Once again, EVERGY has awarded the Lowell Milken Center with a Community Impact grant for $1,500 to bring a Golden Eagle and Bald Eagle from Operation Wildlife (OWL) to Fort Scott, Kansas.

The “Raptor Birds” presentations will honor the Unsung Hero and Holocaust survivor Pavel Weiner. Pavel was a teenage boy who survived the Terezin Concentration camp by writing in his diary and helping to create 10 secret magazines about his and his roommates’ experiences in Terezin. These magazines were later used at the Nuremberg Trials. The young men called themselves “Nesharim” which in Hebrew mean “Eagles!”

The event is planned for Wednesday, April 17^th, at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. Pavel’s museum panel will be unveiled at 1:00pm followed by a presentation from Jessica Rockhold, Executive Director of the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education in Overland Park, Kansas who will speak about Terezin. The eagles will be outside in the Lowell Milken Park at 2:30pm and 4:00pm. Everyone is welcome for all or part of the event!

“This is a really special treat to see two eagles at once and get to hear Jessica Rockhold who is an expert on all things Holocaust!” said Ronda Hassig, a spokesperson for the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes.

About Evergy: As an energy provider, Evergy is committed to creating a sustainable energy future and minimizing our environmental impact. They do this through the advancement of clean energy resources, education, stewardship, and environmental actions and activities.

Fort Scott, Government

Correction to FS Public Library Has Two Openings

April 3, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES:

There are (2) open positions for the Fort Scott Public Library beginning in May. The function of the Library Board is to review requests in reference to the library. These are (4) year terms and the board meets the second Tuesday of each month. These are voluntary positions and board are not compensated. Please send your Letter of Interest to the City Clerk at [email protected] (or City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701) by April 16^th, 2024 at 4:00PM, and PLEASE be sure to include your contact information.

All submitted letters will be presented to the Library Board for consideration. The board will then make a recommendation to the City Commission for approval. All letters will be posted on www.fscity.org, as they are included in the City Commission Agenda Packet and are a matter of public record (contact information will be redacted).

For further information or questions about the position, please contact Jennifer Gum-Fowler, Fort Scott Public Library Director at (620) 223-2882.

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 3

April 3, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

4-3-24 Arrest

4-3-24- Release

Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

The Farmers Market Vendors Meeting Starts the 2024 Season This Evening

April 3, 2024 Loretta George Leave a comment

Tomatoes for sale at Fort Scott Farmers Market in 2018.

After several years of planning and execution, the Fort Scott Farmers Market will be under the new pavilion on North National Avenue on May 4.

Tonight is the first vendor’s meeting of the season. This meeting is for returning vendors and anyone interested in becoming a vendor in 2024, Teri Hamilton, president of Fort Scott Farmers Market said.

The meeting is at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office at 104 N. National Avenue, across the street from the pavilion, from 6-8 p.m.

At tonight’s meeting, there will be introductions, information about market guidelines, applications, and fees “and a time to get to know each other a little better,” she said.

Vendors are not just farmers, “but we give preference to farmers and agriculture businesses,” Hamilton said.

“There are also baked goods and craft vendors,” she said. “We have 15 returning vendors.”

“We have space for up to 24 under the pavilion,” Hamilton said.

“The vendors will park in the parking spaces under the pavilion and the customers will go around to each vendor in the parking stall,” she said.

If more than that number of vendors want to be a part of the market, the vendor spaces will have to be reconfigured, and will be thoroughly discussed, she said.

The Farmers Market Committee comprises Hamilton, owner of Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery, as president; Ethan Holly, treasurer, of Still Waters Farm; and Leanna Cain, secretary, of Sweet County Farms.

Vendors pay $5 a week for a vendor space, and if payment is given for the whole year, it is $4 a week, she said.

The market is open on Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, starting on May 4 and continuing until the end of October.

There is a Healthy Bourbon County Action Team workshop on April 15 that will focus on how to get a license to sell at a farmers market, food laws and food safety.

“We want our vendors to have access to that resource,” she said.

Hamilton said the group is so thankful for the new space.

“The pavilion is so wonderful,” she said. “We are so thankful for the project and all the fundraising that took place and they didn’t have to give us the priority,” she said.

On opening day, May 4, there will be a ribbon cutting, live music and speakers for the pavilion’s first farmers market, Hamilton said. The Bourbon County Garden Club always has a live plant sale on the first day of the market season as well.

For more information, call Hamilton at 816-491-7884.

To see the latest on the Fort Scott Farmers Market:

https://www.facebook.com/fsfma

A view of a 2017 Fort Scott Farmers Market on Skubitz Plaza.

AD: Key Apparel Is Seeking a Sales Professional

April 3, 2024 Advertisement Leave a comment

Key Industries Inc. is located at 400 Marble Road, in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park, parallel to Hwy. 69.

KEY Apparel is searching for an entry-level Business to Business Junior Sales Professional to join our KEY For Business team.

The focus will be developing KEY’s direct sales customer base, including sales to businesses and government entities.

Visit https://www.keyapparel.com/careers-at-key/ for more information.

Area News, Business

Kansans Can Win a Free Tree in Celebration of Safe Digging Month

April 2, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Kansas Gas Service Promotes Safety and a Greener Community

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – April 2, 2024 – April typically marks the start of the spring planting season, home improvement projects and large-scale excavations. It’s also National Safe Digging Month, and Kansas Gas Service asks residents to commit to always digging safely. As a bonus, participants will have a chance to win a free tree.

“As a utility company dedicated to safety and environmental responsibility, we recognize the importance of safe digging practices,” says Trey Pool, manager of public awareness and damage prevention for ONE Gas, the parent company of Kansas Gas Service. “With our pledge challenge and tree giveaway, we hope to not only emphasize the importance of contacting 811 before digging but also to contribute to a healthier community.”

Dig Hero Tree Giveaway

Kansas residents can prioritize safety by taking the 2024 Safe Digging Pledge at beadigherokansas.com, and recognizing the need to contact 811 before their shovels or excavating equipment hits the ground – regardless of the size of digging project. After taking the pledge, they are automatically entered into a random drawing to win a free tree in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees in the U.S.

New this year, winners of the tree giveaway contest will pick the tree they wish to plant and receive information about energy savings gained from their tree.

Why Contact 811?

With any digging project, whether planting a tree or repairing a sprinkler system, there is a high probability of underground facilities below the site, such as natural gas pipelines, electric cables or water lines. The best way to avoid damage and injury or loss of service is to contact 811 at least two full working days before digging to learn the approximate location of buried facilities in your area. By calling 811 or submitting a request at Kansas811.com, professional locators will mark the underground facilities within the designated project area with flags and/or paint at no cost to the home or business owner. Once the project is marked, be aware of the tolerance zone: 2 feet on either side of the pipe. Hand or soft dig techniques should be used within this area.

Learn more about safe digging and take the pledge at beadigherokansas.com for your chance to win a free tree.

Digital Toolkit: Access b-roll, Safe Digging Month flyer and graphics here.

About Kansas Gas Service

Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 647,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state in terms of customers. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow its social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, Nextdoor, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest membership nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees with a focus in communities and forests of greatest need. The Foundation — alongside its more than 1 million members, supporters and valued partners — is committed to unlocking the power of trees to help solve critical issues facing people and the planet. Learn more about the impact of the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org.

Fort Scott, Government

Two Openings On The Fort Scott Public Library Board

April 2, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES:

There are (2) open positions for the Fort Scott Public Library. The function of the Library Board is to review requests in reference to the library. These are (4) year terms and the board meets the second Tuesday of each month. These are voluntary positions and board are not compensated. Please send your Letter of Interest to the City Clerk at [email protected] (or City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701) by April 19^th, 2024, and PLEASE be sure to include your contact information.

For further information or questions about the position, please contact Jennifer Gum-Fowler, Fort Scott Public Library Director at (620) 223-2882.

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

City of Fort Scott

Obituary

Obituary of Marsha Lafferty

April 2, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Marsha Kay Lafferty, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, April 1, 2024, at her home in Ft. Scott. She was born January 29, 1952, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Russell Merriman and Beatrice Willis Merriman. Marsha graduated from the Ft. Scott High School. She first married Kenneth M. “Buddy” Gould on September 12, 1969, at Iola, Kansas. They were later divorced. Marsha then married Paul Lafferty on November 12, 1999, at Mound City, Kansas.

He preceded her in death on February 22, 2004.

Marsha had been employed as a bookkeeper and secretary for Central States Waterproofing for several years. She later worked for Dayco Inc.

Favorite times were spent outside and making memories with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her two children, Brandy Leslie (Brent) of Ft. Scott and Kelly Gould of Stockton, Kansas; four grandchildren, Danyelle Daly (Bryce), Alyssa Leslie, Beanna Leslie (Chris Johnson) and Cameron Bishop all of Ft. Scott and five great-grandchildren, Bryelle, Colson, Jaycee, Hendrix and Keeghan. Also surviving are her soul mate, Dale Savage, of the home in Ft. Scott; a brother, Kenny Merriman (Liz) of Ft. Scott and half-siblings, Liz “Susie” Campbell, Nina Merriman, Christy Rusk and Russell Merriman and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Paul, Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Carol Durbin, and three brothers, Everett Merriman, Larry Merriman and Steve Merriman who was her twin.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Friday, April 5^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Marsha Lafferty Memorial Fund and may be left in care of 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

Chamber Coffee At Arnold Arena on April 6

April 2, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, April 6th, 8am

Hosted by KOMB-FM ALL-HIT 103.9 & KMDO-AM 1600

Arnold Arena on the Campus of FSCC

2108 S. Horton

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott Broadcasting’s KOMB 103.9 and 98.3 FM, Thursday, April 4th at 8 a.m. The event will take place at Arnold Arena on campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

The Coffee will kick off the Annual Home, Sport, Farm, and Garden Show taking place Saturday, April 6th from 9am-4pm. at Arnold Arena. Tim and Deb McKenney and team look forward to seeing everyone at both the Coffee and the Home Show.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

Registered Vendor Booths:

Autumn Exteriors of Springfield, MO

Abundant Medicare Health & Life Solutions, LLC of Frontenac, KS

Advance Bourbon County

Advantage Metals of Fort Scott, KS

Blue Grass Equipment of Fort Scott, KS

Bourbon County Conservation District of Fort Scott, KS

Bourbon County Democratic Central Committee

Briggs of Fort Scott

CCC Website, Fort Scott

Covey Overhead Doors, Nevada, MO

Crown Realty, Mound City, KS

City of Fort Scott Police & EMS

Care To Share/Sharing Bucket of Fort Scott

CDL Electric, Pittsburg, KS

Cleaver Farm & Home, Chanute, KS

Continental Siding, Independence, MO

Fort Scott Community College

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

Farmers Insurance, Girard, KS

Influx Services, Fort Scott

KOMB-FM & 98.3FM, Fort Scott

Lyons Realty Group, Fort Scott

Leaf Filter Gutter Protection

Mary Kay of Fort Scott

Miller Feed & Farm, Fort Scott

Norris Heat & Air, Fort Scott

Old Fort Genealogical Society of Fort Scott

Perry’s Pork Rinds of Bronson, KS

Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, Fort Scott

Rigg’s Chiropractic of Fort Scott

R&R Equipment, Fort Scott & Greeley, KS and Nevada, MO

Sharky’s Pub & Grub, Fort Scott

Sunshine Boutique and Designer Florals by Riley, Fort Scott

Thrasher Foundation Repair, Papillion, NE

T-Mobile, Fort Scott, KS

US Cellular-Wavelengths, Fort Scott

Click here to visit their website!

Click here to check out their Facebook Page!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members

shown below…

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Meet and Greet: Many Activities Are Planned

April 2, 2024 Loretta George Leave a comment

John Hill speaks to the Downtown Quarterly Meet and Greet this morning.

The Fort Scott Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet met today at City State Bank, 202 Scott Avenue, to share projects and happenings in the downtown area.

The bank has been locally owned and has operated in Fort Scott since 1920, and chose to keep a presence in the downtown area, John Hill, president said as he welcomed the group to the facility for this meeting.

Some of the announcements from the meeting:

The Fort Scott National Historic Site has a Solar Eclipse Program planned on April 8. Also, this month is its annual Civil War Encampment Weekend on April 20-21. In addition, there will be a Civil War Dance at Memorial Hall on April 20.

Special retailers events coming up: July 13-Christmas In July, August 2-4 is the sales tax holiday, September 12-Fall Fest from 5-8 p.m., October 26 is the Downtown Halloween Parade, November 7-9 is the Holiday Open House with the main kickoff on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. and December 6-7- the stores stay open for Christmas On The Bricks event.

The Fort Scott Downtown Cleanup is April 22 from 4-6 p.m. with a light dinner provided to volunteers by local downtown restaurants at the Pavilion on North National Avenue. Contact Bailey Lyons, Lyon’s Realty Group to volunteer, this with planning the projects and supplies. Any skill-level worker is invited to help. If business owners provide the plants, there will be help planting them that day. A group of artists is organized to paint a mural that day.

Veterans Banners to be placed on downtown light poles will be for sale (for $300 each) as a fundraiser for new seasonal banners. The veteran’s banners feature the name and face of a local veteran. The banners will be placed for a week on the poles during the Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day holidays. Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information.

The new Welcome to Fort Scott Banner is nearing completion with electricity added and lights that will be placed on the columns. There will be a ribbon cutting sometime soon for the new downtown feature.

The Home, Sport, Farm, and Garden Show is this Saturday at Fort Scott Community College’s Arnold Arena from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The annual Chamber dinner is on April 18 with the theme of Boots and Bling. There is a contest for decorated seating tables and a live and silent auction, and the community is invited to attend. The Chamber is still taking award nominations online under [email protected] or printed forms.

The annual Town-wide Garage Sale is May 3-4.

Opening day of the Fort Scott Farmers Market is May 4 from 8 a.m. to noon under the new Pavilion on North National Avenue.

Good Ol’ Days this year is May 31 and June 1. The parade theme is “Where Our History Comes To Life.” Retailers wanting to register for a booth at fortscottgoodoldays.com

Grants are available through E-Community for 6% for 10 years, $5,000 maximum, and Grow KS for 4% for five years, 6% for 10 years, and $100,000 max. Contact the Chamber for more details.

Diane Striler presented a petition to sign for a skating rink proposal for next winter, including the Christmas On The Bricks event. She is going to the Fort Scott City Commission this evening at 6 p.m. to ask for permission to use the Pavilion for the skating rink since it is covered, will have a bathroom available, and is handicapped accessible. The proposal is for the rink to be offered from Thanksgiving to February – March. The $36,000 rink has had an offer that will pay for one-half the costs and with grants and donations, the rink should be paid for, she said. It comes with 60 pairs of skates and the cost to skate will be $5.

There is still a need for a trolley driver for the Chamber, that has to have a CDL with passenger endorsement.