All posts by Loretta George

Splash Pad is being Planned For Gunn Park

A similar splash pad to this image is being planned for Gunn Park. Submitted photo.

A small group of Fort Scott residents, most of whom have young children,  have a vision for a splash pad in Gunn Park.

A splash pad is a water recreational play area, which in other cities, is often in a public area.

“A splash pad will benefit all ages,” Josh Jones, one of the organizers said.  “It’s a great way for people of all ages to stay active during hot summer days.”

columbiasc.momcollective.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/splash-pad-2.jpg Taken from Facebook.

“A small group of us started this right before COVID  (the disease pandemic) hit and it’s been on hold till recently,” he said.

The group is comprised of Kristin Bishop, Will Bishop, Seth Needham, Bailey Lyons, and Jones.

“The planned location for the splash pad will be right down from the caretaker’s house, on the east side of the road, as you start to exit Gunn Park, across from shelter house #1 (the big rock shelter house),” he said.

Fundraising will begin January 2022 and the plan is for the splash pad to be operational by summer 2023, Jones said.

“We have a couple of fundraisers lined up that we will announce in the next month or so,” he said.

Donations are being accepted at Lyons Realty Group, Bourbon County Cars, or Venmo at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.

 

Female Entrepreneurs Dare to Dream

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is sponsoring a Dare to Dream seminar on January 5, starting at 104 N. National Avenue for women entrepreneurs. It starts at 5 p.m.
“Our goal is to connect up-and-coming female entrepreneurs with local women who can mentor them,” HBCAT CEO Jody Hoener said. “We want to inspire these ladies to take on their dreams to become business owners themselves!  The HBCAT wants to provide opportunities to help our community build wealth and income, to come out of poverty, and to take control of their destiny.”
Jody Hoener. Submitted photo.
“This has been a series of four events that have been incredibly well attended and successful,” she said.  “Women are coming and asking questions of the panel and speakers.  They are talking to each other at their tables, networking, and building each other up”.
A dinner, catered by Drywood Creek Cafe,  and a networking time will begin the evening from 5-5:30 p.m.
The Keynote Speaker will be Kristi Banwart.
Kristi Banwart. Submitted photo.
Banwart will speak about how her hobby of making little girl hair bows for her daughter turned into a multi-million-dollar business in 15 years, Hoener said.  “Not only did she build regional and national relationships–but international relationships to help her business grow.”
The agenda also includes a  short panel speaker session which will include Rebecca Williams with The Butcher Block, Angela Simon with Bids and Dibs, and Katie Casper with Union State Bank.

 “They will each discuss a component of business relationships with its supplier, customer, or professional relationships–they are all instrumental in helping build any business,” Hoener said.

 

Rebecca Williams. Submitted photo.
Angie Simon. Submitted photo.
Katie Casper. Submitted photo.
“We will then have open question and answer so the attendees can ask questions to the speakers,  The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce staff, HBCAT staff, or Pittsburg State University’s Small Business Development Center staff,” Hoener said.
There is free childcare available if registered prior to the event.
The support for the seminar is grant funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas.

Double Murder Investigation

A double homicide is still under investigation in Fort Scott.
All the press releases are coming from the KBI, according to Fort Scott Police Chief Travis Shelton.
The following is a press release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Facebook page.
On Tuesday, Dec. 21, at approximately 7:40 p.m., the Fort Scott Police Department received a 911 call from a subject who came home to find a female family member had been shot.
When police officers arrived at 402 Main St. in Fort Scott, they located 48-year-old Melissa L. Mitchell who had died from a gunshot wound. They also discovered inside the home, 53-year-old Leonard D. Zimmerman, who had also been shot and was deceased. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
At approximately 8:30 p.m. the Fort Scott Police Department requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to Fort Scott.
The victims’ son, Dawson J. Mitchell, 23, of Fort Scott, was a person of interest and was wanted for questioning connected to this case.
Mitchell was arrested at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22, near the intersection of 5th St. and Judson St. in Fort Scott.
He was arrested for theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unlawful possession of controlled substances.
He was then booked into the Bourbon County Jail.
Currently, Mitchell has not been charged related to the murders.
“Mitchell has not yet been arrested for the murders.” Melissa Underwood, KBI Communications Director, said. “Since he can be held on the other charges, I don’t think that is likely to happen quickly. Additionally, the decision on charges will likely come from the (Bourbon)County Attorney’s Office after we submit our case findings to them.”

The investigation is ongoing.
The jail is known as the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, Fort Scott.

Kids Art Camp Offered Next Week

Judy Earp. Submitted photo.

Judy Earp lived 40 years in California and moved to Fort Scott in December 2019 because she fell in love with a Victorian home here.

She originally was from Lamar, MO, and looked there and in Nevada for just the right home to accommodate all of her Victorian furniture in her decision to return to the Mid-West.

When Earp found the house at 702 S. National Avenue, she found a space for an art studio.

“My art studio is in the basement,” she said.

During her California years, in her free time (she was a computer programmer and also sold real estate), she took art classes of all sorts, at Monterrey Peninsula Community College.

“The labs and all the equipment were fantastic (for all the art classes she took),” she said.

She started offering painting classes in Fort Scott in 2020 and found that the play area just outside her studio was perfect for the kid’s art classes she wanted to instruct.

The children need breaks sometimes, she said, and the space is perfect for that.

Next week she is offering a Winter Art Party for children ages five and up.

“Our next camp is from December 27 through December 31,” she said. “It has a winter theme. The cost is $125 for the entire week. I also offer two art parties for the kids on No School Days, one for USD 234 and one for St. Mary’s. These take place at my studio at 702 S. National. The cost is $25.”

No School Days are when students are not in class for one day, for teacher in-service, etc.

“My main goal is to share the joy of creating art with people of all ages and that we should all have fun while doing so,” Earp said.

“I offer different art events geared for different age groups,” she said. “During the summer and winter and spring breaks, I offer an art camp that is a week-long and we create five  different paintings, all with a common theme.”

She also provides private art parties.

“Paint and Sip Parties are adult, also private parties,” she said. “I do women’s church groups.”

This past summer Earp offered a beach week, a red, white, and blue week and a farm week.

Judy Earp’s students during beach week in 2021. Submitted photo.

“I offer family-friendly art parties also, with paintings that are suitable for all ages,” she said. “We just had one at Papa Don’s this past Saturday. The cost is also $25.”

Students of the Family Paint and Pizza Art Party on Dec. 18, at Papa Don’s Pizza. Submitted photo.

“I also offer Paint & Sip Parties,” she said. “I will have two in January at Dry Wood Creek Cafe. We will be painting a Highland Cow. Both parties sold out within a few hours.”

Submitted photo.

“All parties include everything you need to complete and take home a painting,” she said.  “I draw the picture on the canvas for you, supply the paint, brushes, easels and aprons. I also guide the artists every step of the way.”

Judy Howser and a friend show their art from a Fall Pathway Art Party in September. Submitted photo.

The best way for people to know immediately when a new class, camp or party is offered is to Like and follow Happy Snappy Art on Facebook, she said.

Fink’s Pool Company: All Things Swimming Pool

Submitted photo. Brady, Emily, and Wesley Fink.
Brady and Emily Fink started a new business, Fink’s Pool Company, last month to provide swimming pool service, cleaning, and maintenance for Fort Scott and the surrounding communities.

The business also provides new construction of swimming pools.

“We realized there is a large demand for this business in our area and even further,” Emily said.
“We are currently the only two (employees) as we don’t have employees yet,” she said. “Brady and I will be tag-teaming most stuff in the field (service and new construction) while I also do most of the communication with customers and anything on the phone or social media.”
“Brady was a helicopter mechanic for four years when he served in the U.S. Navy at North Island Naval Base (California),” Emily said. “He then was a plumber for three years and for the past year he has been working and learning under The Pool Guy out of Nevada (MO).”
He is a 2012 graduate of Fort Scott High School.
Even though winter is not usually the season when people think about their swimming pools, the Fink’s wanted to get the word out for people to start planning.
They will be offering service, repair, and new construction in the southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri areas starting in 2022.
For more information call or text 620.215.0306.
A new pool cover that the  Fink’s placed on a property this fall., which requires drilling concrete and placement. Submitted photo.

Pop-Up Shop Establishes A Store Front in Downtown Fort Scott

Rachel Pruitt started her business venture, a women and girls clothing shop, last month as a pop-up shop in the lobby of the Liberty Theatre at 113 S. Main.
The name of her business is Better in Bourbon.
On December 15 she moved the store to a permanent space at 13 N. Main.

“I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Jared Leek for the temporary use of the Liberty Theatre which was critical to a successful start,” Pruitt said

Better in Bourbon is now located at 13 N. Main. Submitted photo.

The store’s hours of operation are from 10 am until 6 pm weekdays, 9 am until 4 pm on  Saturday, and on Sunday, from 1 pm until 5 pm,  through Christmas.

In addition to women and tween-sized girl clothing, she sells accessories and gift items, with a price range of accessories under $15 and clothing under $50.
Gift cards are available in store or online at www.betterinbourbon.com
The store front was previously G and R Healthy Living, according to the building owner, Jerry Witt.
Rachel Pruitt, owner of Better in Bourbon. Submitted photo.

To view the prior story:

Winter Houseplant Care by Krista Harding

Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

I always find that my home seems a little bare after the holidays when the tree is taken down and all of the holiday knick-knacks are put away. To be quite honest, it can be depressing! The winter months can be extremely long for many people.

One way to brighten your home up a bit is to add a new houseplant. Right after the holidays, you will find new shipments of houseplants arriving in stores.

The plants in the stores will look great, but they may not stay that way for long once taken home. One reason for this is because these plants are grown in a climate and light controlled greenhouse. Our homes are definitely not even close to greenhouse conditions. But a few simple things can help you grow your houseplants with more success.

Plants grow during high light times, such as summer, and that is the time to provide ample water and fertilizer. Winter is a low light time and plants should be allowed to go dormant. During dormancy, do not apply fertilizer and supply only small amounts of water. Remember, plants grow in the summer and sleep in the winter. Don’t force a plant to grow during the winter.

Light is probably the most essential factor for indoor plant growth. A plant needs light from five directions. Obviously this is not possible in most homes. But you can increase light availability. To acclimate a new plant that was grown in high light conditions, place it in a high-light (southern exposure) area of your home and gradually move it to it’s permanent, darker location over a period of four to eight weeks.

Most foliage plants prefer day temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees with night temperatures usually 5 to 10 degrees lower. Avoid extreme temperature changes, such as cold and hot air blasts from windows, radiators, heating and air conditioning vents.

Ninety-five percent of plant problems are caused from incorrect watering. How much water a plant needs is influenced by several factors. Not only is the individual plant size and species important, but also the growing conditions. Light, temperature, humidity, container type, container size and finally soil type all influence the speed of growth and therefore the amount of water needed. It is best to look up individual plant types for their watering needs.

Frequency of fertilizer application varies somewhat depending on the individual plant. Some need it every two weeks, while others will flower well for several months without any supplementation. As a general rule, fertilize every two weeks from March to September.

Here are some common plant symptoms and possible causes:

General defoliation

  • Sudden change in temperature
  • Transplanting shock
  • Sudden change in light intensity
  • Over-watering
  • Lack of light

Browning of leaf tips

  • Improper watering
  • Exposure to cold drafts
  • Insect attack
  • Excess fertilizer

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Area Missionaries Home on Furlough From Haiti

Dr. Jim and Sandy Wilkins.

A former Girard medical doctor and his wife shared some of their experiences as medical missionaries to Haiti on Dec. 18 at Girard’s Public Library.

Dr. Jim and Sandy Wilkins have served in Haiti since 1999 and currently have approximately 35,000 patients in the area they serve west of the capital city, Port Au Prince. They are home visiting family for two weeks.

Haiti Health Ministries is located in Gressier.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and conditions have deteriorated even further since the assassination of the country’s president this year, Sandy said.

Haiti, taken from BIng.

The COVID Pandemic has curtailed the normal amount of volunteers that the ministry has seen in the past.

The current need is a maintenance person and other Christian mission-minded volunteers, Jim said.

To learn more about the ministry:

https://www.haitihealthministries.org/

 

 

Don’t Get Yer Dander Up by Carolyn Tucker

Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom

 

Most of us know people that periodically go through days with their dander up. Like an ol’ wet hen, they’re annoyed or angry about something fairly often. They take a molehill and turn it into a mountain, and then blow up like a volcano. Years ago I knew a gal that would become sulky and unsociable and no one around her would know why. It was an especially puzzling experience for me because I’d never been around anyone that acted that way.

As believers, let’s determine to pay very close attention to what God reveals to us about ourselves. Although He loves us like we are, He loves us too much to let us stay that way. When the Holy Spirit shows you that you need to change an unChristlike behavior, don’t get your dander up. Be thankful He loves and cares about you and wants you to keep walking toward His likeness. Let’s throw out any pride, sincerely repent, and get in stride with the Holy Spirit. Resolve to work with God to climb up higher in our faithfulness to Him. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2,3 NLT).

Believers express adoration to God when singing, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” but what about our faithfulness to Him? Is it great, or is it just mediocre and falling short of a five-star rating? No matter the number of stars you are, we need to stay in God’s Word — read it, believe it, and live it. Keep praying and never give up! A clever trick of the devil is to convince you that you’re a failure as a Christ follower and you should just quit trying. Don’t you dare believe him because he’s a big fat liar, and his pants really are on fire!

The apostle Paul’s letter to the Church in Ephesus is intended to stabilize, shape, and challenge believers in their faith. This letter (dated 60-62 AD) is still a relevant teaching in Christian doctrine and living for the modern Church. “I always pray to the great and glorious Father, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that He will give you the Spirit, who will let you know truths about God and help you understand them, so that you will know Him better. I pray that God will open your minds to see His truth. And you will know that God’s power is very great for us who believe“ (Ephesians 1:17,18a,19a ERV).

The following scripture makes it clear that God holds His children by the hand to prevent them from falling. We know there’s security and comfort in holding hands, especially when the hand is nail-scarred. “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand” (Psalm 37:23,24 NLT).

It’s not God’s plan for believers to white-knuckle our journey of faith. The book of Ephesians states that we’re well equipped with the Spirit who helps us know and understand the truths of God. We have everything we need to know God better and be powerful imitators of Christ Jesus.

The Key: Rejoice when God puts His thumb in your back — it means He loves you.

Christmas In One Week: Jingle Bell Holiday Mart this Saturday

Products of Desert Bloom’s booth. Submitted photo.
When Leanne Leatherman heard that the  Bourbon County Historical Preservation Association was not having its annual Stocking Stuffer Christmas event, she asked a fellow Bourbon County Fair Association member, Sue Reineke, about hosting a craft show and sale.
“She thought it would be a good idea, so the Jingle Bell Holiday Mart came to be,” Leatherman said. “This is our first year, but I hope it is the first of many. We may try to schedule it a little earlier in the month for next year.”
The two are also having conversations about having a swap meet or show once a month to allow local merchants a place to meet and sell their wares.
Leatherman and Reinecke are both vendors. Leatherman sells hand-crafted items, Reinecke sells goat milk soap and lotions from her farm.
Products of the vendor, Auntie Em’s. Submitted photo.
The sale will be Saturday, Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds 4-H Building on South Horton Street.
“It is a heated facility, with plenty of parking,” she said.
The Bourbon County 4-H Building on South Horton, across from Fort Scott Community College. Submitted photo.
“We are full this year with vendors,” Leatherman said.
Some of Lori Craig’s products. Submitted photo.
The following are the vendors who will be selling their wares on Dec. 18:
Locust Hill Lamancha’s Goat milk products
Sue Reinecke’s goat milk skin products. Submitted photo.
Paula’s This and That: hand made quilts, Young Living products
Products from Paula’s This and That booth. Submitted photo.
Auntie Em’s Closet: key chains, car freshies, hand warmers
Quill Fire Farm: crochet, mouse repellent bags, homemade play dough
A rural Hiattville youth, Mayla Foster, will have her first show, featuring ‘sensory handmade playdough. Look for her at the Quill Fire Farm booth. Submitted photo.
Flying P Ranch: jewelry
Happy little  Candle Factory
Hunter’s Fashion: Paparazzi Jewelry
Desert Bloom Boutique:  apparel, candles, car freshies
Tessie Tucker: Color Street Nails
CBF Candles
Blue Dog Winery
Miki Kraft: lots of hand-sewn items
Bathhouse Trading: soaps, bath bombs, etc.
Maid in Marmaton: jams
AKA Crafts and Design: apparel
Some of AKA’s products. Submitted photo.Courtney Lanham: tumblers

Courtney Lanham: tumblers

Michelle Lisica: laser-cut ornaments and items
Elk Creek Outpost: soaps, air fresheners, bath bombs, etc.
Some of Elk Creek’s products. Submitted photo.

For more information contact Leatherman at 620.224.6423.

Rusty Spur Energy and Nutrition Opens at 9 E. Wall

Submitted photo.
The Rusty Spur Energy & Nutrition opened at 9 E. Wall on Dec. 14.
The owners are Kelly Perry and Chris Ames who is also the  operator.
“We offer one-on-one health assessments for weight loss or muscle gain with our products,” Perry said. “Our products include vitamin-packed energy and calorie-burning teas that taste more like fruit drinks!  We also provide complete meal replacement shakes full of protein and vitamins and minerals in over 60 flavors!
 “We have had a team of other entrepreneurs; Haven, Ashtyn, and Greg, in Ft. Scott (at a different location) since August 2020 helping customers with healthy shakes and teas,” Kelly said. “Previous health coaches have moved from the area and we felt passionate about keeping such a niche business alive and well in Fort Scott!  We hated to see it close when the others moved.”
Their passion stems from losing weight using the drinks they sell.
Both women have followed a number of fad diets and even resorted to surgical weight loss methods such as gastric bypass.  Short term, they had a tremendous amount of success but eventually, the weight came back, Perry said.
Kelly Perry. Submitted photos.
During the 2020 pandemic, Perry had gained over 80 pounds of her surgical weight loss back when she walked into the Fort Scott nutrition shop desperate to lose the 80 pounds, she said.
 She started the meal replacement shakes and within five months from December 2020 to May 2021, Perry lost all 80 pound swith shakes alone, she said.
 Perry has maintained her weight loss and coached others to do the same, she said.
Chris Ames has had a very similar story.
Chris Ames. Submitted photo.
“After (weight-loss) surgery, her weight loss was not significant and she continued to be stagnant in weight loss,” Perry said. “She started on the protein meal replacement shakes and the rest is history.  She is now a size smaller than she was in high school.  She too is working to help others to be the best that they can be and fully embrace health and nutrition rather than think of it as yet another diet.”
“We’re passionate about helping people and we really like this job,” Perry said.
“Each of our energy drinks is all custom-made for exactly what you need as an individual,  no two drinks are alike,” she said.  “You won’t find one main price because all teas have customization to them.”
“We hope that by being downtown in such a beautiful area we will be able to reach more people and help them with their health goals,” Perry said.
They have products for children as well, she said.
“We also provide probiotics and added hydration for all ages, so if you have a child that is dehydrated or has bloating, cramping or even backed up in the bathroom, we have items that we can add to their drink to help their tummy,” she said.
The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM and Saturday, 9 AM to 2 PM, Sunday after church from noon to 3 p.m.
The Rusty Spur, 9 E. Wall. The former dental office of Dr. Brown. Submitted photo.
The business can be contacted via Facebook Messenger, or Instagram  or email [email protected]

Fundraiser for Accident Victim Dec. 17

 

Nelson and Euna Blythe. Submitted photo.

On Sunday evening, November 7th, Nelson and his wife, Euna, were driving in a car east of Uniontown on Hwy. 54.

They struck a cow in the road.

“Nelson sustained minor injuries, however, Euna wasn’t as lucky,” Bourbon County Sheriff’s Deputy  Trey Sharp said. “She was life-flighted to Kansas University  Medical Center and has been there since the night of the accident. Nelson has been by her side throughout this whole time. We were told it may be up to a year before we will know the significance of her brain injury.”

“Nelson started his career with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office and is currently working for the Linn County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Bill Martin said.   “Nelson has assisted the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office since he has been with Linn County.   Deputies and support staff with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office still consider Nelson as part of the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office family.”

The sheriff’s department has organized a benefit event to help defray the costs of the catastrophic accident to the Blythe family.

“Nelson and Euna have medical insurance, but we all know insurance will not always cover all medical bills,” Sharp said. “We also have to think about their everyday life and how they are going to pay their normal bills that come with life. Nelson has been off work since the night of the wreck, which creates financial stress. This event is simply to raise money for them to hopefully relieve some of the financial stress and so they can focus on helping Euna recover and come back home.”

The fundraising event is Friday, December 17th, 2021  from 6 pm – 11 pm at The Liberty Theater, downtown Fort Scott.

Following the event, either Nelson or a family member will be provided a check of the money that has been raised, Sharp said.

“Up to this point, we have had multiple different items donated to us and we are still gathering items as we speak,” Sharp said. “Organizing this event just shows us how a community will truly gather together to help someone in need. We have had people reach out to us who do not know us or Nelson, they just want to help. Some of the items we have are guns, grills, fire pits, certificates to different area businesses, sports memorabilia, and multiple different items. If you look at our Facebook page ‘Blythe Family Benefit’ it will show you every item we have had donated. We update the page daily.”

The rare gun was donated to raise funds for the Blythe family. Submitted photo.

“I would like to give a huge shout-out and thank you to Fort Scott Munitions,” Sharp said. “They have donated an extremely rare gun that has raised a tremendous amount of money so far. That gun is on an online raffle on their website. The link is also on our Facebook page as well.”

Latest News On Euna

“Euna has …been moved to a KU Med rehab center where she has made extreme strides throughout this recovery process,” Sharp said. “She still has a long road ahead of her. But the process she has made is nothing but a miracle. I had recently Facetimed her and Nelson. Euna was able to talk to me, she is sitting up, and is even walking with assistance.”