The fitness center at Buck Run will be expanded to a space to the north, which currently houses a racquetball court..
The Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue, will expand its fitness center.
“We will be moving all of our cardio equipment into the racquetball room to provide more space for equipment in the fitness center. We will be adding a new set of dumbbells, new Olympic Bench Press, another functional trainer, a set of straight bars, and a Glute Drive Machine,” said Lucas Kelley, BRCC’s Recreation Director.”
“We are repurposing the space of the racquetball court. This is due to the lack of use of the racquetball court and the uptick in our Fitness Center Memberships. When I started, BRCC had around 400 members, and today we are just over 700. “
The changes will start next week.
“These changes will begin taking place March 16, and are expected to be completed by March 20. Fitness Center member use will not be impacted by this remodel, we will continue to be open 24/7. This is financed by the revenue generated from our memberships.”
‘We are excited to keep enhancing the Fitness Experience at Buck Run,” Kelly said.
Buck Run offers t-ball, baseball, and softball leagues, group exercises, Taekwondo, youth track, an annual weight loss competition, STEM Club and holds events such as the Princess Tea Party on April 25.
Kansas students celebrate Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 8
Schools across Kansas will be celebrating International Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 8, with support from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. This annual event promotes safe behaviors and community connection by encouraging students and families to walk, bike and/or roll to school.
Currently, there are 27 schools across the state participating. Schools are encouraged to register for the event and download free materials at saferoutes.ksdot.gov/iwrsd.
October is also National Pedestrian Safety Month, a time to focus on enhancing safety for people walking. Pedestrians of all ages are vulnerable, especially children. By promoting awareness of people walking and using other active modes, Walk and Roll to School Day contributes to improving roadway safety roadways for everyone.
A few safety tips to keep in mind this October and all year long:
All: Follow the rules of the road; obey signs and signals.
Drivers: Watch for pedestrians, yield to pedestrians in or at crosswalks and never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. Always use caution when backing up or driving in hard-to-see conditions.
Pedestrians: Stay focused, cross streets carefully at marked crosswalks when available, make eye contact with drivers who are slowing or stopped at a crossing and walk on sidewalks when available.
Organization
City
1
USD 417 – Prairie Heights Elementary School
Alta Vista
2
USD 268 – Cheney Public Schools
Cheney
3
USD 417 – Council Grove Elementary School
Council
4
USD 417 – Council Grove Middle School
Council
5
USD 396 – Douglass High School
Douglass
6
USD 396 – Sisk Middle School
Douglass
7
USD 396 – Seal Elementary School
Douglass
8
USD 253 – Walnut Elementary
Emporia
9
USD 234 – Ft. Scott Elementary School
Fort Scott
10
USD 457 – Charles Stones Intermediate Center
Garden City
11
USD 457 – Florence Wilson Elem
Garden City
12
USD 292 – Wheatland Schools
Grainfield
13
USD 500 – Frank Rushton
Kansas City
14
USD 500 – Quindaro Elementary
Kansas City
15
USD 395 – La Crosse Elementary School
La Crosse
16
USD 497 – Quail Run Elementary
Lawrence
17
USD 497 – Langston Hughes Elementary School
Lawrence
18
USD 383 – Oliver Brown Elementary School
Manhattan
19
USD 410 – Hillsboro Elementary School
Marion
20
USD 373 – Northridge Elementary
Newton
21
USD 233 – Havencroft Elementary School
Olathe
22
USD 233 – Scarborough Elementary School
Olathe
23
USD392 – Osborne County Schools
Osborne
24
USD 512 – John Diemer Elementary
Overland Park
25
USD 512 – Brookridge Elementary
Overland Park
26
USD 321 – Rossville Grade School
Rossville
27
USD 323 – St. George Elementary School
St. George
About KDOT Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School is a comprehensive and effective approach to getting more kids biking, rolling and walking safely to school. Visit KDOT’s Safe Routes to School website at saferoutes.ksdot.gov to learn more and sign up for the quarterly e-newsletter.
The Buck Run Community Center came into being after the YMCA building was torn down in 1974. The “Y” had served the Fort Scott community for almost seven decades since it was built in 1907.
Members of the board of the Fort Scott YMCA, in a photo dated 1975. The photo is taken from a program booklet, authored by Pat Henry. The members of this board who also served on the original Neighborhood Facility, which was opened in 1975: are front row, from left Les Hinkley; Harry Fisher, second from right; and Curt Shankel, right. Second row from left, second person is Albert Hill, to his right is Jack Eshelbrenner. Gloria Key and Beth King are not in this picture.
In 1975, the Neighborhood Center, which was its original name of Buck Run Community Center, was built at 735 Scott Avenue.
Serving on the first board were Jack Eshelbrenner, Harry Fisher, Albert Hill, Les Hinkley, Gloria Key, and Beth King.
From the dedication program booklet for the new Neighborhood Center, 1975.
Buck Run Community Center celebrates 50 years in Fort Scott this year.
The Center is located east of the Fort Scott swimming pool, and can be seen by passers-by from Hwy. 69.
It continues today to serve the community with recreation programs for all ages and, during winter months, acts as a warming station for those who need it.
Through the years, the original bandshell was transformed into a stage in the Corey Larson Gymnasium. There is a fitness center, another gym, a racquetball court, a kitchen, a lounge, some general-purpose rooms, storage areas, and an office.
In the Corey Larson Gym, there is a stage available and a small adjacent kitchen.
Beth King Nuss was the first director in 1975.
“It’s a pivotal place in the community…as a meeting place for people and organizations,” Nuss said.
Lucas Kelley, the current director of Buck Run Community Center, said, “The Center provides a safe place for families, groups to come together and make memories. Just about every weekend, there is a birthday celebration, wedding or baby shower, family reunion, or funeral dinner. There are also skate parties, where for $20 you can rent skates for your group and rent the gym for $40 for three hours, if a kid is having a birthday.”
Here is what is offered to the community: handicap-accessible services, with a full-sized basketball court and two regulation volleyball courts. The structure also has a tumbling/gymnastics and aerobics room upstairs, as well as a weight room and fitness center. Picklball and racquetball are also played there, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.
Buck Run Community Center is having a Back to School Bash with free backpack giveaways on Saturday, August 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To learn more about the Buck Run Community Center’s current programs/activities:
Buck Run Community Center is having a Back to School Bash with free backpack giveaways.
The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 9 at the center located at 735 Scott Avenue, in back of the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.
“Enjoy mouthwatering meals and treats from our amazing local food trucks—perfect for lunchtime cravings,” said Lucas Kelley, director of Fort Scott Recreation, of which the Center is a part.
Lucas Kelley, director of Fort Scott Recreation, of which Buck Run Community Center is a part.
“We’re celebrating 50 years of Buck Run Community Center with a fun-filled Back to School Bash! We will also be handing out backpacks and school supplies that day! Come see what we have for you! We are excited to be able to host our 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway,” said Kelley.
They will give away: 480 backpacks, glue sticks/bottles of glue, pencils, and notebooks.
“Bring the whole family and enjoy free activities like:
mini golf, laser tag, cookies and lemonade, face painting and inflatables,” he said.
A plaque inside Buck Run Community Center.
The center is celebrating 50 years of service to the community this year, and here is what is offered to the community: handicap-accessible services, with a full-sized basketball court and two regulation volleyball courts. The structure also has a tumbling/gymnastics and aerobics room upstairs, as well as a weight room and fitness center. Picklball and racquetball are played there as well, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.
Pickleball players enjoy the air conditioning while playing on July 31 in a gym at Buck Run.
The recreation program also oversees the maintenance and scheduling of Ellis Park, Fisher Park and Third Street Park.
Additionally, they provide a self-serve kiosk at Gunn Park for renting discs for the disc golf game holes.
In the Corey Larson Gym, there is a stage available and a small adjacent kitchen.
Also outside of the Buck Run Community Center, there is a sand volleyball court. The meeting rooms and auditorium may be rented for private use.
The Fort Scott Recreation Department runs an extensive adult and youth program from within the Center. For information on facilities or recreation programs, call 620-223-0386.
Deb Stewart is the 60+Nutrition Site Director for meals that are provided at 11:30 a.m. daily in one of Buck Run’s meeting rooms.
There is an on-site meal for those 60 years old and over at Buck Run in one of the meeting rooms.
Deb Stewart, site director of 60+Nutrition, said the meal is provided with a $2 suggested donation at 11:30 a.m., and the only qualification is being at least 60 years old. For more information: https://www.sekaaa.com/nutrition
The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging manages the 60+ Nutrition Program for nine SEK counties, providing nutritious meals to individuals 60+ years of age. The meals can be provided in home (for those who qualify) or at designated sites in the community. A suggested donation of $2 per meal is requested, but inability to pay does not prevent anyone from receiving a meal, according to its website.
Brandon Pfannenstiel and Noah Terry. Submitted photo.
For those interested in learning self-defense techniques, a new business has opened for teaching those techniques.
The Fort: Bjj and Self Defense co-founders and owners, Noah Terry and Brandon Pfannenstiel, opened to the public on May 8.
“We offer Jiu Jitsu classes for both kids and adults,” Terry said. “We also offer MMA and striking classes as well. All with an orientation towards self-defense.”
For those unfamiliar with these martial arts, here are explanations.
“Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques and skills from a mixture of other combat sports to be used in competition. The rules allow the usage of both striking and grappling techniques while standing and on the ground. Competitions allow athletes of different disciplines of martial arts to compete under a set of unified rules,” according to https://www.ufc.com/intro-to-mma
“Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a predominantly ground-based martial art, using the principles of leverage, angles, pressure, and timing, as well as knowledge of the human anatomy, to achieve a non-violent submission of one’s opponent. Unlike other martial arts that focus on strikes and/or kicks, jiu jitsu focuses on close-contact grappling holds and techniques, and the application of chokes and joint manipulations,” according to https://www.essentialbjj.com/about-us/what-is-jiu-jitsu/
“I started training four years ago out of a desire to better myself through discipline and technique,” Terry said. “Brandon started training his sophomore year of high school at a gym called Mid-America Martial Arts. He walked in untrained and eager to learn at the age of 15. This was about 2003. He gathered an 11-1 amateur and 7-1 pro MMA record, and received his black belt in February 2025.”
Lessons are taught at 123 S. National Avenue at a converted church building.
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The current schedule is:
JIU JITSU: Monday through Friday from 6-7 a.m.
Sparring class: Tuesday is 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Open mat: Saturday from 7 to 8 a.m.
KIDS CLASS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.
Taco Azul, food truck will be at the Woodland Hills Golf Course hosted by ParTeeGirls Golf League!
5-9pm
The truck will serve the dinner and the Clubhouse will serve the drinks. Take the night off from cooking and join family, friends and community for a night out.
Everyone welcome!
Carry out available!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
The Bourbon County Coalition would like to announce that the 2025 Family Swim Pass Scholarship Applications are ready to pick up. They are located at the Beacon and Buck Run Community Center. They can be filled out and returned to either location. Any questions can be pointed to our email, bourboncountycoalition@gmail.com.
Regi Casner is back to teaching fitness classes in Fort Scott once again, after a hiatus during the pandemic.
Her classes are at the Buck Run Community Center and also in Mound City, where she lives.
“I am teaching at Buck Run on Mondays and Fridays. I teach a 10:15 a.m. stretch class and a 12:15 p.m. Align/Pilates class.
“The stretch class moves slow and the Align/Pilates class flows through yoga poses with some strength work and Pilates blended in,” she said.
“The target audience age is 40-60s. I have a couple in the 30’s. I was hoping the noon class would be helpful for gals still working, and taking a lunch break.”
She will offer a free introductory class in April and early May.
About the Instructor
Casner “has taught fitness classes for a long time, completed a ton of training over the years, and wellness is my career and lifestyle,” she said.
“I first fell in love with group fitness when I took a step class in college(Pittsburg State University). It was love at the first step and downbeat.”
“The Fitness Nook was started because I believe small towns also deserve great fitness classes and the opportunity to sculpt, stretch and sweat together! “
“I love teaching group classes for many reasons. My top three are: 1. seeing people show up for themselves, and then realize than can do more than they think they can… and then doing it. And doing it again. It’s more than the mountain climber or plank. It is about showing up. 2. Sweating together is just downright awesome, especially when the music and company is good. 3. Helping people feel better in their bodies.”
“I’ve been married to Mat for almost 30 years, we have four grown adult children and one granddaughter (all of the above are my favorites). Besides the studio in Mound City, I work as the Wellness Coordinator at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, and teach fitness in Fort Scott.”
“My own personal fav workouts are: a strong yoga class, and a Pilates/Barre class-with some decent weight work included—and a great playlist. “
“I really do enjoy burpees, I don’t like mountain climbers (even though we almost always do mountain climbers). I love jumping jacks and backbends, I don’t enjoy twists, esp. twists in chair pose.”
If interested in classes, please send her a message
“And if you were interested until you read the words: burpees, mountain climbers, and/or jumping jacks, come to stretch class. Those words and actions are never mentioned there.”
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
Dust off those walking shoes and join the fun and challenge of Walk Kansas, running March 30th-May 24th! This is a team-based program that will inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active, making better nutrition choices, and learning positive ways to deal with stress. During the 8 weeks, you will log and report minutes of physical activity and the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat.
Each participant will receive a weekly newsletter with healthful lifestyle information and a recipe. Full access to the online tracking system, as well as the Walk Kansas app, to help keep you on track as you work to reach your goals. Fun and useful incentives are also a part of the package!
The Walk Kansas process is simple: join a team, select a challenge, and register. The captain of your team will initiate this process. Don’t have a team? No Problem! You may register as an individual and we will connect you with one! The participant fee is only $10.00, with an option to purchase t-shirts for an additional cost. Now is the time for a healthier you! Register by March 30th, at walkkansas.org.
For more information, contact Tara or Heather at Southwind Extension District, 620-244-3826.
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K – State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer
Informational & Sign Up Meeting Saturday, March 8th
Woodland Hills Golf Course, 9-10am
At the meeting you can pay your $40 league fee, get a pic for our website, get paired up with a partner (if you don’t already have someone to play with) and meet the other women of the league.
The league will run on Wed. April 30th thru Wed. July 30th.
Morning tee times available or at 5:30pm for a shotgun start.
The season will end with a banquet with a best ball scramble, a catered dinner, and a lot of fun!
