Tag Archives: featured

Business, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Hand-Scooped Ice Cream With A Mission

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Nichole Regan stands behind the counter at Lu’s Ice Cream shop at 6th and Main Street.
Nichole Regan is a special education teacher for USD 234, Fort Scott.  As a teacher, she is concerned about what happens to her students after they leave school.
“As a special education teacher, for years it has bothered me that when our kids age out of the school system and leave us, there are very few opportunities in our area for them to work,” she said. “Meaningful work provides people with social connection, purpose, and dignity. It is a positive part of all of our lives.”
“I was always hoping that more opportunities would be created in our community.”
“About a year and a half ago, I went to a conference that discussed post-secondary transition planning for students with special needs.”
One presenter was a previous Kansas City Special Education teacher who opened “The Golden Scoop”, an ice cream and coffee shop, which employs individuals with special needs.
“I thought it was awesome,” she said.” I started thinking about doing something like that in Fort Scott.”
Regan heard that Al and Luanna Niece were opening an ice cream parlor in Fort Scott. The Nieces are Texans who have a business in the Fort Scott Industrial Park. They noticed the dilapidated building at 6th and Main St. and have been working for two years to bring it back. They have a vacation rental and apartment for themselves on the second floor, and the ice cream shop was developed on the first floor of the building.
Lu Niece stands at the entrance to her new business, Lu’s Ice Cream Shop at 6th and Main in Fort Scott. Nichole Regan is the manager of the ice cream shop. The entrance to the shop is on the 6th Street side of the building.
To view that recent story:
“A friend of mine put me in contact with them, and I pitched them the idea. If you know Al and Luanna, they are wonderful people who continue to invest in the city and especially the people of Fort Scott. They loved the idea, and it took off from there!”
The first weekend of December, during the Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks Festival, the ice cream shop opened for business, with Regan as the manager.
“We have started right away with employing some kids from the high school, as well as a few adults,” she said. “We will have a mix of employees, as I feel that everyone has something to offer and we can all learn from each other! “
Regan hired an assistant who has experience working in both special education and the restaurant industry.
“We also have a couple of shift leaders who I know on a personal level and trust to be the kind and patient leaders needed in this position.”
  “My plan is to add as many employees with unique abilities as possible. They have assigned duties based on their current strengths and tasks they are comfortable with. As we grow, we will continue to train and ease into new job duties. It has been amazing so far! Everyone is doing such a great job, and they love the experience!”

“We currently have eight employees and two individuals completing a job tryout period through Vocational Rehabilitation,” she said. “Five adults and five high schoolers. We have all of the employees we need at this time, but will be looking to add a couple more this spring. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.”

She will be teaching employment skills while they earn money at the shop

“That is definitely one of the goals. For most of our employees, this is their first consistent job. They are learning a lot about responsibility, expectations, customer service, and working alongside other people. With all of our employees, as they learn more and become more familiar, they will be given more responsibilities.”

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.
Lu’s Ice Cream Shop is one of several businesses at 523 S. Main..

The address is 523 S. Main, but the entrance for the ice cream shop is on 6th Street-the phone number is 620-418-4288.

Current Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Friday 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sunday 2:00-7:00 p.m.

“We plan to stay open later this spring once ball season begins” she said. “After the school year is over, and I move to a full-time position at Lu’s, we will be open during the day and will offer some light lunch options in addition to our ice cream! At this time we plan to offer paninis and salads as well as soups next fall and winter.”

Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment

Join Bourbon County Community Theatre And Have Fun at the 3rd Annual Adult Prom

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A scene from Holy Mother of Bingo, a murder mystery from Bourbon County Community Theatre’s Facebook page.

Do you have an interest in portraying characters and using vocal expression in imaginary circumstances with others…also known as acting?

Consider the Bourbon County Community Theatre as an outlet.

“BCCT membership is open to anyone who is interested,” Angie Bin, publicity chairman for the group, said. “Anyone 18 and over can become a member by completing the form at https://forms.gle/HkrjceuxqoP1biQk7 and paying a $5 yearly fee. The entire general membership assembly meets in May of each year, and any other time a general assembly is called by the president. The board meets once a month.”

“The board plans all of the upcoming productions, events, and fundraisers; reports on all income and payments for the month; and analyzes past events,” she said.

There is an upcoming fundraiser on February 21: Adult Prom.

Melodrama auditions are April 27 and 28, and performances  are June 5 and 6, a community musical with auditions in June and a performance in August, and the Voices from the Grave Tour on Oct. 24.

On October 24, the group will lead the Voice from the Grave Tour.

Bourbon County Community Theatre in Fort Scott hosts Mardi Gras Masquerade, an Adult Prom, as a fundraiser for future events and performances.

About Adult Prom

BCCT formed in 2023 and is holding its third annual prom for adults (age 18 and over), a night of fun, dancing, and community support, according to a press release.

This formal dance is from 8 p.m. to midnight on Feb. 21, 2026 on the upper floor of Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National in Fort Scott. In addition to dancing to a live DJ, there will be non-alcoholic drinks and snacks included in the ticket price, as well as alcoholic beverages and meals available for purchase from the bar.

They hope to add to the fun (and success) of the night with some lighthearted music dueling. Attendees can pay $1.00 to request and/or dedicate a song, $5.00 to request a song NOT be played for an hour, or $10.00 for a song to be banned for the night.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at bcct.ludus.com or at the door on Feb. 21. Tickets are $40 per couple or $25 for a single ticket. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best formal or masquerade attire.

BCCT is accepting members. If you’d like to be a part of bringing community theatre back to Bourbon County, visit the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page and complete the form to become a new member.

Currently, the group is made up of:
President: Matthew Wells
Vice President: Mark Bergmann
Secretary: Abby Starkey
Treasurer: Danette Popp
Publicity: Angie Bin
Production Coordinator: Katie Wells
At-large members: Eric Popp, Ben Self, Regen Wells

 

A scene from the Bourbon County Community Theatre’s “Holy Mother of Bingo” from its Facebook page.
Business, Fort Scott

The Davis’s Develop Historic Downtown Building Into Two Businesses

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20 North Main Street, Fort Scott, KS. One can see the reflection of the Fort Scott National Historic Site in the storefront glass reflection on the ground level. The upper level is a vacation rental in a historic downtown district apartment.

Another Historic Downtown Fort Scott building has been renovated, adding to the revitalization that has been moving forward in the area.

Don and  Sandra Davis purchased the building at 20 North Main Street in 2021 and began renovation.

“Located in the heart of Fort Scott’s downtown district, the building is within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and community attractions. The goal of the renovation was to preserve the building’s history while creating functional space that contributes to ongoing downtown revitalization,” said Julia Shore, office manager of Davis Accounting, another business the Davis’s own and she also is the Airbnb host.

 

Sandra and Donald Davis in front of their business at 1519 S. National Ave. in 2024.

“The building was long known in downtown Fort Scott as the home of J & W Sport Shop, a family-owned sporting goods retailer that first opened at this location in 1978, after beginning business elsewhere in the community,” said Shore. “The shop served generations of local customers before relocating, making the historic storefront a familiar presence in the heart of Main Street’s commercial district.”

 

There are two businesses in the newly renovated building.

 

“The fully renovated ground-floor storefront is available for leasing in 2026,” she said. “The first floor is reserved for commercial use, providing space for a retail or business operation.”

 

“The upper level has also undergone a complete transformation and now features a three-bedroom, two-bath apartment designed for short-term rental use through Airbnb,” she said. “The upstairs Airbnb is fully operational and is now accepting reservations.”

 

The upstairs is available for booking through Airbnb.

https://www.vrbo.com/5009286?

 

To lease the first-floor property, call 620-223-9777.

 

 

 

 

Business, Government, Kansas, Sports

New Domed Chiefs Stadium and Training Facility Coming to Kansas

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Gov. Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs
Announce Agreement On Plans for
State-of-the-Art Domed Stadium in Kansas

Gov. Kelly: “This is a game-changer for Kansas”

New stadium and mixed-use entertainment project is expected to create 20,000 jobs and generate more than $4 billion in economic impact for state

TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas City Chiefs today announced that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility and mixed-use development in Kansas. The project will be a massive economic win for the state, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for Kansas. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact.

The agreement includes two distinct parts: (1) a $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County, which will open at the start of the 2031 NFL season; and (2) a new Chiefs headquarters and training facility in the City of Olathe in Johnson County. Both sites will have mixed-use developments that could include sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel and residential properties.

“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium, we’re creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we’re continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family,” Gov. Kelly said. “This is a game-changer for Kansas, and it’s a signal to America and the world that our state’s future is very bright.”

The agreement was approved today by the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) with strong bipartisan support.  It will be a public-private partnership between the state and the Chiefs organization – and it will require no funds from the current state budget and no new taxes on Kansans. A fact sheet of the agreement and the independent Economic Impact Study can be found here.

“Today is an extraordinary day in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “We are excited to partner with the State of Kansas to bring a world-class stadium to our fans. This project represents another step in our legacy of innovation and our fan-first mentality, which started with my father, Lamar Hunt. The stadium, practice facility, and surrounding development will benefit the entire region, and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the country and the world.”

“This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts’ generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America’s greatest fan bases. The Chiefs’ new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether it’s playoff games, concerts or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement.”

The Chiefs announcement adds to the Kelly-Toland administration’s unprecedented streak of winning business investment projects that create jobs and grow Kansas’ economy. Since 2019, Kansas has attracted more than $30 billion committed capital investment and created or retained almost 78,000 jobs.

“Kansas has had a streak of big economic wins, but nothing is bigger than this. This is truly once-in-a-generation,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, who led the state team that negotiated the deal with the Chiefs. “This happened because we brought Democrats and Republicans together to do what was best for Kansas – landing our state a huge economic win, without requiring a single dollar from the state budget or a tax increase on Kansans. This historic win is the latest in a series of major economic wins for Kansas, including the Panasonic headquarters, which all tell the same story: the future for Kansas, its workers and its economy is very exciting.”

“This is an extraordinary economic win for our state thanks to the effort of Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Toland,” said Christal Watson, Mayor & CEO Unified Government of Wyandotte KCK. “All of us in Wyandotte and Kansas City, Kansas are excited to work with the Chiefs and are committed to driving results that strengthen our region and uplift our community.”

“This deal is a once-in-a-generation type of opportunity for our community and region. Having the Chiefs headquarters and training facilities here in Johnson County will be huge for our local economy – and a lot of fun for our families,” said John Bacon, Mayor of Olathe. “We’re eager to get to work, and are committed to ensuring the process – and the result – are first class, something everyone in Olathe – and all across Chiefs Kingdom – can be proud of.”

“Today, Kansas won the Super Bowl,” said Senate President Ty Masterson. “This is a huge win for Kansas. Now, we get to watch our beloved Chiefs play right here at home, keeping jobs and tax dollars right here in Kansas. Best of all, this will not cost one more penny for Kansas taxpayers.”

“Here in Kansas, we love the Chiefs, and we also love a good deal for taxpayers. So this is a win-win,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins said.

The project will be financed through a public-private partnership (60% public – 40% private). The public portion is funded through Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds and the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund – both funding mechanisms established specifically for this purpose – to ensure that there will be no new state taxes and no impact on the state budget.  The STAR bonds were authorized today by a bipartisan vote of the Legislative Coordinating Council. The STAR bonds have two components: (1) It allows the state to designate a portion of new state sales tax revenues generated by this project in neighboring communities to fund this project; (2) It allows Wyandotte County and the City of Olathe to designate a portion of their local sales tax revenue generated by this project to pay for it. For more on STAR bonds, click here.

The Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund was established by the legislature to dedicate revenue generated from iLottery and sports betting to recruit professional sports teams.

The Hunt Family is also committing to $1 billion in additional development, a portion of which can also be incentivized by STAR bonds.

For more information, visit www.kansascommerce.gov/chiefs-media-kit.

A photo is available for media use here.

###
Business, Food, Fort Scott

The Niece’s New Businesses Are About to Open

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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.

To see the prior story on the build:

https://fortscott.biz/news/nieces-are-working-to-renovate-the-payne-building-at-6th-and-main

 

Business, Fort Scott

Meet The New Owners of Hedgehog Bookstore

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Janet and Tim Miller, from Facebook.

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.
Sunday, December 7th – 12 to 4 p.m.

 

 

Bourbon County, Elections

Final Results of the November 4 Election

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A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse in Nov. 2021.

The Bourbon County election results a re finalized and some of the winners of the November 4 election are listed below:

Fort Scott City Commission Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta, Kathryn Salisbury.

The Fort Scott Tax question received over 57%  yes votes.

The Bourbon County Commission results are Greg Motley for District 4 and Mika Milburn Kee for District 5.

Winners of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees are Chad Cosens, Destry Brown and Marilyn Hoyt.

 

To view the entire document of the election results provided by Amber Page, Bourbon County Accounts Payable/Deputy Election Clerk:

 

C-S GEN 2025 FINAL RESULTS0001

Business, Fort Scott

New Businesses Open On East Wall

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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.

For more information:

Website: gritgracemercantile.com

The store is open Wednesday thru Saturday 10:00 AM — 7:00 PM

Phone: 620.215.4999

 

 

 

Business, Clothing, Fort Scott

New Businesses Start on East Wall In Fort Scott

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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.

For more information:

Website: gritgracemercantile.com

The store is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 AM — 7 PM

Phone: 620.215.4999

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Skating Rink Is Prepared For Christmas on the Bricks

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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.

For more information:

(620) 223-3566
[email protected]
theglidefortscott · 
Confirmed link
fortscott.com/the-glide-fort-scott
The Glide Fort Scott during the Christmas season 2024, from its Facebook page.

 

Taken from the Christmas on the Bricks Facebook page.
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College, Government, Youth

Community Endeavors To Honor Veterans With Flags and Ceremonies

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Submitted photo.

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.

Submitted photo.

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.

Submitted photo.

History of Veterans Day, taken fromhttps://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/

“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.”

Submitted photo.
Submitted photo.
Submitted story.

 

Bourbon County, Elections

Unofficial Results of the Bourbon County Election on November 4 And Statement From County Clerk

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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:

Unofficial General Election Results

or view here:

Contest Choice Votes
Bronson City Council (Vote for 2)
Kelly Perry 30
Sherri Tibble 13
Lysa Long 8
Linda Sprague 2
[Write-in] Britney Minor 11
[Write-in] Brittany Minor 1
[Write-in] Doug Tribble 1
[Write-in] Mike Stewart 1
Bronson Mayor (Vote for 1)
Josh Marlow 36
[Write-in] Bill Marlow 1
County Commissioner District 4 (Vote for 1)
Gregg Motley 450
[Write-in] Invalid 15
County Commissioner District 5 (Vote for 1)
Mika Milburn-Kee 264
[Write-in] Joe Smith 87
[Write-in] Invalid 8
Fort Scott City Commission (Vote for 3)
Tim Van Hoecke 552
Julie Buchta 473
Kathryn Salsbury 438
Dyllon Olson 409
Garrett Knight 335
[Write-in] Invalid 83
Fort Scott Question Submitted (Vote for 1)
Yes 604
No 457
FSCC Board of Trustees (Vote for 3)
Destry Brown 1,404
Chad Cosens 1,404
Marilyn J. Hoyt, DVM, PHD 844
Vince Loffredo 705
Joshua Baseley 390
[Write-in] Aaron Judy 2
[Write-in] Chad McKinnes 2
[Write-in] Abel Davis 1
[Write-in] Adam Clements 1
[Write-in] Anna Graham 1
[Write-in] Bailey Lyons 1
[Write-in] Barry McCockiner 1
[Write-in] Blank 1
[Write-in] Bugs Bunny 1
[Write-in] Chad Holt 1
[Write-in] Debbie Buckley 1
[Write-in] Dillon Duffy 1
[Write-in] Doug Hurd 1
[Write-in] Doug Ropp 1
[Write-in] Emily Diebolt 1
[Write-in] Fred Larson 1
[Write-in] Gary Floyd 1
[Write-in] Igao Guffin 1
[Write-in] Jacky Martin 1
[Write-in] Joe Smith 1
[Write-in] John Bartelsmeyer 1
[Write-in] John Townsend 1
[Write-in] Larry Shead 1
[Write-in] Michael Hoyt 1
[Write-in] Nick Barrows 1
[Write-in] Rhet Reed 1
[Write-in] Shane Walker 1
[Write-in] Smith 1
[Write-in] Sonia Gugnani 1
[Write-in] These are all corrupt 1
[Write-in] Tom Gorman 1
[Write-in] Vance Eden 1
[Write-in] William R. Dean 1
Fulton City Council (Vote for 5)
Janet Schill 30
Caleb Jackson 28
Ronald Marsh 27
Lawrence Paddock 26
[Write-in] Misty Adams 7
[Write-in] Steve Doucet 7
[Write-in] Carmen 1
[Write-in] Dakota Hall 1
[Write-in] Jessica Walters 1
[Write-in] John M Marsh 1
[Write-in] John Smith 1
[Write-in] Randy Beckford 1
Fulton Mayor (Vote for 1)
Jessica Walters 16
Kathy Hurteau 11
[Write-in] Misty Adams 7
Mapleton City Council (Vote for 2)
Homer Wisdom 18
[Write-in] Clifford Squier 3
[Write-in] Clifford Squire 2
[Write-in] Alice Myric 1
[Write-in] Clifford Squeeir 1
[Write-in] Clifford Squier (additional listing) 1
[Write-in] Clifford W. 1
Mapleton Mayor (Vote for 1)
Mike Hueston 11
Ronald “Buck” Burton 10
Redfield City Council (Vote for 2)
Kirby Martin 17
Jon Brown 13
Michael Beerbower 9
[Write-in] Jeff Reed 4
Redfield Mayor (Vote for 1)
Clarence Ed Guss 16
[Write-in] Jeff Reed 6
[Write-in] David Duffey 2
Southwind Extension District (Vote for 2)
Gary Palmer 1,481
Dennis Fry 973
Elli Milburn 576
[Write-in] Joe Smith 5
[Write-in] Beth Graham 1
[Write-in] Better off with no one 1
[Write-in] Bugs Bunny 1
[Write-in] Curtis E. O’Dell 1
[Write-in] Dean West 1
[Write-in] Debbie Buckley 1
[Write-in] Emily Diebolt 1
[Write-in] Fred Larson 1
[Write-in] Blank 1
[Write-in] Jacky Martin 1
[Write-in] Jamie Holeman 1
[Write-in] Jared Pollock 1
[Write-in] Jason Gorman 1
[Write-in] Martin Ashwell 1
[Write-in] Mert Barrows 1
[Write-in] Michael Donahue III 1
[Write-in] Michael Houston 1
[Write-in] Sam Tran 1
[Write-in] Smith 1
[Write-in] Wes Warren 1
Uniontown City Council (Vote for 2)
Kyle Knight 44
[Write-in] Stewart Troutman 3
[Write-in] Tyler Walker 3
[Write-in] Josh Hartman 2
[Write-in] Mary Pillion 2
[Write-in] Shelby Miller 2
[Write-in] Amber Kelly 1
[Write-in] Christal Martin 1
[Write-in] Cindy Mumbower 1
[Write-in] Dana Esslinger 1
[Write-in] Jess Ervin 1
[Write-in] Jesse Ervin 1
[Write-in] Judy Jurgensen 1
[Write-in] Mark Hartman 1
[Write-in] Nicholas Graham 1
[Write-in] Sally Johnson 1
[Write-in] Savannah Pritchett 1
Uniontown Mayor (Vote for 1)
[Write-in] Kyle Knight 5
[Write-in] Larry Jurgensen 5
[Write-in] Brad Stewart 3
[Write-in] Bradley Stewart 3
[Write-in] Jess Ervin 3
[Write-in] Richard Allen 3
[Write-in] Larry Jergensen 2
[Write-in] Doug Workman 1
[Write-in] Douglas Workman 1
[Write-in] Joe Warren 1
[Write-in] Josh Hartman 1
[Write-in] Larry Jergoson 1
[Write-in] Sally Johnson 1
USD 234 Board Member At-Large (Vote for 5)
Nick Barrows 1,153
David J. Stewart 1,091
Mike Miles 853
Rory Chaplin 851
Phil Jackson 797
Robert Harrington 422
[Write-in] Aaron Judy 2
[Write-in] Danny Brown 2
[Write-in] Doug Hurd 2
[Write-in] Alissa Ramsey 1
[Write-in] Alyssa Glades 1
[Write-in] Amy Boyd 1
[Write-in] Angie Dela Torre 1
[Write-in] Anyone besides Miles 1
[Write-in] Bo Graham 1
[Write-in] Bob McElwee 1
[Write-in] Brian Wade 1
[Write-in] Bugs Bunny 1
[Write-in] Carol McAurther 1
[Write-in] Cathy Bishop 1
[Write-in] Chastity Pickert 1
[Write-in] Cody J. Dean 1
[Write-in] Curtis E. O’Dell 1
[Write-in] Dallas Smith 1
[Write-in] Dan RenFrow 1
[Write-in] David Bruner 1
[Write-in] Debbie Buckley 1
[Write-in] Emily Deibolt 1
[Write-in] Fire them all 1
[Write-in] Frank Miller 1
[Write-in] Gary Cook 1
[Write-in] Harold Martin 1
[Write-in] Jacky Martin 1
[Write-in] Jacob Dela Torre 1
[Write-in] Jeff Armstrong 1
[Write-in] Jeff Dela Torre 1
[Write-in] Jim Barrows 1
[Write-in] John Hill III 1
[Write-in] John Horn 1
[Write-in] Johnathon Ramsey 1
[Write-in] Jonathan Vann 1
[Write-in] Judy Earp 1
[Write-in] Kevin Allen 1
[Write-in] Kevin Davidson 1
[Write-in] Lewis Dunkeson 1
[Write-in] Lisa Shank 1
[Write-in] Lynette Jackson 1
[Write-in] Martin Ashwill 1
[Write-in] Matt Harris 1
[Write-in] Not Mike Miles 1
[Write-in] Not Robert Harrington 1
[Write-in] P.K. Gugnani 1
[Write-in] Pat Harry 1
[Write-in] Ryan Bolten 1
[Write-in] Ryan Keating 1
[Write-in] Shane Walker 1
[Write-in] Smith 1
[Write-in] Stuart Troutman 1
[Write-in] Superman 1
[Write-in] Ted Bundy 1
[Write-in] Tim McKenney 1
[Write-in] Troy Mccloen 1
[Write-in] William K. Martin 1
[Write-in] William R. Dean 1
USD 235 Position 4 (Vote for 1)
Brian Ray Stewart 267
[Write-in] Jeff Reed 8
[Write-in] Wes Warren 8
[Write-in] Brock Shelton 3
[Write-in] Clint Johnson 2
[Write-in] Doug Coyan 2
[Write-in] Chad McKinnis 1
[Write-in] Dale Griffiths 1
[Write-in] Blank 1
[Write-in] Johnny K. Speer Sr 1
[Write-in] Megan Stewart 1
[Write-in] Mickey Mouse 1
[Write-in] Pamela K. Speer 1
[Write-in] Pamela Speer 1
[Write-in] Schotze Griffiths 1
[Write-in] Terry Nading 1
[Write-in] Tony Bradbury 1
[Write-in] Wess Warren 1
USD 235 Position 5 (Vote for 1)
Mike Mason 184
Edward Ramsey 51
[Write-in] Wes Warren 91
[Write-in] Wess Warren 2
[Write-in] Anyone but Mike 1
[Write-in] Brent Smith 1
[Write-in] Bugs George 1
[Write-in] Blank 1
[Write-in] Jamie Holeman 1
[Write-in] West Warren 1
USD 235 Position 6 (Vote for 1)
Kolby Stock 200
Kyle Knight 77
Brent M. Smith 58
[Write-in] Wes Warren 6
USD 248 Position 6 (Vote for 1)
Kelly Peak 0
USD 346 Position 6 (Vote for 1)
Ketturah “Kitty” Rhynerson 14