A rotted pole at Fort Scott Community College collapsed onto the fence of the ball field just North of Ty Cullor field.
Women’s Luncheon March 26 at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 12
ARTEFFECT Celebrates Women’s History Month
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Fort Scott Joins Mid America League
LaRoche Baseball Complex To Serve As Home Field for Team
The Mid America League has announced that Fort Scott, KS has been awarded a franchise for the 2026 season, according to a press release on the City of Fort Scott Facebook page.
The team will play its’ home games at LaRoche Baseball Complex in Fort Scott.
LaRoche Baseball Complex features fixed seating for 500, multiple party and picnic arenas, and an overall seating capacity of 3,500. The facility also features a top-notch locker room/club house area, artificial turf infield and a pro style batting tunnel for players. The ballpark features a full and spacious press box with room for multiple staff, a fixed umpire room, and a full-service concession stand.
“Fort Scott has always been a great baseball town and has a long, rich and storied tradition of baseball in this City”, said City of Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin. “LaRoche Sports Complex is one of the best baseball environments in the state of Kansas and this is a wonderful opportunity to provide a safe, affordable place for our local and area families to enjoy a fun, exciting night of baseball entertainment. I want to thank Mark Schuster and Nick Weisenborn from the Mid America Baseball League for their confidence in Fort Scott. We are very excited about this opportunity and can’t wait for Opening Day 2026.”
“The Mid America League is extremely excited to award Fort Scott, KS the 7th MALB Franchise” said Nick Weisenborn, Mid America League Executive Director. “Being a former college athlete in the area I know personally how important sports in this community are, and I can’t wait for our players to experience that passion. We are very grateful to the city of Fort Scott and their partners for letting us use this top-notch facility, LaRoche Baseball Complex. We can’t wait to get a sneak peak of the action it can provide this July.”
To kickoff baseball in Fort Scott, the Mid America League will host a series in Fort Scott on July 11-13 between the Texarkana Rhinos and the Joplin Outlaws. (This will be a great opportunity to show Fort Scott what MAL baseball is like…… “We are very excited to play a home season against the Rhinos in Fort Scott”, said Brian Flynn, former major league and Joplin owner. “To be able to have our players compete in a stadium as nice as LaRoche Baseball Complex is a great opportunity for our athletes.”
The three-day event will be held on July 11-13. Tickets for the series will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, April 5, at 10:00 AM, available at www.joplinoutlaws.com.
Baseball has deep roots in Fort Scott, dating back to its early years. The game evolved during the Civil War, with soldiers playing in camps said Fort Scott Historian Brian Allen. By the late 1800s, Fort Scott had town teams that traveled to compete against other towns. From 1902 to 1906, the city had a minor league team called the Giants, which played in the Missouri Valley League (a level C league), with 14 of its players advancing to Major League Baseball. Prior to 1902, Fort Scott had an unaffiliated minor league team in 1891. Local leagues, often organized by fraternal groups and churches, also played in later years.
In 1903, Fort Scott’s Lon Ury briefly played for the St. Louis Cardinals, recording a hit off Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson. In October 1922, Babe Ruth played a barnstorming game in Fort Scott, hitting a home run and pitching the town team to an 11-9 victory. Later that month, the Kansas City Monarchs defeated the local team 3-2. Over the years, Fort Scott had several baseball venues, including Athletic Park, Harkey Park (now Cameron Heights), and Othick Park, which was made famous by a photograph taken by Gordon Parks.
Beginning today, fans will have the opportunity to submit their name suggestion for the Fort Scott nickname.
Fans simply need to go to www.fortscottbaseball.com to submit their name.
The winner of the contest will receive two (2) season tickets for life for the Fort Scott franchise.
Also, fans interested in season tickets can reserve their space by clicking on the “Request Information on Season Tickets” on the website.
USD234 Board of Ed. Minutes of March 10
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, March 10, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 409 S Judson.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
Board Minutes
02-10-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – February 20, 2025 – $1,699,042.60
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
March is Theatre in Our Schools Month. Cooper George, President, and Emi King, Secretary, presented to the Board. Cooper has been involved for six years and he explained the benefits such as working as a team and learning how to become adults. Emi was excited to share about the creativity and development of many skills that she has been able to acquire in the last two years she has been involved. They both had a presentation that included many activities, plays, and events that the department is involved in. Everyone is invited to attend the upcoming Talent Show on March 28, 2025.
Meredith Tucker, No Limits Rehab, was recognized by Special Education Director Tonya Barnes. Meredith is one of the district’s Physical Therapist. She said she loves being a part of the community and school district. Mrs. Barnes thanked her for her willingness and excitement to help our district’s students.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported that the district has been chosen for the Stepping Up Initiative Grant. This first year will be mostly planning, and he said that the group will be great to work with and is excited for this grant.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with a shared update. The building on Horton Street will be starting demo soon. He also updated about the Cell Phone Tower purchase and how he is working for a bid soon.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes updated the Board on Categorical Aid with a payment on March 15.
Nick Johnson, Preschool Principal, staff, and several students were present to inform the Board about the Preschool program. There are 122 students with five teachers. Principal Johnson recognized the excellent staff that works with these students. A few of the students help everyone in attendance with their morning pretzel song. Staff also recognized Principal Johnson for helping in every area throughout the Preschool including driving a van and more.
Michelle Stevenson, Early Childhood Coordinator, works with prenatal to six-year-olds. She works on building relationships with parent/child/community. It is a literacy and strength-based program that with each visit the children receive a new book. This program provides different events for families each year.
The Board Approved the following items:
- 2025-26 School Calendar (Pending Negotiations)
- Designate Make up Day due to missed weather
- JAG Kansas School to Work Program Renewal
There was discussion about possible sale of district owned property. This was discussion only.
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
March 10, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Hall, Kathi – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach
Holm, Susan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Mills, Lacy – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Trimble, Aidan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
TRANSFER:
Rainey, Taylor – KRI SPED Teacher to Eugene Ware SPED Teacher
Pitts, Jaxon – Maintenance II Groundskeeper to Maintenance I Groundskeeper/Athletic Fields Manager
Torres, Cynthia – ELA Teacher to Spanish Teacher – High School 2025-26
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations
Carney, Drew – PE & Weights – High School
Erie, Aleana – English Teacher – High School
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Bowman, Kinsley – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Chaplin, Mercedes – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Miller, Martha – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Weber, Shelia – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Abati, Delynn – Head Dance Team Coach – High School
Glades, Matt – Assistant Football Coach – High School
Horton, Curtis – Assistant Football – High School
Martin, Dave – Assistant Girls’ Swim Coach
Woods, Nick – Assistant Track Coach – High School
Administration Contracts – Extended 26-27
Terry Mayfield
Tonya Barnes
Nick Johnson
Chris Garzone
Nicole Gilmore
Yasmina Query
Brandon Boyd
Zach Johnson
Matt Harris
Scott Kimble
Jeff Johnson
Traffic Reduced To One Lane On Hwy. 69 This Week In Fort Scott
A crack repair project on U.S. 69 in Fort Scott is underway this week. The 2.1-mile project area starts at 23rd Street and continues north to U.S. 54. Traffic is reduced to one lane at the work zone, according to a press release from KDOT.
“They are moving pretty fast on it,” said Priscilla Petersen, public relations officer with the Kansas Dept. of Transportation in Southeast Kansas. “It is a crack repair with asphalt.”
“There are alternating lane closures for U.S. 69 traffic at the work zone. There should be no significant delays to traffic. The work should take one week, weather permitting,” she said.
Pavement Pro’s of McPherson is the contractor. The cost of construction is $81,593.
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Obituary of Lucille Goltra
Lucille R. Goltra, age 97, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Monday, March 10, 2025 (12 days shy of her 98th birthday) at the Medicalodges in Fort Scott. She was born March 22, 1927, in rural Bourbon County, KS, the daughter of Charles O. and Helen Grace (Roberts) David. Lucille married Robert J. Goltra, Sr. on January 24, 1947. He preceded her in death on July 20, 1991.
Lucille grew up on the family homestead in rural Bourbon County. She graduated from the Fort Scott High School with the class of 1944.
Lucille worked briefly outside the home, however, with the birth of her and Bob’s 9 children, her life was filled with being a homemaker and Mother. Her life became more enriched and fulfilled with the births of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Lucille is survived by 3 sons; Robert Goltra, Jr (Carol) of Emporia, KS, David Goltra (Eileen) of Fort Scott, and Tim Goltra (Shirley) of Fort Scott; 4 daughters, Mary Brown of Satanta, KS, Margie Fountain (Rick) of Fort Scott, Carole Minor of Fort Scott, and Teri Crays (Brent) of Fort Scott; and a son-n-law Ron Wunderly, Fort Scott. Also surviving are 28 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; 4 nieces; and 1 nephew.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert; her parents; a sister, Maxine Foote; a brother Ralph David; 2 daughter’s Patricia Hall and Kathryn Wunderly; a grandson Daniel (Danny) Hall; and 2 sons-in-law Monty Brown and Floyd Minor.
Robert Joseph Goltra, III will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 18th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Donna Housman
Donna Louise Housman age 76 resident of Fort Scott, KS died Saturday at her home surrounded by family.
She was born on October 7, 1948, in Fort Scott, KS to the parents of Clarence & Virginia Culp Enos. Donna moved to New Jersey where she created her family and moved back to Fort Scott in 1991, where she then worked as CNA and then later worked at BNSF Railroad as a Transportation driver. She loved to volunteer in her community, Christian Motorcycle Association, & in her church! She also made sure to attend all her grandchildren & great grandchildren’s events when she was able. She loved gardening, sewing, and crocheting in her down time.
Survivors include her husband Brian Housman of the home, 2 daughters; Jacqueline Arbogast of Ft. Scott (SIL Charles Arbogast Jr of Oklahoma), Stephanie Smith-Hinson and husband Darrin of Garfield, NJ; 1 Son Christopher Smith of (Utah). 11 grandchildren (their spouses) and 21 great grandchildren & several nieces & nephews; and great nieces & nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Virginia, a brother Larry Enos, a sister Pamela Bloomfield, a son John Enos, 1 great granddaughter & 1 rainbow baby & 1 great nephew Christian Golden.
Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Friday March 14th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 11
Obituary of Lloyd “Skip” Brown
Lloyd Wilson “Skip” Brown, 79, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife Laura by his side. He was a beloved son, brother, husband and friend to many people on his journey through life. Born in Baltimore MD, he grew up around the world, courtesy of the United States Army, to include Japan, Europe and numerous family postings in the United States.
He attended Fishburne Military Academy and the Citadel in his youth. In March of 1964, Skip joined the US Army at the age of 18, and in that same year was accepted to Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Fort Benning, GA. Skip graduated from OCS in June of 1965 at the age of 20 years old. In December of 1967 he was promoted to Captain. He was deployed to Vietnam in January of 1968, where he was assigned as the company commander for the Infantry Mobile Riverine Force two days before the TET offensive broke out. Captain Brown was awarded the Silver Star for Valor for his actions in combat while leading his company against a numerically superior enemy force.
Following his service to his country, he lived in several places from coast to coast. He had various work passions, to include but not limited to being a police officer in Arlington, VA, and had his own construction businesses in California and Columbia, SC. As his own boss, he built houses, horse barns, and many additions and reconstructions of homes and offices. He took great pride in his innovations and eye-catching results. Finally settling in Fort Scott, KS as a deputy with the Bourbon County Sherrif’s Office.
He was preceded in death by his father Col. Lloyd J Brown, his mother Jeanne Brown, his beloved “Pop Pop” Wilson Porter Smith, “Nana” Jane Smith and his step-son Frederick Canaan Lee Smith.
He is survived by his adored wife Laura Brown, stepson Jesse Smith and wife Misty, stepdaughter Tanya Glessner and husband Randy, and mother-in-law Marjorie Turner, of Fort Scott, Kansas. His Step mother, Gisela Brown of Clearwater FL, his sister Sherrie Coleman and husband David, nephew Sean Coleman and wife Mary and great nephew JAC. His niece Brittany Moebes and husband Brandon, of Lexington and Columbia SC. Life long friends Bill and Dr. Nancy Saunders of San Antonio, TX, Larry (Bear) and Melanie Cinicola, of MS. Numerous close friends of Bourbon County: Chris Cotter, Mike Herrin, Jason Findley, Tom Davis, Sherrif Bill Martin, Adam LaRoche, Arthur Pearson, Lesley Herrin and many others that he met during his 11 years with the Bourbon County Sherrif’s Office.
Skip married his soul mate Laura on April 15, 2016. He chose that date, he said, so he would never forget his anniversary! He loved Laura with his whole being and did not want to leave her. He surpassed every medical obstacle to be with her as long as humanly possible.
Tom Davis will conduct Funeral Services at 10 am on March 17th, 2025, at Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel.
Burial will follow in Oak Grove cemetery.
A visitation will be held Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 2-4 pm at Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the American Legion and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Ad: Celebrate 25 Years of Walk Kansas With Us!
Dust off those walking shoes and join the fun and challenge of Walk Kansas, running March 30th-May 24th! This is a team-based program that will inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active, making better nutrition choices, and learning positive ways to deal with stress. During the 8 weeks, you will log and report minutes of physical activity and the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat.
Each participant will receive a weekly newsletter with healthful lifestyle information and a recipe. Full access to the online tracking system, as well as the Walk Kansas app, to help keep you on track as you work to reach your goals. Fun and useful incentives are also a part of the package!
The Walk Kansas process is simple: join a team, select a challenge, and register. The captain of your team will initiate this process. Don’t have a team? No Problem! You may register as an individual and we will connect you with one! The participant fee is only $10.00, with an option to purchase t-shirts for an additional cost. Now is the time for a healthier you! Register by March 30th, at walkkansas.org.
For more information contact:
Tara Solomon-Smith
Family and Community Wellness Agent, Southwind Extension District
[email protected], 620-244-3826
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K – State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer