All posts by Loretta George

Fort Scott, Schools

District Teachers of the Year Will Visit Fort Scott on December 3

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A group of award-winning teachers will visit Fort Scott in December, with two local teachers bringing attention to innovative ideas the local school district has in place.

“These Kansas educators are quite accomplished and the event is about sharing information and ideas for better education,” according to Jackson Tough, City of Fort Scott Public Relations and Tourism Director.

“Fort Scott was chosen as a location to tour because of Fort Scott teachers Sara Jackman and Amy Harper,” he said.

Amy Harper and Sara Jackman. Submitted photo.

Jackman was chosen District Teacher of the Year last year and 2024 is her service year. Harper was selected in 2023 and last year was her service year.

“Fort Scott is one district that participates in the program, not many in our area do,” Jackman said. “A school district committee votes on the yearly winner.  Once chosen, you compete at the state level for Kansas Teacher of the Year. That was held in Topeka in April. Starting in September the nominees are put into groups that tour each other’s schools looking for innovative ideas that we can use in our districts. We also work on bringing attention to the positive things going on in our district”

The goal is to learn from each other and share best practices from award-winning teachers to implement in schools.

Teachers will be visiting each of the Fort Scott schools.

“The group will be meeting with teachers and learning about some of our programs including Computer Aided Manufacturing, CAM, taught by Dr. Laubenstein, Tiger Times taught by Erica Clark, Tiger Threads taught by Morgan Sage and our art, welding, and automotive programs taught by Chris Griffeths, Michael Casner, and Ryan Miller respectively,” she said.

“The teachers will also tour Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown District, the Fort Scott National Historic Site, and have lunch,” Tough said.  “A breakfast will be prepared by the new Kitchen Collective and snacks prepared by the Fort Scott High School FACS class.”

 

The visiting educators will be in Fort Scott on December 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

The teachers, all of whom won their respective district teacher of the year awards:

  • Michelle Weltz is a high school English teacher from Spring Hill
  • Jason Werner is a second-grade teacher from Turner School District in KCK
  • Catherine Leake is a sixth-grade math teacher from Nickerson
  • Michelle Ernst is a high school English teacher from Nickerson High School
  • Karen Withers is a middle school social studies teacher from the Shawnee Heights district
  • Mallory Koger is a second-grade teacher in the Santa Fe Trail district, and
  • Kelsey Mann is a preschool teacher from Junction City

For more information please contact Sara Jackman at USD 234, [email protected].

 

 

Bourbon County, Health Care

Mapleton Medical Clinic: Providing Care For The Rural Community

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Inside the Mapleton Medical Clinic. Submitted photo.
Tiffany Yowell, 42, and her parents opened Mapleton Medical Clinic in December 2023.
Tiffany Yowell and her mother, Cindy Larson. Submitted photo.
Yowell has a Master’s degree from the University of Saint Mary and is an Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner.
She works beside her parents, Fred and Cindy Larson, who are registered nurses, with over 25 years of nursing experience.
Tiffany Yowell and her father, Fred Larson. Submitted photo.
“I have been in healthcare for 22 years and have watched a significant decline in the quality of care,” Yowell said. “I have worked in multiple clinic settings and have a strong background in emergency medicine and family medicine. The clinic is a family operation. Cindy and Fred Larson are registered nurses with a solid clinical background and a wealth of knowledge.”
“The clinic is a private practice,” she said. “I do not have a collaborative. I have been waiting for Kansas to pass the law that allows nurse practitioners to practice independently of a physician, and now I have finally got my wish.”
Since 2005 she has been dreaming of working as an independent provider.
 ” I wanted to be independent because we can provide better healthcare,” she said. “If I worked within a healthcare system, I would have a lot of background noise distracting providers from high-quality and personalized healthcare, such as patient volume, time constraints, and meeting quotas. As a patient, you can rarely speak directly to your provider, every process seems to take too long, and let’s be honest, most of us avoid the process altogether because it can be uncomfortable, time-consuming, and less than satisfactory.”
“Our philosophy is patient-centered care, striving to provide care tailored to each patient’s unique needs and preferences,” she said. “I believe in helping individuals, educating them about their health conditions, and empowering them to collaborate with me to develop the best treatment plan. We believe in treating the WHOLE person, not just their symptoms. I do not believe in cookie-cutter medicine. I believe in listening to patients and allowing them the time they deserve to tell their stories. People are often misdiagnosed and overmedicated just because healthcare providers do not give the patient enough time to work through their concerns.”
For her community, she provides tailored medical care and telehealth services, lab services and on November 12 they are starting monthly education classes.
“On Nov 12 we have a Medicare representative coming in to talk with residents about Medicare services, and a question and answer session,” she said.
There is a fee for service to uninsured patients, with
concierge care also available- a monthly membership fee for uninsured patients or patients requiring frequent contact with the provider.
“Radiology services are not available at the clinic,” she said. “Orders can be sent to a local hospital or diagnostic center.”
Hours of operation vary.
“The goal is to be open every other week on Thursdays and Fridays, but it is best to check our Facebook page or the website for days the clinic is open.  I want to be full-time in the next 5-10 years.”
Contact info.

The Mapleton Medical Clinic is located at 171 Sixth Street, Mapleton, Kansas 66754.

Office and Fax: (620)743-3049 (Limited hours of operations) If you have a medical emergency please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Inside the Mapleton Medical Clinic. Submitted photo.

 

Opinion

The Ruptured Duck by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

The Ruptured Duck

Several years ago (when Dad was still alive) I was looking through his World War II citations and decorations as he explained what each one represented. I respectfully picked up the Bronze Star which was still nestled in its original box. He had previously told me that a total of 400 infantrymen were to secure the village of Morhausen, Germany. Unfortunately, the other company of 200 that was to enter from the opposite side never made their objective. The village was full of Hitler’s SS troopers. Out of the 200 U.S. soldiers engaged in this horrific battle, 183 were either killed or wounded. My dad was never wounded in the war. After telling me this detailed incident of earning his Bronze Star, he walked out of the room and bawled like a baby.

 

My brother and I were very proud of our father’s military heroics. I appreciate the booklet  Randy wrote entitled, “Step by Step in Patton’s Third Army,” which was Dad’s personal account of his service during World War II. While writing this column, I fought back tears as I fingered through all his military insignia, and studied the U.S. Army Combat Infantryman Badge in my hands. This was awarded to Dad for performing duties under fire and engaging in active ground combat in the 90th Infantry Division. I can still hear Dad explain, “Nobody got one of these unless he’d fought on the front lines.”

 

“Carry on” is a military command that means to continue with what you were doing. It  describes someone who continues with his/her assignment despite difficulties. I think Christ followers should adopt this terminology as well. No matter what is going on in the family, at work, church, our Nation, or the world, we must persevere in the face of obstacles. God will reward us for carrying on and being faithful. When my dad died, I was heartbroken and took it very hard. During that season of sorrow, I was reminded of his two beautiful Army pins that read “Carry On.”  Those two little words encouraged me to pull myself up by my bootstraps and carry on with life. Of course, I couldn’t have done that without God’s strength and grace. “If my heart is broken, I’ll find God right there; if I’m kicked in the gut, He’ll help me catch my breath” (Psalm 34:18 MSG.)

 

Dad’s Honorable Discharge pin displays our national eagle inside a wreath. A lot of the service men, including my dad, referred to it as the Ruptured Duck. Many WWII vets wore this pin on their civilian lapels for years after the war’s end as proof of their service.  While writing this column, I also found a piece of “sweetheart jewelry.” Mom wore a smaller and delicate USA Army Staff Sergeant pin to show that her young 21-year-old husband was currently in the military (1944 to 1946.) This was considered a fashionable and personal way to support the war effort during that era.

 

I love, appreciate, and honor our U.S. military heroes. When I salute our United States flag, I proudly think of all our past and current brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom. They deserve our deepest gratitude and utmost support. They carry on, no matter what. Retreat or surrender was simply not in General Patton’s vocabulary. When life turns into a hot battle, the enemy (Satan) will try to convince you to wave a white flag. Don’t do it — just carry on! “If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God! (James 1:12 TPT.)

 

The Key: If you want that Ruptured Duck (crown of life), you gotta  “carry on.“

Bourbon County, Food

Food Drive to Help Local Limited Resource Families Has Started

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It’s that time of year that people begin thinking about Thanksgiving holiday celebrations, and for many, having enough food to feed their families is an ongoing issue.

Three local organizations have started a food drive, the Bourbon County-Wide Gratitude Challenge, that will help contribute to limited-resource residents’ food availability. The food drive will continue until November 25.

Canned goods, boxed meals, and dry goods, as well as essential personal hygiene products, will be collected. The items will be distributed to local food pantries and other organizations working to support those in need during the holiday season and beyond.

“During this season of gratitude, we have an opportunity to give back to our neighbors in a meaningful way,” said Lisa Robertson, Community Health Worker with The Local Health Equity Action Team. “Food insecurity is a real challenge for many in our community, and by coming together, we can make sure that no one has to go without the basic necessities of life.”

The Guild Mortgage Company, 1 E. Wall,  is taking donations for the food drive. Submitted photo.

 

Tomorrow: A Drive-up, Drop-off Event

Saturday, November 9,  Lisa Robertson, LHEAT Community Health Worker, and Lea Kay Karsleskint, with K-State Extension SNAP-ED, will be outside at Brick Street BBQ Restaurant on North National Avenue from 10 a.m. to noon for the convenience of drive-up and drop-off contributions.

There are several options for those who want to help the cause.

  • Monetary Donations: HBCAT will accept monetary donations to purchase essential food pantry items.
  • Drop Off Non-Perishable Items: Take non-perishable food items to any of the participating drop-off sites below. Several partner organizations are offering drawing entries for gift cards and more, to those who donate at their business establishment.
    • 5 Corners Mini Mart
    • Bourbon County Courthouse
    • Bourbon County EMS
    • Buck Run Community Center
    • Citizens Bank
    • City Hall
    • City State Bank
    • Community Health Center of Fort Scott
    • Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
    • Fort Scott Christian Heights
    • Fort Scott Fire Station #2 – 23 S. Franklin
    • Fort Scott Police Department
    • Guest Home Estates
    • Guild Mortgage – 1 E Wall
    • Kansas Renewal Institute
    • HBCAT – 104 N. National
    • The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative
    • Landmark National Bank – Downtown location
    • Papa Don’s
    • Peerless Products
    • Perry’s Pork Rinds
    • SEK-Mental Health
    • The Artificers
    • Union State Bank
    • Uniontown Spark Wheel
    • Ward-Kraft
  • Order from Walmart: Place an online order for delivery directly to the HBCAT office at 104 N. National.
  • Drive-Up and Drop-Off: On Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 AM to 12 PM, drive up and drop off your donations in front of Brick Street BBQ. Volunteers will be on hand to unload your donations.
  • Get Your Church or Organization Involved: If you have not yet been contacted and would like your church or organization to participate in making this food drive a success, please reach out to HBCAT.
  • Contact for More Information: Call the HBCAT office at 620-224-2563 for additional details or questions.
Landmark Bank, 200 S. Main,  created a Thanksgiving theme at their drop-off location.

The drive, spearheaded by the Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), and K-State Research and Extension SNAP-ED,  has set in motion area partners who are collecting non-perishable food items, according to a press release from Kansas State.

“The Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) coalition is taking proactive steps to address pressing health disparities in our community,” Karleskint said. “Meeting bi-monthly, this diverse group of local leaders, health professionals, and community members collaborates on identifying and tackling the most urgent public health challenges affecting residents.”
“One of the critical issues that the LHEAT has identified and is actively working to address is food insecurity,” she said.  “With many individuals and families in our community struggling to access healthy and nutritious food, the coalition is committed to finding sustainable solutions that will help alleviate hunger and improve overall health outcomes.”
“We know that food insecurity is not just a matter of access—it’s a health issue that impacts individuals across all ages and backgrounds,” said Karleskint. “By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, we’re not only raising awareness about the issue but also working collaboratively to implement real, lasting change.”
“The coalition’s efforts are part of a larger initiative to reduce health disparities and improve well-being for all community members, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Through these ongoing discussions and partnerships, the Local Health Equity Action Team is paving the way for a healthier, more equitable community.”
How It Started
“At a recent LHEAT meeting, Lisa Robertson, our LHEAT lead, proposed organizing a food drive to address the ongoing food insecurity in Bourbon County,” Karleskint said. “Having seen firsthand the struggles faced by many in her role as a Community Health Worker, Lisa is deeply committed to supporting underserved community members. After she introduced the idea, the LHEAT team came together to brainstorm ways to make it a meaningful event. A few weeks later, Lisa reached out to several local food pantries, churches, and The Beacon, inviting them to meet with she and I. As an LHEAT member and the KSRE SNAP-Ed nutrition educator for Bourbon County, I was eager to partner on this project. Together, we held a productive brainstorming session, generating ideas that would inspire community involvement and ensure the food drive’s success. With the weather getting colder and the holidays approaching, we thought now would be the perfect time to implement our project.”
Here’s a summary of the food assistance resources in Bourbon County they plan to assist:
  • The Beacon Food Pantry provides essential services for those in need Monday – Friday
  • Fort Scott High School Pantry and Fort Scott Community College Pantry offer students access to essential food items.
  • Uniontown Spark Wheel and Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church Pantry serve Uniontown residents, supporting families and individuals facing food insecurity.
  • Blessing Boxes are small, community-based outdoor pantries stocked with essentials for immediate access.
  • Bethesda Church Food Pantry and First Baptist Church Food Pantry provide ongoing support for local families in need.
  • Fulton Community Pantry will assist local households in need, and Bronson Library Food Pantry extends support to residents in the Bronson area.
These organizations are part of a collaborative network dedicated to combating hunger in Bourbon County.
“We encourage any additional food pantries in Bourbon County that we may not yet be aware of to reach out to us,” Karleskint said. “Connecting with these resources allows us to strengthen our community network and better support residents facing food insecurity.
Submitted poster.

 

 

Bourbon County, Elections

What Is Next After Election For School District and County Commission Questions

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A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

On the November 5 ballot, The Fort Scott School District 234 and the Bourbon County Commission had the following questions about who/how many can serve as representatives of their constituents in their respective entities.

 

USD 234 Question

“Shall the method of election in Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas, be changed from the six-member district method of election, under which the school district is not divided into any member districts and all board members are elected at large?

The vote was 3,515 yes and 1,578 no, on November 5.

What’s next?

“We have advertised for an open board position,” said USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown. “We will repost the position for at-large candidates now that it has passed. Next year, when we have four positions open for election, anyone can file for the open positions. Then, voters will see the whole group of candidates and vote for their top four. The four candidates with the most votes then become board members.”

The Bourbon County Commission Question

“Shall the current number of Bourbon County Commissioner Districts set forth in KSA 19-203(a)(b)(c)(d) & (e), be increased to five (5) Commissioner Districts?

3,769 voted yes and 2,238 voted no.

According to Kansas Law, this is the process of moving from three to five commissioners:

Sec. 5. K.S.A. 19-204a  reads as follows: 19-204a.  When the voters of a county approve a change in the number of county commissioner districts at an election held under K.S.A. 19-204(c), and amendments thereto, the board of county commissioners, on or before January 1 immediately following such election, shall adopt a resolution dividing the county into the number of districts approved by the voters. If the board of county commissioners fails to adopt such resolution within the time prescribed, the chief judge of the district court of the county, on or before the following January 31, shall order the county divided into the appropriate number of districts, according to https://www.sos.ks.gov/publications/register/Volume-43/Issues/Issue-16/04-18-24-52068.html#:~:text=(c)%20The%20board%20of%20county%20commissioners%20of,of%20the%20county%20are%20entitled%20to%20vote.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business, Church news

Fort Scott Author Tanya Glessner’s Newest Book: Unyielding Faith

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Tanya Glessner. Submitted photo.
Tanya Glessner, Fort Scott,  is a Christian author who loves sharing her experience of overcoming addiction, abuse, incarceration, and loss through God’s grace.
Her newest book, Unyielding Faith: Drive Out The Enemy With Divine Power was just released on Amazon.com.
Other books by Glessner, in order of release date:
The Light You Bring September 2023, Stand Up Eight January 2024,
Prayer Journal May 2024,  and New Mercies Every Morning July 2024.
Of the newest book:
The words we speak reflect our hearts and wield immense power—to build up or tear down. They have a far-reaching impact that can alter the course of many lives. Therefore, we must intentionally align our words with God’s word, training ourselves to use language that brings victory and life. according to a press release from Glessner.

In Unyielding Faith: Drive Out the Enemy with Divine Power there are prayers, proclamations, scriptures, and more that will help  break every curse that has come against you and those you care about such as:

*Prayer For Blessings And Breakthroughs
*Prayer For Family
*Prayer Against Satanic Forces
*Prayer To Release Guilt
*Prayer Against Fear
*Prayer For Guidance
*Proclamations
*And more…

God’s divine presence lives within His followers. Exercise the authority He has granted to overcome obstacles, reclaim control of our lives, and declare words of life that drive out the enemy.

It’s currently available on Amazon:


Other books:
Obituary

Ruth Jackson Obituary

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Ruth Isabel (Evans) Jackson, 93, our beautiful mother went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, October 30, 2024, at 12:50 p.m. at St. Luke’s East Hospital, Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Our plan was getting her back to her home on hospice. Instead, the Gates of Heaven opened up and the Angels began to sing as our mother reached her destiny, her eternal home, her loving father, God, awaiting her. The heavens lit up and the angels rejoiced!

 

Ruth was born May 2, 1931, in a small farm home that was built by her parents. She married Roy Clifford Jackson June 12, 1949. Ruth was married to Roy for seventy beautiful years, and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 12, 2019. Roy passed in October of 2019.

 

Ruth and Roy were blessed with six children, fifteen grandchildren, twenty-nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her children, Pamela Sue Russell, Fort Scott, Connie Annette Jackson, also of Fort Scott, Gwendolyn Kay Norbury (Danny), Hume, Missouri, R. Mark Jackson (Lynette), Fort Scott, Brenda Leigh Denby, also of Fort Scott, and Jan Elaine Kierl, Mound City, Kansas.

 

We know that she was rejoined with her loving family that preceded her, our father Roy Clifford Jackson, her father and mother, Faye Irene (Bybee) Evans, Francis Raymond Evans, Sr.; a sister, Lois (Evans) Haynes Owings; and two brothers, Robert Evans and Junior Evans, and other loved ones she deeply missed.

 

Ruth remained on their farm north of Fort Scott. She loved living there and loved to fish with her kids and grandkids. She was a lifetime member of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, and often stated that “I was in my mother’s womb when I started going to church.” Her father helped to build the Nazarene church with his family members.

 

Ruth was a full-time homemaker, raising six kids and taking care of her husband. She also worked at Bruce Marble and Granite Works as an engraver, The Western Insurance Company, Mercy Hospital, and managed Hillside Guest Home, and then Home Health. She eventually retired to the family farm. Ruth enjoyed raising her children and seeing her grandchildren. They all gave her great joy!

 

Ruth was a devoted Christian, Christ-follower, and went to church every Sunday, taking her mother and family. She loved watching and listening to Jimmy Swaggart and many other Christian ministries in her later years.

 

Ruth was an artist. She loved writing poetry, and she loved painting and using clay to make her arts and crafts. She was very talented and artistic. She also loved cooking meals for her family. The whole family will have wonderful memories of huge family gatherings, especially the great 4th of July picnics and barbeques. Thanksgiving and Christmas were always filled with lots of love and warmth. Ruth will always be remembered for her love for God, and her time spent with family, those were so very special to all of us.

 

As a child, Ruth went to school at the old Independence School House northeast of Fort Scott, where she walked to school every day in her clothes that her mother made out of “feed sacks,” in ice, sleet, and snow. Every Christmas Ruth and her sister received a doll and one pair of shoes for school to last a full year. Often shoes were plugged with material as they became worn out after a years wear. Lunch was a cold piece of fat on bread from the hog her dad raised.

 

Ruth helped her father and mother on the farm. She helped her father with the horses and heavy work in the hay fields during the hot summer months until harvest. She also helped raise her little brother Junior as her mother was always cooking and caring for the family. They also enjoyed trips to Redfield to see her grandparents.

 

Ruth was a very devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She wanted all of her family to know our creator, God. Well done, good and faithful servant of God! We will deeply miss our God-loving mother.

 

Trevor Jacobs will officiate funeral services at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family will welcome friends at 1:00 p.m. prior to services.

Ruth will be laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery immediately following services.

There will be a luncheon at Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene at 11:00 a.m.

Contributions may be made to the Ruth Jackson Memorial and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701.  Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Youth

Family Movie Night at Memorial Hall on November 9

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Submitted graphic.

The Fort Scott Sons of American Legion, a part of the local American Legion has planned a family movie night for Saturday, November 9 at Memorial Hall that will feature the family-friendly movie, Free Birds.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at 6:30 p.m.

Please bring lawn chairs, blankets, and/or pillows, it will be like an outdoor movie, but inside Memorial Hall, 1  East Third.

 

Free Birds is a 2013 science fiction comedy Thanksgiving movie, in which Jake and Reggie travel back in time to the year 1621, just before the first Thanksgiving. The plan: Prevent all turkeys from ever becoming holiday dinners, according to rottentomatoes.com.

From the movie’s trailer.

“When I was a kid, a fun thing to do was going to the movies with my brother,” said L.W. Beerbower, a member of the Sons of Veterans. “We wanted to do something that brings the family together and doesn’t break the budget.”

The group had a mock run with their families recently and “my kids are still talking about it,” he said.

Admission is $1 per person and each child must be accompanied by an adult.

Concessions will be available.

“Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin has let us use the popcorn maker from the LaRoche Stadium Complex,” he said. “Candy and pop will be available to purchase.”

The group has its own projector and inflatable movie screen, and are in the process of planning for a movie next month as well, he said.

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission for Oct. 15

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of October 15, 2024                                                             Regular Meeting

 

A Work Session was held on October 15, 2024 at 5:00PM directly followed by the regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Both meetings are available on the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel. Time stamps according to recording.

 

The meeting called to order at 6:00PM. Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, Dyllon Olson, Matthew Wells, and Kathryn Salsbury were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Officer Colby Davidson/FSPD, Norm Nation/Codes Enforcement, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly (via telephone), Michael Hoyt, Ann Rawlins, Don Banwart/President of OFGS, and Joseph Lotterer, Jose Montanez (via telephone)

 

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and B. Matkin said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda – (Time stamp 2:05)

  1. Dancer requested the removal of Kathy Dancer from Appearances. She will appear at a later date.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to add Approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for 12 N. Main Street – as it has been approved by SHPPO and satisfied the Commission’s request at the September 17, 2024, meeting –  to Unfinished Business – Item C.   D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the Agenda as amended with the removal of Kathy Dancer and Item C added to Unfinished Business – 12 N. Main – Certificate of Appropriateness.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Approval of Consent Agenda – (Time stamp 3:56)

– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1370-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of September 25, 2024 – October 8, 2024 – $ 734,821.86

– Approval of Minutes for October 1, 2024.

– September Financials

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

 

 

 

Public Comments (Time stamp 4:34) – No comments

 

Appearances (Time stamp 4:36) – No appearances

 

(Time stamp 4:50)

Unfinished Business

Status of Building at 118 E. Wall – Requested documents from owner due per October 1, 2024, extension approved until October 15, 2024 –B. Matkin provided an update: have not received the requested Structural Engineer’s report, work is complete on the face of the building, contractor has moved out of the area, and (B. Matkin) spoke with the owner today and informed him that a structural engineer needs to look at it before it can be reopened.

 

Discussion was had about the work completed and the existing concerns of the building.

 

(Time stamp 6:43) J. Dickman provided his observations and his recommendation.

 

(Time stamp 8:23) Further discussion was had regarding the next step to verify that the building and Wall Street are safe to open.

 

(Time stamp 12:43) Jose Montanez addressed the Commission by telephone.

 

Clarification was made by the Commission and the work completed must be certified by a structural engineer.

 

(Time stamp 18:52) Discussion began regarding the City providing an independent structural engineering report.

 

(Time stamp 19:59) B. Matkin left the meeting and immediately returned (Time stamp 20:11).

 

ACTION:  J. Dickman will contact an independent structural engineer to complete the inspection of the building.

 

ACTION:  J. Montanez will reach out to the original structural engineer (Thomas Rewert) to see if he will certify the completed work.

 

ACTION:  T. VanHoecke directed J. Dickman and B. Matkin to hire a structural engineer to inspect the building.

 

(Time stamp 28:11) T. VanHoecke left the meeting and returned to the meeting (Time stamp 29:48).

 

  1. Dancer stated that the Commission agrees that the owner has not complied with the requests and that the condition of the building is not safe.

 

It was clarified that the City will get a 3rd party structural engineer to certify that entire building is not a public hazard. J. Montanez will seek certification from Thomas Rewert however the City will move forward with their inspection as a matter of due diligence for public safety.

 

(Time stamp 39:10) – Consideration to Approve Renewal of the Downtown Historic District and Riverfront Park Common Consumption Area Permit (existing Ordinance No. 3756) – annual permit expires November 21, 2024 – Tabled from October 1, 2024.

 

  1. Matkin stated that he spoke with Jill Jaworski/Superintendent of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, and they have no issues with the extension of the Common Consumption Area to include the pavilion and Skubitz Plaza.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the renewal of the downtown Historic District and Riverfront Park Common Consumption Area Permit.

 

  1. Wells stated that the superintendent also stated that people are allowed to walk from Skubitz Plaza on to the Fort grounds (and back) with alcohol according to the National Park agreement with the current superintendent. They ask that people are respectful and obey all laws when doing so.

 

  1. Wells stated that the superintendent had also asked that sometime in the future, the Commission consider permanently closing the drive-through area in Skubitz Plaza to create an additional seating area and making all of Skubitz Plaza a pedestrian only area.

 

  1. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 42:11) Consideration to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness – 12 N. Main – Construction of An Exterior Metal Awning – Previously approved by the Design Review Board but denied by the City Commission on September 17, 2024. The Commission requested that the owner seek approval from SHPPO or use an approved material.

 

  1. VanHoecke stated that the owner came back with approval from SHPPO with the stipulation that it must be a matte finish and must not be the raised seams which satisfied the requirements of the Commission.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the request from Be the Light Boutique that was previously approved by the Design Review Board for 12 N. Main.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion. D. Olson, K. Salsbury, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes.  M. Wells voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-1 VOTE.

 

New Business

 

Public Hearing:

(Time stamp 43:18)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Ordinance No. 3771 – Floodplain Management Ordinance – Pursuant to 44 CFR Sect. 60.3(d) – Regulatory Floodway Identified, K.S.A. 12-766 and K.A.R. 5-44-1 through 5-44-7 .  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Nation stated that the ordinance is a renewal done every (5) years for FEMA in order to participate should we experience flood issues.

 

  1. Olson requested that on page 2 of the ordinance, that Linn County we changed to Bourbon County.

 

There was no public comment.

 

(Time stamp 46:18)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing. M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve Ordinance No. 3771 with the exception of changing Linn County to Bourbon County (page 2) to be considered approved once the correction is made.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION APPROVED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 47:27)

MOTION:   T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 28-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1721 E. Wall.  M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION APPROVED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Nation stated that the owner of record were contacted and stated it was inherited from their father. They do not want to repair it and ask that the structure be removed. There were no public comments.

 

(Time stamp 49:20)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the removal of the structure at 1721 E. Wall as directed by Resolution No. 28-2024.  D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 50:03)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 29-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 323 W. Wall. D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Nation stated that the project began December 11, 2023. The homeowner requested an opportunity to gather finances to restore the structure but was unsuccessful and tried to sell the property. The Codes department worked with the homeowner to give her time to find the means to save the home however the bids she received to restore the home were more than the value. He stated that the homeowner contacted Codes approximately (1) month ago and stated that she had exhausted her resources and had no problem with the structure being removed. There were no public comments.

 

(Time stamp 51:55)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing. D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Discussion was had regarding the condition of the home and salvaging architecture.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the removal of the structure at 323 W. Wall as directed by Resolution No. 29-2024. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  D. Olson, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes.  K. Salsbury and M. Wells voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

Further discussion was had regarding the purpose of the City identifying and rectifying dangerous and unsafe structures.

 

(Time stamp 1:01:48)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 30-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1619 E. Pine.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Nation stated that the owner of the property has not done maintenance on the property for years, has been sent multiple letters from Codes Enforcement but is now deceased. The son has removed what he wishes to keep from the structure and stated that the City can do as they please. The condition of the structure was discussed. There were no public comments.

 

(Time stamp 1:03:31)

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to close the public hearing.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the removal of the structure at 1619 E. Pine as directed by Resolution No. 30-2024.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 1:04:17)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 31-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1105 E. Scott.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Nation stated that all communication with the owners had been lost however the outside of the property was cleaned up last year but the issues with the structure were not addressed. Letters were sent and phone calls were made but there has been no response. There were no public comments.

 

(Time stamp 1:05:59)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Discussion was had regarding saving properties from demolition, the purpose of the Land Bank, and options for salvaging this property.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting (Time stamp 1:10:30)

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to table Resolution No. 31-2024 regarding the structure at 1105 E. Scott until November 19, 2024, giving Codes the opportunity to reach out to the owner or heir of the owner to ask if they would be willing to donate the property “as is” to the Land Bank at which point he would need to be willing to fill out the required documents in order to obtain a clear title. It would then be presented to the Land Bank for approval or rejection. If rejected, the structure may need to be removed.

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting (Time stamp 1:11:53)

 

  1. Wells seconded the motion. T. VanHoecke, M. Wells, K. Salsbury and T. Dancer voted yes. D. Olson voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-1 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 1:12:32)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 32-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 402 S. Lowman.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Matkin returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:13:01)

 

  1. Nation stated that the owner of record is deceased. There is a son who had lived in the structure but has since left and his whereabouts are unknown. The tax status is unknown. There are children in the immediate area and safety is an immediate concern.

 

Discussion was had on the condition of the structure and prior history of it coming before the Commission. There were no public comments.

 

(Time stamp 1:14:19)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing.

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:14:25)

 

  1. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the removal of the structure at 402 S. Lowman as directed by Resolution No. 32-2024.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 1:15:01)

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 33-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 418 S. Couch.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Joseph Lotterer (resident of 418 S. Couch) addressed the Commission and stated that he had been staying at 418 S. Couch for the past year. When he moved in, the front porch was an attached structure that was falling in but it has been removed. He stated that he is still making repairs to the house. His friend Amanda is the owner of the house and it belonged to her mother. Amanda does not live in the home. J. Lotterer stated that he has her on the phone if they wanted to speak to her. The Commission declined.

 

  1. Nation stated that he does not have details because Leroy Kruger has been the one on this case. L. Kruger was not able to be present. N. Nation stated that the owner of record is deceased. J. Lotterer stated that Amanda is the next of kin, the daughter of the owner. He stated that he has removed the front porch roof, he is fixing the deck and is putting new siding and plywood up on the back side with more repairs to come. He stated that he only remembers receiving a letter to stating that he needed to get the yard cleaned up. Amanda moved out and left everything there but he was trying to get everything of his into the home so he was putting her stuff out into the yard. He does not have a vehicle so it is hard to get things cleaned up and hauled off but it’s a work in progress. He stated that it looks a lot better than it did but he does not remember getting a letter. He lives there with his friend. He stated the picture the Commission is looking at is an old picture and he has done a lot of work to it since then, a lot of clean up. He does not have a timeline for completion because he does not know what must be done. He saw the notice for the public hearing on the agenda.

 

  1. Olson stated that the name on the letter was different than the owner of record on the county parcel record.

 

  1. VanHoecke explained to J. Lotterer that he would like to table the consideration to a future meeting to clarify facts with the Codes Department regarding the letter that went out and other communications so the Commission can make a fair decision on the matter. J. Lotterer was asked to return to that meeting.

 

(Time stamp 1:21:50)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing. M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to table Resolution No. 33-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Unsafe Structure at 418 S. Couch until November 19, 2024. M. Wells seconded the motion.

 

ACTION:  T. VanHoecke requested that J. Lotterer leave his contact information for the Codes Department before he leaves the meeting.  J. Lotterer agreed.

 

All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Action Items:

 

Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 27-2024 – Operation Greenlight for Veterans – that in observance of Operation Green Light, the City of Fort Scott, Kansas encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 4th through the 11th, 2024.  M. Hoyt addressed the Commission regarding his request to approve the Resolution. He stated that the draft came from the Kansas Association of Counties. They asked that the City or the County take a picture and they will include them in their publication.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve Resolution No. 27-2024 – Operation Green Light for Veterans.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Wells left the meeting (Time stamp 1:25:41)

 

Consideration to Approve Healthcare MOU – B. Farmer stated that the County and the City have been working together to establish an ER along with Freeman Hospital.

 

  1. Wells returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:26:49)

 

He continued that the Commission was provided a copy of a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between Freeman and the County. The County will sign the document, but they want the City to approve it to form. He summarized a meeting that took place with Freeman Hospital that he, the City Manager, and the Mayor attended. This document is the first step along with a Funding Agreement. B. Farmer requested that the City Commission approve the document in form.

 

  1. VanHoecke stated that the terms and the amount are the same as what they had approved to give Amberwell.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the MOU for Healthcare to Freeman Hospital. D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Farmer explained the details of the Funding Agreement and stated that Freeman Hospital (Paula Baker) agreed to give an accounting of how the $600,000.00 is spent.

 

  1. Olson confirmed with B. Farmer that in the agreement, Freeman Hospital agreed to reimburse the money over the course of payments if they do not open.

 

  1. Farmer gave further details on what has been happening with the process of opening the ER.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Funding Agreement for Freeman Health Center with the terms that were provided in the agreement for accountability of the money, money coming back if they do not open in order to get them the lump sum of money that will bring the ER in Fort Scott.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  D. Olson, K. Salsbury, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes.  M. Wells abstained.

 

VOTE PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration to Approve Federal-Aid Fund Exchange Master Agreement – B. Farmer stated that this was an agreement to receive federal money for projects. He stated that he has reviewed it and encourages the Commission to approve.

 

MOTION: M. Wells moved to approve the master agreement.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration to Appoint Ann Rawlins to the Fort Scott Planning Commission – Recommended by the Planning Commission on October 2, 2024, to fill the vacant seat of the (7) member Commission.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to appoint Ann Rawlins to the Fort Scott Planning Commission.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of MOU Between City of Fort Scott and Old Fort Genealogical Society (OFGS) for Usage of the Eastern Side, Lower Level of Memorial Hall

 

Discussion was had about the terms of the agreement.

 

  1. Lewis left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:40:21 and returned at 1:40:33).

 

  1. Rawlins distributed a map of the proposed plans and discussion continued with questions answered by D. Banwart and A. Rawlins. They confirmed that they have insurance for their contents as well as liability insurance for their space. D. Banwart described their plans for the OFGS which include a museum and the proposed agreement between the Katy Railroad Society, OFGS, and the railroad museum of Dennison, TX. Discussion was had about the status of the meeting space of the American Legion with the proposed improvements and the preservation and possession of historic City documents and maps that are stored at Memorial Hall.

 

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to table the discussion until the Commission can go through a few of the items in the MOU, correct the issues they might have, talk with the American Legion, and then present another MOU.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of a Change Order on Project No. 6 U-2455-01 Horton St. & 6th St. Project – Replace/Repair Inlet and Manholes – J. Dickman informed the Commission about the scope of the repairs and replacement for a total of $22,384.36 and the addition of (4) working days on the project.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the change order as presented. M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

City Manager Comments:

– Bourbon County Commission announced a Burn Ban that includes the City of Fort Scott

– Water supply is good and Cedar Creek is open, Rock Creek is not open. If we do not receive rain, it may need to be opened

– Cape Seal Project Update – concerns about quality of work

 

City Engineer Comments: 

– Horton Street & 6th Street Project Update

– Structural Engineer has been contacted regarding 118 E. Wall

 

  1. Olson Comments:

– Requested moving the next meeting to November 6th

 

  1. VanHoecke Comments:

– Suggested volunteering for holidays

– Shop and support local businesses

 

  1. Wells Comments:

– Skubitz Plaza Repair Plan revisited

– Consideration to permanently close the road in Skubitz Plaza and Main Street as walking district only

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin will look into the status of the Skubitz Plaza Repair Plan.

 

 

 

 

  1. Salsbury Comments:

– Halloween Parade Permit – not needed due to no street closure

– Expansion of the School Speed Limit Zone on National to 8th Street

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin will start looking for grants for additional lights. Flags are already in place

 

  1. Dancer Comments:

– No comments

 

City Attorney Comments:

– Traffic flow changes at the Fort

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved for the City Commission to move into Executive Session for the purpose of a discussion pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney and the City Manager will meet in the City Managers office and will return to the Commission Room at 8:28PM).  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 2:28:10)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to come out of Executive Session.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  T. VanHoecke, M. Wells, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes.  K. Salsbury was not present for the vote.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved for the City Commission to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion on the streets pursuant to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4). The (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney, the City Manager, and the City Engineer will meet in the City Manager’s office and will return to the Commission Room at 8:38PM.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  T. VanHoecke, M. Wells, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes.  K. Salsbury was not present for the vote.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 2:39:01)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to come out of Executive Session.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved for the City Commission to move into Executive Session for the purpose of a discussion of the City’s IT Infrastructure pursuant to the matters relating to security measures exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(12). Open discussion would jeopardize such security measures. Executive session is needed to protect the infrastructure and the public. The (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney and the City Manager will meet in the City Manager’s office and will return to the Commission Room at 8:55PM.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 2:56:18)

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to come out of Executive Session.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 2:56:30)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

OCTOBER 15, 2024 MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:56PM

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

FSNHS Candlelight Tour Theme 2024: Challenges and New Experiences

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The Fort Scott National Historic Site Post Hospital. Submitted photo.

Today, November 1, is the first day that tickets for the Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 43rd Annual Candlelight Tour go on sale.

1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site and reenactors-including participants of the tour- bring the fort to life each year during the candlelight tour. During the tour, one will be immersed in ways people have overcome and learned from challenges and new experiences in Fort Scott.

The event is on Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7, 2024. Tours on December 6 will begin at 6:30 p.m. and leave every 15 minutes until 9 p.m. On Saturday, December 7, the tours will start at 5 p.m. with the final tour leaving at 9 p.m. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented. Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the tour will be outside and on sidewalks.

This year, participants will become frontier soldiers.

The theme is Challenges and New Experiences in Fort Scott. “Each new challenge on the frontier built confidence and led to a new view of one’s life,” Brenner said. “We learn through training and challenge. Each challenge faced at Fort Scott bettered the soldiers, preparing them for the future, and eventually, the next journey in their life.”

“We will be mustering visitors into Company A for the 1st dragoons, giving them the persona of an actual soldier,” Brenner said. “They will be part of the discussion around Fort Scott, preparing for the South Pass expedition, where they were to ride 2,200 miles in 99 days. They will celebrate the holidays with new carols from the 1840s, and then muster out, date-stamping their paper to take home as a souvenir. We are working to have the Grand Hall cleaned up and open, as in years past, for snacks, music, dancing, and to warm up after the tour.”

Dozens of volunteers come together to bring this event to life, including those who enjoy acting.

“We are lucky to have a group of very dedicated volunteers who help with multiple different events and projects at the park,” he said. “We are also working with Angie Bin, the Fort Scott High School’s speech and drama teacher, and some of her students. If you are interested or know someone who is, we can still use your help.”

Please call the park at 620-223-0310 or email us at [email protected] to find out more and become involved.

Carl Brenner.

 

Tickets

Tickets are available by first calling the fort at 620-223-0310 to make your reservation, then log onto https://store.wnpa.org/products/fort-scott-national-hist-site-candlelight-tour, or search for store.wnpa.org and shop for Fort Scott NHS, to make your payment.

FSNHS is unable to take credit card numbers over the phone as in years past, said Carl Brenner, Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management at FSNHS(www.nps.gov/fosc).

Tickets can also be purchased at the Visitor Center on Old Fort Blvd. just east of Historic Downtown Fort Scott. They are $8 per person and non-refundable, children 5 and under are free. It is recommended that one gets tickets early to ensure a choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out, according to an FSNHS press release.

 

History of the Candlelight Tour

“The Candlelight Tour began as a part of the Holiday Open House program where Fort Scott residents would decorate their homes and open them up to the public for the holidays,” Brenner said. “Fort Scott National Historic Site joined these festivities by decorating Capt. Swords Quarters in Officer’s Quarters #1. When that program ended, we continued with the yearly decorations. It began to grow to include staff and volunteers telling stories about Fort Scott’s history. This continued to grow into the Candlelight Tour. Within the last five years, we have adjusted the program to be more immersive with audience participation. We want visitors to be a part of the vignette instead of looking through a window as did Ebenezer Scrooge. We also encourage visitors to dress up for the tours, preferably in period clothing, for an even more immersive experience.”

 

About The Fort

Fort Scott National Historic Site is a unit of the National Park Service.  The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs or become involved in the candlelight tour, or other activities, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Teacher Turned Pediatrician: Mary Jo Flint

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Dr. Mary Jo Flint.

 

Dr. Mary Jo Flint started on August 26 as a pediatrician at the Community Health Center Of  Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott.

Flint earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks and taught kindergarten and Head Start classes.

“I was a teacher and enjoyed kids,” she said. “I enjoy watching them grow and working with families….helping them.”

Her decision to go on to medical school at the University of North Dakota was an extension of her wanting to help kids, she said. She graduated from med school in 1991 and completed her residency at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City. She is board-certified in pediatrics through the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

For the last three years, she has worked in Tennessee in rural medicine.

With a daughter in Kansas City and a new grandchild, she wanted to be closer to them.

What attracted her to Fort Scott was the mission of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, she said.

According to the CHC website, they transform healthcare by addressing and removing barriers faced in finding quality healthcare, and are driven to provide compassionate care for everyone who comes,  regardless of circumstances.

The medical services Flint provides are well checks-preventative appointments with children from birth to 18 years old and their parents- sick visits, developmental screenings, vaccines, x-rays, ultrasound, and mental health screenings.

“I use Evidence–based medicine (EBM),” she said, which is the scientific method to organize and apply current data to improve healthcare decisions. “I am constantly learning. If I find that something isn’t working, I don’t keep on doing it, I try something else.”

CHC has a walk-in clinic on site, 2322 S. Main, that is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the doctor’s office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Contact Dr. Flint at 620.223.8040 for an appointment for your child.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott, June 2023

About CHC

Providing Compassionate Care

In 1903 Mother Mary Bernard Sheridan, a Sister of Saint Joseph, brought healthcare to the poorest in our region, building a hospital on donated land and providing care for all. She told her staff to “Do all the good that you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways that you can, for just as long as you can,” according to the CHC website.

Humble Beginnings

CHC/SEK opened its doors in 1997 on the second floor of a 90-year-old elementary school building as a community outreach of Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center, the hospital Mother Sheridan founded in 1903. Their purpose was to ensure that all children were “ready to learn” by providing physicals and immunizations, no matter their parents’ ability to pay. It was a mission of love in an area of critical need – a community that continues to have some of the highest rates of childhood poverty in Kansas.

They quickly realized these children’s parents and grandparents needed care too and expanded services and facilities to provide quality, affordable healthcare to patients of all ages. By 2003, they had become an independent organization with 11 employees that cared for 3,300 patients.

Healthier Communities

Today, more than 1000 employees care for more than 70,000 patients every year, providing medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and support services across eastern Kansas and northeast Oklahoma – still regardless of the ability to pay.