Carl Brenner, Fort Scott National Historic Site, introduces the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers to the audience on the fort’s grounds on June 1. To the right is the singer/drummer for the troupe.
As part of the Good Ol’ Days event, Native American dancers entertained the audience on the grounds of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers, a professional Native American dance troupe from Norman, displayed song, dance, and storytelling on June 1 at the site.
A young audience member converses during the dance troupe performance.
The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers are a group of powwow champions that formed a professional Native American dance troupe. All the dancers are enrolled tribal members, most full-blood, representing various tribes. The dance regalia worn by each dancer is brilliantly colorful, traditional, and representative of the dancer’s tribe and dance performed, according to: https://www.arts.ok.gov/Oklahoma_Performing_Artists/Oklahoma_Fancy_Dancers.html?
The audience is asked to join the dance troupe in a social dance.
The dance show was educational, informational, and entertaining, showcasing various traditional American Indian tribal dances and storytelling.
The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers in their dance regalia.
The day also included an artillery demonstration/discussion, some ranger-guided site tours, the Windy Hollow Folk Music group, and the dancers.
Fort Scott National Historic Site, of the National Park Service, has exhibit areas and a visitor center currently open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To learn more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please get in touch with the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
People are working on the inside and the outside of the building at 705 S. Holbrook, with a target date for the church dedication of November 23, 2024, a week before Thanksgiving.
“The bricks are completed on the east (front) side,” Mark McCoy, a building committee member, said.
“It’s a lot of intricate work, not just plain bricks,” he said. “The circle in the front will be where the stained glass window from the former church will be.”
“Over the next few weeks, subcontractors will be working inside placing drywall, and completing HVAC runs,” McCoy said. “Masonry will continue brickwork on the west side then move to the north and south.”
Work is being done on the exterior and interior of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. On the construction fence is an artist’s rendition of what the new church will look like.
The Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church priest’s residence is on Holbrook Street on the backside of the church.
“Father Yancy’s house is completed,” McCoy said.
Meanwhile in Wichita, the restoration of the religious artifacts that were damaged is continuing.
The Restoration of the Artifacts
When Robert Elliot, a Catholic from Wichita, heard of the fire at Mary Queen of Angels Church in Fort Scott, he contacted Fr. Yansey Bergis to offer help and assistance in any way he could.
Elliot is a seasoned restorer with over two decades of experience, he said.
“It was apparent that I would be of the most help in rebuilding, restoring, and refurbishing all of the damaged and destroyed Stations of the Cross and all of the Statuary of the church,” Elliott said. “The fire, water, and smoke damage was enormous. I knew this would be a long and arduous process estimating at least one year to complete.”
Some of the artifacts of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, following the fire, provided by Elliot.
“Four stations were damaged beyond repair (so one might think) as they lay in pieces on the ground,” Elliot said. “The rest were out of view and we had no idea as to their condition. The insurance company needed a price to do the repairs. Without seeing all of the stations, I provided a modest calculation of what the cost would be. It was my desire to assist the church in its time of need.”
“He wasn’t able to analyze all the depth of restoration or the artifacts at that time,” McCoy said. “We are so appreciative of the work he has taken on.”
When all of the stations and statues arrived at his studio, they were able to assess their condition and begin to comprehend the immense task they had undertaken, Elliot said.
“Over the year we used all of the money allocated to the project to cover the cost of labor, materials, studio rent, insurance, and labor,” he said.
Some of the workmen on the artifacts at Elliot’s workshop in Wichita, were provided by Elliot.
“I have been using funds from my personal retirement account to pay the workers and the expenses for this project since the first of the year,” he said. “We have made great progress on the project since we started a year ago, but we have a long way to go. At the very least, four to six months more.”
“It is impossible to illustrate the amount of time and detailed labor involved in bringing each of the twenty-one religious artifacts back to life so to speak. At present we have generated a little over $6,000 of the $65,000 we need. The deficit, I will have to bear alone,” Elliott said.
“Our goal is to generate the additional monies needed to complete this important work to a high degree of excellence and craftsmanship it deserves,” Elliot said.
Here are the artisans currently working on the project:
Mary Francis Skinner, Kathy Faulkner, Dan Ochs, Michael and Hector Ibarra, Gabe and Matan Umbarger, John Suffield, Jane Clark, Ian Snyder and Eliot who is the coordinator, logistics, art director, restoration and repair, quality control, recasting the destroyed frames, and painting the statues and stations.
“We are always interested in finding skilled persons willing to offer their services,” he said.
USD 234 School District halls are quiet right now, but in June some students will be back for more learning.
Destry Brown. Submitted photo.
“Summer school will be held during the month of June for students from preschool through high school,” said Superintendent Destry Brown. “Part of the summer school activities is for students with Individualized Educational Programs. We call this the Extended School Year. The other part for Kindergarten through 8th grade is an enrichment summer school for any student who wants to come. The high school kids will be working on credit recovery during summer school.”
“The elementary students and all the Extended School Year students will be at Winfield Scott. Elementary School,” Brown said. “The preschool students will be at the preschool. The middle and high school students will be at the middle school.”
Winfield Scott Elementary School, 316 W. 10th Street, Fort Scott.
“Breakfast and lunch will be served daily at Winfield Scott and the Middle School and is free to all students and any other children from birth to 18. We will also be sending food home for the weekends for any student who wants or needs it.”
“Students not attending summer school may come to Winfield Scott or the Middle School at 11 a.m.”
Winfield Scott Elementary School is located at 316 W. 10th and Fort Scott Middle School is located at 1105 E. 12th.
The following tribute about Simmons is from her family member Sidney Zimmerman.
Lavetta Simmons is the true meaning of doing for others before doing for yourself, according to Sidney Zimmerman.
“She dedicated 15 years to the Care Share Cancer support group, providing empathy, love, and support to cancer fighters/survivors and their families. Sometimes she was the only listening ear available.”
“Lavetta played a pivotal role in many people’s lives and has built a legacy, providing a strong foundation for Care to Share to continue growing and providing services in the community.
“If asked, Lavetta would say something along the lines of ‘It has nothing to do me, I didn’t do it alone or I couldn’t have done it without out my family and friends’ And although she is correct, she did not do it alone, but without her relationships with family and friends and strong community presence, many tasks would have been unmanageable.
“As we honor her, she wants to thank the businesses, community members, and individuals who have made Care to Share a success.
“To those who trusted in her the first few years, as the organization grew, to our long-standing supporters- her priorities were God, Family, and Care to Share.”
Mi Ranchito Restaurant, 17 S. Main, on May 23, 2024.
Mi Ranchito Restaurant, 17 S. Main, has opened this holiday weekend, according to owner, Rubler De La Torre.
They opened Sunday for family and friends and on Memorial Day to the public.
“The restaurant looks beautiful,” De La Torre said. “We are very happy with how it turned out.”
They are accepting applications for all positions: cooks, servers, hostesses and bartenders.
One can apply in the restaurant to Hernan Pineda, the restaurant’s general manager.
“You can also apply on Facebook Messenger, at Mi Ranchito Fort Scott,” he said.
The restaurant hours will tentatively be Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“That could change, depending on the business,” De La Torre said.
Rulber De La Torre, from the Kansas City area, is no stranger to the restaurant business. He has two restaurants in Olathe, two in Overland Park, one in Lenexa, one in Mound City, and one in Gladstone, MO.
De La Torre said restaurant favorites are street tacos and mango chicken salad. Specialties are cream cheese enchiladas, Jalisco chimichangas, pasta and steaks.
The new Spoiled Brat Salon building at 124 E. Third Street, Fort Scott.
Spoiled Brat Beauty Salon has moved shop.
“We moved in on May 21,” co-owner Stephanie Anthony said. “We had been at 19 S. Main for ten years. Before that at Scott and Wall Avenue for 11 years.
“We wanted a facility that will see us into retirement,” she said. “The location is more visible, with all new equipment and we are not fighting for parking,” she said. “Although we will miss our downtown.”
Stephanie and her sister Heather Engrstom are the owners of Spoiled Brat and are one of several stylists/nail technicians in the salon.
Alesha Martin and Pennie Burton are also stylists/nail technicians, and Brooklyn Meech will be added to the shop when she completes cosmetology school in a few weeks, Anthony said.
Jay Felix is a stylist and barber.
All of these women can be reached at 620- 223-2155 for appointments.
Delynn Abati is a nail technician and can be reached at 620-704-1315.
Avery Dorsey is an esthetician who offers facials, full body waxing, eyebrow tint and laminations, and eyelash lifts and tints and can be reached at 620-215-3037.
Hours of operation are by appointment.
“Everybody worked the hours they want,” Anthony said. “Generally there is someone here Monday through Saturday. When we can, we do take walk-ins.”
The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees and the Administrative Team announced on May 21 that they had decided to name an interim president, according to a college press release.
The current president, Dr. Jason Kegler has been placed on administrative leave with pay, effective Monday, May 20th. There were no more details of Kegler’s leave given.
A special trustees meeting was announced for May 23 at 8:30 a.m.
At this meeting, the trustees deliberated and then announced that Sara Sutton was named as interim president of the college.
Sara Sutton from the Fort Scott Community College website.
Sara Sutton, who earned an Associate of Science degree from Fort Scott Community College (FSCC), a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Kansas State University, a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University, was appointed as the Vice President of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development in February 2024. Sutton was to begin her official duties in the role on July 1, 2024, according to the college website.
Since 2018, Sutton had taught in the FSCC Agriculture Department and coached the Meat Judging Team
Now, she will lead the college until a new president can be found.
The board had one public commenter before the executive sessions that was planned.
Steve Anthony said he has some international students living with his family and they play golf. Anthony asked the board if there is going to be a golf team next year, he would like to know to help his students plan for their next college year.
One executive session to discuss non-elected personnel included John Hill.
Another included the executive team of the college: Sutton, Sonia Gugnani, Gina Shelton, and Juley McDaniel.
One session included changing signing rights on the college’s bank account.
Following another executive session, the trustees resolved to suspend men’s and women’s golf, esports, and flag football and honor those scholarships for the 2024-25 school year.
They adjourned after an approximate 2.5-hour meeting.
Pictured is Ella Snider and her dog Tex earned 5th overall in their division at the Kansas State Fair last year. Submitted.
Zach Ross, Fort Scott, is the Kansas State University Southwind District coordinator for the local 4-H dog program. That district is comprised of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson counties.
He and his wife, Aubrey, will be hosting a Spring Dog Show at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on May 25 at 1 p.m.
The event is for youth participating in 4-H Clubs
“Typically (dog) handlers compete at the Bourbon County Fair to qualify to take their dogs to the Kansas State Fair,” she said. “The Southwind District has 43 handlers who have an opportunity that day, at least 10 from Bourbon County. Zach and I have been coaching the Bourbon County group for three years and we have several handlers who are looking to move up in agility and obedience divisions and need to have more qualifying scores to be able to go to state.”
“We’ve invited all regional dog show programs to attend and compete, she said. ” Handlers will be competing in Agility, Showmenship, Obedience, and Rally Obedience.”
“We are excited to have this opportunity for our handlers and want to share their hard work with the community,” she said.
The event is free for spectators and the dog handlers.
“Many of our handlers are ready to move up and our program needs to purchase advanced equipment,” she said. “We will be accepting donations that will help fund new equipment so that handlers can compete in higher-level events in the future.”
Checks can be made to 4-H Council and in memo: Dog Program and be sent or delivered to the K-State Extension Office at 210 S. National, Fort Scott, 66701.
The Bourbon County Fair Dog Show is on July 13 at 8 a.m.
The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees and the Administrative Team have decided to move in the direction of naming an interim president this Thursday, May the 23rd in the absence of Dr. Jason Kegler.
Dr. Kegler has been placed on administrative leave with pay effective Monday, May 20th.
FSCC Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on May 23, 2024 at 8:30 am in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall.
After calling the meeting to order, the board will immediately adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel.
Once an Interim President has been selected, an announcement will be made to the public.
We are working as hard as we can for the future of our students, our employees, and our community.
Submitted by FSCC Board of Trustees
620-223-2700 • 800-874-3722
www.fortscott.edu
Brandon Whisenhunt, Bourbon County 1st District Commissioner. Submitted photo.
At the Bourbon County Commission meeting on May 13, First District Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt told fellow commissioners he would be in favor of selecting a bi-partisan committee of five volunteers that would consist of individuals who are both pro-solar and against solar to research aspects of the solar farms that are coming to the county, according to the commission minutes.
Third District Commissioner Clifton Beth stated those interested should submit a letter explaining why they want to be on the committee.
2nd District Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.
Beth said the reality is how do you put the cat back in the bag, because solar panel farms are here, according to the minutes.
Beth said he is 100% against zoning.
Second District Commissioner Jim Harris said a special use permit is just the beginning and it could potentially expand until it is full zoning, according to the minutes.
Jim Harris, 2nd District Bourbon County Commissioner, and current chair.
Harris made a motion to receive applications from concerned citizens who want to serve on a committee to help the commissioners review setbacks for solar panel farms.
Whisenhunt seconded the motion. Harris added that they would accept letters for 30 days and if the people applying are not unbiased, they would start over. All approved the motion.
The Bourbon County Board of County Commissioners is now receiving applications from impartial citizens who want to serve on this committee to help the Commissioners review setbacks for solar panel farms.
The statute that tells of setbacks:
Kansas Statute 58-3801. Creation of solar easements; recordation. Any easement obtained for the purpose of exposure of a solar energy device shall be created in writing. The instrument containing such easement shall be recorded with the register of deeds of the county within which the property affected by such easement is situated,according to: https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch58/058_038_0001.html
The Commissioners are accepting letters from citizens who wish to serve on the committee, ” Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said. “There is not a specific application for this committee, those interested should write a letter outlining why they wish to serve on the committee and submit to the Clerk’s Office by June 12, 2024.”
Please submit a sealed letter, clearly marked “committee application”, outlining why you wish to serve on the committee to the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office 210 S. National Ave. Fort Scott, KS 66701 no later than June 12, 2024.
Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.
Clete Hall, Pete Allen, and Larry Ballou practice their created vehicles on Crawford Street for the race on June 1. Submitted photo.
Pete Allen, Larry Ballou, Clete Hall and Jerry Witt were all Boy Scouts in a Fort Scott Soapbox Derby in 1951.
1951 Fort Scott Tribune photo, which was submitted.
Now in their retirement years, the four will compete in a similar race called the Marmaton Challenge on June 1 at 9 a.m. at the hill on National Avenue at Oak Street.
The Marmaton Challenge is an event organized by Scoutmaster Seth Needham, of Pack 114. Funds raised will help scouts attend a summer camp.
“These are four survivors of the original soapbox racers from 1951, going at it again for a good cause,” Pete Allen said. “We all encourage the people to come down and support the scouts.”
BSA Pack 114 is hosting a downhill Derby on June 1st.
All area cub scout packs and BSA troops are invited to attend. Additionally, there will be an Open Class so your company or organization can join the fun.
Get your team together for a fun day of racing, or just come to watch and cheer on your favorite team.
There will be three divisions: Cub Scouts, Troop, and Open Class
Registration and Check-in will be at 8 a.m., and racing will start at 9 a.m.
There will be many activities to attend throughout the day since the race is being held on the same day as Fort Scott’s yearly festival, The Good Ol’ Days. So get a team together, show your car off in the parade on Friday night, and come to Fort Scott for some downhill racing.
For additional information or to register, please email Seth Needham @ [email protected]
Nelson Blythe holds son Isaac, with Euna Kim Blythe. Submitted photo.
Euna Blythe and husband Nelson were driving to Fort Scott on Hwy. 54 near Uniontown on the evening of November 7, 2021, when their car struck a black cow on the road.
“I do not remember anything from the accident and the following few weeks,” Euna said.
She was life-flighted from the West Bourbon Elementary School yard that evening to the Kansas City area for the severity of her condition.
“I was three months in the hospital and about another three months spent between Meadowbrook rehab and Madonna rehab,” she said.
Today she continues therapy for her injuries, but out of this tragic accident, came something really good: she and Nelson had their first child, a son named Isaac in January 2024.
To this couple, the birth was a miracle because they had been trying to conceive for seven years.
Here is a letter to the community from Euna.
“I would like to show gratitude to the many people who helped me during (the) terrible car accident I had on November 7, 2021,” she said. “First of all, members of Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, that included Detectives Alvin Metcalf and Kevin Davidson, Deputies Trey Sharp, Shawn Pritchett, Andrew Penland, Zach Ross, and Patrick Brazeal, Undersheriff Ben Cole and Sheriff Bill Martin.”
“Deputy Ross and Brazeal responded to my accident and acted with great compassion and professionalism,” she said.
“Detective Metcalf was in Kansas City at the time of the accident, and went straight to KU Med Center as soon as he heard, and helped lead my family where they needed to go. Detective Davidson, Deputy Sharp, Pritchett and Penland rushed to the helicopter landing zone and stayed with my husband, Nelson …, as I was being cared for by Bourbon County EMS. I have been told that EMS staff Trace Evans and Robert Leisure transported me in the ambulance from the scene of the accident to the landing zone. Deputy Shawn Pritchett drove my husband and the other deputies to KU Med. Linn County Deputies met them at the county line and escorted them to Miami County. Miami County Deputies escorted them to Johnson County.”
“At the hospital, Nelson was met by Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin and Undersheriff Ben Cole, as well as the Sheriff of Linn County, Kevin Friend. Also present were Nelson’s parents and our Pastor, Tony Felich.”
“Throughout the weeks following, Nelson’s law enforcement brothers hardly left his side and for that I am forever grateful. I had many other visitors during the days I was in a coma and the days following, including my dear Jiu-Jitsu coach Brett Holder who encouraged me to never give up.”
“There are so many other people who came to visit me and provided comfort to my distressed family. I cannot name them all, but please know that I am so grateful to all of you.”
“I want to thank Fort Scott Munitions and the Kraft family for reserving hotel rooms near the hospital so my family could have a place to stay. I would also like to thank Young Yu, for lending a helping hand without hesitation.”
” I want to thank all of the Linn County Sheriff’s Deputies for donating all of their sick time so that Nelson could stay with me at the hospital. I would specifically like to thank Sgt. Tanner Ogden, who organized a fundraiser in Linn County.”
“I want to sincerely thank the people in Bourbon County and people from all over, who donated a substantial amount of money to help alleviate my family’s financial needs. Without that fundraiser, it would have been impossible for me to be admitted to Madonna Rehab, where I received much-needed care. Trey Sharp was the organizer.”
“Next, Doctors and nurses of KU Medical Center(MD Sarah Eickmeyer, MD Ifijie E Ohiorhernuan, PhD Monica F Kurylo, Taylor L, MD Alexandra N Arickx, MD Kyle R Brown, DO Erich M Wessel, CRNA Dylan C McDaniel, MD Robin R Walters, MD Sean C. Liebscher, MD Miles Sanderson, MD Kimberlee D Reets, APRN-NP Kathryn M Moore, APRN-NP Rachael A Domino, MD Jourdaen Sanchez, MD Stephen R Eaton, MD Thomas J Whittaker, MD Jason S Frederick, MD Anand Dharia, MD Adip Bhargav) Doctors, Nurses and therapists from Hanger CLINIC, Meadowbrook Rehab and Madonna Rehab and Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln Nebraska. They were the most helpful staff and workers.
” I want to thank both my American and South Korean family, Nelson’s family was tearful and rejoiced when I was finally able to wake up and my family in South Korea did the same. They managed to fly over here right after they heard about the accident and stayed for two weeks. Also, to Galen and Jeffie Mussman, thank you for your kindness shown to my family.”
” I want to thank my husband, Nelson Blythe. Nelson never gave up on me even when my recovery seemed impossible. Nelson kept fighting through the horrible abyss even when told by doctors that I would most likely never wake up.”
“Nelson made feeble attempts to clean and do chores while I was hospitalized, and managed to keep the cats alive, and the house from burning down.”
“I want to thank Else Moss and Jennifer Ballou, Krista Ogden, and my Aunt, Terry Blythe, for coming to Nelson’s rescue by assisting with house chores and taking care of me while Nelson was at work.”
“This accident has really shown me the importance of community, family and friends. This community showed me staggering kindness and care. I am humbled by the fierce loyalty and commitment displayed by all of you.”
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank every one of you.”
“I pray that the Almighty God, the Father of our Savior Jesus Christ, continues to show his love, mercy and peace to me, my family and to all of us in this community. Amen.”
