The Fort Scott Tigers Volleyball Team played Anderson County and Nevada, Mo. on September 4.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The parade was filled with children, past and future Uniontown High School graduates, fire volunteers, motorcycles, old machinery, floats, politicians, and horses.
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 21st, 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 7th, 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 17th 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 28TH, 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.
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 4th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
____________________
DIANE K. CLAY
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.
Some fresh paint and a reconfiguring of the display areas were part of the process, as well.
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
The Tourism phone number is 620-670-2750.
The Chamber phone number is 620-223-3566.
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.
Arby’s personnel have set up a canopy in front of their restaurant at 2101 S. Main to attract people who might be interested in working there.
“We don’t have access to the building yet,” said Debbie Cardwell, Arby’s District Manager from Carthage, Mo. “This gives us a little more traffic.”
The building renovation is nearing completion, with a goal of September 24 to be opened, said Debbie Smith, Arby’s Training Coordinator from Joplin, Mo.
All crew positions are open, Cardwell said.
“We’ll be out here Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon…until we have access to the building,” Cardwell said.
Interested people are invited to stop by to apply for the positions.
The former director of curriculum and instruction has taken on new duties in the Fort Scott School District.
Nicki Traul is now the assistant superintendent at USD 234.
“Mrs. Traul will continue to lead in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment,” Superintendent Ted Hessong said. “She will also continue to oversee the preschool with the assistance of a lead teacher at the preschool. She will now be the lead for our special education department as well as the go-to person for the elementary principals, because of her elementary background.”
When Hessong came to the superintendency this year, he saw that Traul was doing the duties of an assistant superintendent.
“In my review of the district to prepare myself for my transition to USD 234,” he said. “I decided Mrs. Traul was doing the duties of an assistant superintendent and we needed to designate her with this title to put in her a true role as an administrator for the district.”
“I am excited about the new opportunity and am looking forward to working with Mr. Hessong,” Traul said.
USD 234 enrollment finalization is this week, Hessong said.
Vera Jane Wiggans Hays, age 80, formerly of Fort Scott, died Wednesday evening, August 22, 2018, at Greystone Assisted Living in Iola, Kansas.
Vera was born August 9, 1938, to Marjorie and Pascal Wiggans in rural Bronson. She attended Bronson schools, played basketball and was drum majorette.
Vera married Bernard “Bun” Hays in 1956 in Miami, Oklahoma. Together, they raised four children that were the love of her life.
Vera worked for Braemor and Key Industries for more than 40 years and was a friend to all she met. She always loved animals, especially dogs. Vera was an accomplished seamstress, quilter and crocheted, often creating clothes for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Vera loved music ranging from Elvis to traditional western to her grandson’s alt-rock band. She enjoyed the Fort Scott Opry and other local music performances. She was a regular at the Greystone Assisted Living cultural events singing along with guest musicians.
Vera is pre-deceased by her parents, husband Bun and many loved dogs. She is survived by her beloved Boston Terrier Raven, sister Wanda Lou Woodward of Manhattan, Kansas, sons Michael “Mick” (Janet) of Iola, Martin of El Dorado, daughters Joni (Blane) Peters of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Lori of Garden City. Grandchildren Blake (Andis) Hill, Brittany (Jake) Keltner, Reagan Hill, Emily (Dallas) Funk, Thomas Hays, James Hays and step-grandchildren Chris (Keri) Johnson and Aaron (Ashley) St. Clair also survive. Vera is also survived by great-grandchildren Parker, Adryannah, Piper, Ellie, Carsen, Samson and Paysly.
Pastor Lloyd Houk will conduct funeral services at 12:30 PM Monday, August 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, Lower Level Kansas City, MO 64105 or in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
