Simple Home Modifications Can Improve Ability to Live in a Lifelong Home

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

 

Did you know the average cost of care in Assisted Living or full-time in-home care is over $4,500.00 per month?

Maybe you are like me and live in an older home.

It is never too early to start thinking about simple home modifications, as they are one of the easiest ways to improve our ability to live in a lifelong home!

Why should we consider making some modifications?

The goal is to create a safe, livable, and enjoyable space for all of us to not only live in but thrive in!  This can also help maintain a sense of purpose and independence which is incredibly important to all adults, no matter what age.  Safety and security come from the familiarity with your own home.  Proximity to family, friends, and community, can also be a factor.   Accessible long term care could potentially take away from your already built-in social and support network.  Finally, the cost of alternatives and financial stability plays a role!

 

Simple home modifications have free, low, medium, or high cost options.  The next question is where to start?

First, simply, assess your space with a friend or a check list, start with free or easy tasks and then work your way up, and definitely start early and start now!

 

Here are some simple, low cost options that you could start with today!

  1. Cut the Clutter: This is important for fall prevention and could be as simple as a power cord in a spot that is a trip hazard or some items on a nightstand that can be moved so that there is room to grab on to when getting out of bed.
  2. Review Entryways: Having at least one spot to enter the home without steps could mean creating a ramp or something smaller to ease the step over a lip into a doorway.  Make sure there is good lighting, check and repair any loose rock or broken concrete, and add a chair or shelf close to your entry so you can set items down while unlocking and opening the door.
  3. Steps and Flooring:
  • For steps, simple patterned and short carpet is best. If steps are not carpeted, add non slip tape and grab bars on both sides of stairs.
  • Remove those throw rugs or make sure it has no slip grip backing or purchase carpet tape to keep it down.
  • If you are looking at replacing flooring, the National Home Builders Association and others are utilizing the coefficient of friction to show how slip resistant flooring is. A coefficient of friction rate of .6 or higher is optimal which can be found on the packaging or by calling the company.
  • Can’t replace flooring right now? Check out non-slip paint that increases the coefficient of friction that could be put on tile, in garages, and even wood floors.
  1. Doorways: upgrade by widening to 36 inches or add swing away hinges to allow more entry space.
  2. Checking Lighting: Be sure stairs, hallways, bathrooms and even kitchens are lit at night.  Consider purchasing a motion censored night light.  Replace your light switches with ‘rocker’ switches for increased ease in turning on.
  3. Change Pulls and Knobs: Improve grab ability by changing round door knobs to lever handles and from round cabinet pulls to D shaped pulls.

 

For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

 

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

 

 

 

Bo Co Coalition Meets December 4

The next meeting will be December 4th at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott.

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

December 4, 2024

 

 

  1.  Welcome: 

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1.  Program:  Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center

 

 

  1.  Open Forum:

 

 

  1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be February 5, 2025.

 

Christmas On A Budget

Amanda Classen. Submitted photo.

Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent    

November  2024

The holiday season is upon us and while I love the Christmas smells and beautiful lights, the glooming thought of “pinching Pennies” or shopping on a budget really brings my holiday spirits down. Knowing that I can still have a nice holiday season and I am able to give as well even on a budget does bring some joy back to that feeling!

 

While shopping on a budget may mean that you aren’t able to buy everything on that special someone’s list, following a few simple steps allows you to create a magical Christmas even when shopping on a budget is required.

Try to calculate your budget and make a list of who you need to buy for early. Set a limit that you are willing to spend on each person and stick to that budget as much as you can. When making that list, try to start shopping and buying early in the season. Buying one or two gifts each month all year will allow you to avoid stress and allows you to catch deals throughout the year. Also remember, once you have completed your shopping, resist the temptation to buy any extras you may come across.

 

While gift buying is often one of the most expensive parts of the holidays, decorating your home can often be pricey as well. Including your kids in making homemade decorations such as popcorn strings and salt dough ornaments not only save money but create those holiday memories. Remember that the best part of the holidays is spending time together. Aside from decorating, finding movies on your favorite streaming platform or by swapping movies with friends and family is another inexpensive way to create memories over the holidays.

 

Food is often another big expense of the holiday season, especially if you are the one hosting the holiday party. Turn your get together into a pot-luck gathering. Ask each attendee to bring a dish. Saving up your grocery store loyalty points is another way to cut cost. Sometimes those loyalty points can be redeemed for more food related items or even gifts!

 

During the holidays, travel is another big expense occurred when visiting family out of town. If you are looking to fly rather than drive a tip is to make sure to book hotels and flights early due to prices going up closer to the holidays. It is recommended to book those expenses at least 3 months prior to the scheduled travel.

The most important part of a budget friendly holiday season is trying to avoid going into debt over the holiday. Enjoying the magic of the holiday and the memories created, allow you to move into the new years with a positive bank account.

 

For more information, please contact me Community Vitality agent Amanda Clasen at  [email protected] or any Southwind District Offices. To learn about additional programs we will be offering, visit Southwind.ksu.edu!

Court Appointed Special Advocates Christmas Fundraiser is December 13

Change a Child’s Story…

You are cordially invited to a Christmas Celebration

to benefit Bourbon County CASA.

Friday, December 13th 2024

7:00-9:00 pm

Heavy hors d’oeuvres & full bar provided

Gary & Sally Cullor

810 195th Street

Fort Scott, Kansas

RSVP: Friday, December 6th

Call 620-215-2769 or email [email protected]

Click HERE for the Bourbon County CASA Facebook page!

Giving Levels

*Payable with your reservation response card

Sponsors:

$25 per person

$50 per couple

Guardian:

$50 per person

$100 per couple

Guardian Angel:

$75 per person

$150 per couple

Friend:

$125 per person

$250 per couple

Defender:

$500 per person

$1000 per couple

Benefactor:

$1000 per person and over

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

STAY CONNECTED
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

Kansas Awarded Low-Carbon Construction Materials Support

Governor Kelly Announces $32M Award to KDOT for Modernizing Construction Materials

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is receiving nearly $32 million to support using low-carbon construction materials in federally aided projects.

The Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program aims to modernize project practices and support the adoption of advanced construction materials across Kansas.

“KDOT’s program will be a model for how states can work with contractors to incorporate advanced materials while delivering projects that strengthen our local economies,” Governor Laura Kelly said.

The program will promote the use of construction materials with lower levels of human-generated greenhouse gas emissions as measured from cradle to gate instead of benchmarks established from current national averages. Those national benchmarks will be replaced by Kansas benchmarks as soon as enough local data becomes available. It will focus on concrete, cement, and asphalt and explore eligible glass and steel materials as the program develops.

“This is significant funding that will drive innovation in construction practices,” Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “By providing guidance and performance monitoring, KDOT can help contractors integrate cutting-edge materials into their projects and meet evolving industry standards.”

KDOT was one of 39 states awarded funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s discretionary grant program.

“KDOT can help enhance individual projects and pave the way for long-term advancement in the construction industry,” Kansas Transportation Deputy Secretary Greg Schieber said. “Our aim is to create a foundation for growth and continued success.”

Additional information about the Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants Program, made available through the Inflation Reduction Act, is available by clicking here.

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Holiday Trolley Tours Start December 12

Dolly Hollyday Christmas Light Trolley Tours

Come aboard Dolly the Trolley for a night of lights on the town! Sing with Elves, Enjoy Cookies & Hot Cocoa, and wear Glow Necklaces!

Nightly at 5:45 & 7pm

* An additional 8:15pm tour will be available based on demand.

$8 Adults

$5 Children 12&under

$125 to book the entire trolley for your family/group! (seats up to 22)

Pre-paid reservations are required. Call 620-223-3566 today!
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
STAY CONNECTED
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Governor Kelly Announces More than $10M for Crime Victims and Survivors Programs

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that more than $10 million in federal funding will be allocated to community-based organizations and local and state agencies providing services directly to crime victims and survivors. This funding comes from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance grant program.

“These services are vital to the well-being of Kansans impacted by crime,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding gives organizations the ability to continue providing the assistance crime victims and survivors deserve as they stabilize their lives, navigate the criminal justice system, and regain a sense of safety and security.”

VOCA grants help organizations in delivering essential services, which include court advocacy and criminal justice support, provided by law enforcement and prosecutors. Other services involve crisis counseling offered by sexual assault and mental health centers, forensic interviews conducted by children’s advocacy centers, as well as shelter, transportation, and transitional housing provided by domestic violence programs.

A total of $10,289,285 was awarded to 65 agencies.  

2025 VOCA Grant Awards

County

Organization Name

Grant Award

Allen

Hope Unlimited

$89,696

Barton

Barton County Attorney’s Office

$49,984

Barton

Family Crisis Center

$188,745

Butler

Family Life Center

$34,465

Butler

Sunlight Children’s Services

$91,447

Butler

Tri-County CASA

$9,950

Cloud

North Central Kansas CASA

$18,909

Crawford

Children’s Advocacy Center

$29,366

Crawford

Safehouse Crisis Center

$115,452

Douglas

Child Advocacy Center of Douglas County

$23,545

Douglas

Douglas County CASA

$9,653

Douglas

Douglas County District Attorney’s Office

$58,809

Douglas

The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center

$103,475

Douglas

The Willow Domestic Violence Center

$144,488

Ellis

Options:  Domestic & Sexual Violence Services

$169,028

Finney

Family Crisis Services

$114,043

Finney

Spirit of the Plains CASA

$12,293

Ford

CASA-Children Worth Saving

$22,204

Ford

Crisis Center of Dodge City

$46,904

Ford

Ford County Attorney’s Office

$189,604

Ford

Meadowlark House Child Advocacy Center

$26,157

Geary

CASA of the 8th Judicial District

$15,114

Harvey

CASA:  A Voice for Children

$17,443

Harvey

Harvey Co. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force

$278,923

Harvey

Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center

$23,900

Johnson

CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties

$63,122

Johnson

Johnson County District Attorney’s Office

$128,693

Johnson

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

$179,913

Johnson

Safehome

$476,194

Johnson

Sunflower House

$198,495

Leavenworth

Alliance Against Family Violence

$36,694

Leavenworth

First Judicial District CASA Association

$73,449

Lyon

SOS

$189,996

Reno

BrightHouse

$163,944

Reno

Horizons Mental Health Center Child Advocacy Center

$52,410

Riley

Crisis Center

$64,694

Riley

Kansas State University

$228,054

Riley

Riley County Police Department

$88,166

Riley

Sunflower Children’s Collective

$72,278

Saline

Child Advocacy & Parenting Services

$71,497

Saline

Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas

$360,296

Scott

Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center

$267,447

Sedgwick

CAC of Sedgwick County

$274,888

Sedgwick

Catholic Charities, Harbor House

$159,780

Sedgwick

City of Wichita Police Department

$114,159

Sedgwick

City of Wichita Prosecutor’s Office

$142,937

Sedgwick

ICT SOS

$89,435

Sedgwick

Roots & Wings CASA

$41,990

Sedgwick

Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office

$73,288

Sedgwick

StepStone

$96,582

Sedgwick

Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center

$225,714

Sedgwick

Wichita Children’s Home

$299,227

Sedgwick

Wichita Family Crisis Center

$249,382

Seward

Liberal Area Rape Crisis/Domestic Violence Services

$111,992

Shawnee

City of Topeka Police Department

$70,453

Shawnee

Disability Rights Center of Kansas

$719,634

Shawnee

Kansas Department of Corrections

$856,094

Shawnee

Kansas Legal Services

$794,166

Shawnee

LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center

$15,644

Shawnee

YWCA Center for Safety & Empowerment

$137,366

Wyandotte

Friends of Yates

$254,767

Wyandotte

Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault

$428,780

Wyandotte

The Family Conservancy

$103,736

Wyandotte

Unified Gov’t of Wyandotte Co/KS City KS–Police Dept.

$385,332

Wyandotte

ReHope (Restoration House)

$45,000

TOTAL

$10,289,285

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Reckless or Restful? By Patty LaRoche

Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

My friend purchased a luxury car…you know, the kind that costs more for its oil change than my entire vehicle cost.  She had been driving it for a few hours when a cup of coffee warning sign showed up in her dashboard lights.  Alarmed, she pulled off the road to look at her manual.  Apparently, this car was so smart, it alerted the driver to take periodic rests in order to prevent an accident.

 

God created us with a need to rest. I am married to a man who, unlike me, has no trouble with that four-letter word, “rest.”  If we are leaving the house in ten minutes, he will say, “Patty, I’m going to take a short nap.  Please wake me in five minutes.”  And within thirty seconds, his snoring symphony begins.  Me, on the other hand?  It takes me ten minutes to fluff my pillow and adjust my comforter, figure which side I want to lie on, and try to cease my brain’s frantic activity.

Besides, there are always things to do in those ten minutes: fold the clothes, dry the dishes, make a quick phone call, straighten up my desk, paint a chipped toenail, floss my teeth.  I mean, being busy means I’m being productive, right?  Not according to scripture.  Psalm 23:2 tells me that God leads me beside quiet waters.  Dave understands quiet waters.  I understand living in a barrel in the middle of Niagara Falls.  The psalmist writes his words from the perspective of a shepherd tending his flock of sheep.

A good shepherd recognizes that sheep, as dumb as they are, are not at ease around rushing water.  It’s as if God created them to innately know that the weight of their wool—when wet—will drown them.  The shepherd must lead his sheep beside still waters, to a place of rest.  All the sheep must do is follow.

Author Mary Southerland once blogged about her experience learning the meaning of the word “rest.”  She wrote that she began taking piano lessons at the age of five from an elderly, sweet lady, Mrs. McKenzie.  “Her hair was slightly blue, her house smelled like lemon drops, and she had clocks that chimed and rang every fifteen minutes. I was so excited and so ready to play the piano like my sister who played for our church worship services…”

When Mary climbed atop the piano bench, she was disappointed when her teacher invited her to open the first page.  There were only little, black pictures.  “Where are the songs?” Mary asked.  For what seemed like hours, Mrs. McKenzie pointed to funny-shaped black symbols, naming them and explaining their meaning.

One was called “a rest.”  Mary was frustrated.  “Do you know why rests are so important in music?” her teacher persisted. “The music that comes after the rest is the most beautiful music of all.”                                                                                                                                                   Rest is a powerful part of our life song. Sometimes, it is the most productive thing we can do for our soul.  Just as the rest in music prepares the listener for what comes next, time spent in rest is an invaluable opportunity for preparation and restoration. Yet, we often buy the enemy’s lie that to rest is a waste.

Warren Wiersbe once said, “The ability to calm your soul and wait before God is one of the most difficult things in the Christian life. Our old nature is restless…the world around us is frantically in a hurry. But a restless heart usually leads to a reckless life.”         As we enter the Christmas season, we will be tested to live at a frantic pace.  We will need to choose: reckless or restful.

 

 

 

 

Dispose of Pesticide Containers

This is a reminder that pesticide containers are not to be repurposed after the pesticide has been used. Labels on non-refillable containers state, “Do not reuse or refill this container.” Some containers are refillable, and those labels typically say, “Refill this container with pesticide only. Do not reuse this container for any other purpose.” In some cases, the label may say, “Refill this container with [common chemical name]” or “This is a sealed, refillable container to be used only for [common chemical name],” which indicates that it can be refilled with the same pesticide by a retailer. These labeling statements make every pesticide container, from a 2.5-gallon jug up to a 30-gallon tote, illegal to reuse. Reusing containers for any other purpose is considered pesticide misuse and a violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. A pesticide container, even if it is empty or the label is removed (defaced), remains part of the pesticide product.

After use, pesticide containers should be disposed of properly. Disposal options may be limited by local regulations and ordinances. Containers that have been triple rinsed and crushed and/or punctured may be accepted by sanitary landfills or landfills that accept industrial waste. Check with your landfill operator prior to taking empty containers for disposal. Triple-rinsed containers can also be returned to the supplier. In addition, some counties in Kansas have a plastic pesticide container recycling program. Check with your county’s Extension office or Household Hazardous Waste program for more information.

Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720

 

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Sarah Lancaster, Extension Weed Science Specialist
[email protected]

Frannie Miller, Pesticide Safety and IPM Coordinator
[email protected]

 

Kansas Big Game Hunting Permits Now Available

Application Period for Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission Big Game Hunting Permits Now Open

 

TOPEKA – Kansas-based chapters of nonprofit organizations focused on wildlife conservation and promoting the hunting and fishing heritage have a special fundraising opportunity thanks to the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission. Through the Commission Big Game Permit program, eligible organizations can enter a random drawing for one of seven special big game hunting permits, which may then be sold to fund conservation projects. The drawing will take place at the Commission’s meeting on January 30, 2025. Applicants do not need to be present to win.

Applications are due by Jan. 17, 2025. To submit an application:

  1. Visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/Commission
  2. Click “Commissioner Permits” toward the bottom of the page
  3. Download the file titled, “2025 Commissioner Permit Application fillable.”
  4. Return the completed application by mail or email at the addresses listed on the application

Each year, the program offers up to seven Commission Big Game permits (no more than one elk and one antelope and up to seven deer permits), depending on applicants’ preferences. Deer permits are either-species/either-sex and are valid statewide during any season with the legal equipment for that season; and, they do not count against other big game permits the license holder may obtain.

Winning organizations keep 15 percent of their sale price of the Commission Big Game Permit to support their missions. The remaining 85 percent is held by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks until a mutually agreed upon conservation project is approved. (If Kansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry is drawn, they may keep 85 percent of their sale price in order to offset donated deer processing fees.) Organizations may not win a Commission Big Game Permit more than once in a three-year period.

For more information, contact Jake George, KDWP Wildlife Division Director, at [email protected].

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Updated Calendar For Christmas On The Bricks

Join us for the 2nd Annual

Christmas on the Bricks Festival

in Downtown Fort Scott!

First weekend of December

December 5th thru December 8th

See below for details!

*Some activities require pre-registration

Click HERE for our website with detailed information so you don’t miss out!

Also, Like & Follow the Festival

Facebook page to stay informed.

The festival will be packed full of holiday cheer, events, shopping, and activities for all ages with aspirations to be a destination for a Hallmark Christmas.

The weekend will kick off with the

“A Storybook Christmas” Parade of Lights

on Thursday, December 5th at 6pm,

followed by the Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, Music by St. Mary’s School Choir,

Holiday Fireworks, and Pictures with Santa at the Mayor’s Christmas Tree!

Click HERE to enter the parade by 1pm on 12/3!

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***NOTE: EVENTS IN RED BELOW REQUIRE PRE-REGISTRATION,

CLICK THE RED LINKS FOR INFO. AND TO REGISTER. ***

CLICK THE GREEN LINKS FOR ADDITIONAL INFO ***

Thursday, December 5th

  • 6pm – Christmas Parade, “A Storybook Christmas”, followed by the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, music by St. Mary’s School, and Fireworks. To register an entry in the parade click here, free to enter!
  • 5-10pm – Holiday Market Booths will be open, corner of Wall & Main
  • Pictures with Santa

Friday, December 6th

  • Downtown Business Tree Decorating Contest – ALL DAY – vote for your favorite tree!
  • 10am-10pm – Candy Land Adventure, Museum of Creativity, 102 S. National Ave.
  • 11am-3pm – Historical Narrated 50-minute Trolley Tours, from the Chamber & Visitor Center, on the hour, $6 adults, $4 12 & under, last tour leaves at 2pm
  • Throughout the evening – Live Music, Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main St., bring a lawn chair or blanket.
  • 4-9pm – NEW this year, Synthetic Ice-Skating Rink at the Gathering Square Pavilion!
  • 5-8pm – Nativity Showcase, First United Methodist Church, 301 S. National Ave., over 100 Nativity sets from around the world!
  • 5-8pm – Pictures with Santa, Hedgehog.INK! Book Store, 16 S. Main St.
  • 5-8pm – Pictures with The Grinch, Lowell Milken Center, 1 S. Main St.
  • 5-10pm – Holiday Market Booths will be open, corner of Wall & Main
  • 5-8pm – Downtown Stores Open Late for Shopping until at least 8pm
  • 5-9pm – The Artificers 8th Annual Christmas Showcase, 8 N. National Ave.
  • 5-9pm – Santa’s Workshop, Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St., featuring Free Gift Wrapping for gifts purchased Downtown, Letters to Santa, Kids Coloring & Crafts, and more! Any donations for gift wrapping go to CORE Community of Bourbon County.
  • 5:30-8:30pm – Living Nativity by Bethel Church, each set lasts 15 minutes, on the 1/2 hour, last set starts at 8pm, corner of 1st & Scott Streets across from the Courtland Hotel.
  • 6-10pm – Horse-drawn Carriage Rides, departing from the Depot, Wall & Scott St., pre-registration required, $40/carriage for up to 4 people.
  • 6pm until over – Outdoor Movies at Lowell Milken Park, 1 S. Main St.
  • 6-10pm – Firepits with S’mores on Skubitz Plaza, $1 per kit
  • 6:30-9:30pm – Annual Candlelight Tours of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, advance tickets required
  • 7-8:30pm – Bourbon Tasting of Kansas Bourbons, Green Lantern Speakeasy, 110 S. Main St.
  • 9pm-1am – Christmas Karaoke at Sharky’s North Pole Christmas Pop-up Bar, 16 N. National Ave., $10 cover

Saturday, December 7th

  • Downtown Business Tree Decorating Contest – ALL DAY – vote for your favorite tree!
  • Throughout the day – Live Music, Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main St., bring a lawn chair or blanket.
  • 10am-3pm – Historical Narrated 50-minute Trolley Tours, from the Chamber & Visitor Center, on the hour, $6 adults, $4 12 & under, last tour leaves at 2pm
  • 10am-2pm – Nativity Showcase, First United Methodist Church, 301 S. National Ave., over 100 Nativity sets from around the world!
  • 10am – Gingerbread House Making Contest, Brickstreet BBQ, 3 W. Oak St., pre-registration required to ensure supplies.
  • 10am-4pm – Candy Land Adventure, Museum of Creativity, 102 S. National Ave.
  • 10am-9pm – The Artificers 8th Annual Christmas Showcase, 8 N. National Ave.
  • 10am-8pm – Santa’s Workshop, Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St., featuring Free Gift Wrapping for gifts purchased Downtown, Letters to Santa, Kids Coloring & Crafts, and more! Any donations for gift wrapping go to CORE Community of Bourbon County.
  • 12pm-10pm – Holiday Market Booths will be open, corner of Wall & Main
  • 12pm-2pm – Pictures with Santa, Hedgehog.INK! Book Store, 16 S. Main St.
  • 12-2pm – Pictures with The Grinch, Lowell Milken Center, 1 S. Main St.
  • 12pm-9pm – NEW this year, Synthetic Ice-Skating Rink at the Gathering Square Pavilion!
  • 1-3pm – Christmas Paint Party, Mi Ranchito, 17 S. Main St., $40/person, pre-registration required.
  • 1:30-3pm – Brew on the Bricks, A Craft Beer Tasting, Green Lantern Speakeasy, 110 S. Main St.
  • 3-4pm – Storytime, Hedgehog.INK! Book Store, 16 S. Main St.
  • 5-8pm – Pictures with Santa, Hedgehog.INK! Book Store, 16 S. Main St.
  • 5-8pm – Pictures with The Grinch, Lowell Milken Center, 1 S. Main St.
  • 5-8pm – Christmas Cookie Decorating, The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative, 12 S. Main St.
  • 5-9pm – Annual Candlelight Tours of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, advance tickets required
  • 5-8pm – Downtown Stores Open Late for Shopping until at least 8pm
  • 5:30-8:30pm – Living Nativity by Bethel Church, each set lasts 15 minutes, on the 1/2 hour, last set starts at 8pm, corner of 1st & Scott Streets across from the Courtland Hotel.
  • 6-10pm – Horse-drawn Carriage Rides, departing from the Depot, Wall & Scott St., pre-registration required, $40/carriage for up to 4 people.
  • 6-10pm – Firepits with S’mores on Skubitz Plaza, $1 per kit
  • 7-8:30pm – Bourbon Tasting of Kansas Bourbons, Green Lantern Speakeasy, 110 S. Main St.
  • 8pm – Late-night SINGO, Memorial Hall, $10 per card, 3 start times this year: 6:30-7:30pm, 8-9pm, 9:30-10:30pm
  • 9pm-1am – Visit the Sharky’s North Pole Christmas Pop-up Bar, 16 N. National Ave., $5 cover

Sunday, December 8th

  • 10:30am-2pm – Holiday Brunch, Liberty Theatre, register at fscrooners.com, $20 adults, 10 & under $12.
  • 12pm-2pm – Nativity Showcase, First United Methodist Church, 301 S. National Ave., over 100 Nativity sets from around the world!
  • 12pm-5pm – The Artificers 8th Annual Christmas Showcase, 8 N. National Ave.
  • 12pm-4pm – NEW this year, Synthetic Ice-Skating Rink at the Gathering Square Pavilion!
  • 1pm – Floral Centerpiece Making Class by Sunshine Boutique, 1pm, pre-registration required, 20 spots available, $40/person, will take place at the Courtland Hotel.

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Be sure and look for the Christmas cutouts throughout

Downtown for photo opportunities with your friends and family, made by Mike & Danyell Miles.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Fort Scott express sincere thanks to ALL the sponsors, volunteers,

and staff who are making this event possible, including:

Event Chairperson and Chamber Board Member, Diane Striler

Chamber President & CEO, Lindsay Madison

Communications & Events Coordinator, Leslie Godden

Locals and visitors are encouraged to make plans to enjoy this

FUN weekend on the bricks of the Downtown Historic District!

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at

(620) 223-3566 or [email protected]

for questions or more information.

See the full event flyer below,

or click HERE for a PDF printable copy.

We would appreciate you sharing with

your family & friends!

* A special recognition & appreciation to everyone who donated and helped make the Skating Rink a success.

The rink would not be possible without all of the support!

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Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below for their premium support of the Chamber year-round!

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

Updates at Buck Run Community Center Ongoing

The Buck Run Community Center has seen some updates in the facility recently.

The renovations were done by employees at the center, Lucas Kelley the Recreation Director, Dustin Fly the Maintenance Supervisor, and Katie Chipman the Office Manager.

“It is all funded by proceeds from our fitness center,” Kelley said. “Total renovations cost us $2,000.
Renovations on the Buck Run Community Center. Submitted photo.
In the concession stand:
“We added new flooring to replace the old stained carpet and
reorganized/simplified our tables and serving machines,” he said.
The lounge area. Submitted photo.
In the lounge area:
“We removed the original unused office and replaced it with a new seating area,” he said.
The front desk area of the Buck Run Community Center. Submitted photo.
The front desk area makeover:
“We gave our front desk a new look using contact paper! This gives our front desk a more modern feel,” Kelley said.
Future projects at Buck Run Community Center include painting in the weight room, gyms,  and meeting room.
“We are also planning on installing 3/8” thick rubber flooring throughout our entire Fitness Center after the first of the year,” he said.
Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.
The Fort Scott Recreation Department is located at 735 S Scott St, Fort Scott.
To contact BRCC phone 620-223-0386 or email [email protected] or view the website at brcc.recdesk.com