Monthly Archives: February 2023

Government, Kansas

From the Land of Kansas 45th Anniversary Celebration

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MANHATTAN, Kansas —From the Land of Kansas, the state’s agricultural trademark program, is celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2023. The program will kick off its celebration at the Kansas State Capitol on Tuesday, March 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Members of the From the Land of Kansas program will be offering samples of their products and showcasing their businesses.

The From the Land of Kansas program began in 1978 within the state’s agriculture agency, now the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and was designed to promote and celebrate agriculture experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. The program has grown to include 375 members and farmers’ markets. These businesses span the breadth of the agriculture industry, from restaurants, agriculture equipment manufacturers, retailers, farmers and ranchers, to food processors, agritourism, wineries, breweries and distilleries.

Basic membership of the state’s trademark program is free and additional benefits are tailored to support all types of businesses, new or established, and assist them with taking their business to the next level. The program’s website, FromtheLandofKansas.com, also provides a map to help consumers find Kansas businesses and farmers’ markets across the state.

“It’s been the best thing for our business,” said member Christina Blincoe with Sweet Streams Lavender Farm in Bucyrus, Kansas. “We have seen growth from the program every year consistently. We love having the logo on our website because it’s an automatic accreditation of our farm. We love the online store to share our products on the website.”

From the Land of Kansas also hosts an e-commerce website, shop.fromthelandofkansas.com, where members can sell their products online, reaching more customers across the state of Kansas and the U.S. In honor of the 45th anniversary, the program is offering a limited-edition classic shirt representing products grown, raised and produced in Kansas which can also be found at shop.fromthelandofkansas.com.

“I’m very passionate about helping farmers and Kansas businesses succeed and thrive in the agriculture industry,” said Sammy Gleason, marketing manager for From the Land of Kansas. “My dad is a fourth-generation Kansas farmer, which makes the From the Land of Kansas program something I hold close to my heart. I love serving our members, no matter the size of their business; they give me a purpose.”

For more information about the program and its members, visit FromtheLandofKansas.com or engage with the program through social media by following From the Land of Kansas on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Exercise, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Weekly Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

February 16th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, something for all ages!

February Special at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore

Buy 2 Get 1 Free Romance Books!

2/16 ~ BINGO hosted by American Legion at Memorial Hall, doors open 6pm, starts 7pm.

2/16-18 ~ Trap Play by Stephen Gregg, Fort Scott High School 7pm, click here for more info.

2/17-18 ~ Prairie Troubadour Symposium, most events held at The River Room, click here.

2/17-19 ~ 26th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count at Fort Scott National Historic Site, FREE hourly bird walks from 9am-3pm.

Click here for more info.

2/17 ~ First United Methodist Church Mission Soup Lunch, 11:30am-1pm in Fellowship Hall prepared by Don Tucker and Friends, freewill offering. Click here for more info.

2/17 ~ Daddy Daughter Dance Battle at Buck Run Community Center, $5/pre-registration for couple, $2.50 per additional child, $8/at the door for couple, $4 per additional child.

Click here for more info.

2/17 ~ REZA- World Class Touring Illusionist, FSCC in the Ellis Building, 7-9pm,

click here for more info and to order tickets!

2/18 ~ VFW Post 1165 – 8 Ball Pool Tournament, 12-3pm, click here for more info.

2/18 ~ The Artificers Pottery Class: Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class, age 21+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/18 ~ MS Bingo Fundraiser, all proceeds help fund students attending the Washington DC trip, Chili Pie with a dessert and a drink will be available, tickets are $10, click here for more info.

2/19 ~ Bourbon County Democrats General Meeting, Representative Christina Haswood guest speaker, Ellis Fine Arts Center H121,

2-3:30pm, click here for more info.

2/20 ~ Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce closed for President’s Day.

2/20 ~ No School! Skate Days! Buck Run Community Center, ages 7-12 with a parent/guardian, $3.00/per person, 10am-12pm, theme is ugly sweater/sweatshirt, click here for more info.

2/21 ~ Kiwanis Drive-thru Pancake Feed, tickets are $5, 11am-1:30pm and 4-6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church.

2/22 ~ The Artificers Pottery Crash Course, age 17+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/22 ~ Cholesterol Screening, Nevada Regional Medical Center,. 6:30-9:30am, register today by calling 417.448.2101

2/23 ~ Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting hosted by The Beauty Lounge, 2 S. Main, 8am

2/23-24 ~ Radio Auction All-Hit 103.9 FM, 2pm, click here for more info.

2/23 ~ Chess Group Every Thursday at Moe’s Bread, 6-9pm, no admission and all ages are welcome, US Chess Federation members are welcome to play in rated games as well, click here for more info.

2/24 ~ Knights of Columbus Annual Fish Fry, Kennedy Gym 5-7pm, 6 Fridays in a row.

2/25 ~ Kansas Rocks Recreation Park Annual Frostbite Event, ksrockspark.com

2/26-27 ~ FSCC Rodeo Bareback and Bronc Riding School, contact the college for more info.

2/28 ~ Retirement reception for Chief of Police Travis Shelton, come & go from 2-4pm, Buck Run Community Center, click here for FB event.

3/2 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County Arts Council, Ellis Fine Arts, 8am

3/2 ~ BINGO hosted by American Legion post #25, Memorial Hall, doors open at 6pm, Bingo starts at 7pm

3/2-9 ~ Bourbon County Fine Arts Exhibit, open to public for viewing, click here for more info.

3/4 ~ 2nd Annual Marsha Fest at the Liberty Theater, 8-10pm, click here for more info.

3/4 ~ Storytime at Hedgehog.INK!, 2:30pm, click here for more info.

Save the Date!

3/10-12 ~ FSCC College Rodeo

3/17 ~ St. Patrick’s Day! Find the Golden Coins for discounts at Sunshine Boutique

3/24 ~ FSCC Aggie Days

3/24-25 ~ Spring Open House ~ Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event, Downtown & Around

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SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

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

Hedgehog.INK! February Special!

REZA World Class Touring Illusionist!

Link to buy tickets here.

Chamber Member Nevada Regional Center is offering cholesterol screenings!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Housing

Pat Bishop Appointed Fort Scott Land Bank Manager

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Pat Bishop. Submitted photo.

There is a need in communities to get abandoned and vacant properties to land purchasers that can improve the property.

To this end, the Fort Scott Land Bank was initiated in 2018 and last month a manager for the program was hired.

“Vacant and abandoned properties have negative spillover effects that impact neighboring properties and, when concentrated, entire communities and even cities. Research links foreclosed, vacant, and abandoned properties with reduced property values, increased crime, increased risk to public health and welfare, and increased costs for municipal governments,” according to https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/

Pat Bishop has been appointed manager of the Fort Scott Land Bank. The appointment was effective as of January 1, 2023.

Bishop now is responsible for acquiring unused properties and maintaining them, pending transfer to a new owner.

His most important responsibility will be the sale or transfer of properties to buyers through setting up the framework for the clearing of title, negotiation of the purchase price and negotiation of the development agreement, he said.

All  of the responsibilities are subject to the approval of the Land Bank Board of Trustees.

The City of Fort Scott  and Bourbon County government entities  share the salary for the position which is $20,000 per year.

“My hours are 1 -5 p.m. Monday through Friday, though I am available at all times,” Bishop said.

Bishop and his wife, Cathy, have lived in Fort Scott for 44 years and he was a practicing attorney in Bourbon County for 29 years.

Bishop has been integral in the preparation of the legal documentation necessary for the last two Bourbon County tax foreclosure sales, working with the Bourbon County Counselor, and therefore is familiar with the acquisition process, he said.

Bishop may be contacted at 620-224-6962.  His email address is [email protected].

Bourbon County has provided Mr. Bishop an office in the courthouse located at 210 S. National.

The job requires that he be out of the office quite often, and contact is recommended via phone or email, he said.

What the Fort Scott Land Bank Does

“In 2018 the City of Fort Scott established the Fort Scott Land Bank,” Bishop said. “The purpose of the Land Bank is to acquire title to dilapidated, vacant or unused properties and convert them to productive use.”

These properties do not contribute to the tax base, and in addition create fire and safety hazards and reduce the value of surrounding properties, he said.

Most of the properties are acquired through Bourbon County tax foreclosure sale, though properties have been and may be donated to the Fort Scott Land Bank.

“At this point in time the Land Bank has 49 Fort Scott properties in its inventory,” Bishop said. ” All these properties are either vacant lots or structures in need of repair.”

The Land Bank determines the best usage for a property, he said.

Points considered for the usage for the property are the neighborhood, the size of the lot, and the condition of any structures, he said. And there is an attempt to sell the property for value in accordance with a development agreement between the Land Bank and the purchaser.

The agreement will require the developer to improve the property, such as building a house  or remodeling an existing structure, within a given period of time, according to Bishop.  If the developer fails to comply with the terms of the agreement, the property reverts to the Land Bank.

When the property is purchased, the Land Bank is required to maintain the premises, such as mowing, and may have to cause an unsafe structure to be removed, he said.

“The decision to sell land bank property will not be determined solely on the basis of purchase price,” he said. “The Board of Trustees will consider the proposed usage,” he said.

The construction of housing on a property is the most important consideration as there is a scarcity of affordable housing in Fort Scott, Bishop said.

“Other priorities in the following order are: protection of properties for historic preservation, government or public use, ownership by non-profits, such as a church, ownership by adjacent property owners for side-lot acquisitions and green or garden spaces for public benefit,” he said.

Fort Scott Land Bank Board of Trustees

The Fort Scott Land Bank Board of Trustees are appointed by the Fort Scott City Commission and presently consists of Craig Campbell, Chairperson; Robert Coon, Vice Chairperson; Bailey Lyons, Treasurer; Josh Jones, (City Commissioner) Jim Harris, (Bourbon County Commissioner), Rob Harrington (Bourbon County Regional Economic Director) and Patrick Wood.

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Thespians Present the Thriller “Trap” 

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The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 presents the docudrama thriller “Trap” by Stephen Gregg at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16-18 at the FSHS Auditorium.

 

The performance includes eighteen FSHS cast members: Allie Barnett, Payton Bowling, Ashley (Sypher) Cannon, Kaiden Clary, Kinsley Davis, Levi Fairchild, Junie Fisher, Cooper George, Casey Gomez, Emma Guns, Lexi Hill, Jericho Jones, Mykael Lewis, Jaedyn Lewis, Luke Majors, Chris Newman, Madison Smith, and Regen Wells. Technical crew members include: Alyssa Popp, Kiara Thompson, Emma Bin, Jackson Elton, Josiah Eisenbrandt, Natalie Woods, Lily Brown, Tobi Larrabee, Lizzie Moore, Piper Weeks, and Skylar Chaplin.

 

Playscripts.com describes the play: “MENACHAP, CALIFORNIA. An incomprehensible event: every person in the audience of a high school play falls unconscious–every person but one. Using interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the investigators pursuing the case, a theatre ensemble brings the story of the strange event to life, documentary-style. But as the strands weave together into an increasingly dangerous web, it becomes clear that this phenomenon might not be entirely in the past.”

 

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com for reserved seating. Remaining tickets will also be available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

 

“Trap” is directed by FSHS Thespian Director Angie Bin and FSHS Thespian alumna Mesa Jones. It is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com).

Fort Scott Police Department

Roadway Safety Awareness Campaign is Feb. 20-March 3

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From February 20th through March 3rd, the Fort Scott Police Department will be conducting an enforcement campaign near the high school.  We will be joining other law enforcement agencies from Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri with increased enforcement near high schools to raise awareness on roadway safety.

 

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States – ahead of all other types of injury, disease or violence.  “Even one teen death is unacceptable,” says Chief Travis Shelton.  “Please slow down, put the phone away, or turn it off, and always buckle up.”

 

Officers will issue citations to any individual who refuses to obey traffic laws, whether it’s for speeding, texting, or failing to buckle up.  Remind teens that driving is a privilege and encourage them to learn about the importance of driving safely.

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Uniontown: Improving Community Spaces Grant Available

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The City of Uniontown owns the pond just east of the Uniontown Jr/Sr High School.

“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is gearing up for a placemaking project in Uniontown,” President and CEO Jody Hoener said.

Jody Hoener, President and CEO of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.

They are seeking Uniontown resident’s input for a grant to improve the small town of almost 300 people in Bourbon County.

“We have a survey for community members to fill out,” Hoener said. “It’s available online at HBCAT.org or residents can pick up a paper copy from us at our Fort Scott Office (104 N. National) or from Sally Johnson at City Hall in Uniontown.”

Fort Scott has received several placemaking grants.

“We have already been working on Creative Placemaking projects in Fort Scott: the 3rd Street Park Improvements and the Downtown Arch projects,” Rachel Carpenter, Director of the The Center for Economic Growth at HBCAT, said.

Rachel Carpenter is the director of the Center for Ecomomic Growth at HBCAT.

“Creative Placemaking is letting the community choose a project and public space that enhances the quality-of-life people in that area,” Carpenter said. “Placemaking is about creating community spaces that improve vitality, and promote health, joy, and well-being. The community has the opportunity to take ownership of a place in their neighborhood.”

“This Creative Placemaking project is specifically for Uniontown, we are encouraging all residents of Uniontown to complete the survey,” Carpenter said. “The survey is live now and will remain open until March 13th. We can budget up to $10,000 towards this project funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas to be completed by June 2024.”

“Some examples would be: park improvements, murals in an alley way, public space for studying or a public art sculpture about the place’s history,” Carpenter said.

The Uniontown City Park is on the square in the center of the city.

Uniontown residents are asked to fill out a brief survey to help with ideas for the grant.

Here is the link:
http://ow.ly/iJ8s50MJfSL

Airport, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

Fort Scott Airport Receives Improvement Grant

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Governor Kelly Announces $11 Million

for 66 Airport Improvement Projects


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that 66 airport projects across the state have been selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for planning, constructing, or rehabilitating public-use general aviation airports.

“Whether it be airplane manufacturing, a link in the supply chain logistics, or travel, the Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants ensure the safety and longevity of Kansas airports, all while contributing to economic growth and job creation.”

The aviation industry represents over $20.6 billion in economic impact across a broad spectrum of supply chain and manufacturing industries in Kansas.

“Every mode of transportation is a link to the state’s economic vitality,” said Calvin Reed, Secretary of Transportation. “These airport improvements are a few of many important efforts to empower the aviation industry across Kansas.”

The KAIP typically receives $5 million annually through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) and requires airport sponsors to participate in project costs by paying a minimum of 5% of the total project. This year, the program awarded more than $11 million to 66 approved projects, with a total project value of nearly $14.4 million.

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation received 153 applications seeking a combined total project value of more than $66 million for this round of KAIP grants. Projects were scored according to impact on flight safety, economic growth, and regional benefit.

“We’re grateful to satisfy 22% of the total airport improvements requested this year,” said Bob Brock, Director of the Division of Aviation, Kansas Department of Transportation. “We look forward to new and ongoing partnerships with aviation stakeholders to achieve stronger aviation infrastructure for the future.”

Approved 2023 Kansas Airport Improvement Program projects:

  • Allen County – Replace Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), $153,000; taxiway rehabilitation, $157,500
  • Amelia Earhart, City of Atchison– Construct automated gate, $42,075
  • Chanute – North apron reconstruction, $424,570; perimeter fencing, $180,000
  • Cheyenne County – Replace AWOS system, $153,000
  • Coffeyville – Crack seal and remark runway, $42,750 design, $229,500 construct
  • Colonel James Jabara, Wichita – Relocate/widen taxiway, $114,000 design, $800,160 construct
  • Comanche County – Preserve concrete runway, $19,000 design, $225,000 construct
  • Cook Airfield, Rose Hill – Used Jet A truck, $30,000; electric hose reel for MOGAS pump, $3,000; Parking ramp, $148,500; pavement repairs, $18,000
  • Jack Thomas Memorial, El Dorado – Replace fuel system, $10,800
  • Elkhart Morton County – Rehabilitate terminal building, $29,750
  • Fort Scott Municipal – Taxiway rehabilitation, $57,600
  • Gardner – Taxiway, $47,500 design, $99,000 construct
  • Garnett – Replace fuel system, $90,000; terminal rehabilitation, $15,300
  • Great Bend Municipal – Replace primary wind cone, $5,588
  • Harper Municipal – Replace fuel farm card reader, $21,250
  • Hays Regional – Pavement repair materials, $25,500; upgrade security and access gates, $21,250; ARFF station gate automation, $17,000
  • Hugoton Municipal – AWOS update, $5,700 design; $165,600 construct; fuel dispenser, $4,750 design, $40,950 construct
  • Hutchinson Regional – Install wildlife dig barrier for perimeter fence, $32,504
  • Independence Municipal – Airport rotating beacon/tower, $23,750 design, $112,500 construct
  • Johnson County Executive – Pavement maintenance materials, $13,600; southwest fence, $129,600; north fence, $156,150
  • Kinsley Municipal – Fuel farm card reader, $13,500
  • Lawrence Regional – Airport master plan update, $360,000; apron rehabilitation, $130,500 design, $800,000 construct; runway extension, $99,750 design
  • Lyons-Rice County Municipal – Fuel system. $23,750 design, $282,600 construct
  • Mark Hoard Memorial, Leoti – AWOS III, $163,764
  • Medicine Lodge – AWOS update, $5,700 design, $165,600 construct
  • Montezuma Municipal – Seal, patch, overlay and stripe runway, $792,700
  • Moundridge Municipal – Resurface runway, $720,000
  • New Century Air Center, Johnson County– Airfield electrical vault building, $89,300 design, $338,400 construct; rehabilitation of central portion of the west apron, $133,000 design, $800,000 construct; maintenance materials, $13,600
  • Norton Municipal – Replace and relocate AWOS, $153,000
  • Oakley Municipal – Replace rotating beacon and tower, $76,500
  • Pratt Regional – Apron and hangar area rehabilitation, $59,850 design, $653,400 construct
  • Shalz Field, Colby – Card station for self-serve fuel pumps, $16,200
  • Syracuse-Hamilton County – Replace fuel system, $66,500, design, $486,000 construct; replace AWOS, $121,500
  • Tribune Municipal – Remove telecom tower to mitigate runway obstruction, $72,000
  • Wamego Municipal – Airport development plan/master plan (phase II), $66,500; reconstruct apron and connecting taxiway, $468,000

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Entertainment, Government, Kansas

Kansas Attraction Development Grants Announced

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Kansas Tourism Announces $400,000 Available in Attraction Development Grants

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism today announced the Attraction Development Grant program is open for applications. A total of $400,000 is available. Attraction Development Grants provide strategic economic assistance to public or private entities, or not-for-profit groups, that are developing new or enhancing existing tourism attraction in the state. The deadline for applications is March 31.

“The projects that we are looking for with these grants are those that will bring new visitors to Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Each person that visits our state also supports our economy, by eating at our restaurants, staying at our hotels and shopping at our stores. These Attraction Development Grants will help entice more people to choose Kansas for their next adventure.”

The goals of Attraction Development Grants include:

  • Spur economic growth
  • Develop destination-based assets
  • Increase visitation to Kansas
  • Enhance visitor experience
  • Improve the quality of life in communities across the state.

“Attraction Development Grants are one of the many tools we have to assist travel industry partners across the state,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “With world-renowned destinations, history rich communities and spectacular natural wonders, every corner of Kansas is a vital part of the state’s tourism economy. These grants support our attractions and increase visitation to and throughout Kansas.”

Grant dollars may fund up to 40 percent of a project, with the community or business funding the remaining 60 percent. For more information, including grant applications please visit https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/ or contact Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe at [email protected].

Funding for Kansas Tourism grants, including the Tourism Marketing Grant, is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF) that is derived from state lottery proceeds.

About the Kansas Tourism Division:

The mission of the Kansas Tourism Division is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism is a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce and works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support. 

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 in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.

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Art, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest Offered By The Fort

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CONSERVATION THROUGH THE ARTS

Fort Scott Kan. – Monday, February 20, 2023, Fort Scott National Historic Site and Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge are presenting the 30th annual national Junior Duck Stamp art contest. Art programs will run from 11am to 12:30 and 2 pm to 3:30 pm, and all students in kindergarten through grade twelve are encouraged to participate in the art and conservation message contest. Participants need to check in at the park’s Visitor Center at before 11 am or 2 pm for directions.

 

During the program participants will learn more about types of waterfowl and also what the judges look for in the artwork. Participants will create original artwork using watercolors, crayon, or pencil. Because students express themselves best in different formats, the conservation message contest gives them an opportunity to use the written word to express their knowledge. Submissions of your Junior Duck Stamp entry may be made on this day at the park or to the Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge in Pleasanton for Kansas entries. Entry forms will be available, and all entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2023.

 

In 2021, Margaret McMullen, an 18-year-old from Kansas, took top honors in the Service’s National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest with her acrylic rendition of a pair of Hooded Mergansers. Madison Grimm, a 15-year-old from South Dakota, wins the 2022 National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest with a Green-winged Teal

 

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program began in 1989 as an extension of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp. The first national Junior Duck Stamp art contest was held in 1993. The stamp encourages students to explore their natural world, participate in outdoor recreation activities, and learn wildlife management principles.

 

-NPS-

 

Credit Photo: Margaret McMullen/USFWS

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Guided Bird Walks at The Fort Feb. 17-19

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Make it Count at Fort Scott NHS This Weekend

Fort Scott Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site will host free guided bird walks hourly  from 9am through 3 pm, Friday, February 17, through Sunday, February 19, for the  26th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC).

 

A National Park Service Ranger will lead easy birdwatching walks starting from the Visitor Center. Some of the “walks” will be completely durable surfaces and accessible. Rangers and participants will record all bird sightings and upload the data to the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). This walk is for birders of all skill levels and you don’t have to stay for the entire program to make a difference. Birders are encouraged to bring binoculars and layered clothing.

 

Since 1998, “The Backyard Bird Count has been an opportunity for every citizen to contribute to the understanding of wild birds, and their threats,” said Jill Jaworski, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “We encourage everyone to join us for this and future bird walks and programs.” Watch for scheduled bird walks in the park throughout the year on Facebook or at the Fort Scott NHS website www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

For more information about the Great Backyard Bird Count, contact Ranger Bristol at Fort Scott National Historic Site by calling 620-223-0310.

 

Each checklist submitted during the GBBC helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society learn more about how birds are doing, and how to protect them and the environment we share. An estimated 385,000 people participated during the 2022 GBBC. They reported more than 7,000 species from 192 countries. The results of these bird counts are available at www.birdcount.org/2022-final-results.

 

-NPS-

Credit Photo: Manny Salas/Macaulay Library