Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott

Butterfly Garden in the Making for Gunn Park

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The butterfly garden is located just before the entrance to Gunn Park on the south side of Park Avenue. This view is from behind the entrance signs looking southeast to the garden spot.
A butterfly habitat pollination garden is being established in Gunn Park by some residents.
Alison Leach and Krisi Bowman had an idea to create pollination habitats,  and have been working to see the idea come to fruition.
Alison Leach, left,  and Krisi Bowman clears more space at the butterfly garden site just before the entrance sign to Gunn Park on November 6. In the background is the tilled soil that is the prepared site for the planting of seeds to attract pollinators.
The two presented pollination habitat information to the Fort Scott City Commission in  August 2020.
They requested permission to seek a site, resources, and establish a team of volunteers.
“The Covid Pandemic became a barrier as there were limited people able to gather for meetings to consider the vision,” Bowman said.
This did not deter the two and they spent hours seeking a site that provides adequate sun and space, she said.
Fort Scott Parks Director Doug Guns has experience in utilizing pollinator plants on golf courses, Bowman said.
“He was very supportive of the butterfly habitat and realized the benefits,” she said.
At a Fort Scott Parks Advisory Board meeting, Guns gave information on developing a small-scale butterfly habitat project near the Gunn Park entrance.
“He provided some guidelines of signs and warnings of bees that the public may need to be aware of, if allergic, to mitigate any injury,” Bowman said.
The tilled area is waiting for seed. Submitted by Alison Leach.

“Native plants are best since that is what supports pollinators in their natural habitat,” Bowman said. “They are much lower maintenance due to their long roots and require less water than non-natives and thrive in less than ideal conditions. Each species of butterfly has a specific host plant as well. Monarch’s host plant is milkweed which serves as the only food source for Monarch caterpillars. It is important to have diversity in nectar plants for different bloom times so pollinators will have nectar throughout the entire season.”

Gardening is something Bowman enjoys.

“The best part about gardening is that it is for everyone,” she said. “If there is otherwise useless space it can become something beautiful and beneficial for native wildlife even in small spaces.”

 

“When we started this project the main goal was to create more natural habitat space free of pesticides in otherwise unused space to support pollinators and encourage more native plantings in our community,” she said. “Native (plant) gardens are not only beautiful- they also serve a purpose.”

For Bowman, a Monarch Butterfly garden is something she has been enjoying for some time.
She has been growing milkweed and other native plants on her property for years, she said.
Photo of a Monarch Butterfly taken by Kris Bowman this summer.
She has established a connection with Monarchs on the Move out of Kansas City, Missouri.
A Monarch Butterfly caterpillar. Submitted by Bowman.
“April with Monarchs on the Move has had a 501c3 (non-profit status)  for seven-plus years and was gracious to hold a teleconference with Alison and I,” Bowman said.  “April provided clear step-by-step recommendations to prepare the site.  April offered to share her harvested seed for our initial project this fall.”
A Monarch Butterfly in Bowman’s garden.
Leach appeared once again before the Fort Scott City Commission and asked for permission to begin the project to the left side of Gunn Park entrance and it was granted, she said.
Leach and Bowman met with Doug Guns and he advised of a few resources (grants) to review, she said.
“Doug has been an instrumental part of this project coming to fruition,” Leach said.  “City park employees have been accessible and helpful during the preparation of soil and area. Norman Mackey had recently tilled the area and it’s now prepared for the seeding process.”
“The group welcomes volunteers this spring and will announce any opportunities,  on our Facebook page:  Bourbon County Monarch,” Leach said.
A Monarch Butterfly caterpillar, taken in Krisi Bowm’s garden last summer.
Bourbon County, COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care

Local Health Department Now Offering COVID Vaccine For 5-11 Year Olds

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The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department is now able to offer Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for 5-11 year-olds.

If a parent is interested, they would need to call the local health department to make an appointment. This is a 2-dose series and the 2nd dose is to be given at least 21 days after the first.

Only Pfizer has been approved for 5-17 year-olds.

There is no recommendation at this time for a booster for this age group.

Submitted by Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN

SEK Multi-County Health Department

Administrator, 524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701

Phone (620)223-4464

Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.
Fort Scott

Veteran’s to Parade Past Fort Scott Schools on Nov. 11

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The American Legion Post 25 has planned a Veteran’s Day Parade, following the decision of the Fort Scott Tourism Board to cancel the one they have sponsored for a few years.

“I am proud and excited to announce that we have organized our own parade for Veteran’s Day,”  Jessica Allison, Commander of

American Legion Post #25, Fort Scott,  said. “I am encouraging all of you to participate.”
All veterans who wish to participate will be meeting at Memorial Hall, Third Street at National Avenue, at 9:45  a.m. on Thursday, November 11.
“The parade will be led by the American Legion Riders on their motorcycles, and the rest of you will follow in vehicles. We will not have a float. We will be driving by all of the schools in town.”
“Tom “Short Bus” Metcalf, Jr. has contacted the (USD234) School Superintendent and they will have the students outside to watch,” she said.
“We will end the route at National Cemetery in time for the Veteran’s Day Ceremony at 11 a.m.,” Allison said. “Please pass this on to any and all the local veterans that you know.”
Contact Allison at 620-224-4733 or Tom Metcalf, Jr at 620-224-7951.
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 News Release

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, November 8, 2021

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, November 8, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.

President James Wood opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – October 20, 2021 – $1,447,671.65

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity fund accounts­­­­­­

F.     FFA Extended Trip Application

G.    Parent/Teacher Conference statistics

 

Board members watched a video of Winfield Scott students utilizing new technology as they learn to produce daily announcements.  Board members heard the following reports:

 

·       Audit Report from Terry Sercer

·       Fort Scott KNEA Report from Brenda Hill

·       Administrators’ Reports

·       Academic Director’s Report

·       Superintendent’s Report

·       Business Manager’s Report

 

Board members approved the ESSER II funds application.  In addition, the board approved a January 2022 retention bonus of $500 per employee.

The board members reviewed and updated the USD 234 Area of Focus.  In addition, board members approved the following:

 

·       Roof consulting proposal from Benchmark, Inc.

·       Resolution 21-09 for Withdrawal from Kansas Educational Risk Management Pool

·       RPS Broker Agreement

·       Benefits Committee recommendation for health insurance

·       Erate Application Funding Year 2022 Contract

·       Employee Safety Manual

·       Memorandum of Understanding with CHC for COVID-19 testing

·       Memorandum of Understanding with Fort Scott KNEA

The Fort Scott Middle School VIP Fall Extravaganza will be held on November 22, 2021, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the middle school commons and gymnasium.

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.   The board approved the following employment items:

 

A.    Retirement of Fredina Gonzales, bus driver, effective December 1, 2021

B.    Resignation of Robert Jackson, Eugene Ware/Fort Scott Preschool Center custodian, effective Novembe4 5, 2021

C.    Resignation of Mary Watson, middle school paraprofessional, effective October 29, 2021

D.    Leave of absence for Brent Cavin, middle school social studies teacher

E.     Employment of Kaytelynd Keller as a Winfield Scott paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

F.     Employment of Akasha Clements as a middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

G.    Employment of Jonny Larsen as a 12-month, 8-hour Eugene Ware/Fort Scott Preschool Center custodian for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

H.    Resignation of Amy Keeton, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective Nov. 7, 2021

I.      Employment of Jade Johnson as a high school assistant softball coach for the 2021-22 school year; Employment of Tom Robertson as high school head boys’ golf coach for the 2021-22 school year

J.      Addition of a high school paraprofessional position for the 2021-22 school year.

 

The board adjourned.

Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott

New Mural In Riverfront Park

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Stephen Toal stands in front of his latest mural, entitled, United We Stand, Divided We Fall, on the Riverfront Loop Road, under the Hwy. 69 underpass on Wednesday afternoon.

On November 8, local artist Stephen Toal was finishing up a new mural he has painted in the tunnel of the Hwy. 69 underpass on the Riverfront Loop Road in Riverfront Park.

He was inspired to create some patriotic themes featuring the Statue of Liberty along with the skyline of New York and the symbol of America, the Bald Eagle.

He said the name of the mural is United We Stand, Divided We Fall, which he felt was fitting for this time in America. The pandemic, social justice issues, and political divides are the news of the day in the last year and a half since the pandemic began.

For Toal, the project was set back a bit by stolen paint left at the site last week.

“Somebody stole my paint,” Toal said. “But it’s pretty cool that people came together and purchased more paint for me.”

“I’m going to open an account for community projects,” he said. “I don’t like messing with money,”

He has done six community murals in Fort Scott parks and has had three paid mural jobs recently, he said.

His first mural was at Gunn Park under the big rock shelter house No. 1, which he completed in spring 2020.

To view prior features on the artist:

New Mural at Gunn Park by Artist Stephen Toal

Art Is Therapy For Toal

Toal said he invites the community to come and visit his latest artwork.

The New York skyline and the American Bald Eagle are featured in Toal’s latest mural.

His mural work is just about finished for the season.

“Spray paint spits, when the weather gets below 40 degrees,” Toal said. “So I do it when the weather is warmer.”

 

Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

Kiwanis Pioneers Host Drive Through Chili Feed Fundraiser

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The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers will hold their 33rd annual Chili Feed on Thursday, November 18 at the United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott. “The annual fundraiser will be a drive through only event this year” according to Kiwanis Pioneer President Elizabeth Schafer.

A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $6.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.

This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year. In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, playground equipment, the Beacon, United Way, Foster Kids, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs. “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Schafer.

Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.

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Bourbon County, Church news, Fort Scott

  Fort Scott Lighthouse Gathering On Nov. 11

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The community is invited to the Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse monthly gathering at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 11, in the conference room of Rodeway Inn, 101 State Street.
This is an interdenominational ministry opportunity for women, men and youth to worship, pray, fellowship and grow in unity.  We desire to propel the Kingdom forward through the elevation of the knowledge of God. The goal of Aglow International is: Every nation touched, every heart changed.
We will share a teaching given at our international conference in September.
Our Lighthouse desires the body of Christ to come together to meet the needs of those that cannot speak for themselves.
We are forming a committee and looking for property to get temporary shelter ready for those in need.
For more information contact Amanda Gilmore at (620) 215-0418 or Bob Reazin at (620) 363-0257.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Annual Holiday Open House Nov. 11-13

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3-Day Holiday Open House Kick-Off : November 11, 5-8pm

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Annual Holiday Open House Shopping Event will take place November 11th to 13th in the Downtown Historic District and other participating locations.

Many retailers will be open Thursday evening, November 11th from 5 to 8pm for a special shopping kick-off with the Holiday Open House continuing on Friday and Saturday during normal business hours. In honor of Veterans Day and our local veterans, participating stores will be making a donation to Wreaths Across America from Thursday evening’s sales.

Dolly the Trolley will provide complimentary transportation between shopping locations Thursday from 5 to 8pm for those wishing to shop and ride.

Participating retailers include the following location: Angela Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market, Bartlesmeyer Jewelry, Bids & Dibs, Courtland Hotel & Spa – Flying P Ranch, Hedgehog.INK!, Hole In the Wall Liquor, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Laree + Co, Main Street Gallery & Gifts, Papa Don’s (vendors), Sekan’s Occasion Shop, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, and Varia ~ Quality Resale Clothing Store.

More details will be posted on the Chamber website www.fortscott.com and social media. Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more at 620-223-3566.

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Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Lyons Realty Adds New Employee: Ryan Edgecomb

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Ryan Edgecomb, 46,  is a new real estate agent for Lyons Realty Group.
Lyons’ Realty Group office, 8 E. Wall,  taken from its Facebook page.
“I will assist clients with buying and selling real estate,” he said. “I plan to use my agriculture background to specialize in hunting and agriculture properties.”
“I have been involved in ag-related careers my entire life including livestock feed and equipment sales as well as agriculture education,” he said.
He started this month.
He pursued this career because he has a strong interest in property and land values, he said.
“After Kylie and I got married, we started watching real estate and looking for a house to buy,” he said. ” We also kept our eyes open for some small acreage suitable to build a house. We successfully found 20 acres and built our dream home. Furthermore,  I have always been intrigued by the real estate and land trends in our area. This has prompted me to pursue this position.”
Edgecomb has been involved in the agricultural community.
“I am very active in Kansas Farm Bureau by serving a leadership role on the county level and representing District 3 on the state beef advisory committee,” he said.  “I have also served on many local ag advisory boards, extension boards, and participated in numerous community service projects.”
Edgecomb attended Kansas State University for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
“My wife, Kylie, and I live on a small farm in rural Crawford County. We raise a small herd of commercial Angus and balancer cattle,” he said.
Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Talking Tigers: All Teams Placed in Debate Tourney

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On Saturday, November 6, FSHS Talking Tigers competed at the Parsons debate tournament.  They placed 2nd overall and in the open division, all four of our teams placed!
Neil and Shekhar Gugnani placed 1st
Cadence Tuck and Regen Wells placed 3rd
Anna Hall and Caitlynn Tate placed 4th
Khris Patel and Lexi Hill placed 8th
GO TIGERS!!
Submitted by Angella Curran 

Fort Scott High School
Speech Communications
Debate/Forensics
Fort Scott, Government

FS City Offices Closed Nov. 11

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The City of Fort Scott Administrative Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 11th, 2021 in observance of Veterans Day. The regular offices will reopen on Friday, November 12th, 2021.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Thursday, November 11th, 2021 for the Veteran’s Day holiday. It will be open again on Saturday, November 13th, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Board Agenda for Nov. 8

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Unified School District 234 Board Agenda

November 8, 2021

5:30 p.m.

Fort Scott Middle School Commons

Live Stream on youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjaU97n6HwM9fYHltUChYXg

  1. Open the meeting
  2. Flag Salute
  3. Consider official agenda
  4. Consider consent agenda
  5. Winfield Scott presentation
  6. Audit Report from Terry Sercer
  7. Public Forum
  8. Fort Scott KNEA Report
  9. Administrators’ Reports
  10. Academic Director’s Report
  11. Superintendent’s Report
  12. Business Manager’s Report
  13. ESSER Update
  14. Review and update USD 234 Areas of Focus
  15. Consider roof consulting proposal from Benchmark, Inc.
  16. Consider Resolution 21-09 for Withdrawal from Kansas Educational Risk Management Pool
  17. Consider RPS Broker Agreement
  18. Consider Benefits Committee Recommendation – Health Insurance
  19. Consider Erate Application Funding Year 2022 Contract
  20. Consider Employee Safety Manual
  21. Consider Memorandum of Understanding with CHC for COVID-19 testing
  22. Consider Memorandum of Understanding with Fort Scott KNEA
  23. Fort Scott Middle School VIP Fall Extravaganza – November 22, 2021 – 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
  24. Board member comments
  25. Executive session – to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel
  26. Consider Employment
  27. Adjourn