Category Archives: Entertainment

Marshall Issues Statement on COVID Relief Legislation Passed on Dec. 21

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall, M.D. issued the following statement and details on the new COVID relief legislation.

“Millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses are being distributed and administered, bringing the hope and possibility of widespread immunity by mid-March. However, our nation still needs a bridge to help us to the spring. With that in mind, I’m supporting the $900 billion COVID relief bill. Since the summer, Republicans have called for a targeted relief package that prioritizes refunding the Paycheck Protection Program, funding for vaccine distribution, additional support for unemployed Americans and resources to allow our children to safely return to the classroom. This relief legislation delivers on all of those priorities and leaves out the unnecessary funding for cities and states and socialist priorities of the left.

This bill repurposes more than $500 billion in unused CARES Act funds to help hardworking Kansans make it through these next winter months. By reopening the highly successful Paycheck Protection Program, which saved more than 500,000 Kansas jobs this year, we will ensure that assistance is again available to struggling small businesses and improvement are made to address issues raised by lenders and business owners.

Families will receive another stimulus check, and federal unemployment benefits have been extended for both full-time and contract workers. Finally, this legislation includes essential funding for the continued manufacturing and distribution of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. This package not only will help families, small businesses, and communities still struggling with the impacts of COVID-19, but it also gives us the tools we need to defeat this virus.”

The COVID Relief bill does the following:

Adds $280 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program to support small and mid-size businesses impacted by COVID-19, allowing them to retain employees and keep their door open
- Gives businesses with 300 employees or less experiencing severe revenue reductions an opportunity to apply for a second PPP loan
- Includes 501(c)(6) organizations but excludes unions from PPP eligibility
- $15 billion in funding for entertainment venues, movie theaters, and museums that are experiencing significant revenue loss
- Codifies federal rules that ensure churches and faith-based organizations are eligible for PPP loans
- Makes expenses businesses covered with funds from the Paycheck Protection Program tax deductible
Provides $68 billion to ensure continued manufacturing and distribution of safe, effective COVID-19 doses to all Americans, regardless of their ability to pay
Delivers $600 in direct payments to both adults and children, with reduced payments for high-earning families
Provides $300 per week federal unemployment benefits until March 14, 2021, to help those still struggling to reenter the workforce
- Extends and phases-out Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, which is a temporary federal program covering self-employed and gig workers, to March 14 (after which no new applicants) through April 5, 2021
Sets aside $13 billion for the USDA to continue support of farmers, ranchers and the biofuels industry
Provides $82 billion in funding for schools and universities to assist with reopening for in-person learning that also includes $2.75 billion in designated funds for private K through 12 education
Extends the deadlines for states and cities to use CARES Act funds by one year
Provides $25 billion in temporary and targeted rental assistance for individuals who lost their source of income during the pandemic
- Extends the eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021
Allocates $7 billion in broadband funding that includes funding to build out rural networks and telehealth

“As a physician I often tried to share a message of hope to patients facing a tough diagnosis,” said Rep. Marshall “Over the past 11 months, I’ve learned even more about how important hope is to all of us. With the vaccines being distributed and given, and now this next phase of COVID relief, I believe hope is visibly there for all Kansans. This Christmas season, I encourage those of us with more than enough to reach out to our neighbors who might benefit from some encouragement and a message of hope.”

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Entertainment

Christmas Eve with Santa and Friends Dec. 24

December 22, 2020 Submitted Story 1 Comment

Christmas Eve with Santa and Friends !!

It’s at 806 S. Barbee Fort Scott, Thursday, Dec. 24th starting at 5 pm until the hosts run out of cocoa !!

It’s hosted by John Willis and Travis and Jennifer Sawyer.

The public is invited for hot cocoa and cookies which is Sponsored by Sawyer Automotive.

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Prom for People with Special Needs

December 10, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Submitted by
Michelle Hudiburg and Clayton Whitson,
[email protected]

Fort Scott Nazarene to Host Night to Shine Prom for People with Special Needs

Virtual Fort Scott National Historic Site Candlelight Tour, Dec. 4

December 2, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

From the Fort Scott National Historic Site Facebook page.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has affected many local events, but one annual event, the Fort Scott National Historic Site Candlelight Tour has created an online opportunity for the community to enjoy.

“Last spring we began expanding park programming by creating virtual opportunities for visitors including online programs/events and virtual visits,” Carl Brenner, FSNHS Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management, said. “As we moved into the fall and began planning for the 39^th annual Candlelight Tour, we understand that not everyone is ready to travel. We want to have alternative opportunities and provide an event that was safe and available to those who have traditionally participated and for those who are unable to travel to the park. We hope everyone enjoys our virtual rendition of the Fort Scott Candlelight Tour, Friday, December 4, 2020, at 7 pm on the park’s web page (www.nps.gov/fosc).”

Brenner described the six vignettes that comprise the tour.

Scene 1-Hospital – Health and Care of the Soldiers. This scene is a depiction of healthcare and hospital conditions on the frontier. Actors in this scene are Skip Thomas and Reed Hartford, with a depiction of sick patients by Aiden Mann and Daxson Ruggero

The hospital scene at the Fort. Submitted photo.

Scene 2- Stables – Health and Care of the Horses. Horses were one of the most important tools of the Dragoon soldier. Sometimes horses were treated better than the soldiers. Actors are Brett Dawson, Jericho Jones, and Jesse Dineen.

The stable at the Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

Scene 3- Mess Hall – Lifestyle, Comfort, Camaraderie. Enlisted soldiers had a less formal or private life. They ate, slept, and worked in crowded conditions. Actors are Wayne, Dee, and Barrett Young.

The Fort Scott Mess Hall depiction. Submitted photo.

Scene 4-Officers’ Quarters – Lifestyle, Wealth, Comfort. With greater responsibility came greater space, freedoms, and comfort. Actors are George and Diane Bernheimer.
Scene 6: a depiction of the officers quarters at Fort Scott. Submitted photos.
Scene 5- Quartermaster Storehouse – Supplies, Preparedness, struggles. The Quartermaster, and his staff, kept all aspects of the fort running. They also knew what was really happening on the post. Actors are Barry Geertsen and Frankie Ruggero.

The quartermaster scene. Submitted photo.

Scene 6-Guardhouse – Discipline, Law and Order, Punishment. To ensure their soldiers were ready for whatever task they were assigned, discipline was a frequently used motivational tool on the frontier. Actors are Lucas Leininger and Casey Gomez.

The scenes and their introductions are being filmed by Barry Geertsen, Laura Abbott, and Abby Schauer from the park staff.

Brenner gave a little background of how the pandemic is affecting the NPS and Fort Scott in particular.

“We, like many Park Service sites, have experienced a reduction in visitation,” he said. ” We have taken this time to reach out to a broader audience. We continue to develop virtual opportunities for visitors and content for teachers to engage their students. Two such projects include: working with educators to develop curriculum around the Missouri Compromise; and to engage students to research and develop videos around African American heroes from the Fort Scott area.”

The park staff has increased their online presence during the pandemic, Brenner said.

“Sharing park stories through Facebook and Instagram is not new,” he said. “However, we have been increasing these opportunities to share more of the park’s stories and connect with a broader audience.”

Entertainment, Fort Scott

FS Public Library Holiday Countdown Dec. 1-15

December 1, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash (creative commons)

Celebrate the Holiday Season with Miss Val and your friends at Fort Scott Public Library by participating in the 15-Day Holiday Countdown!

From December 1-15, visit the Library’s Facebook page between 7 am and 11:59 pm to view a special daily video by Miss Val. Each video will feature one or more unique stories, songs, crafts, or activities the family can enjoy together. Families that post a photo or video of their child(ren) enjoying the activity or of the finished project will earn a small prize to go in their holiday prize bag. If they’d rather, parents may send the photos or videos directly to Miss Val at [email protected]. All photos and videos must be submitted by 11:59 pm on December 15 in order to be eligible. Miss Val will compile the treat bags, contact participating families, and hand the bags out through the library’s curbside service from December 17-19.

Happy Holidays from your FSPL Staff !

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Christmas Parade Tonight At 6 p.m.

December 1, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Join us TONIGHT for the

2020 Downtown

Christmas Parade

THEME:

THE GRINCH DIDN’T STEAL CHRISTMAS!

Tuesday

Dec 1st

6PM

Line-up at 3rd & Main St., north to Skubitz, northwest to National Ave., and back to 3rd Street!

Thank you to all who entered!

Here is the lineup below…

Click here for a printable copy of the lineup.

TOP 10 PARADE TIPS TO KEEP PARADE

RUNNING SMOOTHLY

1) Pick-up your parade number at the Chamber office by 5pm today, if not picked up by 5pm then numbers will be available for pickup at 3^rd & Main St. (The Carriage House)

2) The parade number goes on the passenger door – the judges will be sitting at the Heritage Pavilion.

3) When the parade starts moving, if you are in a car/truck/float, leave a couple of car lengths between you and the entry in front of you so the parade doesn’t get bunched up and go so fast that attendees cannot enjoy the parade.

4) When your parade entry passes the Judges/Announcers table – please drive slowly and even pause so the judges can get a look and the announcer can make the remarks provided.

5) If your entry is in front of the high school, please do not enter at 6th street and drive down to 10th. Try to enter from the cross street you will be at.

6) Don’t be late! Parade line-up starts any time after 5 pm. The closer you get to 6:00 pm, the more congested the street becomes.

7) Be sure to wave big – the crowd loves it when you interact with them.

8) Kids LOVE candy!

9) Have fun! We are so glad you have entered the parade.

ROUTE

The route for this parade: Parade starts at 3^rd & Main St. in front of the Carriage House, goes south on Main to Skubitz Plaza, turns northwest towards National Ave., left on National Ave. then south on National back to 3^rd Street, ending at Memorial Hall.

OTHER FESTIVITIES

This year the Mayor’s tree will already be lit and there will not be a formal ceremony for the lighting of the tree following the parade, no visits with Santa, crafts or prizes. We hope everyone enjoys a longer parade route this year! Santa will be at Clark Street Lights this Saturday from 5 to 8pm for visits, 753 Clark Street, and at G & W Foods on Saturday, December 12^th from 12-3pm.

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL!

Join us for the parade

tonight at 6pm!

Special thanks to our parade sponsor: Briggs Auto

And, to supporting sponsor:

Mertz Tax Service

Entertainment, Fort Scott Community College

BIGFOOT LEARNS ABOUT CHRISTMAS IN FSCC VIDEO PLAY

November 30, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Bigfoot is back bigger than life at Fort Scott Community College during the theatre department’s filmed presentation of “A Very Hairy Christmas,” an original children’s play by Allen Twitchell, theater instructor.

The 25-minute video play is set to begin streaming Dec. 4 on the FSCC Theatre Facebook page and on the college’s web page at fortscott.edu.

“In true ‘Star Wars’ fashion, this play is actually a prequel to last year’s ‘Santa Claws is Coming to Town’ and the previous year’s ‘All I Want for Christmas is Bigfoot’s Teeth,” Twitchell said. “This time around, Bigfoot is discovered by a group of children and seeks their help to learn about Christmas. Of course, there is a bad guy, Darth Hunter; a chase scene; a couple of slow-witted henchmen; and a few holiday songs.”

Candy canes, courtesy of Walmart of Fort Scott, were distributed to school district students last week as part of the video’s promotional campaign.

The cast features: Dawson Ellington, freshman from Powder Springs, Ga., as Bigfoot; Abby Sweat, sophomore from Pleasanton, as Ben; Grace Springer, freshman from Mound City, as Jordan; Jacquie Hampton, freshman from Redfield, as Grace; Colleen Sweat, freshman from Pleasanton, as Darth Hunter; Kaleb Morrow, sophomore from Fort Scott, as Dim; Mickey Donahue, sophomore from Fort Scott, as Dimmer; Trenton Ward, freshman from Kansas City, Mo., as Ace Reporter; Carlee Studyvin, freshman from Fort Scott, as Reporter No. 2; Kiera Threlfall, freshman from Frontenac, as Reporter No. 3; Isabella Loyd, sophomore from Fort Scott, as Reporter No. 4; and Mackenzie Peoples, freshman from Fort Scott, as Reporter No. 5.

The cinematographer/camera operator is Jared Wheeler, FSCC’s instructor of public speaking, while James Beltz, music instructor for the Pleasanton school district, served as musical director.

“Certainly, the times are challenging, and staying safe is the priority, but we wanted to keep our theater department as active as possible,” said Twitchell. “Also, this format allows us to maintain our tradition of giving the gift of theater to the community for Christmas.”

Entertainment, Exercise, Government, Kansas

Free Entrance to Kansas State Parks on Black Friday

November 25, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

PRATT – Swap the shopping centers for scenic views this Black Friday, as Kansas state parks will once again waive entrance fees as part of the nationwide #OptOutside initiative. All 28 of Kansas’ state parks are participating in an effort to get families and friends outdoors and enjoying nature.

On Friday, Nov. 27, state park visitors will have a chance to win a free night’s stay in a Kansas state park cabin of their choice. To enter, visitors must simply take a selfie within the park and share it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with the tags #OptOutside and #MyKsStatePark.

#OptOutside is the brainchild of outdoor retail giant REI, who in 2015 decided to close all 150-plus stores for a day and pay more than 13,000 employees to spend the day outside. It’s become a valued annual event for REI, state parks across America and the millions of people who’ve taken the day to grab some fresh air.

And this year’s event couldn’t have come at a better time.

“In the middle of everything, we have watched as people all over the world, some for the first time, looked to time outdoors to reflect, restore and connect with one another,” said Eric Artz, REI president and CEO. “We are focusing on what matters most.”

Earlier this year, Governor Laura Kelly encouraged Kansans to head to state parks for healthy recreation and relaxation – and thankfully, many have. As a result, Kansas State Parks director Linda Lanterman said attendance has been exceptionally high.

“We’re really proud that people could turn to Kansas state parks for hiking, cycling, camping, fishing and safely relaxing with loved ones out-of-doors,” said Lanterman. “Hopefully, #OptOutside will be a continuation of all of that with thousands taking advantage of what we have to offer, and at no cost.”

For more information on Kansas state parks, visit www.ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

New Skating Rink on the Horizon For Fort Scott

November 24, 2020 Loretta George 3 Comments

Buck Run Community Center is the site chosen for the skating rink. It is located at 735 S. Scott, just east of the aquatic center.

A new skating rink is on the horizon for Fort Scott.

“This project came from community discussion about a need for more kid-friendly activities,” said Allyson Turvey, Fort Scott Tourism and Community Development Manager. “Memorial Hall was used as a roller rink back in the ’80s, so the initial idea was really just to give that another go. It will benefit the community’s youth, and will hopefully draw families from the larger region as well. ”

“Originally we had hoped to use Memorial Hall, but the cost to resurface the floor is simply too high,” she said. “So for now we are focusing our attention on the old gym at Buck Run. Ideally if this goes well we could eventually look to investing in the floor of Memorial Hall since it is a larger venue.”

Turvey is the project leader.

“Leah Bowman has helped a lot with research,” she said. “But this project simply wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous amount of community support we’ve received”

“Craig Campbell and Angie Rhodes Kemmerer along with her class have been heavily involved in the planning, and have also thrown out many ideas we had not considered. It’s also fantastic to have a project with not just community involvement, but student involvement. Students are excited and working really hard to make this thing a success.”

Logistics such as staffing, insurance needs, and safety requirements are being considered.

“But we really have two priorities at this point, the rink itself, and the skates,” Turvey said. ” Without these pieces locked down, we won’t be able to move forward. We’ve now decided on the ideal location, so we need to find the skates. The cost to purchase enough skates to run this type of facility isn’t really feasible, so Angie and Craig have put us in touch with roller skate rental companies. We’re hopeful to have a solution for skates soon.”

The skating rink project is for the area youth.

“The target population for the rink is of course local youth,” she said. “It’s been a widely held opinion that Fort Scott needs more activities for kids. This will certainly meet that objective. The students that have been helping with the project are really excited about the possibilities and have lots of ideas of how we can make it successful.”

“Our goal is to make this happen by the beginning of the year,” Turvey said. ” We do have logistics that will need to be worked out very quickly. And as I mentioned the whole project currently hinges on securing roller skates”.

What is the cost to the city?

“At this point, I don’t have an exact cost estimate to offer, but the use of Buck Run will allow for fairly low startup costs,” she said. ” Use of Memorial Hall for this project would have required a significant initial investment. We don’t feel this is a feasible solution at this time, and are working to make this project as cost effective as possible.”

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Mistletoe Market Tonight at the River Room

November 19, 2020 Submitted Story 1 Comment

TONIGHT – DON’T MISS IT!

4-8PM

Over 40 vendors in

The River Room Event Center,

above Luther’s BBQ!

FREE admission to the vendor show.

Santa, his elf & the Grinch will be on-site from 5-7pm,

free-will offering for pictures w/proceeds going to

SEK Special Olympics.

Free-will donation to vote for your favorite of

two decorated trees w/ proceeds going to

Bourbon County CASA and Feeding Families in His Name.

Food (walking tacos & pulled pork sandwiches) and beverage will be available for purchase.

Come get in the holiday spirit and

support these local vendors!

See flyers below for vendor listing & more details.

Sincerely,

ALL OF US AT THE RIVER ROOM

Event organized by:

TINA LIPE

CLICK HERETO FOLLOW THE EVENT

ON FACEBOOK.

VENDOR LISTING – SEE BELOW!

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

FS Downtown Christmas Parade: Dec. 1

November 17, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

2020 Downtown Christmas Parade

Now taking parade entries!

THEME:

THE GRINCH DIDN’T STEAL CHRISTMAS!

Tuesday

Dec 1st

6PM

Line-up at 3rd & Main St., north to Skubitz, northwest to National Ave., and back to 3rd Street!

All are encouraged to participate in the parade!

Businesses, friends, families, schools,

organizations & more!

The Downtown Christmas Parade is organized by the

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

CLICK HERE

TO DOWNLOAD YOUR PARADE ENTRY FORM & RETURN IT TO THE CHAMBER NO LATER THAN

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH AT 1PM

Parade prizes – sponsored by Briggs Auto

Prizes will be awarded to overall:

1st place $75, 2nd place $50, 3rd place $25

Along with special prizes for:

Top Golf Cart Entry $25

Top Band Entry $25

Enter the parade today!

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Lowell Milken Center Announces Four New Exhibits in Collaboration with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism

November 17, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Lowell Milken Center is located at the corner of First and Wall Streets.

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is pleased to announce the installation of four new exhibits in the Hall of Unsung Heroes museum in downtown Fort Scott.

The Attraction Development Grant received from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, & Tourism made this new addition to the Lowell Milken Center possible. The grant and matching funds allowed the Lowell Milken Center to update and improve the exhibit area and increase connections with visitors.

The Lowell Milken Center staff has had the opportunity to explore new avenues to reach visitors, teachers, and students while continuing their mission during the last nine months. Through social media outreach, virtual tours, Zoom presentations, and special video clips, the Lowell Milken Center continues to make the exhibit area relevant for teachers, adults, and students

. The inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes and positive role models need to be heard.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Attraction Development Grant is designed to provide assistance in the development of new tourism attractions or the enhancement of existing attractions within the State. Their purpose is to provide strategic economic assistance to public and private entities and not-for-profit groups that are developing new tourism attractions or enhancing existing ones.

The new panels feature the inspirational stories of Jackie Ormes, Doug Hegdahl, William Matthews and Harry Hue.

Watch for a virtual unveiling of the new exhibits to take place in March.

About the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes:
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes works with students and educators across diverse academic disciplines to develop history projects that highlight role models who demonstrate courage, compassion and respect.

Through our unique project-based learning approach, students discover, develop and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes who have made a profound and positive impact on the course of history.

By championing these Unsung Heroes, students, educators and communities discover their own power and responsibility to effect positive change in the world.

Visit www.lowellmilkencenter.org to learn more or visit the Lowell Milken Center exhibits in downtown Fort Scott.

Fort Scott Biz