Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Fort Scott High School Performs “Between the Lines”

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Fort Scott High School students will perform the new musical Between the Lines at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11, 13, and 15 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the FSHS Auditorium.

Between the Lines is based on the novel by international bestselling author Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer, featuring a book by Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, The Big One-Oh!) and score by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson (Apple TV+’s “Central Park”).

“Between the Lines is an empowering and enchanting story for anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world. An outsider in a new town and a new school, Delilah seeks comfort in the pages of her favorite book, where she feels heard and understood by the handsome Prince Oliver. But as the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur in extraordinary ways, Delilah realizes her dreams in the real world are worth fighting for,” according to publisher Music Theatre International.

The production features Senior Junie Fisher as Delilah and Senior Levi Fairchild as Prince Oliver. Nearly forty FSHS students perform in the cast or serve as designers or crew members for the musical.

 

“This particular musical was the perfect choice to feature two of our most outstanding seniors this year. Junie and Levi’s vocal talents are excellent on their own and so beautiful on their duets. Both plan to go into music or theatre and perhaps education as a future career and I could not be more proud of them in this show,” said Theatre Director Angie Bin.

 

Between the Lines is also directed by Music Director Taylor Jones, Choreographer Mesa Jones, and Assistant Director Abby Starkey. Bin and Fisher first learned of Between the Lines when they saw a production at the 2024 International Thespian Festival. Bin was then able to attend a workshop and meet with Jodi Picoult and the other authors of the musical in person.

 

Tickets are reserved seating in advance and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com. Seating is limited, but some tickets may be available at the door. Adults are $8 and children are $6. A $14 VIP Ticket experience includes the opportunity to meet the cast and take an exclusive photo, a Between the Lines gift bag, concession snack, and concession drink.

 

Bourbon County, Youth

Scout Troop Will Work On Hiking Merit Badge on November 1

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Two young men from  Scout Troop 114 are working on their last hike for their hiking merit badge. They will be hiking 20 miles. They would like the community to come out and give them some encouragement. They hike about 3 miles per hour.  Their names are Charlie Hoffmeyer, age 14 and Max Petrillo, age 11.

The route they will be hiking is as follows
Leaving Pete’s on Wall Street, headed to Holbrook on Wall Street to 2nd Street and Lowman, then turn right on 6th Street, turn on Horton and walk past the community college and continue on Horton to Indian Road. The children will be taking a small break at Indian Road. They will then continue past 165th Road and Indian Road, then 165th and Huckleberry. They then plan to rest again at the parking lot for Hollister. They will continue to follow the curves in the road to 130th. The final intersection in their route is 130th and Brch.
The start time of this hike is 0600 on Saturday, November 1st
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Landmark Bank on October 30

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
Thursday, October 30th

8am

@ Landmark National Bank

200 S. Main St.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, October 30th at 8am hosted by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF). The event will be held at Landmark National Bank, main bank location, 200 S. Main St.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

During the coffee, the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation will announce 26 grant recipients from the Grant Application Cycle – celebrating the incredible organizations making a difference in our community.

Since its inception in 2007, FSACF has provided over $500,000 in competitive grants to Fort Scott and Bourbon County nonprofits. These grants are awarded through an annual open application process. Including competitive and directed grants through donor-advised, designated, and field-of-interest funds, FSACF has distributed more than $3.8 million in total grants supporting local impact.

Match Week will be held November 10–14th, 2025. Thanks to the generosity of the Patterson Foundation, contributions made to FSACF during Match Week will be matched, amplifying your impact and helping continue to support local initiatives.

For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Area Community

Foundation Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation webpage!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Food, Fort Scott

Taco Tuesday’s! VFW members and guests are welcome

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Sending on behalf of Chamber member

Fort Scott

VFW Post 1165
The Fort Scott VFW Post 1165 invites you to enjoy

Taco Tuesday’s!

All members and their guests are welcome every Tuesday!

6pm

1745 S. National Ave.

Minimum 3/$5

$1.50/ea. after

ToGo orders available for

.50 cent fee

(6 taco minimum)

Click HERE for the Fort Scott

VFW Post 1165 Facebook Page!

A special thank you to our

2025 Chamber Champion members!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Ad: What FSCC Offers

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Looking for a college that gives you options? At Fort Scott Community College, students can choose from associate degrees in Arts, Science, Applied Science, and General Studies, along with a variety of certificates that lead straight to rewarding careers. Whether you’re interested in healthcare fields like Certified Medication Aide, Nurse Aide, EMT, Home Health Aide, Manicuring, or Phlebotomy, or want to take on a technical challenge with certificates in Ag Technology (John Deere), Construction, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Environmental Water Tech, Farm & Ranch Management, Harley-Davidson Technology, Heavy Equipment Operation, HVAC, Masonry, or Welding we’ve got you covered!

But college isn’t just about the classroom. FSCC offers plenty of ways to get involved through music and performance opportunities (band, choir, theater), student clubs and organizations (like Collegiate Farm Bureau, Phi Theta Kappa, SkillsUSA, STEAM Club, FSCC Media Team, and more), and even competitive judging teams in livestock and meat.

If athletics is more your thing, FSCC is home to intercollegiate sports for both men and women. Compete in basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, rodeo, track & field, or cross country, all while building friendships and representing the Greyhounds.

And the best part? We’re still growing. New programs, degrees, certifications, and athletic opportunities are on the horizon! There’s never been a better time to join FSCC!

Fort Scott Community College; where opportunity meets possibility.

Fort Scott, Youth

Katelyn Dancer Is Attending Tel Aviv Univsersity Then Columbia University

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Katelyn Dancer in Tel Aviv. Submitted photo.

 

Katelyn Dancer, 19, is the daughter of Tracy Dancer and Kathy Gillmore Dancer, Fort Scott.

She decided to attend Columbia University for the opportunity to attend two colleges, one in Tel Aviv, Israel, and then a second degree at the Columbia campus in New York.

“I chose to attend Columbia for its unique dual degree program. This degree program allows students to complete  different bachelor’s degrees in the traditional four years.”

“For their first bachelor’s degree, students go to an overseas university in their freshman and sophomore years, and the second bachelor’s degree is completed at Columbia University in New York.”

“As a sophomore, I am currently attending Tel Aviv University in Israel— but I’m very excited to be in New York next year. For me, this program made attending an Ivy League of any sort possible, financially and acceptance-wise.”

“I get one degree from Tel Aviv University and one degree from Columbia University. At TAU, I will receive a Bachelor’s of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies, and my current plan is to major in American Studies at Columbia with future plans for Law School.”

“Paying an Ivy League tuition, in my case, became much more realistic when faced with only two years of tuition and housing in New York instead of four years. The acceptance rate to my dual degree program is also about 22%, whereas  the general acceptance rate for Columbia University is a whopping 4%.”

“I started gathering information about schools I was considering applying to in the middle of my junior year. The process of applying to colleges was very time-intensive because of my decision to apply to multiple low acceptance schools.”

“The total undergraduate population at Columbia University is about 9,500. However, there are only about 120 students in the Dual Degree program between TAU and Columbia.”

Not only classroom learning, Katelyn is also learning about other cultures by living in a foreign country.

“The best part about my experience so far has been the travel and independence I’ve gained. I’ve had a truly unique experience, and I’m extremely proud of myself, as is my family, for moving across the world and living and studying in a foreign country by myself.”

“The biggest challenge has been being so far away from my support system in Kansas and the large credit load each semester. The workload is manageable, but classes can run until 8 p.m., so I can have very long days of classes.”

“I am thrilled to be the first graduate in a very long time to attend an Ivy League school.”

Katelyn graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2024.

“I hope it is the beginning of a new period for FSHS graduates where students truly have the opportunity and support to apply and stand out to Ivy League schools.”

She credits the school counselor and teachers for the chance to follow her dream.

“I wouldn’t have been able to apply to these highly selective schools without the help of Mrs. Martin and the wonderful teachers who wrote recommendation letters, hosted clubs, and gave me a strong foundation on which to build. I would encourage every Fort Scott student to shoot for the stars because with the right focus, commitment, and timeline (start early!) FSHS graduates are absolutely capable of landing themselves as Ivy League alumni.”

Ivy League schools are considered the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world. Eight private Northeastern American schools are known for their highly selective admission process, academic excellence, and promising career opportunities for those who attend, according to U.S. News and World Report online.

Princeton University, New Jersey; Harvard University, Massachusetts; Yale University, Connecticut; University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania; Cornell University, New York; Brown University, Rhode Island; Dartmouth College, New Hampshire; and Columbia University, New York, are the Ivy League Colleges.

 

 

 

 

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Ad: DBB Seeks Individuals With Accounting, Payroll, and Bookkeeping Experience

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DBB Inc, formerly Diehl Banwart Bolton CPA PA’s, is looking to add to our great staff.  We are looking for qualified, motivated individuals with experience in accounting, payroll, and/or bookkeeping.  We have full-time and part-time positions available.  DBB Inc, is a full-service accounting, payroll, and tax preparation firm with a long history of excellence.  We offer competitive compensation and benefits for all full-time employees. Please send your resume to [email protected] , mail to PO Box 869 Fort Scott KS 66701 or drop off at 7 ½ E Wall St, Fort Scott KS.  We will schedule interviews with all qualified applicants.

Opinion

Nothing but… by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

by Carolyn Tucker

Nothing but…

When I was a kid, my parents frequently hung out with other adult couples. I basically didn’t add my two-cents worth to any of their conversations, I just listened. I heard a lot of topics being discussed and, most of the time, it revolved around comical stories. When visiting at Elda and Marge’s home, she kept a sketchbook for me so I could keep myself occupied. While drawing, I listened. I remember Elda telling a true incident that happened while driving his family somewhere. While stopped at an intersection, he asked if there was anything coming from the opposite direction. His eldest daughter calmly responded, “Nothing…but a bread truck.” I’d give money to hear, again, the laughter that erupted from this these two couples sitting around the kitchen table.

A huge crowd had followed Jesus and the disciples; it was getting late and all the people were hungry. The disciples recommended that Jesus send the crowds away so they could buy food for themselves. “Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They (the disciples) replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’ And He said, ‘Bring them here to Me.’ Then He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds” (Matthew 14:16-19 NRS). The disciples didn’t think they had enough to amount to anything. But Jesus took what they offered and added His blessing to it and, voila, it was more than enough!

I’ve visited with enough Christ followers to know there are some that say they don’t know what their talents are. They mistakenly don’t think they have anything beneficial to offer. The little boy among the crowd of way over 5,000 people certainly didn’t think his five loaves of bread and two fish would make a difference. Nevertheless, he was willing to give it to the disciples anyway. Without Jesus’ blessing, these meager pieces of food were pretty worthless. Everyone thought it was nothing…but Jesus. He said, “Bring it to Me!” When believers come with nothing but our God-given talents — that’s enough! He knows how to turn it into something valuable.

Nothing is too small or insignificant for Jesus to bless and use. Others will benefit from your talents and you will receive joy in doing good. If you love to cook, share meals with others. If you love to bake, give away cookies. If you love to work on vehicles, organize, repair stuff, sew, etc., just lay it at the feet of Jesus to be used however He pleases. You may think that the talents you have and enjoy don’t amount to anything, but they are something beautiful and good because God created you in the womb to do these things! And for crying out loud, don’t compare your talents with other people’s. You’re an original on purpose!

Apostle Paul penned, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone — especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10 NLT). Please use your talents to help others on their journey of life.  The God-given talents that you were born with are not insignificant when multiplied with Jesus’ blessing on them. Little is much when Jesus gets done with it!

The Key: Jesus knows what to do with our talents. Just let Him have ‘em!

Bourbon County

Oct. 27, 2025 Bourbon County Commission Agenda

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The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda: October 27, 2025

Location: Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
Time: Monday, October 27, 2025, 5:30 PM

10.27.25 Agenda Packet PDF

Summary of Packet

I. Call Meeting to Order

  • Roll Call
  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Prayer

II. Approval of Agenda

III. Approval of Minutes (unofficial until approved)

  • 09.22.25
  • 09.23.25
  • 09.26.25
  • 09.29.25
  • 10.06.25
  • 10.14.25
  • 10.20.25
  • 10.22.25

IV. Sign Approved Minutes

  • Sign 10.20.25 approved minutes for 09.15.25, 09.16.25, 10.07.25

V. Sign Adopted Resolution

  • Sign 10.20.25 adopted Resolution 33-25 Meeting Rules

VI. Payroll Discussion with Payentry (5:40 pm)

  • Jolene Ashpaugh & Cassie Johnson

VII. Consent Agenda

  • Approval of 10.24.25 Accounts Payable ($74,810.79)
  • September 2025 Financials
  • 3rd Quarter Financial Publication Approval

VIII. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda

IX. Old Business

  • Vehicle Lease Program – Sheriff
  • Technology Discussion with Sheriff
  • Noise Resolution Discussion
  • Gov Deals – Beerbower
  • Bitcoin Discussion

X. New Business

  • Hammond Community Center Discussion – Milburn
  • Stop Sign Discussion – Milburn
  • Credit Card Policy Discussion – Milburn
  • Longevity Discussion – Beerbower

XI. Department Updates

  • County Clerk, Election Reminder

XII. Build Agenda for following meeting

XIII. Commission Comments

XIV. Adjournment

Information Packet Summary

This summary provides detailed information from the minutes of previous Bourbon County Commission meetings, including key topics discussed and actions taken, along with the page number where the information can be found in the PDF.

Future Items and Executive Session Forms (Page 2)

The packet includes a standard form to be used for motions to enter Executive Session for privileged discussions (e.g., personnel, attorney-client, negotiations, real estate, security matters).

Future items for discussion include the Elevator, Noise Resolution, Payments (Payroll & AP), Sanitation, Economic Development, and the Juvenile Detention Contract (Spring 2026).

Minutes of September 22, 2025, 5:30 PM (Pages 3-8)

  • Budget Discussion (Page 3): Commissioners discussed budget creep, finding savings, and a potential $106,000 shortfall in the Sheriff’s department budget for 2026. They expressed a desire to reduce the mill levy to the revenue neutral rate.
  • Law Enforcement Vehicle Leasing (Page 3): A presentation was given by Enterprise Fleet Management for a proposed vehicle leasing program. Commissioners requested legal counsel review the contract.
  • Road Closures (Page 3): Discussion on closing a section of 140th Street was tabled for two weeks.
  • Planning Commission Selections (Page 4): Seven individuals were nominated and approved for the newly formed Bourbon County Planning Commission.
  • Actions Taken (Page 7): Approved $302,193.56 in Accounts Payable from 09/19/25. Approved a Cereal Malt Beverage License for KC Mart, Inc.

Minutes of Special Meeting, September 23, 2025, 5:30 PM (Pages 9-11)

  • Budget Review and Cuts (Page 9): Commissioners reviewed the budget line by line, making cuts, notably to the IT department budget, to achieve a revenue-neutral budget.
  • Sheriff’s Department Funding (Page 9): There was discussion on the legality of a separate Public Safety fund for inmate housing revenue and whether it should be in the general fund. The Sheriff and his financial advisor were invited to a special meeting for clarity.
  • NRP Funds (Page 9): The process for handling the 5% Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) fee was found to be unclear and in need of clarification and formalization.

Minutes of Special Meeting, September 26, 2025, 3:35 PM (Pages 12-15)

  • Budget Finalization (Page 12, 15): The Commissioners reached a consensus on the 2026 budget, setting the mill levy at 56.678, which is below revenue neutral.
  • Review: The finalized budget was motioned to be sent to a third-party auditor for review at a cost not to exceed $1,500 (Page 15).
  • Sheriff’s Fund (Page 12): The Sheriff proposed a 60%/40% split of jail revenue for a separate fund (60% to Sheriff’s office, 40% to county).

Minutes of September 29, 2025, 5:30 PM (Pages 16-18)

  • 190th Street Benefit District (Page 16): Public Works was directed to assess the district.
  • Elevator (Page 16): The courthouse elevator was reported to be non-compliant, and the Commission will get quotes for repairs.
  • Credit Application (Page 17): The Sheriff’s Office received a credit application from Enterprise Fleet Management for a leasing program, and the Commission agreed to further review the Master Equity Lease Agreement.
  • Action Taken (Page 18): Approved the motion to remove the stop signs going east and west on North National at the 218th street intersection.
  • Planning Commission Terms (Page 18): One-year, two-year, and three-year terms were assigned to the new Planning Commission members.

Minutes of October 6, 2025, 5:30 PM (Pages 19-22)

  • 140th Street Road Closure (Page 21): A motion to take no action on the application was approved.
  • Bitcoin Mining/Noise (Page 21): Residents raised concerns about noise from a Bitcoin mining operation. The Sheriff advised the commissioners to work with the County Attorney and KDHE on a noise resolution.
  • Landfill Trailer (Page 21): Public Works requested and received approval to purchase an $85,000 walking floor trailer for the landfill.
  • Action Taken (Page 21): Approved the County Clerk as the voting delegate for the KCAMP annual meeting.

Minutes of October 14, 2025, 5:30 PM (Pages 22-26)

  • Law Enforcement Fund (Page 23): Approved a Resolution establishing a Law Enforcement Fund for the Sheriff’s Office, giving the Sheriff’s Office full control of the fund (without the previously discussed 60/40 split).
  • Vehicle Lease (Page 24): The Master Equity Lease Agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management was approved.
  • Bitcoin Moratorium (Page 24): Approved a moratorium on any new Bitcoin mining operations to allow the planning commission to develop regulations.
  • Health Insurance (Page 25): Commissioner Milburn-Kee reported that current insurance rates are unaffordable, and new plans are being developed.

Minutes of October 20, 2025, 6:00 PM (Pages 28-31)

  • Rules of Procedure (Page 30): A motion was approved to repeal previous resolutions and adopt a new resolution establishing rules of procedures for meeting agendas and conduct.
  • Public Works SOPs (Page 29): New Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs for sign installation and culvert installation) were approved.
  • Accounts Payable/Payroll (Page 30): The consent agenda was approved (2-1 vote) for Accounts Payable of $377,595.70 and Payroll of $300,350.36.
  • Road Projects (Page 29): Public Works discussed the potential option to purchase asphalt from an outside source for road projects.

Minutes of October 22, 2025, 6:00 PM (Pages 31-33)

  • Insurance (Page 32): The Commission discussed the critical need to approve a health insurance plan before the end of the month and set an insurance work session for October 23, 2025.
  • Longevity Pay (Page 32): Discussed the legal framework and eligibility requirements for a longevity pay policy.

Bourbon County Local News