Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Sports

Community Foundation Awards Grant to City for Roller Skates

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Leah Bowman, administrative assistant, Allyson Turvey, Fort Scott Community Development manager, Carla Farmer, FSACF chairperson, and Tom Robertson, Buck RunCommunity Center director. Submitted photo.

The City of Fort Scott recently announced plans to open a roller skating rink for individuals of all ages to enjoy.

Leading up to this decision, volunteers and others researched the concept of a roller skating rink to determine if it would be a viable venture in Fort Scott.

When it was determined that there was community support for a roller skating rink, the opportunity to purchase 120 pairs of skates and a rack presented itself to the City.

In response to a grant application received by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, a special mid-year grant for $5,900 was awarded to the City toward the purchase of 120 pairs of skates and a rack.

“The Foundation annually holds a granting process beginning the first of August culminating with the announcement of the grants at a Chamber coffee in November,” said Carla Farmer, FSACF chair.  “On several occasions in past years since the Foundation was established, we have awarded a mid-year grant that meets the criteria of addressing a compelling need in the community and/or the timing of the request cannot be delayed until the annual granting cycle. The Foundation Board recognizes that not all needs in our community present themselves during the granting cycle and we are pleased to be able to respond to this special request.”

FSACF awarded $36,250 to 18 not-for-profits in 2020 during its 12th annual granting cycle.  The funds for these grants are derived from interest earned each year from the Foundation’s unrestricted endowment. Several of the organizations receiving funding included U-234 third grade music program, Lowell Milken Center Ft. Scott Front Line Heroes, Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition rent/utilities assistance, Care to Share, First United Methodist Feeding Families In His Name and Compassionate Ministries ID and Winter Warming Project.

Gregg Motley, granting committee chair, along with his committee, reviewed the application and final approval was made by the Board.

“When we have an opportunity to support the other positive things happening in our Community, we believe we are truly fulfilling the mission of the Foundation,” Motley stated.

For more information on the Foundation, visit FSACF.com or call 224-6500.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

First Normal Production For FSHS Drama During Pandemic: “The Legend of Mulan” This Weekend

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“The Legend of Mulan” production will be featured on May 28 and 29 at Fort Scott High School. This is the first “normal” drama production of the school year, according to FSHS Drama Teacher Angie Bin.

The playwright, Kathryn Schultz Miller describes the show as an epic journey over mountains, rivers, through hills and valleys of fear and courage and human emotions of a girl who wants to make her mark and leave the world a better place, according to Bin in a press release.

Angie Bin from her Facebook page.

For two weeks, 40 students, first through ninth grade, have spent preparing for the production.

Performances are at 7 p.m. on May 28 and 2 p.m. on May 29 at the
Fort Scott High School Auditorium.

The character of Mulan is played by 8th grader Ashley Cannon. Other notable characters include Captain Cheng, portrayed by freshman Mykael Lewis; Pika the Rabbit played by 6th grader Abel Chaplin and 7th grader Chrislen Newman; Imoogi the Dragon played by 7th graders Izzy Budd and Ana Rupprecht; and Momo, the Emperor’s Assistant, played by freshman Kaiden Clary, according to the press release.

The camp and show are directed entirely by FSHS Thespians.

FSHS Senior Christina King is the director, assisted by sophomore Regen Wells who also serves as stage manager and choreographer Kinsley Davis, a junior.

Technical staff include sophomore Lexi Hill – lighting designer, senior Khris Patel – sound designer, senior Breena Cox – music
director, sophomore Silvia Moreno – props and set designer, and junior Izzy Carreno – music operator. Many other Thespians serve as acting coaches and leaders.

Tickets for the show should be purchased in advance at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com.

Adults are $8 and children are $6. There may be tickets available for purchase at the door, but seating is limited. Masks and social distancing are required. Doors open 30
minutes prior to showtime.

About Drama Camp

Campers learn all aspects of performing. From Facebook.

Teacher Angie Bin started Tiger Drama Camp in 2014 as a way to teach younger children about the art of theatre both on the stage and behind the scenes.

“Several years ago we decided to expand the camp into a full production,” she said. “The first week is focused on introducing students to ways to use their bodies and voices on stage and how to design the technical elements of the theatre such as lighting, sound, costuming, make-up, and set design. The second week is focused on technical and dress rehearsals to prepare for the public performances.

“The camp is led by high school drama students who also utilize the production as a fundraiser to assist them in traveling to the Kansas State and International Thespian festivals or Broadway Tours in New York City,” Bin said.

“We have found that holding drama camp at the end of May is ideal as it does not interfere with other recreational activities or high school camps,” she said. “It also allows our high school drama students to begin designing the set and costuming before the school year ends. It is a great way for the students to jump-start their summer activities.”

The COVID-19 Pandemic affected how Bin taught drama students.

“We were initially set to produce ‘The Legend of Mulan’ last summer, but were unable to due to the pandemic,” she said.  “Our performances this year have been very different from our normal production year.”

“We decided to shift our musical from the fall to the spring this year and were unable to hold our annual children’s Christmas show,” Bin said. “Our fall production was ‘The Monologue Show (from Hell)’ which allowed our students to rehearse in small numbers and as students were quarantined, they were able to still participate by video or through Zoom.”

“Instead of mounting a full-scale musical in the spring, we opted for a musical revue with individual solos and small group numbers and performed it in conjunction with our annual ‘Royal-Tea Party.’ ‘The Legend of Mulan’ will be our most normal production of the year, although students and audience members will still be masked.”

Upcoming FSHS Drama Events:

FSHS Musical Auditions – Aug. 30 – 31 at 7 p.m.

Ranked the Musical – Nov. 9, 11, 13 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.

Children’s Christmas show auditions: Nov. 15 – 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Children’s Christmas show performances: Dec. 10- 11 at 7 p.m., Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

International United Miss Kansas Teen to Appear at Good Ol’ Days

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Submitted photo.

 The 2020-21 International United Miss Kansas Teen Katelyn Burks will be attending this year’s Good Ol’ Days Festival as a part of her summer tour. Burks is excited to kick off the weekend by hosting the Fort Scott Talent Show. Burks also plans to ride in the parade June 4 and sign autographs at the festival June 5.

Burks began her pageant journey five years ago and is eager to represent the state of Kansas at the International United Miss pageant July 2021 at the Seaview Resort in Galloway, NJ.

Burks is a freshman studying communications and marketing at Oklahoma Baptist University where she is building the skillset to spread her platform Connect the Dots: Creating real relationships and connections with those around us.

International United Miss is a scholarship-style pageant system dedicated to the girls and women who represent it. They pride themselves in recognizing the incredible accomplishments of their Queens and competitors, achieved both on and off the pageant stage. The experienced directors (who together have over 35 years of dedication to the pageant community) along with their staff have worked diligently to create a pageant organization focused on the competition aspects that really work the best and that delegates enjoy the most. Beauty is not only on the outside, but the inside as well which is why they have based their system around the aspects of personal judges’ interview, community service and involvement, as well as poise and personality during on stage competitions. 

For more information, visit the pageant’s website at www.internationalunitedmiss.com.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Starlite FCE Minutes of May 20, 2021

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The May meeting of the Starlite FCE was held May 20th at the Yeager building at the Fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order, the Flag Salute and Club Collect were led by Deb Lust.  Ten members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for ten hours and had recycled eighty pounds of cardboard.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report.  Glenda Miller read a thank you card from Betty Johnson.  Glenda also announced that the Aging with Attitude sessions are available on line if you missed them.

 

Deb Lust announced that the Master Gardeners had assisted Presbyterian Village with their vegetable beds.  Starlite members Clarice Russell, Noleen Whiteside and Letha Johnson, residents of Presbyterian Village, assisted the Master Gardeners.

 

Jackie Warren updated the club on the Bourbon County Fair, this year’s theme is “Fun for the whole Herd.”  Deb Lust announced the Memorial Day service activities, which include a service on the Court House lawn at 9:30 at the veteran’s memorial, a 10:30 service at Memorial Hall and a reinternment of a WW11 veteran at the National Cemetery at 1:30.

 

New business consisted of the club voting to participate in the Scarecrow and Hay Bale decorating contests at the fair.  Doris Ericson made the motion to participate in both contests, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried   Glenda Miller asked for volunteers to bring wrapped candy to the next meeting to make firecracker treats for Tri-Valley, Karen Peery, Letha Johnson, Doris Ericson volunteered.  Glenda also announced that the Recognition Day has been cancelled, but Fall Follies will be held in Bronson this year.

 

Doris Ericson moved the meeting be adjourned, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting Terri Williams presented the lesson on “Where is the Top of the world.  Refreshments of food from that area was provided by Glenda Miller and Terri Williams.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Fans Are Available For Free to Those In Need

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Allen Schellack unboxes a fan at the ministry storage room.

EVERGY DONATES FANS TO THE SALVATION ARMY

Annual Donation Helps Those In Need

 

For the 5th year, The Salvation Army will be distributing fans for those without access to air conditioning or other means of staying cool during hot and humid weather. Fans are distributed by appointment at the local Salvation Army Extension Unit located at Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Center/Bourbon County Senior Center, 26 N Main.

The fans are intended for elderly, disabled, and those who do not have a fan or air conditioning in their home and cannot afford to purchase one. To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan. Applicants will need to provide ID and proof of address. Distribution will continue until all fans are distributed.

Evergy’s local gift of fans is part of a large contribution distributed throughout the communities it serves.

For further information, contact Allen Schellack at Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, 620-223-2212.

Fans help relieve sweltering summer heat, but some days finding an air-conditioned space is the safest option. Stay aware of these heat safety tips and signs of heat illness.

HEAT SAFETY

  • Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
  • Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
  • Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
  • Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
  • Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Ensure they have water and a shady place to rest.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

HEAT CAN BE DANGEROUS

Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Avoid problems by drinking plenty of fluids and limiting drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

If a person is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

HEAT STROKE IS LIFE-THREATENING

Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if some shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

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About Westar Energy

As Kansas’ largest electric utility, Westar Energy, Inc. (NYSE:WR) provides customers the safe, reliable electricity needed to power their businesses and homes. We have 7,800 MW of electric generation capacity that includes renewables and traditional power sources with half the electricity supplied to our more than 700,000 customers from emissions free sources: nuclear, wind and solar, with a third coming from renewables. We are a leader in electric transmission in Kansas coordinating a network of lines and substations that supports one of the largest consolidations of wind energy in the nation. Our employees live, volunteer and work in the communities we serve.  For more information about Westar Energy, visit us on the Internet at http://www.WestarEnergy.com. Westar Energy is on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/westarenergy and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/WestarEnergy. Westar Energy media line 888-613-0003.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army of Kansas and Western Missouri is and evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, supporting those in need in His name without discrimination. The organization provides assistance through a board array of social services ranging from food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. For more information about the Kansas and Western Missouri Division of The Salvation Army, visit www.salarmymokan.org.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Transportation Projects Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces $42 Million Investment to Support 30 Transportation Projects Statewide

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz today announced that more than $42 million will support 30 transportation construction projects across Kansas through an expanded list of recipients of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Cost Share Program for Spring 2021.

Cost Share is a component of the Kelly administration’s 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE. Cost Share is designed to help both rural and urban areas advance transportation projects to improve safety, support job retention and growth, relieve congestion and improve access and mobility.

“Infrastructure projects like the ones funded through Cost Share are a perfect example of how government can make smart investments that not only make our economy more dynamic and competitive, but also make Kansas a better place to live, work, and play,” Governor Kelly said. “Through this $42 million investment, 30 communities from every corner of our state will have safer roads, increased access to outdoor recreation, and the opportunity to modernize important historical landmarks.”

KDOT took advantage of 2020 federal coronavirus relief funds by doubling the available Cost Share funding for this round. Selection criteria was adjusted to take into account hardships caused by the pandemic and points were added to communities that endured above-average economic loss.

KDOT is investing $21 million in this cycle of Cost Share with recipients contributing a 50/50 match of $21 million.

Secretary Lorenz said demand for Cost Share transportation dollars remains strong, especially after the “long, tough year we’ve been through.” She said 117 communities requested more than $103 million in funding for this, the fourth round of the Cost Share program.

“Despite that tough year, I couldn’t be more impressed with the record level of local contribution – proving we are stronger when we work together,” Secretary Lorenz said. “Thanks to the KDOT team and our local partners, we are moving quickly to expedite the delivery of projects.”

Today’s announcement was made via video (VIEW HERE) highlighting the wide range of investments made possible under the IKE program.

The entire list of all 30 IKE Cost Share projects announced today available here.

View a map of Cost Share projects here. 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Bourbon County Positions Up For Election 2021

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Voters at  Bourbon County Clerk’s Office in a prior election…

Next Tuesday, June 1,  is the last day for candidates to file for the upcoming Bourbon County elections. The deadline is noon.

“We have the paperwork for anyone wanting to file,” Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk said.

As of May 25, the following have filed to run:

For the Fort Scott City Commission – Matthew Wells and Michael Hoyt.

For the Bronson City Council – Clearsia Botts.

For Uniontown Mayor – Bill Marlow.

For Redfield Mayor – Wilma K. Graham.

For Redfield City Council – Kirby Martin and Michael Beerbower.

For Mapleton Mayor – Ronald B. Burton Jr.

For Mapleton City Council – Mike Blevins and Homer Wisdom.

For USD 234 Position #4 – David Stewart

For USD 235 Position #6 – Tyler J. Martin

For FSCC Board of Trustees- John Bartelsmeyer and Bill Meyer.

The following is information for the 2021 Bourbon County Election and the positions up for election supplied by the county clerk.

All the filing deadlines, for each entity,  is noon June 1st, 2021.

The filing location is the Bourbon County Clerk office, 210 S. National, Fort Scott.

The General Election will be on November 2, 2021.

In the city of Fort Scott, there are three city commission members, two of which are for four-year terms and one for two years. The filing fee is $20 or petition signed by not less than 25 qualified electors of Fort Scott and state filing fee of $50.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

Up for election in Bronson is the mayor position and two council members, all four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 10 qualified electors of Bronson for Bronson.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for Mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for Council, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

Those positions up for election in Fulton are the mayor and five council members, all four-year terms.

The filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 5 qualified electors of Fulton.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for mayor or more than 15 qualified candidates file for council then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Uniontown and Redfield the positions of mayor and two council members are up for election, all four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 20 (10%) of qualified electors of Uniontown for Uniontown.

A petition signed by no less than 10 qualified electors of Redfield for Redfield.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for council, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Mapleton, the mayor and two council members are up for election, all four-year terms.

There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 2 qualified electors of Mapleton for Mapleton.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for Mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for council, then there will be a Primary on

 

For the Southwind Extension District, there are 2 positions, both for four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20.

 

For the Fort Scott School District, there are three positions, all for four-year terms.

The filing fee is $20 or a petition signed by no less than 50 qualified signatures of registered voters in the position for the USD #234 District.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for any one position, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For the Uniontown School District, there are three positions, all four-year terms.

There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 50 qualified signatures of registered voters in the position for the USD #235 District.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for any one position, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Fort Scott Community College there are three positions, all four-year terms. The filing fee is $20.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

 

Any person wishing to file for any office must be a qualified elector of the corresponding city or school district.

If filing by petition, the petition must be turned in within 180 days after the first signature was collected, but no later than noon on June 1st, 2021.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Flags Half-Staff For Memorial Day

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Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-staff for Memorial Day

TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state effective from sunup until noon on Monday, May 31, 2021, in recognition of Memorial Day.

“On Memorial Day, let us all come together to honor and remember the women and men in the U.S. Armed Forces who lost their lives protecting our freedom and our way of life,” Governor Kelly said. “Today and every day, we owe them our gratitude.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools, Sports

Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott High School Strength & Performance Program

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Fort Scott High School Strength & Performance Program, Thursday, May 27th at 8 a.m. located at the FSHS Gymnasium, 1005 S. Main St. Attendees should enter through the northwest doors of the gym facing 10th Street.

Jared Martin, FSHS Strength & Performance Coach, is excited to showcase the program’s top-notch facility at Fort Scott High School. The USD-234 school board and administrators have made a considerable investment in the development of student’s health and performance.  A summer program will be starting soon and for students ranging from 11-18 years of age. The focus for middle school students is to provide high quality opportunities for them to learn how to train properly in a fun and exciting environment.  The high school age group will focus on performance enhancement as we build team chemistry and comradery through training together.  

Homemade sticky bun-style cinnamon rolls and homemade sausage rolls reminiscent of Johnson’s at the old Daylight Donuts will be served.  Fresh fruit and coffee from Common Ground will be provided as well.  Along with that, there will be a variety of Tiger gear giveaways.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

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Bourbon County Local News