The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee this Thursday, April 28th at 8am. This week’s coffee will be hosted by Kiwanis Fort Scott Pioneers located at Gunn Park Shelter 3 at 1010 Park Ave. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.
Kiwanis is an organization that helps kids around the world. Local clubs look out for their communities and the international organization takes on large-scale challenges, such as fighting disease and poverty. Kiwanis Fort Scott Pioneers are passionate about making a difference for the children of Bourbon County. Helping kids grow and succeed is at the heart of everything they do.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
Calista Ricards in her garden at 1301 S. Horton. Submitted photos.
The Little Flower Farm LLC owner, Calista Richards, sees herself as an artist.
“I love that you can simultaneously be an artist while being completely covered in sweat and dirt,” she said.
She grows, sells and delivers her product, cut flowers, from her home at 1301 S. Horton, as of January 2021.
“I provide fresh and local flowers in bouquets and arrangements,” Richards said. “The types of flowers change as the seasons change. You can tell what time of year it is by the contents of my bouquets and arrangements.”
The flower arrangements are available for delivery within Fort Scott city limits, for purchase at the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market (On Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings), and for pickup on Horton Street at her home.
Directions On Picking Up
“When using Buzz for Blooms (1301 S. Horton) enter the southern driveway and go around the fence until you see a post in a pot with a sign that says Buzz for Blooms,” she said. “If I am not already outside, ring the doorbell found there and I will be out to assist you with your order. You can even customize your purchase by pointing to things you would like out in the field. Then, you exit out the northern driveway with your blooms– or future blooms– without ever having leave your car.”
Submitted photos.
About The Entrepreneur
“I graduated from high school in 2020, having been home schooled the whole time, and wanted to start a business instead of going to college,” she said. Richards believes college could not teach her what she wanted to know and “can lead to crushing debt,” she said. “I would not shackle myself with that.”
“There is nothing like being a part of the community this way,” she said. “Flowers are bought for every time of life: birth, death, joy, sorrow, great occasions, and no occasion at all. I want to see all these things and play my little part to bring beauty to all of it.”
The young entrepreneur is involved in the community, since opening her business
She is a member of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, the Bourbon County Garden Club, and a board member of the Fort Scott Public Library.
In addition, “I have participated in the downtown cleanup and have done numerous fundraisers for the local cancer support group Care to Share,” she said.
Richards wanted to start a business that she could operate out of her home.
“Zoning Section 20-601.05 Temporary Uses states that you may have a business made up of seasonal sales of farm or garden produce, bulbs, plantings, or cut flowers, on an individual’s place of residence and raised by the same individual, provided no structure is constructed for such use,” she said.
Richards is eldest of the six children of Jeremiah and Jennifer Richards.
“I have no employees but I cannot say I have no help,” she said. “My family has been nothing but supportive and are working so hard so I can live this dream. I could not have done it without them.”
Welcoming Bombardier’s new HQ to Wichita!
On Tuesday, I joined local and state officials to welcome Bombardier’s United States headquarters and launch Bombardier Defense in Kansas. This is an exciting new chapter for both Bombardier and the ‘Air Capital of the World,’ and this selection is a testament to the highly-skilled, dedicated and successful workforce we have here in Kansas.
Bombardier has been a part of Wichita since the early-1960s, and this site was originally dedicated to manufacturing the Learjet. Today, Bombardier Defense is instrumental in this new generation of defense capabilities to protect Americans from foes around the world. Bombardier’s long-standing partnership with the Air Force and Army exemplifies the understanding of our military’s urgent operational needs, and as Bombardier Defense collaborates with our NATO partners and ally countries, I anticipate much of that work coming back home to Kansas.
Thank you to Bombardier CEO Eric Martel, Head of U.S. Strategy Tonya Sudduth and Chief Engineer Mr. Michel Ouellette. Thank you to FAA Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims for coming to Wichita for the event, and to MG Michael Schmidt, U.S. Space Force Program Executive Officer at Hanscom Air Force Base, for his service and for accepting my invitation. Kansas stands ready to partner with Bombardier as they tackle new projects and challenges in the years ahead.
FAA Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims in the Air Capital of the World
I also visited Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) WERX Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility with FAA Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims in Wichita. Located in a hangar adjacent to McConnell AFB that once housed Boeing Air Force One modification facilities, the MRO team at NIAR WERX provides production design, initial and Supplemental Type Certification, instrumentation installation, modifications and field support and repair. During our tour we discussed my advanced air mobility (AAM) legislation, a bill that would facilitate collaboration between federal agencies and civil aviation industry leaders when developing policies regarding AAM. As there are many new companies within this emerging industry, this legislation will work to ensure folks are operating on the same page and moving the industry forward so the U.S. can remain competitive.
Special thanks to Dr. John Tomblin and his team for hosting our visit. Thank you also to Salina Airport Director Tim Rogers, Kansas Director of Aviation Bob Brock, Kansas Modification Partner Dave Murfin and WSU Tech President Dr. Sheree Utash for joining us.
Announcing Federal Investments Across Kansas
Hays
On Friday, I joined Fort Hays State University (FHSU) to celebrate the $1.2 million grant they received from the National Science Foundation. I was pleased to announce this grant last month which will support the university’s efforts to recruit and prepare STEM teachers to work in rural areas with a high need for educators. Effective and passionate teachers play an important role in inspiring young people to pursue careers in STEM, and these fields are critical to American competitiveness on the global stage. This federal grant will increase the number of science teachers equipped to teach in Kansas’ rural school districts, while also contributing to national research on how to better train educators to serve in rural America. I have been a longtime supporter of STEM education, and this federal grant will contribute to making certain more of our next generation of engineers, scientists and technology professionals call rural Kansas home. Thank you to FHSU President Tisa Mason and College of Education Dean Dr. Paul Adams for inviting me to join in this celebration. Most importantly, thank you to FHSU’s dedicated faculty who are cultivating the next generation of STEM educators.
Garden City
I was in Garden City on Wednesday to be with the Area Chamber of Commerce to share my appreciation for how they continue to further Garden City’s economic and community goals, and discuss some of the issues chamber members and many Americans are currently facing. These topics included steep inflation, rising agriculture input costs, workforce retention issues and immigration policy concerns.
I was also able to announce a federal investment in the Garden City Police Department that will support its officers as they protect the Finney County community. The department will use this investment to acquire mobile backup 911 services and the compatible communication technology, which provides a secondary option of communication for first responders during an emergency situation where the main 911 dispatch is inoperable. Additionally, the mobility of the backup services provides Garden City the capability to assist other departments if their system goes down.
Thank you to Chamber President Myca Bunch, Police Chief Courtney Prewitt, Fire Chief Jon Irsik, City Manager Matt Allen and Rep. Dr. Bill Clifford, and to all those who allowed me to speak.
Concordia
On Monday, I was in Concordia where I announced a federal investment in the Concordia Police Department that will support its officers as they protect the Cloud County community. These funds assist the department in updating the public safety communications network used by public safety departments and first responders across the county, like police, fire and EMS. Effective and reliable communication is a must to maintain public safety, but updating these systems can be very expensive and difficult for rural areas to access. As the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee which funds the Department of Justice, I will continue to work to support our law enforcement officers. I look forward to working with Chief Fredrickson and law enforcement leaders across the state in the future to bring tools back to Kansas.
Thank you to the Concordia Police Department, Police Chief Fredrickson and Officer Ingle, as well as to Concordia Mayor Ashley Hutchinson, City Manager Amy Lange, Cloud County Community College President Amber Knoettgen, Tom and Suzy Tuggle and Dana Brewer for joining me.
Lawrence
Thursday afternoon I was in Lawrence to announce a new federal investment from the Small Business Administration for the KU Innovation Park. This investment will help equip a Good Manufacturing Practices laboratory, which local pharmaceutical companies can utilize to meet federal regulations during research and production. A number of local drug-development companies will benefit from this facility, and it will serve to enhance the economic growth of the region as companies grow skilled jobs and scale operations.
As the pandemic demonstrated, the ability to quickly develop and test pharmaceuticals is essential to remaining prepared and healthy. This development by the KU Innovation Park will position northeast Kansas to be a go-to location for companies looking to develop commercially viable products that can help our state, nation and world.
Thank you to KU Chancellor Doug Girod and Executive Chair of KU Innovation Park Laverne Epp for allowing me to join you for this exciting announcement, as well as the local officials from KU, Lawrence and Douglas County for being in attendance. Through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work to bring federal resources back home to benefit our state. Read more here from the Lawrence-Journal World.
USD 298
This week, I visited Lincoln Junior-Senior High School to announce an investment in USD 298. Last year, USD 298 expressed its need for technological upgrades, and I worked to secure the necessary resources for those improvements to be completed. Under the USD 298 Technology Upgrade project, the district will now be able to purchase interactive smartboards. The new smartboards will support a technology-driven educational experience for students. I look forward to seeing how they use this technology to better educate students and prepare them for their future.
After the announcement, I visited Lincoln Elementary where I was able to meet Julia, an incredible fourth-grader. Last year, Lincoln Elementary students were challenged to do “500 acts of kindness” and Julia decided to write me a thank you note, which evolved into writing 140 thank you notes to every U.S. Senator, along with other federal and state public officials. Her dedicated efforts to promote kindness in her community and nation are admirable, and I was glad to have the opportunity to thank Julia in person.
It’s Time to Open the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine Without Delay
This week, I called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to re-open the United States embassy in Kyiv. With Ukraine’s successful defense of its capital and the withdrawal of Russian forces from areas surrounding the city, returning to full operations will enhance cooperation with a democratic partner and symbolically affirm our nation’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity. I was joined in this call by Senator Steve Daines, and while we recognize that the danger to Kyiv has not subsided and we share concerns for the safety of our embassy personnel, the United States historically has maintained embassies in nations at war, including those capitals under direct attack.
More than 15 European allies have reopened their embassies in Ukraine, and our failure to do so signals a lack of confidence in Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. Resuming embassy operations will reinforce the importance of diplomacy and America’s full support for a Ukraine whole and free. Senator Daines and I asked Secretary Blinken for a response detailing plans for staffing our embassy in Kyiv, including the conditions necessary to restore an embassy presence at pre-war levels. Read our full letter to Secretary Blinken here.
On Monday morning, I was pleased to take part in welcoming Heat Biologics to Kansas. Over the next seven years, Heat Biologics will build a new 500,000 square foot biomanufacturing facility, and this $650 million investment project will create 500 new, high-paying jobs in the Manhattan area.
The COVID-19 pandemic has uniquely demonstrated how essential the advancement of biologics and biotechnology is to our country. Advancement is not simply a matter of preparedness but also one of strengthening the autonomy of our domestic supply chains and our national security. Access to medical research and biopharmaceutical opportunities is essential to ensuring Kansans stay close to home, and it shows companies of all industries that Kansas is open for business and would welcome them to our state.
Along with the research work being done at K-State and NBAF, the opening of Project Life will allow us to expand Kansas’ biopharmaceutical abilities. I appreciated the opportunity to join Manhattan Mayor Linda Morse, Chamber CEO Jason Smith, KBOR Chair Cheryl Harrison-Lee, K-State President Dr. Rich Linton, Governor Laura Kelly and Lt. Gov. Toland, and Heat Biologics CEO Jeff Wolf in Manhattan, and I look forward to supporting Heat Biologics and Project Life as they make Kansas their new home.
Recap! Astronaut Janet Kavandi’s Visit to the Cosmosphere
Kansas is home to educational institutions and programs that promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. And at a time when our country needs more young people interested in STEM education and entering the STEM workforce, I was happy to host astronaut and current president of Sierra Space Corporation Dr. Janet Kavandi in Hutchinson at the Cosmosphere earlier this month to speak with grade school students about her experiences in space and her present leadership in commercial space exploration. Watch a recap here from the Cosmosphere as we look to inspire the next generation.
Touring North Central Kansas Medical Center Construction
This week, I visited Concordia to view the construction progress of the new North Central Kansas Medical Center. The new medical center will be providing 14 in-patient beds, an emergency department, surgery space and specific clinic services to the Cloud County community and surrounding areas. With construction of the new facility 50 percent complete, the project is on track to open this fall. The partnership between Cloud County Community Hospital and Salina Regional Health Center, as well as a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, of which I am an appropriator, is making the expansion of health care services in Cloud County possible and will benefit local Kansans.
Thank you to Joel Phelps, Joe Tallon, Dr. Rob Freelove, Dave Garnas, Ashley Hutchinson, and Phil and Brenda Gilliland for providing me with the update on their work to ensure the community has local access to health care.
Participating in the Hunter’s Glen Groundbreaking in Garden City
On Wednesday, I was pleased to be a part of the groundbreaking at Hunter’s Glen. This project will bring 192 housing units to Garden City and will fill crucial workforce housing needs for the community by primarily housing farm laborers for the surrounding area, providing direct loans or grants to finance affordable, off-farm rental housing to low-wage farm workers. I have long been a supporter of increasing the affordability and availability of housing for those who work our land, and I look forward to seeing this project complete to benefit Kansas’ ag workforce in the coming years.
Thank you to Garden City, USDA Regional Director Karissa Stiers, Finney County Economic Development Corp Lona DuVall and Oikos Development Corporation Owner Michael Snodgrass.
Speaking with Civic Clubs
West Wichita Rotary
On Tuesday, I spoke at the West Wichita Rotary Club. Civic clubs foster the quality of life in Kansas communities, and I am appreciative of how civic club members make it a priority to enhance the ties between friends and neighbors—they preserve Kansas’ special way of life. I was pleased to learn how West Wichita Rotarians are doing their part to support their neighbors, including collecting and distributing groceries to struggling families. As the co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I look for ways to draw attention and secure resources to hunger issues at home and around the globe, but the most meaningful difference is made by neighbors helping neighbors. Thank you to Club President Randy Bowles for his leadership and kind introduction, member Mark Hansen for leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Club Executive Secretary Diane Walker for allowing me to speak with members yesterday.
Dodge City Kiwanis
On Wednesday, I spoke with Kiwanis in Dodge City where members shared some of their concerns with me. We discussed an all-of-the-above approach to energy production, continuing to increase domestic oil and gas production in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, ag inputs and profitability, eliminating tariffs on phosphates to lower input costs and supply chain and workforce issues. Congress failed to turn the COVID spending spigot off quickly enough, and the decades-high inflation people across the county and in rural areas such as southwest Kansas are encountering is a result of too much federal spending.
Thank you to Pat Morris, Judge Van Hampton, Nick Hernandez, Ernestor De La Rosa, J.D. Gilbert, Shawn Fletcher, Chris Boys, Brad Ralph and Joann Knight for their time and thoughts. The presence of active civic clubs across our state is what makes Kansas’ sense of community so strong.
Seeking Information Regarding Hiring Process at Haskell
Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence is an important institution for educating young Native Americans from all over the country. Since May of 2021, the school has been led by an acting president, Dr. Tamarah Pfeiffer. This week, I wrote Bureau of Indian Education Director Tony Dearman seeking to learn more on the hiring process and expected timeline for naming Dr. Pfeiffer’s permanent replacement. It is essential for the school to have stable leadership to meet the needs of its current and future students by developing and executing a long-term vision for the university.
Following my correspondence, I also had a phone conversation with Director Dearman, and I appreciate his attention to the matter. I was informed that a hire has been made, and I look forward to the public announcement soon. As a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, rarely do I have a conversation with tribal leaders throughout the country in which a connection to Haskell is not raised. I am eager to resume exploring and, if possible, helping to facilitate several initiatives the school has raised with my office under previous leadership. Read the full letter here and learn more here from the Lawrence-Journal World.
Discussing Dairy in SWK
On Wednesday, I met with local officials ahead of the completion of the new Hilmar Cheese Company facility in Dodge City next year. Our conversation focused on investments they are making in housing, childcare and local infrastructure to prepare for the hundreds of new jobs that will be created in the area. The opening of the Hilmar facility will significantly expand Kansas’ footprint in the dairy industry – an industry that has been quickly growing in southwest region of our state recent years. Kansas is one of the fastest-growing dairy states in the U.S.
Thank you to Dodge City Mayor Kent Smoll, City Manager Nick Hernandez, Assistant City Manager Ernestor De La Rosa, Ford County Economic Development Director Joann Knight and Kansas Rep. Brad Ralph for taking the time to update me and discuss how I can be of further help to the region.
Visiting Beverly
Enjoyed walking Main Street on Friday in Beverly. Thanks for all the Kansans who stopped to say hello and speak with me.
Speaking with GSCAA Leaders
On Thursday, while in Lawrence, I stopped by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America headquarters and spoke with CEO J. Rhett Evans and COO Bob Randquist. Each year the GCSAA members visit me in Washington, D.C. for National Golf Day, and I enjoyed the opportunity to visit them on their home turf. The golf industry provides an important source of sport and recreation for Kansans of all ages.
Remembering Jon Wefald
I was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Jon Wefald. As president, he shepherded Kansas State University through one of its toughest periods, successfully navigating the university though the uncertain terrain of K-State’s athletic program and enrollment issues. I remember seeing not just K-State’s, but Manhattan’s, progress during his tenure, and the revitalization the community continues to enjoy is due in large part to his 23 years of leadership at the helm.
President Wefald cared deeply about students and the K-State community. He had a keen ability to identify potential in young people and mentor them to help reach it. He did so for both of my daughters as he recruited them into the K-State family.
Robba and I are praying for his wife, Ruth Ann, his sons, Andy and Skipp, and their families and loves ones.
Remembering Orrin Hatch
Robba and I were saddened to hear of former Senator Orrin Hatch’s passing this weekend. I am honored to have served with him and to witness the example he set in the Senate. Orrin always treated everyone with respect, dignity and kindness. My prayers are with his wife Elaine and the entire Hatch family. Learn more about his life and legacy here.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Krista Harding District Extension Agent, Horticulture Southwind Extension District 111 S. Butler Erie, KS 66733 Office: 620-244-3826 Cell: 620-496-8786
Extension has been helping people for over 100 years. A lot has changed since the Extension service was created in 1914, but the one thing that remains the same is the mission of Extension. Extension means “reaching out.” Extension agents reach out and extend their knowledge and resources to the public. Extension is for everyone to use!
The Extension philosophy is to help people help themselves by taking university knowledge to where people live, work and play. We strive to be very attentive to the needs of the people and provide quality information and problem-solving tactics for everyday concerns.
In recent years with literally everything being on the internet, people might say we don’t need Extension anymore because I can get all the information I need on the internet. Although you can find tons of information on the internet, it is often difficult to determine what is true and what is not. Many times we get calls from people that have found information on-line, tried it and it actually made things worse. The growing environment in southeast Kansas is much different than is in say Ohio, but your internet search isn’t going to know that. It’s kind of like searching symptoms of bodily pains. If you search long enough, you will be convinced you are dying because your big toe hurts! We offer that human interaction that you just can’t get with a computer.
Anyone that has a lawn or landscape can benefit from the local Extension office. The weeds you try to keep from growing in your lawn, or the tree that has holes in the trunk, or the spots on your tomato leaves are all areas Extension offers advice.
Your local Extension office is here to help you with problem solving tactics specific to your needs and to give you the tools to improve the situation. On the horticulture side, you can obtain information on trees, turf, flowers, insects, gardens, soils and other related topics. The office can assist you with any specific plant or insect problem you may have encountered. Home evaluations are even offered when necessary to gather additional information about a specific horticulture problem.
Many times when I take a call, the person on the other ends starts the conversation by saying “I have a dumb question.” My response is always this – “There are never any dumb questions when you call the Extension office.” My job is to help the public with whatever question or issue they may have and to try to educate them. I may not always have the answer they are looking for immediately, but 99% of the time I can find an answer.
We often hear that Extension is the best kept secret. Many folks don’t know what we do or what we have to offer. I want you to know that we are your source for all things horticulture!
During the growing season, I am in the Erie office Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Iola on Tuesday and Fort Scott on Thursday. However, you can always reach me by e-mailing [email protected] or call 620-244-3826.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticultural agent assigned to Southwind District.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The Tourism Advisory Board will meet on Tuesday, April 26th, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main. This meeting is open to the public.
The Tourism meeting will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.
Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.
Students of Saint Martin’s Academy will be the featured entertainment at this week’s Friday Night Concert. The school currently has an enrollment of 56 boys, ages 13 to 18. The music department is under the direction of Dave Agee and Daniel Kerr.
“This lively group of young men will warm your heart with their endearing performances of folk, country, and gospel songs,“ concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “In addition to their musical talent, these students have proven to be an asset to the community with their willingness to help out in various areas. We are pleased to welcome Saint Martin’s Academy back to perform in our downtown pavilion. Bring a friend and join us for an enjoyable evening of music.”
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas of Parsons serves as sound technician each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to an indoor venue.
Sunflower Spreads is a mom & daughter duo who create specialty cheese boards for Manhattan, KS and the surrounding communities. They will be coming to Fort Scott to host this event on Wednesday, April 27th at 6pm.
This workshop includes:
In person instruction
Everything you need to create your own take home charcuterie box that serves 2-4 people
PDF instructions on how to build your own board at home, tips and tricks, how to shop for items, etc.
Patricia “Pat” Kay Payne, 80, of Fort Scott, passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at Medicalodge in Fort Scott, Kansas. She was born June 7, 1941, in Fort Scott, Kansas to Earl and Dorene Parks.
Pat held many titles throughout her life: daughter, mother, “Ms. Pat”, but perhaps her favorite was grandmother. From school programs to sporting events to weddings, she was there for them all and usually two hours early to get a good parking spot. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but perhaps her most special connection was with her great-grandson, Ridley. So much so that she paid extra to have his name on her license plate.
Aside from loving her family, Pat loved her friends. If she wasn’t at the beauty shop or grocery store, Pat was on the phone talking to her friends. She was a woman of many words with some being unrepeatable. Pat also loved her dog Penny, the casino and a good meal shared with loved ones. She loved music, and she loved to dance, specifically square-dance. She also enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs, The Weather Channel and any old western movie.
Pat is survived by one daughter, Jerri Lynn Halsey and husband Scott of Fort Scott, Kansas; three grandchildren Chase Halsey (Kyla) and Courtney Goucher (Michael) both of Fort Scott, Kansas and Samantha Halsey of Austin, Texas. Also surviving are five great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Delphine Parks and several nieces and nephews.
Patricia was proceeded in death by her parents and one brother, Ronald Parks.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 27th, in the Evergreen Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Cheney Witt Chapel from 10:00 AM until leaving for the cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to either Integrity Hospice or Medicalodge Activity Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
The Kansas Association of School Boards in coordination with the Ft. Scott school district is conducting an online survey to seek community input on desired characteristics of the next superintendent.
The survey will close at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, April 27.
Marty and Carrie Elton who purchased the two former Lyons Mansions on National Avenue and restarted a restaurant in the southern most one, is now reopening the northern bed and breakfast mansion.
“The name of the bed and breakfast will be Twin Mansions B and B,” Elton said. “Myself and Carrie are the owners and operators. We have decided to re-open to share the historic beauty of the mansions with everyone.”
The business was formerly owned by Larry and Pat Lyons.
Submitted photos.
“We also look forward to helping the community with more interesting and unique places to stay,” he said. “Tourism is vital to small towns and we look forward to being a bigger part of that industry. We will provide traditional bed and breakfast services.”
Submitted photos.
Breakfast( with a discounted rate) will be available at the Dry Wood Creek Cafe, which the Elton’s own and operate in the southern most mansion.
Submitted photos.
“We will provide not only rooms to rent but will have the main floor available for functions as well,” he said. “Our amenities will include all the standard hotel fair as well as manicured gardens, a Koi pond and a pool table.”
Submitted photos.
The address is 742 South National Avenue, Fort Scott, with reservations made through airbnb.com , vrbo.com, bedandbreakfast.com, and many other platforms, he said.
“We have five rooms available, one with an extra bedroom and Jack and Jill restroom,” Elton said.
Prices vary from weekday to weekend and discounted rates are available for business stays. The range is anywhere from $100 a night to $150.
“Myself and Carrie will still be onsite, we have moved to an apartment on the premises,” Elton said.
