All posts by Loretta George

Business, Fort Scott, Housing

Former Western Insurance Building Renamed: Fort Scott Lofts

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A one bedroom apartment in The Fort Scott Lofts. Courtesy photo.

A renovated downtown apartment complex has been renamed and had some age restrictions lifted as of January 1, 2019.

The building that used to house the Western Insurance Company, between National Avenue and Main Street in downtown Fort Scott, is now called The Fort Scott Lofts.

“They wanted to rebrand it,” said Rachel Wheeler, leasing agent and onsite manager at The Fort Scott Lofts. “Many thought it was a senior citizen building. I think it confused a bunch of people.”

Under the former name of the apartments, Western Senior Living, 80 percent of the residents had to be 55 years old, Wagner said, and 20 percent under 55.

Western Senior Living opened in December 2016 following a major renovation of the building.

“My bosses went through the proper channels and got it  (the name and restrictions)changed,” she said. “Now if a person makes this amount of money, they pay this amount.”

Monthly rent starts at $370 for a one bedroom apartment and up to $625 for a two bedroom one, depending on income, she said.

Wagner can be reached at 620-223-1718 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The apartments are not furnished, except for stove, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher.

Currently, out of 35, 11 apartments are available, Wheeler said.

Some of the amenities are 120 channel Direct TV, water and trash are paid, Wheeler said. There is also an onsite laundry facility and off-street parking.

“We have a fitness room with a couple of exercise bikes and treadmills,” she said. “Pets are allowed. There is a one-time pet addendum of $200 (in the contract for pet lovers).”

“We have caring people that live here,” she said. “A group meets for coffee in the morning and another meets in the evening for wine and talking about the day.”

There are perks for living downtown.

A coffee shop, restaurants, and shops all within a few blocks.

Residents get a front row seat for the parades that Fort Scott celebrates events with, and also for Good Ol Days, the annual community event.

There are free local-artist outdoor music concerts just across the street in the summer, as well.

The owners of the building are Flint Hills Management, LLC.

A sister property, across First Street, will soon begin renovation of the old Union Building and will be called Union Lofts, she said.

“I’ll be managing it, too,” Wheeler said.

The Fort Scott Lofts, formerly Western Senior Living, 8 East First.
Fort Scott, Housing

Need Help? GNAT Is Taking Applications

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This property on South National Avenue was one of the projects that the Good Neighbor Action Team helped with. The house is owned by the Youth Activity Team, who is remodeling it as a fundraiser. GNAT has put in around 40 man hours on the project so far, Craig Campbell said.

For over a decade the Good Neighbor Action Team has been helping Fort Scottians with painting, helping rid yards of debris, building handicap ramps and other needed projects.

The team provides help for those who are not able to do the job themselves.

“A lot of times, people need a truck or chainsaw to get debris off their property,” Craig Campbell, a member of GNAT, said.

The volunteer group does all kinds of work, but GNAT doesn’t do roofs.

“We don’t put volunteers on roofs,” Campbell said. “There are grants available with no payback through USDA, also there are low-interest loans for different income levels and ages. We can put tradespeople together (for jobs like that), it requires expertise.”

“If people can’t provide materials or funds to help, we can help with that,” he said.

“Funds come from donations from social clubs, for example, Pioneer Kiwanis, who is a constant donor to our cause,” he said.

“When a group takes on a project,  a church, for example, will help fill in the funding gap on the project they are working on,” Campbell said.

“I need to work with churches,” Campbell said. “They are a good source for locating people who could use GNAT help.”

Additionally, churches are a reliable source for providing volunteer workers for projects.

“We get a lot of volunteers from churches,” he said.

The volunteers are asked to give three hours of work per project.

“We think in terms of a three-hour time slot (for the project),” Campbell said. “From 9 a.m. to noon on a Saturday. For a volunteer to do that is wonderful.”

GNAT has tried to handle the project workloads using the model of Habitat For Humanity, he said.

Work project recipients are asked to provide family and friends to assist GNAT workers.

“We bring five people, you bring five people,” Campbell said.

In addition,  proof of income is required with one of the following: income tax return, pays stubs from the last two paychecks, a Vision card or Healthwave card.

“We are getting started thinking about the season (for projects) which is from March to October,” he said. “There will be an emphasis on painting this year.”

Applications can be picked up at the Beacon, 525 E. Sixth; the Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall, or city hall, 123 S. Main.

“You can return the application to the place you picked it up, or to Jara Martin at 824 S. Main,” Campbell said.

Completion of an application, doesn’t guarantee acceptance of a project request.

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Sharky’s Pub Provides Catering

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Tina and Dave Lipe, owners of Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National Avenue.

Dave Lipe told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee attendees that even though January and February are typically slow seasons for retail businesses, Sharky’s Pub and Grub has seen an increase in catering.

He and wife, Tina, are the owners of the business, at 16 N. National Avenue,  which opened June 1, 2011.

“We’ve done catering for seven or eight years, since we’ve been open,” Lipe said.  “Catering is one thing that has picked up for us.”

“We can do a Superbowl party, a rehearsal dinner….weddings,” he said.

There is also a third-floor event center available for rent above their restaurant, Lipe said.

They recently did catering in Kansas City.

“We did a tailgate party at the Chief’s game, we are mobile,” he said.

“If there is something you are needing, ask,” Lipe said.

The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. and can be reached at 223-4777.

 

Bourbon County

Benefit For The Beacon: Enchilada Sales

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Young Professional League members gather for a monthly meeting at Papa Don’s Restaurant in this Feb. 2016 photo.

The annual Young Professional League’s fundraiser for The Beacon, a helping agency, is here.

January 26 is the final day to order, with pick-up on Feb. 2.

We are in the countdown for enchilada sales! We’re encouraging all YPL-ers to push hard and continue to promote our fundraiser until the (extended) date of Saturday, January 26.

Orders can be taken on the form (collect cash or check at the time of ordering) or entered into the online system at www.ypl-bbco.org/enchiladas/   but don’t do both or it will duplicate the orders. Enchiladas are $20 a dozen. Pick-up is Feb 2.

Send a pic of your order form to [email protected] and make arrangements to drop off the money.

We are excited about this worthwhile activity and are proud to support the Beacon in Fort Scott. 

Contact Laura Agee with any questions: [email protected] or 949-274-6514.

 

Business, Fort Scott

City State Bank Reno Completed

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City State Bank, 202 Scott Avenue, has an updated look. Submitted photo.

A business that has been in downtown Fort Scott for over 60  years has received an update in the form of a remodel.

The original City State Bank downtown building was constructed in 1957.

It needed an update, said John Hill, president and CEO of the bank.

“The new drive-thru and ATM allow us to better serve our customers who drive larger vehicles.,” Hill said. “The remodel reflects the type of service we are trying to give our existing and new customers in Fort Scott. It also shows our commitment to downtown.”

There will be a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and grand reopening on Feb. 7 at 5 p.m.

The bank is located at 202 Scott Avenue.

“The inside is completely remodeled with a new layout that includes new flooring, teller desk, furniture, lighting and décor,” Hill said.

Submitted photo. The interior of City State Bank, January 2019.

The outside facelift includes new stone, stucco, drive-thru canopy, a new island ATM, sidewalks and lighting.

The backside of City State Bank following renovation.

The remodel started in August 2018 and was completed by January 2019.

LaForge and Budd Construction Company, Inc of Parsons, Kansas was the general contractor.

In addition, “We used many local vendors and contractors,” working of the project, Hill said.

The bank can be reached at 223-2419 for the downtown branch, or 223-1600 at the 1012 Hwy. 69 branch.

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Dollar General Will Undergo Big Remodel, Reopen Feb. 14

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Dollar General, at 2001 S. Main in Fort Scott, will be closing at 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 10 for an interior remodel of the store.

“We will be closed from Monday through Wednesday, then reopen on Thursday, Feb. 14 at 8 a.m.,” LaDonna Sandstoe, the store manager said.

The remodel will expand the freezers and coolers, and add new cash registers and new items, she said.

“It’s a good time with Price Chopper (grocery store) closing,” Sandstsoe said. “The whole back wall will be freezers and coolers. That is expanding. The store will be able to hold more perishables.”

The freezer and cooler section will be expanded in the upcoming Dollar General remodel.

In an effort to reduce inventory, since January 13, the store has been having a clearance sale, she said.

“We are having 50 percent off on all apparel,” Sandstoe said.

Following the remodel, the store will not carry apparel, she noted.

In addition to clothing,  there are 50- percent -off- sales for all kitchen, bath and laundry accessories, ladies wallets, and baby items, she said.

“Currently, there are six employees at the store, and I’m looking to hire a few more,” Sandstoe said.

The stores hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

The phone number is 620-223-4136.

 

Fort Scott, Health Care

Fort Scott’s Cancer Center to Close Jan. 31

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Cancer Center of Kansas, located in Mercy Hospital Clinic, Jan. 21..

In connection with the closure of Mercy Hospital at the end of 2018, the Cancer Center of Kansas, which was located in the hospital clinic is closing.

The last day of operation for the center in Fort Scott is Jan. 31.

The center is offering the same service in Chanute and Parsons for its patients, said Dr. Yoosaf Abraham, Chief Operating Officer for Cancer Center of Kansas, Wichita.

The reason for the closure?

“We can not provide services to our patients, without ancillary services,” Abraham said.

Services such as  a labratory and surgeons are no longer available at Fort Scott, Abraham said.

Dr. Phu Truong and Dr. Nassim Nbbout, the current doctors in the Fort Scott Cancer Center of Kansas, can be seen at the Chanute and Parsons Cancer Center of Kansas facilities, he said.

The two nurses currently employed at the Cancer Center in Fort Scott are employees of Mercy Hospital, Abraham said.

“This will affect many in our community,” said Karen Endicott-Coyan. ” I currently take weekly chemo treatments at the center…this is extremely disheartening. I take chemo weekly with no end in sight, as there is no cure for my disease.”

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care

Health Department to Move

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This building. at 6th and Horton, will be the new site of the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department.

The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department, with a location currently behind the Bourbon County Courthouse, is moving.

More privacy for clients and more room for future health care collaborations are the reasons for the move said Bourbon County Commissioner Jeff Fischer, who is also a member of the SEKMCHD board.

The site chosen is the former Mercy Hospital facility at 6th and Horton.

“We needed more space to provide more services,” Fischer said.

“SEKMCHD began looking at updating their current facility that is a modular office building on the courthouse square two years ago,” said  Fischer. “SEKMCHD considered the Bourbon County Court Annex, the decommissioned jail and other properties on the market two years ago. Late this summer the Cornerstone Bible Church offered their building to SEKMCHD which was purchased in December 2018.”

The SEKMCHD received a building permit on Jan. 17. They will meet as a board on Jan. 22 for further discussions of the project.

“We are aiming for an April 1 date to move,” Fischer said.

“Moving into a structure that is more than twice the size of their existing facility presents some interesting opportunities,” Fischer said. “There are ongoing discussions on how to leverage this space to improve access to healthcare and – or provide other services that complement the mission of county health departments. This may include leveraging the Craw-Kan Fiber Optic Network and support Tele-health studios available to the public.”

“At this point, a building permit has been granted to modify the western side of the building, replacing interior walls and providing the ability to secure the SEKMCHD space from the commons areas that include the waiting room and reception area,” Fischer said. “There are no definite plans on how to best utilize the eastern half.”

“The project consists of replacing and installing approximately 120 linear foot of insulated 2X4 framed walls on a structure that was built by Mercy in 1992 to provide health care services,” Fischer explained. “In addition, the installation of nine doors to create three new office spaces and two examination rooms. The framed walls shall be covered with approximately 240 ft., 50 boards of half-inch sheetrock.”

“The plumbing portion involves replacing sinks and moving an existing sink to facilitate access to the restroom from one of the exam rooms,” he said. “The plumber will also extend a gas line to the vicinity of the generator set placed outside adjacent to the electrical service entry.”

“The electrical portion involves installing wiring for outlets, switches, dedicated circuits for critical equipment,” Fischer said.  “In addition, it involves the installation of communication wiring. The installation of a generator set and appropriate automatic transfer switches will also be furnished.”

The Bourbon County Health Department provides adult and childhood immunizations and physicals, pap exams, birth control, blood lead screening, hemoglobin and blood sugar screening, hearing screening, blood pressure checks, STD screening and treatment, disease investigations, emergency preparedness,  and labs such as CBC, Chem Panel, TSH.
“The costs depends on which service they choose, but we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Kancare Insurance associated with Medicaid- Amerigroup, Etna, and United Healthcare,” said Alice Maffett, the nurse at the SEKMCHD in Bourbon County.

 For more information, contact Alice Maffett, Nurse, Bourbon County,620-223-4464 , or Jeff Fischer, board member, 620.223.6633 or Chardel Hastings, Director SEKMCHD 411 North Washington ~ Iola, 620-365-2191.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools

USD 234: Redesigning Future Education?

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USD 234 Superintendent Ted Hessong addressing the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee attendees at Fort Scott High School Thursday morning.

USD 234 Superintendent Ted Hessong spoke to the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Thursday, during the weekly coffee, about the need to match what is needed in a society with what schools actually teach.

To get the community involved in the school district’s education redesign, USD 234 is sponsoring what is being called Community Conversations.

Community Conversations dates and locations:

• January 22 –Fort Scott High School

• January 24 –Eugene Ware Elementary

• January 29 –Fort Scott Middle School

• January 30 –Winfield Scott Elementary

All times starting at 6:00 PM.

“Businesses need skilled talent and those are the hardest jobs to fill,” he said.

“We need to make education fit us,” Hessong said. “We need to make changes in education, do something we’ve never done.”

From statistics Hessong presented to the attendees, the top skills that high school graduates lack are: work ethic-professionalism, teamwork-collaboration, verbal communication, ethics-social responsibility, critical thinking-problem solving,  and information technology application, among others.

Some of the school redesign principles that Hessong presented were:

  • an integrated approach to develop student socio-emotional learning.
  • teachers support students to have a choice over their time, place, pace and path.
  • family, business and community partnerships based on mutually beneficial relationships and collaboration.
  • project-based learning, internships, and civic engagement to make learning relevant.

At the Community Conversations, USD 234 is seeking feedback from parents, guardians, business, and community members in these areas:

• Emergency Operations Plan

• USD 234 Mission and Vision

• USD 234 School Board’s Areas of Focus

• What is the role of USD 234’s Preschool –12th-grade educational system in developing an independent, responsible, and productive adults?

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Baton Is Passed at Union State Bank

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Kenny Holt is retiring as President and CEO of Union State Bank, after 25 years.

Bryan Holt became the president and Chief Executive Officer of Union State Bank on Jan. 1, 2019.

“I’ll be the fifth generation of the Holt family to hold this position,” Bryan Holt said.  “It is a great honor for me.”

Union State Bank has been family-owned and operated since 1901.

“My great-grandfather, L.E. “Emett” Holt began, then grand-dad Curtis Holt, then my dad, Kent Holt,” Kenny Holt said.

Kenny Holt held the president and CEO position from 1993 to December 31, 2018.

“We (he and his wife, Nancy) are slowing down and doing things we want to do,” Kenny Holt said.

Kenny will work in the transition period to mentor Bryan and Chad Holt, his younger son, who will be taking over some duties as well, he said.

Bryan Holt has been preparing for leadership through education and career experience.

He has an associates degree from Fort Scott Community College and a Bachelors in Business Administration with a major in Finance from Pittsburg State University Additionally, he completed the Graduate School of Banking in 2012.

“I have worked at the (Union State) bank twice now,” Bryan Holt said. “Part-time as a teller from 1990 – 1993.  I returned to the bank in 2005 as the Business Development Officer and Information Security Officer, moving from McKinney, Texas. In a bank our size, all of the officers have been exposed to all parts of the business and that’s true of me.”

“My duties will be evolving to include overseeing overall operations of the bank, including strategic direction,” he said.  “Of course, I’ll still be working in lending and business development, but learning this new role will become a large part of my daily activities.”

Technology has been changed the culture in America and the world, and the banking sector is no different.

“The rapid advance of technology will continue to disrupt the traditional banking model,” Bryan Holt said.  “Our customers will rely less and less on coming into the branch, preferring to do business via mobile methods.  We are working to balance the personalized service that we’ve been providing for nearly 120 years with the convenience of banking from your mobile device.”

“Technology has allowed us to do a lot of things,” Kenny Holt said.

A negative change in banking in the last 25 years is the “regulatory burden put on us,” Kenny Holt said. “The regulation doesn’t apply to us (small banks), but we still have to abide.”

USB  stated purpose is to provide affordable, high-quality financial products and services that enhance the customers’ financial well-being and strengthen the communities they serve.  The mission is to be the bank of choice in the communities served.

Union State Bank has two locations: on the  Uniontown square and can be reached at 620-756-4305 and Fort Scott at 1009 S. Clark, 620-223-0066.

 

Business, Fort Scott

New Owners of Public Transportation

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Jackie Sellers stands in front of the two vans that were purchased by Old Fort Transportation LLC to provide public transportation to the community. Sellers and her husband, James are the new owners of the business. Fort Scott National Historic Site is in the background. The business is located at the very north end of Main Street, housed in the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center.

Old Fort Transportation, LLC, owned by Jacqueline and James Sellers, took over public transportation from Pitt-Taxi on  Jan. 1, 2019.

Sellers is no stranger to public transportation in Fort Scott.

“In 2003, I started working as the coordinator for Bourbon County Senior Citizen,” Sellers said.  “One of my responsibilities was to work with transportation, so I did some of the dispatching and the driving.”

Through the years, Sellers got to know those that used the service.

“Little did I know how much happiness and sorrow was to come,” she said.” I got to meet many of my fellow citizens, and as I grew to know them, I celebrated with them and I have mourned with them. I have taken some to job interviews and then taken them to work. Then had to say ‘see you later’ as they bought their car and were able to drive themselves to work.”

During that period of time public transportation was providing over a thousand rides a month, she said.

“Then in 2014, SEK-CAP  (South East Kansas-Community Action Program) took over transportation,” Sellers said. “It was with a heavy heart I watched as many of my transportation family were suffering from the 24-hour notice (SEK-CAP requirement) for transportation and the ridership dwindled. Bourbon County Senior Citizens, then took an active look at better transportation for the city. Pitt-Taxi took over in 2016, and I was asked once again to manage transportation. I have been able to watch transportation grow again.”

In late 2018, the owners of Pitt-Taxi made a decision to retire.

“When the owners of Pitt-Taxi decided to retire, I had to make a decision, and with the support of my husband, James, we decided to take over the transportation here in Fort Scott,” Sellers said.  “Thanks to the help of Bourbon County Senior Citizens and the support of the City (of Fort Scott), Old Fort Transportation will continue to provide the needed transportation for our hometown families.”

The business primarily provides transportation in Fort Scott, and when possible, the surrounding areas, she said.

 

Old Fort Transportation LLC is located at 26 N. Main, in the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center.

Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main.

“You can’t miss the vehicles (two vans) parked on Old Fort Blvd., she said.

The phone number is still the same (620)249-1440.

Regular hours of operation are Mon. through Sat. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The full cost of a ride is $6.

“There is a discounted rate of $4 for senior citizens and those who have a commodity card or a Beacon card,” she said.

The public transportation business provides an average of 900 rides a month.

Sellers compiled a list of where she takes passengers:

Shopping – G &W Grocery Store, Walmart, Dollar General, Tractor Supply, Price Chopper Grocery Store, and downtown shops.

Medical appointments – Mercy, Urgent Care, Dr. Kellenburger, Baker Clinic, eye doctors, dentists, WIC, Mental Health clinic, and I Am Rehab.

Work – restaurants and fast food places, Walmart, G and W, Price Chopper, Extrusions, Peerless, Timken, First Source, Valu Merchandise, Nursing homes,  and individual homes.

Other- banks, post office, library, Fort Scott Community College, Bourbon County Court House, jail, Fort Scott City Hall, cable office, bill pay centers, automotive repair, nursing home to visit, restaurants and fast food places to eat.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Paws and Claws Needs New Facility

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All photos courtesy of Front Door Real Estate. The current Lee’s Paws and Claws Animal Shelter property features numerous dog kennels, quarantine kennels, cat rooms, cat yard, dog play yards, reception area, office and restroom facilities on 19.8 Acres. Contact Jared Leek, Owner/Broker of Front Door Real Estate, Inc., for more information at (620) 224-9787.

The local animal shelter is seeking a new facility and selling the old one located southeast of Fort Scott.

The following is an interview with Treasurer Kathy Dancer and Corresponding Secretary Kate Sweetser, two members of the board of directors of Lee’s Paw and Claws Animal Shelter:

Why the move?

“The current shelter, which was built and then expanded thanks to a generous gift from Lee Weast, is fantastic but has presented two challenges.

One is that fundraising has not provided the income required to run a 4,000 square foot facility.

The other is that the location on a gravel road seven miles from town has made it harder to attract both volunteers and potential adopters.”

“Lee’s Paws and Claws Animal Shelter is owned and operated by the Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation. The foundation’s board of directors has made the decision to transition to a more sustainable business model.”

“Part of this transition involves rightsizing to a smaller, more affordable facility located in the city. Our organization relies on adopters, volunteers, and donors. Being located in Fort Scott will help meet the needs of the humans involved. ”

“Another key part of the transition to a sustainable business model is the implementation of a foster care program for dogs. Dogs who have been in foster care are better socialized and therefore more easily adopted.

Our goal is to have a smaller facility that will serve as a cat shelter, an office, and an intake and adoption area.”

Who made the decision?

“The time and expense associated with maintaining our current facility has been an issue for several years. The current executive board has been exploring options for about a year now. The first decision to offer the current facility for sale was made a few months ago and the board agreed unanimously to sell the current building and acreage.

The second decision was to transition to a foster model and relocate closer to town while the current facility is on the market. Some board members wanted to stay at our current location until it sells and others wanted to transition as soon as possible. The decision was a difficult one and involved lengthy discussions and number-crunching, but in November of 2018, the board voted to begin the downsizing process and transition to a foster program in early 2019.”

“The current executive board consists of Randy Shannon, chair; Matt Messer, vice-chair; Kathy Dancer, treasurer; Rhonda Dunn, recording secretary; and Kate Emmett-Sweetser, corresponding secretary. The general board of directors includes the executive board members as well as Marianne Crane, Barb Ritter, and Rob Shaw. Ann Gillmore-Hoffman is board member emeritus.”

Where is the current facility located?

“We are currently located at 721 240thStreet, between Fort Scott and Garland. The 4,000 square foot facility  (which is for sale) is situated on 19.8 acres which includes a pond and a tornado shelter. “

What are you looking for in town?

“We are looking for 1000-1500 square feet which could house an office, intake room, adoption area, and a few cat suites.  We want a location which is affordable to maintain and easy for volunteers and potential adopters to access.  We have a few potential rental and purchase options which we will discuss at our next executive board session.”

Tell about the animal foster program.

“Our goal is to develop a network of foster homes for dogs waiting for adoption.  A foster home is a better temporary situation for dogs than a shelter because the animals live in a home where they receive more attention and are socialized with family members, both humans and other pets.

The state requires that we inspect and license all animal foster homes, so the process can take several weeks. Once a foster home is approved, they are licensed for a year. When placing a dog in foster care, our organization will have the dog spayed or neutered and vaccinated. The foster family will provide for the daily needs of the dog and coordinate with shelter personnel to give potential adopters opportunities to meet the foster dog. We plan to host adoption events on a regular basis at our new location. Foster applications are available on our website at www.LeesPawsAndClawsShelter.org/fostering.html.”