Monthly Archives: January 2025

Business, Food, Fort Scott

New Employee: Teri Hamilton at Common Ground Coffee Co.

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Teri Hamilton. Submitted photo.

Teri Hamilton, owner of The Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery, is putting her own business on pause and will be using her baking talents at Common Ground Coffee Co.12 E. Wall as of Monday, February 3.

Common Ground Coffee Shop.

 

In recent years, Hamilton’s husband has been able to help her with her home business, but because of a new job, he won’t.

“This makes it unsustainable for me physically,” Hamilton said. “The bakery business needs to grow in employees and space…and we are not ready to take that step.”

Starting on February 3 she will be at the coffee shop on Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to noon,  baking for them.

“I’ll be making cookies and pastry-type things and possibly adding a few things of my own but will be keeping that baked good case full,” she said. “Taking this part-time job will keep me baking for the community.”

She started her artisan bakery three years ago, and feels the job will allow her to “see people, interact with them and see them enjoy the things I make for them.”

“I’m excited to  join the Common Ground team, I look forward to serving people good food.”

Suzanne Griffin will continue her weekly dinners at the coffee shop and offer catering services.

Together they will produce some fun offerings for Super Bowl parties and Valentine’s Day.

Griffin said they will be offering appetizer trays and dip assortments for Super Bowl parties and for Valentine’s Day-chocolate dipped strawberries and Chardudery Trays for men.

“We call it Chardudery Trays because it has bacon, beef and no frilly stuff,” Griffin said.

 

For more information contact Common Ground Coffee Co. at 620.223.2499.

Left to right: Common Ground Coffee Co. staff working this day:
Ashton Pridey
Heidi Dixon
Orpha Durossette
Ava Witt
Suzanne Griffin
Jenna Graham
Submitted photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opinion

We Know The Ending by Patty Laroche

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

If you were at all interested in the Kansas City Chief’s playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, chances are you were on the edge of your seat the entire game. I ran home from church and donned my red and gold Chiefs’ shirt, made Dave and me some lunch and curled up on my living room couch.

My phone texts began dinging an hour before kickoff, and they continued until an hour after the game. As the game progressed, girlfriends were posting emojis of happy faces, then sad faces, then “Go Chiefs” emblems, followed by “I can’t take this!” shrieks.  There I sat, yelling at our players for not catching a pass or for missing a tackle and cheering for them when they made a touchdown or stopped the Bills from moving downfield.

Post game, I couldn’t wait to watch the highlights.  Now that my heart rate had returned to normal, I would be able to enjoy the good, the bad and the ugly because I knew the outcome. I had nothing to sweat.  No longer would I be upset when our defense failed to intercept a pass or sack the Bill’s quarterback.  When our opponents went ahead, I feared not.  I knew the final score: 32-29.  I still get excited when I think about that final minute of action.

When, for some reason, the television station showed no highlights, I was frustrated but I relived the game aloud, sharing with Dave my play-by-play review. He looks forward to my expertise.

I’m funny.

But when I woke up this morning, I had a different perspective.  Shouldn’t life reflect that same attitude so that we see each day, each circumstance, through “I’m not going to sweat this,” confident eyes?  You know, so we don’t get all worked up when things don’t go our way? After all, we know the ending.  Jesus will win; Satan will lose. Eternity will be more than we can ever imagine.

God, knowing most of us do sweat the small stuff, told us a few things about what awaits us.  Our eternal home is an actual place (John 14:1-3, NIV) where we will reside in real, physical bodies (2 Corinthians 5:1-5, NIV) and where we will experience everlasting joys, rewards, and treasures (Matthew 5:12; Matthew 6:19-20; Luke 6:23 NIV).                                                              

God allowed the apostle John to get a sneak peek into what awaits us.  From his time in exile on Patmos Island, he wrote his memoirs which are copied in Revelation 21:4 (NLT): He (God) will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.                                                                                                         

And with that waiting all of us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we sweat the small stuff…why?        

Gordon Parks Museum

Celebrating Black History Month In February

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The Gordon Parks Museum

At Fort Scott Community College

Celebrating Black History Month

 

Come in and view the Black History Month Tribute Panel Exhibit. This consist of over 100 different posters, photos and information of some of the great and important Black Innovators and Leaders throughout history. The exhibit also features some inspiring and moving quotes. Located in the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

February 1- 28, 2025

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

This will have inspiring and moving quotes by different people.

 

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

 

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

 

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Jan.31 Edition

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! January 31st Weekly Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Visit your National Park!

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

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. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am-4pm

Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.

620-231-4250

Wednesday Writers at Hedgehog.Ink Book Store

Every Wednesday 1:30-3pm

Downtown Fort Scott, 16 S. Main St.

EVERY THURSDAY EVENING

STUDENT NIGHT AT FORT CINEMA

$5 tickets for all students Pre-K thru College

KOMB-FM ALL HIT 103.9 Radio Auction

Every Wednesday and Thursday

January 22nd – February 27th

Starting at 3pm

Get bidding and PIN #:

620-223-4500 or radioauction.kombfm.com

__________________________________

UPCOMING EVENTS

2/1~ 11am-3pm | Care to Share Cancer

Support Group OPEN HOUSE

9 E. Wall St

2/1 ~ 6-7:30pm | Coyote Calling Contest

by The Fort Outdoors

$50/team proceeds go to

Care To Share Cancer Support Group

Elm Creek Lake

(North shelter on East side of the lake)

2/1 ~ 8am | FSCC Rodeo hosts

Bareback & Saddle Bronc Ground Clinic

$125/student

620-224-6108 or 620-223-2700 x7020

Arnold Arena

2108 S. Horton St.

2/1-28 ~ | Valentine’s “Ghost” Private Wheel Throwing Class at The Artificers

Night includes dessert from Crooner’s Cakery

2 hours of wheel throwing as a couple

$175/couple – Book a night for your whole group

$300/couple – Book a night for just the two of you

RSVP Call 913-574-7741

2/2 ~ 11am-1pm | Murder Mystery with the Flower Shop hosted by Sunshine Boutique

The Courtland Hotel & Spa

121 E. 1st St

$40/person | RSVP 620-223-6007

2/4 ~ 10:15am | Story time at

The Fort Scott Public Library

The Magic Rabbit

2/5 ~ 5:30- 9:30 | FSCC Basketball

5:30 Women’s Game | 7:30 Men’s Game

Fort Scott Community College Arnold Arena

2108 S. Horton St.

2/5 ~ | FSCC SoundDawg Pep Band

High School Band night!

Check-in 2:30pm

Games start at 5:30pm

FREE MEAL PROVIDED

2/6 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee

hosted by Riggs Chiropractic

304 E. 23rd St., Fort Scott

2/7 ~ 6-9PM | First Fridays at The Artificers

8 N. National Ave.

2/7 ~ 2-5pm | Laree + Co.

Galentine’s Patch Bar Party

3 S. National Ave.

Click HERE to sign up

2/7 ~ 7PM | Valentine’s Day Dinner

at The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative

12 S. Main St.

Entree Options: Beef Filet $60/person

Chicken Cordon Bleu $50/person

*Limited seating

RSVP Call or text 620-418-9284

2/7 ~ 4:30PM | Fort Scott Tiger Basketball

Home vs. Parsons

V/JV/C

Fort Scott High School 1005 S. Main St.

2/7 ~ 6-9pm | Artist Opening Reception Show at

The Artificers – 8 N. National Ave.

Feat. Master Artist Kadra Nevitt’s Chalk Pastel Originals & Guest Artist Ashley Purdin’s mixed Media Originals.

Click HERE for the Facebook Event Page with details

2/8 ~ 1-3PM | The Artificers Master Artist Class

$65/person

All supplies provided – Guided instruction

*Limited spots

Click HERE to sign up

2/8 ~ 7-9pm | REZA, Branson Illusionist Act hosted by CORE Community of Bourbon County

Ellis Fine Arts Center

2108 S. Horton St

Purchase tickets online HERE!

SAVE THE DATE

2/12 ~ 12-1pm | “The Kansas City Monarchs & America’s National Pastime” Lunch & Learn

Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton St.

FREE EVENT

Click HERE to visit the FB event page.

2/12 ~ 5:30- 9:30pm | FSCC Basketball

5:30 Women’s Game | 7:30 Men’s Game

Fort Scott Community College Arnold Arena

2108 S. Horton St.

2/13 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee

hosted by T-Mobile

2400 S. Main St. Suite 300, Fort Scott

2/15 ~ 5-7:30pm | Cohn’s Cafe presents

Murder Mystery Dinner

5-6pm-Cocktail Hour | 6-7:30pm-Dinner

$45

Cash Bar available

RSVP text 620-418-6209 or 110southmainfortscott@gmail.com

2/15 ~ 6-9pm | Care to Share Pre-Spring Fling

Presents “The Piano Man” A Rock & Roll Tribute

River Room, 3 W Oak St. (elevator available)

Piano Man Dennis Laffoon, a long-time member of Shooting Star and Piano Man extraordinaire.

Tickets:

Single: $30 Couples: $60 Table of 8: $250

Click HERE to get your tickets! **Tickets ARE refundable

2/15 ~ 8-11pm | Bourbon County Community Theatre Presents: Saturday Night Fever

Adult Prom Fundraiser

Sharky’s Pub & Grub, 16 N. National Ave.

Tickets:

Single: $25 Couple $40

Click HERE to get your tickets!

Click HERE to follow the Facebook Event Page!

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.
…
Bourbon County

Jennifer Hill Moves To Withdraw as Counsel for Board of Commissioners

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A lawsuit was filed in November 2024 seeking to declare Bourbon County Resolution 14-24 unenforceable, which had been approved by the County Commissioners on October 31st, 2024. The resolution revoked an existing moratorium on solar energy developments and “limit the Board of County Commissioner’s exercise of police powers in the future with respect to” the solar companies.

The lawsuit was filed by David Beerbower, Leroy Kruger, Brandon Whisenhunt, Boa Casper, Katie Casper, Timothy Emerson, Samuel Tran, Karen Tran, and Michael Wunderly against The Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County Kansas, Hinton Creek Solar LLC, Kingbird Solar Energy LLC, Tenneyson Creek Solar LLC, and Tenneyson Creek Solar II LLC.

On January 30th, Jennifer M. Hill, counsel for the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas, moved to withdraw as counsel. She said three of the people who brought the lawsuit now represent the entirety of the Bourbon County Board of Commissioners, which is being sued in the lawsuit. Thus, a subset of the plaintiffs represents the entirety of one of the defendants. This, she said, violates Kansas Court rule KRPC 1.7 regarding conflict of interest. 

In the most recent filing, Jennifer Hill advises the commissioners,

“You are further notified that further proceedings may be held in this matter whether or not you are represented by counsel. “If you do not retain other counsel, you should appear personally at any scheduled hearings. There are no presently scheduled hearings. However, Judge Richard Fischer, JR. will preside over hearings related to various Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss in the upcoming weeks or months.”

The original petition in the lawsuit can be found here.

 

 

 

 

Area News

CFSEK launches inaugural Mount Carmel Foundation Legacy Grant Cycle

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Honoring the past by looking to the future:

CFSEK launches inaugural Mount Carmel Foundation Legacy Grant Cycle

On April 14, 1903, the Mount Carmel Hospital in Pittsburg opened its doors. For over 100 years, the hospital was a cornerstone of healthcare in the Southeast Kansas community. The name, Mount Carmel, means much to the community. The Mount Carmel Foundation (MCF) was formed in 1983 to ensure everyone in Southeast Kansas had access to quality healthcare and continued that mission until August 2024.

The changing landscape of healthcare in Southeast Kansas led the MCF board to consider transferring their assets to another local organization to carry on their mission. They chose to donate their funds to the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) to establish the Mount Carmel Foundation Legacy Grant Cycle, with the mission to carry on the legacy of MCF throughout Southeast Kansas, forever.

“The Mount Carmel name has such a rich history in our area and holds a special place in many peoples’ hearts,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “We are extremely proud to help carry on the name and honor the great work the Mount Carmel Foundation achieved during its lifetime. These annual healthcare grants will honor that history while providing significant programs, services, and equipment, which will have a positive impact on the lives of so many people in our community.”

The inaugural Mount Carmel Foundation Legacy Grant Cycle through CFSEK is open February 1-28, 2025. This grant opportunity is for any nonprofit healthcare providers in Southeast Kansas that share the vision of the Mount Carmel Foundation: to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare for SEK residents.

Applications are available at SoutheastKansas.org/Grant-App, and more information about the granting fund is available at SoutheastKansas.org/news/blog/mtcarmel.

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Coalition Meets Feb. 5

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The General Membership meeting will be next Wednesday, February 5th at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott Ave.

 

 

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

February 5, 2025

 

 

  1.  Welcome: 

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1.  Program:  Allison Duke, Kinship Navigator Specialist, FosterAdopt Connect

 

 

  1.  Open Forum:

 

 

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

 

Area News

Tragic Plane Crash Near Washington, D.C. Airport From Wichita

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Governor Kelly Releases Statement Regarding
Tragic Plane Crash Near Washington, D.C. Airport


TOPEKA — This morning, Governor Laura Kelly released the below statement: 

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives last night and extend my deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones. I have been in constant communication with federal, state, and local officials overnight and want to thank the over 300 first responders from across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area for their response efforts. I will issue a flag order today to acknowledge this devastating event and tragic loss of lives.”

Fort Scott

Talking Surveillance Poles Come to Fort Scott

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If you happen to pass near the old Walgreens parking lot, you may be greeted by a voice coming from the sky saying, “You are trespassing! Please leave the area. This area is under video surveillance, and you have been recorded.”

While you look up to identify the celestial speaker in the heavens, you will instead find an aerial bullhorn complete with multiple video cameras and flashing blue lights.

According to the Fort Scott police department, they aren’t owned by law enforcement but are installed by property owners. The devices, made by Live View Technologies, are marketed as a solar-powered way to prevent theft and vandalism.

The devices gained attention in 2023 when they were placed outside an operational Walgreens across the street from a Ronald McDonald house. There, they loudly announced their oration every half hour to the annoyance of families trying to sleep across the street. The innkeeper was unhappy about “Robocop” waking his guests. While those devices seemed to be launching their repetitive discourse on a timer, the LVT website indicates they usually respond to motion.

 

Bourbon County

Bourbon County changing from 3 to 5 Commissioner Districts

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Bourbon County will change from a three-district county to a five-district county in 2025.

In the fall of 2024, citizens collected signatures on a petition to add the change to the ballot in November. Even though they were unable to get the needed number of signatures in the time required to add it to the ballot, the County Commissioners approved a resolution to put the matter on the ballot.

In the November 2024 elections, a majority of voters approved the change.

Bourbon County Deputy Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said that the election office is currently switching everyone over to their new districts. Those districts are based on maps approved by the previous county commission.

Anybody interested in running can pick up a packet at the County Clerk’s office at 210 S. National Ave. Any registered voter living in the district he or she wishes to represent may run for commissioner, according to Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk.

The deadline to turn in completed candidate packets is noon on Monday, June 2, 2025.

Primary election date is August 5, 2025. 2025 Primary Election Dates

The general election will be on November 4, 2025 and will include school district and city elections as well. 2025 General Election Dates