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Category Archives: Youth
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
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.
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 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.
“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.
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.
The splash pad and sensory park will be located on Skubitz Plaza at the north end of downtown Fort Scott, on North National Avenue.
High School Students Can Get a Head Start on High Demand/High Paying Jobs
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, 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?”
Fort Scott Kiwanis Annual Easter Egg Hunt
On April 1, the Fort Scott Kiwanis Club sponsored their annual Easter Egg Hunt in Gunn Park.
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.
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 by John Crain.
Celebrate National Reading Month
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.
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 H.S. Thespian Troupe #7365 Celebrates Theatre in Our Schools Month
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.
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Distributes 988 Stickers to Area Students
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is working to reach out to area students with nearly 3,200 reminders that help is available when they are experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.
Partnering with Sharla Miller, with 13 Reasons to Fly SEK, SEKMHC created stickers themed to share information about 988, the national suicide and crisis hotline. They will be distributing nearly 3,200 of them to students in 13 high schools in their six-county catchment area.
“Even if we help just one student – that’s one life that might be saved,” commented Miller. “We need to get better at letting kids know it’s ok to not be ok. We need to encourage those conversations.”
Miller, a strong mental health advocate in the community, started the SEK chapter of 13 Reasons to Fly after her son died by suicide nearly four years ago.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24 in Kansas. Kids are reporting feelings of depression and anxiety at higher rates than ever before. Teachers are observing alarming mental health challenges experienced by their students daily. It’s undeniable that children need help.
“We hope to see lots of stickers on laptops, water bottles, and other student belongings soon!” explained Megan Hageman, SEKMHC prevention and promotion specialist. “Getting this information to the youth in the area can make a huge difference. Showing kids that they have support, no matter what, is essential!”
988 (similar to 911) is the national hotline designated to provide support for individuals who are experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis. Callers may call confidentially and speak with mental health professionals who can help them through their crises and provide referrals for additional mental health resources.
13 Reasons to Fly, a non-profit organization, works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness while still spreading hope to those who are struggling. The foundation advocates for continual mental health care reform so that recovery can be equitable and accessible to all people. The SEK chapter, serving Allen County and surrounding communities, incorporates education, shared stories, and perspectives of teens to dismantle the stigma of mental health.
The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services, and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the quality of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho, and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination, and 24/7 crisis intervention services.
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Museum of Creativity Spring Newsletter
There are some fun activities coming up at the Museum of Creativity that you won’t want to miss!
Next week we celebrate Barbie’s birthday!
Thursday, March 2nd we will be having a special birthday bash dinner from 6pm – 8pm. Each child will get a new Barbie, a commemorative tote bag and the opportunity to make some cool crafts. Dinner and dessert will be served.
$20/child
$10/adult
Pre-registration required – limited space available
Friday, March 3rd we will have a family dance! Theme is 50’s Sock Hop. Prize if you come in costume. Crafts and activities will be available as well as an ice cream bar (with Braum’s ice cream!). Come and go anytime between 5pm and 10pm.
$10/person – pre registered
$12/person at door
discount available for more than 5 people (inquire with museum)
$4/ Pre order hotdog combo (hotdog, bun, chips and soda)
On Saturday, March 25th we will be having a unique fundraiser.
The day will start out as a Cute Cake Contest with 3 categories; cake, cupcakes and cookies. Entries will be delivered before 9:00am. Judging begins at 9:15am. with prizes (Sponsored by SeKan’s Occasion Shops) awarded at 10:00am.
$15/entry – fill out attached form and send it to us
To learn more about the contest: Cake Contest Contract
At 11:00am we start more fun with a Cakewalk Adventure (because walking in a circle is too boring for us). We will do a new adventure group each half hour until 3:30pm. We will limit each group to 20 people. We recommend you reserve ahead to get your preferred time. Those in each group that don’t win a cake will get to choose a cupcake or cookie so everyone will be a winner! We will have other spring activities and crafts available also.
$5/ticket (May send a proxy person if you can’t be there)
There will be a lot of fun activities to do downtown that day (Easter egg hunt, shopping promotions in lots of stores, etc). You can have a whole day of fun!
For more information, I have attached a FB link to all events and attached flyers and the form to register for the contest.
Email us back or text 209-204-9743 and let us know what you want to register for. We can send you a payment link or you can make an appointment to come and pay in person.
Save the date: May 5th and 6th will be our annual indoor yard sale. As you are doing spring cleaning, consider donating items you no longer need to the museum before that weekend. And then make sure to come shop for new treasures!
Just a reminder:
Lego Club – every Thursday 4-6pm – ALL AGES -build what you want or complete a challenge.
$2/person
Craft Night – every Thursday 6-8pm – ALL AGES – you can always bring your own project or use our supplies. Also check Facebook for special workshops we host on Thursday nights.
$2/person – material fees may apply
Game Night – every Friday 5pm -10pm – ALL AGES – bring the family or a date or meet up with friends and choose from our selection of board games.
$2/person
Open play hours:
Friday 9am – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm
$2/child
$1/adult
ANNOUNCEMENT:
We have built a new party room that is a bit bigger than the old one. Book your party soon. Packages starting at $100.
Our old party room will become a dedicated Maker Space. Our supplies will be easily accessible so anyone can craft anytime.
Thank you for ALL your support! We appreciate all donations of time or money. All funds help with necessary improvements to the Museum.
Submitted by
Lorina Bowman
—
501c3 Museum of Creativity Institute
Family Fun Center – Where Hobbies Thrive
209-204-9743
102 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701