All posts by Loretta George

Business, Fort Scott

Name Change For Mortgage Business at 1 E. Wall Street

Leave a comment
Guild Mortgage company, National Avenue and Wall Street in downtown Fort Scott.
Open Mortgage has a new name:  Guild Mortgage
 
The business, located downtown at  1 E. Wall Street, started with Guild Mortgage on June 17, 2024.
 
“We wanted more opportunities to help more clients,” said David Vonfeldt, branch manager. “With us moving to Guild Mortgage we are able to offer more loan programs to assist more clients. The company itself has been in business for over 63 years and is ranked in the top 10 for mortgage companies.”
 
The services the business offers the community are home loans, Home Equity Line of Credit HELOC loans, bridge Loans, refinancing.
“Bridge loans are short-term loans using your home’s equity to put money down on a new home before selling your current home,” he said.
To Buy A House
The process of getting a mortgage is complex, Vonfeldt said.
Here is a flyer for new home buyers wanting to know the process:  #3204155_Homebuying Process_Flyer_C
“The information needed to start the process is name, date of birth, two-year residence history, two-year work history, income, and assets. Most of all this information is entered into the loan application and then the appropriate documents are provided to prove the entered information.”
“Interest rates change every day and for me to quote an actual rate I would need to have an actual application for a mortgage. I can tell you that we are very competitive on interest rates and that they are starting to come down,” he said.
“We are the number one U.S. Department of Agriculture lender in the country which gives us the ability to give great interest rates and favorable terms. A USDA loan is a no-money-down loan for low to moderate-income families and is a very popular loan in rural areas, which makes it a great option for the residents of Ft. Scott.”
For more information call +1 (620) 268-2945.
  David Vonfeldt – Branch Manager       
                             
Joe’ Fritter – Loan Officer      
            
 
 Monica Creighton – Originating Loan Officer/Assistant    
Fort Scott, Government, Housing

Lisa Dillon: New FS Housing and Community Development Coordinator

Leave a comment
Lisa Dillon, The City of Fort Scott Housing and Community Development Coordinator
Lisa Dillon started as the new City of Fort Scott Housing and Community Development Coordinator on September 23.
Her wages will be split over a couple of different funds including economic development, FS City Manager Brad Matkin said.
“I graduated from high school in 1986 and later attended Fort Scott Community College.  I have gained valuable insights into community development and social issues with prior employment and volunteering ventures with different communities through the years,” Dillon said.
She has experience in real estate, residential lending, and community programs that assisted families.
The following was provided by Matkin about the roles that Dillon and her department head, Mary Wyatt, play.

Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department

The Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department plays a vital role in shaping the future growth and sustainability of a community. It focuses on urban planning, housing initiatives, and business development strategies, ensuring they are integrated to create a vibrant and resilient community. This includes planning, implementing, and evaluating programs that foster economic growth, improve public infrastructure, enhance housing options, and strengthen community ties.

Director of Planning, Housing, and Business Development: Mary Wyatt

  • Oversee the Housing and Community Development Coordinator, Tourism and Public Relations Coordinator, Codes Department, and Woodland Hills Golf Course.
  • Work closely with the Kansas Department of Commerce on promoting Fort Scott to entice businesses to come to our community.
  • Ensure the City of Fort Scott is competitive regionally attracting prospective companies to the City.
  • Work with the area Chamber of Commerce to strengthen relationships with existing businesses.
  • In partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and local realtors, develops, and maintains a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the community.
  • Provide education to possible new businesses for grants, funding, and locations.
  • Report to the commission quarterly on findings, wins, and expectations of the Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department.
  • Develop short- and long-range economic development plans.
  • Lead efforts to attract new businesses to the City of Fort Scott or Bourbon County.
  • Develop incentive programs to encourage business investment in the community.
  • Represent the City of Fort Scott at regional and national economic development conferences and trade shows.
  • Study and monitor the up-to-date market statistics and demographics for existing businesses, labor shed, and market data for businesses interested in relocating or locating in Fort Scott.

Housing and Community Development Manager: Lisa Dillon

  • City liaison for the City of Fort Scott Land Bank
  • Educate investors on housing incentives
  • Legislative liaison working with Kansas League of Municipalities to influence state and federal legislation.
  • Develop, implement, and manage housing and community development programs.
  • Oversee the administration of grants and funding for housing and community development projects.
  • Ensure that all housing and development projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Collaborate with the Codes Department to provide support and assistance
  • Prepare and submit required reports and documentation to regulatory bodies.
  • Continued education in housing, codes, and community development regulations.
  • Identify and secure funding sources for housing and community development
  • Report quarterly on housing developments and community activities to the City Commission
  • Help the Director of Planning, Housing, and Business Development with incentive programs to encourage business investment in the community.
  • Promote the development of affordable housing and improve existing housing stock with the assistance of the Codes department.
  • Work with the City of Fort Scott’s bond counselor to promote and execute the city’s RHID program.
  • Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment

 

Her office is located at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street Fort Scott, and her phone number is 620.223.0550.
Fort Scott City Hall.
Church news, History

The Enduring Word Travel Museum: 1st Southern Baptist Church Oct. 25-29

Leave a comment

The Enduring Word Travel Museum

Teaching the History and Significance of the Bible

Come see the exhibit at First Southern Baptist Church 1818 S. Main St. on Hwy 69 in Fort Scott, Ks. In the Family Life Center.

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday October 25-27 9:00am- 6:30pm Friday and Saturday or 1:00- 6:30pm on Sunday.

View the authentic historical artifacts dating back 5000 years from the Holy land, Middle East, and Asia Minor. (Ancient Torahs, Bibles, manuscripts, and pottery, plus a working replica of the Gutenberg press.)

Teaching classes Friday and Saturday at 10:00am and 5:30pm, also at 1:00pm on Sunday. Exhibit presentation with curator John Sliffe daily at 1:30pm.

Concluding Sunday night with a concert by the Missourians at 6:00pm.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Special Meeting, Oct. 10

Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special board meeting Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 11:30 am in the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Agriculture Building to conduct business needing to be addressed prior to the regular board meeting.

 Submitted by

Juley McDaniel

Director of Human Resources

Fort Scott Community College

2108 S. Horton

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Harris Will Lead Action Team to Move Forward With Freeman Health System

Leave a comment
The empty emergency department at the former Mercy Hospital.
At a special Bourbon County Commission this morning the Commissioners decided that Commission Chairman Jim Harris will form an action team to expedite Freeman Health System’s intentions to open an Emergency Department and 10 bed-hospital at the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
“It’s time to get this accomplished,” Harris said in an interview. “I want to thank Commissioner Clifton Beth for his help on this the last few years.”
Jim Harris, 2nd District Bourbon County Commissioner, and current chair.
Beth had been the commissioner who had been working on the healthcare issues as a leadman,  “but he is stepping out for some personal reasons,” Harris said. “I am retired and with an action team to assist, we will take this to the finish line.”
On this newly formed healthcare action team are Harris, Dr. Randy Nichols, T.J. Denning (K.R.I. Chief Operating Officer),  Fort Scott Mayor Terry Dancer, Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Attorney Bob Farmer, and Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks.
“On Monday at 2 p.m. all the team members are going to meet at Freeman (Health Care System) in Joplin (MO),” he said.
“On Tuesday we will meet with the people who have the Fort Scott Emergency Room equipment, either Mercy or Via Christi. It was removed and stored in Pittsburg and Mercy has agreed to give it back. Our job is to bring it back.”
“We will then get technicians to see what is working and what is not,” he said. “Once we know it’s working we will probably have a Memorandum of Understanding  to give to Freeman.”
“Kansas Renewal Institute can then move forward with their planning, final inspection and then we will have a green light to open the ER and small hospital, which is vital to K.R.I. and the people of Bourbon County,” he said.
“I want to thank Commissioner Beth for his work on this and thank Freeman Health System, this is a God-send and a blessing to Bourbon County,” Harris said. “And I want to thank Mercy for their help and assistance with the equipment.”
Area News, Church news, Entertainment, Youth

Fall Family Fun Activities Starting Oct. 5 at Rinehart Christian Church

Leave a comment
The Lion of Judah is depicted in the years Rinehart Christian Church corn maize, taken from the church’s Facebook page.
Rinehart Christian Church Annual Corn Maze is part of a FREE fall festival event for the public.
The surrounding community is invited to come out for an afternoon of fall fun and fellowship on three Saturdays: October 5, October 12 and October 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to the church located at 9443 S. 900 Rd. Richards, MO 64778, about 14 miles from Fort Scott.
Family activities include a petting zoo on October 5, horse rides on October 12, and hatchet throwing on October 19.
Besides the corn maze, activities include hay rides, corn pits, pumpkin painting, fire pits, lawn games, duck races, concessions, photo booths, cow train, grain wagon basketball hoops, and inflatables.

“The reason for the corn maze is to give area people a fun day for the family and to let them know Rinehart is a church that cares about them,” said Pastor Kevin Moyer.

“This is the 5th year for us to have the maze,” he said. ” It grows each year in numbers, and people come and stay for hours. It really is a family event, and people can’t get over the fact that it’s free. Even the lunch is free! It’s our gift to the community. Our people volunteer their time for three Saturdays in October.”

‘If you look at the maze from high above you’ll see the full design, the Lion of Judah,” he said.

The Lion of Judah is mentioned in the scripture Revelation 5:5.

Rinehart Christian Church’s mission is to love God, live like Jesus, and lift others up, he said.

Fort Scott

Tri-Valley Fall Fundraiser Plant Sale Is October 5

Leave a comment
Tri-Valley Developmental Services Horticultural Program is having a fundraiser this Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at the greenhouse in the back of the TVDS Service building at 4305 Campbell Dr., Fort Scott.
” We use funds raised to improve and upgrade our Horticultural Program,” said Austin Bolinger the program’s horticulture specialist.
“We add to and upgrade our American Disability Act garden, buy new equipment, install new plants and trees, and take groups of individuals on outings to places such as botanical gardens.”

 

All photos are submitted by Bolinger.
The program will be selling mums, winter pansies, ornamental cabbage, pumpkins, and houseplants, he said.
The work on the plants in the program is a group effort, Bolinger said. “I lead most of the work for fundraising sales. Individuals who are interested in working in the horticultural program will help fill pots, and water, and assist at our sales, as well as growing plants for their homes.”
“We grow our plants from small plugs to full-grown plants over a few months. The gourds and pumpkins in the garden have been grown by individuals receiving services from Tri-Valley. Our amazing ADA garden is a therapy garden that we plant in the spring and enjoy through autumn and is fully taken care of by individuals we serve here at Tri-Valley with guidance from myself.”

 

Tri-Valley Developmental Services is located at  4305 Campbell Dr.

Fort Scott, KS 66701 and can be reached at

(620)-223-3990 Ext: 1434

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Against the Law: Taking Political Signs From Another’s Property

1 Comment
Several of these Harris/Walz signs have been stolen in the county.

Political signs are a form of freedom of speech and going on someone’s property to take them is against the law.

“Carol MacArthur, the Chairwoman of the Democratic Party, informed us that a few signs have gone missing,” said Fort Scott Police Chief Jason Pickert. “The fact that it’s a political sign isn’t relevant. If they steal a bicycle, a garden gnome, or a political sign it’s a theft. Since the value of the property is under $1,500 it’s misdemeanor theft. This would be a misdemeanor theft and a municipal citation would be issued if the subjects were identified.”

MacArthur said there have been some  Kamala Harris signs and some Nancy Boyda signs stolen and some vandalized. The signs are paid for by private citizens.

MacArthur said there are 25 missing Democratic Party signs missing in Fort Scott and three 4-foot by 8-foot signs in the rural part of Bourbon County. “Those three stolen in the county were 4 x 8s. Two other 4 x 8s in the county were vandalized,” she said.

MacArthur said it is disheartening, “but people in town are replacing their signs.”

“The city police are doing a good job of cruising around, and this has slowed down the thefts,” she said.

Fort Scott Police Department is located at 1604 South National and can be reached at 620-223-1700.

 

 

Bourbon County, Health Care, Legacy Health Foundation

K.R.I. Speaks to Bourbon County Commission About Legacy Building

1 Comment
T.J. Denning from his LinkedIn page.

According to  Kansas Renewal Institute Chief Operating Officer T.J. Denning, information is not flowing between the Bourbon County Commission and K.R.I.

Denning spoke to the commission on September 30 at their regular meeting.

K.R.I. is in negotiations with Legacy Health Foundation to take ownership of the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

He told the commission that he “needs to be in the loop” in talks with Legacy Health Foundation and the commission.

Apparently, the negotiations are at a standstill between Legacy and K.R.I.

Denning told the commission that they are trying to get the Emergency Department opened at the facility.

“I have a concern that we still don’t have an update on the equipment donated to you, as the county. There is a list of things that aren’t there, there is a list of things that have to be fixed in order for Freeman (Health System) to come here. We don’t have answers,” Denning said.

Bourbon County Commission Chairman Jim Harris said “We think we have a lot of things resolved as of this morning. We just can’t talk publically yet. That’s what the County Counselor told me.”

“I’m pulling the license and also managing everything that is going on for that to happen,” he told them. “I have already signed contracts for service agreements to make this happen, basically at the will of everybody else.”

“Also, I don’t know where we are with the building purchase,” he said. “K.R.I. is in the process of negotiating and is ready to take ownership of the building through Legacy but I haven’t heard anything back. You said the tax deal was all worked out…I need some answers to carry on our business and make things happen. We’ve invested a ton of money into that facility and constantly going through CMS inspections…along with the fire marshall inspection on a building that isn’t in our name yet.”

CMS means Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, according to usa.gov.

Harris said that they could possibly have discussions with Legacy and “go forward.”

“I came here and tried to build partnerships with everybody else and be an open book,” Denning said. “I am local to Nevada (MO) and am passionate about rural communities. I’ve also got a ton of employees and I am passionate about their success. I need this information so I can make sure that we are established and here for a long time.”

“We will work hard to get you the info you need and I want to thank you personally as a citizen and the commission of what you’ve done for us here in Bourbon County,” Harris said.

Jim Harris, 2nd District Bourbon County Commissioner, and current chair.

Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt asked how soon the commission could get the info to Denning.

Bourbon County 1st District  Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt, Submitted photo.

Harris said he would appoint Commissioner Clifton Beth, who has been working with Legacy, to talk to them right away.

Denning said he needed answers before the end of this week.

“By the end of this week, I have to have drawings between Freeman (Health System) and myself, stamped and signed and sent into CMS,” Denning said.

Bourbon County 3rd District Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.

“I don’t have a problem reaching out,” Beth said. “But they are a private company.”

“We’ll try,” Harris said. “We want you here.”

A Little History of Legacy and K.R.I

Here is the Legacy Health Foundation agreement with the Bourbon County Commission: Donation-Agreement-Corrected

In the referenced November 17, 2022 donation agreement above the county donated the Mercy property to Legacy Health Foundation along with $2 million dollars.

To view prior features on K.R.I. at the facility:

https://fortscott.biz/news/behavioral-health-in-patient-and-out-patient-service-will-open-this-spring-in-fort-scott

https://fortscott.biz/news/kansas-renewal-institute-repurposes-mercy-hospital

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

New Trail Coming To Riverfront Park

Leave a comment
Jerry Witt near a marker for the new Riverfront Trail.

A new walk/bike trail should be completed by early 2025 in Riverfront Park.

The Overlook Trail will be 1,722 feet long, and eight feet wide, and follow the curves of the Marmaton River on the south side of the park, said Jerry Witt, Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority Chairman.

It is being funded by a $92,000 grant from Kansas Wildlife and Parks and the Riverfront Authority adding $75,000.

The survey stakes are in place for the proposed trail,and the land was surveyed by Agricultural Engineering Associates, Uniontown.

The entrance to the Riverfront Park’s south side, south of the orange bridge that crosses the Marmaton River. The stakes are in place to mark the new trail from this starting point.

The concrete path contractor will be Marbery Concrete Inc., Fort Scott.

Following the curve of the Marmaton River around to the Hwy. 69 bridge, it will include a concrete ramp for the wooden observation deck, for handicap accessibility, he said. The deck, called an overlook, gives an unobstructed view of the river.

The river overlook deck will have a concrete ramp added to make it more handicap-accessible.

The grant proposal process started in 2021 and a grant was 11submitted in 2022. The grant was awarded in 2023 and will be completed in 2025, he said.

History of the Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park is covered with tall deciduous trees that provide shade to walkers along the Belltown Trail.

The Riverfront Park came out of a 2005 town-wide visioning meeting that gave ideas for the future of the city.

One of the visions that came out of this meeting was the formation of a committee to clean up the unused area around the Marmaton River on the north edge of Fort Scott.

In 2007, then Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, authorized a board, called the Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority to secure the needed land for a new park.

From 2007 to 2010 the board secured all the properties needed.

“Most donated the land,” Witt said. “Once the land was secured, we were able to develop the land.”

The development since then: lighted trails, a pavilion with lights, the river overlook deck, benches, and bike repair stations, all with the help of the community and local organizations.

The bicycle repair station is one of several around the park, donated by the Rotary Club.

The overlook had to be moved to higher ground on the south side of the Marmaton River,  following a flood that partially destroyed it.

The Riverfront Park has daily walkers, businesses and schools use it, Boy Scouts have camped there, and weddings and other events, including last weekend’s FortFest have large gatherings there.

FortFest 2024 is a blues music festival that benefits Care to Share, a local helping organization.

Paul Ballou, the retired Fort Scott Fire Department Chief, is the park caretaker, and Witt said he does a good job.

The flower garden and in the back,  the underpass with mural art.

The Bourbon County Garden Club maintains the flowers in the circle in the south part of the park and local artist Stephan Toal has created mural art in the 69 Hwy. underpass area.

The Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority is comprised of Witt, Bob Love, Arnold Schofield, Penny Barnes, Dean Mann, Danny Magee, Jeff and Kate Sweetser.

 

The Riverfront Park is one of several in the City of Fort Scott, as shown on this sign at the park.
A historical marker in the south Riverfront Park is about the Fort Scott floods in this area.
Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Opportunity to Be In Live Outdoor Theatre AND Tell Some Local Fort Scott History

Leave a comment
For anyone who loves learning history and acting, an opportunity is being offered.
 You can be a part of the local theatre’s group production of historical vignettes in beautiful Riverside Park in October.
This Wednesday, October 2, there will be auditions from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Fort Scott High School auditorium for the upcoming
Bourbon County Community Theatre  “Voices From The Grave”.
Voices From the Grave is a guided tour around Riverside Park on Fort Scott’s North National Avenue, across the orange bridge.
The tour consists of acted scenes and monologues based on real historical events from the Fort Scott area.
“The Bourbon County Community Theatre came up with the idea after seeing tours like it in Nevada and Eureka Springs,” said Regen Wells, who will be directing the vignettes. “Anyone over the age of 14 who is interested is more than welcome!”
Regen Wells. Submitted photo.
“I am the director for Voices From the Grave,” Regen said. “I directed four children’s plays at Fort Scott High School.”
“The BCCT was created a little over a year ago with the intent of bringing community theatre back to Fort Scott,” Wells said. “Not too long ago we had a community theatre program. Many communities near us have very successful programs with many members! The joy of performing should not be something that only those enrolled in Fort Scott High School or Fort Scott Community College can access! Prior to the creation of BCCT the only opportunities open to actors in our area would be to travel to places like Pittsburg or Nevada to join their community theatre groups.”

“Any endeavor from the BBCT is about furthering the reach of theatre in our community! We hope to provide the community of not just Fort Scott but also the greater Bourbon County area with opportunities to be active and involved participants in the arts! Activities like this also contribute to commerce and engagement. However, largely it is about fostering an outlet for creativity in our community. This particular project also provides a look into some interesting local history.”


The mission of BCCT is to bring education, community, and culture to Southeast Kansas through theater.
In addition to Regen Wells, the board consists of Angela Bin, Matthew Wells, Katie Wells, Mark Bergmann, Barbra Woodward, Sandra Abati,  and Danette Popp. Regen is the daughter of Matthew and Katie Wells.
More information will be provided on the group’s Facebook page.
About the Production
“Voices From The Grave” will be presented to the public at Riverfront Park on October 26 from 6 to 9 p.m.
There will be 45-minute guided tours with ghostly stories from Fort Scott’s past.
Cost is Adults, $10, Youth, $7. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets can be purchased at bcct.ludus.com or the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
See the poster above for more payment options.