Category Archives: Youth

Summer Reading Kick Off Party

The Library Invites You to the Family Summer Reading Kickoff Party

 

This year, the Fort Scott Public Library’s summer reading program will begin on May 31 at 10 a.m. with a family kickoff party in Buck Run Community Center’s front gym.

The party will run from 10 – 11:30. Partygoers will play games, create crafts, eat delicious treats provided by donors, drink cold water provided by G & W Cash Saver, earn prizes, and enjoy fairy tale activities inspired by the classic tales and The Land of Stories book series by Chris Colfer.

This summer’s theme is All Together Now, and the program will explore friendship, cooperation, and unity through stories, crafts, games, and other activities from June 1 to August 2, with a wrap-up party on August 8 or 9.

 

The library will be collecting summer care items for families in need, with a donation box

available at the party. Please bring unused swim diapers, sunscreen, feminine sanitary products,

etc. to donate. Clothing donations will not be accepted. Donated items will be available for anyone to take as needed in the library’s downstairs computer room throughout the summer

(while supplies last). Donors may also bring children’s books in good condition to the library to donate for summer reading prizes.

 

Families may register for summer reading at the party or skip the long registration line for each child and teen by pre-registering by May 29 at this link: Online SR Registration Form. They may also register via a paper form available at the library. Patrons may turn in completed registration forms at any library desk or by placing them in the after-hours book return, located on the north side of the library.

This party is made possible in part by Buck Run Community Center. All library programs are free and open to the public.

Get your game on at the Middle & High School Summer Reading Kickoff Party

 

 

The Fort Scott Public Library’s 6th -12th grades summer reading program will begin on May 31 at 4 p.m. with a kickoff party at the Keyhole, across from the high school. The party will run from 4 – 6 p.m.

 

Partygoers will play board, card, video, and billiard games, eat delicious treats, drink cold water

provided by G & W Cash Saver and soda, and earn library loot, which may be used to “buy” prizes throughout the summer. Throughout the summer, teens will meet at 4 pm on Wednesdays to play games, do art projects, participate in volunteer efforts, and

celebrate through special parties from May 31 to August 9.

 

Teens may register for summer reading at the party, or skip the line and preregister at this link: Online SR Registration Form. They may also register via a paper form available at the library. Patrons may turn in completed registration forms at any library desk or by placing them in the after-hours book return, located on the north side of the library.

This party is made possible by a partnership with the Keyhole. All library programs are free and open to the public.

The Rockballet Dancers Show is June 9,10

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]   Websitetherockballet.com

CONSERVATION THROUGH THE ARTS: Junior Duck Stamp Contest Winner

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-

 

 

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

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.

Dominick Budy to Play Basketball at Fort Scott Community College

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.

 

 

Uniontown 4-H Club May Report By: Marley Sutton

 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.

 

Splash Pad and Sensory Park Moves Forward

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.

 

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

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.

Family Entertainment Venue Coming to Fort Scott

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.

Fort Scott Kiwanis Annual Easter Egg Hunt

 

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.