(Coffee will be located in the Fellowship Hall Entrance off 3rd st. An elevator entrance is available nearest the handicap parking area along National Ave.)
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
2024 ARTEFFECT GRAND PRIZE, Rachel Han (Grade 11), Visions of Light, 2024,
Pastel, charcoal on paper, Unsung Hero: Karl Ernst von Baer
Student Art Competition How are entries evaluated?
The 2025 ARTEFFECT competition for students in grades 6-12 is a juried competition. All entries are reviewed by a panel of experts from the fine arts, art education, art history, design, and museums.
The following criteria is used to evaluate projects:
Creative Interpretation of the Unsung Hero’s Story (40%)
The artwork demonstrates a thorough understanding of the Unsung Hero’s story in an innovative and exceptionally thoughtful way. The use of well-developed artistic ideas expresses an interpretation of the Unsung Hero’s character traits, heroic act(s), and/or social impact in a manner that is thought-provoking, complex, and compelling.
Aesthetic Value (40%)
The artwork demonstrates a high level of technical skill, craftsmanship, and outstanding execution of the media. The artist applied refined artistic techniques to the creation of the artwork with a thoughtful, eye-catching composition, strong and distinctive artistic voice, and high aesthetic value.
Impact Statement (20%)
The essay is 500-1000 words, and addresses all five prompt questions in a clear, captivating, and articulate synthesis. It presents the artist’s impressions about Unsung Hero’s inspiring qualities and impact, and the artwork’s intended meaning or message. The artist includes a thorough description of their creative process, an authentic reflection on the impact this project had on their life, and a specific plan for sharing their artwork with others.
Spotlight Prize – Unsung Hero Introducing Andrée de Jongh WWII Freedom Fighter and Nurse
During World War II, Andrée de Jongh volunteered as a Red Cross nurse in Brussels and organized safe houses and escape routes, founding the Comet Line to smuggle Allied soldiers out of Nazi-occupied Belgium. Despite early challenges, her leadership secured British financial support, and between 1941 and 1942, her network rescued over 800 soldiers. Captured by the Nazis in 1943, de Jongh endured brutal interrogations but was dismissed as too young to lead such an operation; by the time they realized the truth, she had disappeared into the prison system.
ARTEFFECT projects submitted to the competition that interpret the life and legacy of Andrée de Jongh are eligible for the Spotlight Prize category.
Storytelling through Art
Online Professional Development Session Wednesday, December 11, 2024
4:00-5:15PM Pacific Time
Join Us! All K-12 educators are invited to this free session. Award-winning educator and LMC Fellow Brad LeDuc will present strategies for creating narrative visual artworks―from developing a storyline to a completed artwork. He unlocks the six key components for effectively interpreting the story of an Unsung Hero’s journey.
Register to attend and receive the session recording and lesson plan. Certificate of Participation available for attendees.
Governor Kelly Announces $10.7M to Expand Internet Access to Devices and Public Wi-Fi
TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that applications will open Thursday, Dec. 12, for a second round of the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program. The program will provide $10.7 million to organizations working to expand access to public wi-fi and connected devices.
“Our digital opportunity programs empower Kansans to reach their full potential in work, education, and entrepreneurship,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The ADOPT program provides resources for communities to thrive in a digitally connected economy.”
ADOPT is built around two key categories:
Equipment Distribution: the maximum individual award is $500,000 and requires 2% match and 1% co-investment
Public Wi-Fi: the maximum individual award is capped at $1 million and requires 5% match and 2% co-investment
“The ADOPT program has an immediate impact on Kansans. We are able to remove technological barriers and provide tools necessary to navigate today’s digital environment,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through access to devices and public wi-fi, individuals can enhance job skills, participate in telehealth appointments, engage in online learning, and do remote work, furthering their ability to succeed in the future economy.”
The Kansas Office of Broadband Division (KOBD) continues to partner with entities that can procure, distribute, manage, and maintain devices for the Equipment Distribution component of the program. The devices will be provided to individuals who cannot connect to the internet. The program emphasizes long-term loans for computers, laptops, and tablets to ensure sustainable access for qualifying individuals.
The Public Wi-Fi component encourages organizations to form partnerships to deliver solutions in underserved and unserved public spaces, bringing affordable and reliable internet services to areas that lack access.
“KOBD continues to engage with our neighbors while being future-focused on our mission to ensure all Kansans can access digital tools needed to thrive,” Interim Director of Kansas Office of Broadband Development Joseph Le said. “We have been encouraged by the innovative ideas and partnerships developed in the first round of ADOPT, and we expect this second round to continue to propel Kansas forward.”
KOBD encourages local governments, community organizations, educational institutions, and other organizations to continue collaborating and enhancing Kansas communities through ADOPT. To learn more about the program guidelines and entities eligible to apply, click here.
KOBD will host a webinar at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, to discuss funding priorities and application guidelines. To register, click here.
The Fort Scott High School Thespians present the children’s theatre production of Ho Ho Ho The Santa Claus Chronicles by Pat Cook at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 14 in the FSHS Auditorium.
Pioneer Drama Service describes the play this way: “We join the host for a special live edition of “The Santa Claus Chronicles” at the North Pole just a few days before Christmas. We start with a press conference where Saint Nick’s press secretary answers reporters’ questions about the jolly guy. … We also meet the elves, Eeny, Meeny, Miney, and Sol, who take care of the reindeer, and we hear from the elves who work the gift suggestion hotline. But the biggest mystery at the North Pole is where Mrs.Claus has disappeared to. Just what is she up to? Find out in a surprising ending that will leave a smile on everyone’s face.”
The production involves 44 local students in first through eighth grade and 24 high school Thespians who serve as directors, coaches, and designers
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children. All tickets are reserved seating and are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
Ho Ho Ho The Santa Claus Chronicles is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin and senior Directors Kaiden Clary and Cooper George. Junior Junie Fisher serves as Music Director and sophomore Ava Johnson is the Choreographer.
Roy Earl Eads, Jr., 81, of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday, November 28, 2024, in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was born on May 11, 1943, in Farmville, Virginia, the son of Roy E. Eads, Sr. and Oleta Lenore (Rousey) Eads. He married Juanita Elizabeth Bigelow on December 25, 1966, in Fort Scott, and she survives of the home.
Roy attended school in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and furthered his education at Fort Scott Community College. Roy loved his pets as well as he loved renovating houses and tinkering on his cars. What he loved most of all was cooking and spending quality time with his family.
In addition to his wife Juanita, Roy is also survived by his children, Johnny Wayne Eads, of the home, Brian Christopher “Chris” Eads and Angie, Fort Scott; his sisters, Deb Lawrence, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and Terri Hall and Tommy, Siloam Springs, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Hali Scharenberg (Matt), Paxsten Eads, Brightin Eads, Chris Tupin, and Zack Tupin; two great-grandchildren, Hadley Scharenberg and Braylee Scharenberg; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Pam Snider, Penny Brannon, his daughter, Heather Rachelle Tupin, an infant daughter Christine Eads, and granddaughter Kelley Tupin.
Following cremation, the family will have private graveside services under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to an Animal Shelter of the donor’s choice. Contributions 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.
Fort Scott Area Community Foundation FSACF is offering $25,000 to match community donations to 11 charitable funds today, December 3, during National Day of Giving.
“The support we received from our residents and friends of the community was outstanding last year, and those funds allow the foundation and the participating organizations to make a real impact in important community projects,” said Becky Tourillott, FSACF Chairwoman. “A website — https://www.fortscottgives.org<https://www.fortscottgives.org/> has additional information, and allows donors to make contributions online for their convenience.”
Becky Tourtillott from the FSACF website.
Match Day is an exciting fundraising campaign to support local nonprofit organizations and the work they do in our region, according to a press release from FSACF.
This year, the Community Foundation, through a generous grant from the Patterson Family Foundation, is offering up to $25,000 in matching funds for contributions made to eligible funds.
“Our first Match Day in 2023 was a wonderful success, and with the matching funds grant, we added a total of $89,551 to our participating funds. We are very excited to have the opportunity to participate again this year, and we invite to the community to give together during Match Day 2024,” said Tourtillott. “The support of our community donors, combined with the match dollars, allows us to grow the endowments and provide ongoing support for our charitable partners. These local organizations and the services they provide are important to Bourbon County and make a true difference.”
Community contributions support each organization’s endowed fund held at FSACF, according to the press release. The funds are invested to produce present and future income, which organizations can use for operations, programs, or special projects.
The $25,000 match pool will be divided among the participating organizations’ endowments in proportion to their share of community contributions, subject to a 20% limit. The full 100% of each donation will be placed in the organization’s endowed fund, and the match amount will be made available to the organization immediately, according to the press release.
Donations for Match Day can be made in three different ways:
In person, delivered to Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall, on or before Tuesday, December 3 or
By check, mailed to FSACF, P.O. Box 901, Fort Scott, KS 66701 with a postmark date no later than December 4, 2024. Please make checks payable to: Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
Funds participating in Match Day are: Anna Faye and Robert Gordon Steele Memorial Funds, Care to Share Cancer Support Endowed Fund, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Fort Scott Endowment, Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation General Endowment Fund, Fort Scott Area Public Parks Endowment, Dr. Pratt & Pauline Irby Endowment, John Valentine & Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund, Shepherd Family Endowment Fund, and the Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation.
About FSACF
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation’s (FSACF) goal is to partner with and be a resource to organizations whose goals are to improve the quality of life in the Fort Scott, Kansas, area. FSACF strives to create connections between donors and a variety of many worthwhile causes, according to its website.
FSACF was launched in August 2007 to meet the needs of Fort Scott and the surrounding area. FSACF encourages philanthropy and provides donors with a variety of giving options. The Foundation assists donors in meeting their charitable goals by creating a giving and granting environment that addresses the immediate and long-term needs of the Fort Scott area.
Hector M. Morillo was born on December 7, 1951 in Caguas, Puerto Rico and passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Hector was a man of remarkable intellect and humor, known for his sharp wit and infectious laughter that could make anybody smile. Hector was loved immensely by his daughters who were the center of his world. He installed his love of reading, learning and music to both. His fight against his recent illness was nothing short of heroic, embodying the strength and resilience that defined his character.
Hector will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his love, his laughter and profound impact he had on those fortunate enough to know him.
Hector was preceded in death by his mother, Paula Danley.
He is survived by his daughters, Carmen Hickman and husband Chris and Alisa Morillo and partner Brock Milford, three grandchildren; Jessica Hickman, Madison Allen and husband, Garrett and Jerrett Hickman and wife, Mackenzie, three great-grandchildren; Hayden, Hudson and Oakley who were the lights of his life. He is also survived by his lifelong friends, Henry & Patty Homan and family.
Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday at the Cheney Witt Chapel
Memorials are suggested to St Jude Children’s Hospital or Cancer Center of Kansas Dodge City Chapter and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347,Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.
Today only you can double your money thru the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation and their Matching Gifts. And you can actually give tomorrow too, but why wait!!!
You can donate online or walk a check into the Chamber office or call us at 620-644-9090 or 620-238-0902. Click the link for all the details!
Jessie JoDean Haynes, age 60, a resident of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin. She was born January 3, 1964, in Iola, Kansas, the daughter of Charlie George Fishback and Katie Mae McPherson Fishback.
After obtaining her GED, Jessie enrolled in the cosmetology program at Ft. Scott Community College and worked for a time as a beautician. Jessie had a love of art and drawing. She took her artistic abilities and obtained a degree in graphic design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. For over ten years, Jessie has been employed by Rescare where she provided home health services to clients primarily in the Pittsburg, Kansas area. She will be remembered for her keen sense of humor. She was a devoted grandmother who dearly adored her grandbabies.
Survivors include her children, Tonya Haynes (Paul) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Charles Haynes (Brittany) of Bronson, Kansas and thirteen grandchildren, Kisa, Donald, Miguel, Johnathan, Mylee, Josue, Cesar, Liam, Khiana, Iesha, Dezmond, Octavius and Elijah. Also surviving are her longtime companion, Charles “Chuck” Martinez of Joplin, two brothers, Ron and Sam and four sisters, Arma, Sandra, Brenda and Isabelle.
Jessie was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Tara, two brothers, Henry and John and two sisters, Idessa and Gwen.
A celebration of Jessie’s life will be held at 3:00 P.M. Thursday, December 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St. Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook.
