Employees of Diehl, Banwart and Bolton, CPA’s: front from left Donna Banwart CPA, Monica Mullins, Kelli Bryant, Karla Cox, Carol Hill CPA, Amanda Lancaster CPA, 2nd Row, Allison Ramsey, Grace Sweat, Tawny Pool, Kelly Burrows, Mark Bolton CPA, Jim Regan, 3rd Row, Randall Phillips CPA, Leon Chesnut, Vicky Mueller, Jamie Pollmeier, Matthew Keys, Daryl Eagon CPA, Jim Banwart Jr CPA, and Terry Sercer CPA. Submitted photo.
Not many businesses can claim to be still providing services in their community after 70 years.
But Diehl, Banwart, Bolton CPA’s PA has been serving southeast Kansas since 1949.
Through the years the certified public accountant firm has seen many changes in business, Jim Banwart Jr. said.
Banwart is a partner in the business.
John Diehl. Submitted photo.
When Jim, Sr. applied to work for John Diehl in 1963, “John was excited to show him their new copier—a dry paper copier, a great improvement over what had been available previously,” Banwart said.
Jim Banwart, Sr. Submitted photo.
“In 1966, the firm became the first accounting firm in Southeast Kansas to install what was in those days a room-sized, punch card computer to be able to offer computing services,” Banwart said.
“Larry Dixon was the first programmer at the firm, and in 1971, James Regan arrived to become the IT officer at the firm. He was joined by Don Casida, Allen Ward and numerous other programmers over the years,” he said.
“In 2000, the firm became one of the first accounting firms to post compilations to the web for client viewing. In 2017, we converted from our own inhouse general ledger software to a cloud-based software. The firm continues to stay on the cutting edge of technology,” Banwart said.
John Diehl Starts Is All
“In 1948, following his service as a United States Marine pilot in World War II, John E. Diehl came to Fort Scott to work for the Winchell Manufacturing Company, bringing with him his young wife, Ina Mae,” he said.
Diehl then opened an accounting office for Senderson, Little and LaChelle, a Kansas City firm.
In 1949, Diehl purchased the business and renamed it John E. Diehl and Company.
Maurice Fletcher joined the firm and it became Diehl and Fletcher.
“The company was located in several buildings in what is now the downtown historic district,” Banwart said. “In 1974, the shareholders purchased the Milrose Block at Wall and National where they continue today.”
In the fall of 1963, James L. Banwart joined Diehl and Fletcher. followed by Mark Bolton joining the firm in 1973. Jim Banwart Jr. joined in 1991, according to the firm’s website.
In 1976, the firm became Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPA’s.
“Mr. Diehl died in 2017 at age 99, having retired some years earlier,” Banwart said. “He was a much-involved member of the community and a much loved and respected employer and partner.”
Currently, there are nine Certified Public Accountants at the firm- Jim Banwart Sr, Mark Bolton, Randall Phillips, Daryl Eagon, Donna Banwart, Jim Banwart Jr, Terry Sercer, Carol Hill and Amanda Lancaster.
There are two IT people, Jim Regan and Tawny Pool.
“James Regan, the long-time information technology officer, joined the firm in 1971,” Banwart said.
In addition, there are ten more experienced accountants and a number of support staff, he said.
The business started in Fort Scott, then branched out to Pittsburg and Girard.
Services offered at the business:
-Business design and development
– Municipal and commercial auditing
– Preparation of monthly compilation reports
– Payroll processing
– Estate planning and estate tax services
– Income tax planning and income tax services
-Retirement and succession planning
– Software training and support
Future
“The future is bright,” Banwart said. “As talented young people stay and return to Southeast Kansas, Diehl Banwart Bolton will continue to support entrepreneurs in their business endeavors.”
The firm currently has business clients in virtually every state in the country, he said.
“Technology has made it possible to communicate and advise people regardless of where they are located and our expertise continues to help them succeed in their businesses,” he said.
Diehl Banwart Bolton CPA, 7 1/2 East Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS
Minority and women-owned businesses are important to the Kansas economy, said David Toland, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce.
Because of this, the department is recognizing businesses across the state, with two from Bourbon County being honored.
“We greatly value the contributions these businesses and advocates provide to our state, from the jobs they create to the way they enrich communities and lives,” Toland said. “On behalf of Governor Kelly, the Department of Commerce and citizens across the state, thank you for keeping our economy strong and vibrant.”
Lindsey Watts, submitted photo.
Lindsey Watts will be honored as Young Enrepreneur by the department.
Watts and her husband own Smallville Crossfit Center in Fort Scott.
To qualify for the Young Entrepreneur, nominees must:
Must be under the age of 30
Must be a minority- or woman-owned business
Must be a small business located in Kansas
Must be in business for at least six months
Thaddeus and Kelly Perry, submitted photos.
Thaddeus and Kelly Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds, Bronson are honored in the Supplier/Distributor Firm category.
Criteria for this award is they must be a small business located in Kansas, must be a minority or woman women owned business and must be in business for at least one year.
“In the judging process we have a committee that rates the nominations we receive,” said Rhonda Harris, Director of the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, at the Ks. Dept. of Commerce. “The ratings are based on the impact the businesses have made in the community i.e. revenues brought to the community and jobs created. We also look at their growth and development, as well obstacles they have overcome. Their community involvement is also important in the judging process.”
The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development will host its 35th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon at Capitol Plaza Hotel’s Emerald Ballroom in Topeka on October 10, 2019, with doors opening at 11:20 am.
The event will take place during Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week and will recognize 12 minority- and women-owned companies, three individuals and one corporation from across the state for their support and efforts to create new opportunities.
Registration for the luncheon is $45 per person or $360 for a table of eight.
This event is open to the public, but registration is required and must be submitted by October 1.
Please visit KansasCommerce.gov/MEDWeek to register or contact Rhonda Harris, Director of the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, at (785) 296-3425 or [email protected].
Companies being recognized include:
Women-Owned Businesses:
Construction Firm
CJ Industries, LLC
Kansas City, KS
Manufacturing Firm
Safely Delicious, LLC
Overland Park, KS
Professional Service Firm
Century Business Technologies, Inc.
Topeka, KS
Retail Firm
Monroe 816
Garnett, KS
Service Industry Firm
Rosewood Services
Great Bend, KS
Supplier Distributor Firm
Technology Group Solutions, LLC
Lenexa, KS
Minority-Owned Businesses:
Construction Firm
CJR Construction Group, LLC
Overland Park, KS
R2 Construction is building the water feature in the Unsung Heroes Park on Main Street.
A new park is in construction near Wall and Main Street.
The Unsung Heroes Park is located south of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes at 1 S. Main.
The grassy area has been vacant since 2005 when the building sitting on it, burned down.
R2 Construction is currently is doing the excavation and concrete work on the grassy site, and the water-fall will be constructed by DreamScape Innovations, Inc from Mound City, Nuss said
A stage is being planned for the northside of the old Kress building on the south side of the park, and the Rotary Club is donating benches and trash receptacles.
A frontal view of the water feature in an artist’s rendition. This will be a part of the new Unsung Heroes Park. Elaine Buerge is the artist. Submitted photo.
The idea began in 2017 when a small group began planning a park for the green space on the vacant lot in historic Fort Scott.
The group is currently comprised of Elaine Buerge, Bernita Hill, Beth Nuss, and Carolyn Sinn.
After the original research and planning took place, bids were let.
“The bids were not financially feasible,” Nuss said. “So we needed to revisit the plan.”
“All the money we had was donated,” she said.
Then the Timken Company stepped in with a grant of $25,000, “which got us to the top,” Nuss said.
There will be a small fenced area for dogs in the park.
“The area for dogs will try to accommodate pets of people living downtown,” she said.
The Gordon Parks Museum is celebrating the production of the movie The Learning Tree, fifty years ago, during its annual Gordon Parks Celebration Oct. 3-5 in the museum located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.
The movie had Fort Scott residents as “extras” and featured scenes from the town, where Parks lived in his youth.
Some of the movie film’s characters will be highlighted at the annual celebration.
Karole Graham, Stephen Perry and S. Pearl Sharp were cast members in the movie produced by Gordon Parks 50 years ago and are the recipients of the “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” for 2019.
The “extras” are being asked to come to a reunion of cast members on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The annual event is in honor Parks- noted photographer, writer, musician, and filmmaker.
This year’s celebration will feature several events to include: presentations, special events, tours, reunions, music performances, picnic cookout and a celebration tribute dinner.
Ticket registration is at the bottom of this story.
All events open to the public.
Please reserve tickets early by Wed, Oct 2, 2019 for all the reserved events.
“We are very excited to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Learning Tree film during The 16th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration this year with a wide range of great events and activities for all to enjoy,” Sharp said. “The celebration is for everyone to attend. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the life and work of Gordon Parks.”
The Celebration kicks off on Thursday, Oct 3 with a Fort Scott Chamber Coffee at the Gordon Parks Museum and ends with a Tribute Celebration Dinner at The River Room, 3 West Oak, Fort Scott on Saturday, Oct 5, 2019.
2019 GORDON PARKS CELEBRATION
(50th Anniversary of the film The Learning Tree) Schedule of Events
Thursday, October 3
PHOTO EXHIBIT in the Lunt Lobby of the Fine Arts Center. The Merl Humphrey Photography-sponsored photo contest will be on display with the theme of “My Learning Tree, Life Lessons Learned.” Winners will be announced at the Chamber Coffee.
PHOTO EXHIBIT in the Gordon Parks Museum and Lobby of the Fine Arts Center. The Gordon Parks Mercy Foundation Collection with some of Gordon’s photos and poems will be on display.
PHOTO EXHIBIT in the Lobby of the Fine Arts Center. Some behind the scenes photographs of the film The Learning Tree will be on display.
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Registration open outside of Gordon Parks museum.
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. — Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee at the Gordon Parks Museum.
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. — Showing of the film The Learning Tree in the Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott & The Learning Tree Film Scene Locations. Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history. Fee: $7.
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. — Showing of the film The Learning Tree in the Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.
7:30 p.m. – “Looking Through the Lens at the Historical Greenwood District in Tulsa”
Photographer, Painter, Author and Photo Journalist; Don Thompson will show through photographs and short stories the demise and rise of the Greenwood District during the 1960s and ’70s and the recovery that is now taking place in the 21st century through the faces and spaces he captured with over 50 years of photographic experience. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.
Friday, October 4
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Registration open outside of the museum.
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. — Showing of the film The Learning Tree in the Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.
9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. — “Masters Class of Jazz and Blues” Queen Bey, Kansas City’s Ambassador of Jazz will make a presentation on music and the history of jazz and blues. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Auditorium. This presentation was supported in part by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. FREE.
10:05 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. — “A Conversation with Choice of Weapon Honorees.” The 2019 “Choice of Weapons Award” honorees Karole Graham, Stephen Perry and S. Pearl Sharp. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.
11:30 a.m. —“Remembrance Service of Gordon Parks.” Come and gather at the gravesite of Gordon Parks for a memorial service. Evergreen Cemetery. (If inclement weather, the location will be in the Ellis Fine Arts Center). Buses are not allowed in the cemetery.
12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Grab a sack lunch from the lobby ($8-purchase that day) and join us in the museum.
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — “Gordon Parks Projects Presentation” Students from the Gordon Parks High School in St. Paul, MN will share some of their latest work and projects about Gordon Parks. FREE.
2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. — “Sarah, Ella, and Bessie: The Mothers of Gordon Parks” John Mason, Associate Professor, Associate Chair, and University of Virginia Department of History. Three women, all of them mothers, played crucial roles in Gordon Parks’ life. His own mother, Sarah Parks, profoundly shaped his character. Ella Watson, who resembled Sarah in many ways, was the subject of his first great photograph. Bessie Fontanelle, like Sarah and Ella, was the glue which held her family together and was the center around which one of his finest photo-essays revolved. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. — “From The Czar of Black Hollywood to the Oscars: Fiction and Filmmaking from Kansas”. Shayna Israel, Project on the History of Black Writing/Department of English, the University of Kansas and Danyelle M. Greene, Film and Media Studies, University of Kansas. The presentation will focus on three major Kansas filmmakers: Oscar Micheaux (Great Bend) Gordon Parks (Ft. Scott), and Kevin Wilmott (Junction City), comparing and contrasting the contributions of three groundbreaking authors and filmmakers in three different eras of American cultural history. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.
5:30 p.m. – 6:30p.m. Guided Trolley Tour Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott & The Learning Tree Film Scene Locations. Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history. Fee: $7.
7:00 p.m. – “A Night of Jazz” (Social Hour starts at 6:00 p.m.) Featuring, Queen Bey (Kansas City’s Ambassador of Jazz) along with heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar available. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. Fee: $25.00 which includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and tea or water. Reserve Tickets by Wed, Oct.2. This performance was supported in part by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Queen Bey
Saturday, October 5
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. — Showing of the film The Learning Tree in the Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Registration open outside of the museum.
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – “Behind The Learning Tree” Reunion with some of The Learning Tree cast members: Karole Graham, Stephen Perry and S. Pearl Sharp, along with David Parks, photographer, film director and author, film crew and extras along with panel discussion and presentations. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE.
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.— “Picnic at the Park” Come and enjoy a cook-out lunch at Gunn Park, a scene location in the film The Learning Tree. Shelter House #1. (In case of inclement weather, the location will be in the Ellis Fine Arts Center). Please Reserve Tickets by Friday, Oct 4. Fee $8.
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott and The Learning Tree movie scene locations. Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history. Fee: $7
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Showing of the film The Learning Tree in the Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.
7:00 p.m. – “Celebration Tribute Dinner.” (Social Hour starts at 6:00 p.m.) Dinner and evening of tribute; 50th-year anniversary retrospective of the release of the film The Learning Tree and presentation of the 2019 “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” to Karole Graham, Stephen Perry and S. Pearl Sharp, cast members of the film The Learning Tree. The River Room, 3 W. Oak. This tribute dinner is supported in part by Peerless Products, Inc. in Fort Scott, KS. All seats reserved. Fee: $30.00. (Reserve by Wed, Oct.2)
Sunday, October 6
10:00 a.m. — Breakfast at Nate’s Place. Enjoy breakfast at one of Fort Scott’s finest! Located on the corner of National & 8th Street, you’re sure to find something on the menu to please. Check it out at lyonstwinmansions.com/nates-place-restaurant. (No ticket required-everyone pays for their own)
TICKET PURCHASE FOR THE 2019 CELEBRATION:
Friday, October 4th Night of Jazz -Reservation Only (all other tickets may be purchased on-site). Please reserve by Wednesday, October 2, please!
Saturday, October 5th Picnic at the Park -Reservation Only (all other tickets may be purchased on-site).
Please reserve by Friday, October 4, please!
Saturday, October 5th Tribute Dinner-Reservation Only (all other tickets may be purchased on-site).
Please reserve by Wednesday, October 2, please!
A Night of Jazz: I would like to purchase _______ tickets at $25 each for a total of $ ________.
Picnic at the Park: I would like to purchase _______ tickets at $8 each for a total of $ ________.
Celebration Tribute Dinner: I would like to purchase _______ tickets at $30 each for a total of $ ________.
Total Registration Cost………………………………………………………………..$________.
Name, Address: __________________________________________________________________________
Phone # & Email: _________________________________________________________________________
__________CHECK ENCLOSED payable to the Gordon Parks Museum or
__________Bill to my _________VISA or ________ MasterCard. Card #______________________________
Exp. Date______________ 3-digit Security Code ______________
Questions? Call us at 620-223-2700, ext. 5850 or email: [email protected]
This 16th annual celebration was supported in part by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Thank you to Peerless Products, Inc. for their generous support to our Celebration Dinner at the River Room.
###
Amy Bockerstette from Phoenix Arizona is a golfer and a Special Olympian, who will be the special guest this weekend of the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Submitted photo.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run to fundraise for Special Olympics of Kansas.
Special Olympics Of Kansas has a mission statement of providing individuals with intellectual disabilities opportunities to thrive in sports, health, and leadership, according to its’ Facebook page.
“Torch Run leaves it up to the agency as to what (that agency) wants to do to help,” Cole said. “It was my decision to put on a golf tournament with the help of Steve Anthony. With ALL funds going to Special Olympics Kansas.”
“The special guest for this year’s tournament is Amy Bockerstette, from Phoenix, Arizona,” Ben Cole, Bourbon County’s Undersheriff, said. “Amy is 20 years old with Downs Syndrome. She is the first special needs athlete to receive a full-ride scholarship to a junior college to play golf.”
The tournament is September 28, 2019, and
Sheriff Bill Martin, Cole and several of the other staff members volunteer their time for the event.
“We encourage the community to come out and meet Amy, enjoy the day with us, maybe eat lunch and participate in the raffle items,” Cole said.
The opening ceremony starts at 8 a.m. with Sheriff Martin deputizing Amy as an honorary BBSO deputy.
Tee off begins approximately 9 a.m.
“The event is open to the public we have several items up for raffle,” Cole said. “We are selling chances for a golf cart that will be given away, selling chances for a gun that will be given away, as well as we are having a live auction for approximately 6-10 items.”
From left: Blair Felt, Cathy Werling, and Megan Felt sign Mommy Who Was Irena Sendler? books Sept. 19.
Irena Sendler’s story is so inspiring and yet so very sad.
The Polish social worker smuggled Jewish children to safe places as the Jews were being annihilated by the Nazis in World War II.
The story was discovered by three Uniontown High School students 20 years ago and changed the lives of all involved.
Sept. 19 the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, one of the outshoots of that discovery of Sendler’s story, hosted a book signing.
The book is entitled Mommy Who Was Irena Sendler? by local children’s author Cathy Werling. It is a book that explains the story in a way children can understand.
The book depicts Megan Felt, who was one of the students who discovered Sendler, telling the heartbreaking story one woman’s courage, to her daughter Blair.
“I try to spark conversations,” Werling said. “My books are ones that parents read to their children and answer some of the questions.”
Mommy Who Was Irena Sendler? is the third children’s book in her series about humble heroes.
Werling believes that by sharing these stories, it helps children understand the power of one person to make a positive difference in the world around them.
A panel in the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes tells how Sendler smuggled out the children.A panel in the Lowell Milken Center tells how the center came about.To preserve Sendler’s legacy several books have been written, a Hallmark movie was made and her story is still being depicted in a short play performed around the world.Kellye Barrows and Becky Tourtillot wait in line Sept. 19 to purchase the book Mommy Who Was Irena Sendler? Once purchased, books were then signed by the author, Cathy Werling and the characters depicted in the book, Megan Felt and her daughter, Blair.
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is located in downtown Fort Scott, Kansas at the corner of Wall and Main Street.
For more information:
620-223-1312, or view its Facebook page or the website
Doug Guns, Woodland Hill Golf Course Superintendent started his job Sept. 16, 2019.
Woodland Hills Golf Course Superintendent Doug Guns is 42 years old and has been in the golf business since he was 19.
“So that’s 23 years,” Guns said. “I was going to college and needed a summer job. A local golf club needed help at the clubhouse. I learned all about the maintenance of the greens.”
He attended West Virginia University at Parkersburg and Pennsylvania State University.
“I started as an art major and when I got into golf, I switched majors to plant-soil sciences,” Guns said. “The last two courses have been business management classes online from Penn State.”
He started as Woodland Hills Golf Course Superintendent on Sept. 16, after being at Girard’s golf course for four seasons.
Doug Guns sits in one of the 30 golf carts available for rent to the public.
His duties include equipment maintenance, irrigation maintenance, supervising personnel, public relations and “Keeping the greens healthy,” he said.
“It’s like an ecosystem, each part of the course has different soil qualities,” Guns said.
Jon Kindlesparger, the current superintendent, is staying on until the end of the year to help the transition, he will then retire.
“It’s nice having his knowledge and experience here,” Guns said.
Guns lives in Girard.
The bulletin board at the Woodland Hills Club House lists the costs of playing golf at the club.
Golf carts that can be rented are lined up near the entrance to the Woodland Hills Golf Clubhouse.
Busy Season at Woodland Hills
The next few weeks are busy on the course:
The Kruger Golf Classic is Sept. 21, with registration at 7 a.m. It is a four-person scramble. Contact James Wood, 224-9687 or Les Russell, 215-3199.
The Special Olympics of Kansas Benefit Golf Scramble is Sept. 28. The cost is $50 person and is a four-person scramble, sponsored by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Contact Steve Anthony at 215-2392 or Ben Cole at 223-1440.
The Elks Lodge Benefit Tournament is Oct. 5 with an 11 a.m. registration. This is to benefit the Christmas baskets the lodge distributes each year. Cost is $60 per person. Contact the lodge at 223-5821.
The Fort Scott High School, Uniontown High School, and Fort Scott Community College golf teams use the course daily, Shannon O’Neil, clubhouse manager said.
On Oct. 14-15, regional high school tournaments will be held at the course, with the outcome deciding who goes to state in golf, he said.
O’Neil offers lessons in an annual junior golf camp in June and July.
He also does private lessons for both adults and children.
There have been two major updates at Woodland Hills in the last few years: a new clubhouse was built in 2015-16, and a new golf cart barn built in 2018.
Fort Scott Public Library Youth Librarian Valetta Cannon interacts with storytime children as they help present an action poem about mermaids. The children pictured, left to right, are Blakely Graham, Amelia Chaplin, Marlie Seaver, and Deacon Davied. Photo by Jamie Graham.
Storytime at the Fort Scott Public Library is offered two times a week.
“Storytime offers families early literacy skill-building, group interaction, and more through identical, themed weekly story hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m,” Valetta Cannon, youth librarian, said.
During a typical storytime, Miss Val reads two to three stories, sings and shares fingerplays with the children, and guides them through creative play, a craft project, and a snack.
Children are able to request favorite themes for future storytimes as well.
Fort Scott Rotary Members sing the Rotary anthem before the meeting on Sept. 18.
Rotary is a service organization of approximately 47 people, Rhonda Dunn president of the Fort Scott Club, said.
“We share a dedication to the ideal of service above self,” she said. To this end, Rotary has been at the forefront of fighting against a disease.
“Rotary International has helped eradicate polio worldwide, the most in third-world countries,” Dunn said.
Dunn hams it up while singing the Rotary Club song.
Locally they support numerous clubs and organizations and also award a local high school student with a scholarship.
Every Wednesday they gather in the basement of the Presbyterian Church, Third and Crawford street, for a lunch meeting from noon to 1 p.m.
Greetings, songs, and announcements begin the meeting, followed by an invited speaker sharing information of local interest.
On Sept. 18, a little less than 20 of their 47 members were present.
This month there is a cup on the table to be passed around for a donation to the Fort Scott High School Pantry, which provides food and clothing for students at the high school.
Every two months a different organization is benefitted from this type of donation including the Riverfront Festival, the Beacon, Care to Share, Good Ol’ Days and the Presbyterian Good Samaritan Fund.
Jane Njeri Lifer smiles following the naturalization ceremony in 2017. In her hand is the certificate of naturalization. Lifer is a Fort Scott resident.
What has become an annual Fort Scott event since 2011 each September is a chance to see people from all parts of the globe become citizens of the United States.
The Naturalization Ceremony, as it’s called, will be at 10:30 a.m. on the grounds of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, just off the north end of Main Street.
Fort Scott National Historic Site
The naturalization ceremony involves a judge introducing the group of new citizens and a ceremony where they swear allegiance to their new country. The full program and words to that allegiance are at the bottom of this story.
” Last year we had 95 new citizens from 35 countries,” Carl Brenner from the Fort Scott National Historic Site said. “This year we are expecting about 120 new citizens.”
It is also a time of reflection, music, documents handed out, registering to vote for the new citizens, followed by a communal meal at the Fort for them and their families.
A bird’s eye view of voter registration following the naturalization ceremony. The League of Women Voters, Johnson County, provided the resources for the registration.
The United States District Court for the District of Kansas is the official government office holding the event.
The Honorable Teresa J. James, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Kansas, will preside over the ceremony.
Fort Scott High School musicians play patriotic music.All the citizens are introduced to the audience, one by one.
This year, the speaker is Dr. Leo Oliva.
Dr. Oliva is a Kansas Historian, author and former professor of history at Fort Hays State University, Betty Boyko, Superintendent of FSNHS, said.
The event is open to the public.
In case of rain or other inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Fort Scott Memorial Hall.
FSNHS Superintendent Betty Boyko welcomes the crowd to the fort grounds in this 2016 photo.The PSU ROTC presents the flags of America and Kansas during the ceremony in 2015.
The program:
There will be music provided by the Fort Scott High School Orchestra.
Then a welcome by Betty Boyko, Fort Scott National Historic Site and Dave Martin, City of Fort Scott.
The official court proceeding will be opened by U.S. District Court Deputy Carol Kuhl.
Followed by the presentation of the Colors by Pittsburg State University Army ROTC.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” will be played by the FSHS Orchestra.
The new citizens will be welcomed by Judge James.
“America: Sweet Land of Liberty” arranged by Michael Story will be played by the FSHS Orchestra.
The new citizens will be introduced by John King, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, then led in the recitation of the Oath of Citizenship by Carol Kuhl, Courtroom Deputy.
“America the Beautiful” will be performed by the FSHS Orchestra and Choir, followed by remarks by James.
The group will then hear from Leo E. Oliva, who is a Kansas historian.
The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by the FSHS Choir.
Closing remarks will be by Judge James.
The new citizens and their families will be offered a complimentary lunch in the Grand Hall provided by the Friends of Fort Scott NHS, Inc.
The following is the oath that the new citizens take:
United States of America Oath of Allegiance
I, _________________________ hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.
For people who want to improve flexibility and strength fitness, Up Dog Yoga begins classes at 12B North Main (just north of Country Cupboard) on Oct. 1.
Regina Casner stands in front of her new fitness center site, 12B North Main Street, north of the Country Cupboard store. Casner has a degree in fitness management and is a certified yoga teacher.
Regina Casner of Mound City has started yoga classes and cardio classes in Fort Scott.
The name Up Dog Yoga comes from “a yoga pose where your heart is open,” Casner said. “It’s a fun name, yoga should be fun.”
Up Dog Yoga offers both yoga and cardio workout classes every day except Friday and Sunday each week.
Classes cost $45 per month for unlimited classes, until Oct. 1, then it will go to $55 per month.
“You can get a class package or membership,” she said.
Classes offered are:
B Strong
“In B Strong, every class begins slowly, awakening all the major muscle groups while focusing on breath awareness,” she said. “You will move through a series of sweat-producing cardio and strength intervals timed to music. As your heart rate rises and falls you will surpass your physical and mental limits, revealing a new and empowered mind-body connection. Modifications are given so this is an all levels (of fitness) class.”
Power Basics
“Everyone needs to start somewhere,” she said. ” Whether you are new to yoga or just need some time to ease back into your practice, this class is for you!”
Power Stretch
“This class is for all runners, cyclers, all-day sitters, cross-fitters and never-quitters,” Casner said. “Whether you are training for a big event or sit behind a desk all-day this class if for you! These classes emphasize floor postures to stretch, open and release the major muscle groups of the entire body. Benefits of this style of classes include fewer injuries, improved sleep, and reduced aches and pains.”
Journey to Power
“Baptiste Power Vinyasa: Sweat. Flow. Transform. A dynamic practice that is the perfect blend of sweat, strength and power.”
Fitness Class Teaching for Over 25 Years
Casner has a bachelors in science degree from Pittsburg State University, majoring in recreation therapy and fitness management.
“I started teaching fitness classes my junior year in college, so around 1994,” Casner said.
“I am a Registered Yoga Teacher, certified Baptiste Power Yoga Teacher, certified American Council on Exercise Group Exercise, and Spin certification,” she said.
She just completed a tenure at Kansas University’s Recreation and Fitness Center as the Fitness and Wellness Coordinator.
“Yoga is an amazing tool that improves your strength, your flexibility and the way you move and feel in your body,” she said. “Yoga also can be a tool to help you experience more calm and focus. I am passionate about sharing yoga with others and Fort Scott is close to home and full of amazing people—so why not start classes?”
Currently, she is meeting at I Am Rehab but is moving to the new space on Oct. 1.
Casner also offers faith-based health coaching online for an 8-week course called “Journey into Balance.”
“We cover eight health habits to restore health and hormones to help balance hormones, sleep better, decrease negative stress and get rid of cravings,” Casner said.
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park to Open October 12
Topeka, KS – The wait is finally over. The Nature Conservancy and Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks & Tourism (KDWPT) announce the much-anticipated Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park will open on Saturday, October 12. Located in southern Logan County, Little Jerusalem is easily accessed from Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 83. A grand opening celebration with speeches and a ribbon cutting will take place at 10:00 a.m. The two permanent trails will open after the ceremony and close at sundown, approximately 7:00 p.m. Free snacks and water will be available.
Grand opening activities include free, guided tours departing from the parking lot on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Space for the guided tours is limited and advance registration at nature.org/littlejerusalem is required. All visitors may hike the two permanent trails at Little Jerusalem at their own pace. The Overlook Trail extends one-quarter mile along a crushed rock surface to a scenic viewpoint. The Life on the Rocks Trail winds 1.5 miles along the rim of the formations from which visitors can enjoy a variety of views and two scenic overlooks. Visitors are not allowed off-trail unless accompanied by park staff on a guided tour.
The 332-acre area encompasses 220 acres of dramatic chalk rock formations and is owned by The Nature Conservancy, a global non-profit conservation organization. Beyond the impressive scenic views, the area serves as nesting habitat for ferruginous hawks and is home to rare plants. Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park was established by the Kansas Legislature in 2018 after The Nature Conservancy partnered with KDWPT to have the area designated as a state park. Together, the organizations developed two trails, parking and additional infrastructure at the park. A long-term agreement allows KDWPT to manage outdoor recreational activities in a manner that protects the fragile rocks while The Nature Conservancy continues to own the land and manage the natural resources.
“The Nature Conservancy’s chief purposes for Little Jerusalem are, first, to protect the pristine natural features and, second, to provide opportunities for people to enjoy the natural beauty of the area,” said Conservancy director Rob Manes. “Striking that balance took time and we are confident that the partnership between The Nature Conservancy and KDWPT provides the public with the best possible experience. We can’t wait to share Little Jerusalem with everyone next month.”
“From the start, we’ve envisioned this property as a special kind of state park, where natural resource conservation is the highest priority,” agrees Linda Lanterman, KDWPT state parks director. “That means that public interaction with the landscape will necessarily be limited to only activities that have the least impact. We’ve struck a great balance with the trails that allow visitors to experience a diversity of views.”
After the grand opening, Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park will be open to visitors from sunrise to sunset daily, all year round. Visitors will be required to purchase a daily vehicle permit, currently $5, at the park or have an annual Kansas state parks vehicle pass. Guided tours provided by KDWPT staff will be available by appointment.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter. In Kansas, the Conservancy has protected 140,000 acres of the state’s most ecologically important lands and waters. To learn more, visit www.nature.org/kansas.
The mission of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is to conserve and enhance Kansas’ natural heritage, its wildlife and its habitats to assure future generations the benefits of the state’s diverse, living resources. The Department also strives to provide opportunities to use and appreciate the state’s natural resources. The Department provides opportunities to promote diverse communities, natural assets, and the State of Kansas as a tourism destination. It is a cabinet-level agency with a Secretary appointed by the Governor of Kansas. A seven-member, bipartisan commission, also appointed by the Governor, advises the Secretary and approves regulations governing outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife resources in Kansas. Visit KSOutdoors.com or TravelKS.com for more information.
