Category Archives: Fort Scott

“As You Are Ministry” Starts

 

Mayra and Jose Montanez, have started a  helping ministry in Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

As You Are Ministries is a ministry started by Mayra and Jose Montanez, owners of the Fort Scott Barber Shop.

“We were led by God to not only bring this ministry here but also to move here along with our kids and grandkids as well as our barbershop,” Mayra said. The family came to Fort Scott earlier this year from the Kansas City area.

The ministry will provide faith-based community services such as clothing, shoes, hygiene products, food, and hot/cold beverages to those in need.

And they have much bigger plans for those people who are down and out.

“We will also be building two bathrooms with showers for anyone in need of one,” Mayra said.

The ministry is headquartered above their family business, Fort Scott Barbershop, 118 E. Wall.

The next step will be to create a healthy-food pantry, in collaboration with local farmers, she said.

Then they plan to build four family bedrooms for anyone needing a place to sleep or stay until they can be placed in a more permanent situation or program, Mayra said.

The ministry started at the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020.

“We quickly realized that people were desperate for hope and encouragement,” she said.

They started on social media.

“Every Sunday at 7 p.m., we would log in to our Facebook page ‘As You Are Ministries’ and give a word of encouragement to all that would log in.”

“Through our online videos, so far we have reached 15 countries,” she said.

They began to give out Bibles.

“Quickly noticing many people didn’t have Bibles, we started offering free Bibles, of their choosing, and would mail them to them,” she said.  “We’ve currently given out close to 100, (with the) price ranging from $40-$100.  It’s always what the person chooses, as long as it is Christian-based so that we can be in one accord.”

“Our Facebook page is public, anyone can see it and our goal is to reach all those in need of encouragement,” Jose said. “But the faith-based community service is for Fort Scott.”

The Montanez’s attend Faith Church and go to Bible studies with one of their groups on Mondays, he said.

The family had a setback when money was stolen from them recently.

“Our funds were stolen from our home about two months ago and we are currently in the process of saving up money to put in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system and bathrooms,” he said. “The community has donated randomly so far $1,075  to help with the money stolen, we are so appreciative of that”

The ministry is headquartered above the Montanez family’s barbershop at 118 E. Wall, on the second floor.
To view the story on the barbershop they opened in May 2021:

FS City Commission Holds Special Meeting To Interview City Manager Candidates

The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 20th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to interview candidates for the City Manager position. The City Commission will recess into Executive Session for these interviews.

This meeting is open to the public, but the Executive Session is not.

Writers Workshop Held Nov. 17 at Local Bookstore

Jan and Dick Hedges, owners of Hedgehog.INK.

Wednesday Writers will happen at
Join Hedgehog.INK! on November 17 from
1:30 to 3 p.m.

The bookstore is located at 16 S. Main Street.

Jane M. Tucker, author of the Lottie Braun trilogy, will join the group to share insights into the writing and publishing of her books.

“This will be the third in a three-part series of workshops to give encouragement, motivation, and support to people who want to write,” said store owner Jan Hedges. “If there is enough interest, we may continue as a writers support group after the first of the year.”

 

Tabletop Ads Available At La Hacienda

Sending on behalf of Chamber member La Hacienda…

NEW TABLETOPS AT LA HACIENDA ~ GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS!

La Hacienda is replacing our 21 table tops with a beautiful new design/finish and we are partnering with local businesses that will be featured on the tables with full color magazine quality ads.

The new tables will stay in place for 3 years.

There are 3 ad sizes to choose from.

A one time payment for all 3 years!

We handle all of the graphics or you can submit a PDF of a completed ad.

Most important is reserving your spot on the table as these ads are going fast.

  Your involvement will show important community support in exchange for this unique exposure!

Contact Carol Carney if interested 1-316-641-7639 or let Mirna or Lupe know at La Hacienda.

_________

Thank you in advance to those who have already confirmed ad placement!

Handicapped Swing In Gunn Park

The new swing is provided for handicapped individuals by the Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers. Photo taken on Nov. 6.

The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers’ donation of a handicapped swing placement in Gunn Park is nearly completed.

Gunn Park is the largest public park in Fort Scott and is located on the west side of the city, off of Park Avenue.

“The one-size-fits-most swing offers a unique opportunity for area children and families to engage in healthy outdoor play together and help youth to develop a variety of physical and social skills,” Kellye Collins, spokeswoman for the club said.

The location is north of Shelter House No. 3 near the big lake, she said.

The name of the project is the Joyce True Memorial Project for Children, and sponsoring in addition to the club, were the City of Fort Scott, the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, the Kansas Kiwanis Foundation, along with the friends and family of Joyce True.

“The project began with the passing of longtime Pioneers club member, Joyce True in July 2019,” Collins said.

“There will be a dedication of the swing in the spring of 2022,” she said. “We hope the city will have completed the landscaping by then.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time.

“This project honors Joyce while fulfilling the Kiwanis mission to serve children and the community,” Collins said.

To view a prior story on the swing:

Pioneer Kiwanis Initiates Collaboration For Community Friendship Swing

FSHS Talking Tigers Place First in Debate Tourney

Congratulations to the Fort Scott High School  Talking Tigers on their 1ST PLACE win at DeSoto on November 13!
In the Open Division, Neil and Shekhar Gugnani took 1st place with 5-0 record.
In the JV division, Cadence Tuck and Joy Self took 1st place with a 5-0 record.
Even though our other teams didn’t place, their wins helped to contribute to our first-place win as a team. Congratulations Tigers!!
Submitted by coach/teacher Angella Curran

FS Commission Special Meeting On November 16

There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16th, 2021. It is anticipated the Commission will adjourn into Executive Session at this time.

This meeting will be held at the Landmark National Bank building on the 2nd floor, at 200 S. Main Street. This meeting is open to the public.

The Commissioners may gather at the Courthouse following this executive session, but no City business will be conducted.

Presentation Explores The Fight For Women’s Suffrage in Kansas

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is located a 1 S. Main, Fort Scott.

Fort Scott, Kansas – Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott will host “The Fight for Women’s Suffrage in Kansas,” a presentation and discussion via Zoom by Dr. Sarah Bell on Friday, November 19th, 2021 at 3:30pm, at the Lowell Milken Center at 1 South Main Street. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes at #620-223-1312 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas. Refreshments will be provided for those attending at the Center.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82602725600?pwd=UE10T0R2T1hCb2prTi9TZ1NWZmZpZz09

Meeting ID: 826 0272 5600
Passcode: 269586

Kansas was repeatedly a leader in advancing progressive issues and rights for women during the late 19th century. However, one cannot talk about women’s suffrage, without noting that the movement and its leaders were primarily white and middle class. Many of these women practiced and perpetuated prejudice against Black women throughout women’s organizations at this time. However, Black women were as actively involved in pushing for equal and civil rights in Kansas as their white counterparts. This presentation will highlight several Black women who were leaders in suffrage, the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, and women’s clubs, while walking through the fifty-year chronology of women fighting to get the vote in Kansas. It will also touch on key events and leaders, while examining why it took so many years to achieve this milestone called suffrage.

Sarah Bell has a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in History and is Development Officer at the Watkins Museum of History in Lawrence. Her dissertation studied woman suffragists’ participation with the Chautauqua Movement.

The women I research inspire me to fight for progress and justice in our world today. Sharing their stories is a way to honor and recognize their hard work at advancing our society,” said Bell.

This presentation is part of Kansas’s Movement of Ideas Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and workshops designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.

For more information about “The Fight for Women’s Suffrage in Kansas” presentation in Fort Scott, contact the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes or call #620-223-1312 or visit our Facebook page – Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 © (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Once their projects are finished, we advocate the student’s unsung heroes by sharing them in our Hall of Unsung Heroes or our website so people all over the world discover their individual influence and obligation to take actions that improve the lives of others. The Hall of Unsung Heroes is proudly located in Southeast Kansas and showcases some of the top projects developed in collaboration with the Center.

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FS Area Foundation Delivers Grants to 15 Recipients

All representatives of the grants awarded, pause for a group photo on Nov. 4 following the presentations.

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) was launched in August 2007 and serves all of Bourbon County as a partner and resource to non-profit organizations whose goal is to improve the quality of life in our area.

The foundation presented the yearly awards at an After-Hours Chamber of Commerce event, hosted by Landmark Bank on November 4.

Thanks to the generosity of area donors, this year the foundation presented awards to 15 organizations totaling $40,345.

 

Gregg Motley tells about the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation before the awarding of the grants. FSCAF Chairperson Carla Farmer listens, at right.

The foundation received 24 qualifying applications requesting over $89,000, Greg Motley, a member of the board of directors, said.

The following is a photo of representatives of the recipients receiving their awards.

Gregg Motley, an FSACF board member; Dave Gillen and Patty Mowen, Beacon representatives; along with Carla Farmer, FSACF Chairperson.

The Beacon received $3,000 to upgrade and expand nutritional food items.

 

Special Olympic Kansas representatives Steve Anthony, 2nd from left, and Erin Fletcher, far-right accept an award from Motley and Farmer.

Special Olympics of Kansas recognizes the accomplishments of those with intellectual disabilities and received $500 toward that effort.

 

Uniontown Saddle Club representatives Wayne Hall and Rachel Carpenter receive a check from Motley and Farmer.

The Uniontown Saddle Club was approved a $4,000 grant to bring electricity to the recreational vehicle area to facilitate overnight camping at the club’s arena.

 

Receiving the grant for the Gordon Parks Museum is Jane Campbell, center.

The Gordon Parks Museum received $3,000 to bring a professional dance group from Kansas City, the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Alley, to the museum’s planned Martin Luther King Day.

 

Craig Hubbard, Kansas Food Bank representative, center, received the check from the foundation.

The Food For Kids program provides weekend meals for chronically hungry school children and the foundation presented a $3,000 check to the Kansas Food Bank Warehouse.

 

Mert Barrows, center, receives a foundation check representing the Presbyterian Church.

The First Presbyterian Church Ramp Pack received $2,500 to build wheelchair ramps to homes of needy Fort Scottians.

 

Fort Scott City Manager Mark McCoy received a foundation check on behalf of the city and the Fort Scott Kiwanis club.

The City of Fort Scott and the Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott received a grant to plant new trees in the community, in the amount of $1,000.

 

CASA representative Jane Campbell, center, received the grant award for the organization.

Bourbon County Court Appointed Special Advocates received $4,500 to facilitate training for new volunteers and ongoing education for staff.

 

Melissa Guns, center, representing the Christmas in the Park organization, received the grant from the foundation.

The Christmas in the Park event will be in Gunn Park this year, thanks to the foundation’s $1,000 grant award.

 

Allen Warren, center, receives the grant award for the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Association and 4-H Clubs.

The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta organization and the Bourbon County 4-H Clubs partnered to receive a $2,500 grant to spruce up the Cloverleaf Event Center at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds and buy some picnic tables.

 

Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Director Allen Schellack, center, receives the grant from the foundation.

Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries received a $2,000 grant to fund transportation services, identification documentation, shelter during extreme weather, and space heaters for those in need.

 

Care to Share Board Members Lavetta Simmons and Sidney Zimmermann, center, receive a grant.

Care to Share, a support organization for those with cancer, received a $3,000 award to ease the financial burden for patients and their caregivers by providing transportation, house cleaning, yard work, meals, and any other personal needs while the patient is focused on the cancer battle.

 

USD 234 school personnel Robin Webb, Missy Miller, and Martin Alteri, all in the center, receive the grant.

Winfield Scott Elementary School first grade teachers will use their $2,500 grant awarded to familiarize students with local resources through trips to businesses, non-profits, and government locations to build backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and math and also help students become community-oriented.

 

Angela Simon, Bailey Lyons, and Lindsay Madison receive the grant for the Chamber.

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce received a $4,000 grant to upgrade the Christmas decorations for the downtown area.

 

USD 234 music teacher Whitley Chesney receives the grant.

Fort Scott High School Choir Director Whitley Chesney received $3,845 to purchase appropriate attire for performances at concerts, no matter what the student’s economic status.

 

New Owners of Historic Downtown Fort Scott Building

Ed and Susan Townley with their daughters from left Cheyanne Griffin, Dani Townley, and Ella Townley. They are pictured in the storefront before the task of decorating the space for the holidays.

Ed Townley, Olathe, has purchased the former Books and Grannies store at 11 N. Main, in Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown.

“I bought it with ideas in mind, but that is ever-changing,” Townley said. “At the current moment, I may finish remodeling and rent it out for a few years.”

Local realtor, Barb Albright with H and H Agency, handled the sale of the building to the family.

“I bought rental houses and recently sold those and I always wanted a business downtown,” he said.

“I have lifelong friends from Fort Scott,” he said. “Jerome Mitzner and Brian Love, along with Al Metcalf.”

He and his wife, Susan, own an independent insurance adjuster business, he said.

“We have a side business of antiques in Johnson County,” Townley said.

They are looking forward to moving to Fort Scott, although at this point it won’t be until his youngest daughter graduates, and she is currently in the eighth grade, he said.

 

The overwhelming amount of books in the former bookstore were consolidated and sold to a company.

“The fastest and easiest way to liquidate the books was to have a company do it,” he said.

Then he had a clean slate to see what he purchased.

What he purchased at 11 N. Main was 1700 square feet with doors to both Main Street and Skubitiz Plaza.

“The front and back doors are appealing,” he said.

Townley has repainted the original ceiling tiles, is working on new flooring and a restroom will be added.

The family worked on a Christmas display on November 6 to spruce up the storefront for the upcoming annual holiday shopping event on November 11-13, sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and businesses.

The storefront at 11 N. Main has been decorated for Christmas by the Townley family.
The storefront that the Townley family created includes a fireplace with Christmas stockings and a Christmas tree with presents.

“We did a vintage Christmas display, to give (the storefront) a little personality,” Townley said.

Following the completion of work on the first floor, the family has the upstairs to renovate.

There is an apartment on the second floor that is the whole length of the store and the family has a goal of making that into a living space, he said.

Townley shows off a working jukebox purchased from Fort Scottian Bill Michaud, which was at the former Kress Building down the street on Main.