Category Archives: Fort Scott

FSCC Christmas Play This Friday, November 12th!

Sending on behalf of Chamber member Fort Scott Community College…

FSCC Christmas Play

This Friday, November 12th!

Children’s Christmas play

returns Bigfoot to FSCC stage

As a holiday gift to local and area boys and girls of all ages, the Fort Scott Community College theater department presents “All I Want for Christmas is Bigfoot’s Teeth,” a short children’s play written and directed by FSCC theater instructor Allen Twitchell.

Performance of the 25-minute play is set for 7 p.m. Friday (Nov. 11) in the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the FSCC campus. Admission is free.

In the play, the vain villainess Noella DeVile, who fears her looks are fading, attempts to steal Bigfoot’s teeth because they contain magical properties that enhance youth and beauty. Bigfoot, now living in a small town in Kansas after his discovery a few years ago, is assisted by a trio of local youngsters who are helping educate him as he assimilates into polite society.

This play is actually the third installment in a Bigfoot yuletide trilogy that began with “A Very Hairy Christmas” and continued with “Santa Claws is Coming to Town,” but “each play stands on its own. You don’t need to see the first two to follow the third,” Twitchell said.

The cast features Hyden Wirsig (Bigfoot), Kevin Thomure (Sgt. Kopper), Seth Lowery (Ben), Sonny Webb (Noella DeVile), Ben Wirsig (Thug 1), Paityn Curtis (Grace), Dray Dickey (Doctor Virus), Ezra Lipscomb (Jordan), Abby Sweat (Dimmer), Evan Ballinger (Darth Hunter), Khris Patel (Thug 2) and Colleen Sweat (Dim).

There is also a special cameo appearance by Santa Claus and candy for everyone following the show (courtesy of Walmart of Fort Scott).

Zach Loper of Girard provides technical support.

Thank you to the Chamber Champion members below!

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Artificers Gallery Opens For Christmas Art Show Dec. 2-4

Trent and Kate Freeman in front of their Artificers building at 8 N. National. Submitted photo
Kate and Trent Freeman, local artists who moved from Kansas City,
are in the final stretch of their renovation of the building they purchased, at 8 N. National Avenue. The name of their art business is the Artificers.
“We are so excited to finally give the community a sneak peek into The Artificers,” Kate said. “Our Christmas Art Show will be held at 8 North National Avenue. We are renovating and restoring the Hammon’s Real Estate building and after a few obstacles we are ready to host our 6th Annual Christmas Show in our new gallery.”
 
The art sale/ show will be open December 2, from  5-9 p.m., December 3, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.,  December 4, noon to 5.p.m
“We hope everyone coming for the Candlelight Tour at the Fort Scott National Historic Site will stop in and see us,” she said.
Trent and Kate Freeman. Submitted photo
The Artificers have selected eight artists to set up and sell their artwork this year.
For Christmas, Trent and Kate create sculpture exclusively.
“Other artists will have pottery, copper jewelry, Airbrush and Graphite, and an illustrator and a photographer,” she said. “Our artists are true craftsmen, all their work is original and limited, or handmade made from raw materials.”
The artists include: Trent and Kate Freeman, sculpture; Erin Shevling, pottery; Tim Kienzel, copper jewelry; Darrell Williams, Airbrush/Graphite; Julie Snitker, illustrator; Andrea Latham, ceramics;  and Maggie Brenner, photography.
 
We started this show six years ago at our former studio in Kansas City as a way to give some of our artist friends an outlet to show and sell their artwork during the Christmas and holiday season,” she said. “We soon learned that our clients loved coming as much as we enjoyed showing off our latest creations.’
‘We have had wonderful support every year from friends, family and clients new and old,” Kate said.  “Last year, with the setbacks of the building remodel, Jared Leek, owner of Front Door Realty, Crooner’s Restaurant and The Liberty Theater, was generous enough to provide us space in Front Door Realty and open up Crooner’s so we could continue with our tradition of this show. We will be forever grateful to them for their generosity.”
About the Artificers
The Artificers is a collection of artists and craftsmen.
They are a privately owned art gallery,  and a teaching studio and working studio with two resident artists, Trent and Kate Freeman.
Trent and Kate each have their own studio in the building.
The Artificers will offer a space for professional artists to apply to display their work as well as the aspiring artist to take classes in many different mediums including but not limited to clay, airbrush, watercolor, acrylic, stained glass etc.
“We will be having regular Master Artist gallery openings as well as opportunities to learn from those artists,” Kate said. “We also have several community art events on the horizon that we would like to host or be involved in developing.  We are so excited to be a positive force in Historic Downtown Fort Scott and look forward to inviting you into our new space.”

Laree+Co: Started By A Mother’s Love

Alivia Kraft. Submitted photo.

Laree + Co., a new children’s store in Fort Scott, began because of Alivia Kraft’s daughter.

“Lillian was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 at 27 weeks gestation but she did not let her diagnosis stop her,” Alivia said. “Despite being given a 5% chance of surviving to her first birthday, Lils overcame more than most people do in a lifetime and we were blessed with four breathtaking years with her.”

Trisomy 18 is a condition that causes severe developmental delays due to an extra chromosome 18, according to the Mayo Clinic website.

Lillian Kraft. Submitted photo.

“She was the most beautiful, amazing, positive, and determined person I know,” her mother said. “To know her really was to love her. Lillian has inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and do something I’ve always dreamed of doing—starting a brand!”

“Because Trisomy 18 has impacted my life so much, part of my brand’s mission is to spread awareness by naming our items or collections after a medically complex warrior or angel (child),” Kraft said.

The business opened online in November 2018 and the storefront at 3 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott,  opened in December 2020.

Laree + Co is located at the corner of Wall Street and National Avenue in Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

The business strives to produce beautiful, high quality clothes and more, for children of all abilities.

New in 2023:  the majority of Laree+ Co collection have been hand illustrated and are exclusive to the business.

Alivia Kraft, owner of Laree + Co, located at 13 S. National Avenue. Submitted photos.

“10% of our profit will be put into the Lillian Rose Foundation, where care packages will be provided to medically complex infants and children, bereavement gifts to angel mamas, and making donations to hospitals close to our hearts,” Kraft said.

The store currently has seven employees.

Shop online at www.lareeandco.com

Firefighters Coming to the Library

Submitted photos.


 
Storytime at Fort Scott Public Library will feature special guests from the Fort Scott Fire Department this Tuesday, November 8, at 10 am. Bring your young children to learn about firefighters and fire trucks with a touch-a-truck session, and then stay for stories, crafts, and snacks with Miss Val. Kids will also receive a plastic firefighter hat (while supplies last). 
Submitted photo.
 
Storytime is a weekly event, with remote options available. In-person storytimes are Tuesdays at 10 am, while virtual storytimes are posted on-demand, with curbside pickup options, on Thursdays at 10 am. For more information, contact Miss Val at [email protected]. Watch the FSPL Facebook page for upcoming events, and fill out this form to order a curbside storytime kit if you want to participate virtually: https://forms.gle/o9sGo4yxbK5jmVte9

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Nov. 4

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

November 4th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

TROLLEY TOURS,

ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!

Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under

50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Donations being accepted for Wreaths Across America through 11/22, click here for info.

11/4 ~ Elks Lodge Paint Night Class, click here for info.

11/5 ~ Battle at the Fort 14U Fastpitch Softball Tournament, Cullor Field, 2108 S. Horton St., starts 8am, click here.

11/5 ~ First Saturday Storytime at Hedgehog.INK! Book Store, Downtown Fort Scott, 10:30am, this Saturday featuring “Sing and Dance in your Polka Dot Pants”, 16 S. Main St.

11/5 ~ Care to Share Cancer Support Group Quarterly Meeting, 10:30am, 902 S. Horton.

11/5 ~ Paint & Pizza by Happy Snappy Art at Papa Don’s, 11am, click here for info.

11/5 ~ Chili Feed & Bake Auction at Fort Scott Christian Heights School, dinner 4-6pm, auction immediately after, click here.

11/6 ~ Breakaway Buckle Series @ Taylor Ranch, 2pm, click here for info.

11/6 ~ Mary Queen of Angels Fall Festival, Turkey Dinner & More, 4-6pm, Kennedy Gym

11/7 ~ FSCC Greyhound Great Reamon will be at the Greyhound Legacy Center, Downtown Fort Scott, 12pm-7pm, click here for info.

11/8, 11/10, 11/12 ~ FSHS presents The Addams Family School Edition, click here for info.

11/10 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by the VFW, 1745 S. National Ave.

11/10 ~ Kiwanis Pioneers Chili Feed, drive-thru only at First United Methodist Church, click here for info.

11/10 ~ Holiday Open House Shopping Event, Downtown & Around, 5-8pm, click here. See flyer below, hop & shop on the trolley as it goes store-to-store, 19 stores participating!

11/10 ~ Pizza Republic celebrates the US Marine Corps Birthday, all invited for a cutting of the cake ceremony at 7pm. See below for more info.

11/11 ~ American Legion Veterans Day Reverse Parade – Starts at Memorial Hall and routes around to Fort Scott school buildings, 9am.

11/11 ~ VFW Ceremony – All veterans, active duty, and the public are welcome to attend this event at the Fort Scott National Cemetery #1, 900 E. National Avenue, 11am.

11/11 ~ Immediately following the ceremony – VFW Luncheon, – Join us for lunch at VFW Post, 1745 S. National Avenue. Free-will donation is welcome.

11/11 ~ Memorials & Monuments Trolley Tour – Military monuments & memorials will be featured on this trolley tour in historic Fort Scott at 2pm on both Friday & Saturday, departing from the Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, 231 E. Wall Street.

11/11 ~ Military Meet & Mingle, Dinner & Auction – Veterans and active duty, plus friends & family will have the opportunity to meet and mingle at the VFW (1745 S. National Avenue). Discounts for veterans & active duty. 6pm dinner, Doors open at 7pm for Social Hour, 8pm Live Auction. Only 30 seats for dinner.

11/11 ~ Pizza Republic Presents Outlaw Jim and the Whiskey Benders, 8pm. The concert benefits the E3 Veterans Foundation. Suggested $5 donation. 17 S. Main St, Fort Scott.

11/11 ~ FSCC presents “All I Want for Christmas is Big Foot”, 7pm, click here for info.

11/12 ~ The Veterans Day 5k Fun Run starts at 8 AM. Includes a competitive 5k Run, a family fun 5k Run/Walk, or a 10k Challenge (3.2k Run, 1.8k Row and 5k Bike). Event proceeds to benefit local veteran’s organizations. For entry fees and more info visit: www.Facebook.com/SmallvilleAthletics.

11/12 ~ Memorials & Monuments Trolley Tour – Military monuments & memorials will be featured on this trolley tour in historic Fort Scott at 2pm on both Friday & Saturday, departing from the Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, 231 E. Wall Street.

11/13 ~ Holly Jolly Holiday Market, 9am-3pm, Buck Run Community Center. See below for more info.

SAVE THE DATE:

11/21 ~ FSMS Fall Extravaganza Shopping Event, 5-8pm

12/1 ~ Christmas Parade, click here for entry form or to register online.

12/3-4 ~ Candlelight Tours of the Fort Scott National

Historic Site, tickets now on sale by calling 620-223-0310.

12/3-4 ~ The Artificers 6th Annual Christmas Show

12/10 ~ Christmas in the Park, Gunn Park

12/9-23 ~ Christmas Light Trolley Tours, booking now! Tours each night at 5:45pm, 7pm, and 8:15pm! $8 adults, $5 kids, or book the whole trolley for $125 to tour with only your friends, family or co-workers!

_____________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

First Saturday Storytime @ Hedgehog.INK!

Mary Queen of Angels Fall Festival this Sunday

Holiday Open House coming November 10th

United States Marine Corps Birthday

Come for a Cake Ceremony at Pizza Republic

Pizza Republic presents Outlaw Jim

and the Whiskey Benders in concert!

VFW Activities ~ Veterans Day Weekend

Limited # of Steak Dinners Avail. for Friday Night

Holly Jolly Holiday Market ~ November 13th

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!

FS Commission To Meet Nov. 7 To Consider Financial Services Agreement

There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7th, 2022.  This meeting will be to consider the agreement of financial services with BakerTilly.

 

This meeting will be held at 123 S. Main Street in the City Commission meeting room and will be broadcast on the City’s You Tube channel.   This meeting is open to the public.

Veteran’s Day “Mobile” Parade

 

Who: Thompson-Harkey American Legions Riders Post #25

What: School Parade drive by

When: November 11, 2022, at 9 a.m.

Where: Memorial Hall, 1 East Third Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Parade will drive by the USD234 Preschool, Winfield Scott Elementary School, Fort Scott High School, Eugene Ware Elementary School, and end at the Fort Scott National Cemetery prior to the Veteran’s Day Ceremony.

 

**ALL VETERANS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE VIA MOTORCYCLE OR AUTOMOBILE**

The more participants, the better.

 

Media Contact: Tom Metcalf, Jr. American Legion Riders Post #25, Director. 620-224-7951, [email protected]

 

Chamber Coffee hosted by Integrity Home Care + Hospice on Nov. 3

CHAMBER COFFEE ~ YOU’RE INVITED!
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by Integrity Home Care + Hospice!
Thursday, November 3rd
8am
1711 S. National Ave.
(directly behind Domino’s Pizza)
We hope to see you there!
Click here for their website.
Click here for their Facebook page.
About Integrity…
Introduce your family to our family.
We are passionately dedicated to improving the healthcare system because we all have had a personal experience with the struggle that comes with a change in health. We are here to help and support you and your family as you seek to improve or simply maintain your health and independence at home.
At Integrity, our mission is to identify and meet your home care needs and the needs of our employees with the unmatched skill, compassion, and integrity. Not just because its the right thing to do, but because that’s how we would like to be treated, too.
Let us help you on your care journey.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Dale Wiley: A Handyman

One of the 18 sewing machines that Marie Wiley has in her husbands shop.

Dale Wiley loved to tinker.

Dale Wiley. Submitted.

“He was handy and clever,” said his wife of 60 years said. “And he was pretty talented.”

Marie Wiley.

For over 23 years, Dale served on the Fort Scott Fire Department as a firefighter. But in his spare time, he began repairing sewing machines. Marie Wiley, his wife is a talented seamstress, who worked at Country Cupboard for several decades.

Before working at Country Cupboard, Marie worked for Helen Carson, owner of Helen’s Fabric,  and Helen asked Dale to repair sewing machines.

“He went to Bernina School in K.C. and also to training in Las Vegas for training,” Marie said. At first he repaired only Bernina’s, but began to tinker with other brands.

TWo of the Wiley sewing machines.

“Sometimes he would spend a couple of hours and sometimes a couple of weeks on a machine,” she said. “Sometimes he had to make machine parts. It had to be done right or he wasn’t going to do it.”

When Dale died on August 23, 2022, there remained 18 sewing machines in his shop that people had given him and he took on to repair.

A Brother Sewing Machine that Dale repaired.

“It was just a hobby for him to tinker around with,” she said.

Besides Bernina machines in the Wiley garage there are Singer, including two antiques, Brother, J.C. Penney, Montgomery Wards, Sears Kenmore, and Husquana Brands, along with two Singers for leather work and two sergers.  A serger trims the seam and encloses the seam allowance or edge of the fabric, inside a thread casing, all in one step, according to thesprucecrafts.com.

A serger that Dale Wiley repaired.

“He repaired no computerized sewing machines, just the heavier old ones with no nylon gears,” Marie said.

One of the sewing machines that sews on leather.

Marie also has eight sewing machines in her sewing room in the house and continues to create cloth heirlooms for her family.

As with her husband, small appliance repair options are dying.

“Small appliance repair is a dying art,” Marie said. “Everything is made to be thrown away when it doesn’t work.”

For more information about the machines, contact Marie at 620.215.2014.