Monthly Archives: September 2022

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Sports

Mountain Bike Race on Sept. 17 and 18 in Gunn Park

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The Marmaton Massacre Festival, a mountain bike race held annually in Fort Scott’s Gunn Park is  September 17 th  and 18th.

The Marmaton Massacre Festival is a full weekend of mountain bike  racing, free camping, food, and live music, with the Marathon Race on Saturday, followed by live entertainment, free camping, and then category races on Sunday, according to https://www.singletracks.com/bike-races/the-marmaton-massacre-festival/ .

“This is a real grass roots event, on hand-built single-track trails,” according to the website.

Gunn Park is located on Fort Scott’s west side on Park Avenue.

The first bike race trails were built by Frank Halsey, an avid mountain bike rider, who than established a group called Gunn Park Trails. The group maintains the trails throughout the year and organizes local rides. See their Facebook page for updates on the trail conditions. https://www.facebook.com/GunnParkTrails

Athletes from the region participate in the annual event, with last year’s winner from Oklahoma City and the previous year, from Wisconsin.

Even though the mountain bike race is not really a spectator sport, the public is encouraged to attend the Saturday evening entertainment, because local musicians D.J. Brown and the Bourbon County Revival will be playing at 7 p.m., Frank Halsey, event coordinator said.

Frank Halsey, event organizer, hugs his grandson following a first place win in the kids’ race in July 2018.

Also performing will be the Fort Scott High School Select Music Ensemble in the late afternoon, Halsey said.

Races occur on Saturday, the 17th, from noon till 4 p.m.

All activities are staged at Shelter House #6.

Volunteers are welcome and needed, Halsey said.   He can be contacted at 620-704-2730.

A food truck, “Bogan’s Bites”, will be onsite for refreshments.

On Saturday, events begin with packet pickup at noon, and a four-hour marathon race will begin at 1 p.m.

“The little kid’s race is at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday,” Halsey said.  “Kids must wear a helmet, and parents must sign a liability waiver.  Eric’s Bike & Board from Overland Park will have their event van onsite and be repairing bikes.”

Kids 10 and under, race for free, and compete in a one-mile race.

At 6 p.m. there will be a dinner for participants.

The live music will be following the dinner.

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Sports

Roster For Freeride Motocross Riders in Fort Scott on Sept. 17: Tickets Available

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ATHLETE ROSTER CONFIRMED: RED BULL IMAGINATION TO HOST TEN LEADING FREERIDE MOTOCROSS RIDERS

 

 

The Stage is Set and the Anticipation is Mounting as Six Veteran and Four Rookie Riders Meet in Kansas for the Ultimate Freeride Competition

See the course:

 https://www.redbullcontentpool.com/international/CP-V-37477

KANSAS, Sept. 7, 2022 – Red Bull Imagination year three promises to preserve its integrity and continue to deliver on its mission to progress the sport of freeride motocross. Ten new and returning riders will square off on the 2022 evolution of the event’s custom-built “playground” course. These ten riders bring an immeasurable amount of talent to Red Bull Imagination, and will demonstrate their impressive level of skill, taste, and creativity over the four-day event. Alongside Tyler Bereman, the founder of Red Bull Imagination, will be returning riders Josh Hill, Vicki Golden and Axell Hodges, the reigning champion who will defend his crown. Joining in on all the action for the first time are rookie riders Guillem Navas, who recently impressed with his first X Games appearance, Julien Vanstippen and more.

 

Rest assured that the returning riders won’t have a leg up on the rookies as the course continues to transform in ways that devalues prior knowledge from previous years. Best described as a life-sized video game at this point, it will feature more options, such as blade transfers in the “technical jib section,” a snowboard-style spine to open up new lines, and scalable options to make the course as simple or complex as the riders see fit. In addition, the huge jumps, 150-foot tree jump, and moon-booter will require technical prowess, creative ability, and downright finesse.

 

Riders returning for Red Bull Imagination 2022 are:

  • Red Bull Imagination visionary, host, and 10-time X Games medalist Tyler Bereman
  • 2022 X Games Gold medalist, 12-time X Games overall medalist Axell Hodges
  • 2022 X Games ‘Best Whip’ Gold medalist, six-time X Games overall medalist Tom Parsons
  • Four-time X Games medalist and World Record Holder Vicki Golden
  • Two-time X Games medalist and current freeride motocross rider Josh Hill
  • 2022 Hill Jam ‘Best Whip’ winner freerider Christian Dresser

 

Riders who will bring their style and skills to Fort Scott for the first time:

  • 2022 X Games quarterpipe medalist Guillem Navas
  • Two-time X Games medalist Julien Vanstippen
  • X Games participant Kohl Denney
  • Best Style at Farm Jam New Zealand rider Lewi Woods

 

The 2022 course will debut expanded features and new concepts that continue to move away from the confines of racing and traditional freestyle motocross. The course is brought to life by Bereman and Jason Baker of Dream Traxx who have seemingly infinite visions for how to create a space for riders to push the sport. As described by Bereman after the 2021 competition, “[Red Bull Imagination] is a massive work in progress. We’re learning as we go and we’re going to continue pushing freeriding in the right direction, giving opportunities to riders that they wouldn’t have anywhere else.”

 

The competition format follows suit from 2021 with judging criteria based on magnitude, creativity, execution, and the overall line the riders carve on the competition day. The panel of legendary judges includes Robbie Maddison, Jeremy ‘Twitch’ Stenberg, Steve Haughelstine and Ronnie Faisst. The riders will have two three-minute windows to ‘wow’ the judges and the best single-scoring run will count as their overall result. The competition will be commentated by Jason Weigandt and Jeff Emig on Saturday, Sept. 17.

 

All the action will debut in a one-hour show on September 25, from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. EST on ESPN2 and ESPN+. In-person tickets are still available for purchase at https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/imagination. Pricing starts at $65 for adults and $30 for kids. Red Bull Imagination 2022 is supported by Bereman’s partners Fasthouse and 805.

“Tickets are still available for the event on Adam LaRoche’s ranch,” Mike DeCarlo, Scrimshaw PR- Co-Founder, said.

 

Catch up on all the action from last year’s Red Bull Imagination by visiting https://www.redbull.com/us-en/projects/imagination.
Looking For Photos & Video?  

Through the Red Bull network, hi-res video and still images are captured and made immediately available for editorial use for all media channels including television, film, print, mobile and digital. The content is centrally located in the Red Bull Content Pool for media partners. For photography and footage on Red Bull Imagination, visit www.redbullcontentpool.com.

 

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 22.3 million subscribers.

 

 

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Funding Grants for Revitalizing Downtown Buildings Announced

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Commerce and Patterson Family Foundation Announce More Funding Available for Revitalizing Downtown Buildings

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a second round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants intended for revitalizing downtown buildings in small communities across the state.  The HEAL program, which is funded by the Department of Commerce and the Patterson Family Foundation, will invest $850,000 in projects in the Fall 2022 grant round.

The HEAL program is designed to bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for:

  • New or expanding businesses
  • Housing
  • Arts and culture
  • Civic engagement
  • Childcare or
  • Entrepreneurship

“The first round of the HEAL program is supporting the revitalization of 32 commercial buildings in small towns across the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The need for this program was staggering, with more than 200 applications received. Thanks to our strong partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation, we are able to offer another round of the HEAL program allowing us to invest in more communities and continue to create new jobs and services for Kansans across the state.”

HEAL is intended to close financial gaps in restoring underutilized properties and making downtown districts throughout the state more economically vibrant. Projects submitted must show potential as economic drivers in the community.

There are a few changes to this round of the HEAL program. HEAL matching grants will be awarded for either 1) façade or 2) building construction projects. Eligible applicants must be organizations applying on behalf of building owners and may include designated Kansas Main Street programs, economic development organizations, cities, counties, 501c3 or 501c6 organizations, and local community foundations. Communities that received a previous HEAL grant are not eligible to apply in this round.

Proof of matching funds from the building owner will be required at the time of application. The application window opens September 12 and closes October 21 with award notifications in early December. A spring round of HEAL is anticipated for February 2023.

A virtual webinar on the specifics of the program is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 13. Registration is required and the Zoom link will be provided after registration. Organizations and building owners interested in applying should register and attend the webinar.

Information about the HEAL grant program and the online application can be viewed at www.kansascommerce.gov/healfall2022.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Ribbon Cutting for Pizza Republic on Friday, Sept. 9.

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DUE TO SCHEDULING CHANGES,
THERE WILL NOT BE A
CHAMBER COFFEE THIS THURSDAY.
HOWEVER, MARK YOUR CALENDAR
TO JOIN US THIS FRIDAY EVENING
FOR THE PIZZA REPUBLIC
SOFT OPENING & RIBBON CUTTING!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH
EVENT STARTS AT 5PM
REMARKS & RIBBON CUTTING 5:30PM
RSVP requested… per link below!
There will be a soft opening menu & cash bar available ~
both for purchase!
Government, Kansas

Organic Certification Program Funds Available

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has funds available for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP). Through this program, farms, ranches, and businesses that produce, process or package certified organic agricultural products may be reimbursed for eligible expenses.

The purpose of the NOCCSP is to defray the costs of receiving and maintaining organic certification under the National Organic Program. For Federal Fiscal Year 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency set the reimbursement amount at 50% of the certified organic operation’s eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $500 per scope. Scopes include the areas of crops, livestock, wild crops, and handling (i.e., processing). This change is due to a limited amount of funding available and will allow a larger number of certified organic operations to receive assistance.

FSA awards the NOCCSP funds to eligible state agencies that serve as administering entities who work directly with organic operations to reimburse organic certification costs. The current period of qualification for organic operations seeking reimbursements is from Oct. 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2022. Applications are now being accepted through November 1, 2022, or until all funds are expended, whichever comes first. Applications may be submitted either by mail or email.

It is the mission of KDA to support all facets of agriculture, including lending support to those who wish to market and sell their products as certified organic. For more information, go to the KDA website at agriculture.ks.gov/OrganicCostShare or contact KDA economist Tori Laird at [email protected] or 785-564-6726.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Spyder Inc. Seeking New Name with Contest

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Spyder, Inc, Fort Scott, KS has launched a rebranding scholarship program that is open to Kansas Colleges and Universities.  The project runs through September with the winning individual or team winning a $1000 scholarship.

Spyder has made the decision to rebrand with a new name going forward says CEO Nedra Barr.  “While we love the Spyder name, we are unable to get all of the social media handles needed as well as Spyder is a pretty common name.  We need to move to a name that is more unique and representative of who we are and what we provide in the market.”

Letters with project definitions and guidelines went out Tues, Sept 6th.  We’d like to have the individuals or teams known to us by the end of this week or at least by Monday, Sept 12th.

The project entails coming up with a new Company name, checking to make sure we are able to secure the domain as well as the social media handles, and creating a graphic logo by Sept 30th.  Winners will be announced at the end of October.

This is truly exciting to work with local Kansas Colleges & Universities on our rebranding project, says CTO, Mike Upright.  Our solutions will be running in the market for years to come so we want the business leaders of tomorrow to help come up with a cool, fun name for our Company.”

This project provides the students with a real-life Company branding exercise. This experience will be valuable to the students in their future business endeavors.  We welcome any and all, college students who wish to participate.  Interested participants may respond with their intent to participate to [email protected]

Good luck to all and we can’t wait to see what our new name will be!

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Uniontown’s Old Settler’s Picnic Results

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The Old Settler’s Picnic Parade.

Uniontown had a cool, cloudy day on Labor Day for their annual Old Settler’s Picnic, which has been going on since 1905.

The weekend was full, with a fishing derby, community church service and games preceding the day of the picnic, along with  Uniontown High School all-school reunion.

On Labor Day a parade, picnic,  games and the traditional recognition of Old Settlers took place along with a large car show in memory of Dale Jackson, a long-time business owner.

Girls race in a contest during the Old Settler’s Picnic.

The following results of some of the contests were provided by Becky Shinn, treasurer/secretary of the Old Settler’s Picnic Committee.

On Sunday night, the corn hole contest was won by Tyler Walker and Chase Ermel, with second place going to Corey Chandra and Dillion Weddle.

“The Sunday Family Fun night was well attended,” Shinn said.
“The activities went very well and everyone had a chance to see old friends.”

The children’s parade always preceeds the bigger parade and the following kids won prizes for:
Best Theme: Harper and Holden Bunnell,
Best Costume: Josie Miller and  Bennett Miller, and
Best Battery Operated Child’s Vehicle: Jett Troutman with Sadie and Molly Troutman.

 

The following groups won prizes in the parade:
Best Church Float: Bethel Community Baptist Church

Bethel Community Baptist Church in the Old Settler’s Parade.

Best Theme Float: The Class of ‘62

Best School Floats:
1. UHS Sophomore Class and UHS Football players.

The Uniontown High School football team in the parade.

Second place: Fort Scott Community Cheer and Dance Team.

The traditional recognition for oldest woman at the park – Natalie Comstock, oldest gentleman at the park – Glen Post;
the couple married the longest -Jerry and Betty O’Harah at 62 years and the former Uniontown resident that traveled the farthest- Dean and Shirly Meyers.

Special recognition was given to Suzie Franklin for all the help she has given the Old Settlers Picnic through the years.

The Uniontown High School Cheerleaders.

The winners of the drawing for cash prizes were:
$100 – Jessica Hagon; $75 – Zach Franklin and
$50 – Michael Ireland.

The Old Settler’s Picnic Committee members were Shayla Knight, Rhonda DeWitt, Nancy Holt and Becky Shinn.

The Uniontown High School Band marches in the parade.
Horses are always a part of the Uniontown Old Settler’s Picnic Parade.
The Uniontown City Park was full of people enjoying food, friends and family for the annual picnic.
The turtle race is a kid favorite at Old Settler’s Picnic.
Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show results:
Church news, Fort Scott

Ft. Scott Lighthouse Encouraging Unity

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Fort Scott Lighthouse welcomes Rachel French, the leader of a local interdenominational Christian women’s group, IF: Fort Scott.   IF: Fort Scott promotes unity throughout the Body of Christ in Fort Scott and surrounding areas.

They host weekly Bible studies and two large gatherings throughout the year. The studies and events are focused on unity, discipleship, and community.

IF will be hosting their next Gathering on Saturday, October 22. Tickets for the event go on sale Saturday, September 10, and can be purchased at https://iffortscott.wixsite.com.

 

Rachel is a Jesus Follower, wife to Daniel plus a mom to two teen girls, Grace and Sophie, an advocate for unity within the Body of Christ, a member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and a believer in local community stewardship.

 

Guests are welcome Thursday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. This is an interdenominational ministry opportunity for men, women, and youth. The goal of Aglow International is: Every nation touched, every heart changed.

Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse meets the second Thursday of each month at the conference room of Fort Scott Inn, 101 State Street.