All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County

No Homes For the Holidays Tour This Year: But Lots of Entertainment Choices

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A 2015 Homes for the Holiday Tour home.

The annual Homes for the Holiday Tour will no longer be every year but will switch to every other year, according to Bourbon County Historic Preservation Association Chairman Rhonda Dunn.

“Bourbon County HPA pioneered the concepts of homes tours and was the only homes tour in this area for many, many years,” Dunn said. “Now there are several other homes tours in the area and some of them on the same weekend.  So the crowds we once enjoyed visiting the houses in our town are now staying closer to home at other tours.”

“Above everything else, the Homes for the Holidays tour takes the generosity of homeowners to open their houses to the tour and to the public,” she said.  “Participating in the homes tour requires a lot of time and effort on the part of the homeowner.  The most famous of Fort Scott’s historic homes have been on the Homes tour several times.  It is difficult to find a ‘new’ home for the tour and it has become increasingly more difficult to get homes committed to participate in the tour.”

” So after much consideration, the HPA has decided to try a bi-annual format in hopes of having a strong, vibrant tour for many years to come,” she said.

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Rhonda Dunn at the 2017 Mistletoe and Moonlight Home. Bourbon County Historic Preservation Facebook page photo.

“The tour has evolved through the years with the addition of the Stocking Stuffer Craft Show, the Moonlight and Mistletoe evening event, quilt shows, churches, etc.,” Dunn said. ” An event like HFH takes a large amount of volunteers to put the event together and nearly year-round preparation.”

There will still be Moonlight and Mistletoe Party.

Moonlight and Mistletoe is Friday, December 7, from 6-8 pm at the Courtland Hotel.

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The Courtland Hotel,121 E. First St. Courtesy of The Courtland Hotel Facebook page.

Tickets are $25 for the event and are available at the Convention and Visitors Bureau or Chamber of Commerce.

Hors doerves will be served, with a cash bar.  Tours of the hotel and spa will be available.

“The Bourbon County Historic Preservation Association would like to thank everyone for the many years of support of the Homes for the Holidays tour, most especially the home’s owners and volunteers that made the event possible,” she said. ” Mark your calendars for December 6/7/8, 2019 for the Homes for the Holidays Tour.”

Anyone interested in opening their home for the Homes Tour or volunteering to help with the event next year can contact Rhonda Dunn at 620-224-1186.

There is still much to entertain that weekend in Fort Scott, she said.

The Candlelight Tour at the Fort Scott National Historic Site is December 7 and 8.

Tours on December 7 will begin at 6:30 p.m. and leave every 15 minutes until 9:00 p.m.

On Saturday, December 8, the tours will start at 5:00 p.m. with the final tour leaving at 8:45 p.m.

Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented.

For more information click: Fort Candlelight Tour Tickets On Sale Nov. 1

The No Humbugs Christmas Lights Tours leave on December 7-9 at 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm from the Visitors Center, 231 E. Wall.

http://fortscott.com/events/details/no-humbugs-allowed-christmas-lights-tours-on-dolly-the-trolley-10999

“That includes treats, hot chocolate, glow necklaces, Christmas Carols with Fort Scott High School Thespians, and Santa might even make an appearance while on the tour,” Dunn said.

Enjoy a FREE regular tour of Fort Scott on Dolly the Trolley on Saturday, December 8, leaving on the hour beginning at 10 am, with the last tour at3 pm.

In addition, the shops throughout Fort Scott are open.

“Our boutique shops, bookstore, and antique shops are open on Saturday,” Dunn said. “There are some people on your gift list that are impossible to buy for. Rely on the knowledgeable advice of our expert shopkeepers. Gifts take on a special meaning when you purchase them from a live shopkeeper in a brick and mortar shop!”

Dunn said local restaurants are also open for a family’s dining experience.

“You can immerse yourself in the Christmas Spirit with a drink and incredible meal at Nate’s Place or Crooner’s Lounge,” she said.” Enjoy Fort Scott’s very own Holiday Ale at the Boiler Room Brewhaus.”

 

 

Bourbon County, Business

New Real Estate Business: Paint Creek Realty

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Linda Wilson began a career in real estate in 2005 when she and her husband, Lafe, returned to Bourbon County after spending 15 years in the rural McPherson, Kansas area.
Last month, Wilson started her own real estate business.
“Paint Creek Realty is broker owned and exclusively run by myself, ” Wilson said. “I started on October 1, 2018. Only a name change as I have been working for sellers and buyers since 2005.”
“Helping Dreams Become Reality has always been my motto and still is today,” she said. “I specialize in agriculture listings, however, I have sold many residential properties in towns and cities within five counties in Southeast Kansas. Born and raised in rural Bourbon County helps me realize how important it is to nurture everything around you.”
“The name I chose for my real estate company business comes from a small creek that runs through our property. My Dad, Keith Daniels, always referred to it as ‘A Little Piece of Paradise.'”
Wilson provides the following: professional client support,
finance assistance, free comprehensive market analysis,
free unlimited marketing, drone aerial photos and views,
exclusive listings.
“None too large or too small,” she said.
Wilson said rural property values have increased in Bourbon County.
“The last couple years have seen rural property values in Bourbon County on an increase,” she said.  However, they have seemed to have leveled off a bit, but are steady. Homes with small rural acreages are always in demand, with few to be had. There is an ample home property supply in Fort Scott, a buyers choice.”
Linda Wilson is the owner/broker of Paint Creek Realty.
Linda Wilson can be reached at her cell phone number:
620-654-7413 or email: [email protected]
Her fax number is 620 756 4388.
Her address: Paint Creek Realty,924 Jayhawk Rd.,
Uniontown, Ks. 66779.
“Also www.PaintCreekRealtyKs.com or on Facebook – PaintCreekRealty,” she said.
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Free Christmas Events: Fort Scott Recreation Commission

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The Fort Scott Recreation Commission (FSRC) has several Christmas events planned for the community.

From Dec. 1-18 Buck Run Community Center (BRCC), 735 State St., will house a special mailbox that will allow letters to be sent directly to the North Pole.

Letters need to have a return address so Santa can respond. The mailbox is located in the lobby of BRCC. This is a free program.

Also, beginning Dec. 1 the FSRC will take registrations for Mr. or Mrs. Santa Claus to call the boys and girls of Fort Scott to talk  about their pets, siblings, chores, wish list and whether they have been naughty or nice.

Call 223-0386 or stop by the BRCC. This is free.

The City of Fort Scott is sponsoring Christmas in the Park on Dec. 1 at Gunn Park on Park Avenue, from 5-8 p.m.

Event parking is at the old Newman Young Clinic and the Fort Scott Nursing Department parking lot on Burke Street. Visitors will be picked up and transported to the park.

This free event features hot chocolate, decorating cookies, chili, visiting Santa, live music and a hayride.

The big rock shelter house at Gunn Park is lit by Christmas lights as part of Christmas in the Park in 2017.

Stop by to get free hot chocolate provided by the FSRC before you find a favorite spot for the Christmas parade on Main Street, on Tuesday,  Dec. 4. They will be located in front of J & W Sports Shop, 20 N. Main Street.

Band members march in this 2014 photo of the Fort Scott Christmas Parade.

On Dec. 8 there will be a Santa’s Workshop at BRCC from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at BRCC. This is a craft program for pre-schoolers through 5th-grade children. Snacks and drinks are provided. Pre-register by Dec. 6 to allow for adequate supplies. A $1 registration fee will be charged for each participant. Fort Scott Middle School Pride helps with this event.

On Saturday, Dec. 8, is the Secret Santa Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at BRCC. All proceeds from the event benefits the Adopt-A-Family Program during the 2018 Christmas Season.

To donate items for this sale, contact the staff at 223-0386 or bring to BRCC.

The center is sponsoring a snow sculpture contest this winter, and the area has had many falls of snow recently to help with the creativity.

Build a snowman, sculpture or another creation, get a photo developed and bring to the BRCC by March 15, when the contest ends.

Prizes will be awarded the top three winners and individuals may enter as many times as they like.

Pictures will be judged during the spring break.

 

 

Business

Holiday Shopping: Artists At Boiler Room Brewhaus This Weekend

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Bobbi Kemna, event organizer and host, visits with attendees on the porch of her pottery workshop at the Art in the Yard festival in September.

Boiler Room Brewhaus is hosting an artist sale Nov. 23-25.

Local potter Bobbi Kemna has organized the event, after seeing the response of the community to her initial Art In The Yard in September.

” Barbara Ritter (owner of the Boiler Room Brewhaus) said ‘Bobbi, you nailed Art in the Yard, would you put together an art show at the brewery,'”Kemna said.

So she did, just in time for holiday shopping.

“Local artists and a couple from Canada will help you with your holiday shopping on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the local brewery located at the corner of National and Wall Street in Fort Scott,” Kemna said.

The artist sale event will be Friday, Nov. 23 at noon until 10 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 24, noon until 10 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 25, from 2 to 7 p.m.

“Fiber art, photography, laser metal, swags made with fresh greenery (no fake stuff) pottery, handbags (Mary Eastwood originals) lamps created from unusual items, goat soaps, even a Nick MaGee original painting. ”

“The artists are coming together to wow you with their creativity,” she said.

“Nothing says made in China at this event,” Kemna said. “Even the beer is brewed on location. Sit and visit, play some board games, enjoy your town and the artists that create.”

For more information call Kemna at 620-224-7480.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Johnson’s Provide Winter Wonderland For The Community

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Rudolph is played by Tommy Johnson and Santa is played by Shannon Johnson. Courtesy photos.

The lights from a local family’s Christmas display just might be able to be seen from space. The yard is loaded with lights and displays to entertain the community, and Santa will be there Dec. 8 for those who want a photo opportunity.

The home of Shannon and Tommy Johnson at 753 S. Clark has been transformed into a winter wonderland since 2009.

“Every year we just grow more,” Shannon said.  “We offer pictures with Santa and also do a huge Halloween display with a haunted house.”

The Johnson home is located east of Hwy. 69. Go east on Third Street, then turn south on Clark.

“We light up every night from 5 p.m. to 9:30 or 10.00 p.m.” Shannon said.

“It roughly takes two weeks to do (the decorating) inside and out,” Shannon said. “We will have them lit until around Jan 3rd or so.”

A free will donation will be accepted to help with costs and lighting for upcoming years, Shannon said.

“We also will have Santa here on the December 8th for picture taking, Shannon said. “Popcorn cookies will be served and  people can walk through the winter wonderland.”

  “We enjoy doing it for the community,” Shannon said.

The Johnson’s also decorated their home for Halloween and had over 1,000 visitors, Shannon said.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Finding Answers

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Carla Nemecek Southwind Extension District Director & Agent [email protected] 620-365-2242 1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749

Kansas State University provides you with research-based information through many avenues. Locally, your contact is the Southwind Extension District in Erie, Ft. Scott, Yates Center and Iola. Hundreds of publications and fact sheets, written by K-State researchers and specialists, are available through the university’s Publications Library, www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/  Another alternative is to research the information provided on the Southwind website, www.southwind.k-state.edu/

 

However, not all of our services can be found on the internet. One of the most utilized resources is soil testing. K-State Research & Extension can test soil for $12 per sample or $10 apiece for two or more. Soil testing is recommended for gardeners, farmers, testing for lawn & turf problems, or pasture management. Feed and forage testing is also offered. The only way to know for certain the quality of the feed is to get a lab analysis of it, to take a forage test. A forage test may run from $12-24 per sample, depending on what you want the sample tested for. Other tests that are available include Radon Test Kits ($6) and Water Quality Testing resources.

 

Have you ever wondered what that unidentified pest or plant lurking around your home may be, or even how you can get rid of it? The Extension Office has expertise and resources available to identify pests that are common to our area and in Kansas. This includes home and crop insects, weeds, and various plants. We can also provide information on how to remove or control the pest, depending on your situation.

 

One of our “best kept secret” products that we offer for sale are odor neutralizers.  Ecosorb ($28) is used in numerous homes, farm and industrial/commercial applications. Most of our clients seek this product to control the odor from fuel spills, mold smell, or skunk sprays.  Neutroleum Alpha ($35) is a concentrated product utilized in a similar fashion to control strong odors. Because it is a concentrate, it can be used in a larger area.

 

This time of the year, we sell quite a few Farm and Family Account Books ($4.50 – $8.50). If you haven’t made the transition to computerized record keeping, this resource allows for an accurate accounting of your finances in a form that makes completing taxes easier.

 

Extension publications are very accessible to the public, and most are free if you pick them up in the Extension Office. The Kansas Garden Guide is a new publication that is available for only $6. If you are looking for resources on planning a garden, seeding & planting, or details about a specific crop, this publication is a must-have.  Extension offers many, many publications on home gardening so please stop by if you are looking for something specific.

 

Area farmers and ranchers often utilize the Kansas Performance Tests for various crops to determine which varieties will grow best in this area of the state. Next month, the 2018 Hybrid Reports for Corn, Soybeans, and Grain Sorghum will become available in the Extension Office. This is in addition to the Wheat Seed Book that is always available in late summer after wheat has been harvested and data collected.

 

The 2019 Chemical Weed Control Guide will be published in January and provides suggestions for chemical weed control in several major crops. It offers recommendations, and guidelines for crop specific chemicals.

 

If you are involved in a club or organization that requests presentations, the Southwind District offers a “Speakers Bureau” brochure, which contains the public speaking topics offered by the Extension Agents. Let us help you with your educational topics during your meetings. We try to mail this to civic and social organizations on an annual basis, but you are also welcome to pick up a copy in any of our three offices.

 

As a consumer, you have many options for finding the answers to your questions. By choosing to use the Extension Service, you can be sure you are getting research-based, unbiased information. We encourage you to use the Southwind Extension District Offices in Erie, Ft. Scott, Yates Center and Iola to help answer your questions. Or you can find us on the web, www.southwind.k-state.edu/

Southwind District – Kansas State University

www.southwind.k-state.edu

Your local Extension Office is a tremendous resource for finding the information you need. With offices located in Erie, Fort Scott, Iola, and Yates Center, KS, we are here to help answer your questions about Lawn & Gardens, 4-H & Youth Development, Crops & Livestock, and Health & Nutrition.. Have a specific horticulture problem?

 

Business, Fort Scott

The LaRoche Buildings Restoration Begins

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Mid-Continental Restoration Inc. employees work on the exterior of the LaRoche buildings, formerly the old Tribune buildings on Wall Street at National Avenue, on Nov. 7. From left on the ground is Pat Shelton, equipment maintenance with MCR and Chris Fountain, foreman.

Work began on two historic side-by-side downtown buildings owned by Jennifer LaRoche on Nov. 5.

Stones on the facade of the buildings on Wall Street at National Avenue are being removed and examined to get structural issues repaired, according to Pat Shelton, Mid-Contenintal Restoration Inc., Fort Scott.

“We are doing restoration on the north side of the exterior,” Chase Halsey,  MCR  project manager, said. “We are taking down the stone, then rebuilding the wall and relaying the existing stones if they are in good shape.”

Some of the stones on the century-old buildings are missing or have deteriorated, he said.

“I don’t know the exact date the building was built, over one-hundred years ago, I would guess,” Halsey said.

Beau Casper is shoring up the roof trusses,  Halsey said. Casper is a separately contracted with LaRoche, he said.

“That is so that when we reattach the stone veneer, it will be more stable than right now,” he said.

New stones will be made by Phoenix Marble Stone, Springfield, Mo., Halsey said.

“We are going to try to have it done by the end of the year,” Halsey said. “We are at the mercy of when the new stones are on site….and we are at the mercy of the weather as well.”

“The snow on the scaffolding makes us unable to work,” he said.

No interior work is being done at this time, Halsey said.

 

 

Fort Scott

Improvements On Main Street

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Construction crews have the east side of North Main Street blocked off this week for installing new roofs.

Triad Construction Co., K.C., MO is working on the roofs of three properties owned by Jerry Witt.

Kenny Felt Photography, 13 N. Main; Here We Go Again Upholstery, 15 N. Main and Country Girl Cuts, 19 N. Main are the businesses receiving new roofs.

9 N. Main Street is boarded up with interior construction going on.

In addition, the Witt residence at 9 N. Main, is being remodeled.

Boards have been placed over the front windows of this property, while West and Karleskint Construction, Fort Scott, work on the interior of the residence.

“We’ve put new windows on the back (which faces Skubitz Plaza), new arch windows, back down to the design of the original brick,” Witt said.

The back side of the Witt property, 9 N. Main, faces Fort Scott National Historic Site and Skubitz Plaza.

When completed the Witt residence will have a two bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home with an office on the North Main side, he said.

 

There is no timeline for completion of the  residence project, Witt said, he anticipates the roofing project will be completed in the next few days..

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Bad Art Good People Auction Tonight

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Bourbon County Arts Council members Deb Halsey and Elaine Buerge welcomed guests of the Chamber coffee Nov. 15.

The Bad Art by Good People 2018 Art Exhibition was the feature of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee Nov. 15 at the Ellis Center.

Deb Halsey, board member of the Bourbon County Arts Council told guests the auction is this evening (Nov. 15)at 7p.m. at the Ellis Center located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College. Marty Read will be the auctioneer.

“This is the fifth year of Bad Art by Good People,” Halsey said. “It’s our number-one fundraiser. Ninety-seven people have painted for us over the years and let us auction it off.”

Chamber members look over the artwork Thursday morning.

This year’s artists are Laura Agee, Karen Billiard, Susan Carillo, Rhonda Dunn, Bob Eckles, Lucy Gladbach, Kristin Gorman, Emily Hinkle, Jody Hoener, Rebekah Houses, Linda Jackson, Casey Lewis, Laura Meeks, Susan Messer, Bryan Ritter, Addi Smith, and Clyde Wendel.

“There is a great variety of artwork,” Halsey said.

The exhibit is open for viewing at 7 p.m. this evening for voting on a favorite piece of work.  Appetizers are served.

At 7:30 p.m. the auction starts.

Kale Nelson looks at the artwork at Ellis Center.

Some of the activities of the BCAC are providing scholarships for students pursuing art, Project Art at Fort Scott Middle School, the Gordon Parks Poetry Contest, musical concerts for the community and schools, Art Walks, and a summer patio concert series at Crooner’s Lounge.

“Come out and vote on your favorite piece of art and help us to continue to promote the arts in our community,” Halsey said.

Betty Boyko drinks coffee while looking over the artwork.

Bourbon County Arts Council Members are Deb Anderson, Tedene Tucker, Dan Magee, Ray Streets, Terri Floyd, Steve Floyd, Elaine Buerge, Rob Shaw, Laura Meeks, Breann Martin, Chris Woods, and Halsey.

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

New Kitchen At Nate’s Place

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The entrance to Nate’s Place is at the rear of the mansion at 8th Street and National Avenue.

From September 30 to October 12, Nate’s Place Resturant, closed down to do some updating in its kitchen.

The restaurant is located at 8th Street and National Avenue, in the southern mansion of what is known as Lyons Twin Mansions.

What initiated the update was a $5,000 grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative.

“With that grant, we added a new commercial freezer, a refrigerator, a warming table, new linen and silverware,” Shawn O’Brien, manager of the restaurant, said.

The new prep table at Nate’s Place, utilized by chef staff Daniel Barnett and Chip McElmurry in this photo.
The new fridge at Nate’s Place as seen through the pass-through.

“Nate and Bailey (Lyons, owners of the restaurant) invested in a new tile floor in the kitchen, new paint, took out old cabinets and invested in new prep tables,”  O’Brien said.

The bathroom of the restaurant was also renovated, he said.

“It was an exciting two weeks,” O’Brien said.

At that time the Lyons hired restaurant consultants to help with efficiency in the restaurant, he said.

During this time also the evening menu changed, adding two new entrees.

Following are the newly updated menus for the different shifts.

The menu’s also got a new look during the updating of the restaurant.

 

During this time the evening menu changed, adding two new entrees: house salad with chicken and a pasta alfredo.

 

Bourbon County

Formation of Safe Families Organization Nov. 13

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There will  be an informational meeting, to form a new helping organization starting in Bourbon County, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13 at the Senior Citizens Center site, 26 N. Main.

Allen Schellack, Compassionate Care Pastor with the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene and director of the Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Outreach Center, is coordinating the event.

The outreach center is located above the Senior Citizens Center at 26 N. Main.

Schellack can be reached at 620-223-2212.

Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main.

“Tina Westbay, SE Kansas Coordinator for Safe Families will be leading the meeting and answering questions,” Schellack said. “This is the grassroots meeting for Bourbon County and we hope to recruit families, churches, and the general public.”

“Our goal is to provide ‘a circle of support for families’,” Schellack said. ” Safe Families is working with CarePortal and is launching in five southeast Kansas counties, Topeka and Kansas City metro area.”

“This started in Chicago approximately 15 years ago and is in 30 states of the US, the UK, and Canada, and has proven beneficial in providing families with children with support services before they get to a point where legal interaction is needed,” he said.

Allen Schellack

Training will be provided at a later time depending on interest, he said.