All posts by Michelle Workman

Fort Scott Airport Faces Growth Opportunity

With the rise of a special opportunity, the Fort Scott Municipal Airport may see an increase in traffic as well as in the size of the airport in upcoming years.

For some time, airport director Kenny Howard has made efforts to grow the local airport in order to attract more traffic and bring new revenue to the city and county, but was always forced to wait because of lack of city funding and not meeting Federal Aviation Administration requirements for FAA grants.

But during the Fort Scott City Commission’s meeting Tuesday night, City Manager Dave Martin, Economic Development Direct Rachel Pruitt and Howard presented what Martin referred to as an “exciting” and “scary” opportunity for the city.

Pruitt said a key part of aviation is maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, an industry growing in size and importance in the country as such companies work with airports to provide repairs for jets such as those that fly into Fort Scott.

One of those companies, Spectra jet, Inc., out of Springfield, Ohio, has expressed interest in expanding their company to include a station at Fort Scott. But for that to be a possibility, Fort Scott would have to commit to a runway expansion in order to be able to house the Learjet and Challenger models Spectra services.

“It’s opened up a lot of opportunities for us,” Pruitt said, saying already they have heard of individuals interested in bringing a restaurant to the airport, while additional hangars and a pilot’s lounge could also be added.

“This would be a great opportunity for our community,” Howard said of the expansion and the attraction it would be to other businesses.

Pruitt said she is already looking into state and federal grants the city could pursue since the expansion would bring about an economic impact on the city as well as the airport.

During the meeting, the commission approved a master agreement with Olsson Associates and a work order of $43,000 for the initial steps of allowing them to complete topographical and other surveys to determine what will need to be done at the airport in preparation for such an expansion.

Diane Hofer, airport program leader for Olsson Associates, said they have done many other airport projects such as this.

“It’s definitely a good industry to bring into town,” Hofer said of the possible expansion and addition.

If the city commits to the runway expansion, Spectra could bring their business to the area even before the project is complete, servicing jets currently able to use the runway.

KOMB-FM Welcomes New Personality

With the beginning of high school and college athletics approaching, Fort Scott residents will soon hear a new voice broadcasting the sports over the radio as Brandon Tadtman continues to transition into his position with KOMB-FM radio.

In April, Tadtman sought part-time work with the local radio station, in large part because his father was now living in Fort Scott after completing his first season as the Fort Scott Community College’s womens’ basketball coach. But instead of getting those part-time hours, Tadtman was given a full-time job due to the departure of personality Larry Gazaway, who took on the city’s director of tourism position.

After having spent the previous six months working outside of the radio business in Kansas City, Tadtman quickly transitioned into working the morning shift for KOMB-FM of Fort Scott, being on the air 6 to 9 a.m.

“I was thrown in pretty quickly into the fire,” Tadtman says, saying he only had a few days to shadow Gazaway. “But now everything’s pretty smooth. It’s been good.”

Tadtman first became aware of his interest in radio commentary as a sophomore high school student in his hometown of Winfield, a town of similar size to Fort Scott southeast of Wichita. When the high school hosted the 5A state softball tournament, Tadtman was asked by a friend to help provide color commentary. That opportunity and his fondness for sports led to his interest in pursuing that as a career.

While attending Kansas State University, Tadtman participated in the student-run radio station as the sports broadcaster, often traveling with the teams to call their games.

“I thought that was very beneficial to me,” Tadtman says of that opportunity, which allowed him to learn the ins and outs of radio as a student. “It was a really awesome experience.”

Upon his graduation, Tadtman continued to work in radio in Manhattan before taking on a more logistical job in Kansas City. But Tadtman realized he missed being on the radio and pursued a position in Fort Scott.

While used to being on air, Tadtman says his new position is different from his usual sports broadcasting as he now provides other news and frequently interviews guests to the station.

“It is a little bit different here,” Tadtman says. “I wasn’t used to being on the air as much as the DJ because I was strictly doing sports in Manhattan.”

While he has enjoyed the chance to gain experience in the station, Tadtman says he is especially looking forward to the upcoming sports activities and says he hopes the community will enjoy his sports broadcasting, where he has the most experience.

Because he spent much of his earlier years in a small town, Tadtman says that the transition to Fort Scott has not been difficult as he tries to familiarize himself with the town and its residents. He added that he is grateful for the positive feedback he has received.

“I appreciate the community taking me in and letting me be their person that provides the information that they need every day,” Tadtman says, adding he has enjoyed living in Fort Scott these first few months. “I appreciate the people of Fort Scott. They’ve welcomed me with open arms.”

Tadtman also says he has been grateful for an easy transition while working with the KOMB staff, and their acceptance of him and willingness to help him as he grew accustomed to the job and tried to add his own personality.

“Everyone here is nice and they have accepted me,” Tadtman says. “I couldn’t be more happy with how easy the transition was.”

Fort Scott Celebrates Sergeant Stubby

Fort Scott families and other individuals attended Stubby Day Saturday morning, celebrating Sergeant Stubby, one of the unsung heroes featured in the Lowell Milken Center and the most decorated military dog in United States history.

Families came with their canine friends as the center provided activities for both the pets and the children, including snacks, photo opportunities, a chance for the dogs to show off their tricks and face-painting by Fort Scott High School students.

Cathy Werling of the Lowell Milken Center told Sergeant Stubby’s story—how he was a stray discovered by a young man at Yale, and then was smuggled aboard a ship when the soldier was shipped overseas during World War I. Stubby assisted the soldiers by smelling poison gases in the air and even warning of German spies, being present for 17 battles before returning to the United States.

“Stubby was really a hero,” Werling told the children.

Local vendors and organizations such as Lee’s Paws and Claws were present, as was Jacy Jenkins, the director of outreach/partnerships for the Fun Academy Motion Studios, located in Columbus, Ga., in the United States with roots in Ireland, which is creating a movie about Stubby’s story.

Jenkins said Stubby’s tale is a captivating one because it starts with him as a stray dog who becomes a hero, an underdog story that can inspire children and families. With the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I approaching, Jenkins said the movie will also be educational in sharing information about the often lesser known world war.

The movie is expected to be shown on 3,000 screens in North America with its release on April 13, 2018. Currently 400 animators are working on the movie in both Paris and Montreal, where the production of the CGI movie is being done.

“This is just getting started,” Jenkins said of Stubby’s story, which may soon include three movies.

The teaser trailer for the first movie can be seen here. Lead voice actors include Helena Bonham Carter, Logan Lerman and Gerard Depardieu. Patrick Doyle, popular for music score from movies such as Thor, Brave, the live-action Cinderella and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, will be the movie’s composer.

Inaugural Wine Stroll Draws Crowd

Almost 250 people participated in Fort Scott’s first Hit the Bricks Wine Stroll Friday night, as local and out-of-town wineries displayed their wares and gave samples to ticket-holders walking along downtown Fort Scott.

The event hosted not just wineries from other cities such as Overland Park, Topeka and Parsons, but also provided a venue for local artists to show and sell their art. Food vendors were also there. The evening also included live music with the weekly Friday night concert and ended with a performance by country artist Blane Howard.

About 135 people registered early while a steady stream of others purchased tickets that evening. Profits from the ticket sales benefited the Mercy Health Foundation of Fort Scott.

CrossFit Gym Sees Improvements

Previously named CrossFit Fort Scott, the local fitness gym celebrated remodeling, new management and a name change with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday morning as Smallville CrossFit.

Aaron and Lindsey Watts took over the gym at 13 S. National Avenue, in June after the previous owners moved out of town. Since that time, the couple has led sports and strength conditioning courses for children and high school and college through the summer, even while the gym went through a series of renovations to improve its services.

“It’s a dream come true for us,” Lindsey said, adding they appreciated the help of their family and friends who assisted them. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

The changes made to the gym improved not just the appearance of the gym, but also the equipment, such as by adding ropes, rings and additional ceiling- and wall-mounted rigs. There is also more space for larger classes.

Aaron, who grew up in Southeast Kansas, said he was always involved in sports and athletics as a student and later during his time in the military, which led to his involvement in CrossFit and eventually owning the Fort Scott gym.

Aaron added their inspiration for the new name of the gym came from the nickname of Clark Kent that he picked up while in the military.

City Manager Dave Martin, a member at the gym, encourages others to try out Smallville CrossFit or one of the other fitness centers in Fort Scott as they continue to partner with the county in the Healthy Bourbon County program. Martin added people should not be intimidated by the CrossFit program.

“They will make it fit what you can do,” Martin said, saying they will modify exercises for individual people and their abilities. “Come and give it a try and you might find something you like.”

The gym will host a Grand Reopening event Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing visitors to come for information on classes as well as to watch a variety of classes to see what they look like.

County Prioritizes Road Repairs

With the county’s asphalt program nearing completion, the Bourbon County Commission and Public Works Director Jim Harris discussed Tuesday morning which roads would be worked on next in the county.

The commissioners created a list of about 18 miles of road in need of a chip and seal, and then moved 11 miles of those roads to the top of the to-do list, based on the traffic and condition of the road. Harris said he believes they have enough funds budgeted to complete those roads and then reconvene to decide if they have finances remaining to do the others.

Some of the roads to be worked on first include three miles of road near the lake, Maple Road near Uniontown, Jayhawk Road east of Highway 69, 125th Street between Osage and Range roads and Highway 10 towards 55th Street.

“We’ll get it done,” Harris said of the projects assigned to his crew.

Some of the lower priority roads not completed this year could be done in 2018, though commissioners said Industrial Park roads will be a big project to be done next year.

Youth County Fair: 2017

After months of preparation and the hard work of a number of leaders, volunteers, parents and youth, the Bourbon County Fair came to a close Saturday after a week of festivities at the fairgrounds in Fort Scott.

“It was the smoothest running fair of my extension career,” Extension Agent Christopher Petty said. “This wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous volunteer support from the community. I want to thank each and every person who helped out in any way.”

About 150 youth and children of Bourbon County participated in events that displayed their skill in more than 1,100 exhibits showing animals, cooking, gardening, sewing, photography and a number of other activities displaying their creativity and hard work over the past year.

The fair provided not just an opportunity for participants to display those talents, but also to receive criticism and compete while learning how to demonstrate good-sportsmanship whether they won or lost, receiving good reviews or poor.

Check the FortScott.biz Facebook page here to see more photos taken of those students who participated throughout the week.

City Accepts Grant to Repair Downtown Building

A deteriorating, downtown Fort Scott building may soon get a new look as the city of Fort Scott and local business owners invest in the former Spoiled Brat building at 124 E. Wall Street with the help of a state grant.

Earlier this year, the Hoener family had approached the city with their plans to buy the building and repair the leaning wall of the structure. They planned to move forward with paying for the repair of the wall but asked if the city would be willing to set aside the amount of money the city planned spending to make the structure safe if nothing were done. This money would be used only in the event that something was discovered under the ground that made the cost significantly more than the quote and would help guarantee that the repairs could be finished in order to get the building back to a safe state.

Believing in the Hoener’s plan to repair the building and relocate their Hole in the Wall Liquor store on Oak Street to that structure, the city decided to assist by seeking the help of a state grant. In June, the Fort Scott City Commission received word they had been awarded up to $95,000 from the 2017 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant under the Downtown Commercial Rehabilitation funding category.

“Another great improvement to our downtown,” Codes Manager Rhonda Dunn said of the project, which is expected to also include second floor apartments.

The commission voted unanimously during their meeting Tuesday evening to accept the grant. Dunn said it is common for the city to accept the grant and then immediately administer it to another party such as the Hoeners for economic development.

Commissioner Randy Nichols said he wishes the family well as they take on the task and strive to repair the downtown building.

 

(This article has been edited to better reflect that the city did not front any money for the repair of the building.)

Fairgrounds Dedicates New Pavilion

The Bourbon County Fair Board and other 4-H and fair participants dedicated the fairgrounds’ new Hubenett Pavilion Saturday evening, celebrating its completion in time for the 2017 County Youth Fair.

The open, covered pavilion with lighting provides a place for organizations, families or other groups to gather at the fairgrounds. The need for such a place was recognized after the completion of the 2016 fair.

“It will be a place to gather and make friendships and memories,” Darrel George said of the pavilion, which will be open to anyone in the community.

The pavilion was named after Terry “Slim” Hubenett, a long-term volunteer at the fairgrounds who donated hours of service to the grounds and the youth and parents involved in 4-H.

George said Hubenett was always available and willing to help with any project, maintenance or other need, even as far as removing a nest of bumblebees. Hubenett remained active in participating until a stroke prevented him from helping as frequently, though he still attends fair board meetings.

“Terry loves the county fair, he loves the 4-Hers, and he also loves the parents and the grandparents,” George said. “We appreciate your years of service.”

Volunteers worked on the pavilion while other donors provided funding and supplies. Those interested in booking the pavilion for an event can contact the fair board.

The county fair started Saturday morning with the dog show. Other events continue throughout the week at the fairgrounds. Check the FortScott.biz Facebook page for photos of the events.

American Legion Escorts Vietnam Memorial Wall from Fort Scott

The roar of motorcycles was loud Thursday evening as riders from American Legion, Kansas Patriot Guard and other riders escorted the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall from Fort Scott to Paola.

The riders met the traveling wall at Velocity Tactics on Wall Street, before getting on Highway 69 towards its destination in Paola. A State Highway Patrol officer was also part of the escort while local law enforcement controlled traffic.

The wall will remain at 5 Delaware Street, Paola, July 14-16, with the wall accessible to visitors 24 hours daily. A ceremony will be held Saturday morning along with other performances and presentations throughout the weekend.

Marmaton Massacre Festival Draws Visitors and Locals

Local and out of town cyclists as well as members of the community participated in the 4th Annual Marmaton Massacre Festival over the weekend, as the Gunn Park bike trails dried out from recent rains.

Almost 100 cyclists rode the trails Saturday and Sunday for time trial courses, a marathon race, a children’s race and others during the UFD West Series event. Organizer Frank Halsey said a surprising number came to camp in town and take advantage of what Fort Scott has to offer.

“Everybody loves our small town and the hospitality we afford,” Halsey said.

While the rain earlier in the week threatened to cancel the event, the trails dried out enough for the races to go on. Halsey said the event was a success only because of help from volunteers, local business and the city of Fort Scott to clean the park as well as sponsor and run the event.

Apart from the races, the festival also provided food and retail vendors, live music and Bike Trial demonstrations Saturday evening to anyone in the public.

Halsey said he was pleased with the turnout from the community Saturday evening for the festival, admitting they have struggled in past years to attract local residents. But this year, Halsey said he considered the event a success and felt they gained traction with the higher attendance from the community.

“Our goal has been to not only provide a mountain bike race, but to also create a festival within the peaceful confines of Gunn Park,” Halsey said. “A festival that would attract locals as well as outsiders to Fort Scott.  Hopefully, this successful event creates enough awareness that we can continue to grow.”

 

 

Hit the Bricks Wine Stroll and Art Walk plans finalized

Submitted by Tina Rockhold

Fort Scott’s downtown and Main Street will be bustling during the inaugural Hit the Bricks Wine Stroll and Art Walk on Friday, July 28.

The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with activities for everyone’s pleasure. Main Street will be blocked between 1st and 2nd streets for the event until about 8:30 p.m.

The free art walk, coordinated by the Bourbon County Arts Council, is open to the public. Spectators can admire and shop for beautiful artwork by area artists and enjoy sounds of local musicians.

The wine stroll will feature a sampling of wines from six Kansas vineyards including Fort Scott’s very own Vinedo del Alamo. Other wineries and vineyards participating in the stroll include Aubrey Vineyards, Overland Park; Flustered Blonde Vineyard and Winery, Parsons; Fuga Winery, Waverly; Smoky Hill Vineyard and Winery, Topeka; and Vogel Family Vineyards, Galena.

Wineries will also have unopened bottles of wine available for purchase.

Cost for the wine stroll is $25 and includes a commemorative wine glass and tote bag for bottled wine purchases. The event is open to those age 21 years and older with a valid ID required at check in. Check in for the wine stroll begins at 5 p.m. at the Beaux Arts Centre located at 102 S. National. The trolley will be available to transport participants from the check–in location to Main Street between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Beginning at 8:30, music lovers can dance the night away with a concert by Nashville-based country music sensation Blane Howard at Liberty Theatre. Concert tickets are $35 each. With a generous donation by the Modern Woodmen of America, the company has been recognized as the corporate sponsor for the concert.

Advance tickets for the stroll and concert are strongly recommended. Patrons can save $10 if they purchase both the wine stroll and concert tickets for $50. Tickets are available online at www.bit.ly/HitTheBricksTix.

Proceeds from the Hit the Bricks event will benefit the Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott, a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation which supports programming and equipment at Mercy Hospital Fort Scott.

“The Mercy Health Foundation Board appreciates the collaboration between the City of Fort Scott, the Bourbon County Arts Council (BCAC), our volunteers and the generous support from other local businesses to make this inaugural event possible,” said Tina Rockhold, Mercy Health Foundation executive director and community relations manager. “We hope the event will create an appreciation for the history, art and culture of Fort Scott and Southeast Kansas.”

For more details about the Hit the Bricks Wine Stroll and Art Walk, call the Mercy Health Foundation office at 620-223- 8094.