Monthly Archives: February 2023

Gordon Parks Museum

Celebrating Black History Month at the Gordon Parks Museum

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The Gordon Parks Museum

At Fort Scott Community College

Celebrating Black History Month

 

Come in and view the Black History Month Tribute Panel Exhibit. This consist of over 100 different posters, photos and information of some of the great and important Black Innovators and Leaders throughout history. The exhibit also features some inspiring and moving quotes.

Located in the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center from

February 1- 24, 2023.

On display each day, will be a Black History Month “Quote of the Day”.

This will have inspiring and moving quotes by different people.

 

The “Quote of the Day” provides a great opportunity for any faculty, staff and coaches to help promote educational activities throughout the month to keep black history and diversity at the forefront along with encouraging your students to keep learning more!

 

This would be a great way to open a creative discussion and to highlight a different person every day or week with your class or team and ask questions about the meaning and relevance of each quote or fact and how it might relate to our lives the lives others and what is happening in the world today.

 

 

 

 

Gordon Parks Museum, History, Kansas

The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime: Gordon Parks Museum

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Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.                              

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Kirk Sharp

Local Project Director, Executive Director

Gordon Parks Museum

620-223-2700 ext. 5850. [email protected]

 

A lunch and learn program:

Lunch & Learn KC Monarchs Febuary 23, 2023

 

Black History Month:

Black History Month Celebration Panel Exhibit Display 2023

 

 

Presentation Explores the History of Baseball in Kansas

 

Fort Scott, KS – Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott, Kansas will host “The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime,” a presentation and discussion by Phil Dixon on February 23, 2023 at 12:00pm at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at 2108 S. Horton St. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620- 223-2700 ext. 5850 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.

 

This is a free Lunch and Learn event, with desserts provided by Great West Dining. “Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this presentation event to learn more about the Kansas City Monarchs” said Museum Director, Kirk Sharp.

 

2020 marked two major milestones for baseball: the Negro Leagues celebrated their 100th anniversary and Major League Baseball merged statistics of these African American players with those of the major league. The history of Negro League baseball in America mirrors the racial strife experienced by African Americans in society. It was plagued by discrimination, racism, and inequity, while its athletes were celebrated for their resiliency, professionalism, and athleticism. The Kansas City Monarchs barnstormed across Kansas and the region to play more than 400 games between 1920 and 1957 against local towns. This talk sheds new light on this sports history and the history of baseball in Kansas.

 

Phil S. Dixon a co-founder of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. He is the author of nine books about baseball, including biographies about Wilber “Bullet” Rogan and John “Buck” O’Neil. In the course of his research, he has interviewed over 500 former Negro League players and family members.

 

“The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.

 

For more information about “The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime” in Fort Scott, Kansas, contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850 or visit gordonparkscenter.org.

 

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

 

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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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February 03, 2023

 

Committee Work was still the main focus during the fourth week of session.  A record number of bills, including tax bills, have been introduced this year.  There have been several hearings.  Most likely, bills will be worked in the next week or so.  “Working” a bill is lingo for debating, amending, and/or voting on a bill.  Bills, schedules, and recordings of meetings can be found at http://www.kslegislature.org.

 

Taxes Collected (often referred to as “revenue”) continues to exceed estimates.  January taxes collected exceeded estimates by over $50 million.  That puts the fiscal year collection over $700 million above estimates.  Keep in mind this is after revenue estimate adjustments and tax cuts in 2021 and 2022, including reducing the state grocery sales tax to 4.0.  In 2021, the Governor called the income tax and other tax cuts “reckless”.  The legislature overrode her veto and implemented the cuts.  It is obvious with the increased “revenue”, there could have been more tax cuts.  There appears to be agreement, so the question is, what taxes get cut and by how much?

 

Energy Policy  A constituent at a legislative coffee asked why Kansas doesn’t have an energy policy and why electricity being produced in Kansas is being sent out of state with Kansas rates continuing to climb.  Excellent questions.  There have been a few bills introduced attempting to chip away at some of these problems.  One bill would elect the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) board members, who oversee utility companies in Kansas, instead of the Governor appointing them.  Almost everyone at the coffee agreed that there needs to be a balance of our energy supply and that Kansas should reap some benefit for having the energy production in our state.

 

Privacy Free Speech and Foreign Threats News of the China spy balloon this week should be a wake-up call.  However, it is not the first wake-up call.  For years, China, Russia, some technology companies, and others have been challenging the very protections created by our Founding Fathers.  They have been spying, limiting our speech, and manipulating information.  You may not have heard that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a $1.5 million fine to GoodRx for unauthorized disclosure of its users’ medication data with third parties for advertising.  Of course GoodRx denies it and said the fine was less expensive than fighting the accusation.  The notion of privacy is being eliminated.  Technology and complacency have moved us to a surveillance state.  There are a few bills that have been introduced in the Kansas Legislature, but the real change comes down to the choices we make, like choosing browsers and software that don’t track you, and educating yourself and others on threats.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Marsha’s Deli Closed For Updating Feb. 6-11

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Brian Lancaster, owner of Marsha’s Deli.

A local eatery known for its’ generous portions, is closed for some aesthetic improvement to the dining area.

“We will be closed February 6-11,” Brian Lancaster, owner, said.

H2 Painting LLC  will be painting the ceilings and walls.

“We are wanting to update and improve our dining room area,” Lancaster said.  “We are planning to update flooring and the kitchen area at a later date.”

The deli’s owner,  Marsha Lancaster, died on September 19, 2021, and on October 13, 2021 , her siblings became the owners of her decades-running restaurant.

Marsha’s Deli is located at 6 W. 18th Street in Fort Scott.

In July 2022, Marsha’s nephew, Brian Lancaster assumed ownership of the deli.

Brian Lancaster Assumes Ownership of Marsha’s Deli

Also last year, a Marsha Fest was started in memory of  Marsha Lancaster.

 

Marsha Fest Is March 5: Celebrating Her Life

This year’s  Marsha Fest is Saturday March 4, 2023
 from 8 to- 10 PM at the Liberty Theater, 113 S. Main.

Tickets are $35.

Poster from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce website.

To learn more about Marsha:

Obituary of Marsha Lancaster

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for FS City Commission on Feb. 7

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR MEETING

OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET

February 7, 2023
6:00 P.M.

 

   Roll Call:

  1.       J. Jones     T. Van Hoecke    E. Woellhof     K. Harrington     M. Wells
  2.      Flag Salute:
  • Invocation: Led by: M. Wells
  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of January 24, 2023.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1329-A totaling $927,968.03

 

  1. Request to Pay – De Lage Landen Public Finance, LLC – $17,641.00

Golf Cart Rental Fee

 

  1. L. G. Barcus and Sons, Inc. – $84,390.97 – Dam Improvements

 

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – $33,084.08
  2.  1/6/2023 – City Engineer Monthly Fee – $4,120.00
  3.   1/9/2023 – S. Horton and W. 6th – Preliminary 50% – $10,350.00
  4.   1/9/2023 – System Designs Addenda phase II – $7,537.50 and

Phase III – $2,040.00

  1. 1/9/2023 – 2022 Sanitary Sewer Project – Final 90% – $7,250.00

and Bidding 10% – $450.00

  1.   1/9/2023 – South Industrial Park Waterline – Final – $590.00
  2.   1/9/2023 – GO Car Wash MEP Plan Review – Jason Dickman –

$568.00

  1. 1/9/2023 – Cooper Street Inspection – Trever Stoppel – $58.50

And Cylinder Breaks – $120.00

 

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering Change Order No. 2 –

$282,383.00 – 17th & Eddy Storm Water – Remobilization fees due to substantial delays in utility relocations.

 

  1. Judy’s Fuel & Oil LLC – $26,520.69 – Unleaded Gasoline

 

  1.   Public Comment:

Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion.

 

 

 

 

 

  1.  Old Business:  

 

  1. Consideration to remove “Interim” from Interim City Manager’s title

 

  1. B. Consideration of Splash Pad location

 

 

VII.      Appearances:

 

  1. Pat Bishop – Fort Scott Land Bank Manager- Introduction and Annual Report for the Commission.

 

  1. Shane Lamb and Susan Galemore/SEKEDC

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 6-2023                                                             A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT KANSAS HOUSING INVESTORS TAX CREDIT APPLICATION BY RURAL REDEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC FOR DEVELOPMENT OF RENTAL HOUSING LOCATED AT 736 S. HEYLMAN, FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.

  1. C. Justin Pergont regarding the Van Fossen Apartment Project

 

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 4-2023

A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN HOUSING WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS TO ACCOMPANY THE GRANT APPLICATION TO THE KANSAS HOUSING RESOURCES CORPORATION

 

  1.    Consideration of Resolution No. 5-2023

A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF A RURAL HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICT (RHID) AND AN INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BOND (IRB) ISSUE IN SUPPORT OF THE VAN FOSSEN APARTMENTS PROJECT TO BE LOCATED AT 19 S. MAIN AND 23 S. MAIN IN DOWNTOWN FORT SCOTT, KANSAS

 

  1. Patrick Wood

 

  1. Stacy Wood – Advisory Boards

 

 

 

 

VIII.     Public Hearing:

 

  1. Petitioner Robert Lembcke – 2010 E. 3rd Street, Fort Scott

Vacate the roadway easement on Barteau Street between 3rd and 4th Streets – Property described as: APPROXIMATELY 300’ x 60’ OF BARTEAU STREET LYING BETWEEN LOTS 1-13 BLOCK 16 AND LOTS 2-14 BLOCK 17 MCMILLAN’S ADDITION TO THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT KANSAS.

 

 

  1.  New Business:
  2. Consideration to publish for Request for Proposals – Ground Lease – Scott Flater
  3. Consideration to go out for bids – 2023 Mowing Season – Norm Nation
  4. Consideration to apply for Grant Project for Automatic External Defibrillator to be placed at City Hall, Buck Run, Fire Department, Airport, Golf Course, Public Works, and Memorial Hall – Dave Bruner
  5. Consideration to apply for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant to replace the Exhaust Removal Systems within truck bay areas of Fire Station 1 and Fire Station 2 – Dave Bruner
  6. Cape Seal for 2023
  7. Brick Crew Justification
  8. Reports and Comments:
  9. Interim City Manager Comments:
  10. RenoDry Report Regarding Moisture Control at Memorial Hall
  11. School Crosswalk Light on National Ave.
  12. Sidewalk and Curb Reimbursement Program
  13. Demolition Budget
  14. Audio-Visual Equipment for Commission Room

 

  1. Engineering Comments: Update included.

 

  1. Commissioners Comments:
  2. Jones –
  3. VanHoecke –
  4. Woellhof –
  5. Harrington –
  6. Wells –

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

 

XII.         Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Jan. 24

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Minutes of January 24th, 2023                                Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held January 24th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, E. Woellhof were present with Mayor M. Wells.  Commissioner K. Harrington was absent.

 

FLAG SALUTE AND INVOCATION:  T. VanHoecke, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin, Interim City Manager, Travis Shelton, Police Chief, Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, Jason Dickman, City Engineer, Thomas Russell, Codes Enforcement Technician, Seth Simpson, Airport Director, Doug Guns, Sports Facilities Director, Bob Farmer, City Attorney, Lisa Lewis, City Clerk, Eddie Townley, Michael Buller, Steve Anthony, Justin Pregont, and Michael Hoyt.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:  M. Wells asked if anyone had additional items to add to the agenda for this meeting. L. Lewis stated that the agenda did need to be approved due to amendments made to the published agenda on January 20th, 2023.  J. Jones motioned to approve the January 24th, 2023, amended agenda.  T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE JANUARY 24, 2023, AMENDED AGENDA.

 

Continue reading Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Jan. 24 →

Opinion

Let’s Go! by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

 

I asked my brother one day, “Why is it that I often find myself thinking back to yesteryear when I need a lede for a column?” He quickly responded, “It’s because we’re growing older,” and I knew that was the simple truth. So here goes: When I was a young girl, my Mom was the reporter for our church. She would submit articles to the local newspaper announcing upcoming revival services, and then later report on those services when they concluded. Around 2011, I was alone in my folks’ kitchen when I pulled out a Bavarian soup tureen and found numerous old newspaper clippings inside it. As I began reading one of the articles Mom had written, she had chosen this scripture, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1 KJV).

 

I’ve heard that some people start the day by saying, “Good morning, Lord!“ and some say, “Good Lord, it’s morning!” I usually sit up on the side of the bed and declare, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” After I said that aloud one Sunday morning, I immediately added, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.“ Apparently, I had hidden that verse in my heart because it just popped out of me.

 

It’s important that believers spend private time with God during the week. But going into the house of the Lord to worship Him in the beauty of holiness is the icing on the cake for me. The cake and the icing go hand in hand and both are wonderfully delicious.  However, if the cake has been haphazardly made and improperly baked, it’ll be less than desirable and possibly not even fit to eat. No matter how much lip-smacking icing you smear on it, the end result won’t taste good. We need to do our part during the week to enhance the flavor and texture of the cake. Then when we walk through the sanctuary doors we can, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…” (Psalm 34:8 KJV).

 

All my life I’ve heard, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” I know what that means out in the world, but I beg to differ when it comes to worshipping God together in the house of the Lord. When we bring our dedicated piece of cake into His presence, God will be more than happy to add His blessing of icing. And that, my friends, will make us glad!

 

“Let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us cheer each other up with words of hope. Let us do it all the more as you see the day coming when Christ will return” (Hebrews 10:25 NIRV). When God’s dear children  meet together to worship in His presence, something wonderful beyond my limited vocabulary happens in my spirit.

 

“And they [Adam and Eve] heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, ’Where are you?’” (Genesis 3:8,9 ESV). When my church family meets together, I don’t want God to look down, notice I’m AWOL, and ask, “Carolyn, where are you?”

 

The Key: If the Lord isn’t tasting so good at church, try changing your cake recipe.

K-State Extension

Creative Solutions for the Child Care Crisis

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

There is a child care crisis and it is a community, family, business, and workforce issue.  Child Care Aware of Kansas estimates that the desired capacity of child care providers in the state meets only 49% of the potential demand.  I have been on the search for child care before and every week social media presents inquiries for quality childcare or a provider working to acquire licensure.

 

This issue can be addressed and opportunities are out there for businesses and communities!  I recently attended a Communities in Action Workshop for Bourbon and Crawford Counties and learned about the following possibilities that I invite you take a part in.

 

Child Care Community Partnership Grants

Child Care Aware of Kansas, in partnership with the Kansas Department for Children and Families, can help you create and implement community-driven solutions and unique strategies to ensure that young children and families in your community thrive. There will be two funding opportunities for communities working to address access to affordable, high-quality child care.

Learn more and start planning by registering for a Communities in Action Workshop:

 

Allen and Woodson

Date: Feb 28th, 9am-4pm

Location: Humboldt Sports Complex, Humboldt, KS

Registration: https://form.jotform.com/230023829219149

 

Neosho, Cherokee, Labette

Date: Tuesday, April 11th, 9am-4pm

Location: DCF Office, 300 N 17th St, Parsons

Registration: https://form.jotform.com/230165315113139

 

Business Tax Credit Expanded

All Kansas businesses, large or small, can now apply to receive a state income tax credit for providing child care for employees or helping employees pay for child care.

The expansion of the tax credit helps employers support their workforce, even if they are not big enough to create a child care program on their own. It also helps support children’s need for a stable early learning environment.  Learn more at https://ks.childcareaware.org/cctc/.

 

 

We can all invest in our youngest and in return all in our communities benefit.   For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or by calling 620-244-3826.

 

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

 

 

K-State Extension

Kansas Radon Program to host info sessions

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Clara Wikoff. Submitted photo.

Research shows that one in four homes in Kansas tests high for radon. Many home inspectors are now testing for radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking.

K-State Research and Extension is partnering with the Kansas Radon Program to bring three learning sessions to southeast Kansas. The hour-long program is free to attend and will feature information on radon risks and how to test your home. A light meal will be served.

Sessions will be held at the following locations:
Independence – Wed 2/15 at 12pm – 410 Peter Pan Rd.
Parsons – Wed 2/15 at 5:30pm – 25092 Ness Rd.
Iola – Thursday 2/16 at 12pm – 1006 N. State St.

While there is no cost to attend, registration is required to allow for food count. Register online at https://bit.ly/krpsekc or by calling (620) 365-2242.

This event is sponsored by Security 1st Title, with offices throughout southeast Kansas. Other sponsors include Kansas Radon Program and KSRE’s Southwind and Wildcat Districts.

For more information, contact Clara with the Southwind District at (620) 365-2242 or Julie with the Wildcat District at (620) 784-5337.

 

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