Monthly Archives: November 2023

Obituary

Obituary of Danny Schweikhardt

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Danny (Dan) Ray Schweikhardt, age 64, resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at his home. He was born on June 13, 1959 in Fairfax, Missouri and was the son of Charles and Lenar Schweikhardt.  Dan was raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and the family spent many happy summers and holidays in St. Joseph and Mound City, Missouri with grandparents.  He graduated from Southeast Polk High School and attended Grand View University.

 

He worked as a mechanic, became a welder and was the Lead over the Paint Line at Labconco in Fort Scott, where he worked for 30 years before retiring in 2021.  Dan was a talented artist who loved working with his hands.  He was known for his woodworking and could build anything.  He loved music, fishing, fireworks and especially his dogs. He loved making Halloween costumes and would dress up as Santa for Christmas, and with his dog at his side, drive around in his red convertible Mustang.   Florida was a favorite place of his to visit. Dan was loved by everyone he came in contact with and will be missed by all

 

Dan is survived by his son, Matthew, and his children, Royal Lee and Max Schweikhardt; stepsons Chris Goodman (fiancee Kaylyn) and his four boys, four girls, and three grandchildren; Josh Schoemig; brother Dennis Schweikhardt (wife Peggy) and nephews Chris and Mike Schweikhardt.

He was preceded in death by his parents and former wife Paula Goodman/Schweikhardt.

 

Following cremation, a visitation will be held from 4:30 P.M. until 6:00 P.M, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Arraignments are being handled by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! November 3rd Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Special activities all this weekend! See link below.

Visit your National Park!

Trolley Tours of Fort Scott

50-minute narrated historical tour

Every Friday & Saturday on the hour

Fridays 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturdays 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 12 & under, leaves from the Chamber

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

Pizza Republic Wednesdays – 10% of sales go to FSHS Tiger Booster Club every Wednesday from 5pm to 9pm

Christmas on The Bricks T-Shirt and Sweatshirt Orders NOW until November 10th, Adult Sizes only-unisex sizing, click here for pricing and to order!

Candlelight Tour Tickets are on sale NOW, contact FS National Historic Site 620.223.0310 to purchase!

Dolly Hollyday Christmas Light Trolley Tours 12/8-12/23, tickets are $8/adult or $5/kids or reserve the Trolley for your friends and family for $125! Contact the Chamber 620-223-3566 to reserve your spot!

11/4 ~Jason Scott & The High Heat + BJ Pruitt and the Barnstormers, all ages, doors open at 6:30pm with show starting at 7:30pm, Memorial Hall, click here for tickets! Tickets also for sale at the Chamber and Bourbon County Cars.

11/4 ~ Bark Ranger Event at Fort Scott National Historic Site, free toenail trims for dogs, pet adoptions, K9 demonstrations, and various pet vendors, 10am-12pm low-cost vaccinations, free heartworm testing, and low-cost microchipping will be provided by local vets, click here for more info.

11/4 ~ Chili Feed, Chili Cook-Off and Bake Auction hosted by Fort Scott Christian Heights, $7/adults and $4/children, click here for more info!

11/4 ~ BJ Cattle Ranch Battle, exciting bull rides and a great bull competition, kids bounce house and a pet scramble, calcutta starts at 5:30pm, click here for more info!

11/4 ~ Voices from the Graved hosted by Bourbon County Community Theatre at Riverfront Park, tickets can be purchased at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, $10/adult and $7/students, click here for more information!

11/6 ~ Fall Foods, Gourmet Ciders, and Pumpkin Succulent Crafting hosted by Twigs & Berries at Hedgehog.INK!, $45 per person/payment before class to secure a spot!

11/7-9&11 ~ FSHS Performing Arts Presents Guys and Dolls, a musical fable of Broadway, $8/adults and $6/students&children, click here for tickets and more information!

11/7 ~ Election Day, 7am-7pm, click here for a complete listing of candidates!

11/7 ~ Bartelsmeyer Jewelry Estate Sale, November 7-18th All Estate Jewelry is 25%off with free ring sizing included, November 21-25th all Estate Jewelry is 50% off NO free ring sizing, click here for more info!

11/7 ~ Kiwanis Pioneers 35th Annual Chili Feed at the United Methodist Church, 11am-1:30pm and 4-6pm, minimum $8.00 donation per meal, see flyer below for more details!

11/8 ~ Manufacturing Day in Fort Scott hosted by the Chamber, both school groups and individuals are invited and welcome to attend, click here for more info!

11/9 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by VFW, 1745 S. National Ave, 8am

11/9 ~ Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown & Around Holiday Open House Shopping Event, Stores open late 5-8pm, kick-off special event on the 9th with open house continuing the 10th & 11th. The trolley will be going around the stores, hop on & off and shop!

11/10 ~ US Marine Core Birthday Celebration at Pizza Republic, all are welcome, official

cake cutting ceremony will begin at 7pm, click here for more info!

11/10 ~ Vienna Boys Choir at Fort Scott Community College, 7:00pm, tickets are $45 with general admission seating, click here for more info and to order tickets!

11/10-11 ~ Veteran’s Day Celebration by VFW at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, 11am, contact the VFW for more information!

11/11 ~ Veterans Day Program at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, 11am, organized by the VFW.

11/11 ~ Outlaw Jim and The Whiskey Benders at Pizza Republic, a concert to celebrate Veterans

and their sacrifices made for our freedom, $5 cover charge, 8-10pm, click here for more info!

11/10-11/12 ~ Veterans Day Appreciation Special at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, all military personnel/active or veteran/first responders can come out and ride at NO CHARGE with ID card, click here for more info!

11/12 ~ St. Anne’s Altar Society Fall Festival Turkey Dinner and Kennedy Gym, adults $10.00 children 11 & under are free, come out and enjoy the feast and fellowship, 4-6pm, click here for more info!

11/15 ~ Paint Party at Papa Don’s hosted by 2 Southern Ladies, $35 per person, 6-8pm, click here for more information.

11/16 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by USD234 at Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main, 8am

11/18 ~ Almost KISS Tribute Band LIVE at Memorial Hall, 7pm, click here for tickets!

11/19 ~ 27th Turkey Shoot at BRCC, K-8th + a partner, fee:$2.00 per team, see flyer below.

11/18-25 ~ Annual Key Warehouse Sale, one week only, NOT ON THANKSGIVING, closeouts on men’s, ladies, and kids apparel, click here for hours and more information!

SAVE THE DATE!

11/20 ~ FSMS Extravaganza sponsored by the FSHS Swim Team, 5-8pm

11/30 ~ “Candy Land Christmas” parade hosted by Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, 6pm

12/1-12/3 ~ First Annual Christmas on the Bricks in Fort Scott Downtown Historic District, horse-drawn carriage rides/candlelight tours at the Fort/gingerbread house making contest/Christmas paint party at Pizza Republic/Floral Centerpiece Making Class at Sunshine Boutique and SO MUCH MORE! Click here for a complete listing of activities that will be happening that weekend!

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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.

Manufacturing Day 2023!

Holiday Open House Shopping Event Downtown and Around, November 9th!

Kiwanis Pioneers 35th Annual Chili Feed!

U.S.M.C Birthday Celebration at Pizza Republic!

Kansas Rocks Veterans Day Appreciation Special November 10th through November 12th!
…
Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment

Uniontown’s First Christmas in the Park Event is November 25

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Uniontown Park is located in the center of the town on the square.
The flyer sent out to the community to tell of the upcoming event in the Uniontown Park. Submitted graphic.

A family fun event on November 25 is planned in Uniontown in preparation for the Christmas season.

When Ashley Endicott and Mary Pemberton learned that Sally and Frank Johnson, who’ve been decorating Uniontown Park at Christmas for several years, are no longer able to continue, they decided to do it.

“We thought this would be a great time and opportunity to create a new community event and get more people involved,” Pemberton said.

Their purpose for continuing and expanding the event is ” To spread the Christmas spirit,” Mary said. “To create a fun, festive environment and involve more people in decorating so the job doesn’t fall on just a couple of volunteers.  In addition, to light up the park,  add more decorations, and continue to have a beautifully decorated public area for Christmas.”

A lighted Christmas Tree Decorating Contest is the centerpiece of the event. The decorated, lighted trees will line the park.

“We just started putting the word… so we are still looking for teams to enter the tree decorating contest,” she said.  “Everyone we’ve talked with has been very enthusiastic and excited about it.”

Don and Mary Pemberton, owners of Bandera Stone Inc., are donating live Christmas trees for the decorating contest this year.

“For future years, we hope for donations of artificial trees as people replace theirs or will fundraise and buy during after-Christmas clearance sales,” she said.  “The larger the tree, the better!”

“We are encouraging tree decorating teams of four people and expect most to start around 3 p.m. on November 25,” she said. “Decorating must be finished by 5:30 p.m. for judging.  Anyone not on a team for the tree decorating contest can help decorate the remainder of the park – putting lights on the shelters, etc.”

” Due to the limited time we have to plan this year, we will have a disc jockey playing recorded music,” she said. “Plans are to expand everything next year, including live music.”

In addition, hay rides and hot chocolate will be available that evening.

Please call 620.223.3920 to reserve a tree to decorate for this event.

All decorations will be provided by each team of four, with cash prizes given for first and second-place tree decorating teams.

Extension cords will be needed for hooking the trees up to electrical outlets, she said.

All persons present in the park at judging time 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote for their favorite tree.

If people have decorations to donate please leave them on November 25 at 3 p.m. or leave them at the Bandera Stone office on the north side of Uniontown Park.

“We are also planning ahead and would like to form a park committee to next year expand the activities and decorations,” she said.  “Some ideas include inviting Santa Claus to come visit with children, fire pits for keeping warm and making s’mores, chili dinner, coat/toy drive, and many, many more lights and decorations.  So, anyone who might have extra outdoor lights or heavy outdoor decorations (not blow-up style) or if you are replacing your artificial tree, please consider donating these items to the park event.”

 

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government, Schools

Uniontown School Bond Proposals: Compiled Through Facilities Audit and Community Feedback

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Uniontown High School.
Early voting in Bourbon County has started on whether Uniontown’s school district will get new safety upgrades and expanded opportunities for students.
“The USD 235 bond issue prioritizes projects that were identified as the greatest needs through a 2021 facilities audit and through community feedback via 2022 survey work that went to all patrons,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said.  “These items constitute safety upgrades and the expansion of educational opportunities for students.”
Vance Eden, superintendent for USD 235. Photo from the school district’s website.
Information about each specific component of the projects can be found on the website, uniontown235.org, under the label Bond Info, he said.
The two-question format on the ballot for a vote,  “is responsive to the feedback we received regarding priorities and tax implications,” he said.
“In this format, Proposition 1 would need to pass for Proposition 2 to have the potential to pass,” he said.”
The tax implications can be found on the district’s website, he said. “Additionally, I’m happy to sit down with any patron who has a prior year’s tax bill and help them figure that out even more precisely,” Eden said.  “The projects proposed do not represent all of the ideas and needs of the district, we have been extremely mindful to prioritize those most important and meaningful projects as parts of the bond.”
The list of those projects are below:
  • “New WBE Preschool- This would include programs for 3-year-old and 4-year-old students.  This would also be a storm shelter all West Bourbon Elementary students and staff could use if needed.
  • Student Support Offices-  We would add offices on both sides of the street for the (student support) providers who are working with students.  
  • WBE Entrance- The aluminum doors are original to the building and are at the end of their life.  This would also address some ADA compliance issues with the entrance.
  • Music Room-  We would move around a couple of classes and make a music room that better fits the needs acoustically.  This would also allow us to better address/ provide special education services in the prior music room.
  • Junior High, and High School Fire Alarm- A new fire alarm would include smoke detection and automatic calling of emergency services when triggered.  Our current system does not do this.
  • HS Multipurpose Room- We would add a multi-purpose room at the HS that will also serve as the storm shelter for JH/HS students and staff. This will be a valuable space for all kinds of needs, including a room for wrestling practice.
  • New Agriculture Classroom, Metals Shop, and Construction Trades Shop-  This building is at the end of its life and needs replacement for Ag and Metals to continue to be a part of our programming.  We would also take the opportunity to add a construction trades program to this building to increase student programs.

6th Grade- 6th grade students would move across the street to become a part of the JH.  This was the most efficient use of space and programming.  It will increase opportunities for these students while creating the needed space at WBE to address their needs there without having to add on with additional new construction.”

‘The proposed USD 235 Bond Issue qualifies for State-Aide,” according to the district’s Facebook page on Nov.1. “If our bond is approved, the State will pay for 32% of the overall cost. If approved, the district will also apply for FEMA funding related to the storm shelters. If awarded, it would cover 50% of the cost of those storm shelters at WBE and UJH/HS.”

Other District Improvements, Not on the Bond Issue-The Community Walking Trail

Eden also provided an update on the walking trail around the school that is used by the community as well.

“The walking trail is currently with the architect to ensure ADA compliance and the project specifications,” he said.
“The layout will largely remain the same.  There will be some ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) adjustments as well as considerations for better drainage in those locations where it is needed.  The trail itself will be concrete construction at a width of 5 feet.”
“It is funded through a Recreational Trail Program Grant with the Department of Wildlife and Parks,” he said.  Through this grant, they will pay 80% of the cost and the district will be responsible for the remaining 20%.  That said, our 20% can be in-kind donations, which will be our preference.
Schultz Squared Architecture is doing this project for the district, he said.  “They are the architect doing our pre-bond work and already had the planning materials needed to fulfill this quickly and efficiently.”
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Announce Auditions for Children’s Christmas Show

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians are holding auditions for ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

 

Auditions are open to children in 1st-8th grades and take place from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 13 OR 14 in the FSHS Auditorium. Children do not need to prepare anything in advance, but should plan to stay for the duration of the audition time on one of the nights. Parents should be present at the beginning for information and to fill out audition forms.

 

Rehearsals will generally occur Monday-Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Performances are Dec. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in the FSHS Auditorium. There is a $30 participation fee for children cast in the show.

 

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 with any questions.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Water Quantity and Quality Grants Launched

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Governor Kelly Announces $85M for Two New Water-Related Grant Programs

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Water Office today announced that $85 million over five years will go toward water projects with the launch of the Technical Assistance Fund Grants and Water Projects Fund Grants programs. Both grant programs provide funding for up-front technical assistance and on-the-ground actions needed to address water quantity and quality issues around the state.

The grants were made possible when Governor Kelly signed Senate Substitute for HB 2302, a bipartisan bill from the 2023 legislative session that increased funding for the State Water Plan Fund and established these two grant programs.

“Current drought conditions across Kansas have reinforced that strong water infrastructure is essential to growing our economy and preserving our quality of life for future generations,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These two grant opportunities will provide critical technical assistance and resources to improve our state’s vital water infrastructure.”

The Technical Assistance Fund Grants, totaling $5 million each year for five years, provide funding for planning, engineering, managing, and other technical assistance to develop water infrastructure projects and to process grant and loan applications for such projects. Approved grants will not exceed $1 million.

The Water Projects Fund Grants, totaling $12 million each year for five years, provide funding for construction, repair, maintenance, or replacement of water-related infrastructures and related construction costs; matching money for grant or loan applications for water-related infrastructure projects; and payment towards certain loan balances. Approved grants will not exceed $1 million.

“Access to reliable, clean water supplies is essential to all of our Kansas communities,” Connie Owen, Kansas Water Office Director, said. “These grants can help applicants to identity their water infrastructure needs, navigate application procedures, and obtain funds necessary to providing a safe, secure water supply for their communities.”

Eligible applicants include municipalities with an approved water conservation plan and special districts related to water organized under the Laws of Kansas.

Entities can apply via the Kansas Water Office website at:

More information on the application criteria and process can be found on the Kansas Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.

Government, Kansas

Kansas October Tax Collections Report

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October Total Tax Collections 4.1% Below Estimate; Individual Refunds up $50.2M

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends October with total tax collections at $685.4 million. That is $29.1 million, or 4.1%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 7.4% from October 2022.

Individual income tax collections were $298.7 million. That is $51.3 million, or 14.7% below the estimate, and down 16.5% from October 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $57.5 million. That is $27.5 million, or 91.7% higher than the estimate and up 77.2% from October 2022.

“But for the unusually high number of individual income tax refunds, the October total tax receipts would have surpassed the estimate,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “October refunds were $50.2 million more than in October 2022 and continue to reflect the influence of the SALT Parity Act, which presents a complicating variable in the revenue estimating process.”

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $306.0 million, which is $4.0 million, or 1.3% below the estimate and down $15.7 million, or 4.9%, from October 2022.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

FSHS Newsletter November 2023

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Unsubscribe from emails by Pam Hutchison.

Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Meeting Minutes of November 1

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

November 1, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Seventeen members representing fourteen agencies attended.  Billie Jo reminded members that the board will meet next Tuesday; Nick Johnson will begin his tenure on the board as a representative of USD 234 to fill the vacancy left from the resignation of Doug Altic.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Lindsey McNeil, COPE: The COPE contingency was unable to attend today’s meeting as they were at the Washateria for the first “Wash Wednesday” event.  Billie Jo will forward informational flyers to the membership about this event.
  • Michelle Stevenson, USD 234: Michelle sent word that everything is going well with the Fort Scott Early Childhood Program!
  • Allen Schellack: Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, Salvation Army, etal:  In October they were able to help several people obtain identifications and birth certificates in order to get jobs.  In three weeks, the Red Bucket campaign will begin; Allen needs volunteers.  Craig Campbell will be helping Allen obtain adequate volunteers.  The Fire Department and Police Department will be manning the buckets during the “Christmas on the Bricks” celebration.
  • Dave Gillen, The Beacon: The annual Adopt a Child, Elks Christmas baskets, and Beacon sign-ups will continue until November 3.  The Beacon has served 129 new families, 329 total families, and 824 people so far in 2023.
  • Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State Research:  A “Walk with Ease” class will be starting on January 8 at Buck Run; Lea Kay also reviewed all classes available; more information can be found on the website.  Her greatest need is a partner with space; she brings everything else for the classes.
  • Nick Johnson, USD 234 Pre-School: The “Trunk or Treat” event was held last week with over 400 attending.  The pre-school continues to do monthly screenings.
  • Stephanie Herring, Family Resource Center: She works with families to ensure children are safe in their homes without DCF intervention.
  • Dee Dee LeFever, Greenbush: Resource for any early learning services.
  • Larry Jump, SEKCAP Community liaison: He covers twelve counties as a resource for early learning services.  Currently SEKCAP is hiring for all positions; check the openings on the website.
  • Brittany Trishman, SEK Multi-County Health Department: She is the breast feeding supervisor.  The Health Department is now offering flu, Covid, and RSV vaccines.  She recently received a grant to help with education; she welcomes partners to apply for additional grants.
  • Star Culp, Parents as Teachers: Star’s program is full in the USD 234 district; however, she has two openings in the USD 235 district.
  • Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department: Tammy reviewed the programs she works with in Bourbon County and expressed gratitude for being able to partner in Bourbon County.
  • Sandy Haggard, RSVP: The next Red Cross blood drive is December 21 and 22 at Buck Run.  Appointments need to be made online to ensure donation status.
  • Rene’ Hibdon, CHC: Assesses family needs and connects them to the proper services.  She deals primarily with home-based cases.
  • Megan Smith, CHC: Completes in office assessments for families; her major emphasis is families dealing with pregnancies.
  • Heather Shepherd CHC Community Health worker: By working in the USD 234 school system, she is able to connect families with resources.  Her goal is to keep children out of DCF custody.

 

  1. Program:  Travis Wilcoxsen and Kathy Romero, Angel Care Home Health.

 

Angel Care Home Health is located in most all southeast counties of Kansas; they provide home health care for Medicare-aged individuals.  Travis explained the services they offer and the specialty programs they can provide, including psychiatric care based on a medical prescription.  The ultimate goal for Angel Care Home Health is to make the patient better and keep him/her at home as long as it is safe to do so.  Once accepted into the program, care is 100 percent paid by insurance.  At present they have 190 patients and would like to find an additional nurse for Bourbon County.

 

  1. Open Forum:  The December 6 program will be an update on CHC’s tobacco cessation program; in January, we will hear from Tess Watson about her bed project.

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be December 6.