Christy Schobey O’Brien has had a dream for years to start a business.
In April 2021, she was given four real estate properties in Bronson, located in the westernmost town in Bourbon County.
“My first intention was to open (a place) to showcase my t-shirt company,” O’Brien said.
“It turned out being more,” she said.
On July 2, she began work on a consignment store at Hwy. 54 and Charles Street in Bronson to be called Highway Dreams.
“Once we are able to finish the inside, we plan to house homemade items by local artists and vendors,” she said. “For now, we will be showcasing locals only.”
She currently says her consignment offerings are furniture, clothing, jewelry, books, and crafts.
“Weekends we plan to have all friendly faces set up, yard sale style,” she said. “I plan to have tables and racks and a clothesline. Bring your tent and chair if you need shade and do not sit in the grass.”
August 5 is the tentative opening date of the venture.
Cowboys and cowgirls will compete at the national high school rodeo finals in Lincoln, Nebraska on July 18.
Miranda Arndt, Kelsey Laird, and Jaci Traul are the local cowgirls competing.
“These kids all compete in the Missouri High School Rodeo Association,” said Kasey Laird, Kelsey’s mother. “There might be more, as there are several families from southeast Kansas that attend MHSRA. These kids have worked hard for the chance to go to the national finals and compete against other states for the number one spot.”
Miranda Arndt. Submitted photo.
Miranda Arndt, 18, is a 2021 Fort Scott High School graduate, the daughter of Trina and Jason Arndt.
“I am going to compete in goat tying at nationals,” Miranda said. “I went last year in goat tying also.”
“I’m looking forward to being more prepared and hopefully winning a national title,” she said.
Arndt will be attending Northeast Oklahoma A & M this fall.
Kelsey Laird. Submitted photo.
Kelsey Laird, 15, is the daughter of Kasey and John Laird and is a sophomore at Fort Scott High School.
“Kelsey competes in barrel racing, poles, and goat tying, however, she is competing at national finals as a rodeo queen,” Kasey said. “She will compete against the other states in horsemanship, modeling, written testing, and personal interviews. This will determine the national high school rodeo queen.”
Jaci Traul. Submitted photo.
Jaci Traul, Fort Scott, is the daughter of John and Nicki Traul, and granddaughter of Frank and Debbie Madison.
She is a 2021 graduate of Manhattan Virtual Academy.
“Jaci has qualified for nationals seven times., three times in junior high and four in high school,” her mother, Nicki said. “She was the Missouri High School Rodeo State Champion Breakaway Roper this year. She also qualified for nationals in the poles and was the Reserve Champion All-around Cowgirl.”
She will attend Northeast Oklahoma A&M in Miami, OK on a rodeo scholarship.
Alexander M. Specht, 53, is the new Fort Scott High School Assistant Principal.
He has taught biology, advanced biology, environmental science, applied physics, anatomy, and physiology for 20 years at the high school level at Hoisington, Osawatomie, and Great Bend and 7th-grade science at McPherson Middle School.
He has also been a head high school girls basketball coach, middle school boys basketball coach, high school and middle school track coach, and boys and girls high school golf coach.
Specht has been a two-time Teacher of the Year, a Walmart Teacher of the Year, and a Kansas Master Teacher of the Year.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Emporia State University in 1991, a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership, from ESU, in 2006.
The best part of teaching science for him is engaging students in inquiry-based learning, he said.
“I would set the students up for the biological concept of the day, give them a general procedure to follow, and then watch as they discovered the science lesson for the day,” he said. “To see the expression on their faces and interacting with them as they discovered something new, cool, smelly or amazing is always an awesome way for a student to get hooked on science and the learning process!”
“The greatest challenges I see in education today is at the daily instruction level,” he said. “Classroom teachers are dealing with the personal problems of the students. These personal issues include family, home, school, friends, and athletic concerns that cause a great deal of stress on the student. I believe we need to build relationships with our students and to work with their families to let them all know how committed this district is to partnering with them to help their students be successful. When students struggle with ‘outside’ problems, it is definitely a challenge for them to focus ‘inside’ the classroom.
Family and Interests
Born in Faribault, MN, Specht moved to Smith Center, KS then moved to Sharon, KS where he graduated from high school.
“A fun fact: I went to high school with country music singer Martina McBride. I asked her out on a date once but she said no,” he said. “Dang!”
Amy, his wife of three years, is a manager in the Farmers Alliance Insurance Company. His oldest son, Tyler, graduated from Kansas State University and moved to Dallas to begin work in the financial investments industry. His son, Jacob, is a sophomore at Fort Hays State University, majoring in biology. He also has a stepson, named Tyler.
Specht loves being outdoors, he said.
“I have a fishing boat and a kayak and love to fish!” he said. “I mountain bike, work out a little and like to target shoot and do some hunting with…Amy.”
“As a biologist, I also love flowers and landscaping,” he said. ‘It’s a fun and creative way for me to spend time.”
A college chemistry teacher encouraged him to teach.
“I always enjoyed science classes and in college, I had a chemistry teacher who was impressed by the way I led our chemistry class through a review session for an upcoming test,” he said. ” He told me that I presented ideas and helped the other students so well that I should become a teacher. That was never a thought for me until that moment.”
His father inspired him.
“He was a good dad and raised me with high expectations, understanding of accountability, and a strong work ethic,” he said.
He was consistently teaching him or encouraging him, he said.
“My dad was my elementary principal as I grew up and my first basketball coach,” he said. “He was a special education teacher and a superintendent…being in a school was a part of my life.”
Also following his father’s example, Specht served in the U.S. Navy.
It’s that time of year, spending time with family, friends, and neighbors at the Bourbon County Fair.
The fair showcases talents, and provides entertainment, and offers local products to buy. Local entertainers will be featured at the final event on Saturday night.
This year’s Bourbon County Fair starts this tonight at the fairgrounds located on south Horton Street, across from Fort Scott Community College.
“The rodeo starts Friday, July 9th (at 8 p.m.) and events continue clear till Saturday, July 17th,” Diane Brillhart, treasurer of the fair board, said.
Adult tickets to the rodeo are $12, kids six-years-old and up $7 and kids under 6 are free.
“New this year is ‘Christmas at the Fair,'” she said. “Retail booths will be set up in the Merchant’s Building Monday through Friday from 4-9 p.m. We have a great assortment of items.”
Hands-on activities will be happening in the 4-H Building, sponsored by Southwind K-State Extension, the Museum of Creativity, and the Bourbon County Conservation District.
A Decluttering Program by Starlite FCE, led by Glenda Miller, Karen Peery, and Terri Williams, will be presented Wednesday, 2 p.m., at the Myers Building.
Food trucks will be onsite opening at 10:30 a.m. each day. Breakfast will be available in the 4-H Building 7-9:30 a.m.
“We are having the Fair Finale on Saturday, July 17th,” Brillhart said. “D.J. Brown and the Bourbon County Revival along with The Barnstormers will be providing a great night of entertainment.”
Gates open at 6 p.m. and music will start at about 7 p.m. Tickets are $5.
In addition, there will be food trucks and refreshments available, she said.
Continuing this year is the draft horse pull on Tuesday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m. and the 4-H Dance and Cornhole Tournament, Thursday, July 15.
“Ben Cole, the voice of the Bourbon County Fair, will be announcing our Market Livestock Shows,” Brillhart said.
A goat show at the Bourbon County Fair in 2017.
Bourbon County Fair Board Officers are President Dale Griffiths; Vice-President Mark Crystal ; Secretary Lynda Foster; Assistant Secretary Sue Reinecke; Treasurer Diane Brillhart; Assistant Treasurer Mark Brillhart; Grandstand Superintendent Stewart Gulager and Assistant Grandstand Superintendent Bobby Reed.
From left: Addy Labbe, owner; Lindsay Majors, model; Amy Labbe, her mother; Kinlee Batchelor, model; and Karleigh Arndt, model. Photos are by Kelsey Stanley, Addy Labbe and Amy Labbe.
Addy Labbe, 19, is following in her mother’s footsteps and starting her own business, Stylz By Addy.
“I provide great quality, stylish clothing that is super affordable as well as handmade jewelry, shoes, accessories, and more!” she said. “I started my business from my mother’s studio and with her and all her workers’ help. I mostly do Facebook Lives to sell my clothing so that I can show people how everything fits, looks, and feels.”
“I started this business because I have traveled the U.S. selling jewelry with my mother all my life,’ Labbe said.
Her mother is Amy Labbe, owner of Art By Amy, Uniontown, known for her creative jewelry designs.
“I have always loved fashion and traveling with her helped me figure out that I wanted to find a way to grow on that love and bring different fashions to Kansas,” she said. “We sell my mother’s jewelry at wholesale markets so I figured why not spend my downtime at the Dallas market bringing some of these amazing styles back to Kansas.”
From left: Lindsay Majors, model; Addy Labbe, owner, and model; Kinlee Batchelor, model; Madi Toth, model, and customer service; Rhian Gorman, model; and Massiel Ordoñez, model. Submitted photo.
She has been inspired by two women.
“My mother, Art by Amy,” she said. “She started her business on her own, grew it for the last 20 years, and is still going strong today. She is the hardest working person I know. Every new person she meets she treats with the same kindness as she would treat her dearest loved ones.”
“The other biggest influence in my new business is a woman named Melanie Hutchins, who I consider another amazing mentor,” Labbe said. “She owns a very successful boutique in Ohio. She has helped me grow and gain confidence in myself and has been a huge support in my business.”
Products can be seen on Stylz By Addy on Facebook and Instagram @stylzbyaddy or email: [email protected]
or phone:620-756-4125.
Addy Labbe, owner of Stylz By Addy. Submitted photo.
Addy Labbe is a Fort Scott High School graduate and still debating a university degree, she said. “But I know I love what I’m doing right now!”
Jim Lambert, 75, is the new U.S.D. 235 Prinicipal for the junior high and senior high. He starts August 1.
He replaces Mike Reith, who resigned.
Lambert has been in public education for 54 years, 12 years as a teacher, 36 as an administrator, and six as a substitute teacher.
He worked 16 years in Bourbon County as an administrator, six in USD 234 from 1979-85 and 10 in USD 235 from1985-95; as the high school principal/superintendent.
Lambert earned a bachelor of science in history from McPherson College and MEd in Education Administration from Wichita State University.
His hometown is Inman, KS.
He is married to Phyllis and has four children and eight grandchildren.
Outside of his career, he likes to read on a variety of topics, travel trailer camp, yard work, church activities, and is a “military history nut,” he said.
He became an educator because of a lifelong need to learn “stuff” and a love of history, he said.
Several people inspired him in his career.
“Two college professors focused me on what an understanding of history does for society; two colleagues in my early years in teaching
taught me how to work effectively with teenagers,” he said. “Fred Campbell, Dale Hammons, and Dick Hedges, in their leadership roles in USD 234, taught me how to balance all the demands on an administrator and strive for fairness in all decisions.”
The best part of being an educator?
“That’s easy!” he said. “Working with students and teachers on a daily basis. There is an energy in grades 7-12 that causes me to enjoy every day regardless of what has happened. Students want to know their administrators care for them as people and I try to bring that to every interaction.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Helping students understand how focusing on school activities and work will make them successful as adults,” he said. “Young people don’t always understand that learning to show respect, working hard, following rules for the good of everyone, and being a contributing part of a team will take them a long way as students and adults.”
Rev. Christopher Eshelman, 53, is the new pastor at First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott as of July 1.
“People can call me Pastor Christopher, some have been known to shorten that to Pastopher,” he said.
He has been a pastor for 14 years, and prior to that worked in small businesses in Wichita.
“I attended Wichita State (University), earning a bachelor of arts in sociology with a minor in political science in 1991,” he said. “My Master of Divintiy was earned in 2011 from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. My wife Robin and I met at WSU and she has degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, recently accepting a job with USD 257 in Iola.”
Wichita is his hometown.
“My parents were Lutheran and Catholic,” he said. “I was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran in Wichita – but after my parents’ divorce, mom took my brother and I to St. Albans, a ‘high rite’ Episcopalian congregation,” he said.
He then did catechism in the Roman Catholic Church as a child, “but found I had too many disagreements and questions to continue,” he said.
His wife Robin had ” basically dragged” him to a University United Methodist Church Disciple Bible Study.
Midway through the study, the leader retired and Eshelman accepted the leader position.
Not long after that, he was offered a staff position at a Methodist church that he had wandered away from.
He was now in charge of creating the classes that he used to refuse to go to, he said.
“After a lifetime of wandering, I found a home in Wesleyan theology with its emphasis on therapeutic grace – and then was sent forth to share what I’d found with others,” he said.
“As I continued to grow in faith and understanding, the path to seminary, ordination, and serving as a pastor became more and more clear,” he said. “In the United Methodist Church, we believe pastors are both called by God and sent by congregations – and that has certainly been my experience. God’s grace has transformed my life and it is my honor to share that with others.”
Rev. Gayla Rapp was a key influence in his life.
“She accepted my (sometimes imprudent) questions and often responded by handing me a book, then we’d discuss it after I’d read it,” he said. “She helped me deepen my spiritual and religious journey – without imposing answers.”
Other mentors include Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell, Rev. Barry Dundas, Rev. Cindy Watson, Revs. Howard West and Terry Murray and many, many others, he said.
“We Christians hold that Jesus is fully human and fully God…and is transcendent,” he said. “We hold that we are to become like Christ. Exactly when would we be done growing?… We always have something new to learn.”
“I love connecting people more deeply with scripture, rituals, and spiritual practices,” he said. “A personal motto is ‘Find your path… share your journey.’ It is so fun to see a light go on in someone’s eyes as they make a connection, deepen a relationship or even develop a new question that draws them further along their own path!”
This past year with the COVID Pandemic has been by far the most difficult in his career, he said.
“Trying to make decisions to keep people safe, while continuing community has been extremely taxing,” he said.
“Beyond that, people are sometimes all too human – but I often say ‘Jesus hasn’t given up on me, so I’m not allowed to give up on anyone else.'”
He is an avid reader and listens to a wide variety of music, especially rock and jazz; is a huge soccer fan, following teams in several leagues and countries; enjoys writing icons (in the Eastern Orthodox tradition) and also enjoys walking labyrinths as a spiritual practice.
“I’m eager to set one up here in Fort Scott and share that ancient tradition with more people,” he said.
In the past, he has served as the president of the Pretty Prairie Community Association and looks forward to getting to know Fort Scott and finding places he and his wife can contribute to building up the community.
First United Methodist Church at Third Street and National Avenue,
Times of church services:
Worship- 10:30 a.m. each Sunday, Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.
The church hosts “Feeding Families in His Name” each Wednesday evening. “It is open to everyone and you are invited!” he said.
Stephen Toal stands in front of a mural he recently created at Riverfront Park. Submitted photo.
Stephen Toal has been clean and sober for three years now from alcohol addiction.
Toal has been busy creating artistic murals in parks in Fort Scott.
This spring he painted a mural under the big rock shelter house at Gunn Park, painting over graffiti.
This summer he is working on murals at Riverfront Park.
Murals by Stephen Toal that are on the Hwy. 69 overpass in Riverfront Park. Submitted photo.
“Art is a big part of my recovery,” he said. “I think by doing these it helps me and also the community and will hopefully start bringing in more people at the park.”
Art helps him to focus, “When I am doing art, I am in my own zone,” he said.
Toal started focusing on art when he needed to change his life.
He was encouraged to pursue art by a counselor.
“When I went to rehab, a counselor asked me what I like to do,” he said. “I liked to draw. I got into art. I feel that is what I am meant to be.”
“I do photography as well,” Toal said. “I do five to six different art mediums.”
“I really enjoy the outdoor painting,” he said. “I think by painting the murals it’s bringing the community together and showing others the power of art.”
“There will be more (art)to come,” Toal said. ” I am starting on the inside of the tunnel (at Riverfront Park). The tunnel mural is going to be about Fort Scott and Kansas mixed in. I’m currently still doing some research on old businesses here and people that influenced Fort Scott. I am working on the design. And will possibly collaborate with other local artists.”
He does the community art projects for free.
“I don’t like getting into the money side,” he said. “And I have a lot of paint.”
Toalbucket was a nickname a friend gave Toal when younger. When he needed a logo he improvised and designed a bucket. Submitted photo.
Tiana McElroy. Submitted photo taken last evening by a committee person at the event.
Tiana McElroy, 46, was selected on July 1 to be the new Bourbon County Attorney, replacing Jacqui Spradling, who resigned.
McElroy has practiced law since August 2004, primarily criminal law, she said.
“I started as the Assistant Bourbon County Attorney in January 2018 and left Bourbon County for Cherokee County at the beginning of this year, (to be its) assistant county attorney,” she said.
McElroy attended Washburn University from 2001 to 2004 earning a Bachelor of Arts in History then a Juris Doctorate.
Her hometown is Leavenworth.
She became an attorney to “make a difference,” she said. “I feel like I’m making a difference, no matter how small.”
Her goal in the new position?
“To make the office more transparent,” she said. “I want the public to trust in the office again.”
“I’ll be full-time,” McElroy said. “I don’t have expectations that it will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I will be there as needed, but the position is classified as part-time.” She will be in her office five days a week.
She said the position is classified part-time, but she will go before the Bourbon County Commission and request they make the position full-time.
There is a backlog of cases to be tried, according to Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks. “Some of it because of COVID,” he said.
McElroy is the mother of two daughters, ages 13 and 16.
“I do not plan on moving to Fort Scott at this time so my children can finish school in Columbus,” she said. “I am certainly open to moving to Bourbon County once they have graduated from high school.”
The Process of Selecting A New County Attorney
A meeting was held July 1 of the Bourbon County Republicans to select a new county attorney. There were seven candidates who introduced themselves, Chairman Mark McCoy said.
In addition to McElroy, Meeks, Linus Thuston (the Neosho County Attorney), Jeffrey Williams (a private practice attorney), David Graham ( a practicing attorney), James Brun (recently Linn County Attorney) and Steven Ellis (the mayor of Spring Hill and a practicing attorney) applied for the position.
The party leaders asked questions of each candidate, he said.
The general public was allowed a brief time to speak for or against a candidate then left the meeting, The chair, vice-chair, secretary, and treasurer, along with committee people of the party, remained to deliberate, McCoy said.
“The party, I believe, did a complete and thorough job and I am very, very comfortable with the outcome,” of McElroy being selected, he said.
McElroy will begin her duties as soon as the governor approves the selection, McCoy said.
“Today, I will send a certified, notarized letter to the governor’s office,” he said.
McElroy should be in her new position in a few weeks. The county attorney’s office is on the second floor of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
The Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue.
Burke Street Parade participants Margaret and Merl Humphrey and granddaughter Meg Normanin a previous parade. Submitted photo.
The 39th Annual Burke Street Parade is Sunday, July 4 at noon.
The parade starts at 10th and Burke Street and Frank Halsey will be leading the traffic control, according to a press release.
Steven Anthony in the Burke Street Parade. Submitted photo.
After the parade, refreshments will be at Michelle and Lewis Dunkeson, 1005 Burke Street.
“Everyone is welcome,” Margaret Humphrey, one of the organizers, said. “Please donate cookies to the Dunkesons, preferably on July 3.”
The Halsey family hosted the cookies in 2018.
“Please, no big vehicles and watch for the children, who are all over the place,” she said.
Burke Street Parade. Susan Foster and grandson. Submitted photo.
“Dress in patriotic attire or just sit anywhere on the street to watch and cheer the parade.”
Patriotic songs will be led by Abby Albright, Jill Gorman and Susan Foster, a tradition at the parade.
If any questions call Humphrey 223.0388 or 620. 224. 7388 or Theresa Bahr 215. 2889 or Barbara Albright, 224.7762 “who is the official distributor of information,” Humphrey said..
“Severe storms or lightning cancels the parade…but we have conquered the rain,” Humphrey said.
Austin Bolinger, 22, is the new horticulture specialist at Tri-Valley Developmental Services, replacing Barb McCord, who retired May 14.
Bolinger is a 2017 Fort Scott High School graduate.
“I started working in the floral industry five years ago, and while working in that industry I began collecting plants and learning as much as I could about them,” Bolinger said. “I also worked alongside Barbara McCord for six months. During this time she taught me so much valuable information about what it means to be a horticulturist.”
McCord was the person who developed the horticulture therapy program at Tri-Valley and mentored Bolinger prior to her departure.
“I chose to pursue this career because it was something that interested me, seemed like a good cause,” he said. “I was trying to figure out which direction my life was headed when I saw that Barbara was retiring. I knew that I wanted a career that also gave back to the community, and would be something that I enjoyed. I feel like I found that here at Tri-Valley.”
“The best part of my job is definitely those who I work with,” Bolinger said. “Being able to work with the clients in the horticulture program gives me such joy to share my passion for plants with others who enjoy it as much as I do.”
” With the Bourbon County Fair coming up, the clients will be entering an array of items that they have been working on,” Bolinger said. “We are also experimenting with adding some new houseplants into the greenhouse, which is very exciting. We feel like everyone should have some nature in their home!”
“I was born and raised in Fort Scott,” Bolinger said. “I live with my partner, Estevan, and our two dogs, Amira and Reese.”
He is a member of the Fort Scott Garden Club.
About Tri-Valley
Tri-Valley Developmental Services helps people with conditions that include autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other physical and mental impairments, according to its’ website http://www.tvds.org/getting-started.
These conditions can result in severe chronic limitations such as:
Chairman Mark McCoy speaks to the Bourbon County Republicans on June 24, at the Empress Event Center.
The Bourbon County Republicans met June 24 for their regularly scheduled meeting, but a meeting to select the new county attorney, was set up for next week.
Jacquie Spradling, who resigned recently as the county attorney, will be replaced on July 1, said Chairman Mark McCoy.
“We will be selecting a new county attorney on July 1 at 6 p.m. at the Empress (Event Center, 7 N. Main),” McCoy said. “We went over the rules for the upcoming meeting. There were a number of questions asked. I explained how we would operate.”
At the next meeting, there will be a time of public comment, he said. “Each person can have up to three minutes to speak for or against one of the candidates.”
After the public has an opportunity to speak, then the meeting will be a closed meeting for the party executive board and the committee people.
The candidates will have ten minutes to speak and the Bourbon County elected officials will also have time to speak for or against a candidate.
The only people involved in the decision of picking the candidate will be committeemen and women and party chairs, McCoy said.
Three candidates have applied so far, he said.
Jeffrey Williams, Baxter Springs; Steven Ellis, Spring Hill; and Tiana McElroy, Coffeyville are the three so far, with applications still being accepted until June 28, McCoy said.
Richard Hilderbrand, Kansas State Senator for the 13th District, gives a legislative update to the Bourbon County Republicans on June 24. Submitted photo by Vickie Shead.
