Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Arts Exhibit Award Winners
2025 Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Arts Exhibit Award Winners
The Bourbon County Arts Council would like to congratulate the following artists for being selected as award winners at this year’s Fine Arts Exhibit:
CERAMICS
1ST PLACE** DARIA CLAIBORNE BEAUTIFULLY BLUE
2ND PLACE** DARIA CLAIBORNE CINDERELLA’S TEA SET
DRAWING & GRAPHICS
1ST PLACE** RIPP HARRISON WE THREE
2ND PLACE WHITNEY POWELL “HOW STELLA GOT HER BARK BACK”
FIBER ARTS
1ST PLACE NANCY KREIBACH REFACTERY
2ND PLACE** PATRICIA NEELAND SILK AND WOOL
GLASS
1ST PLACE** PATRICIA NEELAND CHINESE TEAPOT IN BLUE
2ND PLACE** KAITLYNN SAMPSON BLOOMING
BEST OF SHOW 3D CARLEEN SHATTO CONNECTED
JEWELRY
1ST PLACE NICOLE MEYER-FORESMAN flORO
2nd PLACE NO ENTRY
MIXED MEDIA
1ST PLACE* LEE NORMAN PAPER REFLECTIONS
BEST OF SHOW 2D** RIPP HARRISON MIDDLE CLASS AMERICAN GOTHIC
2ND PLACE* JIM MILLER BURLY MAPLE/RESIN VASE
PAINTING
1ST PLACE KAREN CASE ALLEY SUNSET
2ND PLACE CARL BROTHERS BACK ROAD FIND
PASTEL
1ST PLACE JEAN TERRY “CAFÉ CONDIMENTS”
2ND PLACE STEVE FLOYD MAJESTIC NEW MEXICO
PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST PLACE ORIAH FREEMAN HARD WORKING
2ND PLACE MERL HUMPHREY WINTER WONDERLAND
PRINTMAKING
1st PLACE LORI STANZIOLA MOMENTS
2nd PLACE DAIN REILING IMMUTABLE NUISANCE
SCULPTURE
1ST PLACE** DARIA CLAIBORNE SNAP, CRACKLE POP
2ND PLACE AL LETNER “PORTAL” 23
THEME-BRIDGE THE GAP
1ST PLACE TOM ALTENBURG COWBOY CHEE
2ND PLACE KATIE WENDEL MAJESTIC
WATERCOLOR
1ST PLACE SANDRA SHUMAKER BELLS KOI
2ND PLACE** KAITLYNN SAMPSON DAD
**MORE THAN ONE AWARD
The “People’s Choice “Award will be determined on March 15th at the end of the exhibit. The BCAC appreciates and thanks all of the artists participating in this event, and encourages the community to visit the exhibit Monday–Friday from noon to 7pm, and Saturday from 9am to 1pm at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Cente
Obituary of Michael Shelden
Michael “Mike” Shelden, 58, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away March 3, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him. Born on July 24, 1966, in Fort Scott, Kansas, he was the son of Virgil Shelden (deceased) and Mary Shelden.
Mike was a devoted family man, known for his warm heart and deep love for those around him. An avid fisherman, Mike found peace and joy on the water, casting a line and sharing stories with friends and family. He was well-liked, respected, and will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He is survived by his son, Austin Shelden of Kansas City, Missouri, his long-time partner, Amy Walker of Fort Scott, Kansas, his siblings, Pat Shelden and Holly Gonzalez, also of Fort Scott, Kansas, and a host of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews whom he cherished dearly: Madison Shelden, Alek Shelden, Hayden Shelden, Camden Stiles, Corbin Shelden, Sutton Shelden, Sullivan Gonzales, Sevren Gonzalez, Gabriel Gonzalez, Taxen Cosens, Asher Cosens, and Iyla Soehlig.
He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Shelden.
Following cremation, graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Military honors will be presented at the cemetery by the U.S. Marine Corps. A Celebration of Life will follow services at the Elks Lodge, 111 W. 19th St. Fort Scott, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to go to Patrick Shelden, and may be 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.
Mike’s legacy of love, kindness, and laughter will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Obituary of Lester Waring
Lester Waring, age 89, resident of Garland, KS passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Girard Medical Center. He was born August 20, 1935, in Garland, the son of Albert Lester Waring, Sr. and Annie Marguerite Dobelbower Waring. Following high school, Lester served in the U. S. Army.
He married Ruth Arlene Smith on June 3, 1961, in Hepler, KS. After the service, he worked for Aaron Produce and on the farm for Walter Golden, Joe Bailey, and Don Rutherford. Lester worked for USD234 from 1970 through 1998 as a Fort Scott high school custodian. He was a member of the Garland fire department, serving as chief for several years. He served as caretaker of the Clarksburg Cemetery for many years. Lester was a member of the Rinehart Christian Church and formerly the Community Christian Church.
Survivors include his wife Ruth of the home; children Brenda O’Keefe, Eudora, KS, and Richard Waring (Tracy), Wilsey, KS; 3 sisters, Effie Mitchell, Mary Brown, and Barbara Kellogg (Ronny), all of Fort Scott, KS; 5 grandchildren, Bailey Waring, Addison Goebel (Tristyn), Levi Waring, Michaela Safford, and Peggy Darr (Richard); and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sheryl Waring; a brother Donald Waring; and his parents.
Rev. Kevin Moyers and Rev. Leon Weece will conduct funeral services at 10:00 am Saturday, March 15th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Friday evening at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Rinehart Christian Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Agenda for the USD234 Board of Education on March 10
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This meeting will be held at 409 S Judson (Please enter through the Judson Street Doors) instead of at the Board Office.
Candace Jobe
MIS Clerk USD 234
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
March 10, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
02-10-25
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – February 20, 2025 – $1,699,042.60
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
5.0 Recognitions
FSHS Drama Department will present
OT/OTA/PT – Tonya
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
6.1 Superintendent’s Report
6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.3 Special Education Director’s Report
6.4 Preschool Presentation
7.0 Old Business
7.1 Cell Tower Purchase Update (Information Only)
8.0 New Business
8.1 Approval of 2025-26 School Calendar (Pending negotiations) (Action Item)
8.2 District Owned Property Sale (Discussion/Information Only)
8.3 Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) – Kansas School-to-Work Program (Action Item)
9.0 Public Forum
10.0 Other Business – Time ____
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
10.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
10.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
11.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
Inspire Health Foundation, CHC/SEK, and Greenbush Launch Spring Break Camp
PITTSBURG – The Inspire Health Foundation, the Community Health Center of Southeast
Kansas, and Greenbush are partnering to offer a Medical Spring Break Camp March 18 – 20 for
area students. The camp is an interactive experience designed to spark children’s curiosity
about the systems of the human body and the health careers dedicated to caring for those
systems.
The camp will be hosted at the John Parolo Education Center, located on CHC/SEK’s Pittsburg
North Campus at 3015 N. Michigan.
The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, with separate sessions for different age
groups:
• March 18: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
• March 19: 3rd – 5th Grade
• March 20: 6th – 8th Grade
Students will have the chance to create models and conduct experiments to discover the inner
workings of the skeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, and brain systems. They will
participate alongside CHC/SEK staff, including dietitians, respiratory therapists, and nurses, to
learn more about health and health careers.
“Students will engage in learning and play centered around the best of what each organization
has to offer; skills in problem-solving, scientific experiments, health education, health careers,
and community connection,” said Leah Gagnon, Director of Inspire Health Foundation. “We
know this will be the first of many student learning opportunities in partnership with
Greenbush and Inspire Health.”
“Greenbush camp staff are always looking for people and organizations within the community
to offer unique, fun experiences for students,” said Emily Roth, Greenbush Camp and
Enrichment Coordinator. “When we learned of the new education facility at the Community
Health Center of Southeast Kansas, we instantly wanted to begin a partnership to educate and
engage students about the health industry.”
To register for the camp visit www.greenbush.org/camps. Inspire Health Foundation is a
subsidiary of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. To learn more about Inspire
Health visit, www.chcsek.org/inspirehealth
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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 7
Bourbon County Coalition Minutes From March 5
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2025
- Welcome: Thirteen members representing twelve agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Ana Salas- Safe House Advocate in Pittsburg. Safe House is hosting a Bags to Riches fundraiser on March 29 at the Crimson & Gold Ballroom at PSU.
- Jannelle Tate – Early Childhood Block Grant
- Kelli Mengarelli – Family Resource Center – This week is Dr. Seuss and Read Across America week.
- Michelle Stevenson – Fort Scott Early Childhood Program- Michelle works with families prenatal-6 years old. She is a resource for the parents. Michelle has a caseload of 30 families right now and will need more families once kids graduate to preschool later this summer.
- Patty Simpson – Fort Scott Housing Authority- The Housing Authority has an income-based application. There is a short waiting list for all units, but this constantly changes. If you have families in need of housing, send them to Patty. Individuals with felonies are not necessarily disqualified for receiving housing, eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
- Dee Dee LeFever – Greenbush Community Liaison- Greenbush is doing some realigning. Dee Dee is working with CHC Inspire Health on a stuffy clinic project. Dee Dee also helps with the Greenbush autism team. If you need any kind of educational resources, let Dee Dee know.
- Tammy Alcantar- Crawford County Health Department – Tammy collaborates with multiple counties. The breastfeeding program in the area counties has been successful. Programs include teen pregnancy, tobacco cessation, and much more. A Zoom prenatal class starts Monday at Bourbon County Health Department.
- Star Culp – Parents as Teachers Bourbon County
- Lora Wilson – CHC/SEK – Community Health Workers
- Robin Paulie- Healthy Heart Ambassador with CHC/SEK – Robin leads the Food is Medicine programs.
- Dustin Emmett- SE KANSASWORKS – Emporia job fair coming up in April because of the Tyson plant closing. Still need employers to attend. Employers around the Emporia area are preferred, but will take any employers as some job seekers will have to relocate.
- Nick Johnson – USD 234 – Fort Scott Preschool Center is hosting their annual Spring Fling family night on April 3. Area organizations are invited to set up a table, host an activity, and connect with families. Preschool Round-Up will be April 11. Any child who will be 3 or 4 years old on August 31, 2025 is invited to attend.
- Program: Sarah Poteat, Regional Manager, CarePortal
CarePortal has been active in Bourbon County since 2017. They work in most counties in Southeast Kansas. CarePortal is a care-sharing technology that drives action for vulnerable children and families. Designated agencies can enter requests for families in need. Churches who want to help families enroll in CarePortal, then requests are sent out to church members who may be able to meet the need. Child welfare agencies are struggling more now than ever before, this has led to fewer requests being entered. Schools can also be enrolled to request for vulnerable families. CarePortal can help coordinate for any tangible need. Requests must be child-centered, children in the home must benefit. Churches interested in outreach ministry are encouraged to get in touch with CarePortal. They would like to add two or three more churches in Bourbon County. Historically, the Bourbon County requests have been met at a rate near 90%, higher than many nearby counties. For more information and testimonials, visit the Care Portal SE Kansas website or Facebook page. Call or email Sarah if you know of churches interested in signing up or if you would like more information about CarePortal.
- Open Forum: Nothing further came before the membership.
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be April 2, 2025.
Ad: Radiant Massage with Natalie!
Radiant Massage with Natalie is now open! This new addition to downtown Fort Scott is located inside Structure by Margo at 19 S National Ave, Fort Scott, KS (the bison mural building). Radiant Massage offers a serene escape for those seeking relief from pain, muscle tension, or stress. Every session pampers clients with complimentary hot towels, custom aromatherapy, an extra-large, deeply padded massage table, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, hypoallergenic oils, and refreshing spa water such as cucumber lemon.
Natalie Cable, the skillful massage therapist behind Radiant Massage, has a deep-rooted passion for helping clients find relief through the healing power of touch. Inspired by her family’s experiences with chronic pain and disabilities, she developed an interest in pain management and holistic wellness. She integrates massage therapy’s many benefits—including pain relief, stress reduction, improved circulation, enhanced flexibility, and better sleep—into customized care plans. Her commitment to wellness is woven into her personal history as well as her deep ties to Fort Scott and Bourbon County.
Her family’s connection to the area spans generations. Her grandparents, Charles and Willa Cable, dedicated their lives to serving the community—Willa as a nurse caring for the elderly and Charles at the Kansas Department for Children and Families in Fort Scott. Her parents, Bob and Lori Cable, who attended school in Uniontown and Fort Scott, returned to Bourbon County in 2017 and are actively involved in local organizations. Her mother, Lori, chairs the Institute for Evaluation and Research’s Institutional Review Board for ethics in research, while her father, Bob, manages their farm, Soul and Soil Acres, providing fresh eggs and produce.
Having lived in Fort Scott while attending college, Natalie built her own connection to the town and is thrilled to be back, continuing her family’s tradition of positively contributing to the community. Through Radiant Massage with Natalie, she brings her passion for wellness and love for Fort Scott together, offering compassionate, high-quality care.
Sessions are tailored to individual wellness goals, offering treatments including Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, chronic pain therapy, aromatherapy massage, hot stone massage, temperature contrast therapy, and serenity massage. With a commitment to personalized care and accessibility, there are no upcharges—every massage is priced the same, ensuring clients receive exactly what their body needs. Each session includes a complimentary 5-minute consultation to ensure the treatment is customized. Pricing is $35 for 30 minutes and $60 for 60 minutes, with a Newcomer’s Special offering $10 off the first session. In February, the Valentine’s Day Special adds extra pampering, as every massage includes a complimentary self-care kit, and gift cards are discounted—$5 off 30-minute sessions and $10 off 60-minute sessions.
Sessions are available Tuesday (11 AM – 6 PM), Wednesday (2 PM – 6 PM), Friday (11 AM – 6 PM), and Saturday (11 AM – 3 PM). Walk-ins are welcome, but booking in advance is recommended. For appointments or gift card purchases, visit www.radiantwithnatalie.com or text/call 469-264-6074. Experience the difference at Radiant Massage with Natalie—where relaxation meets rejuvenation!
Prostitutes by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Recently, I have felt God calling me to minister to the prostitutes in the Las Vegas area. My granddaughter, Montana, had inspired me when she lived in Alabama and weekly took food to the dancers at a local strip club.
The other night in my Zoom Bible study call, one of the men spoke about his trip with his wife to this area and how it broke his heart. Young children would approach him and hand him their mother’s card, a prostitute looking for work. “Can it get more evil?” he asked.
God had been putting together the pieces for a few weeks. I had met two African-American women and am teaching them Pickleball. We have gone to lunch, and I have invited them to my house. We are becoming friends.. Both grew up homeless but met Jesus in the craziest of ways, and now their lives are forever changed. That was God’s first puzzle piece.
The second piece was when my son Adam was part of a sex-trafficking sting in Kansas City last month where 20 gals were recovered. On that sting, he met with an African-American gal who had been sent to K.C. from Vegas. For hours, he offered her hope and a way out of the trafficked lifestyle. She chose to return to it, but they are in contact. When she is ready, he hopes to have me meet with her.
And that’s when I knew that my friendship with my Pickleball friends wasn’t about the sport at all. At one of our luncheons, I asked them if they would meet with this Vegas prostitute, should Adam arrange a meeting. The way I figured it, two black, formerly homeless women who found their hope in Jesus could relate to this prostitute far easier than an old white woman who has never struggled like the three of them. They agreed to help.
And that leads to the third puzzle piece. This week, I met with Mike, a friend/co-worker with Adam and an individual who for over 20 years has worked to help the prostitutes/runaways/trafficked victims in the Las Vegas area. He shared how God had grown their charity and some of the miraculous recoveries they have had. He needs people who are able to speak about their needs, something I would love to do.
A group of teens from local churches raised money for an RV which is parked near the casinos. When the prostitutes are caught soliciting, they are led outside where they are offered food and support. Tattoo artists are on site to cover the tattoos marked on the girls by their pimps (a sign of ownership), a procedure that for some takes several hours but that gives the volunteers time to love on the girls and offer them a way out of their lifestyle. Sometimes the team parks a trailer by a motel frequented by prostitutes and offers them sandwiches and bottled water when they leave their rooms. Definitely something I could do.
Currently, this recovery team is training dogs to be part of their trauma unit. (Not my gift.) These labrador retrievers can sense when someone is hurting and cuddle up to them. Mike said that several girls have had their lives turned around when they felt loved by these animals.
The one thing I know is that God wastes no puzzle pieces, so I can’t wait to see how He fits me into this ministry.
What’s Happening In Fort Scott March 6
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110 South Main Mercantile, 110 S. Main St.
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DEADLINE FOR 2025 FLAG SUBSCRIPTIONS NEARS
The deadline to sign up for the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Fly the Flag Project is quickly approaching. Applications for new and renewed subscriptions along with payment are due by March 31st in order to participate.
The project provides homeowners and businesses, within the city limits of Fort Scott, the opportunity to fly the Stars and Stripes, hassle free, on five different flag holidays. For $40 annually, the Friends will post a 3’x5′ flag on a 12 foot staff at your home or business on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Veteran’s Day.
Application forms can be obtained at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce or can be requested by phone or text by dialing 417-684-2484. Renewals notices have been mailed/emailed to all 2024 subscribers.
All proceeds support programs at Fort Scott National Historic Site. These include: Symbols of Sacrifice, a Citizenship Ceremony, Candlelight Tour, Veterans Challenge coins, and many others. Show your patriotism and help our local National Park by lining the streets of Fort Scott with our nation’s symbol!
The Fly the Flag Project is a yearly project sponsored by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site. Once signed up, you will receive the option to renew annually.
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