For more than a decade, the City of Pittsburg has annually applied for the Emergency Solutions Grant through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. This year, the city is requesting over $300,000 to support its homeless community. “We also help with homeless prevention funds, which assist individuals in staying housed by covering back rent or utilities assistance. Additionally, there’s funding for shelter operations,” said Megan Keener, Assistant Director of Housing. Last year, Pittsburg applied for $450,000 but received approximately $100,000. If the full amount isn’t granted this year, city officials plan to be strategic with the funds they do receive. “We have to be more mindful of how much we are helping individuals. We just need to ensure that we are truly helping those who need the assistance,” Keener added. However, not all residents are confident in the city’s approach. Rodger Lomshek, co-founder of the Facebook group “Citizens for Pittsburg,” which has 5,000 members, voiced his skepticism. “If this is the way to solve the problem—more money or more people working—why is the problem continually getting worse?” Lomshek questioned.
Source: KOAM News

Excitement fills the air as the newly formed Bourbon County Community Theatre announces auditions for its inaugural production, “Holy Mother of Bingo!” by Patrick Walsh. Auditions are set for June 17 or 18 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Ellis Performing Arts Center, Fort Scott Community College. Open to adults and teens, no prior preparation is required for this interactive comedy murder mystery. Set during an innocent bingo fundraiser at Our Mother of Mercy church, the plot thickens as parishioners mysteriously drop dead. With suspects aplenty, tensions rise and past feuds come to light. Could it be the disgruntled choir director, the magician turned youth minister, or even one of the Cookie Cadets? Performances are slated for August 2 and 3, with rehearsals typically on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m. Aspiring actors and enthusiasts alike are encouraged to seize this opportunity to be part of Bourbon County’s burgeoning theater community. Anyone who would like to join the community theatre or assist with the technical aspects of the play can fill out an interest form on the Facebook page.
Source: KOAM News

The community of Columbus, Kansas is coming together to support one of its own. According to the City of Columbus, Police Chief Jason Daniels was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this month and community members are coming together to support him and his family during this time. Chief Jason Daniels served the community for more than 20 years. The city says a Benefit Car Show and Cookout will be held at the fairgrounds on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the Columbus Fairgrounds. Community members have organized a Venmo account that will go directly to Jason’s family. The QR code can be found in the event flyer. “While these circumstances are most unfortunate, our community has always come together in times like these. Chief Daniels has dedicated his professional life to keeping this community safe. We hope that you all are able to share information about these events with your networks and participate and contribute as you are able,” – The City of Columbus Facebook Page.
Source: KOAM News