Kansas

This school year, students in Kansas have been adjusting to the new bell-to-bell cell phone ban required by state law. For Frontenac USD 249 and Pittsburg USD 250, the adjustment has gone well overall.

People interested in Pittsburg’s history have a new way to research it through the Pittsburg Public Library. Local newspapers from the years 1886 to 1915 that were previously preserved on microfilm reels are now online.

Khadija Ceesay is a poet from Pittsburg who recently released "Black by the Bedside," her debut chapbook featuring 23 poems. KRPS’s Raegan Neufeld sat down with Ceesay to talk about the experience of getting the book published.

A bipartisan bill that Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed into law in March bans students from using their phones during the school day. Schools must submit a form to the Kansas State Board of Education by Sept. 1 to certify that they’re complying with the law.

According to the last census, the population of Hepler, Kansas, is just 90. Despite its size, the community is home to a Fourth of July tradition that's lasted over half a century.

While Pittsburg State University softball standout Heather Arnett just wrapped up her collegiate career in May, her time playing isn’t over yet. She joined the development group for the new Professional Softball League (PSL) in June, and was then called up to play with the Florida Vibe for four games against the Kansas City Diamonds. A week later she was offered a spot on the team.

The Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation is partnering with Devil Damnit Promotions and Booking for an outdoor summer movie series. It will run every Friday and Saturday starting on June 19 and end with a Friday-only showing on July 24.

John took the stage at the Bicknell Center on May 8.

Dr. Bashar Marji is a cardiologist at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, and Meri Anderson is a Physician Assistant. KRPS’s Raegan Neufeld recently spoke with them about fainting and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

“Fort Scott Stories” features a variety of community members, including business owners, teachers, city workers and life-long residents. It premiered on April 26 with a red carpet event at the Gordon Parks Museum.