Monthly Archives: December 2017

Bourbon County

Building Effective Community Board Leadership Skills in Chanute

Leave a comment

Submitted by Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District

K-State Research and Extension is conducting a series of Community Board Leadership workshops designed to provide basic training for members of community-based boards across the state on February 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2018.

“Informed and committed board members are the key to healthy, effective boards and committees in our Kansas communities.  K-State Research and Extension’s Board Leadership Series will provide an opportunity for board members to learn the basics of being a good board member,” said Trudy Rice, extension community development specialist. “Whether you are a member of a church board, a township board, a United Way agency board, or a rural water board, this training is appropriate for you.”

The series will kick-off on February 6, with Conducting Effective Meetings. During this session, participants will learn about their roles and responsibilities as a board member, basics of parliamentary procedure, and strategies to make meetings more productive and effective.

On February 13, the topic will be Fundraising, Fund Management, Legalities and Ethics. This session will explore a board’s options for raising and managing money, understanding such things as articles of incorporation, bylaws, and policies.

The February 20, session will cover Understanding Fellow Board Members and Conflict Management. Participants will explore how personalities and generational differences affect the decision-making process, and learn how to manage conflict in a way that is productive, not destructive, to the board.

Strategic Planning will be the final topic on February 27. Participants will learn about establishing a common mission and vision for the board, and how to plan priorities for the future.

All sessions will be conducted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Workshop participants will meet at host sites throughout the state to take part in web-based instruction and locally facilitated discussion. The Southwind Extension District will be hosting this valuable training at the Alliance Room in Chanute, Kan.

Pre-registration for the event is required by Wednesday, January 10. The $40 registration buys a seat and light lunch for all four sessions. Individuals may choose to attend on their own or boards may buy a seat and send a different board member to each session. Boards sending multiple members may negotiate a group rate. Registrations may be sent to Southwind Extension District or contact Carla Nemecek at 620-365-2242 for more information or to negotiate group rates.  Registration includes snacks, lunch, four educational sessions, and Board Basics materials.

 

Fort Scott

Fort Scott’s Christmas Parade

Leave a comment
Fort Scott Parks and Recreation Department served free hot cocoa and cookies to parade attendees Tuesday night.

About 50 parade entries and a large crowd braved temperatures in the  30s Tuesday evening to enjoy the 2017 Fort Scott Christmas Parade.  The event was sponsored by Briggs Automall and hosted by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

The theme was “Christmas Vacation” and new this year was a decorated golf cart category.

 

 

Mayor Jolynne Mitchell waits with Santa before the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree following the end of the parade.
Children could make craft items while waiting for Santa at Papa Don’s Restaurant, with the help of Fort Scott High School Pride students.
Santa was available to listen to children’s wishes at Papa Don’s Restaurant, with a free photo provided by Walgreens. A book was given to each child courtesy of USD 234.
Brita Rygmyr, manager of Papa Don’s Restaurant; Lindsay Madison, executive director of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, and Santa Claus share a moment before names were drawn for the lucky-draw.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Submitted

Mercy Auxiliary Hosts Holiday Bargain Sale

Leave a comment

Just in time for the holiday season, Mercy Hospital Auxiliary will host a Holiday Bargain Sale on Friday, Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. in the main lobby of Mercy Hospital Fort Scott.

The one-day fundraising event is a favorite with the public. Typically the Mercy Auxiliary brings the vendor to the hospital twice a year. The sale will feature over 1,000 items perfect for special occasions or stocking stuffers. These include trendy fashion accessories such as jewelry, scarves, seasonal items, gadgets, gifts and much more.

Many items are name brand, top quality products but priced up to 80 percent below retail.

The Mercy Hospital Auxiliary is a volunteer organization that raises money to benefit the hospital and provides scholarships for students.

Over the past 12 years, Mercy Auxiliary has donated nearly $850,000 to Mercy Hospital for equipment upgrades, program support, supplies and scholarships for nursing students. Proceeds from sales in the Mercy Market Place gift shop and other specialty sales support the Auxiliary. Collectively, auxiliary member’s volunteer the equivalent of almost seven full-time co-workers in hours of service each year to the hospital.

Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2016 by Truven, an IBM company, serves millions annually. Mercy includes 45 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, more than 700 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 40,000 co-workers and more than 2,000 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has outreach ministries in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. 

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Fort Scott’s Price Chopper To Open Dec. 13 According To CFO

Leave a comment
The cover sheet for the Price Chopper Fort Scott plans.

Citing “unforeseen issues” at the delayed store opening, Dennis Riley, Chief Financial Officer of Price Chopper, said the new grocery store will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, December 13, not December 6.

“Barring any other unforeseen issues, we will open Dec. 13,” Riley said. “We wish it would have been sooner… Everything will be open and operating and ready for the citizens of Fort Scott .”

“Late August is when demolition began,” Riley said. “It’s been a top to bottom remodel and a relocation of the flow of the store.”

The store is similar to the Price Chopper in Paola, Riley said.

“We have a heavy emphasis on fresh foods,” he said. “We are proud of our meat department and our produce department.”

There will be a cut fruit and salad bar where people can dine in, Riley said.

The Dunkin’ Donuts area has a drive-up window feature.

Price Chopper Fort Scott currently has 120 employees and is located at 2322 S. Main Street on the city’s south side.

The site was formerly Woods Supermarket.

Barry Queen is the owner of the store and has family ties to the Fort Scott area, Riley said.

 

Obituary

Obituary: Lucy Ann Taylor

Leave a comment

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Lucy Ann Taylor, age 67, former resident of Fort Scott, died Sunday, October 19, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo.

She was born October 29, 1950, in Fort Scott, to John Cates and Ruth Harper Garrison. She married Richard Eugene Taylor, Sr., on June 8, 1965, in Nevada, Mo.; he preceded her in death on January 15, 1995. Lucy loved to collect Elvis Presley and Indian memorabilia. She enjoyed listing to Elvis and Crystal Gale’s music, and was an avid NASCAR fan, especial Dale Earnhardt and his son Dale, Jr. She cherished her time spent with family, and loved her time with the grandkids.

Lucy is survived by two sons, Richard Eugene Taylor, Jr., and wife Jeckie, of Wheatland, Mo., and  William Allen Taylor, of Fort Scott; two sisters, Marilyn Gerhert, of Wyandot, Okla., and Rosa Buras, of Fort Scott; six grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery Ray Taylor; and three brothers, Bill, Melvin and Roy Garrison; a sister, Alta Mae Creamer.

There was cremation. Rev. Chuck Russell conducted graveside services at 11 a.m. Friday, December 1, 2017, at the U.S. National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Mercy Health Foundation of Springfield and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S Main, PO Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary: Charlene Esther Simpson

Leave a comment

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Charlene Esther Simpson, age 89, a resident of rural Garland, Kan., passed away Monday, November 27, 2017, at the Country Place Assisted Living in Fort Scott, Kan.

She was born January 14, 1928, the second daughter of Charles Mason and Esther Eleanor Cheever Mason. She grew up in the Hammond-West Liberty area and attended school at Union Center, a rural one-room school. She was a graduate of Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1945, and a 1947 graduate of Fort Scott Junior College. On December 22, 1954, she married Donald Dale Simpson in Fort Scott. The Simpsons have lived at their rural Garland home for their marriage of 62 years. Charlene had been employed by Western Insurance Company, Montgomery Ward Store and retired in 1983, from the Fort Scott Tribune after 18 years of employment. She was baptized a Methodist and had been a past member of the Order of Eastern Star, receiving a 25-year membership pin from the Violet Chapter at Fulton, Kan. She was also active in 4-H, and had served as a foods leader for the Drywood 4-H Club for 10 years.

Survivors include her husband, Don, of the home; her three sons, Mason (Paula), Scott (Becky), Brady (Patty), all of Fort Scott; and her daughter, Lisa Ireland (Lanny), of Stewartsville, Mo.; 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two nieces, Sally Hinderrager and Sue Williams, both of Montana. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Eva Taylor and a nephew, Wilbur Taylor.

Pastor Lela Simpson conducted graveside services at 1:30 p.m. Thursday November 30, at the U.S. National Cemetery. Family and friends met at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 1:15 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Mercy Hospice or the charity of the donor’s choice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary: Barbara Sue McDaniel

Leave a comment

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Barbara Sue McDaniel, age 79, a resident of rural Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Thursday, November 30, 2017, at her home.

She was born on January 16, 1938 in Illinois, the daughter of Floyd and Rose Burcham Russell. She married Edward McDaniel on June 3, 1956 in Hunt City, Ill. Barbara worked as a CNA and volunteer for Mercy Hospital and as a commercial truck driver with her husband for C.F.I. She was a member of the Hiattville United Methodist Church, enjoyed gardening, taking drives in her convertible and parasailing.

Barbara is survived by her husband Ed of the home, a son Edward F. McDaniel of Effingham,

Ill., a daughter, Cindy Remlinger of Fort Scott, a brother, Carl Russell of Decatur, Ill., two sisters, Janet Neidigh of Oblong, Ill., and Judy Newlin of Bradenton, Fla.; seven grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister Joyce Scherer.

A visitation was held from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, December 4, 2017, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will be held a later date in the Brockville Cemetery, Newton, Ill. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott

FSHS Thespians Present “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

Leave a comment

Submitted by Angela Bin

Fort Scott High School Thespians presents their children’s theatre production of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 2 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 9, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10, in the high school auditorium.

The cast includes 44 local children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Some featured roles include second grader Gianna Gorman as Cindy Lou Who, fifth grader Remy Witt as the Grinch, and sixth grader Jericho Jones as the Mayor of Whoville. Other members of the Who family include Lou and Betty Lou played by seventh graders Zachary Cox and Lillian Collins, Drew played by fourth grader Payton Bowling, and Sue played by fifth grader Annabelle Gorman. The Grinch’s dog, Max, is played by fourth grader Matthew Eaton.

Tickets are $5 and currently on sale at the FSHS Office, 1005 S. Main, and at Common Ground, 116 S. Main. Seating is limited and doors will open 30 minutes before showtime.

FSHS Thespian Director Angie Bin is producing the show with leadership from FSHS Thespians including juniors Hunter Adamson and Darrick Green and sophomore Kaitlyn Hanks as assistant directors; junior Mary Gladbach and senior Katie Button as vocal directors; and sophomores Mesa Jones and Addy Labbe as choreographers. The show serves as the major fundraiser for students attending the International Thespian Festival next summer in Lincoln, Neb.

Additional information can be found on the “Fort Scott High School Thespians” facebook page.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Where Is Winnie?

Leave a comment
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant Allison Turvey holds Winnie the elf. ” Where is Winnie” is a promotion for local businesses.

Winnie the elf works for the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

Her job is to encourage people to shop in Fort Scott.

“Where is Winnie” is the Facebook page where you can learn more about her.

“The goal is to get people to shop local businesses,” Allison Turvey, administrative assistant at the Chamber said.

Turvey “escorts” Winnie to one of the Chamber member’s businesses and places her there.

A photo clue is given on the  Chamber Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/196009193830966

Participants can win a chance to enter a drawing for $100 in Chamber Bucks.

There are two ways to win a chance.

The first is to guess where Winnie is at and post the answer on Facebook.

The second way is to shop at the store Winnie visits then take a photo of your receipt and post it to the discussion board of the “Where Is Winnie” Facebook event page.

All receipts must come from shops where Winnie visited and be posted by December 15.

Each is one entry into the drawing for the $100 Chamber Bucks prize. The bucks can be spent at any of the 55 Chamber businesses.

Anyone unable to upload their receipt photos to Facebook may bring their receipts to the Chamber office, 231 E. Wall.

For more information, contact Turvey at 620-223-3566.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

Health for Life Fitness Center Waives Joining Fee

Leave a comment

Fitness just got easier, or at least the cost of it.

Now through Feb. 28, 2018, Mercy Health for Life fitness center is waiving the new member joining fee. That means members can access all the best cardiovascular equipment, free weights and strength training equipment at Health for Life, plus the services and amenities for the low monthly rate.

Monthly fitness center membership rates are $30 plus tax for a single, $40 plus tax for a family, or $25 for active duty military. SilverSneakers and Silver&Fit memberships are also available for those who qualify.

And at Health for Life members can upgrade to 24-hour access with the purchase a special access card. The cost is only $10 per card. With the card, members can simply swipe the card at the fitness center entrance to enjoy the freedom of exercising at a convenient time, any day of the week. For security and safety, a sophisticated security and camera system will monitor the facility around the clock.

“We take pride in providing an environment that meets all of our member’s needs,” said Kirk Sharp, fitness center manager. “Whether new to exercise or fitness fanatic, we’ve got something for everyone.”

For starters, the fitness center offers new members one, free baseline-fitness assessment and a customized workout plan.

“It just gets better from there,” Sharp added. “We offer dietician consultation, free towel usage, daily locker usage and shower facilities. Members can also purchase personal training packages with one of our two certified personal trainers.”

With the New Year quickly approaching and resolutions to eat healthily and get fit, here’s a chance to make the first move. And, a membership to Health for Life makes a great Holiday gift.

To learn more, call Mercy Health for Life at 620-223-7073 or visit the fitness center in the lower level of Mercy Hospital.

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For Dec. 5

Leave a comment
The Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue.

The Bourbon County Commission Room meets on the 2nd Floor of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays.

Today, December 5, 2017, the agenda is:

9-9:45 a.m.-Jim Harris

9 a.m.-Motor Grader Bid Opening

9:30 a.m.-Open Bank Bids for 2018 Mac Dump Truck

9:45-10:15 a.m.-Commissioners consider and take action on any and all questions or issues which may arise regarding the law enforcement project.

10:15-10:30 a.m.-  Bill Martin

10:30-10:45 a.m.-KCAMP and Cereal Malt Beverages Licenses

10:45-11 a.m.-2018 Wages

11:00-11:15 a.m.-Justin Meeks

11:30-11:45 a.m.-Clint Anderson

Commissioners will be gone by noon.

1st District Commissioner is Lynne Oharah,2nd District-Jeff Fischer, 3rd District-Nick Ruhl, County Clerk-Kendell Mason.

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

HPA’s Annual Fundraising Event Concludes

Leave a comment

To help meet the Historic  Preservation Association of Bourbon County’s goal to save historic buildings in Fort Scott, money has been raised since 1980 in their annual Homes for the Holidays tour. This year in addition to four homes showcased and a shopping event offered, a quilt show was added along with a Christmas tree contest.

 

This year, the Ed and Christine Lundberg home on Friday evening was the first part of the HPA’s tour, called Moonlight and Mistletoe. The home was built in 1970s contemporary style. Guests were limited to 100 and appetizers were served.

The doorman greets visitors at the Lundberg home on Lees Circle Drive Friday evening.
Deb Martin takes a photo of Carl Repp, Dande Lyon Vredenburg, Christine and Ed Lundberg at the Moonlight and Mistletoe Event.
Jeff and Vera Norris get a tour of the Ed and Christine Lundberg home.
Crystal Mason, Elaine Kirby, and Bernita Hill share a conversation during Moonlight and Mistletoe evening Friday.
Piles of food were provided by the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County at the Lundberg home.

The Stocking Stuffer shopping event was held Saturday and Sunday at Fort Scott Middle School also as part of  Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County’s fundraising.

Mercy Hospital Auxilary volunteers work a booth at the Stocking Stuffer.
Shoppers pick out gifts at a booth during the Stocking Stuffer at Fort Scott Middle School Saturday morning.

Three Homes for the Holiday were decorated for the tour.

The Nate and Bailey Lyons home at 919  Burke was built nearly 100 years ago by Charles Gunn and completed renovated into a contemporary family home by the Lyons.

The completely remodeled kitchen of the Lyons home.
The living room, which was completely renovated in the Lyons home.

The Bob and Terri Taylor home at 315 Holbrook was built in the 1880s in the Victorian style.

Visitors admire the front room of the Taylor home Saturday morning during the tour.
A hostess tells of the home’s history during the tour.

The Shiney Studio, 2nd Street and National Avenue, is the former St. Andrews Episcopal Church.

DandeLyon Vredenburg greets visitors to the Shiney Studio in costume as Cindy Lou Who.
Visitors were given tours of the Shiney Studio which included the private home of DandeLyon Vredenburg along with other businesses.

The Presbyterian Village Christmas Tree Contest was part of the Homes for the Holiday tour for the first time this year. The village is an assisted living facility.

Pictured are some of the trees that were stationed around the assisted living facility at 2401 S. Horton.

 

A quilt show was a feature of the Homes for the Holidays tour for 2017, which was located in the Beaux Arts Center, north of the Fort Scott Post Office.

Denise Duncan stands before a few of the quilts that were part of the quilt show. The Duncan’s own the Beaux Arts Center.
Some of the quilts that were displayed as part of the Homes for the Holidays tour.