All posts by Loretta George

Editors note: The original feature did not have photos added, due to technical difficulties.

The boardwalk invites trail users to come to the seating area of the overlook in Riverfront Park.

Two years of planning have come to fruition in the form of a boardwalk structure with seating in Riverside Park, the latest park improvement.

“It’s an overlook for educational purposes,” Jerry Witt, Chairman of the Fort Scott Riverfront Authority, which oversees the development of the park.

The structure has been built near the meeting place of the Marmaton River and Mill Creek, in the northeast section of the park.

The Hexagon shaped overlook has seating on both sides. The vegetation in front will be cleared for better viewing of the Marmaton River and Mill Creek.

In the future the structure will be used to “Teach kids about nature and our heritage,” Witt said. “About Belltown that was there. It was a residential area in years past. Named after Dr. Bell, a prominent doctor.”

Several people and entities have helped put this project in the park.

The structure was designed by Brian Leaders, an architect at the National Park Service.

Lumber was provided by the Westar Green Team.

“The Green Team provided old telephone poles that were milled at the Jeffery Power Plant, St. Mary’s, and from Garnett,” Witt said.

Witt and Allen Warren, another member of the Riverfront Authority board, drove to St. Mary’s to bring back one-half the lumber, then Warren and his wife, Jackie, went to Garnett to pick up the rest of the lumber.

The City of Fort Scott unloaded the lumber off the trailer and also will provide a concrete walk from the trail to the structure.

The City of Fort Scott will build a concrete walkway to the edge of the overlook boardwalk, pictured, to the walking trail in Riverfront Park. In the back right, Allen Warren and Jerry Witt visit with a trail walker Tuesday morning.

“Chad Brown (Fort Scott Public Works Director) thought they would pour the concrete this week,” Witt said.

West and Karleskint Construction, Fort Scott, built the structure.

Jerry Witt and Allen Warren sort the leftover wood from the overlook boardwalk at Riverfront Park Tuesday morning. The wood will be used for other projects.

Next for the park:

A grant has been submitted to Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism for a playground for children, with notification this fall of whether it was awarded the $62,000 asked for.
A grant to Kansas Department of Transportation to move the historic 1902 ornate Long Shoals Bridge, currently located in northeast Bourbon County, to the park. The grant has been submitted with a request of $1, 364,000. Announcement of awards will be this fall.
The Mercy Hospice Memorial is nearing completion on the south side of the park. Benches will be built and future memorial services will be held there.

Already completed in Riverside Park is a walking trail, pavilion, and River Loop Road.

Area News, Business, Entertainment

Something New: Art In The Yard Sept. 15

September 10, 2018 Loretta George 2 Comments

Local artist Bobbi Kemna has created something new.

Bobbi Kemna on the front porch of her pottery studio facility.

Turning from pottery, for which she is locally known, Bobbi Kemna has been working for several months to create a one-day festival event for artists to display and sell their wares.

The day will be full of art of all kinds: pottery, fabric, paintings, metal, jewelry, furniture, music, theater, and food.

“This is for artists and art enthusiasts,” Kemna said.

She is hosting the event called Art In The Yard 2018 at her home on Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Kemna lives at 1366 215th Street, which is north of Hwy. 54, just west of the Hwy. 69-54 junction.

There will be a free trolley ride to pick up attendees at the Boiler Room Brewhaus parking lot, 10 S. National, starting at 10 a.m.

Additionally, there will be a designated vehicle parking just north of the festival site.

The event will feature artists from the area and also Wichita, Kansas City, and Joplin, MO, Kemna said.

“It will be a fun day with artful stuff to purchase,” Kemna said. “No fee is charged to come.”

The Fort Scott Bus Depot building was moved to the Kemna property years ago. Kemna has decorated the outside with art.

“I’m excited about it,” she said. “I want it to be a launching pad for artists. Some don’t know how to market.”

About 25 artists have said they will be there with metal, fabric, wood, pottery, jewelry, furniture, music art as well as food vendors.

“The musicians will be playing for tips, please be generous,” Kemna said.

BBQ food, homemade cookies and cupcakes, and soft drinks will be sold.

Local artists Barbara Ritter, Mary Eastwood, Paul Milks, Barbara Gibson, Lucy Gladbach, Jean Strader, David and Barb McCord, Diana Stoughton, Tonya Miller, Jeff Tinsley, Nick McGee, Susan Porter, Danny Hereford, Jeremy Rider,Jeremiah Richards, Patrick Kerr, Betsy Reichard, Dylan Renfro and Dee Davis will show and sell their artwork.

Friends and family are giving their support and helping out during the festival, she said.

Fort Scott High School theater teacher Angie Bin and her thespian students will perform and sell drinks as a fundraiser for the group.

Musicians will be playing in different spots in the yard.

Carsen Felt, director of the Fort Scott High School orchestra will be bringing 30 students to perform.

Students from St. Martin’s Academy will perform.

“One plays the bagpipe,” Kemna said.

Kemna inside her pottery studio facility on her property. It is where she creates and showcases her work.

For Kemna, the festival is a fulfillment of a vision she had when she moved into the 1895 circa property called “Anatomy Hill, 20 years ago, with her husband, Harry.

Kemna has the story of her property history on display in her pottery studio facility.

It is a vision she shared with her husband, now deceased.

“Of tents, arts and people, the whole yard full,” Kemna said. “It’s been 20 years to get here.”

For more information about some of the artists, look on Kemna’s Facebook page: Art in the Yard 2018.

Kemna can be reached at 620-223-4583 or [email protected]

Kemna wants to acknowledge Sammie Emery’s part in encouraging her as an artist, she said.

Emery had a pottery class that Kemna attended. At first, Kemna didn’t think pottery was for her.

But with Emery’s encouragement, she kept attending the class, until one day Kemna found “Clay had wrapped itself around my heart.”

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Overseed Now To Improve Lawn Quality

September 10, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826

Did you have unsightly bare spots in your lawn this year? If so, you may want to consider renovating your lawn. Renovating doesn’t have to be done by plowing under the current turf and starting from scratch. Instead, lawns can be thickened up by overseeding during September.

To start the overseeding process, mow the grass short (1-1.5 inches) and remove the clippings. This will make it easier to get good seed-soil contact and increase the amount of light that will reach the young seedlings. The success of overseeding is dependant on good seed-soil contact. Thatch can prevent the seed from reaching the soil and germinating. If the thatch layer is ¾ inch or more, use a sod cutter to remove it. A power rake can also be used to reduce a thatch layer.

Next, the soil should be prepared for the seed. Holes must be made into the soil for the seeds to fall into. A verticut machine can be used. It has solid vertical blades that can be set to cut furrows into the soil. Another option is to use a core aerator. This machine will punch holes into the soil and deposit the cores on the surface of the ground. Each hole will produce an excellent environment for seed germination and growth.

Fertilizer should then be applied at the rate suggested by a soil test or a starter fertilizer should be used at the rate suggested on the bag.

Seeding is the next step. For overseeding, use half the amount needed compared to seeding bare ground. For tall fescue, the normal rate for bare seeding is 6 to 8 pounds per 1000 square feet so the overseeding rate would be 3 to 4 pounds per 1000 square feet. You don’t necessarily have to overseed with the same variety you planted before. The quality of a lawn by can be raised by overseeding with a fescue with better characteristics. Many stores carry blends of several newer high-quality tall fescues.

Finally, water everything in and then keep the seedbed constantly moist to ensure rapid germination. Frequent light waterings are better than deeper, infrequent watering as the seedlings become established.

Fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer again 4 to 6 weeks after seeding to keep plants growing well and to build up food reserves.

On a side note, many homeowners often want to overseed bare spots under trees but have minimal luck. The turf will sprout as fall progresses and will get well established by winter. It continues to look good going into spring. However, the next summer it begins to die out again – despite any care it is given.

In many cases, this is due to too much shade or the type of turf planted isn’t a good fit for the location. Tall fescue is the only widely used lawn turf in Kansas that can survive some shade. All other cool and warm season turfs need more sunlight.

Instead of establishing grass under trees, consider underplanting the tree with shade tolerant ornamental plants. Examples include ground covers such as vinca minor vines, Boston ivy or liriope, or plants such as hostas or hardy ferns.

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

Fort Scott, Schools

Photos From the FSHS Volleyball Games Sept. 4 by Brian Wade

September 10, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Tigers Volleyball Team played Anderson County and Nevada, Mo. on September 4.

Scores for Anderson County (25-13, 25-10) W

Scores for Nevada (21-25, 19-25) L

They are scheduled this week to play Independence and Coffeyville on Tuesday at Independence.

“We do not have games Thursday but we do have a tournament in Erie this Saturday,” Jenna Campbell, FSHS Volleyball Coach, said.

Click below to see all the photos submitted by Brian Wade:

Tiger Volley Ball 09042018


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View album

Business, Fort Scott

Hedgehog, INK! Coming To Downtown

September 7, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

Dick and Jan Hedges stand in front of their bookstore that will open soon. Submitted photo.

Jan and Dick Hedges are not ones to sit back in retirement.

A new project they are taking on: Hedgehog, INK!, a bookstore coming to 16 S. Main in historic downtown Fort Scott.

“When I was a little girl, I wanted to open a bookstore,” Jan Hedges said. “Dick and I are loyal to the community. We looked downtown and kept hoping someone would open some retail store. We decided ‘why couldn’t we’?”

“It’s our community service project,” she said with a laugh.

The name of the store, Hedgehog, INK! came from a nickname of her husband, Dick Hedges.

“Dick has often been called Hedgehog. They are cute and whimsical and that is what the store will be,” she said.

“The INK is because it’s also for writers, we want to encourage people to write,” Jan said.

There will be a table in the bookstore where people can meet for reading or writing groups.

A small area in the store will have a typewriter for poetic inspiration, she said.

There will be a designated children’s corner, as well.

Accepting books now

Hedges is accepting “gently used” books currently.

“We will come and pick up books…I can come to look at them to see if they are books suitable to the store,” she said. Contact her at 620-728-9001.

Some people are donating books, “Which is awesome,” she said.

When the store opens, store credit will be given for books.

They will be setting up the store starting in mid-September, following the completion of the renovation of the building they are renting from Jared Leek.

People can wait to bring books in and get store credit when they are setting up.

“The opening will hopefully be mid-October,” she said.

Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

New Children’s Book on Irena Sendler Coming

September 6, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee, which was hosted by the Lowell Milken Center, drew a big crowd Thursday, Sept. 6.

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes hosted the weekly coffee for the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Sept. 6.

Director Norm Conard said this the 12th year in Fort Scott for the center and the third year in their new facility at the corner of Main and Wall Streets in the historic district.

About 10,000 visitors came to the center last year, he said.

Cathy Werling, an administrative assistant at the center and children’s book author, announced that she is completing a book on Irena Sendler.

“It will open with Megan (Felt, the program director at LMC for Unsung Heroes) and her daughter, Blair,” Werling said. “About Megan going on a trip to do a performance (of Life in a Jar). It tells the story of Irena Sendler. Blair learns Irena was a brave person who stood up for what is right.”

Werling, is the author of Why Did Grandpa Cry? and Why Did Sergeant Stubby Go To War? which also featured unsung hero stories.

Center staff, from left, are Megan Felt-program director, Addison Brown-admin. assistant, Madison Shelden-admin. assistant, Cathy Werling-admin. assistant, Joyce Davenport- admin. assistant and Norm Conard, executive director.

Area News, Mercy Hospital

New Ambulance Needed By Mercy Hospital

September 5, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

Christi Keating, executive director of patient care services at Mercy Hospital, speaks at the weekly Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce coffee August 30.

A new ambulance is needed at Mercy Hospital.

“It will be replacing a 2013 model with over 210,000 miles,” Christi Keating, Mercy’s Chief Nursing Officer, said.

Mercy Hospital hosted the weekly Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce coffee August 30 which gave Mercy a chance to tell the crowd about the need.

The new ambulance will be an inter-facility transport, Keating said.

The ambulance will ensure a commitment to the health and safety of this community and surrounding counties, according to information provided. It will improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of patient care in emergency situations. And it is a pro-active move to meet the needs of patients and their families.

There is match challenge currently underway to fund the $97,310 ambulance.

Almost $40,000 is currently needed with the hope of an order date of Sept. 10 for a fall delivery of the ambulance.

The match is 1:1 until the goal is reached, Tina Rockhold, Fort Scott Mercy’s Community Relations Manager, said.

To donate, call Rockhold at 620-223-8094 or go online to mercy.net/donate

Mercy Hospital Fort Scott CEO Reta Baker said the Mercy Health Foundation takes a project each year.

In the recent past, the foundation raised $100,000 for new ultrasound equipment.

“This year, the new ambulance is the project,” Baker said.

She told the Chamber weekly coffee attendees that the foundation is comprised of “younger people than most communities, who are more innovative than most communities.”

The foundation board is made of up of: Jared Leek – Chairman, Chris Petty – Vice Chairman, Darcy Smith – Secretary, Bryan Holt – Treasurer, Alysia Johnston, Mark McCoy, Bill Michaud, JoLynne Mitchell, Colleen Quick, Becky Tourtillott, and Reta Baker.

Baker said she is “excited about the future of Mercy.”

Below are photos of a poster that was part of the presentation given at the weekly coffee.

Bourbon County, Entertainment

2018 Old Settlers Picnic

September 4, 2018 Loretta George 1 Comment

The UHS Class of 1958 was in the parade.

For 113 years people have been gathering on Uniontown’s square to celebrate Labor Day.

Vendors dot the treed park, children and adults play games, groups sell food and drink for the annual picnic. There is also recognition of the oldest present at the picnic, the longest residency in Uniontown and who drove the farthest to attend.

Through the years other events have been added, a children’s fishing derby, a talent show, rodeos, and community church service.

And there is a parade.

The 2018 Old Settler’s Picnic was September 3 this year.

Mary Bruner was honored as the grand marshall of the parade, which always fills the town square perimeter with visitors.

Pictured is the Bruner family throwing candy to children during the parade route.

The parade was filled with children, past and future Uniontown High School graduates, fire volunteers, motorcycles, old machinery, floats, politicians, and horses.

Children line up in Uniontown’s Old Settler’s Picnic parade.

Allen Drake, class of 1965, left, and his wife, Billie Jo Drake, class of ’68, pose with a former Uniontown High School teacher, Larry Lambing. Lambing taught from 1959 to 1965 at UHS.

The Uniontown High School Band entertains during the Old Settler’s Picnic Parade on Labor Day.

The Pledge of Allegiance begins the parade during the Old Settler’s Picnic Monday in Uniontown.

The Uniontown High School class of 2021.

Uniontown Fire Volunteer Katie Towne drives a firetruck in the parade.

The drums and flag squad bring up the tail of the UHS band in the parade.

Fort Scott, Government

Prior Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission, August 21

September 4, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of August 21, 2018, Regular Meeting #16

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 21^st, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Bartelsmeyer, Nichols, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding. Commissioner Adamson was absent.

INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Paul Ballou, Jean Tucker, Janet Davis, Paul Rooks, Patience Richwine, Miriam Mix, Dave Bruner, Michael Mix, Emma Mix, Jordyn McGhee, Angela Mix, Jerry Witt, Larry Gazaway, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 7^th, 2018.

Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1221-A totaling $273,230.48.

Commissioner Bartelsmeyer asked about the minutes in reference to the Conditional Use Permit and if they should read the Witt family instead of Jerry and Judy Witt.

Commissioner Parker said that was her intent.

City Attorney informed them that the Conditional Use Permit is just a draft for them to review. He mentioned discussing Item #4 at this time.

Approval of Conditional Use Permit – 9 N. Main – Witt Family Rentals, LLC – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that the Conditional Use Permit is a draft based on the minutes from the previous meeting. She researched the International Zoning Code and explained to the Commissioners how the permit works. The Conditional Use Permit is not activated until the building permit is issued. If the conditions are not complied with, the permit can be revoked. Rhonda went over the general terms of the permit which are as follows:

This permit is issued to Jerry & Judy Witt, as the Managers of the Witt Family Rentals, LLC with the specific stipulation that the exterior plans approved by the City Commission at its meeting on August 7, 2018, be complied with. These plans have been approved by the City Commission and the Design Review Board.
The Conditional Use Permit will allow Jerry and Judy Witt to live in the above-referenced building as their residence. The property is to be used exclusively for the residence of Jerry and Judy Witt and cannot be used for any other uses nor can it be rented to anyone.
This permit will extend to and during the lifetime of the survivor of Jerry Witt or Judy Witt and cannot be transferred to anyone else. Upon the death of the last survivor of Jerry Witt and Judy Witt, the permit will be revoked. Any additional permits for that location must be applied for through the City of Fort Scott, Kansas.

City Manager stated that Jerry Witt wants his family included in this permit and the ability for his heirs to live there.

City Attorney remarked that the permit needs to be limited as far as children and grandchildren.

Commissioner Nichols shared his views regarding if the City wanted a filled commercial building versus a residential building. If the downtown starts to boom that building could be used for commercial retail purposes. We need to allow the commercial district to develop to its fullest.

Commissioner Bartelsmeyer suggested hearing from Jerry Witt on his thoughts on the draft of the Conditional Use Permit.

Jerry Witt said that he doubted if his children would want to come back before the Design Review Board and City Commission to get the permit in their names after he or his wife’s death.

City Manager stated that we just can’t predict what the market will do in the coming years in the downtown area.

Jerry Witt stated that he would like to see the Conditional Use Permit with his sons listed on it as well so they would not have to come and ask for a Conditional Use Permit upon their deaths.

City Attorney said that the Conditional Use Permit can be drafted to include Jerry, Judy, and their five sons if the Commission desires.

Bartelsmeyer made a motion to revise the Conditional Use Permit on Section A, to include Jerry & Judy Witt and their five sons and that this permit will apply to the first generation only. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

Approved to revise the Conditional Use Permit on Section a, to include Jerry & Judy Witt and their five sons and that this permit will apply to the first generation only.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

Appearance:

Miriam Mix and Patience Richwine – FSHS Mentoring Program – These two young ladies presented a program to the Commissioners on the Fort Scott High School mentoring program which was put into place last year. Hunter Adamson was also involved in this project but was unable to attend due to school functions. Their program matches up Freshmen students with Junior students and Sophomore students with Senior students. They are encouraged to spend time with the younger classmates and hang out with them and help answer questions they may have. This is a voluntary program.

Commissioners thanked them for their great idea.

Kevin Wagner, 2018 Wreath Ride – Mr. Wagner was unable to attend.

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) – None

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:46 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

Opened PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:46 P.M.

6:15 p.m. Update on alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1914 E. Wall Street (On July 17^th was continued for 30 days) – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that this property is an old 1940’s motor court. It is located at Wall and Brown Streets. She met with the owner and showed him all the improvements that needed to be made. He has boarded up one window in all he has done in 30 days. She shared pictures of the roof, the siding, the facia at the top and bottom of the house, all which are in disrepair. She recommended moving forward with the condemnation of this structure in the next 30 days.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Resolution No. 33-2018 authorizing this structure to be repaired or removed in 30 days. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 33-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1914 E. WALL STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY SEPTEMBER 28^TH, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

Bartelsmeyer moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:48 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:48 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

Discussion of 13 N. Holbrook demolition – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that this property burned about two years ago. The property owner was going to pay Saker Demolition to clean up this debris. Now he has decided otherwise. She informed the Commission that she will award this already received bid to Saker Demolition and have them pick up the debris and bill the property owner.

Consideration of fencing ordinances in the downtown historic district – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that the Design Review Board reviewed the fencing guidelines for the historic downtown district and came up with these guidelines. They will apply to the Commercial Zoning Regulations with Ordinance No. 3537 and Design Review Board guidelines with Ordinance No. 3538. Approval was recommended.

Nichols moved to approve Ordinances No. 3537 and 3538 in regards to fencing in the downtown historic district. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3537 AMENDING ARTICLE 24 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE ZONING REGULATIONS TO ADD SECTION 24-7, FENCING REGULATIONS, FOR THE HISTORIC CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT (HC-O) FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3538 AMENDING CHAPTER 17.08 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD SECTION 17.08.110, FENCING REGULATIONS, FOR THE HISTORIC DISTRICT FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE.

Rhonda also gave an update on the sale of the chairs in Memorial Hall. Bids will be accepted tomorrow for these floor seats.

She also gave an update on 310 N. Cleveland. The Next Steps program, as well as the Good Neighbor Action Team, are both assisting this homeowner. These groups have asked for more time to work with the property owner to make repairs.

Selection of Voting and Alternate Delegates for League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Voting Meeting – 3 voting – 3 alternate – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commissioners of the staff that would be attending the League Annual Meeting. She said that voting and alternate delegates for the Annual League of Kansas Municipalities meeting need to be selected:

Voting Alternate

Dave Martin Rachel Pruitt

Diane Clay Rhonda Dunn

Rhonda Dunn Deb Needleman

Mitchell moved to approve the voting and alternate delegates. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED VOTING AND ALTERNATE DELEGATES FOR THE ANNUAL LEAGUE OF KANSAS MUNICIPALITIES MEETING TO BE HELD OCTOBER 6-8, 2018.

Item #4 was already discussed.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

Director Updates: Larry Gazaway, Director of Tourism, shared with the Commission that the Convention and Visitors Bureau will be hosting a Veterans Day Weekend on November 9-11, 2018 in the City of Fort Scott. A reception will be held on Friday evening, a parade of Veterans will be held on Saturday, with the Grand Ball held on Saturday night at Memorial Hall. Community Christian Church is hosting a church service which will be followed by a ceremony at the National Cemetery and then a lunch at the VFW Post #1165. He has invited 55 marching bands to come for the parade and he has invited 217 American Legions and VFW organizations to attend. Peerless has donated $1,500 for the Friday evening reception. He also shared a display of the troop banner which is 30X60 and can be purchased for $200.00. There are 43 brackets in the downtown area to hang the banners. He would love to see National and East National lined with additional banners. These will be available for order very soon.

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Not present.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Nichols – Nothing to report.

Parker – Asked for an update on 1601 E. Wall, the old Sugarfoot and Peaches restaurant.

Rhonda Dunn said that she talked to the property owner today. He has arranged with Kevin Allen to demolish the structure. Kevin has one other job ahead of this one and then will start to demolish this structure.

Commissioner Parker also thanked the two young ladies who presented their mentoring program tonight.

Commissioner Parker also asked if there were dog disposal bags in the downtown area for when residents walk their dogs.

Rhonda said that they are located in a tube on the side of the City’s trash cans.

Mitchell – Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Remarked that he is proud of the City Commission and how they approached this tough issue in good fashion tonight.

Director of Finance: Not present.

City Manager: Stated that he appreciated the City Commission on looking at all options on this tough issue tonight.

ADJOURNMENT:

Bartelsmeyer moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:07 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:07 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on September 4^th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott, Schools

James Wood Selected For USD 234 School Board

August 31, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

James Wood was selected to fill Position 1 by the USD 234 School Board on Monday, August 27.

“There were two community members who submitted letters of interest that qualified to fill Position 1,” USD Superintendent Ted Hessong said. ” The other person was Jeff Madison. At the special board meeting held at the district office on Monday, Mr. Wood and Mr. Madison were interviewed by the sitting board in an open session. At the conclusion of the interview, a motion and a second were made to appoint Mr. Wood and the board voted him in to fill the position 6-0.”

This vacant position was open because of the resignation of Vanessa Poyner, earlier this year.

“Mr. Wood will begin filling Position 1 at the September 10th USD 234 School Board meeting,” Hessong said.

Wood, 43, grew up in Fort Scott, graduating from Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community Collge, then joined the Marine Corps for four years, he said.

He is the manager of the Holmtown Pub, 206 N. National Avenue.

His community involvement:

“I organize a Christmas party every year for foster kids and their families,” Wood said. “I play Santa.”

He is also a member of the Fort Scott Middle School VIP group and has helped with the Good Neighbor Action Team, The Sharing Bucket and the Wreaths Across America groups, he said.

Wood is a widower with a son in 7th grade at Fort Scott Middle School.

“I am honored and excited to be a part of the school board and staff to make a difference in the community,” Wood said.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Toursim Center Interior Remodeled

August 30, 2018 Loretta George Leave a comment

Allyson Turvey is the Fort Scott Convention and Group Sales employee. She stands in front of the wall that once had a small window with an office inside. The room now has a bigger window and is the office of Larry Gazaway, the director of the Tourism/Visitor Center and Turvey.

An increased focus on tourism for the City of Fort Scott has brought about the renovation of the interior of the Tourism/Chamber of Commerce Center.

The center is located at 231 E. Wall Street.

“Now when someone hits the door, there is someone there to greet them,” Allyson Turvey, convention and group sales said. “It really needed to open up.”

The Chamber section of the building also needed more visibility, so a hole was placed in a wall so the administrative assistant can view the lobby. Lindsay Madison is the executive director of the Chamber, Hannah Reel is a part-time administrative assistant. The Chamber is currently searching for another staff person.

The Chamber’s administrative assistant office is located inside this space behind the window. The lights were turned off in the office in this photo.

Some fresh paint and a reconfiguring of the display areas were part of the process, as well.

The new retail area features souvenirs and books with local area interest. Turvey said the center is looking for local products to display and sell.

Paul Milks Photography has some artwork on display for sale in the lobby area. Pictured is a fall scene of Rock Creek. Milks will be one of the featured artists at the Art in the Yard Festival, September 15 in Fort Scott, Turvey said. At right is a poster with the upcoming Veteran’s Weekend in November schedule of events.

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes has several posters on display. At eye level are travel brochures from the area and other parts of the country.

These are the hours of the Tourism Center and Chamber Office, both under one roof at 231 E. Wall.

The Tourism Center and Chamber Office are located at 231 E. Wall, just west of the Hwy. 69 overpass.

The Tourism/Chamber of Commerce Center is conveniently located on Wall Street, near a Hwy. 69 turn off.

Decorator finishing touches will be provided by area merchants who will allow their furnishings and accessories to be seen and used in the center, according to Turvey.

“Fort Scott tourism is managed by the City of Fort Scott, which administers tourism operations by maximizing the utilization of transient guest tax revenues to advertise and promote Fort Scott lodging, activities, attractions and events, operate a Tourism Center providing concierge services and visitor information, and facilitate any other related programs to attract individuals and groups for overnight stay in the community,” according to the tourism website.

To learn more: http://www.visitfortscott.com

and http://fortscott.com/

The Tourism phone number is 620-670-2750.

The Chamber phone number is 620-223-3566.

Business, Fort Scott

Jared Leek Opens Front Door Real Estate at 14 S. Main

August 29, 2018 Loretta George 3 Comments

Jared Leek shows the inside of his newly renovated building office space at 14 S. Main, Front Door Real Estate.

Jared Leek saw some downtown buildings that were vacant and decided to make a difference. He is already the owner of the Liberty Theater and Crooner’s Lounge in historic, downtown Fort Scott.

Most recently, he purchased the building whose storefronts are 14 and 16 S. Main.

“I purchased because I saw an opportunity to take a building vacant for several years and grow the downtown,” he said. “And grow my real estate business.”

His Front Door Real Estate office will be located at 14 S. Main.

Crystal Mason and Lisa Ward are working with Leek at the realty.

Leek has been renovating the building for a month and is working on the finishing touches and internet service currently.

The Front Door Real Estate business contains three offices and a conference room along with a lobby.

“In the very back there is an old dance studio,” Leek said. “That space will be available to rent.”

It would be suitable for a yoga or dance studio, he said. “And we will build to suit.”

The landline number to Front Door Real Estate is 620-224-9787, which connects with Leek, Mason and Ward’s cell phones.

He is anticipating an early September opening.

Leek received a downtown revitalization grant from the City of Fort Scott to help with the renovation of the old building which was once Dr. Charles Parson’s Chiropractic Office.

“It’s (the grant) for downtown business owners,” Leek said. “You can apply for it every year for heating, cooling, windows, doors…anything with the structure, to help preserve the buildings”

In addition to his businesses, Leek is the manager of the River Room Event center, just above the old Buffalo Grill on National Avenue.

“That space is available for rent for up to 750 people,” Leek said.

The River Room Event Center has a full bar, caterer’s kitchen, dance floor, bridal suite, handicapped-accessible restrooms, and an elevator, he said.

The Buffalo Grill, which is on the first floor, beneath the River Room, has been shown to several interested parties for possible restaurants, “But nothing is in stone yet,” Leek said.

Another building long vacant, the old Kress Building, is for sale across from Front Door Real Estate and is listed by the real estate business.

At 16 S. Main, Jan and Dick Hedges will be opening a bookstore, called Hedgehog Ink in October, Leek said.

Fort Scott Biz