The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special board meeting Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 10:30 am in the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Agriculture Building to address items needing addressed before the next regularly scheduled meeting. The board may also hold executive session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel if needed.
A majority of the board will be present for an all-employee meeting at 10:00 am, but no official business will be conducted at that meeting.
The City of Fort Scott is seeking passionate and civic-minded individuals to serve on the Fort Scott Historic Preservation and Resource Commission (FSHPRC)—a key volunteer group that helps guide the city’s historic preservation efforts and ensure thoughtful stewardship of our architectural and cultural resources.
About the Commission:
The Fort Scott Historic Preservation and Resource Commission advises the City Commission on matters related to the preservation of historic properties and districts within Fort Scott. The board is responsible for reviewing Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs), assisting in the development of local preservation policy, and supporting public education and outreach related to Fort Scott’s historic character.
Qualifications for Appointment:
The following qualifications shall apply to appointees to the FSHPRC:
All appointees shall be residents of the City of Fort Scott.
All appointees should be individuals who have demonstrated interest, knowledge, or training in fields closely related to historic preservation, such as:
History Urban Planning and Design
Architecture Real Estate
Landscape Architecture Law
Architectural History Finance
Archaeology Building Trades
Geography
A majority of the commission must have a demonstrated interest or expertise in historic preservation, and at least one member must meet the professional qualifications established by the National Park Service.
Member Responsibilities:
Serve as a volunteer representing the public interest in historic preservation
Attend regular public meetings (typically monthly)
Review and vote on proposed alterations to designated historic properties
Provide input on preservation planning and ordinance updates
Participate in training or workshops as needed
Terms:
The terms of office shall be:
One year term – Three members
Two-year term – Four members
Apply Today:
Interested residents may submit an application for appointment to the City Clerk’s Office. Applications are available online at fscity.org or at City Hall, 123 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.
The 2025 Fort Scott All-Classes Reunion committee has planned an extraordinary number of events to help former students reconnect this weekend.
“This reunion has been going on since 1961,” said board member Craig Campbell. “It’s a chance to get together and reconnect with not only your class, but the ones before and after.”
There was a hiatus in 2020 because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the event was changed to 2022.
“We decided to continue every five years on the 5 and O years,” he said.
New this year is a golf scramble, a fun event that will help raise money for FSHS scholarships.
“The Woodland Hills Golf Course is a gem, a great course,” Campbell said. “Please register as soon as possible for a lunch count for the event at www.fshsalumni.org
Registration
Registration for the alumni weekend will be at the FSHS Gym through the east side entrance of the building from 9 am to 4 p.m., according to the group’s Facebook page.
Golf cart transportation will be available for those who need assistance getting from their parking spot to the building.
FSHS t-shirts will be available for purchase, as well as other vendor information, at registration.
Parade
The parade kicks off the weekend at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 27. The parade emcee will be David Brown, a former Fort Scott Middle School Principal. There is still time to register to be in the parade. Please go to the website http://www.fshsalumni.org to do so.
Parade line-up starts at 5 p.m. this Friday near the Fisher Park Concession Stand. Registrants will be given a lineup number. Everyone else is behind the horses in the parade.
The parade will start from 6th & Main, north to Wall Street, then west to National Avenue, and south to 6th & National. Each class is encouraged to participate in the parade; the parade organizer is Craig Campbell, and he can be reached at [email protected] or via phone at 620-224-0167.
Food
Food trucks will be available at 3rd & Main both Friday
night and Saturday. There will be several options available, including local restaurants. There will not be a traditional chicken dinner this year because it has declined in popularity in recent years, so there is
something different for 2025.
Music
The All-Star Reunion Band will be performing at the Liberty Theater from 8 p.m. to midnight, with a cash bar available. This is a reunion tradition!
Additionally, Bourbon County Revival will be live music at 3rd & Main. A cash bar will also be available in this area.
Saturday night’s activities will be focused on 3rd & Main with music by the Teresa Deaton Band and food trucks.
Main Street will be closed to traffic to allow alumni to move between the food trucks and outdoor music.
Entertainment will begin at 8 p.m., and all entertainment is free of charge.
The City of Fort Scott is allowing you to bring in your own beverages (no glass containers, please) during these events; however, a cash bar will be available as well.
Luncheon and Reception
There will be a luncheon for the classes of 1963 and earlier at the FSHS commons area starting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 28. The Tigers Honors Luncheon is hosted by the Reunion.
The Fort Scott KNEA will be hosting the Retired Teachers’ Reception on Saturday, June 28, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the FSHS Commons area. Come back and visit with a favorite teacher.
A commemorative reunion photo will be taken under the new City entrance arch on Wall Street near 69 Highway.
The reunion board will have a roving photographer taking candid shots of the reunion weekend.
2025 Fort Scott High School All-Classes Reunion Schedule of Events
Friday, June 27
9 am – 4 pm Registration FSHS Gym
6 pm Parade Downtown
8 pm – midnight 80s Classes Party Memorial Hall
8 pm – midnight All Star Reunion Band Liberty Theatre
8 pm – midnight Bourbon County Revival 3rd Street Stage (3rd & Main) Saturday, June 28
7 am 1st Annual Alumni Golf Tournament Woodland Hills Golf Course
9 – 11 am Registration FSHS Gym
11:30 am Honors Tiger Luncheon FSHS Commons Area
1 – 3 pm Theater/Debate Improv Show FSHS Auditorium
3 – 5 pm Teacher/Employee Reception FSHS/FSMS TBD
8 pm – midnight Teresa Deaton Band 3rd Street Stage (3rd & Main)
The planning board is comprised of:
President (2025): Rhonda Dunn, graduate of 1984 Vice-President /President-Elect: Sydney Cullison, 2015 Past President (in 2022): Lori Potter Farmer, 1983 Recording Secretary: Haley Jones, 2013 Corresponding Secretary: Ronette Center, 1984 Treasurer: Gina Findley Shelton, 1997 Parade Chair: Craig Campbell, 1977 Registration Chair: Debbie West, 1976
Burke Street Parade. Margaret & Merl Humphrey and granddaughter Meg Norman. Submitted photo.
Come One, Come All, Let Freedom Ring! It is once again time to celebrate U.S.A.’s 249th Independence Day with a neighborhood parade on Fort Scott’s “Tower Hill,” better known as Burke Street on the Fourth of July. Following patriotic songs by “Kids on Burke” led by two of the parade founders: Susan Foster and Jill Gorman; the parade will depart at 10:00 AM from Tenth and Burke going south around the Marblecrest Triangle and returning north to the point of origin. Cheering spectators, who are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and dress in red, white, and blue, will line the parade route with family and friends.
Post-parade refreshments will be available and ALL ARE WELCOME to the Halsey front yard, 1222 Burke. Neighbors and friends-of-the-parade donate the cookies and drinks are provided by this year’s hosts Deb & Frank Halsey.
A severe storm or lightning cancels the parade and there are no large vehicles allowed due to the many children participating in the festivities.
Parade questions can be answered by Margaret Humphrey 620-224-7388 or Barbar Albright 620-224-7762.
USDA Rural Development in Kansas Recognizes Top
Guaranteed Rural Housing Lender Partners
TOPEKA, June 25, 2025 – USDA Rural Development announced the 2025 Lenders of the Year today, to recognize the work of its top lending partners supporting rural homeownership. These lenders helped rural families and individuals buy homes across the nation, including in Kansas last year through USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program.
“We are proud of these innovative lending partners and our collaborative efforts to boost the availability of rural housing in Kansas,” said Gimmie Jo Jansonius, Rural Development State Director for Kansas. “Thank you to all of our lending partners of all sizes from across the state for supporting the rural communities that make Kansas great.”
The top 5 Kansas lenders were:
Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc.
Landmark National Bank
Community National Bank & Trust
Guild Mortgage Company LLC
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp
USDA is a proud partner to all lenders who work with the agency to support rural homeownership. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit GovDelivery subscriber page. Follow us on X, @RurDev_Kansas
TOPEKA—The 11th Judicial District Nominating Commission has sent the names of three nominees for district judge to Gov. Laura Kelly, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancy.
The vacancy was created when Judge Lori Bolton Fleming’s appointment to the Kansas Court of Appeals was confirmed by the Kansas Senate.
The 11th Judicial District is composed of Cherokee, Crawford, and Labette counties.
The nominees are:
Sarah Elnicki, Pittsburg, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
Mandy Johnson, Pittsburg, Labette County Attorney’s Office
John Mazurek, Pittsburg, The Mazurek Law Office
Eligibility requirements
To be considered for district judge, a nominee must be:
at least 30 years old;
a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas and engaged in the practice of law for at least five years, whether as a lawyer, judge, or full-time teacher at an accredited law school; and
a resident of the judicial district at the time of taking office and while holding office.
Term of office
After serving one year in office, a new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.
Nominating Commission
The 11th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Eric S. Rosen as the nonvoting chair; Michael Gayoso Jr., Baxter Springs; John Lehman, Girard; Shane Adamson and Dennis Dodd, Parsons; Sara Beezley, Pittsburg; and Angela Rippel, Scammon.
The recipient of the $2,000 Middle School Best in Show prize was eighth grade student Fuhan (Lila) Xue, who attends Chaparral Middle School in Diamond Bar, California. Lila chose Unsung Hero Oscar Howe as the inspiration for her digital artwork, Breaking the Chains by Brushstroke. “I wanted to capture Oscar Howe’s artistic energy and his fight for the change of prejudice and stereotypes. I created a digital painting showing him holding a brush, surrounded by broken chains and vibrant swirling colors. The broken chains represent the limitations and stereotypes he fought against. The swirling colors are inspired by Howe’s own works and style, symbolizing his creativity, courage, and cultural pride,”explains Lila. Read Lila’s full Impact Statement for more details about her vision for this project.
Grace Zhang, an eighth grade student from Jericho Middle School in Long Island, New York, won the $1,000 Middle School Second Place prize for Bus Ride to Equality, a gouache painting that features Unsung Hero Irene Morgan. “Irene Morgan’s impact on the Civil Rights Movement has been overlooked but was very crucial, helping launch the Montgomery Bus Boycott and inspiring figures such as Rosa Parks to act against segregation,” writes Grace. Read Grace’s full Impact Statement for more about her use of symbolism in this project.
Read all Impact Statements
2025 Winners and Finalists
Congratulations to all the 2025 Awardees and their sponsoring educators and guardians! The Impact Statements for the 2025 winners and finalists are now posted for each project on the ARTEFFECT Website. Read the Winners and Finalists to learn more about the inspiration of these young artists in choosing their Unsung Heroes as a roles models, and their artistic processes and creative interpretations.
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Archana Kamani, Visual Arts Teacher at Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies in Plainfield, NJ.
Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. As the yearlong program comes to its end, Archana shared about her capstone project. Here is an excerpt from her narrative:
“For my capstone project, I developed and implemented a visual art lesson centered around the Unsung Heroes theme. The focus was on individuals who have made a significant impact on the world, yet whose stories are often left untold. Using ARTEFFECT resources, I designed a comprehensive, scaffolded curriculum that guided students through historical research, creative brainstorming, and artistic execution.”
Thank you to Archana and the students at Plainfield Academy for your creativity and inspiring ARTEFFECT projects!
Congratulations to Archana and her student, Charlize Holmes (Grade 11) for winning a Certificate of Excellence in the 2025 Competition! Charlize’s project, A March to Remember, a charcoal on paper drawing, focuses on Unsung Hero Sheyann Webb.
Wanda June “Jay” Dunn, age 85, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, at the home of her daughter in Spring Hill, Kansas.
Jay was born July 10, 1939, in Oskaloosa, Missouri, to Bill and Carrie Guss Carpenter and was the fourth of their six children. She graduated with the Class of 1957 from Liberal High School. After graduation, she moved to Fort Scott, where she worked at Key Work Clothes and the White Grill.
On May 14, 1961, in Fort Scott, Jay married William “Bill” Dunn, whom she met on a blind date. They were married nearly 55 years before Bill’s passing in 2016. Together, they built a life grounded in family, hard work, and shared purpose. The couple founded several successful ventures including Bill Dunn Auction Service and Dunn’s Moving and Storage, earning a respected name in the southeast Kansas community.
Jay lived a life of quiet strength and generous spirit. Whether through her work, her friendships, or the warmth of her home, she touched countless lives with her kindness and extraordinary cooking skills. She was an amazing mother, grandmother and aunt and made a significant impact on their those around her.
She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Dunn, Spring Hill, her son, Mike Dunn (Clara) of Fort Scott, and her granddaughter, Hannah Dunn also of Fort Scott. Her oldest son, Gary, preceded her in death in 2006.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, June 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.com.
2025 Lowell Milken Center Fellows Receive Keys to the City
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, has awarded its 2024 National Fellowship to 12 educators. As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, the six
fellows for June 22 – 27 were given the keys to the city on Tuesday, June 24th, by Lindsay Madison, Tourism and Chamber Director. (Six other Fellows were in Fort Scott last week.)
Upon the presentation of the keys, Madison said, “Fort Scott has a legacy of honoring heroes since the Fort was first established in 1842. As each of you are presented with a key to the city of Fort
Scott, may it serve as a symbol that you are now part of the legacy as we recognize the extraordinary difference you are making in the lives of students. On behalf of the City of Fort Scott and the Fort
Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, it is our honor to welcome you to our community as a 2025 Lowell Milken Fellow.”
The Fellows honored this week were Sandra Hutton from Canada, Jennifer Klein from Connecticut, Jordann Lankford-Forster (Bright Trail Woman) from Montana, Meredith Reid from Kansas, Brian
Skinner from Kansas, and Graeme Stacey from Canada.
LMC Director Norm Conard praised these outstanding individuals, saying, “We are so honored to be able to network and collaborate with these exemplary educators and provide them with an opportunity to reflect, reenergize, and strategize with
each other as they seek to find new ways to inspire their students.”
Every summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes awards its Fellowship to national and international award-winning educators from America and around the world. As National LMC Fellows, they deepen their understanding of Unsung Heroes and project-based learning in preparation for developing Unsung Heroes projects with their students. They also learn the stories of powerful role models who have helped to change the world and can be life-changing examples for students today.
Along with the time spent deepening their professional skills at the LMC, the Fellows enjoy visiting the Fort Scott area.
George Scott Koppa, age 50, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Friday, June 20, 2025, at his home. Services for Scott Koppa will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
Only Class C fireworks, common ones, are allowed to be discharged within the city limits of Fort Scott.
The sale of fireworks started on June 20 and will stop on July 7.
They can be discharged from June 27 to July 2 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
From July 3 to 4, from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. and on
July 5 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The city manager, fire chief, or designated authority may change the dates due to severe weather conditions, etc.
It’s illegal to discharge fireworks within 1,000 feet of a hospital, 50 feet from where they are sold, 100 feet from a gas pump, filling station, or bulk fuel storage facility, Fort Scott Community College campus/grounds, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, or city-owned parks.
No fireworks are allowed from 18th to 23rd Streets on Horton Street on the day of the city’s fireworks display.
It’s unlawful to throw any kind of fireworks at a person, group or vehicle.
