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Taco Azul food truck will be at the Woodland Hills Golf Course June 11
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Gordon Parks Museum Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Back to Fort Scott
Featuring Documentary and Two-Volume Book
Fort Scott, Kan. June. 10, 2025 – The Gordon Parks Museum, in partnership with photojournalist and documentary filmmaker, D. Michael Cheers, recipient of the 2025 Choice of Weapons Award, are celebrating the 75th anniversary of Gordon Parks’ Back to Fort Scott with the production of a feature documentary and a two-volume book project.
The documentary, titled Fort Scott Now Stories, will offer a compelling glimpse into the community’s heartbeat, character, vibrancy, and diverse cultures. Cheers, along with cinematographer Bryce Lawson, will be in Fort Scott, Kansas from June 22 to June 29 and again from September 28 to October 4 to film local residents. The project will highlight the voices and lives of people across generations, young and old, business owners, and members of church communities, capturing both the ordinary and the extraordinary in a series of rich, authentic stories that reflect the city’s spirit.
This film and book project is inspired by Gordon Parks’ unpublished LIFE magazine assignment in Fort Scott, seventy-five years ago, in late May 1950. Parks was assigned to produce a photo essay on segregated schools, and to follow up on his 1927 classmates from the segregated Plaza School. Back to Fort Scott was eventually published by the Gordon Parks Foundation in 2015.
A companion two-volume coffee-table book – Fort Scott Now Stories and I Needed Paris, will also be released this fall during the 22nd annual Gordon Parks Celebration, October 2-4. After Parks’ Fort Scott assignment, he was sent to LIFE magazine’s Paris bureau from 1950-1952, where he photographed fashions and lifestyle assignments.
Actor Kyle Johnson, who portrayed Parks in the 1968 film The Learning Tree and 2021 Choice of Weapons Award recipient, will also participate in the documentary and the 2025 Gordon Parks Celebration.
The Fort Scott Now Stories documentary is scheduled for release in 2026.
For more information about “Feature Documentary and Two-Volume Book” in Fort Scott, Kansas, contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext.5850 or by email at [email protected].
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Discover The Gordon Parks Museum Through Kansas Sunflower Summer Program
Fort Scott, Kan. – The Gordon Parks Museum is proud to announce its participation in the 2025 Kansas Tourism Sunflower Summer program. The Gordon Parks Museum Celebrates the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally known photographer, filmmaker, writer and musician.
The Sunflower Summer Program is a benefit for Kansas families with school-aged children, pre-K through Grade 12, to encourage them to explore, and fall in love with Kansas. The program is designed to give affordable access to tourism attractions across the state and support the Kansas tourism economy.
Eligible Kansas families will download the Sunflower Summer App to claim tickets to participating venues. One (1) adult ticket is eligible for free admission with eligible students. Tickets are redeemed at participating venues upon their arrival. Each user can only use tickets once per venue during the 2025 season. The 2025 Sunflower Summer season will run from July 12- August 3.
“We are thrilled to be a venue for the 2025 Kansas Sunflower Summer program,” said Gordon Parks Museum, Executive Director, Kirk Sharp. “There’s something special about seeing kids explore, learn, and enjoy hands-on experiences right here. This program makes it easy for families to create meaningful memories together, and we’re proud to be one of the destinations that helps showcase the best of Kansas.”
Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities.
“Kansas Tourism is excited to have The Gordon Parks Museum as a part of the Sunflower Summer program,” said Kansas Tourism Director, Bridgette Jobe. “This program is an amazing benefit for the residents of Kansas, and we are looking forward to growing the program in the 2025 season. The Gordon Parks Museum is an important part of making this the best season yet for the program.”
For more information about Th Gordon Parks Museum visit https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/. To discover more about the Sunflower Summer program, visit SunflowerSummer.org.
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About The Gordon Parks Museum: The Gordon Parks Museum celebrates the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician. The Gordon Parks Museum strives to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness and the role of diversity in our lives A
bout Sunflower Summer: Sunflower Summer is a program operated by Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. The program aims to help Kansas families affordably explore the Sunflower State. The official Sunflower Summer mobile app is available on Apple and Android. More information can be found at SunflowerSummer.org
County Commissioners Create Budget Advisory Committee
In the June 9 meeting, Commissioners Mika Milburn and David Beerbower voted to create a Budget Advisory Committee to help with the budget process.
They are accepting letters of interest until June 16 per this document from the County Clerk’s office:
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners are accepting letters of interest for qualified individuals who would like to serve on The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners Budget Advisory Board. Letters of interest will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025 at the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office, 210 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Qualifications and duties expected of board members can be found in the Bylaws of the Bourbon County Commission Budget Advisory Board which are on www.bourboncountyks.org and available in the County Clerk’s Office.
The bylaws are:
Bylaws of the Bourbon County Commission Budget Advisory Board
Article I: Name
The name of this body shall be: The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners Budget Advisory Board
Article II: Purpose
The purpose of the Budget Advisory Board is to:
• Review budget requests from county departments and elected officials.
• Assess revenue projections and spending priorities.
• Make written recommendations regarding the annual budget to the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
• Promote transparency and public engagement in the budget process.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with Kansas budget law and other applicable statutes.
Article III: Authority
The Board operates in an advisory capacity and has no binding decision making authority. All recommendations are submitted to the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners for consideration.
Article IV: Membership
Section 1: Composition
The Board shall consist of five (5) to nine (9) members, including the Chair. Members shall be appointed by the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
Section 2: Qualifications
Members must demonstrate relevant experience in budgeting, finance, accounting, public administration, or related fields. Each applicant shall submit a letter of interest and qualifications.
Section 3: Appointment and Term
Members shall serve two-year terms, renewable by reappointment. Initial appointments may be staggered to maintain continuity.
Section 4: Chair
A Chair shall be appointed by the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners. The Chair shall preside over meetings, coordinate activities, and serve as the Board’s spokesperson.
Section 5: Compensation
Members shall serve without compensation.
Bylaws of the Bourbon County Commission Budget Advisory Board
Article V: Meetings
Section 1: Frequency
The Board shall meet as needed, at a minimum of 6 times annually, including during the formal budget development cycle.
Section 2: Public Access
All meetings shall be open to the public, with notice given in accordance with Kansas Open Meetings Act and applicable notice requirements.
Section 3: Quorum
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the currently appointed members.
Section 4: Voting
Recommendations of the Board shall be adopted by a majority vote of the members present.
Article VI: Duties and Responsibilities
The Budget Advisory Board shall:
• Receive and review departmental budget submissions.
• Assess short-term and long-term revenue forecasts and spending needs.
• Hold public meetings to gather community input.
• Ensure compliance with Kansas budget laws and procedures, including setting deadlines for:
o Public notices
o Public hearings
o Budget adoption
• Prepare a formal written report with budgetary findings and recommendations for submission
to the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
Article VII: Reporting
The Board shall submit its final written budget report no later than July 14, in time for review and adoption by the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
Article VIII: Amendments
These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
Article IX: Administrative Support
The County Clerk’s office may provide support, record keeping, and meeting logistics.
These bylaws were adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, KS on the 9th day of June, 2025.
Bourbon County Commission announce open seat procedures
Commissioner David Beerbower began the meeting by reading a statement outlining the meeting’s conduct, including the expectation that audience members silence their phones and refrain from conversations, wait to be called on before speaking, and allow the chair to manage the meeting.
Republican Open Seat Announcement
The Republican Party of Bourbon County will hold a convention to fill the vacant District 1 seat on Thursday, June 12 at 6 p.m. at Bailey Hall. Applications are due by Tuesday, June 10 at 5 p.m. and can be emailed to [email protected].
Old Business
Zoning Advisory Committee – Beerbower made a motion to postpone the zoning committee’s presentation of their recommendations until June 30, 2025 to allow for a third commissioner to be appointed and present.
The committee will continue to meet to work on its report. Dates of those meetings will be published.
Dr. Cohen HR Solutions – Commissioner Mika Milburn asked Beerbower’s opinion on using the company to conduct HR services for the county now that he’s had time to consider the information from the last meeting. He said he is for it, and he likes their proposal and the cost.
Milburn moved to hired HR Solutions on Call, which would require a contract be paid from the benefits fund.
The motion was approved.
Budget Committee Proposal – Milburn proposed the creating of a budget advisory board to help the commission through budget season. She proposed that the board be made of financial professionals, who will be qualified to advise on budget items.
The motion passed. Letters of interested will be taken until June 16, 2025.
Parliamentarian Proposal – Milburn suggested the commission consider bringing in a parliamentarian to help run their meetings.
“We are shorthanded,” she said. Milburn and Beerbower both had people they wanted to ask to consider the position.
The issue has been tabled until June 16.
Sales Tax Discussion Update – Milburn followed up on the hiring of a firm to conduct the county’s tax sales. She said the treasurer is working through the steps necessary to facilitate that and it’s in process.
Dump Fees for Employees – Milburn wants to remove it as a benefit. Beerbower said that after receiving feedback from various members of the community and an email regarding fringe benefits from the County Clerk, Susan Walker, he believes times have changed and the perk needs to be stopped as well.
The commission voted to end free dump fees for county employees starting immediately.
Commissioners went into a 20 minutes executive session for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorny-cliet relationship.
Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
Mr. Parks suggested that out-of-county trash haulers who use the transfer station for trash disposal pay more than in-county users.
New Business
SEK-CAP General Public Transportation – Casey Brown brought the funding request to the commission to get it in before the budget meetings start. Historically, SEK-CAP has been funded by the county, the City of Fort Scott, and area churches and businesses.
It costs approximately $8,000 per day for a full year of transportation services. Currently services are offered three days a week, but they are considering going to five days a week, which would cost $40,000.
Commissioner Milburn asked for more precise data about how much of the county outside of Fort Scott is served by SEK-CAP.
When asked about changing their hours of operation, Brown said they were open to discussion and want to fit the community’s needs.
Fireworks Licenses Days
Fireworks licenses were issues to Hale Fireworks and Jake’s FIreworks. Sale dates have been extended by state statute from July 5 to July 7.
Commission Comments
Milburn said that she loves “the idea of a steady, reliable process” to govern the county and that there so many citizens getting involved.
She said she would be happy to visit with anyone interested in the job. “This job takes a lot of stamina and I am going to do what I have to do to serve Bourbon County and keep up.”
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 10
USD234 Board Minutes of June 9
Unified School District 234 424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, June 9, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025, for their
regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
05-12-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – May 15, 2025 – $1,707,170.52
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the mental health grant that has been approved for the
district.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with an update of summer facilities,
budget closing for the fiscal year, and an update to the Preschool building.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes updated the board on Extended School Year and the
various summer projects that are being completed.
The Board Approved the following items:
• Purchase of 385 Student Chrome Books
• Purchase of 90 Staff Laptops
• Purchase of 10 Passenger Van
• Purchase of two 71 Passenger Buses
• Purchase of Passenger Car
• Continued participation in the National School Lunch Program
• Revision to the Policy EE – Food Service Management for “unpaid meal charges”
• E-Rate Category 2 Funding – Purchase of Wireless Access Points
• Renewal of Kansas Insurance Cooperative for Schools Property and Casualty
Insurance
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for negotiations review.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
June 09, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Altic, Doug – Retirement – Counselor – High School
Hendrickson, Ela – Resignation – Special Education Teacher – High School
Hunsaker – Josseline – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Karleskint, Amanda – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Stepps, Abby – Resignation – 5th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations
Brown, Trey – 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher – Middle School
Campbell, Marjorie – Special Education Teacher – High School
Ellis, Christina – Special Education Teacher – KRI
Johnson, Amanda – Music Teacher – Winfield Scott
Kemmerer, Angie – 8th Grade Science/Social Studies Teacher – Middle School
Mena, Kati – SLP Tele-therapy
Stanley, Tammy – 6th Grade Science Teacher – Middle School
Turner, Jesse – Special Education Teacher – High School
Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year
Bradbury, Luke – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Bruner, Genea – MIS Tech Support
Clayton, Emily – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Dawson, Jamie – Behavioral Analyst
Hill, Landon – IT Help Desk
Hill, Katherine – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Montojo, Anthea – Cook – Winfield Scott
Prine, Aubrey – Part Time Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Reichard, Besty – MIS Tech Support
Stephens, Emily – MIS Tech Support
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:
Barner, Alex – Assistant Football Coach – High School
Brown, Trey – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – Middle School
Coen, Jessica – Special Education Teacher – Extended School Year
Coen, Serenity – Paraprofessional – Extended School Year
Davenport, Heather – Summer School Teacher
Durossette, Jake – Assistant Wrestling Coach – Middle School
Durrosette, Jake – Girl’s Summer Conditioning – High School
Eugene Ware Site Council
Eugene Ware Supplemental
Hall, Addisyn – Paraprofessional – Extended School Year
Kegler, Terra – Paraprofessional – Extended School Year
Merriman, Virginia – Paraprofessional – Extended School Year
Middle School Supplemental
25th Annual Friends of Tri-Valley Raffle Drawing to be held on June 20
Some lucky person will be the new owner of a brand new 2025 Ford F150 Platinum Edition SuperCrew 4 x 4 Truck—and the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation is hopeful the individual will be from Kansas. This is the agency’s twenty-fifth year for a raffle give-away. The event is a fund-raiser for the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation, a charitable organization that raises money to build homes for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) served by Tri-Valley Developmental Services in Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties.
“Everyone likes the idea that for a $50 donation they may win a brand-new truck.” Comments Tricia Campbell, Special Projects Coordinator. Entries in the drawing are limited to 3,000. “Those are pretty good odds; better than the lottery,” Campbell said.
The Friends of Tri-Valley purchased the truck from Steve Faulkner Ford in Chanute, KS.
“The truck is really luxurious, with lots of unique features,” Campbell said. “We are excited to be able to giveaway a truck that will last for years and bring so much enjoyment to its new owner.”
The lucky winner’s name will be drawn at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20th, at the Foundation’s offices at 521 W. 35 Ch Pkwy, Chanute.
“Even though it only takes a second to pull the winner’s name, it’s always exciting,” Campbell said. “And it’s really fun when we call the winner to let them know!”
Proceeds from the annual drawing have helped the Friends of Tri-Valley build five houses and acquire ten homes and one duplex for individuals with developmental disabilities. The houses are located in Buffalo, Chanute, Fort Scott, Humboldt, Iola, Neodesha, and Moline and are “home” for 82 individuals served by Tri-Valley Developmental Services. The Foundation is licensed through the state for the annual raffle, license number RAF000005.
Information about entering the drawing may be obtained by calling Campbell at 620-431-7655, emailing [email protected], or by visiting Tri-Valley’s website, www.tvds.org/truck-raffle.
U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Weekly Newsletter
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FS Design Review Advisory Board Meeting Will Meet June 10
City of Fort Scott – Public Notice
Design Review Advisory Board Meeting Scheduled for June 10th
The City of Fort Scott will hold its next Design Review Advisory Board work session on Tuesday June 10th, 2025, at 3:00 PM at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
The board will have a work session to continue review and updates to local design guidelines and discuss the integration of guidance provided by the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
The City encourages public participation in preservation-related decisions and values input from residents committed to protecting and enhancing Fort Scott’s historic character.
For more information or to review meeting materials in advance, please contact the Community Development Department at (620) 223-0550 or visit www.fscity.org.
Media Contact:
Lisa Dillon
Obituary of Jewell Smith
Jewell LeRoy Smith, Jr., age 76, a resident of Girard, Kansas, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was born August 19, 1948, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Jewell LeRoy Smith and Myrtle May Baker Smith. Jewell grew up in Ft. Scott and graduated from Ft. Scott High School and Ft. Scott Community College.
Jewell served with the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1969. He attained the rank of Sargeant and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement while serving at DaNang Air Base in Vietnam. Upon discharge from the Air Force, he enlisted with the U. S. Army Reserves. He retired as Sergeant First Class in August of 1995.
Jewell was united in marriage to Connie Cullison; together they had a daughter, Amanda.
Jewell had been employed as a press operator for Forms Manufacturing, Inc in Girard for over thirty years. He was a longtime member of the Girard Masonic Lodge and had served as Worshipful Master. In his spare time, he enjoyed flying radio-controlled airplanes and golfing.
Survivors include his wife, Connie, of the home; a daughter, Amanda Smith Ogden (John) of Grove, Oklahoma, two grandchildren, Phoenix and Kadin and two great-grandchildren, Roselyn Sue and Hazel May.
Jewell was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Jewell Arlene Marshall and Nancy Barr and a brother, Harry Smith.
Following cremation, graveside services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Wednesday, June 18th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.
Memorials are suggested to the Jewell Smith Memorial Fund 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