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Tradition, Adaptation, Tragedy, Triumph, Survival: Experience the Wahzhazhe Story In Fort Scott This Weekend
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Wahzhazhe is the Native American name for the tribal people we know as the Osage.
A dance academy in Pawhuska, OK has created a ballet telling the 400 year-old story of the Wahzhazhe.
The performers are mostly from the Dance Maker Academy in Pawhuska, in Osage County, which is home to the Osage tribe.
There are about 24,000 Osage people throughout the world, Randy Tinker-Smith, the ballet producer said.
Tinker-Smith said the 20 children dancers in this ballet are from different tribes, not all Osage.
The ballet is “an artistic expression of who we are,”Tinker- Smith, who is Osage, said. “We are not history, we are still here.”
They performed the Osage story at the Smithsonian Institution in 2012, she said.
The scene that resonated with viewers there, was the last one, where the performers demonstrate walking in two worlds, the Osage world and the other white people world, she said.
The ballet is the story of tradition, adaptation, tragedy, triumph, survival, and the enduring spirit of the Osage people, told by the Osage Nation, according to a press release from the FSNHS.
“This is not our story to tell, but it is our responsibility to provide a platform for these stories to be told,” said Carl Brenner, FSNHS Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management.
“This area was their native homeland,” Brenner said. “This (ballet) is part of a Native American series (at the Fort). We will continue to talk about this.”
“We jump started our relationship with the Osages,” Jill Jaworski, FSNHS Superintendent said. “There are a lot of doors being opened for having conversations with the Osage. We are looking to update our exhibits and are asking ‘What would you like shared?'”
Ballet: an Osage Tradition
The first five prima ballerinas in the United State were Native Americans, two of them Osage, Tinker-Smith said.
Lavender Sarroll, a mom accompanying the ballet troupe, said her daughter, Lilliana Guillen, 17, has been dancing since she was six years old at the Dance Maker Academy.
The ballet still is emotional for her, Sarroll said.
“To this day, when they get to the place in the ballet, where they rise from defeat, I cry every time,” she said.
Sarroll said the Wahzhazhe have their own government and language.
Doors are opened to a college education for some through the ballet.
Several of the ballet performers are offered dance scholarships to colleges, including her daughter, Sarroll said.
Logistics
Fort Scott National Historic Site and the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc. offered special access for the media to the Wahshazhe ballet producer, Randy Tinker-Smith, and for viewing rehearsals on Wednesday, July 19.
The rehearsal was a prelude to the three performances, today, Friday, through Saturday at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the Fort Scott Community College campus, 2108 Horton St.
There are 50 people involved in the production of the ballet, but some parents accompany the group, with a total of 70 people. Most arrived on Wednesday and are staying in the FSCC Residential Halls.
Thursday was the dress rehearsal, then the performances are today, Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 3 p.m.
Youth tickets are just $15, adults are $35. Go to Friends of the Fort Facebook page or at OsageBallet.com.
Or one can take a chance, wait, and hope it’s not sold-out and purchase tickets at the door.
There is a question and answer session following the ballet.
Learning More
The performance is for those who are interested in Kansas and American history, Native American culture, the arts and dance, and those wanting to experience something spectacular and different from anything they have seen before, according to the press release.
Killers of the Flower Moon-The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, a story on a tragic part of the Osage tribe is a book that has been made into a movie and will be open in theaters this years, Tinker-Smith said.
“Mollie Burkhart is in the book,” she said. “Her grand-daughter is in the ballet. This movie, we can let people know, we are still here.”
For a synopsis of the book:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/28/books/review/killers-of-the-flower-moon-david-grann.html
Hulberts Purchase Bartlesmeyer Jewelry
Krysta and Wyatt Hulbert purchased Bartelsmeyer Jewelry on June 30, 2023
The store is located in the historic downtown Fort Scott district at 22 N. Main St
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“I’ve been working at the jewelry store for 13 years, and I hated the idea of the store closing it’s doors when John Bartelsmeyer decided to retire,” Krysta said. “My husband and I have been working along side John and Cindy for almost a year now to plan for us to take over the business. We are so excited that we have finally been able to make all of those plans a reality.”
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“The jewelry store has been in John’s family since 1963, when his father purchased the store from Mr. Newberry,” she said. “In 1991, John Bartelsmeyer purchased the store from his father M. H. Bartelsmeyer.”
“My husband Wyatt and I are keeping the name Bartelsmeyer Jewelry for the jewelry store,” she said. “We know that the store’s name carries with it a history of honesty and integrity, and we are excited to carry on that legacy.”
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Krysta has been learning the ropes for all those years as an employee.
” I do a little bit of everything at the store from sales and customer service to jewelry repair and office management,” she said. “My specialty, and one of my favorite things to do, is designing custom jewelry. I love to work with customers and help them create one-of-a-kind jewelry that you won’t find anywhere else! At the jewelry store we also specialize in engagement rings, jewelry repair and restoration, ring sizing and watch repair.”
Anything new on the horizon?
“We have lots of new ideas for the future of the store,” she said. “One of our biggest and most exciting plans is to update our website to offer our jewelry for sale online! John will continue to work at the store in the mornings during the week. We will also be adding a new team member to our crew. My husband, Wyatt Hulbert, will soon be working full time alongside John to learn jewelry repair and take over the bench jewelry work when John decides he is ready to fully retire.”
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To learn more about John and the jewelry store:
John Bartlesmeyer: 60 Years in the Craft
Dr. Jason Kegler: New FSCC President
At the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees meeting on July 17, Dr. Jason Kegler was approved as the new president.
At the meeting, Alysia Johnston, prior president, was honored by the board for her eight years of service.
Thirty-nine candidates applied for the position when Johnston announced her retirement in April. The field was narrowed down to three, with Kegler being selected.
Dr. Kegler assumes his duties next week as FSCC’s new president with a firm resolve to keep students as the No. 1 priority, according to a FSCC press release.
“One of my goals will be to work directly with the faculty and staff to ensure we maintain the perspective ‘students first,’” he stated in his letter of application and echoed in public forums last week. “… Oftentimes within higher education, we create ‘unintentional roadblocks’ for students. We need to review the student experience with the intention to streamline and simplify the process.”
Kegler, who earned his doctorate of education from Baker University, comes to FSCC from his job as associate vice president for student life at Pittsburg State University, his post since July 2014, according to the press release. He also serves as a deputy for the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.
Kegler was selected from a group of three finalists after a fast-tracked selection process, according to the press release.
“The board took into consideration our interview with Dr. Kegler and survey comments from faculty, staff and community members,” said John Bartelsmeyer, trustee chairman. “We also evaluated his background in the education field and other accomplishments outside the education field.
“Dr. Kegler has the ability to communicate effectively with many various and diverse situations. He is a good listener and has the desire to do the right thing. The board is looking forward to a productive and effective working relationship with Dr. Kegler.”
Kegler, originally from Kansas City and now resides in Fort Scott with his family, has a thorough understanding of the community college system having served as dean of students at Neosho County and director of student life, head women’s basketball coach, and director of admissions/marketing and admissions counselor at Allen County, according to the press release.
“I will just ask for a little ‘space and grace’,” Kegler said of advancing to his first college presidency. “… But I promise you no one will be more passionate about the job.
“Individual characteristics necessary to succeed in the role of president at FSCC include the ability to resolve conflict, communicate vision and treat everyone with respect. Each of these characteristics, I display daily.”
Kegler earned a master’s in organizational leadership from Fort Hays State University in 2009 and a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth in 1996. He taught leadership classes at both Allen County and PSU.
He and his wife, Terra, a paraeducator and volleyball coach at Fort Scott High School, have three children, all in the USD 234 system, daughter Raveyn and sons Dierks and Kyron.
“Fort Scott is where my family and I decided to make our home,” he stated. “… We felt Fort Scott provided our family with opportunities and chose the community as the place to establish our future long-term.”
Evergy Will Move Substation Equipment and Poles
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Following a fire at the Fort Scott Evergy Substation in August 2022 , Evergy is expanding its footprint.
Evergy is an electric utility company that serves eastern Kansas.
The company purchased property near Stanton Street and Old Fort Boulevard in March for the construction of a new substation, according to Kaley Bohlen, Evergy Communications Manager.
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Stanton Street is behind the current substation to the north and west.
Bohlen said Evergy doesn’t disclose real estate transactions, and are still reviewing options for access to National Avenue.
The existing Fort Scott Service Center utilized for personnel and offices will remain, according to Bohlen. Once the new Infantry Substation is built and operational, the existing Fort Scott Substation equipment and poles will be removed.
“The new Infantry Substation will be about 1.75 acres and will replace the former Fort Scott Substation that was damaged by fire last year,” she said. “The new substation will provide additional capacity to enhance electric reliability for the Fort Scott area, as well as strengthen the regional power grid. Automated switching capabilities and grid automation will help improve outage response times.”
“Construction has begun and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024,” she said. “Once the new substation is operational, we will decommission the current Fort Scott Substation and remove all structures and equipment that are no longer in use. The existing Fort Scott Service Center utilized for personnel and offices will remain. Once the new Infantry Substation is built and operational, the existing Fort Scott Substation equipment and poles will be removed.”
New Uniontown Jr/Sr High Principal: Robert Onelio
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Robert Onelio, 42, is the new junior/senior high principal at USD 235.
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“I’ve always felt it was a calling to work in education” Onelio said. “It’s rewarding to see kids grow and learn but also over the years it’s even more rewarding to see former students succeed as adults!”
A challenge as an educator is ” nothing stays the same and you must find a balance between the tried and true and the new trends that come into education. All the while keeping in mind what is best for kids.”
He is married to Abby Onelio who is going to be working at Uniontown Junior/Senior High School as a Spanish Teacher. They have four children.
They will be commuting from their farm in Crawford County.
“As a family we are active in our church, 4H, and sports,” Onelio said. “Also, we enjoy traveling, camping, riding dirt bikes, and taking care of cows!”
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University in 2004, and a Master of Science in School Leadership from Baker University in 2011.
Onelio has 18 years total in the field of education in Arkansas City Public Schools: six years as a World History teacher, five years as an assistant high school principal, five years as a head elementary principal and two years as head middle school principal.
Connie Billionis Retires From U234
Donation to U234 of Science Cabinets from Robert and Kim Coon
“Opportunity came for us to acquire these bio cabinets, Kimberly (his wife) called and spoke with Gina Shelton (USD234 Board Clerk and Finance Director) about donating them if the school district could use them. Gina was instrumental in the process. I believe they are going to be used in two different science classes.”
“These bio cabinets couldn’t have a better home than USD 234 science labs,” Coon said. “Kim and I have six proud Fort Scott Tigers.”
“They will be placed at the middle school and/or high school,” Brown said. “This will be determined after the principals return to contract for the 2023-24 school year.”
FS Quarterly Downtown Meeting: Events, Projects, Updates
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There are several community projects happening in Fort Scott.
At the Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greeton July 11, facilitated by the Chamber of Commerce, leaders of several of the projects gave updates. The event was hosted by Lyons Realty Group office.
Lindsey Madison, Chamber Executive Director, gave a summary of the upcoming events and promotions:
- July 15: Christmas in July Sidewalk Sale
- July 18: Patty LaRoche will present a book talk at Hedgehog.INK! from 7 to 8:30 p.m. LaRoche’s new book, A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection will be featured.
- August 4-6: Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, where participating businesses give customers a 9.4 percent discount on purchases.
- Sept. 8-9: Town-wide Garage Sale
- Sept. 9: Art Crawl by the Bourbon County Arts Council, the Artificers and more, from 2-6 p.m.
- Sept. 16: Author Miranda Collins, Chanute, writer of Action Detective Mystery will be at Hedgehog.INK! at 2 p.m.
- Sept. 21: Downtown Fall Fest, stores open until 8 p.m. for fall food snacks and shopping.
- Oct. 28: Halloween Parade. Festivities start at 10 a.m., children’s downtown parade on Main Street at 11 a.m.
- Nov. 9-11: Holiday Open House, kick off on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. with continued open house on Friday and Saturday.
- Nov. 25: Shop Small Friday/Saturday in Fort Scott.
- Nov. 30 Candy land Christmas with parade and festivities downtown.
- Bailey Lyons gave an update on the splash pad project: Concrete is being poured this Thursday on the big splash pad. On July 15-16 volunteers are needed to help with landscaping projects: bring gloves and tools. The group has raised approximately $325,000 for the project nearing completion.
- The new historic mural that will be created on Skubitz Plaza will be unveiled in coordination with the Gordon Parks Celebration on Oct. 6. The mural was approved by the city’s design review board this week, Jerry Witt, owner of the mural site building said.
- The multi-purpose pavilion to be on Skubitz Plaza is in the works, Madison said. The Farmers Market group will use the facility “and anyone else.”
- The welcome arch to the city is being worked on by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and will go to the city’s design review board.
- The Chamber Golf Classic is this Friday July 14 at Woodland Hills Golf Course. They are still accepting raffle items.
- The Special Olympic Golf Tournament is July 29 at the same course.
- The mountain bike race, the Marmaton Massacre Festival, will be Sept. 16 in Gunn Park.
- The annual Naturalization Ceremony at the Fort Scott National Historic Site will be on a Friday in September to be announced.
- Grants available to businesses: E-Community at http://www.networkkansas.com and Grow KS.
Updates from attendees:
Bourbon County Commission Chairman Jim Harris said it is asphalt laying season in the county, “please be cautious of workers.”
“Since 2019 we’ve lowered the mill levy by 9.6%…I will not vote for a mill levy increase,” he said.
There is a new format for speaking at the commission meetings, he said: People must sign up and they get 5 minutes each to speak. “We want peoples input,” he said. “It’s OK to disagree but be professional.”
Harris said there is a request for proposals for the overpass project on the south side of Fort Scott. The commission will be applying for state and federal funds for the project.
Rob Harrington, Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Director, said they have been working on a Star Bond and TIF project south of town, and it will be “huge to the community.” His office is at the former Mercy Hospital building, now owned by Legacy Health Foundation.
Kari West, Lead Customer Solutions Manager at Evergy, said the utility company hasn’t had an increase in five years and they are requesting one. Evergy purchased property north and west of their current location on Skubitz Plaza with plans to move to that site.
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Special Olympics Benefit on Woodland Hills Golf Course July 29
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The 6th Annual Bourbon County Special Olympics Golf Scramble is July 29.
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“To date we have raised over $115,00 for Special Olympics Kansas,” Steve Anthony, tournament director said. “Because last year was such a huge hit for us we are bringing back former Major Leaguer Otis Nixon to our event.”
“Otis will be bringing with him Harlem Globetrotter Hollywood Brown, Golf Trick Shot Artist Rocky Shipe, and Olympic Medalist Arthur Culbreath,” he said.
They have a full field of sixty-two teams with 264 players coming from seven different states.
Tee times will start on Saturday July 29 at 7a.m. with the first wave of teams. The second wave will take off at approx 1:15 p.m.
“I want to thank Andrew Defebaugh and Chase Halsey for all of their help to make this tournament a success,” Anthony said. “The community is invited to come out starting at 7 a.m. to purchase raffle tickets for $1 each.”
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“We also have a golf cart we will be giving away that day to the lucky winner of one of our many raffle prizes we will have available,” Anthony said. “I can’t thank the community enough for always stepping up to raise funds for such a great cause.”
For more information please contact him at 620-215-2392.
New Coffee Bean Roasting Business Starts In Fort Scott
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Young Entrepreneur: Katy Shead
This is part of a series featuring young entrepreneurs.
To recommend a youth under 18 years-of-age for a feature, send contact info to [email protected]
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Katy Shead, 16, is providing tutoring services for school children for a business.
She attends a virtual school.
“I provide online tutoring services for people in my online school,” Katy said. “I mainly tutor math but I helped one student with basic Latin last school year.”
Her academic advisor and teachers recommend her to families.
“Also, people have made posts requesting tutors on my school’s Facebook page,” she said. “I have also started doing free sessions to advertise.”
Katy started tutoring as a business during the 2021-2022 school year.
“My academic advisor asked me if I would like to tutor a girl in Saxon Math 5/6,” she said.” I had always enjoyed helping my brother, cousins, and classmates with school, and I was excited to try to help this girl.”
She seems to be a natural teacher.
“I enjoyed the creative challenge of finding engaging ways to present the material to her,” she said. “She was very sweet and we had a lot of fun. This past year I got to tutor her again and her sister as well!”
“It’s sometimes difficult to tutor online – especially with a subject where showing work is mandatory,” she. “I use WebEx to video conference with my students and we work on the whiteboard.”
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“I sent a document camera to one of my families with two students so that I could see both their work and their faces at the same time to pinpoint confusion as soon as possible,” she said.
She has tutored 5th and 6th grade, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.
“One of my students in Algebra II lives in Cambodia,” she said. “It was so interesting to hear her stories and perspectives.”
This coming year, she is taking on greater challenges.
“I hope to tutor more upper-level math such as Pre-calculus and Calculus I, as I am going to be taking Calculus II next year,” she said. “I also hope to tutor higher levels of Latin if there is an opportunity.”
A recent geometry final review she held, had 35 students.
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She is the daughter of Mark and Haley Shead, rural Fort Scott.