Category Archives: Youth

Entertainment, Youth

The Rockballet Dancers Show is June 9,10

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Tickets went on sale to the public last night for Rockballet recital.

Kristin Gorman teaches dance to over 100 students ages 4-18 years old and loves it.

“The best thing for me about recital is standing in the wings watching my dancers look look so beautiful and confident on stage, and seeing them truly loving the art form,” she said.  “As a professional performer my whole life, knowing what it feels like, I love being able provide this opportunity for them to experience performing in a show like this.”

The performance is June 9 and 10 at the Bicknell Center, Pittsburg.

Kristin Gorman 
Owner / Director
ROCKBALLET
Email: [email protected]   Website: therockballet.com
Art, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Youth

CONSERVATION THROUGH THE ARTS: Junior Duck Stamp Contest Winner

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NPS Photo: C. Brenner. 2022 National Junior Duck Stamp Winner for Kansas Group III.

Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 11 am, Fort Scott National Historic Site and Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge are presenting Jewel Endicott with the first-place award for her age group in the Kansas Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest for the 2nd year in  a row.  Her winning entry is titled “Cinnamon Teal Swimming” and was done in colored pencil. The awards presentation will be in the foyer on the upper level of the park’s Infantry Barracks, outside the theater.

 

This year’s contest had 214 Kansas entries and judging was held at Baker Wetlands Education Center in Lawrence, Kansas last March. This is the 30th annual National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Participants created original artwork using watercolors, crayon, or pencil.

 

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program began in 1989 as an extension of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp. The first national Junior Duck Stamp art contest was held in 1993. The stamp encourages students to explore their natural world, participate in outdoor recreation activities, and learn wildlife management principles.

 

From April 1-September 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation.  The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 am – 5 pm Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

 

 

Area News, Youth

85th Session of American Legion Boys State of Kansas Set for June 4-10 in Manhattan

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85th Session of American Legion Boys State of Kansas Set for June 4-10 in Manhattan

 

May 22, 2023 — High school students from across the State of Kansas will participate in the 2023 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, Sunday, June 4, through Saturday, June 10, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 31st consecutive session at KSU and 85th 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.

 

Among the major events during the week (the below events are open to the public unless noted; members of the media are invited to attend all events):

 

Sunday, June 4

  • Delegate check-in, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Goodnow Hall

This event is not open to the public.

  • Opening ceremonies, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., McCain Auditorium

o   Keynote speaker: Kendall Gammon, 15-year NFL veteran with the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers. Considered the best long-snapper in the NFL, Gammon, a 1987 graduate of Rose Hill (Kan.) High School and 1991 graduate of Pittsburg (Kan.) State University, was a member of Pitt State’s 1991 NCAA Division II national championship team. He also played in Super Bowl 30 and in the 2005 Pro Bowl. Gammon talk will draw on personal life challenges with a message threaded with vulnerability and authentic stories to inspire attendees to use emotional strength to embrace change, build strong relationships and positively impact growth and success.

Media note: Starting at approximately 2 p.m., the KBS delegates will walk 

from Wefald Hall to McCain Auditorium – great photo/video opportunity.

 

Monday, June 5

  • Swearing in of Kansas Boys State mayors, 7 p.m., Kansas Boys State Assembly Area (Goodnow Hall/Marlatt Hall parking lot [between buildings on Claflin Road]).
  • Party caucuses, 7:30 to 10 p.m., Federalist Party, Fiedler Hall, Room 1107; Nationalist Party, Rathbone Hall, Room 1073 (each party will select their candidates for the six state offices and formulate their party platforms.)

This event is not open to the public.

 

Tuesday, June 6

  • Kansas Boys State governor candidates’ debate, 1 to 2 p.m., McCain Auditorium
  • Announcement of Kansas Boys State general election winners for state offices and swearing in ceremony, 7 p.m., KBS Assembly Area.

 

Wednesday, June 8

  • Flag retirement ceremony, 7:30 p.m., 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 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 Memorial, was a longtime Kansas Boys State staff member as a Legionnaire advisor before passing away in January 2020.

Media note: This event is a great photo/video opportunity.

  • Evening ceremonies, 8 p.m., McCain Auditorium.

o   2023 Kansas Boys State governor’s inaugural address.

o   Address by Jeremy Ehart, Hutchinson, Kan., American Legion Department of Kansas commander, and introduction of Kansas American Legion dignitaries

Watch and read Ehart’s cover story from the February 2017 issue of The American Legion magazine.

o   Kansas Boys State band, chorus and talent show.

 

Friday, June 9

  • Announcement of delegates who will represent Kansas Boys State as senators at Boys Nation in July, 8:30 a.m., KBS Assembly Area.

 

Saturday, June 10

  • Closing ceremonies, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., McCain Auditorium

o   Announcement of Kansas Boys State outstanding citizens, Kansas Boys State Samsung American Legion Scholarship winner and various awards, including Advisor of the Year, Counselor of the Year, New Counselor of the Year, William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award, Outstanding Senator Award and Outstanding State Representative Award.

  • Final State Assembly/Final Flag Lowering, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., KBS Assembly Area

 

In addition to the above events, the public is invited to view the daily morning assembly/flag raising at 8:30 a.m. (8:45 a.m. on Saturday) and evening retreat/flag lowering at 7 p.m. (6:50 p.m. on Monday). For those who cannot attend these events, Boys State of Kansas will provide updates during the week on its Facebook page, facebook.com/KansasBoysState.

 

— #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.

Schools, Youth

Dominick Budy to Play Basketball at Fort Scott Community College

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Dominick Budy with his parents, Jeremy and Amy Budy. Submitted photo. Jeremy Budy is also the basketball coach.

Fort Scott Christian Heights senior Dominick Budy has committed to playing basketball at Fort Scott Community College for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Dominick has received numerous awards throughout his high school basketball career, including three years as MACC Conference MVP, and the MCSAA All-Tournament Team in 2023.

Dominick has scored more than 2000 points in his time at Fort Scott Christian Heights.

Dominick plans to pursue a degree in Sports Medicine, and is the son of Jeremy and Amy Budy of Fort Scott.

Dominick Budy with his team at Fort Scott Christian Heights school. Submitted photo.

 

 

Bourbon County, Youth

Uniontown 4-H Club May Report By: Marley Sutton

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 Several Uniontown 4-H club members recently took part in the 4-H expo at Tractor Supply in Fort Scott Kansas. The purpose of the event was to promote various 4-H projects to local community members. Makiah Woods promoted the dog project, the Sutton kids promoted the swine project, and the Bloesser kids promoted sewing and foods.

     Three Uniontown 4-H club members competed in the Perry-Lecompton Junior High Aggie Day. The team ranked first overall with Hailey Shadden receiving high individual, Marley Sutton ranking 3rd, and Kendyl Bloesser ranking 11th individually.

 

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott, Youth

Splash Pad and Sensory Park Moves Forward

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Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones, right,  and FS Water Distribution Supervisor Bill Lemke discuss the splash pad project on April 19 at the site on North National Ave. Jones is one of the initiators of the splash pad project, as well.

Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones was on the site of the future splash pad and sensory park on April 19. Jones is also one of the organizers of the project.

Dirt work has begun on the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park looking southwest towards National Avenue.
The Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Committee from it’s Facebook page. On the committee: Bailey Lyons, Kelly Barr, Katie Hueston, Meredith Tucker and Josh Jones.

“It has started,” Jones said. “You’ll start seeing water lines and concrete, the above ground (part) in three to five weeks.”

The crews will be working around the annual Good `Ol Days events, the first weekend in June, he said.

Looking south from the Lunette Blair Blockhouse on Skubitz Plaza. This is the proposed site of the sensory park.

The splash pad will be a 50 by 50 foot multiple feature water site and the sensory park will be two pads, roughly 24 by 24 foot for children’s equipment that is easily accessed, with no physical barriers.

Looking north from the Lunette Blair Blockhouse to the splash pad site.

The splash pad and sensory park will be located on Skubitz Plaza at the north end of downtown Fort Scott, on North National Avenue.

Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park rendition from their Facebook page.
Poster explaining the sensory park from the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Facebook page.

 

Fort Scott Community College, Schools, Youth

High School Students Can Get a Head Start on High Demand/High Paying Jobs

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Photos taken from CTEC’s Facebook page.
For students who want a career in construction trades such as welding, masonry, carpentry or heating and air conditioning, which are high demand and high paying jobs,  there is a short cut  to do that.
Junior or senior year students in Fort Scott High School and Uniontown High School have the opportunity to get a head start on these jobs,  said Kris Mengarelli, Fort Scott Community College’s Director of the Career and Technology Center, CTEC.
“CTE courses prepare students with the technical, academic, and employment skills needed for life after high school,” from CTEC’s Facebook page. “The courses hone critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills—all valuable tools needed to succeed in today’s workforce.”
“Starting in the fall of 2023, we are….offering carpentry basics, OSHA 10 (certification training) and introduction to craft skills for high school and college,” he said. “This is typically for juniors and seniors. It’s a two-year program to get a certificate.”
“The teacher will be Michael Casner, a Fort Scott High School teacher,” he said. “He’ll be teaching dual credit classes for those three classes at the high school. Uniontown will be able to send students over to attend those classes as well. The schools will coordinate what works best.”
The target student is any interested in the trades for a career.
The State of Kansas is offering an Excel in CTE Initiative, for high school juniors and seniors  for free college tuition on approved technical courses offered at Kansas technical schools and community colleges.
“The state looks at where there is a lacking workforce,” he said.
The main purpose of the bill is to stimulate growth in Career and Technical Education at both the secondary and post-secondary level in Kansas, according to https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/CSAS-Home/Career-Technical-Education-CTE/Excel-in-CTE
“There are some small fees that fall back on the student, but not significant,” Mengarelli said.
Following the classes for dual high school and college credit, students will have a nationally recognized certificate,” he said. “Students who want to go into construction, this makes them employable  just out of high school.”
CTEC is located in Crawford County.
Destry Brown, Fort Scott’s Superintendent of USD 234 was a “key player in getting CTEC started in Crawford County,” Mengarelli said.
Brown was formerly a superintendent of schools in Pittsburg, in Crawford County and is currently superintendent of schools for Fort Scott.
Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Family Entertainment Venue Coming to Fort Scott

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Patrick MacDonald stands in the newly repurposed room of the Gamerz Lodge.

Patrick MacDonald, also known as PatMac, has purchased the building at 16 Scott Avenue and has been working to make the place into a family fun venue with the name of Gamerz Lodge.

“The community asked for a family fun entertainment space and that’s what I’m doing here,” he said. “Roughly 10,000 square feet of fun!”

Patrick moved here from Kansas City last year to invest in Pizza Republic after owning a few pizza businesses over the last 30 years. “I love this community,” he said.  “I saw this as a way to give back to the community and invest in Fort Scott. Down here I can make a difference.”

The first floor will be his first focus to show what Gamerz Lodge is about.

“We’ll have a few TVs, arcade games, air hockey, shuffleboard, and pool tables,” MacDonald said. “We’re also introducing a ‘leveled up’ concession stand. Some of your favorites with a ‘PatMac’ twist. There will also be ice cream!”

It will be an events center for small concerts and a place for birthday parties as well.

“People can really use this space for creative classes, meetings, comedy shows, and gatherings,” he said. “It has so much potential.”

The renovation of the building, which most recently housed Darlene’s Collectibles, is a huge undertaking. “It’s a lot to take on for one guy but I’m definitely up for the challenge,” he said. “If there’s an investor out there give me a holler!” he said.

MacDonald’s email address is [email protected].

The tentative opening is June 1.

THE SECOND FLOOR

The second floor has a large ballroom and two 30 feet x30 feet rooms. The ballroom held meetings and dances from the days of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, whose emblem is on the outside of the 1924-era building. Some memorabilia still lines the walls.

“The second floor will grow with the business,” he said. “I see cornhole tournaments, VR space, and potentially a putt-putt golf.”

MacDonald also sees the opportunity to create a wedding venue or an Airbnb on this level.

“I see a whole baseball team from LaRoche Stadium could stay here,” he said.  “Games, food, and family. What else do you need?”

Patrick McDonald stands in front of the building he purchased at 16 Scott Avenue.

 

The outside of the building that Patrick MacDonald purchased has the emblem of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the date of the building’s erection, 1924.
One of many plaques on the walls of the large room on the second floor of the building that MacDonald purchased.
Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Fort Scott Kiwanis Annual Easter Egg Hunt

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The Easter Bunny poses with some fans at the Fort Scott Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt on April 1 at Gunn Park. Submitted photo.

On April 1, the Fort Scott Kiwanis Club sponsored their annual  Easter Egg Hunt in Gunn Park.

Egg hunters begin their search at the Fort Scott Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt, April 1, 2023. Submitted photos.

Kiwanis members distributed over 1,500 eggs filled with candy, prizes, and coupons from area merchants into the park in areas designated by age groups.  Approximately 75 children participated in the event.

Submitted photo.

 

The Kiwanis sponsors who donated either money, or coupon’s from their place of business are as follows:

 

Big Sugar Lumber                                              Iron Star Antiques & Such

Dairy Queen                                                      Marsha’s Deli

Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPA’s PA                       McDonald’s

Don’s Spirits & Wines                                        Merle Humphrey Photography

Fort Cinema                                                      NuGrille

Flowers By Leanna                                            R&R Equipment

Heidrick’s True Value                                         Wal-Mart

Submitted photo.
Submitted photo.

Submitted by John Crain.

K-State Extension, Youth

Celebrate National Reading Month

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Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Many people recognize this quote from Dr. Seuss’s book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”. March is designated as National Reading Month to celebrate the birthday of this famous author and his impact on creative storytelling. This national celebration was established as a way to promote reading to individuals of all ages.

Reading is a crucial part of every individual’s life, regardless of age. For children, it is a large component of education while for adults, it is part of professional development. Reading is also a leisure time activity that has many immediate and long-lasting health benefits. Studies have found increased cognitive function, memory, vocabulary, empathy, and decreased levels of stress in individuals that read regularly. When done before bedtime, it has the potential to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Reading even has the power to strengthen relationships through shared learning.

There are several ways you can celebrate this national holiday all month long. One of the simplest would be to visit a library or read the books you already have on hand. Libraries provide great environments for young children where they can access books for free while being immersed in a learning atmosphere. Another easy way to celebrate is to read with a family member or friend. Studies indicate that when parents read to their children, it helps with bonding and attachment. Read aloud even if it’s for a short period. Reading aloud develops fundamental skills, promotes social interaction, and improves vocabulary, word recognition, listening comprehension, and cognitive development.

Submitted photo.

The importance of reading extends far beyond educational development. Pick up a book and enjoy all the benefits of reading during National Reading Month. You might even create a positive habit that lasts throughout your whole life! For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Fort Scott H.S. Thespian Troupe #7365 Celebrates Theatre in Our Schools Month

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Conventional wisdom accepts that Star Wars and the Super Bowl attract an audience of millions.
What’s less well known is that a recent survey indicates almost 50 million people attend one of more than 37,000 school theatre performances annually in the United States.


The Theatre in Our Schools (TIOS) Month in March, is an opportunity to inform them, and millions more, that the pleasure they get from seeing a show on stage is just one of many benefits that school theatre brings to all involved—from overcoming fears of public speaking to the development of collaboration and teamwork.
TIOS is timely in that its March celebration occurs the same month as Music in Our Schools and Youth Art Month.


TIOS provides an opportunity for all of us here in Fort Scott—students, parents, school boards and elected officials—the entire community—to become familiar with the benefits of school theatre
participation.
Thespian troupe #7365 is planning a number of events to celebrate this month. On March 2, they travel to Topeka to meet with legislators about the importance of supporting theatre education.
March 6, troupe president Kinsley Davis presents to the USD 234 Board of Education about the way theatre education is impacting our own school district. On Thursdays in March, Thespians will wear
theatre–related t–shirts to school. March 24 is the annual FSHS Talent Show and Miss(ter) FSHS Pageant at 7 p.m. in the FSHS Auditorium. Admission is $5 at the door. Thespians travel to the Music Hall in Kansas City to see the Broadway Touring production of Hamilton on March 28.


You can follow FSHS Thespians through the following social media links: Facebook – Fort Scott High School Thespians, Instagram – FSHSThespians, Snapchat – FSHSThespians, Tiktok – fshsthespian,
Twitter – FSHS_Thespians. Share your school theatre thoughts with us using #TheatreInOurSchools.