gugnani, Fort Scott High School Senior, Elected Attorney General At Kansas Boys State

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from left: State Treasurer Baron Rodvold; Lieutenant Governor Beckett Romain; Governor Bo Barkley; Attorney General Raj Gugnani; and Secretary of State Jackson Roberts. Submitted photo.

 

 

June 2, 2025 — Bo Barkley, a resident of McPherson, Kan., and a senior-to-be at McPherson High School, has been elected governor of the 2026 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas. The announcement was made this evening during the Kansas Boys State evening retreat at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

 

Barkley, the Kansas Boys State Federalist Party governor candidate, and his lieutenant governor running mate, Beckett Romain, a resident of Wichita, Kan., and a junior-to-be at Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, won the election over the Nationalist Party governor candidate Burklee Jackson, a resident of Concordia, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Concordia High School and his lieutenant governor running mate, Alexander Caldwell, a resident of Overland Park, Kan., and a senior-to-be at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

 

Election results for other state offices:

(Name, Party, Hometown, High School – all cities/high schools in Kansas unless noted; all are seniors-to-be)

  • Secretary of State — Jackson Roberts, Nationalist, Spring Hill, senior-to-be at Spring Hill High School, defeated Keaden Yim, Federalist, Lenexa, senior-to-be at Olathe Northwest High School.
  • Attorney General — Raj Gugnani, Federalist, Fort Scott, senior-to-be at Fort Scott High School, defeated Jace Daugherty, Nationalist, Andover, senior-to-be at Andover High School.
  • State Treasurer — Baron Rodvold, Federalist, Wichita, senior-to-be at Derby High School, defeated Alex Ray, Nationalist, Winfield, senior-to-be at Winfield High School.

 

Kansas Boys State Governor Barkley will give his inaugural address tomorrow (Wednesday, June 3) at 8 p.m. at K-State’s McCain Auditorium. The event will conclude with the Kansas Boys State band, chorus and talent show.

 

Wednesday evening’s festivities kickoff at 7:30 p.m. with a flag retirement ceremony at the World War II Memorial in front of McCain Auditorium. The event is an observance of the proper respect for the American flag and how unserviceable flags are properly disposed. The honor guard from the American Legion Pearce-Keller Post No.17 in Manhattan will present the ceremony. Dr. John Lindholm, a 1949 KSU graduate who provided the dog tags as a model for the “Tags of Honor” sculpture at the World War II Memorial, was a longtime Kansas Boys State staff member as a Legionnaire advisor before passing away in January 2020. Both events on Wednesday night are open to the public.

 

High school students from across the State of Kansas are participating in the 2026 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, which started on Sunday (May 31) and ends Saturday, June 6, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This is the program’s 34th consecutive session at KSU and 88th overall. The Kansas Boys State program includes students who have just completed their junior year of high school (will be seniors in the fall) and sophomore year of high school (will be juniors in the fall).

 

The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

 

— #KSBoysState —

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

 

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.