ANNOUNCING THE 2025-2026 ARTEFFECT AMBASSADORS!
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Bourbon County Arts Council – Bad Art by Good People 2025 On November 13
The Bourbon County arts Council would like to invite you to join them in celebrating creativity in our community at this year’s “Bad Art by Good People” Fundraising Event and Auction, this Thursday November 13th, at 7 pm at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center in Fort Scott.
The first “Bad Art” Event was held in 2013. This year’s auction will be the 7th of its kind, with 19 “artists” participating. Since that first auction, 145 community members have donated their time and creative energy (with a bit of humility) to this project, where individuals are given a canvas and asked to create an original piece of art. The BCAC provides “Mentoring Workshops” with the help of local artists, to provide inspiration and technical advice to those partaking.
This year’s artists include Thyra Babcock, Joshua Baseley, Carissa Bowman, Teresa Davenport, Vance Eden, Reverand Christopher Eshelman, Cassi Farmer, Carson Felt, Yolanda Gray Furman, Reverand Sarah Gengler, Britney Halsey, David McCord, Rita Schroeder, Angie Simon, Summer (Buerge) Timperley, Susan Townley, Kate Williams, Karen Wilterding, and Hunter Witt.
The event will begin at 7:00pm, with viewing and voting for this year’s “Best Bad Artist”. The winner of this award will receive a certificate for $50.00 in Chamber Bucks, which can be spent at any of over 60 local retailers. Auctioneer Marty Read will conduct the sale at 7:30, and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Bad Art by Good People is one way that the BCAC attempts to fulfill its mission to “foster, promote and increase the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts” in our community. The funds raised are used to support local students, by donating annually to “Project Art” at Fort Scott Middle School and providing scholarships to high school seniors in Bourbon County who will be pursuing art related majors in college. This year, the BCAC provided scholarships for the Children’s Camp at the Artificers Gallery and contributed to the Gordon Parks Celebration; they also hosted three Patio Concerts at Crooners and their Membership Drive Concert featuring Barnaby Bright at the Liberty Theater. The BCAC will host its 34th Annual Fine Arts Exhibit, for local and regional artists, from March 5th through the 14th 2026 at the Ellis Family Fine arts Center.
The Bourbon County Arts Council is comprised of the following Board members: Deb Halsey, President, Lucy Gladbach, Vice-President, Terri Floyd, Treasurer, and Steve Floyd, Secretary, as well as former President Deb Anderson, Sheryl Bloomfield, Elaine Buerge, Trent Freeman, Kelly Nelson, Ron Query, and Robin Whitlock.
Again, come out and enjoy an evening of original art, and cast your vote for this year’s “Best Bad Artist”!
Kiwanis Pioneers Host Drive Through Chili Feed Fundraiser is November 18
With November comes cooler weather and thoughts of piping hot comfort food. The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers stands ready to dish up some warm satisfying fare as they hold their 37th annual Chili Feed on Tuesday, November 18th at the First United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott. A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $8.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door.
This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year. In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, Foster Kids, CORE, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs. “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Kiwanis Pioneer President Kelley Collins.
“The annual fundraiser will be drive through only.” according to Collins. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.
Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.
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Teddy Roosevelt Living History Performance Corrected Date is November 20
Pittsburg, KS – The Stilwell Heritage and Education Foundation invites the community to an evening with America’s most dynamic president, Theodore Roosevelt, brought vividly to life through a captivating living-history performance on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in the Timmons Ballroom at the Stilwell Hotel, 707 N. Broadway, Pittsburg, Kansas.
Obituary of Janet Irby Braun
Janet Irby Braun (1941-2025)
Janet Irby Braun, 84, of Fort Scott, KS passed into eternal life at the University of Kansas Medical Center on Friday, November 7, 2025. She was born in Oklahoma City, OK on March 28, 1941 to Dr. Pratt and Pauline Robinson Irby.
She grew up in Fort Scott as the proud big sister of Robert and Mary. The siblings enjoyed traveling with their family and doting on their beloved dog, Annie. Janet enjoyed being a Rainbow Girl, acting in plays, and serving as a Fort Scott High School class officer for the class of 1959. She attended Baker University where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta, starring in several theatre productions and earning her degree in elementary education in 1963. She later earned her Masters in Special Education at the University of Kansas in 1966.
Janet and her former spouse, Edward Braun, raised three children together: Becky, Ted, and Mac, living first in Durham, NC, then St. Louis, MO, then Orlando, FL, and finally Fort Scott, KS. Janet loved being a mom and was known for transporting her kids and all their friends in her famous red van to all kinds of activities including dance lessons, baseball games, swim team practices, golf lessons, and play practices.
Janet was a caring and compassionate special education teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School. She loved supporting her students and helping them soar. She rooted for every student during their time in her classroom and loved staying in touch with them as they grew up. She won the Kansas Special Education Teacher of the Year award in 2001.
Janet loved everything about living in Fort Scott. She was known for her philanthropy, service, and friendship in her beloved hometown. She was a member of the U234 School Board from 2003 to 2019, serving as president from 2012 to 2014. She was on the Good Ol’ Days Steering Committee from its inception. She was also a founding board member of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation and served as Chairperson from 2007 to 2013, and has been a board member from 2019 to the present. Her faith was important to her as a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church. There, Janet was a member of the Memorials Committee and was Secretary of the Administrative Board. She served on the Visioning A Healthier Bourbon County Board as well as the Children’s Advocacy Board in Pittsburg. She was a member of the Fort Scott Rotary Club, serving on the Rotary Board. She was proud to be named the Rotarian of the year in 2008, 2010, and 2019. A member of the Bourbon County Garden Club, her home was on the Secret Garden Tour in 2009. She was the Bourbon County Representative on the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Board. She also served on the Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee, and won the Keystone Award in 2010 and the Chamber of Commerce Community Spirit Award in 2018. She recently celebrated her 61st anniversary of membership in the PEO sisterhood. She was also the winner of the Wal-Mart Citizenship Award in 1997.
Janet loved spending time with her eight grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Nana.” She was their biggest cheerleader, and attended many musicals, awards ceremonies, and gymnastics meets with bells on. Later in life, she supported all of her grandchildren’s endeavors virtually. In recent months, Janet loved visiting individually with each of her grandchildren.
Janet was a connoisseur of all things Broadway and enjoyed many trips to New York City. She loved gardening, tending to her backyard oasis at 1606 Clairmont Street as well as her pink mums at the Presbyterian Village. She enjoyed travels to Ireland, Switzerland, England, and Greece. She also enjoyed volunteering as a costumer for productions at FSCC and in the community.
She is survived by her loving family: daughter Becky and (Pat) Hulla and their children Brendan, Katie, Kellen and Ryan of Overland Park, KS, son Dr. Ted Braun and (Karen) Braun and their daughters Rachel and Allie of Leawood, KS, and son Mac and (Jodi) Braun and their children Emily (Justus) and Nick of Gilbert, AZ. She is also survived by her brother Robert Irby of Faribault, MN and a sister, Mary Rio of Austin, TX, and a niece, Jessica Rio, and her daughters, Paulina and Sofia, of Austin, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Pratt and Pauline Robinson Irby, and her dear friend Jackie Webster.
Janet is missed already by her friends and family. Her family would like to thank all of her caregivers and friends at the Presbyterian Village for everything they did to support her in her later years.
Funeral services for Janet Irby Braun will be on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott with Pastor Christopher Eshelman officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral beginning at 11:00 a.m. The burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation and sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
“Sunrise, sunset. Sunrise, sunset. Swiftly fly the years one season following another, laden with happiness and tears.”
CHC/SEK Names New Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer: Ashley Hopkins
CHC/SEK Names Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer
PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce Ashley Hopkins has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer.
Hopkins joined the CHC/SEK team in January 2023 as the Vice President of Human Resources. She has more than 10 years of experience in human resources and has served more than 19 years in the healthcare industry. Hopkins also currently serves as a STARS board member. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from Pittsburg State University.
“During her tenure at CHC/SEK, Ashley has been instrumental in the complete reorganization of our human resources division,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer. “She has spearheaded a variety of initiatives including improving recruitment and benefits, maximizing our payroll system, simplifying and tracking staff education, and increasing employee engagement.”
In her new role, Hopkins will continue to oversee the human resources division. Her new responsibilities will include serving on the CHC/SEK leadership team, participating in the Board of Directors meetings, and serving as coordinator of the Board’s personnel committee.
“Our staff is our greatest asset,” said Postai. “It is imperative we have HR in the room during all key organizational decisions.”
“I’m excited to expand my role within CHC/SEK. Growing with an organization that empowers HR to be more than just completing tasks and checking boxes is truly inspiring,” said Hopkins. “Our team remains focused on supporting employees at every stage of their careers as well as strengthening the culture that makes CHC/SEK such a special place to work. When we take better care of our employees, they can focus more on the quality, compassionate care they are known for.”
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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.
Brenda Stokes Named V.P of CHC/SEK Nursing and Quality
CHC/SEK Names Vice President of Nursing and Quality
PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce Brenda Stokes, RN, BSN, has been named Vice President of Nursing and Quality.
Stokes joined the CHC/SEK team in 2020 as the Vice President of Quality Improvement, overseeing quality initiatives and regulatory compliance. She has more than 18 years of experience in quality improvement and has served for more than 30 years in the healthcare industry working at local hospitals and nursing homes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pittsburg State University and is also a certified professional coder.
Under her leadership, CHC/SEK received several recognition badges from the Health Resources and Services Administration, acknowledging high performance in a variety of clinical areas. Stokes has also ensured CHC/SEK maintains its status as a National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home, a care model that centers around each patient and their individual needs.
“Brenda has continually demonstrated the ability to translate concept into reality and, as a result, CHC/SEK has earned national recognition in its management of chronic disease and in preventative health promotion,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer. “She’s done an incredible job of integrating quality into our nursing operations, and we are extremely lucky to have her.”
In her new role, Stokes will lead the nursing team in addition to the quality department, ensuring quality care for the patients and communities CHC/SEK serves.
“I’m very excited to continue working with the Quality team and to take on this larger role within our clinical operations,” said Stokes. “We have a great nursing staff, and I look forward to supporting them in the incredible work they do every day.”
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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Sunshine Boutique on November 13
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports November 12
Opinion: Two approaches to dealing with loud generators
Mark explains two approaches to dealing with loud generators. This video shows the protections we have in place today and contrasts them with the proposals for the future.
County Commission Discusses Sheriff’s Cars Again
November 10, 2025 Bourbon County Commission Meeting Continued
Sheriff Lease for Vehicles
Sheriff Bill Martin brought new numbers and handed them out to the county commission.
The documentation he provided is for an 11 vehicle lease because they need to replace that many in the current fleet.
Annual lease cost is $137,449 per year. The first year will include police equipment for a total cost of $399,303. This would be paid for out of the jail sales tax, as it’s part of the operations of the sheriff’s office and jail.
Martin said he would get the contract updated.
Milburn wanted to get the numbers together and make sure that the funds would be in the jail sales tax.
County Clerk Susan Walker said she could run the numbers if the sheriff’s department would give her five-year number projections for the vehicle lease.
Martin said they would get the numbers for her. He also expressed frustration at how long it’s taking the commission to come to a decision.
After he left the meeting, Tran expressed concern at the entry cost of nearly $400,000, and said he wasn’t sure Martin needed 11 new vehicles.
Beerbower cautioned Tran about trying to manage Martin’s fleet.
“This is one of those things that got kicked down the road,” said Beerbower. “This is one of those things that he’s been asked to compromise on for several years.”