The Bourbon County Coalition would like to announce that the 2025 Family Swim Pass Scholarship Applications are ready to pick up.
They are located at the Beacon and Buck Run Community Center.
They can be filled out and returned to either location.
questions can be pointed to our email, bourboncountycoalition@
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April 8, 2025 — Less than a month remains to apply for the 2025 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, to be held Sunday, June 1, through Saturday, June 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. The deadline is set for Wednesday, April 30. Applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. This will be the 87th session of the Kansas Boys State program and the 33rd consecutive year at KSU.
Traditionally, Kansas Boys State has been for individuals who will complete their junior year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. However, the ALBSK program has again expanded the pool of applicants for this year’s session to also include those who will complete their sophomore year of high school this spring. There is no limit on the number of delegates a school, community or American Legion post can send to attend Kansas Boys State.
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.
The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2025 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply.
Kansas Boys State attendees are eligible to receive a three-hour course credit (Introduction to Political Science [POLSC 110]) through Kansas State University, as well as earn merit badges to attain the Eagle Scout rank through Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, attendees can apply to win a Samsung American Legion Scholarship. The American Legion Department of Kansas finalist is guaranteed to receive a $1,250 scholarship, with the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 as a national scholar.
Mike Finnegan, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of K-State Strengths initiative within the Staley School of Leadership at Kansas State University, and a 1998 Kansas Boys State delegate, will be the featured keynote speaker during the Kansas Boys State opening session on Sunday, June 1, starting at 1:30 p.m. in McCain Auditorium. The mission of K-State Strengths is to be a catalyst for students to develop their unique talents in pursuit of being their best selves with a goal to increase student engagement and well-being across campus so students can thrive.
In addition, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, also a 1998 Kansas Boys State delegate, will provide remarks and swear-in the elected mayors of KBS cities during a ceremony on Monday, June 2, starting at 6:50 p.m. at the Boys State Assembly Area (Goodnow/Marlatt Hall parking lot).
Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at [email protected] or (785) 550-6492.
For complete information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas program, visit ksbstate.org. For information about the 2025 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, June 1, through Friday, June 6, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit ksgirlsstate.org.
— #KSBoysState —
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.
The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.
Fort Scott, Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting its Annual Civil War Encampment, April 12 and 13, 2025. Join us each day to experience cavalry and infantry troops drilling, preparing for battle, and sharing stories of life during the Civil War. Talk to a blacksmith as he brings raw metal to life with his hammer, learn the process of crafting lead musket balls, and speak with volunteers portraying some of the women who provided support to the troops and operations during the Civil War.
Long-time volunteer Michelle Martin will share the incredible Civil War experience of Emma Caroline Morely. Emma helped the women of Fort Scott care for the sick and wounded in the aftermath of the Battle of Mine Creek. Emma’s diminutive diary provides us with incredible information and insight about the roles of women and communities during times of war. Long-time volunteer Jan Elder will share stories about the many women who participated in battles during the Civil War in “They Fought like Demons.” Listen to roving minstrels, learn about Civil War medicine and candle making, and participate in discussions about artillery of the times. Bring the family or friends and challenge them to a tug-o-war and other play historic lawn games. Saturday evening the Friends of Fort Scott is hosting a Civil War-era camp dance. The weekend is full of fun for the whole family straight from the 1800’s!
Encampment Program Schedule:
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
Interpreters will be around the site throughout the day.
9:30 a.m. Raising the Colors (Garrison Flagpole)
10 a.m. Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (Meet at Visitor Center)
10:30 a.m. “They Fought Like Demons”: Women Soldiers in the Civil War (Hospital Porch)
11 a.m. Infantry Firing Discussions (Black Powder Area)
Noon Artillery Discussion (Post Headquarters)
1 p.m. Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (Meet at Visitor Center)
1:30 p.m. “I Thought This Place Doomed”: Emma Caroline Morely’s Fort Scott Service
2 p.m. Infantry Firing Discussions (Black Powder Area)
3 p.m. They Fought Like Demons, Women Soldiers in the Civil War (Hospital Porch)
3:30 p.m. Mustering Out (Near Quartermaster’s Storehouse)
4:30 p.m. Flag Retreat with Infantry (Garrison Flagpole)
7 p.m. Camp Dance (Memorial Hall)
SUNDAY, APRIL 13
Interpreters will be around the site throughout the day.
9 a.m. Raising the Colors (Garrison Flagpole)
9:30 am Historic Church Service (Near Dragoon Barracks)
10 a.m. Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (Meet at Visitor Center)
10:30 a.m. Artillery Discussion (Post Headquarters)
11 a.m. Infantry Firing Discussions (Black Powder Area)
Noon Artillery Discussion (Post Headquarters)
1 p.m. Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (Meet at Visitor Center)
1:30 p.m. “I Thought This Place Doomed”: Emma Caroline Morely’s Fort Scott Service
2 p.m. Infantry Firing Discussions (Black Powder Area)
3:30 p.m. Mustering Out (Near Quartermaster’s Storehouse)
4:30 p.m. Flag Retreat with Infantry (Garrison Flagpole)
Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are 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 find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
-NPS-
Credit Photo as: NPS Photo/V. Wright, Holmes Brigade Infantry Marching
Dust off your dancing shoes and mark your calendar for the Civil War Camp Dance this Saturday, April 12. The fun filled evening, hosted by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc., is being held at Memorial Hall 1 East 3rd Street in Fort Scott and will feature 19th century music, Victorian dance instruction and light refreshments. Doors open at 6:00 pm with dancing to begin at 7:00 pm. Admission is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Period dress is encouraged but not required.
Dancing was a favorite form of entertainment during the Victorian era (1840s-1890s) and especially during the Civil War as it offered respite from the worries and horrors of a war that affected the entire nation. Come find some respite from your own busy schedule as you are transported to times past. All ages are welcome and no prior dance experience is necessary to enjoy the evening.
This event is being offered in conjunction with Fort Scott National Historic Site’s (FSNHS) Civil War Encampment. For more information concerning FSNHS’s Civil War Encampment go www.nps.gov/fosc.
The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.
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Jenni comes from a background of drug and alcohol addiction. A year and a half ago, she overcame her addiction with the help of the Oxford House in Topeka. When she came back to Fort Scott, she recognized the need for more resources for those stuck in addiction. She decided to move back to Fort Scott with the goal of opening recovery homes and building a recovery community. Jenni is opening the first women’s and children’s house in Fort Scott. She eventually plans to open a men’s and children’s house. She has received a lot of support in Fort Scott. She hopes to partner with AA and Celebrate Recovery to coordinate services. Jenni is also waiting for approval to place a Narcan vending machine in the downtown area. Applications for recovery homes can be found on The Path of EASE Facebook Page, DCF, and soon Salvation Army/Compassionate Ministries. Currently have housing for 7 women and their children. Clients will only be responsible for paying $60 per week to cover the cost of living in the house. Jenni will be living in the house and helping run it. A Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting event will be announced. Jenni also plans to incorporate a Farm-to-Table project with those living in the house. On April 26, a Paint and Praise fundraiser and raffle will be taking place at the Recovery House, 728 Heylman. The Path of EASE has a CashApp and will take monetary donations for anyone interested in helping.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed House Bill 2107, which provides for a process for Kansans to recover economic damages from wildfires and other fire events caused by electric public utilities.
“Kansas is no stranger to the risks and impacts of wildfires,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The changes included in this bill will help better prepare utility companies to identify and mitigate wildfire risks. By taking reasonable measures, we can better protect Kansans and provide a path to recover from the financial impacts of wildfires.”
House Bill 2107 establishes a strong but fair legal structure to allow Kansans to pursue compensation for damages from a wildfire or fire event determined to be caused by a utility provider. Claims under the bill must be brought forth within two years of the date of damage.
“House Bill 2107 will ensure that utilities will be able to identify cost-effective strategies for wildfire preparedness and implement solutions that protect Kansas communities while maintaining affordable energy for consumers,” said Representative for District 94 Leo Delperdang. “Like any other business, utility companies must be able to operate with a strong but fair legal climate that provides recourse for those damaged but also protects against excessive verdicts that could negatively impact the financial health of an industry crucial to Kansas residents, businesses, and industry. House Bill 2107 effectively balances those interests.”
In an effort to better prepare the state and Kansas communities for wildfires, the bill also requires the Kansas Corporation Commission to convene a workshop on wildfire risks, utility readiness to mitigate wildfires, risk mitigation strategies, and cost recovery for the impacts caused by wildfires.
“House Bill 2107 is a smart, commonsense bill that better prepares our state for wildfires, before and after they may happen,” said Representative for District 89 KC Ohaebosim. “I am pleased to support practical legislation that works in the best interest of Kansas and thank Governor Kelly for signing this bill.”
In addition to House Bill 2107, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:
House Bill 2120: Authorizes the State Board of Regents to sell and convey certain real property on behalf of Kansas State University and Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Center.
House Bill 2109: Exempts public utilities from civil liability relating to the attachment, access, operation, maintenance, or removal of law enforcement equipment on any structures owned by the utility.
House Bill 2052: Streamlines the process for an individual with a provisional concealed carry license to request a standard license and addresses requirements that specifically identify off duty law enforcement officers that are conceal carrying.
House Bill 2040: Extends the time in which the state corporation commission shall make a final order on a transmission line siting application, allowing time for additional landowner and stakeholder input.
House Bill 2037: Updates the membership of the council on travel and tourism and modernizes grant requirements to allow the council to award funding to the most feasible projects in the application process.
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This is part of a series featuring young entrepreneurs in our community. To submit a young entrepreneur, email [email protected] with contact information for that person.
Although only 25 years old, Henry Witt has 10 years of experience as a welder.
“I’ve been doing it in my garage since I was 15,” he said. “I bought my first welder at Tractor Supply and taught myself how to weld.”
With the products he made, he put himself through Missouri Welding School, Nevada, MO.
He is a full-service fabrication builder.
“It’s my passion,” he said. “I have always enjoyed doing something that lasts forever.”
“I spent four years as a union boiler maker in Emporia, KS,” he said. ” I decided to pursue my own business.”
The name of the business is H. Witt Fabrication.
“We do custom work. Anything metal you need to be built or repaired, we have full machining capabilities.”
Metal artwork, garden/lawn decor, and repair are some of the projects Witt has done.
“We can do prototyping, 3-D designs for customers to view the products,” he said.
His wife, Hunter, and he are both Fort Scott High School graduates, she in 2019 and he in 2018.
“She helps with everything and is an integral part of my operation.”
Witt can be reached at 620.469.0794 or H.Witt Fabrication on Facebook or [email protected]
Horton between 18th and 19th Streets will be closed for a period of time today, 4/7/2025, due to water repair work. Thank you.
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
620-223-0550 ext. 210
Storm Sirens will be tested today at 1:00pm.
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
620-223-0550 ext. 210
