Category Archives: Youth

Area News, Youth

Grants To Support At-Risk Youth Applications Start Today

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CFSEK Launches 2025 Elm Acres Foundation Grant Cycle

Since 2017, the Elm Acres Foundation has hosted an annual grant cycle through the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) to help fund projects and services supporting at-risk youth in Southeast Kansas. Since inception, the Elm Acres grant cycle has awarded over $160,000 to vital service projects benefiting area children.

“CFSEK is proud to continue the legacy of the Elm Acres Foundation, ensuring that at-risk youth in Southeast Kansas have access to essential services and programs that foster their growth and development,” said CFSEK Executive Director Devin Gorman.

Applications for the Elm Acres Foundation grant cycle are available online via CFSEK’s portal until midnight on April 30th. Questions regarding the grant applications should be directed to CFSEK Program Coordinator Kara Mishmash at SoutheastKansas.org/Contact/Kara.

Applications are available at SoutheastKansas.org/Grant-App, and more information about the fund is available at SoutheastKansas.org/EA.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools, Youth

Students at Fort Scott High School Lead Community Advocacy Efforts

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Students at Fort Scott High School joined the national grassroots effort called Theatre in Our Schools Month (TIOS) to advocate for the benefits of theatre education in schools in the month of March. Members of International Thespian Society (ITS) Troupe #7365 drew attention to the need for increased access to quality theatre programs for all students.

 

To get the word out, students participated in a number of theatre related activities. On Feb. 26 and 28 the troupe participated in community service activities at the Senior Center in downtown Fort Scott. They had a Theatre in Our Schools Month Kick-Off Party on March 4 at the Museum of Creativity. On March 6, the troupe traveled to Topeka to meet with Thespians from across the state and Senator Tim Shallenburger and Representative Rick James to celebrate and discuss Theatre Advocacy Day in KS. Troupe President Cooper George and Secretary Emi King presented to the USD 234 Board of Education on March 10.

 

Throughout the month, the troupe dressed to represent various musicals on Musical Mondays and wore theatre-related shirts on Theatre Shirt Tuesdays. They also had Improv Acting Troupe practice on Tuesdays after school and FSMS Drama Club on Fridays after school. All Drama class students learned about mask use in theatre and created their own masks using plaster strips molded to their own faces. Masks were on display in the Art Gallery throughout the month. Drama classes also held a Creative Costuming contest using a tote full of miscellaneous items to create a unique costume. Technical Theatre classes designed costumes for a specific character based on costuming the school has on hand in our wardrobe. To finish out the month, the troupe saw the FSCC production of “No Exit” on March 26 and held the annual FSHS Talent Show & Minute to Win It on March 28.

 

The ITS is the theatre honor society for middle and high school students. These Thespians plan and implement TIOS activities in their schools, in their communities, and with elected officials. The presentations and activities explain how theatre education positively shapes students’ lives by instilling necessary life skills. TIOS Month is an opportunity for students, parents, communities, school boards, and elected officials to come together to make theatre education more available to all students. One of the key messages is that theatre skills help students develop vital 21st-century skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, as well as social/emotional skills critical to students’ growth as young adults.

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Government, Schools, Youth

Fort Scott High School Hosts Annual Talent Show Awards

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Zoe Scott won first place in the Fort Scott High School Talent Show. Submitted photo.

The annual FSHS Talent Show and Minute to Win It was held on March 28th. The event, sponsored by FSHS Thespian Troupe #7635 and emceed by Molly Hoyt and Emma Bin, awarded cash prizes to the top three competitors.

 

Junior Zoe Scott won the $100 grand prize. She sang “At Last” by Etta James. Sophomore Allie Wards took second and $75 with her violin solo of “Adoration” by Felix Borowski. Third place and $50 went to junior Junie Fisher and freshman Gianna Gorman for their duet of “What is This Feeling” from Wicked.

Allie Ward won second place. Submitted photo.

A new Minute to Win It competition was held between clubs and organizations. The Minute to Win It winners were Blaiton Terry and Gracin Pitts for FFA. They win $200 sponsored by Thespians and National Speech and Debate Association toward their club or favorite charity.

Gracin Pitts and Blaiton Terry

The next Thespian event is the annual Rummage Sale to be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Apr. 18 and from 8 a.m. to noon on Apr. 19 at FSHS. Enter the school through the NW doors. Prices for the sale are a free will donation. Thespians is now accepting donations at the high school or contact Angie Bin at angela.bin@usd234.org or 620-719-9622 for pick up.

Gianna Gorman and Junie Fisher. Submitted photo.

 

Fort Scott, Sports, Youth

FSMS Student Luci Miles Wins Folk Wrestling State Championship

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Luci Miles. Submitted photo.

Folkstyle Wrestling is a combative sport where one wrestler tries to physically control the opponent against their will without injuring them, according tohttps://www.indeewrestling.com/folkstyle-wrestling-rules/

When two wrestlers wrestle each other, both wrestlers must weigh within one weight class of each other. You win a match by pinning your opponent, by scoring more match points than your opponent, or by disqualification if your opponent breaks certain rules. according to the website.

According to her dad, Mike Miles, Luci Miles, a 6th grader at Fort Scott Middle School, folk wrestles for Paola Panthers Wrestling Club, a kids’ youth wrestling club. She has been wrestling since she was five years old.
She was coached by Brett Martin, Darvin Willard, and Travis Allen.
Kids Folkstyle Wrestling season is from late October to March.  They compete on weekends throughout those months at various tournaments in the states of Kansas, Missouri, and  Oklahoma, according to https://usawrestlingevents.com/event/2500013602
The Kids State Wrestling competition is always a couple of weeks after Kansas High School State contests, with a tournament every year in Topeka.

“You have to qualify from your district and place top four to make it to the state tournament,” Miles said.  “Luci has won District 1 five times in a row.  She has been in the state finals for the past five years.  She has been runner-up for the past 4 years.  This year she finally broke through and won the under 90 lb. girls division.”

The 2025 Kansas Kids Folkstyle Wrestling State Championship Tournament was March 14-16 in Topeka.

The tournament features wrestlers in four age divisions, boys and girls: 8 and under (8U), 10 and under (10U), 12 and under (12U), and 14 and under (14U).  This tournament aims to provide a platform for showcasing boys and girls in age groups wrestling talents. As young wrestlers from around the country gather, they will compete with the top competition around the country with hopes to becoming National Champions, according to the website.

Luci Miles. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County, Opinion, Youth

Letter to the Editor: Christa Horn

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The Difference One Voice Can Make

When seven-year-old Mia entered the foster care system, she carried everything she owned in a single trash bag. But what weighed heavier than her few belongings was the loneliness and confusion of being shuffled between homes, schools, and strangers — all while missing the mother who could no longer care for her.

In the middle of court dates and caseworkers changing every few months, there was one person who stayed: her CASA volunteer, Linda.

Linda wasn’t paid. She didn’t work for the system. But she was there, just for Mia.

At first, Mia didn’t say much. But Linda showed up, week after week — reading books, listening, sitting quietly with her when words felt too hard. Slowly, Mia opened up. Linda learned Mia loved to draw and dreamed of becoming an artist. She noticed Mia struggled in school, not because she wasn’t bright, but because the moves had caused her to fall behind.

At court hearings, where decisions about Mia’s life were made by adults in suits, it was Linda’s report that said, “This is what Mia needs.”

Because of Linda’s advocacy, Mia got extra tutoring and art supplies that helped her express feelings she couldn’t yet say out loud. Linda advocated Mia stay in a stable foster home that nurtured Mia’s creativity and let her be a kid again.

And two years later, when a forever family came forward — one who loved Mia’s big imagination and gentle heart — Linda stood beside her in the courtroom as the adoption was finalized.

Today, Mia is thriving. She still keeps in touch with Linda. Sometimes they talk about art projects, sometimes life. But Mia never forgets that when her world felt uncertain, one steady, caring voice made all the difference.

Not a caseworker. Not a judge.
Just Linda.
Her CASA.

Learn how you can become a “Linda” to a child here in Bourbon County.  Call Christa at 620-215-2769 or email christa@bourboncountycasa.com.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools, Youth

Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Tuesday, March 11

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Sending on behalf of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

Join us for the Public Trade Show!

2024-25

Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

Tuesday, March 11th

11:30am – 12:45pm

FSHS Aux Gym, 1005 S. Main St.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the sixth annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) in partnership with NetWork Kansas and Fort Scott High School. Forty-four students of the high school Business and Entrepreneurship classes have prepared startup business plans as either individuals or groups and will compete for cash prizes to be judged on Tuesday, March 11th , 2025.

The community is invited to a public tradeshow exhibit from 11:30am to 12:45pm that day to view the creative business plans in support of the students and place a vote for the Community Choice award.

Mrs. Morgan Sage at the high school has incorporated YEC into the business curriculum she teaches. Therefore, the students have been working on their business concepts since last semester including four

components of a business plan, elevator pitch, formal presentation, and a tradeshow exhibit. A judging panel selected by the Chamber and a representative of NetWork Kansas pre-judge the first three

components, and the competition culminates with the public tradeshow.

Cash prizes totaling up to $3,000 will be presented for first, second, and third place overall and the Community Choice award at 1:00pm following the tradeshow after the final scores are tallied.

The Chamber organizes the program in association with the NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership and Bourbon County is one of many communities across Kansas to host a competition. The local overall winner will advance to the state-wide Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge to be held April 17 th in Manhattan, which is sponsored by NetWork Kansas, Kansas State University Research & Extension, and Kansas State University for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or information@fortscott.com.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Area News, Youth

Inspire Health Foundation, CHC/SEK, and Greenbush Launch Spring Break Camp

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PITTSBURG – The Inspire Health Foundation, the Community Health Center of Southeast
Kansas, and Greenbush are partnering to offer a Medical Spring Break Camp March 18 – 20 for
area students. The camp is an interactive experience designed to spark children’s curiosity
about the systems of the human body and the health careers dedicated to caring for those
systems.
The camp will be hosted at the John Parolo Education Center, located on CHC/SEK’s Pittsburg
North Campus at 3015 N. Michigan.
The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, with separate sessions for different age
groups:
• March 18: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
• March 19: 3rd – 5th Grade
• March 20: 6th – 8th Grade
Students will have the chance to create models and conduct experiments to discover the inner
workings of the skeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, and brain systems. They will
participate alongside CHC/SEK staff, including dietitians, respiratory therapists, and nurses, to
learn more about health and health careers.
“Students will engage in learning and play centered around the best of what each organization
has to offer; skills in problem-solving, scientific experiments, health education, health careers,
and community connection,” said Leah Gagnon, Director of Inspire Health Foundation. “We
know this will be the first of many student learning opportunities in partnership with
Greenbush and Inspire Health.”
“Greenbush camp staff are always looking for people and organizations within the community
to offer unique, fun experiences for students,” said Emily Roth, Greenbush Camp and
Enrichment Coordinator. “When we learned of the new education facility at the Community
Health Center of Southeast Kansas, we instantly wanted to begin a partnership to educate and
engage students about the health industry.”
To register for the camp visit www.greenbush.org/camps. Inspire Health Foundation is a
subsidiary of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. To learn more about Inspire
Health visit, www.chcsek.org/inspirehealth
###

Fort Scott, Youth

THEATRE EDUCATION IN THE SPOTLIGHT IN MARCH

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THEATRE EDUCATION IN THE SPOTLIGHT IN MARCH
Students at Fort Scott High School Lead Community Advocacy Efforts
(Fort Scott, KS, 2/27/25) – Students at Fort Scott High School are joining the national grassroots
effort called Theatre in Our Schools Month (TIOS) to advocate for the benefits of theatre
education in schools. Members of International Thespian Society (ITS) Troupe #7365 are
drawing attention to the need for increased access to quality theatre programs for all students.
To get the word out, students are participating in a number of theatre related activities. On Feb.
26 and 28 the troupe participated in community service activities at the Senior Center in
downtown Fort Scott. They have a Theatre in Our Schools Month Kick-Off Party on March 4 at
the Museum of Creativity and will present to the USD 234 Board of Education on March 10. On
March 6, the troupe travels to Topeka to meet with Thespians from across the state and Senator
Tim Shallenburger and Representative Rick James to celebrate and discuss Theatre Advocacy
Day in KS.
Throughout the month, the troupe will dress to represent various musicals on Musical Mondays
and wear theatre-related shirts on Theatre Shirt Tuesdays. They also have Improv Acting
Troupe practice on Tuesdays after school and FSMS Drama Club on Fridays after school. To
finish out the month, the troupe will see the FSCC production of “No Exit” on March 26 and hold
the annual FSHS Talent Show & Senior Minute to Win It at 7 p.m. on March 28. The Talent
Show is open to the public and tickets are $5 at the door.
The ITS is the theatre honor society for middle and high school students. These Thespians plan
and implement TIOS activities in their schools, in their communities, and with elected officials.
The presentations and activities explain how theatre education positively shapes students’ lives
by instilling necessary life skills. TIOS Month is an opportunity for students, parents,
communities, school boards, and elected officials to come together to and make theatre
education more available to all students. One of the key messages is that theatre skills help
students develop vital 21st-century skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and
critical thinking, as well as social/emotional skills critical to students’ growth as young adults.
For example, according to The College Board, in 2015, students who took four years of arts
classes in high school scored an average of 92 points higher on their SATs than students who
only took one half year or less. But, according to the U.S. Department of Education, only 28
percent of high schools in high poverty areas offer theatre instruction.
According to a 2018 poll, 72 percent of Americans believe the arts unify our communities
regardless of age, race, and ethnicity, and more than 90 percent believe students should

Bourbon County, Health Care, Youth

Measles Outbreak in Texas and Beyond: What You Need to Know

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A measles outbreak in Texas is raising concerns as cases continue to rise, spreading beyond state lines. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported 124 confirmed cases as of February 25, 2025, with 18 hospitalizations. Of those infected, five were vaccinated, while the rest were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown. The outbreak has now reached New Mexico, and additional cases are expected in surrounding areas.

This outbreak marks a serious public health concern, especially with the first measles-related death in at least a decade reported in Texas. The child who passed away was unvaccinated, emphasizing the importance of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination in preventing severe illness and complications.

What is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, infecting 90% of unvaccinated people who come into contact with it.

Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a distinctive red rash that spreads across the body. Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and even death, particularly in young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

Why is Measles Making a Comeback?

Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to widespread vaccination. However, in recent years, vaccination rates have declined, leaving communities vulnerable to outbreaks.

In 2024, the U.S. reported 16 measles outbreaks, compared to only four in 2023. Global measles cases have also been increasing, making it more likely that unvaccinated travelers bring the virus back into the U.S..

The Best Protection: MMR Vaccine

The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:

✔ First dose at 1 year old

✔ Second dose between 4-6 years old

The vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles with two doses. However, infants under 1 year old cannot yet receive the vaccine, making them especially vulnerable.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Community

✔ Check your vaccination status – Make sure you and your children are up to date on MMR vaccinations.

✔ Know the symptoms – Early detection and isolation of measles cases can help prevent further spread.

✔ Stay informed – Follow trusted sources like the CDC and state health departments for updates.

Measles outbreaks are preventable with high vaccination coverage. If you are unsure about your vaccination status or need to schedule an MMR vaccine, contact your healthcare provider or local health department.

For more information, visit the CDC’s measles at www.cdc.gov/measles

Church news, Fort Scott, Youth

Keyhole Officially Closes: Building is For Sale

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The Keyhole, 1002 S. Main, is for sale.

Keyhole Youth Ministries is officially closed.

“The Keyhole has been falling short of its intended purpose for some time now,” said Nick Sprague, a board member. “The funding provided by Key Industries has been withdrawn. From my understanding, the Keyhole was a valuable component of this community for many years and actively engaged in ministry to the youth of Bourbon County.”

“However, in the past two years, the youth of Bourbon County have shifted their preferences from physical gatherings to online interactions and participation in sports and activities. While these changes are not necessarily negative, they reflect a shift in our culture and community.”

“The most productive aspect of the Keyhole over the past two years has been renting out the facility to families and groups on a regular basis. The building’s size and prime location make it unsuitable for solely serving as a rental facility.”

“The Keyhole served as a safe haven for the youth of Bourbon County, fostering a sense of belonging and providing a personal space for teenagers,” he said. The name ‘Keyhole’ referred to the building operated by Bourbon County Youth Ministries, which received funding from Key Industries and various churches and organizations throughout its history.”

“The building will be sold. Bourbon County Youth Ministries, the current owner, will transfer ownership to another youth-focused organization, business, or community entity. The proceeds from the sale will not be retained by the organization; instead, the board is deliberating on the most suitable recipient for the funds, with the intention of reinvesting them within the community. This may involve supporting Key Industries or other organizations.”

 

In December 2024, the Bourbon County Youth Ministries Board of Directors voted to close the Keyhole. The voting members of the Board are Sprague,  Ryan Goodbody, Amber Goodbody, and Janelle Tate.

 

“As a non-profit organization, we will donate items (in the building) to families in need or other local non-profit organizations. Bourbon County Youth Ministries will not retain any of the donated items; instead, they will either be sold with the building or donated to another organization.”

 

” I would like to express my personal sadness at the closure of the Keyhole,” Sprague said. “However, I am also confident that the community has great opportunities ahead. Our teenagers are an invaluable and essential component of our community, and I sincerely hope that someone with the necessary time and vision will establish a space for them.”

“Furthermore, it is prudent to acknowledge and celebrate the legacy of the Keyhole. Its longstanding history of serving our community is truly remarkable. I want to honor and recognize all the individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to the Keyhole, whether they were the founders or those who dedicated many years to its operation.”

“The Keyhole’s era has come to an end, and I am eager to witness and ready to participate in the community’s future endeavors,” he said.

Nick Sprague is youth pastor at Fort Scott church of the Nazarene
The Keyhole building is located across from Fort Scott High School at 10th and Main Streets.
Bourbon County, Youth

West Bourbon Elementary School – Uniontown Kindergarten Roundup Coming in March

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A screening clinic for 2025-2026 kindergarten students has been scheduled for Monday, March 24 at West Bourbon Elementary. To be eligible for kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2025.

Students who will be new to WBE will sign up for a 30 minute slot to be assessed on March 24. Please bring in your child’s birth certificate and immunization record. The agenda for the child will include kindergarten skills assessment, vision, hearing, speech, and checking health records.

Kindergarten children are required to have a physical exam within 12 months of beginning school and have all current immunizations. The Girard Medical Center is available for immunizations and physicals; if you would like to contact them for a coinciding appointment call 620-756-4111.

Due to the screenings, there will be no Kindergarten class on March 24th.

For the best testing environment for your child, we ask that you not bring brothers or sisters.

To set up a time for screening and assessment, please call the school at 620-224-2350, option 1, or visit https://tinyurl.com/2025WBEK-Roundup.