All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Fiber Optic Coming to Uniontown, Continuing In Fort Scott

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Conduit for the Craw-Kan Fiber Optic project sits on Uniontown City property on March 7.

Hi-speed internet is coming to Uniontown.

Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative, Girard, received a broadband internet loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and has been stockpiling conduit and cable in Uniontown since late February 2020.

 

The new high-speed internet service will be provided to the 350 customers in Uniontown, Craig Wilbert, general manager of Craw-Kan said.

Craig Wilbert, general manager of Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative.

“There will be no rate change,” Wilbert said.

 

Craw-Kan crews will be replacing copper lines, then connect to computers, phone, and cable TV, giving access to up to  1,000 gigabits per second.

 

A landline may be required as a prerequisite for internet service based on geographic location, call the cooperative at  620-724-8235 to check.

 

The benefits of the new project: getting the fastest available internet in the county, at an affordable rate, Wilbert said.

 

” Great for students and also makes working from home a reality,” Wilbert said.

 

The internet service will only be for Craw-Kan Cooperative members.

 

The Uniontown project will start late spring 2020. “when the weather dries out a bit” and won’t be complete until mid to late 2021, Wilbert said.

 

 

The cooperative received a Rural Utilities Services loan which requires contractors to be certified by an engineering company that has demonstrated the ability to complete a project this large.  Any contractor meeting this condition can bid on the job, Wilbert said.

To learn about Craw-Kan prices:

https://ckt.net/service/internet/

 

Materials are ready for the Uniontown Fiber Optic project.

 

Fort Scott Fiber Optic Project

Craw-Kan has also been replacing internet copper lines in Fort Scott, in preparation for service there.

Uniontown will all be done at the same time as the Fort Scott project and will be cut over to be in service at the same time, Wilbert said.

 

 

“The Fort Scott project is about one-half done,” Wilbert said. “There is a central office on National Avenue where our equipment is.

 

“The west side of Ft. Scott is nearly complete,” he said.” I anticipate about 12 more months for the rest of the city to be completed.  We do it in sections so services will be available in chunks of territories as they are completed.”

 

Why does a project like this take so long?

 

” Mainly it is a matter of cost,” Wilbert said.  “Ft. Scott will end up being a several million dollar project and the Cooperative simply does not have the financial means to complete a city the size of Ft. Scott in one year.  The second reason is the scope of the project.  It is similar to replacing every water or electric line in town.  We are passing every home and business within the city limits.  That’s a lot of fiber to bury!  Definitely worth the wait.”

 

The life expectancy of fiber optic lines is 40 years, Wilbert said.

 

Spools of optical cable.

 

Craw-Kan Expanding Business Customers

The projects are the result of declining populations in rural areas nationwide, he said. This was affecting the Craw-Kan business negatively.

 

“We needed to find new business,” Wilbert said. “We decided to find non-members of the coop, they are strictly customers.”

 

They received requests from Mound City, St.Paul, Pittsburg and Fort Scott and those projects are completed, he said.

 

 

Workers from Bob Hull, Inc., Frankfurt, KS unload fiber optic cable in Uniontown on Feb. 29.

 

Government, Kansas

KDHE:Quarantine and Isolation of Travelers

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KDHE issues new recommendations for quarantine and isolation of travelers,

close contacts and those being tested

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issuing new guidance today surrounding COVID-19, including travelers, close contacts of confirmed cases and those being tested.

KDHE is now recommending 14-day home quarantine for Kansans who have:

  • Traveled to a state with known widespread community transmission (currently California, New York and Washington state) on or after March 15.
  • Visited Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado within the past week.
  • Traveled on a cruise ship on or after March 15.
    • People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their cruise ship travel should finish out their quarantine.
  • Traveled internationally on or after March 15.
    • People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their international travel should finish out their quarantine.
  • Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19. You should quarantine at home for 14 days since your last contact with the case.  (A close contact is defined as someone who has been closer than 6 feet for more than 10 minutes while the patient is symptomatic.)

 

“We know there are a lot of questions and concerns from people,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “One thing we want to stress is that having contact with someone who may have been exposed to someone who may be a COVID-19 case is not a reason to worry or quarantine yourself. Public health officials will notify you if you are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19.”

There is no need for returning travelers to notify KDHE about their return. Information on COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and states with community transmission can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Home Quarantine Guidelines

Those who are under home quarantine should not attend school, work or any other setting where they are not able to maintain at about a 6-foot distance from other people.

If a person under quarantine develops symptoms of COVID-19 during their 14-day quarantine period, including a measured fever of 100.4 (F) or higher and lower respiratory symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath, they should contact their healthcare provider and tell them about their recent travel or other COVID-19 exposure.

Testing for COVID-19

Healthcare providers should evaluate exposure history and symptoms and call KDHE if COVID-19 is suspected. KDHE only approves COVID-19 testing requests from healthcare providers and local health departments.

People who are currently being tested for COVID-19 should remain in home isolation, or hospital isolation if symptoms are severe enough to be hospitalized, until test results are available. If the test result is negative, isolation is no longer required. If test results are positive for COVID-19, the person must remain in isolation until released by public health.

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid spreading the virus and to avoid being exposed to the virus. The virus is thought to spread between people who are within about 6 feet of each other for at least 10 minutes through droplets from coughing and sneezing.

 

To reduce risk, everyone should:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces daily.

For more information, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus. KDHE has a phone bank that is staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. The phone number is 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries, [email protected].  Please note these contacts are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider.

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Fort Scott

Work by Citizens Group Continues at Gunn Park

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A Sunday drive through Gunn Park found Alison Leach digging in the entrance garden of Fort Scott’s largest park.

“I thought I would come out and work about an hour,” she said. “To get away from all the craziness (of the COVID 19 news). I am removing weeds, turning soil and seeing what we have to work with.”

She is part of the Citizens For Park Improvement group that has organized under the initiating of Seth Needham.

Some of the group met yesterday, but it was raining and cool, so Leach opted not to come.

Leach and her family, the Leach-Troutman family, have volunteered to enhance the entrance to the park, she said.

“Redbud Nurseries is donating $150 for this project,” Leach said.

Stockpiles of materials wait for the next Citizens For Park Improvement workday.
New paint on the trim of shelter house no. 3.

Check out  the Citizens for Park Improvements Facebook page.

Fort Scott, Health Care

Nursing Homes Close to Visitors in Fort Scott

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Visiting loved ones and friends in Fort Scott nursing homes is not advised because of the COVID 19 pandemic.

“We are monitoring who comes and goes,” Kathy Nalley, administrator of Guest Home Estates, 737 Heylman, said. “That’s what the CDC is saying to caregiver facilities.”

As of this morning, the doors are locked at Guest Home Estates, she said.

Kenna Smith, owner-operator of Franklin House, 1126 Horton, said only health care providers will be allowed into their facility.

“It’s hard on everybody, but necessary,” Smith said. They have not been allowing visitors since yesterday, she said.

Country Place Senior Living, 820 S. Horton, also has visitor restrictions.

 

“Out of caution and care, we are limiting to direct staff care and health care providers,” Margaret Moyer, director of Country Place, said. “I’ve received notification from corporate office. It’s effective as of 10 a.m. today.”

 

Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton,  is discouraging visitors, but they are allowed, Becky Kellum, marketing director at the assisted living facility said.

 

On March 10,  Lynnette Emmerson, administrator of Medicalodge, 915 S. Horton, wrote a letter to the families of their residents asking for families and friends to not visit the nursing home for the benefit of its’ residents., she said.

 

She is following the Center for Medicare Services recommendations that they are getting from the Center for Disease Control, she said.

They are actively screening individuals, including staff, who are necessary to come into the facility, Emmerson wrote in the letter.

 

FortScott.Biz was unable to speak with Hillside Guest House leaders on their possible visitation constraints.

 

Please be advised to contact them, should you have questions.

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott

Girl Scout Cookie Time!

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Girl Scout Ashley Goebel with 121 cases of cookies ready to load up. Submitted photos.
Girl Scout Troop 71650  with help from Troop Leader Cynthia Goebel are selling those famous cookies.
But because of the COVID-19 virus, the sale has changed.
“This will be our last cookie booth sale,” Goebel said. ” Due to the coronavirus, we received word that direct sales to the public will end after March 15th. But you can still get your favorite Girl Scout Cookie until March 28th .”
The troop will be outside Walmart from noon till 4 pm on Sunday, March 15.
“We have 17 girls ranging from kindergarten to high school,” Goebel said. “We meet at the First Presbyterian Church on Fridays at 6 pm.”
Eva Sackett. Submitted photos.
“Last year the girls were just short of their goal of selling 3000 packages of cookies,” Goebel said. ” They sold 2960 packages. This year the girls hope to make their goal of 3000. Currently, we are at 2,708.”
Ashley Goebel and Brennyn Cole. Submitted photos.
Locally the troop’s best-sellers are Thin Mints, Caramel Delites, Peanut Butter Patties cookies, she said. “The Thanks-A-Lot cookie is retiring. It is the shortbread cookie with chocolate on the bottom.”
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Ava Johnson and Ashley Goebel at a  PSU STEM Event. Submitted photos.
Here is the link for the Girl Scout Cookie Story: https://www.girlscouts.org/en/cookies/all-about-cookies/Cookie-History.html
The funds are used for fees (registration annual fee is $25.00), supplies, camp/day camp is $40 -$50, summer camp fees range up to $400, Goebel said.
Olive Ellis and Ashley with Hopkins. Submitted photos.
The troop has many activities during the year.
“In November we have the nuts and candy sale, ice cream social, roller skating, yoga, swimming, camping and of course the cookie sale,” Goebel said.  “This year we have a spring trip planned to Worlds of Fun in June. Last year we went to the Butterfly Palace and Fritz’s Adventures in Branson, day camp is the first week of June at Friendship Fields in Frontenac. Sheriff Bill Martin came to explain and show the girls fingerprinting.”

 

Fort Scott Community College, Sports

FSCC Football Takes a New Direction with New Coaches

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FSCC new coaches, back from left: Cam Robinson-defensive coordinator, Harris Bivin-offensive coordinator, Michael Reynolds-ILB coach, Brant Newman-director of player personnel and defensive line, Amir Gant-receivers coach. Front from left: Kurt Kennedy-quarterback coach, Carson Hunter-head coach, William Henry-special teams coordinator and defensive back coach.

Fort Scott Community College’s football team has a new vision, with all new coaches.

Head coach Carson Hunter was hired in December 2019.

“Our program vision is to recruit, develop, and lead a family of faithful, honest, and fearless leaders to best represent Fort Scott and the community,” Hunter said. “To best represent Fort Scott – academically, socially, and athletically.”

“I think Carson is a great hire,” Alysia Johnston, FSCC president, said. “He is committed to making sure our student-athletes have positive transformational experiences in the classroom and on the field as well as making sure they have a positive impact on the college and community.”

“We are thrilled to have Carson Hunter as the leader of our football program,” FSCC Athletic Director Tom Havron said. ” When we spoke early about the direction of the program, it was very apparent that we both shared the same vision.”

“Coach Hunter is focused on players and coaches who will love their team, love Fort Scott, and love the game,” Havron said.   “He is a man of great character, faith, and values who will lead by example for the young men at Fort Scott Community College.”

Havron has been impressed with Hunter’s work ethic and ability to surround himself with excellent coaches that share a common vision.

“The football program is in very good hands, and I am excited to see the results of the work being put in by the staff and the players,” Havron said.  “The community of Fort Scott will be proud to support this program moving forward.”

 

Community Engagement Encouraged

 

“For us to be our best, we need everyone to take part of what we are doing,” Hunter said. “We invite all of Fort Scott to join us as program members – to encourage, support, and engage our student-athletes.”

 

Hunter said he has been working hard to establish a reputation with Fort Scott and the region, “and everyone that wants to be a member of our program.”

 

“Program members come in all shapes and sizes,” he said. “Some will be defensive ends, some will be patting everybody on the back. Everyone will have a role, we need the community  to help, and understand that this is their team.”

 

 

“And, our players need to be a part of what Fort Scott is doing,” he said. ” We need everyone to let us know how our program can help and serve.  Engage the team, we need them to be a part of what the community is doing. If there is stuff that our guys can be involved in, we want to do it.”

 

“I want to encourage everyone to follow us on  Facebook at Fort Scott Football and on Twitter @FSCCFOOTBALL,” Hunter said.

 

All New Coaches

All new FSCC football coaches will be a part of the new direction of the team.

“Some of these guys have worked together before in different places,” Hunter said. “All have Division 1 or professional coaching experience.”

Hunter is the head coach, to learn more of his background:https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/Carson_Hunter?view=bio

Michael Reynolds will be the new ILB inside linebacker coach: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/Michael_Reynolds?view=bio

Brant Newman will be the director of player personnel and defensive line coach: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/Brant_Newman?view=bio

Amir Gant will be the receivers coach: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/R._Amir_Grant?view=bio

Cam Robinson will be the offensive coordinator: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/Cam_Robinson?view=bio

William Henry will be the special team’s coordinator and defensive back coach: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/William_Henry?view=bio

 

Two other coaches,  Harris Bivin and Kurt Kennedy, did not have background information on the FSCC Athletics page as of the date of the story being published.

Business, Fort Scott, Schools

Tucker Music Studio: 25 Years

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Benjamin Banwart and Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo. Ben is in his eighth year of piano study with Tucker.

A local piano teacher has encouraged many students to pursue music in her 25-year career.

And it started in her childhood with a passion for piano and encouragement from her parents.

When Carolyn Tucker was in third grade, she had a desire to play the piano but there was no piano in her home.

Like a broken record, she consistently told her parents that she wanted to play, she said.

“They soon realized this desire was not going to go away, so one Saturday the three of us went to Springfield, MO, to shop for a piano,” Tucker said. “A few days later a brand-new piano was delivered to our home, and I couldn‘t play a lick! That expensive purchase was a huge step of faith for my parents and I will always be grateful.”

Carolyn and Zachary Ballou at a piano recital in April 2013. Submitted photo. Ballou was a student of hers for nine years.

She began studying piano with Miss Rebecca Murray and found she loved it.

“I soon realized that God had given me the gift to play by ear, ” she said. “My mother never had to tell me to practice my lessons because every time I walked through the living room, I’d stop and play the piano. The ability to read music and play by ear was a great marriage, and by the time I was in eighth grade, I was the church pianist. I ‘cut my teeth’ on gospel music and it’s always been my first love.”

 

Taylor Cation and Carolyn at a piano recital in 2012. Cation was a 10-year student with Tucker. Submitted photo.

 

Since that purchase and the subsequent lessons, she’s been sharing her of love of music for 53 years in various church settings, weddings, funerals, civic functions, patriotic programs, nursing homes, retirement facilities, gospel concerts, family reunions, baby dedications, recitals, music parties, prayer breakfasts, etc.

“Music is a powerful language that everyone understands because it speaks from the heart,” she said.

In 1994, a friend asked her if she would teach her daughter to play the piano.

“I agreed to give it a try. Now, 25 years later, 97 students have come through the studio,” she said.

At a recital in  2016 – with  10-year student Kelcie Bailey.

Grateful

“Playing the piano has provided a lifetime of musical ministry and joy for me,” Tucker said. ” I can’t imagine what my life would be like had my parents not provided the ‘begged-for’ piano and lessons for me.”

“I believe every baby is born with God-given gifts, and it’s up to the parents to help the child discover his/her destiny using those gifts for God‘s glory,” she said. “My Dad always said, ‘Buying that piano was the best investment I ever made.'”

Encourage children to find musical gifts

Tucker wants to inspire parents to provide their children with opportunities to find their gifts.

“God doesn’t gift every individual to be musical, but if a child expresses a deep desire to play an instrument, there’s a good chance that he/she was created to do it,” she said. “You never know what treasure lies within a child’s heart until the door is opened.

To contact Tucker for lessons, call 620-223-1483.

Tucker Music Studio is located at 954 240th Street

Fort Scott.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Community Collaboration on Wind Science

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Wind Science Tinker Lab: A Successful STEM Community Collaboration

A preschooler turned a hand-crank fan to move a small boat across a pan of water, while a few feet away, an elementary student used a condiment bottle to blow leaves across the floor. Nearby, a middle school student held a unique mobile he had designed, while a teenager drew back the string on a wind cannon to test it. On the other side of the room, a family gathered to read a stack of books about wind. What drew all of these age and interest groups together? Surprisingly, a fascination with wind science. 

 
Utilizing the $500 mini-grant from the Franklin Institute and the national Leap into Science program that it won last year, Fort Scott Public Library held a wind science workshop on Monday, February 24, at the Buck Run Community Center in Fort Scott. Valetta Cannon, youth librarian and assistant director at FSPL, collaborated with Diana Alters of the Southeast Kansas Community ActionProgram, Star McClellan of Parents as Teachers, Jennifer Terell and Makayla Stroud of 4-H and the Southwind K-State Extension Office, Michelle Stevenson of the Fort Scott Early ChildhoodProgram, and Fort Scott Community College professor Ronda Bailey, along with education students Courtney Williams and Karis Mengarelli, on the project.

Grant funds were used to purchase supplies for creating wind science experiment kits, each of which included three to four science experiments in labeled bags, two books about wind
science, instructions for using the experiments, a hand-crank or battery-powered fan, glue stick, tape, and a condiment bottle. Families were also able to select age levels for their kits. Four
Airzooka wind cannons were also purchased, three of which were given away in a drawing at the end of the workshop.

24 adults, 6 teens, and 31 children attended the event, which was held in the big Buck RunCommunity Center gymnasium. Attendees enjoyed wind science experiments from the Leap
into Science curricula, including a challenge to a build something that could detect different types of wind and a tower that could withstand big gusts of wind. They were also encouraged to enjoy fresh fruit or fruit snacks, along with bottled water, at a refreshment table. Families were invited to read a variety of wind science books together, listen to a group story, and to color or fill out worksheets.
 
Most of the community partners came early to set up, oversaw a table or station of their own, and they stayed late to clean up. Collaborators also received science kits to use in their organizations, and Michelle Stevenson won a wind cannon in the drawing. Collaborators and community members alike expressed delight in the success of the event and hope that similar events would follow.
Business, Fort Scott

New Salon Opens at 19 S. National

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Beauty salon owner Margo Davis, right,  gives a friend who dropped in, Mary Etta Williard, a tour of her new business on March 3.

Margo Davis took time out of a hair appointment to give a friend a tour of her new salon on the salon’s opening day, March 3.

 

Structure by Margo is at 19 S. National Avenue, where Bids and Dibs Consignment store was formerly located.

 

The tour included a look at the new salon area that will eventually allow five other beauticians space, a kitchenette, a dispensary,  a waxing room, hair washing stations, nail spa, bathroom and lots of storage space.

“I’m loving it, the new location,  and the renovation work,” Davis said.

Davis shows the dispensary of the salon.

The salon opened following a Kansas State Board of Cosmetology inspection on Feb. 26 and months of a renovation of the building.

The hours of the business are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The brand new business phone number, as of March 9,  is 620-644-5003.

Davis shows Willard the hair washing stations.

Davis received her cosmetology degree from Fort Scott Community College and taught in the cosmetology department for 26 years.

Following her desire to mentor new hairstylists,  Davis has a  2020 Fort Scott Community College Cosmetology student, Joy Page, coming when Page graduates.

Davis shows the waxing room where she removes facial and upper body hair. The reno work was done by Jim Jones, an electrician, and Josh Query, a contractor.

“They did an amazing job,” Davis said.

Margo Davis takes an appointment by phone at her new shop, Structure By Margo.
Davis, in a previous interview, said she received help starting her business from Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor who gave step-by-step guidance during the process of applying for an eCommunity loan.
She also received a  grant from Bourbon County Economic Development Council with The City of Fort Scott Economic Director Rachel Pruitt instrumental in attaining this grant, she said.
To view a prior story:

Structure by Margo Coming Soon

Business, Fort Scott

Smallville: Emerging 2020 Business Award

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Smallville CrossFit Recognized as Emerging Business of the Year at 2020 Kansas Small Business Awards

 

Smallville CrossFit was recognized as the Kansas SBDC at Pittsburg State University Emerging Business of the Year at the annual Kansas Small Business Awards on March 5th in Topeka.

 

Aaron and Lindsey Watts, owners of Smallville CrossFit in Fort Scott, are on a mission to build a well-balanced, healthy, and fully capable community. Smallville’s atmosphere allows for anyone to come through their doors and start on their better health journey with no judgement.

 

The Wattses purchased Smallville CrossFit in 2016 and the business quickly grew. Knowing they would need to purchase a larger facility, the Wattses reached out to the Kansas Small Business Development Center in 2019 for assistance with cash flow projections and the development of a financial strategy.

 

“Laying out a detailed list of all of the costs we needed to address and be prepared for was huge for me,” said Lindsey Watts. “I am a planner; however, there were still many things that were not even on my radar. [Kansas SBDC advisor] Dacia Clark explained each and every cost and asked questions that helped me question ways to do things better with future spending.”

 

Smallville CrossFit is located at 1905 S. Judson Street in Fort Scott, Kansas. To learn more, follow them on Facebook at @smallvillecrossfit.

Business, Fort Scott, Housing

Union Building Update: Completion Date Now December 2020

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The First and Main building as seen from National Avenue on Nov. 4, 2019.

 

The renovation of a  downtown late-1800s building has been at a standstill.

 

Work began in 2018 on the Union Building, at First and Main Street, and stopped for many months in 2019 and into 2020.

 

The inside was gutted and will be built back to make it into apartments, according to the developer.

 

 

“We replaced the  (first) contractor” Tony Krsnich, president and CEO of Flint Hills Holdings, told FortScott.Biz.

 

 

A new process began of moving forward on the project, he said.

 

 

Architects and engineers have been working on plans for the gutted Union Building for weeks,  Krsnich, said.

 

 

 

The three-story building is being converted into apartments for the general public and rent will be based on income, Krsnich said in a prior interview.

 

 

To see prior stories on the project:

Historic Redo Back On Track.

Stout Building-Going, Union Block Building-New Apartments

Demo Work Has Started On Union Block Building

 

 

“Architects and engineers work from their offices most of the time,” Krsnich said. “They’ve been on site along with subs every week for the past five weeks or so.”

 

Hans Thomas and Associates, K.C. MO are the architects, Agricultural Engineering Associates, Uniontown, is the civil engineer, Rau Construction, Overland Park is the general contractor, and Joe Towns, Lee’s Summit, MO is the structural engineer, Krsnich said.

 

The developer, Flint Hills Holdings, is located at 2315 W. 65th, Mission Hills, KS.

 

Completion of the project is expected to be in December currently, he said.

 

 

Union Building, First and Main streets, Fort Scott. June 2018, before inside demolition began.

 

Art, Bourbon County

Bourbon County Arts Council Exhibition Biggest Ever, Continues Today and Saturday

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Al Letner, Pittsburg, is the first-place winner in ceramics and also won best-of-show in the three-dimension category at the Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit.

 

Fifty-six artists submitted 150 art pieces for the 28th Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit and Sale.

“This is the largest show we have ever had,” Deb Anderson, president of the BCAC, told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee attendees on Thursday morning.

“We feel we have an outstanding show, ” she said.  “The judge was challenged in this show (to pick place winners). He was very complimentary.”

The judge was James Oliver, assistant professor of painting and drawing at Pittsburg State University.

The exhibit will continue today, March 6, from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.

Following are the first-place winners in each category:

Liz Darling, Pittsburg,  is first-place winner in mixed media and also wins best-of-show in two-dimension art.
Ripp Harrison, Lawrence, took first-place in MY HOMETOWN THEME.
Bob Schlyer, Rich Hill, MO, won first-place in painting.
First-place in sculpture is Jim Miller, Joplin, MO.
Chance Fuhrman, Bronson, won first-place in drawing and graphics.
Carleen Shatto, Drexel, MO is first-place winner in glass.
First-place in photography is Ron Gates, Girard.
First-place in pastel is Clyde Wendel, K.C.MO.
Skip Kreibach, Derby, is the first-place winner in watercolor.
Barbara Gibson, Fort Scott, wins first-place in jewelry.
Jean Strader, Fort Scott, received first-place in fiber arts. Courtesy photo.
Bourbon County Arts Council Members present at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee on March 5, from left, Elaine Buerge, Deb Anderson, Terry Floyd, Steve Floyd, and Linda Noll.

Prize sponsors are Buerge Art Studio, Landmark Bank, Citizens Bank, Briggs Toyota Auto of Fort Scott,  Union State Bank,  H & H Realty, Fort Scott Broadcasting, Bernita Hill, Ward Kraft, City State Bank, and In Memory of E. C. Gordon.