Al and Luanna Niece purchased the vacant building at the corner of 6th and Main Street in July 2023 and will open one of the new businesses housed in it this week.
Eventually, they will have several businesses in the circa 1889 building.
Lu’s Ice Cream shop will open on December 5 with flexible hours.
Ice cream, sundaes, malts, coffee, hot chocolate and eventually, when the kitchen is totally completed, sandwiches and soups will be served.
Lu’s Ice Cream Shop has vintage-type furniture and one true vintage Coke machine. A customer on their birthday can get one free bottle of Coke, with a special token provided by the shop.
“The hours are…going to be flexible because of the weather, and it’s December, a cold time of the year, so probably from 4 to 8 p.m.,” Lu said.
The menu of Lu’s Ice Cream Shop. Eight flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream will be rotated out seasonally based on public opinion.
No strangers to the community, Al owns Niece Products of Kansas, located in the Fort Scott Industrial Park on Hwy. 69, south of the city.
“Al has an existing business here, Niece Products of Kansas, that has been running for over ten years, so we have quite a bit invested in this town,” she said. “When we are here, we have become accustomed to Fort Scott in the way of living. We love it here, and we want to be part of the community.” They have a primary home in Texas.
Their original plans were for an ice cream shop on the first floor, two loft apartments on the second floor, and a “man cave” on the ground level.
“We are going to continue with the original plan to have two loft apartments on the second floor. One is going to be for us when we are here in Kansas, the other is going to be a rental.”
Lu’s Ice Cream Shop will have the entrance on 6th Street, under the red-striped awning. Additional parking will also be available in the rear of the building upon completion.
Nikki Regan is the manager of the ice cream shop, which will have eight flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream, made in Texas. The Nieces have a home and business in Austin, Texas.
The living room of the rental. This is a one-bedroom with one bath and a sleeper sofa.Lu Niece said she loves the large window exposure in the lofts.
Lu’s Ice Cream Shop and the apartments are all complete.
The “man cave” is still under construction, with the hope of being completed by the end of 2026.
Lu stands in the future Al’s Speak Easy, which will house an invitation-only club and Al’s office.
“We did a complete renovation (of the whole building). The only thing that was left was the four exterior walls, so basically, we had an open shell once we cleaned everything out. New roofs, new floors, new plumbing, new electric, new windows, and, really, just a whole new design to the building inside that’s more industrial modern.”
“It was a long haul, lots of very trying moments for all involved, but thanks to Koehn Construction, neighbors, workers, Niece employees, and Fort Scott, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
The Shultz-Payne Building was originally a publishing business of A.B. Payne, a writer, who at one time printed the biography of Mark Twain, and they “ended up being buddies,” Lu said.
Lu took this photo during the complete renovation of the building. This is from the basement looking up to the second story.The before-picture of the Shultz-Payne Building, the original name of the property.This original sign on the west side of the building, which says Schultz-Payne Building, 1889, remains intact.
Janet and Tim Miller purchased the Hedgehog INK Bookstore at 16 S. Main on December 1.
Even though they both have full-time jobs, Janet works for Network Kansas as a Community Entrepreneurship Manager serving Southeast Kansas, and Tim works as a history professor at Labette Community College, they decided to start the venture of owning a bookstore.
” We both love to read and enjoy stopping in bookstores anywhere we go – whether in a neighboring town or around the world.
“Hedgehog.INK has been a favorite, so we’re thrilled to take over ownership. And, we’re very thankful to Randi Witt and her family for entrusting us with the store moving forward!,” Janet said.
“We love the store and won’t be making any significant changes. In fact, the only changes you’ll see immediately are the faces at the counter and the business name, which we are changing slightly to Hedgehog Books.”
They are seeking individuals interested in employment at the store.
“We will be in the store a good deal; we will need some help running it day-to-day. If you or someone you know would be interested, please stop by or message us.”
Hours will remain 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, but will have extended hours several days this week for Christmas on the Bricks.
The store’s phone number is 620-670-2752, and the business email is [email protected].
Hours for this week, in conjunction with the Third Annual Christmas on the Bricks this weekend, are:
Tuesday, December 2nd – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, December 3rd – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, December 4th – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (start of parade)
Friday, December 5th – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Santa will be on hand from 5 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 6th – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Santa will be on hand from 12 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., and the Grinch will do storytime from 2 to 2:30 p.m.
Julie Thurston stands in front of the family’s new venture, Grits and Grace Mercantile.
Julie and Brian Thurston had a shirt-making home business, and were asked to come to rodeos to sell their wares.
This, along with living in a rural community and having a local college with a rodeo program, prompted their newest venture, Grits & Grace Mercantile at 323 E. Wall.
They thought that with the many local rural communities, and rodeos ( a big fashion/decor trend) they would step out in this venture. Julie previously had designed decor for weddings.
Julie Thurston showing the lines of jeans the mercantile carries
Their boutique sells Western clothing for men, women and children, along with decor and furniture.
Some of the women’s clothing sold at the boutique.
“A little something for everyone,” Julie said.
Julie said her husband’s brother has a funnel cake truck and they are hoping to have him at the business site during the upcoming Christmas on the Bricks festival, Dec. 4-7.
The Rest of the Building
They closed on the purchase of the two-story building, circa 1911, on October 24. Thurston said she heard that at one time there was a candy factory in the building and most recently, a rural real estate agent office.
Their storefront neighbor, Dr. Erin Crank, will continue her chiropractic business in the building.
Upstairs, they have been readying two living spaces for use as short-term vacation rentals.
One of the bedrooms of a short-term rental unti on the second floor at 323 E. Wall that the Thurstons now own.
There are two apartments: a two-bedroom, one-bathroom living space and a one-bedroom, one-bathroom living space.
One of the bathrooms of a rental on the second floor of the building the Thurston’s own.
She said they hope to have the rentals available by the holidays.
Julie Thurston stands in front of the family’s new venture, Grit and Grace Mercantile.
Julie and Brian Thurston had a shirt-making home business, and were asked to come to rodeos to sell their wares.
This, along with living in a rural community and having a local college with a rodeo program, prompted their newest venture, Grit & Grace Mercantile at 323 E. Wall.
They thought that with the many local rural communities, and rodeos ( a big fashion/decor trend, she said) they would step out in this venture. Julie previously had designed decor for weddings.
Julie Thurston showing the lines of jeans the mercantile carries
Their boutique sells Western clothing for men, women and children, along with decor and furniture.
Some of the women’s clothing that is sold at the boutique.
“A little something for everyone,” Julie said.
Julie said her husband’s brother has a funnel cake truck and they are hoping to have him at the business site during the upcoming Christmas on the Bricks festival, Dec. 4-7.
The Rest of the Building
They closed on the purchase of the two-story building, circa 1911, on October 24. Thurston said she heard that at one time there was a candy factory in the building and, most recently, a rural real estate agent’s office.
Their storefront neighbor, Dr. Erin Crank, will continue her chiropractic business in the building.
Upstairs, they have been readying two living spaces for use as short-term vacation rentals.
One of the bedrooms of a short-term rental unit on the second floor at 323 E. Wall that the Thurstons now own.
There are two apartments: a two-bedroom, one-bathroom living space and a one-bedroom, one-bathroom living space.
One of the bathrooms of a rental on the second floor of the building that the Thurstons own.
She said they hope to have the rentals available by the holidays.
Volunteers from left: Craig Campbell, Jared Weaver, and Matthew Wells, with the sledgehammer, lay the floor for the synthetic skate rink at the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue on November 13.
The skate rink in downtown Fort Scott will soon be ready for the December 5 opening.
The Glide Fort Scott is a 48-by-28-foot synthetic ice skating rink located under the Gathering Square Pavilion, just west of the Fort Scott National Historic Site. across from Brickstreet BBQ Restaurant.
Volunteers Craig Campbell, Jared Weaver and Matthew Wells , along with some inmates from the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, were assembling the flooring on November 13 on a mild fall day.
Matt Wells, Craig Campbell, a Bourbon County Jail inmate, and Jared Weaver assemble the flooring for the rink on November 13. A Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Deputy is at far right.
Campbell, Weaver, and Wells volunteered last year also on the project, which was disassembled and stored until the annual Christmas on the Bricks weekend this December. Robert Coon also volunteered to use his skid steer to move all the materials from storage to the rink site. The flooring materials were made last year and stored, and are now reused for the project.
Once the flooring was finished, the next step was the railing around the perimeter of the rink, then the Christmas lights.
The Glide Fort Scott, from its Facebook page.
Volunteers work on the skate rink in preparation for the Dec. 5 opening date.
Early this morning community volunteers placed American flags on National Avenue from the Fort Scott Police Station, 1604 S. National Avenue, to the U.S. National Cemetery, on east National Avenue.
The Fort Scott Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, the Fort Scott Fire Department, Fort Scott Community College Softball Team members and other volunteers, placed American flags on National Avenue that leads into the national cemetery.
“We do it every year, ” said Fort Scott Fire Department Assistant Chief Mike Miles. “On holidays such as Flag Day, Veterans Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day. We start at 7 to 8 a.m. then pick them up before dusk.”
“The vets take all the help they can, there are a couple of hundred flags to place,” he said. “Whoever will get involved.”
An estimated crowd of 30 helped this morning.
Submitted photo.
At noon today, there was a Veterans Day Program at Memorial Hall at 11 a.m. followed by a ham and bean lunch at the VFW on South National Avenue. In both the USD234 School District and USD235 School District there were Veteran honoring assemblies at different schools.
“World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse in Nov. 2021.
Official Statement from the Bourbon County Election Office – November 5, 2025
2025 City/School General Election
The following was taken from the Bourbon County website, this morning.
“Although the release of election results was not as immediate as in previous years, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Amber Page, Deputy Election Clerk, for her tireless commitment to accuracy and integrity of our election process. We worked diligently to ensure that all ballots were counted, and all audits completed prior to the publication of the unofficial results.
This election cycle included an unusually high number of write-in votes. Each write-in ballot was meticulously hand-counted and verified within our election software to uphold the highest standards of election accuracy.
The Bourbon County Election Office remains committed to maintaining transparent communication with our residents regarding election procedures and the importance of ensuring reliable and verifiable outcomes. Please note that advance ballots postmarked by Election Day, November 4, 2025, will be accepted through November 7, 2025. The official canvassing of votes is scheduled for Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at 210 S. National Avenue.
I would also like to extend endless appreciation to Jennifer Hawkins, previous County Clerk and Current County Treasurer for continually guiding Amber and I through our first election. Furthermore, I wish to express my deep appreciation to the citizens of Bourbon County for their patience and understanding, as well as to the many volunteers who serve selflessly during each election cycle.
About the Bourbon County Election Office The Bourbon County Election Office is committed to upholding public trust through integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement in all election processes.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk & Chief Election Officer”
To view original document submitted by Walker at 5:19 a.m. this morning:
Fort Scott National Historic Site glows during the annual candlelight tour event. This photo is from 2019.
The U.S. federal government shut down on Oct. 1,, 2025 after lawmakers failed to resolve a budget deadlock, halted some federal operations, according to https://www.ncsl.org/in-dc/federal-government-shutdown-what-it-means-for-states-and-programs Triggered by partisan clashes over funding beyond Sept. 30, the shutdown has created uncertainty for many federal programs.
The local Fort Scott National Historic Site is a government facility.
The annual Candlelight Tour at the Fort has a Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site group that is providing press releases and ticket sales for the event during the shutdown.
They are doing their best to make it happen, although reduced in scope, according to Matthew Wells, president of the Friends organization.
They will put out the candles on the walkways of the fort and there may be a few vignettes of life on the prairie in the fort.
“My wife and family may have a vignette,” said Friends of the Fort President Matthew Wells. “We love doing it and love the fort.”
“Our main goal is to get the candles out for the people to enjoy the beautiful fort,” he said.
“We don’t believe we have time to learn the scripts and music, etc.,” with the buildings being closed for the shutdown, he said. “The government isn’t open to do any of it.”
The Fort’s employees are government employees,
But as in years past, on November 1, 2025, tickets for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 44th Annual Candlelight Tour went on sale.
The group is doing the preliminary work to have the event and will be providing music and refreshments, as in the past.
However, how you purchase your ticket is changing for the event this year.
The following information is from the Friends of the Fort organization, via a press release:
2) contact the Chamber of Commerce in Fort Scott, 231 E. Wall.
3) If the shutdown ends, tickets can be picked up at the fort’s visitor center on Old Fort Boulevard, just north of Fort Scott’s downtown area.
Tickets are $5 per person and are non-refundable; children, 5 and under, are free.
It is recommended that you get your tickets early to ensure your choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out.
The 44th Annual Candlelight Tour is Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6, 2025.
Tours on December 5 will begin at 6:30 pm and leave every 15 minutes until 9 pm.
On Saturday, December 6, the tours will start at 5 pm with the final tour leaving at 9 pm. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented.
Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the tour will be outside and on sidewalks.
1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site, and re-enactors (including you) bring the fort to life. During the tour, you will be immersed in ways people have overcome and learned from challenges and new experiences in Fort Scott.
Depending on the end of the Government shutdown, it may look different this year than years past, but we encourage you to come enjoy the beauty of the Historic site in candlelight, according to the press release.
National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable. For more information, please visit: doi.gov/shutdown
In reflection of this week’s meeting, we covered a lot of important topics, and I’d like to expand my perspective a little, regarding several of them.
I fully understand and share the frustration of residents who are being affected by the constant noise from industrial operations like Bitcoin mining. No one should have to lose sleep or peace in their own home. At the same time, the Commission needs to be very careful about creating new noise resolutions or restrictions that could unintentionally impact farmers, small businesses, and others. Because our county is not zoned, we don’t currently have a framework to distinguish between residential, agricultural, industrial, and commercial uses. That’s one reason this issue is so challenging. Rather than rushing to pass new regulations that might limit everyone, I believe we need to look for solutions that directly address the immediate problem while we work toward a balanced, well-thought-out long-term plan. I must respect both the rights – and the quality of life of the people who live here. I don’t believe government should overreach, I do believe in being good neighbors, whether individuals or companies, we need to be working together to make our community a great place to live. I’ve also observed some unrest regarding the commission’s decision to modify our payroll process. While it’s common for transitions like this to generate discussion, I believe the degree of unrest expressed is not fully justified given the intent and expected outcomes of the change.
After our update from our IT partner, I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve made in transitioning to managed IT services. This move modernizes our technology and stands to align the county with current industry standards, an important step toward greater efficiency and security.
I appreciate our Sheriff and his team from Enterprise for taking the time to present information to the commission and for their continued efforts to provide additional details. However, at this point, I’m still not comfortable supporting the proposed lease agreement and here’s why; the cost figures we’ve received so far have varied from meeting to meeting, and we still don’t have a clear plan for how the county would fund this long-term. Until we have consistent numbers and a comprehensive funding proposal, I believe it’s more responsible to continue with our current approach of purchasing as needed. I look forward to reviewing a complete and accurate cost analysis and funding recommendation from the Sheriff’s Office at our next meeting.
Health insurance costs are also rising again this year. According to our broker, the county’s insurance pool used about 117% of the premiums we paid in, meaning we paid out more in claims than we collected. As a result, our rates are projected to increase by roughly 17%. We all know how valuable our insurance coverage is, and we want to keep it strong. But with our limited tax base, we simply can’t continue increasing county expenses at that rate. What I’m proposing is that the county continue to pay the same amount toward insurance as last year, (which, according to our broker, is still higher than what comparable employers contribute). Employees would then have the choice to keep their current plan and pay the difference or move to a lower-cost option. I understand that may be frustrating for some, but it’s a responsible step to help us get these costs under control while still offering solid coverage. My goal is to find a fair balance that protects both our employees and the taxpayers who fund these benefits.
I have also fielded questions about why I didn’t support stacking reserves this year. My position is simple, I’ve observed county operations over time and patterns tell me when we levy it, we spend it. Were then no better off the next year when it comes to assets or financial strength. I’m not against planning for the future, but I believe we need a clear, detailed plan for how any new tax dollars or reserve funds would actually be used before we ask our taxpayers for more. That’s just good stewardship.
A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse in Nov. 2021.
The General Election in Bourbon County is next Tuesday, November 4.
With all the division in the country and our county, voting is a citizen’s chance to make a difference in election outcomes.
There are new districts and polling stations in the county.
“All voters were sent new registration cards in late July showing their polling place based on the new precincts,” Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker said. “In addition, I put a notice out that the Bronson and Redfield locations were shut down to try to save costs in running the elections. Maps of the districts can be found at https://www.bourboncountyks.org/bourbon-county-election-maps-5-districts/.
Here is a screenshot of most of the map:
Bourbon County’s new voting districts, 2025, submitted by the county clerk.
If there are any questions about the polling process, call the clerk’s office at 620. 223. 3800 Ext. 100.
There will also be a 1/2 cent sales tax vote on the ballot. To see how it is worded, see below.
Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager, said at the candidate forum, the sales tax will make the existing sales tax continue for infrastructure improvements. This tax includes tourists and visitors to the community, not just property owners. If any questions, contact Matkin at City Hall, 620.223.0550.
SALES TAX QUESTION
Shall the following be adopted?
Shall the City of Fort Scott, Kansas be authorized to impose a one-half percent (0.5%) City-wide retailers’ sales tax (the “Sales Tax”), the proceeds of which shall be used for the purpose of financing the following costs and related expenditures:
(a) 80% of the proceeds for street improvements, sidewalks, bike lanes, and curb and gutter, and (b) 10% of the proceeds for Parks and
community facilities, and (c) 10% of the proceeds for Public Safety With the collection of the Sales Tax to commence on 7/1/2026; and to expire Ten (10) years after its commencement; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 12-187 et seq.,as amended?,
To learn more about the candidates and see them answer questions, view the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate forum on October 22, and streamed on YouTube.
Below is a list of candidates who will appear on the ballo provided by the Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker.
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSIONER (3 POSITIONS)
Dyllon Olson, 124 N Washington St, Fort Scott 66701
Garrett Knight, 215 S Barbee St, Fort Scott 66701
Kathryn Salsbury, 802 S Crawford, Fort Scott 66701
Tim Van Hoecke, 802 S Hill St, Fort Scott 66701
Julie Buchta, 1002 Burke St, Fort Scott 66701
CITY OF BRONSON
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
Josh Marlow, 212 Clay, Bronson 66716
CITY COUNCIL (2 POSITIONS)
Kelly Perry, 611 Orange Street, Bronson 66716
Lysa Long, 203 Line Rd, Bronson 66716
Sherri Tribble, 406 Charles St, Bronson 66716
Linda Sprague, 502 Randolph, Bronson 66716
CITY OF FULTON
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
Kathy Hurteau, 402 West Osage Street, Fulton 66738
Jessica Walters, 328 W Osage St, Fulton 66738
CITY COUNCIL (5 POSITIONS)
Janet Schill, 524 W Cedar St, Fulton 66738
Ronald Marsh, 223 N 4 th St, Fulton 66738
Lawrence Paddock, 608 Cedar Street, Fulton 66738
Caleb Jackson, 602 W Spruce St, Fulton 66738
CITY OF MAPLETON
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
Ronald “Buck” Burton, 228 East 7 th St, Mapleton 66754
Mike Hueston, 351 Bourbon, Mapleton 66754
CITY COUNCIL (2 POSITIONS)
Homer Wisdom, 507 N Bourbon, Mapleton 66754
CITY OF REDFIELD
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
Clarence Ed Guss, 301 Pine, Redfield 66769
CITY COUNCIL (2 POSITIONS)
Kirby Martin, 403 W 2 nd , Redfield 66769
Michael Beerbower, 402 W 3 rd Street, Redfield 66769
Jon Brown, 102 N Pine Street, Redfield 66769
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
No Candidate
CITY COUNCIL (2 POSITIONS)
Kyle Knight, 606 Sherman, Uniontown 66779
USD 234
BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE (5 POSITIONS)
David J. Stewart, 772 190 th, Fort Scott 66701
Phil Jackson, 25 Golfview Dr, Fort Scott 66701
Rory Chaplin, 1764 215 th Street, Fort Scott 66701
Nick Barrows, 1607 South Crawford St, Fort Scott 66701
Robert Harrington, 1403 Horton, Fort Scott 66701
Mike Miles, 836 S Judson, Fort Scott 66701
USD 235
POSITION 4 (1 POSITION)
Brian Ray Stewart, 179 Soldier Rd, Bronson 66716
POSITION 5 (1 POSITION)
Edward Ramsey, 411 Kansas Rd, Uniontown 66779
Mike Mason, 978 60 th St, Uniontown 66779
USD 248
POSITION 6 (1 POSITION)
Kelly Peak, 60 West Lake Road, Farlington 66734
USD 346
POSITION 6 (1 POSITION)
Ketturah “Kitty” Rhynerson, 2303 Farris Rd, Blue Mound 66010
SOUTHWIND EXTENSION DISTRICT
BOARD MEMBER (2 POSITIONS)
Dennis Fry, 267 130 th Street, Fort Scott 66701
Elli Milburn, 2518 Xylem Road, Fulton 66738
Gary Palmer, 1863 Eagle Rd, Fort Scott 66701
FSCC BOARD OF TRUSTEE (3 POSITIONS)
Chad Cosens, 1320 Marblecrest Dr, Fort Scott 66701
Destry Brown, 2108 Jayhawk Road, Fort Scott 66701
Marilyn J. Hoyt, DVM, PHD, 2422 242 nd Terrace, Fulton 66738
Joshua Baseley, 407 Lees Circle Dr. Apt 2A, Fort Scott 66701
Vince Loffredo, 844 195 th St, Fort Scott 66701
BOURBON COUNTY
DISTRICT 4 COMMISSIONER (1 POSITION)
Gregg Motley, 1904 Jayhawk Road, Fort Scott 66701, Republican
DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER (1 POSITION)
Mika Milburn-Kee, 2518 Xylem Road, Fulton 66738, Republican
VOTING PRECINCTS IN BOURBON COUNTY – PLEASE NOTE THAT POLLING PLACES HAVE CHANGED!!
It is hereby noted that the polls are open between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM at all the following locations:
1 st
,4 th
,5 th
,6 th Wards and Scott D1, D2, and D4 Townships– Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton, Fort Scott
Freedom D1, and D5, and Osage Townships, Fulton City – Fulton Community Building, 408 W. Osage, Fulton
2 nd
,3 rd ,7 th Wards and Drywood and Scott D3 and D5 Townships – Grace Baptist Church, 502 S. Margrave, Fort Scott
Franklin, Millcreek, Timberhill Townships and Mapleton City – Mapleton Community Building, 565 Eldora, Mapleton
East Marion, Marmaton D2 and D4, Pawnee, West Marion and Walnut Townships and Bronson, Redfield, and Uniontown Cities–
Uniontown City Hall, 206 Sherman St., Uniontown
VOTER REGISTRATION:
You may register to vote at any of the following locations during their regular business hours: the Office of the
County Clerk, or online www.bourboncountyks.org ; any City Clerk’s office; Department of Motor Vehicles; SRS
offices.
DEADLINE TO CHANGE PARTY: KSA 25-3304(b) The deadline for party affiliation changes was October 14, 2025 at the end of
the business day. Party affiliation changes will be accepted and processed after December 1, 2025. If you still desire to update or
change your party affiliation, you may do so after December 1, 2025 by filling out a new voter registration.
CLOSING OF REGISTRATION BOOKS: Pursuant to K.S.A. 25-2310 & K.A.R 7-23-4 Notice is hereby given that on the 14th day
of October 2025, registration books for the City/School General Election will close at the end of the business day. The books will
remain closed until the day following the General Election.
ADVANCE VOTING by MAIL: K.S.A. 25-1123 Any registered voter is eligible to vote by Advance Ballot, beginning Wednesday,
October 15, 2025. The last day to request an advanced ballot by mail application is Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
APPLY FOR ADVANCE BALLOT: K.S.A. 25-1122(e)(4). Applications for Advance Ballots are available at the Bourbon County
Clerk/Election Office or by calling (620) 223-3800 Ext. 100. A printable application for an Advance Ballot is available on the county
website www.bourboncountyks.org or Kansas Secretary of State website www.kssos.org.
RETURNING ADVANCE BALLOTS: KSA 25-1132 In Person: Ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day to any
Polling Location within the County or to the County Election Office, Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. Fort Scott, KS 66701. By Mail:
Ballot must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, November 4, 2025 (Election Day) and received in County Election Office by Friday,
November 7, 2025.
EARLY VOTING: Voters are able to vote in advance in the Commission Room at Bourbon County Courthouse began October 20 and will end Monday, November 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM. (Noon).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Per KSA 25-2908 All Voters must provide Valid Photo Identification (Drivers’ License, Military ID, Kansas
College ID, Kansas ID or other qualifying ID card) to Vote. For a list of accepted identification and additional information go to
www.gotvoterid.com or call 1.800.262.vote (8683).
PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION: K.S.A 25-4411(b) & 25-4610(b) A Public Demonstration of the Clear Ballot Election Software will
be held Friday October 31, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Bourbon County Courthouse. The final testing of the Clear Ballot Election
Software will be held Friday November 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Bourbon County Courthouse.
CANVASS: KSA 25-3101, 3104 & 3107 Monday, November 10, 2025 at 10:00AM in the Commission Room of the Bourbon County
Courthouse.
I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 5th day of June 2025.
/s/Susan Walker, Bourbon Clerk/Election Officer
Katelyn Dancer, 19, is the daughter of Tracy Dancer and Kathy Gillmore Dancer, Fort Scott.
She decided to attend Columbia University for the opportunity to attend two colleges, one in Tel Aviv, Israel, and then a second degree at the Columbia campus in New York.
“I chose to attend Columbia for its unique dual degree program. This degree program allows students to complete different bachelor’s degrees in the traditional four years.”
“For their first bachelor’s degree, students go to an overseas university in their freshman and sophomore years, and the second bachelor’s degree is completed at Columbia University in New York.”
“As a sophomore, I am currently attending Tel Aviv University in Israel— but I’m very excited to be in New York next year. For me, this program made attending an Ivy League of any sort possible, financially and acceptance-wise.”
“I get one degree from Tel Aviv University and one degree from Columbia University. At TAU, I will receive a Bachelor’s of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies, and my current plan is to major in American Studies at Columbia with future plans for Law School.”
“Paying an Ivy League tuition, in my case, became much more realistic when faced with only two years of tuition and housing in New York instead of four years. The acceptance rate to my dual degree program is also about 22%, whereas the general acceptance rate for Columbia University is a whopping 4%.”
“I started gathering information about schools I was considering applying to in the middle of my junior year. The process of applying to colleges was very time-intensive because of my decision to apply to multiple low acceptance schools.”
“The total undergraduate population at Columbia University is about 9,500. However, there are only about 120 students in the Dual Degree program between TAU and Columbia.”
Not only classroom learning, Katelyn is also learning about other cultures by living in a foreign country.
“The best part about my experience so far has been the travel and independence I’ve gained. I’ve had a truly unique experience, and I’m extremely proud of myself, as is my family, for moving across the world and living and studying in a foreign country by myself.”
“The biggest challenge has been being so far away from my support system in Kansas and the large credit load each semester. The workload is manageable, but classes can run until 8 p.m., so I can have very long days of classes.”
“I am thrilled to be the first graduate in a very long time to attend an Ivy League school.”
Katelyn graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2024.
“I hope it is the beginning of a new period for FSHS graduates where students truly have the opportunity and support to apply and stand out to Ivy League schools.”
She credits the school counselor and teachers for the chance to follow her dream.
“I wouldn’t have been able to apply to these highly selective schools without the help of Mrs. Martin and the wonderful teachers who wrote recommendation letters, hosted clubs, and gave me a strong foundation on which to build. I would encourage every Fort Scott student to shoot for the stars because with the right focus, commitment, and timeline (start early!) FSHS graduates are absolutely capable of landing themselves as Ivy League alumni.”
Ivy League schools are considered the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world. Eight private Northeastern American schools are known for their highly selective admission process, academic excellence, and promising career opportunities for those who attend, according to U.S. News and World Report online.
Princeton University, New Jersey; Harvard University, Massachusetts; Yale University, Connecticut; University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania; Cornell University, New York; Brown University, Rhode Island; Dartmouth College, New Hampshire; and Columbia University, New York, are the Ivy League Colleges.
