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
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Category Archives: Youth
FSHS Talent Show Is March 28
THEATRE EDUCATION IN THE SPOTLIGHT IN MARCH
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
Measles Outbreak in Texas and Beyond: What You Need to Know
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
Keyhole Officially Closes: Building 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
West Bourbon Elementary School – Uniontown Kindergarten Roundup Coming in March
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.
Early Childhood Spring Fling April 3
On behalf of the USD 234 School District, we would like to invite you to the 2025 Early Childhood Spring Fling. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, April 3rd from 5:00-6:30 PM at the Fort Scott Preschool Center. All children ages birth-six years old and their families are invited to attend.
For this event, we are asking family resource providers and community partners to bring an interactive activity for students and families. We will provide space and a table for your activity. During the event, you will also have an opportunity to visit with families and distribute flyers, handouts, giveaways, etc. Our goal is for children and families to interact, be active, and learn about the resources available in our community. If you are a preschool or childcare provider, please share the attached flyer with your families. We also welcome you to set up an activity and table for your program.
If you plan to attend our event, please complete the short form below by Tuesday, April 1st so we can have a table reserved for your organization. If you have questions, please let me know.
Nick Johnson, FSPC Principal
Support For Parents of Special Needs Children: Parent Empowerment Circle
This Sunday, Feb. 23, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., parents of children with special needs will have an opportunity to connect with others who understand the challenges and joys of this responsibility.
“You’re not alone. We’re here to inspire, educate, and connect you with others who understand your unique challenges and joys,” according to Cherri Walrod, who is a Community Health Worker with K-State Research and Extension Southwind District.
The Parent Empowerment Circle event will be at First Southern Baptist Church Family Life Center at 1818 S. Main this Sunday.
There will be refreshments and parents are welcome to bring their children.
A head count is needed, so please contact Walrod at 620-945-9081 or [email protected]
Background of the group
“In December of 2023, I was giving a presentation for a local church,” Walrod said. “During my presentation, I mentioned that I am the mom of special needs children. I talked briefly about the special kind of loneliness and isolation that many parents of special needs children experience. After the presentation, Becky Lee (also a mom of a special needs child) asked if I would be willing to meet with her to discuss ways to begin a group to help connect, inspire and educate parents of special needs children.”
“The Parent Empowerment Circle is the result of working with many community members and partners over the last year to launch this important resource for local parents,” Walrod said.
Walrod joined the K-STATE Southwind District in August of 2024 as the Community Health Worker.
Community Health Work aims to address the social determinants of health, some of which include isolation and loneliness. The Parent Empowerment Circle fits well within the scope and mission of the CHW by helping to reduce the isolation and loneliness the parents of children with behavioral or physical differences sometimes experience.
“Parents of children with behavioral and physical differences are invited to become part of the Parent Empowerment Circle in Fort Scott for inspiration, education, connection, and empowerment, according to a press release from Walrod.Why Join?
- Inspiration: Find motivation in shared stories, successes, and resilience within our community. Let’s turn obstacles into opportunities together.
- Education: Gain access to expert-led workshops, resources, and the latest information tailored to support your child’s needs. Knowledge is power, and we’re here to empower you.
- Connection: Build a network of support. Meet parents who share your experiences, exchange advice, and form lasting friendships. From navigating the educational system to understanding therapy options, we’re a collective of shared wisdom.
- Empowerment: Move from merely surviving to truly thriving. Our circle is designed to elevate your parenting journey, providing you with the tools and encouragement to embrace every moment.
What Is Offered:
The CHW project has received funding and support from K-State 105, Kansas State University’s economic growth and advancement initiative for all 105 counties in Kansas. Learn more at k-state.edu/105.
Local High School Play: Speaking Up For Oppressed People
FSHS Play Performance Opening Night Rescheduled
The Feb. 20 performance of Fort Scott High School’s play “And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank” is rescheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb. 23.
The rescheduling is due to the weather forecast for the week. Tickets previously sold for the Feb. 20 performance will be transferred or refunded, please contact Angie Bin, [email protected] or 620-719-9622. Other performances should run as scheduled at 7 p.m. on Feb. 21 and 22 in the FSHS Auditorium.
The production, by James Still, is a multi-media performance with live sound bytes and videos from the actual Holocaust survivors portrayed in the play as well as real video footage from the time period.
In addition to the performance, the lobby will feature many items of interest to the audience. A collection of Holocaust memorabilia from local historian Ronda Hassig will be on display in the Art Gallery.
Students in the Advanced Drama class are displaying research on groups of oppressed peoples and plays that have been written to speak up for those groups, much like how “And Then They Came for Me” speaks for victims and survivors of the Holocaust.
Students in Jon Barnes’ Government and Current Events classes, after reading and listening to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail,” wrote “A Letter From a Fort Scott Classroom” about a time in their lives that they felt discriminated against.
Many of these letters will be available to read.
The Technical Theatre class also built white models of set designs for the play that are on display.
Cast and crew members of the play were educated about the real lives of their characters through research and a presentation by Hassig. Hassig has personally visited sixty concentration camps and she shared her knowledge and photos with the students to help them better understand their characters and the world of the play.
Senior Kaiden Clary plays one of the Holocaust survivors, “Performing Young Ed gave me a chance to look into how a Jewish person was treated during WWll, how this person had to hide from SS guards to even be with his grandparents, how he had to try to escape time and time again. After learning about and discussing him, it is hard to believe that people actually had to go through many of these things, especially not seeing his parents for almost four years.”
Tickets for “And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the Life of Anne Frank” are $5 for students and $7 for adults and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.
The play is directed by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with Mesa Jones serving as Assistant Director. It is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.
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Rembering the World of Anne Frank: Fort Scott High School Thespians on Feb. 20-22
Feb. 4, 2025
FSHS Thespians presents “And Then They Came for Me – Remembering the World of Anne Frank”
Fort Scott High School Thespians presents the play “And Then They Came for Me – Remembering the World of Anne Frank” by James Still.
Performances are at 7 p.m. on Feb. 20-22 in the FSHS Auditorium.
The production is a multi-media performance with live sound bytes and videos from the actual Holocaust survivors portrayed in the play as well as real video footage from the time period.
In addition to the performance, the lobby will feature many items of interest to the audience. A collection of Holocaust memorabilia from local historians Ronda and Rob Hassig will be on display in the Art Gallery. Students in the Advanced Drama class are displaying research on groups of oppressed peoples and plays that have been written to speak up for those groups, much like how “And Then They Came for Me” speaks for victims and survivors of the Holocaust. Students in Jon Barnes’ Government and Current Events classes, after reading and listening to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail,” wrote “A Letter From a Fort Scott Classroom” about a time in their lives that they felt discriminated against. Many of these letters will be available to read. The Technical Theatre class also built white models of set designs for the play that are on display.
Cast and crew members of the play were educated about the real lives of their characters through research and a presentation by Ronda Hassig. Hassig has personally visited sixty concentration camps and she shared her knowledge and photos with the students to help them better understand their characters and the world of the play.
Senior Kaiden Clary plays one of the Holocaust survivors, “Performing Young Ed gave me a chance to look into how a Jewish person was treated during WWll, how this person had to hide from SS guards to even be with his grandparents, how he had to try to escape time and time again. After learning about and discussing him, it is hard to believe that people actually had to go through many of these things, especially not seeing his parents for almost four years.”
Tickets for “And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the Life of Anne Frank” are $5 for students and $7 for adults and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Doors open thirty minutes prior to showtime.
The play is directed by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with Mesa Jones serving as Assistant Director. It is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or at 620-719-9622 with questions.
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Support Fort School High School’s After Prom Party
Dangerous Game At Fort Scott: One Local Family’s Story of Tap-Out Challenge
A warning to parents appeared on the Fort Scott Middle School Facebook page on January 31 of a Choke Out Game or Tap-Out Challenge that has been happening at the school.
“The Choke Out Game, also known as the Tap-Out Challenge, is a dangerous activity where individuals intentionally restrict their breathing or blood flow to the brain in an attempt to achieve a brief sense of euphoria or dizziness,” said USD 234 Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield. “This practice can cause serious harm, including unconsciousness, brain damage, and even death.”
“It is also known as many other things, chicken, redneck, tap out, blackout, etc.,” said Beth Worthing whose Fort Scott Middle School child participated and was taken to the hospital. “We need to let every child know not to play or accept this challenge…That you win the challenge when you walk away from it.”
“The challenge has been noticed in various schools and communities, with reports indicating it has gained some attention in social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. The post on the Fort Scott Middle School page serves as a warning to parents and caregivers, as this dangerous activity has surfaced among students.”
“While the challenge has been noticed primarily at the middle school level, it is important to understand that it can potentially affect students in different age groups. The influence of social media platforms, especially TikTok and Instagram, has made it easier for these kinds of trends to spread quickly among young people.”
Mayfield sent the following to help parents/caregivers in working with their children on this matter.
- “Open Communication: Talk to your children about the dangers of participating in challenges like these and encourage them to speak up if they come across harmful trends.
- Monitor Social Media: Keep an eye on the apps and content your children are engaging with, and consider using parental control features to limit exposure to risky content.
- Educational Discussions: Discuss the potential consequences of these dangerous behaviors, and provide information about safer, healthier alternatives.
- Encourage Peer Support: Empower children to look out for each other. If they see peers engaging in harmful challenges, they should know how to intervene and seek adult help if needed.”
One incident
The following is an account of a Fort Scott Middle School student’s mother, Beth Worthing.
“On January 22, I received a call from the school that Tyler had been choked by another student, but that he had agreed to it. Tyler was supposed to ‘tap out’ when he had enough,” Worthing said.
“The other student had choked out another peer prior and that student ‘tapped out’ of the challenge. Tyler said he doesn’t ‘Tap out’ so the child came over and choked him too.”
“Tyler did not ‘Tap Out’ he, in turn, blacked out. The child that choked him said he waited around 16 seconds or so when he thought he heard Tyler say something.”
“Tyler didn’t say a word, he couldn’t, he was out cold. When the child let go, Tyler landed flat on his face. He lost all consciousness, he could not recall things from before the event or after.”
“My husband picked Tyler up from school and took him to Nevada Regional Medical Center. I arrived about 30 minutes after they got to the Emergency Room. Tyler was in and out of fogginess all afternoon. He had no idea how he got from the school to NRMC, and bits and pieces of the event were coming back to him.”
“Tyler had a CT scan, and x-rays as they thought his nose may also be broken.”
“I asked Tyler if other kids were participating in this, and if it’s a challenge or something that’s going around. Tyler told me he had no clue it was a challenge.”
“I however had a hunch it was, and was a bigger thing than Tyler knew or understood.”
“I called the Superintendent as I felt God used Tyler for a greater good that day. I just had a hunch he was the wake-up call this community needed to raise awareness and hopefully end this.”
“I called (USD234 Superintendent) Destry Brown, and stated all my concerns. I could have blamed the school, or the child that choked him or went about this so many different ways, but that wouldn’t have put the right amount of urgency on this challenge.”
“I didn’t want another parent or child to go through what we did or worse, as I have a childhood friend, Jen Burns, who lost her son at age 9 about 9 or 10 years ago, so I was already aware of the dangers.”
“I told Destry Brown what I wanted to come from this was awareness to all the parents and children in every school in our community.”
“I said Tyler is your wake-up call. This happened this way for a reason. The fact that he didn’t die from being choked, or the fall that day, and that the event took place at school tells me this is a bigger deal than we think, and we need to do our part to protect the children and families.”
“He agreed but stated an investigation needed to take place first.
“The Principal at the Middle School and Mr. Brown did their part. I got a phone call about a week later and Destry Brown notified me that this was a bigger deal than they thought, and that young children were allowing older kids to choke them, and asked them to ‘tap out’ when it was too much.”
“The young kids will think it’s cool to be doing a challenge or playing a game with the older kids.”