Category Archives: Youth

Kansas Renewal Institute Now Owns the Former Mercy Hospital.

Mercy Hosptial Building is now owned by Kansas Renewal Institute.

Kansas Renewal Institute now owns the former Mercy Hospital.

Shanda Stewart, spokesperson for KRI, said that as of December 19, 2024, KRI purchased the building from Legacy Health and is its new owner.

“We look forward to Freeman Health System coming to Bourbon County and working closely with them,” she said. “We are currently serving 54 children all from the state of Kansas and have 110 employees.”

About KRI

Kansas Renewal Institute is dedicated to helping young people renew their lives and regain power over their mental health issues, according to their website. We understand that struggling does not equate to weakness or moral failing, and we are determined to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to heal and grow. Our behavioral health treatment center in Fort Scott, Kansas, offers comprehensive and personalized services for mental health treatment. To learn more about Kansas Renewal Institute, call us at 888.306.4718 today. We believe everyone deserves care and respect, and we are here to guide our clients on their path toward healing.

 

Outdoor Rink Attracts 365 Skaters During Opening Weekend

The rink named Glide is located at the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue.
The new outdoor skating rink in Fort Scott had approximately 365 people skate the opening weekend during the Christmas on the Bricks Festival on December 6-8.
The Glide is a synthetic ice skating rink that is located at the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue.
“Everyone that has visited the rink seems to be enjoying it,” Diane Striler, the event organizer said. “One of the best things we overheard was a little girl who told her mom that now they don’t have to go up to Kansas City to skate.”
Diane Striler and her husband Dean at last year’s Christmas on the Bricks. Submitted photo.
Free tickets to skate now available
“We have three groups that have purchased tickets so kids can skate for free.
1. anonymous donor – 100 tickets
2. Farmer Philanthropy/Carla Farmer – 100 tickets
3. Fort Scott Kiwanis – 50 tickets
    Kiwanis Pioneers- 50 tickets
“Skate aides are available for $2 per skater-free for those with disabilities,” Striler said.
Tickets can be picked up at the Fort Scott Chamber – 231 E Wall St- 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“All workers at the rink are coordinated through The Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation,” she said.
Appreciation For Those Who Helped Bring Rink To Fruition
 “We would like to recognize the donors of the rink,” said Striler. “We especially wanted to thank Al  and Luanna Niece for their amazing contribution of $25,000.”
Skating rink donors are listed on the skate storage/payment room at the rink site.
“The ones below the Nieces donated  $5,000 and down to $500,” Striler said.
“The graphic (below) is all the individuals that donated their time  toward the contruction for the rink and set up,” she said.
The list of those who helped with getting the set up completed at the skating rink.
Donors graphic submitted.
“The list (above) includes everyone that monetarily donated at all levels toward the rink, helped with fundraisers and we also wanted to thank the bakers that helped with the Pumpkin Roll Fundraiser – Taira Williams, Jamie Beckham, Joyce Davenport and Jolynne Mitchell and Fort Scott Broadcasting for helping us get out all the information.  We want to thank these people and everyone that contributed in any way,” Striler said.

CASA Benefit is Dec. 13

Change a Child’s Story…

You are cordially invited to a Christmas Celebration

to benefit Bourbon County CASA.

Friday, December 13th 2024

7:00-9:00 pm

Heavy hors d’oeuvres & full bar provided

Gary & Sally Cullor

810 195th Street

Fort Scott, Kansas

RSVP: Friday, December 6th

Call 620-215-2769 or email [email protected]

Click HERE for the Bourbon County CASA Facebook page!

Giving Levels

*Payable with your reservation response card

Sponsors:

$25 per person

$50 per couple

Guardian:

$50 per person

$100 per couple

Guardian Angel:

$75 per person

$150 per couple

Friend:

$125 per person

$250 per couple

Defender:

$500 per person

$1000 per couple

Benefactor:

$1000 per person and over

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

STAY CONNECTED
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Constant Contact

The Uniontown Science Olympiad teams have kicked off the 24-25 season.

B Division Team – 1st row: Ely Swink, Scout Eden, Ash Sporleder, Ty Shelton, Lexi Irsik, Autstin Maycomber 2nd row: Blake Ervin, Mathew Knight ( Mentor), Makiah Woods, Marley Sutton and McKinley Sutton

Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division (Division B is middle school; Division C is high school), according to information provided by Uniontown Science Teacher Carrie Sutcliffe.

Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved. Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation. Through Science Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders bond together and work toward a shared goal.

 

 

Lexi Irsik and Scout Eden. Submitted photo.
Austin Maycomber.
Ash Sporleder and Scout Eden
4 C Division Team – 1st row – Abbi Brown, Jewel Endicott, Jiyah Middelton, Jordan Wolf, Blakely Cox
2nd row – Anthony Weyant, Bailey Cox, Austin Vincent, Maria Cibrin, Matthew Knight
3rd row – Dylon Diebert, Dreyden Marlow, Hunter Johnson, Paityn Hueston, Camilla Cagle.

Local 4-H Youth: Livestock Judging Team National Champions!

Pictured: Mason Rookstool (Wamego), Reegan McDaniel, Tate Crystal, Kyser Nemecek, Esmerelda Franklin, standing: Brody Nemecek, 4-H All-Star Coach.

The Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team members are the National Champions!

Reegan McDaniel (Fort Scott), Tate Crystal (Fort Scott) and Kyser Nemecek (Iola) were among six youth invited to try out for the Kansas 4-H All-Star Team this fall.

After successfully earning their spots, they joined Marais des Cygnes District 4-H member Esmerelda Franklin to form a new team representing Kansas at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY.

In November, coached by Brody Nemecek, this All-Star Team achieved the ultimate honor—winning the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.

Their individual success was just as remarkable as their team accomplishments: Esmerelda – High Individual Overall; Reegan – Reserve High Individual; Kyser 8th overall; Tate 11th overall. All four team members were awarded All-American recognition for their efforts.

The Southwind boys also competed in the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest in Louisville where they were named 7th Team Overall.

Christmas Celebration to benefit Bourbon County CASA.

Change a Child’s Story…

You are cordially invited to a Christmas Celebration

to benefit Bourbon County CASA.

Friday, December 13th 2024

7:00-9:00 pm

Heavy hors d’oeuvres & full bar provided

Gary & Sally Cullor

810 195th Street

Fort Scott, Kansas

RSVP: Friday, December 6th

Call 620-215-2769 or email [email protected]

Click HERE for the Bourbon County CASA Facebook page!

Giving Levels

*Payable with your reservation response card

Sponsors:

$25 per person

$50 per couple

Guardian:

$50 per person

$100 per couple

Guardian Angel:

$75 per person

$150 per couple

Friend:

$125 per person

$250 per couple

Defender:

$500 per person

$1000 per couple

Benefactor:

$1000 per person and over

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

STAY CONNECTED
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

Toy Drive Next Week For Area Children

Fort Scott Fire Department personnel wanted to get involved in their community at Christmas time.

Assistant Chief Mike Miles said the firefighters saw other departments in the region do a toy drive for the community and decided last year to organize one.

The toy drive will be from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11 in front of the fire station.

“We wanted to get involved,” he said. “I’d seen it done elsewhere. We also do a boot drive in front of the department at 1604 S. National from 5 to 8:30 p.m. for monetary donations which will raise funds to buy gift cards for older children.”

“We will direct people with toys through the bay where they can leave their toys and go onto Judson Street then,” he said.

“We lower the bucket (on the fire truck) and people can drop toys in.”

Bicycle donations for ages 4-12 are needed.

The Beacon,  a local helping agency and the local Elks Lodge will be the recipients of the toys that will be distributed to children.

About the Beacon

The Beacon Food Pantry in Fort Scott, KS, is dedicated to alleviating food insecurity by offering essential food assistance to households in need. Our mission is to ensure that individuals and families have access to nutritious food, supporting their health and well-being during challenging times, according to its website.

 

About the Elks

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A. is a
 Fraternal Organization whose mission is to:

To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share, according to its website.

 

FSHS Thespians Present Ho Ho Ho The Santa Claus Chronicles

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespians present the children’s theatre production of Ho Ho Ho The Santa Claus Chronicles by Pat Cook at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 14 in the FSHS Auditorium.

 

Pioneer Drama Service describes the play this way: “We join the host for a special live edition of “The Santa Claus Chronicles” at the North Pole just a few days before Christmas.  We start with a press conference where Saint Nick’s press secretary answers reporters’ questions about the jolly guy. … We also meet the elves, Eeny, Meeny, Miney, and Sol, who take care of the reindeer, and we hear from the elves who work the gift suggestion hotline.  But the biggest mystery at the North Pole is where Mrs.Claus has disappeared to.  Just what is she up to?  Find out in a surprising ending that will leave a smile on everyone’s face.”

 

The production involves 44 local students in first through eighth grade and 24 high school Thespians who serve as directors, coaches, and designers

 

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children. All tickets are reserved seating and are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

 

Ho Ho Ho The Santa Claus Chronicles is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin and senior Directors Kaiden Clary and Cooper George. Junior Junie Fisher serves as Music Director and sophomore Ava Johnson is the Choreographer.

Court Appointed Special Advocates Christmas Fundraiser is December 13

Change a Child’s Story…

You are cordially invited to a Christmas Celebration

to benefit Bourbon County CASA.

Friday, December 13th 2024

7:00-9:00 pm

Heavy hors d’oeuvres & full bar provided

Gary & Sally Cullor

810 195th Street

Fort Scott, Kansas

RSVP: Friday, December 6th

Call 620-215-2769 or email [email protected]

Click HERE for the Bourbon County CASA Facebook page!

Giving Levels

*Payable with your reservation response card

Sponsors:

$25 per person

$50 per couple

Guardian:

$50 per person

$100 per couple

Guardian Angel:

$75 per person

$150 per couple

Friend:

$125 per person

$250 per couple

Defender:

$500 per person

$1000 per couple

Benefactor:

$1000 per person and over

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

STAY CONNECTED
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

The Beacon Sees An Increase In Local Families In Need

The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott. Submitted photo. Ashley Heathman, assistant director, David Gillen, director, and Destiny Holderfield, food administrator.

 The Beacon is an interfaith, not-for-profit network in Bourbon County that has been in existence for 40 years. They assist community residents with food, utilities, and other necessities during times of need.

“We are dedicated to providing an efficient link between churches, civic groups, and other service organizations to those in need,” according to Dave Gillen, the director.

This time of year, the community gears up to give gifts and food to those who need it.

“The Adopt-A-Family program is a project that The Beacon takes great pride in,” said Gillen. “We help local Bourbon County families bring Christmas to their homes. After the application is filled out, we make the families available for the public and organizations to come in and ‘adopt’.  They then purchase gifts for the children and The Beacon puts together a rather large holiday meal package for the family. The children’s Christmas gifts are purchased, wrapped, and tagged with the family number and dropped off at Community Christian Church, where we sort into the proper family group.”

Those who want to adopt a family can come to The Beacon, 525 E. Sixth, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday from 9  a.m. to 1 p.m. to pick the family they want to adopt or call 620-223-6869.

Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton is where the Adopt A Family gifts are sorted and distributed.

There is an increase in the number of local families in need this year.

 “This year we have 112 families, which includes 290 children that will be up for ‘adoption.’These families are current Beacon clients or families needing help in Bourbon County. Last year we had 77 families for the Adopt-A-Child program so we had a major increase in local families in need this year.”

“This program could not be possible without the help of individuals, businesses, organizations, and our local fire department,” he said. “It takes many volunteers to transfer and sort food from The Beacon to the Community Christian Church gym.” 

“The Beacon also helps supply food items for the Elk’s Christmas Basket that is delivered the Sunday before Christmas,” he said.

“We are very busy this time of year with food and toy donations, sign-up, and just everyday activities,” he said. “We average about 25 to 30 families a day for food distribution and do some financial assistance to help residents of Bourbon County. The Beacon celebrated our 40th year helping Bourbon County this year. “

“We are dedicated to providing an efficient link between churches, civic groups, and other service organizations to those in need.

Fall Extravaganza To Benefit FSHS’s FFA Program: Find Those Holiday Gifts Here

Submitted graphic.
Monday, November 25 is the annual Fall Extravaganza, put together this year by the Fort Scott FFA Chapter as a fundraiser.
The event is at the Fort Scott Middle School from 5-8 p.m.
Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. 12th.

“The event started in 2009 by the Fort Scott Middle School VIPs to raise money to support the middle school,” said Sydney Cullison, Fort Scott High School FFA Advisor.

The event is where local businesses or crafty individuals showcase and sell their products and the students running the event get some money for their cause, it’s a win-win proposition.

Cullison said “The last couple of years the event was coordinated by the Fort Scott High School Swim Team to raise money for uniforms. This year, the Fort Scott FFA Chapter took over the planning of the event.”

The chapter officers are in a class called Ag Leadership and have been planning this event with the help of Cullison.

Much work has been done by the students and teacher leading up to this event: They must determine how much to charge for booth spaces, make an application form, collect payments from vendors, create a vendor layout map, create flyers and do social media advertising for the event.
Thus far 55 vendors are coming and will have a 10-foot by 10-foot booth space for $25.
The proceeds from the event will pay for the annual FFA membership dues for the 2024-25 school year, which are roughly $1,300 and are covered by the FFA Chapter.
The Fort Scott FFA group in 2023. Submitted photo.
“In 2021, the FFA chapter moved to an affiliate membership model meaning any student enrolled in an agriculture course is automatically an FFA member,” Cullison said. “The affiliate model allows all students to participate in FFA events to further skills learned in the classroom without paying an individual membership fee of $15. “
The Fort Scott High School FFA program has 106 students in grades 9-12.
The National FFA Organization’s mission is to help students develop their potential for leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.