All posts by Loretta George

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Lu’s Ice Cream Adds New Spaces and New Foods

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Lu’s Ice Cream Shop, 523 S. Main.

Since opening in December 2025, Lu’s Ice Cream Shop has been adding more food items and space to eat those items.

Their dipping freezer now holds 16 flavors for customers to choose from, and typically there are 4-5 additional flavors in the back freezer.

The outdoor seating is on the north side of Lu’s Ice Cream Shop.

An outdoor eating area has been added, and on-site seating to watch a baseball/softball game across the street at Fisher Park, and starting in July, more variety of foods were added to the menu.

Bleachers on the south side of Lu’s Ice Cream Shop face the ball field at Fisher Park.

“It’s been a gradual process opening and adding more items to the menu, because I was teaching full time until May,” said Nikki Regan, the manager.  Regan is a former special education teacher for Fort Scott School District.

Manager Nikki Regan looks over an announcement about Dolly Day, which was  on September 25,

The shop now offers sandwiches, nachos, loaded dogs, and paninis.

Now more food options are in the works.

“We are adding more quick lunch options with high schoolers in mind,” she said. “We’d love for Lu’s to become a regular lunch spot for them during open lunch. A place where they can grab something quick and good, enjoy a little ice cream if they want, and still have time to get back to school.”

“We are listening to what they want and continue to add items based on their feedback.”

Homemade soups, mac and cheese, loaded mac and cheese, along with pretzel bites are coming soon, she said.

Regen leads a crew of 20 employees-young adults and high school students, some with unique abilities.

At the heart of our mission is inclusion — we proudly employ individuals with disabilities, offering meaningful opportunities that build confidence, dignity, and purpose. Every scoop supports a place where everyone belongs, and every visit helps our team shine. Come enjoy great ice cream while making a difference right here at home!- From the shop’s Facebook page.
From the shop’s Facebook page.

The adult shift leader does most of the cooking and is helped by the others with food prep, bussing tables, cleaning the shop, and scooping Blue Bell Ice Cream.

The address is 523 S. Main, and the business can be contacted at 620.418.4288.

From the shop’s Facebook page.

Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday from 2-7 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

“When the weather gets cooler, we will close an hour earlier,” she said.

The Library Speakeasy

Food can also be delivered to another business in the building that owner’s, Lu and Al Niece, opened in July.

The Library is a 1920s-themed hidden speakeasy, tucked away in the basement beneath Lu’s Ice Cream.

A speakeasy bar, in essence, is an establishment inspired by the secretive drinking venues that proliferated across the United States during the Prohibition era. These bars typically feature a clandestine entrance, often concealed behind an unassuming facade—such as a wall of books, a telephone booth, or even blending seamlessly within a retail storefront, according to https://www.restaurantware.com/blogs/bar-management/what-is-a-speakeasy

https://fortscott.biz/news/grand-opening-ribbon-cutting-the-library-speakeasy-july-9

Enter through the black door off the 6th Street stairs on the building’s south side. The first room resembles a quiet library filled with books, but walking past the bookshelves at the end reveals a hidden door that opens into a cozy, vintage-inspired cocktail lounge.

One of The Library’s alcoholic drink offerings. From its Facebook page.
Lu’s Ice Cream Shop is at the corner of 6th and Main Street;  enter through the  6th Street stairs entrance. The Nieces have an apartment and a rental on the second floor of the building. In the basement is The Library speakeasy. This photo was taken in January 2026.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Gunn Park’s Roads Are Being Improved

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Fort Scott’s largest park, Gunn Park, is the site of city workers’ ditch work this week, including whistles to divert water off the roads.

Towards the end of next week, around October 1 (weather permitting),  work will be completed on asphalting the loop road around the park.

The 155-acre recreation area on the city’s west side is a lake-dotted park with picnic pavilions, campgrounds, and a disc golf course also offering hiking, biking and fishing to visitors.

City workers are currently trying to divert water from a low point at the bottom of the first hill on the park’s main one-way road.

“When the bottoms like that are in hollows, with floods and everything else, the work is ongoing,” said Public Works Director Tom Coffman.

“They are doing ditch work with whistles (large tubes) to divert water off the roadway,” said Park Supervisor Norman Mackley. “We are doing the pre-work now. The Parks Department will be assisting the city street crews.”

The project got started September 22, and by October 1, weather and conditions permitting, the asphalting of the whole park one-way loop road will be done, said Coffman.

“When we start asphalting, the park will be closed,” he said. “The asphalting of the total loop, the main road, will start next week. Closures depend on where we are working, but the park will be open to hiking and biking.”

“We’ll go around the shelter houses…and other stuff in the park at a later date,” Coffman said.

The big rock shelter house at Gunn Park is a favorite pavillion for
special gatherings. Here it is lit up at Christmas in 2017.

 

 

Government, Jobs, Kansas

New Commerce Grant to Boost Youth Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities

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new kdc letterhead

For Immediate Release:    
September 23, 2026

Contact:
Patrick Lowry
785-250-4562
Patrick.Lowry@ks.gov

New Commerce Grant to Boost Youth Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the launch of the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship State Grant, a new funding opportunity designed to strengthen and expand Registered Apprenticeship programs across Kansas. The new grant will support both new and existing apprenticeship programs while promoting opportunities for youth ages 16 and 17 to enter high-quality career pathways in high-wage, high-demand occupations.

“Creating opportunities for our students and employers to connect at the early stages of professional careers is key to building a strong and sustainable Kansas workforce,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in Registered Apprenticeship programs will provide Kansas businesses with reliable and skilled workers while also setting up young Kansans for rewarding careers right here in their home state.”

Grant funding will support activities such as program development and expansion, staffing, outreach, employer engagement, technical instruction, partnership development, and other operational costs that strengthen Registered Apprenticeship programs. Individual grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded.

As part of the grant requirements, applicants must commit to one of the following engagement activities:

  • Successfully register a minimum of two apprentices ages 16-17.
  • Complete a minimum of four structured K–12 and community engagement activities (e.g., presentations to students, school counselors, school boards, chambers of commerce, or local governing bodies, or coordinated site visits with K–12 partners). Career fairs will not qualify toward this requirement.

Applicants must also list both their target occupations and industries based on NAICS codes.

“Registered Apprenticeships have been one of the most effective workforce strategies in Kansas because we’re connecting education with real employment opportunities,” Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship Director Shonda Anderson said. “This grant supports the growth of Registered Apprenticeship by expanding opportunities for Kansas youth and helping employers develop the skilled workforce needed to keep Kansas competitive.”

The grant is designed to expand new and existing Kansas-based Registered Apprenticeship programs, with a goal of increasing new apprenticeship enrollment and the number of 16- and 17-year-old apprentices by at least 5 percent year over year, particularly in high-wage, high-demand occupations.

Eligible Kansas Registered Apprenticeship programs are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted from Friday, September 18, to Friday, October 23.  A webinar to explain the grant will be from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, October 1. Join the Teams webinar by clicking here.

To learn more about the grant and to submit an application, click here.

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship continues to expand innovative workforce solutions that connect employers with skilled talent while creating sustainable career pathways for Kansans. More information about Registered Apprenticeship and available resources can be found here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship:

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship was established by Governor Laura Kelly on Sept. 6, 2022, through Executive Order #22-07. The Office supports apprenticeships across multiple industries to provide a highly skilled source of labor for employers and ensure occupational proficiency for career-seekers. The program incorporates on-the-job learning, technical instruction and mentorship to create long-term employment opportunities in Kansas.

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Business, Fort Scott, Health Care

Clifton Chiropractic Offers New Service: Hydro-Massage

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From left: Emily Norris, chiropractic assistant, Dr. Ethan Couch, Dr. Kaylee Clifton, and Angie Trim, office manager. The team at Clifton Chiropractic.

Dr. Kaylee Clifton is expanding the treatments Clifton Chiropractic LLC offers its clients.

In late August, she purchased a hydro-massage bed.

The hydro-massage bed is in a treatment room at the business just off Hwy. 69 on Third Street.

“The hydro treatment has been going well,” Dr. Clifton said. “It’s a good added treatment to relax and help with muscle and joint pain.”

“You can do this before or after a treatment, or just walk in,” said Angie Trim, office manager. “It may be eligible for a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account, you have to check in with the plan administrator.”

The treatment was at first located at Spoiled Brat Salon, and Heather Engstrom, the owner, “reached out to us.  Several of our chiropractic patients were using it there,” said Trim.

The cost is $20 for 20 minutes of hydro-massage in the lounge chair.

During the week of September 21, high school or community college athletes get 1/2 price off the hydro-massage treatment.

Other services

The price list at Clifton Chiropractic.

Both Dr. Couch and Dr. Clifton provide traditional chiropractic adjustments, and they provide other services as well.

“Dr. Couch does the dry needling treatment service,” Clifton said.

Dry needling is a technique where a very small, thin needed is used to release tight muscle knots and help reduce pain. It helps muscles relax, improves blood flow, and allows the body to heal better. It targets specific tight or irritated muscles, according to information provided by Clifton.

Dr. Clifton does acupuncture, a treatment that uses very thin needles placed at specific points on the body to help reduce pain, improve energy flow, and support the body’s natural healing process. It’s based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on energy pathways in the body, while dry needling targets tight muscles directly, according to information from Clifton.

Dr. Clifton is also a practitioner in allergy elimination, in a technique known as NAET.

NAET is a mild, non-invasive, gentle energy balancing procedure.

She is also doing vagus nerve resets (restoring healthy rhythm and responsiveness) with acupuncture.

Fees.
Clifton Chiropractic is located on Third Street, just off of Hwy. 69. The address is 203 E. Third. Contact the office at 620.644.5000.

 

Bourbon County, Government, History

Prisoners of War And Those Missing In Action Will Be Honored With An Avenue of Flags Sept. 18

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The local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1165 will honor American prisoners of war (POW) and those who did not come home from serving in the military (MIA) tomorrow, September 18.

There will be an Avenue of Flags to commemorate the sacrifice of service members to their country, but there will be no ceremony, only individual remembrances.

 

National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979 through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter, according to the U.S. Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

To learn more:  https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaa

 

Since then, each subsequent president has issued an annual proclamation commemorating the third Friday in September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Deb Lust, spokesperson for the local VFW, said the group is facilitating an Avenue of Flags near the Fort Scott National  Cemetery on East National tomorrow.

National Cemetery, Fort Scott.

“Because of the heat index, we are shortening the number of flags installed, from Margrave Street to all the way in the cemetery,” Lust said. “Normally, it’s East National Avenue through the cemetery.”

At 7 a.m. tomorrow, the flags will be posted, and at 4 p.m. the flags will be recovered, she said.

The Fort Scott Community College Softball Team and a group of youth from Kansas Renewal Institute will help the VFW with the flags.

“This is honoring all those who are POWs as well as those who were never recovered, those Missing In Action,” she said.

These are U.S. service members and civilians missing from past wars/conflicts.

“The Department of Defense has an agency that looks at archeological sites where there have been known battles or planes that went down in different locations in collaboration with the countries: Germany, France, Belgium, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, just to name a few. They help families get some closure,” she said.

To her knowledge there has been only one POW in Bourbon County in recent memory, Jake Underwood. Underwood served in World War II.

Jake Underwood, from obituary in 2018.

Underwood, who was well known in the Bourbon County community, was captured during the Battle of Bulge in WWII and was a prisoner of war from December 1944 to April 1945.

To learn more: https://www.indianamilitary.org/106ID/Diaries/Stalag%20IX-B%20Bad%20Orb/Underwood-Jake-590A-9B/Underwood-Jake-590A-9B.pdf

“There may have been others,” she said. “We don’t know.”

Local VFW flags readied for posting along National Avenue. From the VFW Facebook page.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

The Cornerstone Hosts the Weekly Chamber Coffee on Sept. 17

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Chamber Coffee to be Hosted by The Cornerstone

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites Chamber members and the community to Chamber Coffee hosted by The Cornerstone tomorrow morning, Thursday, September 17, at 8 a.m. at 2 Old Fort Blvd. in Fort Scott. The Cornerstone is located in the same building as Better in Bourbon Boutique.

The event will introduce new Chamber member, The Cornerstone, a business center offering professional office suites for local entrepreneurs and businesses. The suites include utilities, high-speed internet, secure 24-hour access, dedicated parking, and shared amenities.

Guests will have the opportunity to tour the space, meet the owners, network with members of the community, and enter a drawing for a door prize. Chamber Coffee is open to Chamber members and the public.

For more information about Chamber Coffees or other Chamber events, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

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Business, Clothing, Fort Scott

Billy Webster and His Shirt Shack: 50 Years in Business

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Billy Webster has owned and operated the Shirt Shack for 50 years in the same location, 11 East 18th Street, Fort Scott.

The Shirt Shack is having a sale this weekend to celebrate 50 years in business, and everyone is invited to the business milestone anniversary party.

There is a special sale inside the store today and Saturday, September 12, after the store closes, there will be a street dance.

A  band,  Shades of Blue, will be performing live, so bring lawn chairs and get ready for an evening of music and dancing!

The street in front of Shirt Shack, at 11 East 18th Street, will be blocked off with plenty of room to sit, celebrate, and hit the dance floor from 7 to 10 p.m.

Food and drinks from Cohn’s Cafe will be available for purchase, and Tiger Ice will be serving sno-cones and shaved ice.

 

Billy Webster began his clothing business 50 years ago, 1976,  and has no thoughts of retiring.

“In high school, I worked for a company that sold car wax at car shops. At the shows, I would see T-shirt sellers making money.”

He graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1975.

“I was 17 years old, didn’t know what I was doing and didn’t have a business plan back then.”

“I got a deal on a printing machine and got a bunch of print designs and began printing.”

“I started merchandising for bands, Aerosmith and ZZ Top, but it got too crazy…I would come back here to reset.”

The shop he began his business was at the same site where he does business today.

“it was an old beauty shop. 15 foot by 12 foot. I covered the walls with gunny sacks. I started printing new T-shirt designs. At one time, I had 400 designs.”

He has added to that original building and expanded his products.

Now he sells stylish shirts, jeans, and sportswear in addition to the T-shirts.

Cinch, Red Dirt, Ariat brands, among others.

“Fifteen years ago I went into Western Wear. We were a surf store, but nobody surfs in Kansas. There are a few cowboys here, though.”

For Webster, the best thing about being a business owner in Fort Scott: the people.

“You meet a lot of great people. When it’s your own business, you put your energy into it, and you meet great people.”

Webster has no plans to retire.

“What would I do?” he asked.

The store has four employees and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and can be contacted at 620.223.4680.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

4-State Insurance Agency Opens in Downtown Fort Scott

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4-State Insurance Agency opened the Fort Scott office on August 19, 2026.

A new insurance agency has opened a store front in historic downtown Fort Scott.

Leah Smith is the owner of the 4 State Insurance Agency, Lisa Schossow is the Senior Agent who oversees the Farm and Ranch Division; Dan Shireman is the Agency Development Director; and Josie King is the Farm and Ranch Service Advisor. All were born and raised in the Girard area.

Smith has an office in Overland Park, which opened about 15 years ago, and she opened an office in her hometown of Girard eight years ago.

The agency opened shop at the corner of Wall and Main Street on August 19.

Josie King, left, is a farm and ranch service agent, Lisa Schossow is the senior farm and ranch agent.

 

“We thought Fort Scott would be a perfect location between Overland Park and Girard. Leah has always wanted to open another office here it was just waiting for the right timing,” said Schossow. “We found the perfect office location in downtown Fort Scott and are excited to be a part of the happening downtown area. We can’t wait to be involved in community events and support all the area local businesses.”

The 4 State Insurance Agency currently has Sales Advisors, one Commercial Insurance Advisor, three Service Advisors, and a Claims Advisor on staff. “We are looking to hire four full-time people in this office,” Schossow said. “Right now, we are rotating staff from the Girard office.”

“We will be hiring insurance advisors as well as customer service representatives. They will need to hold an insurance license; if they aren’t currently licensed, we will provide resources to pass the tests needed and ongoing training to make sure each advisor is successful.”

The agency provides insurance in the following areas: home, auto, business, crop, livestock, and farm insurance.

“We have a brokerage arm, which gives our team the ability to not only quote through Farmers Insurance, but partner with a variety of insurance carriers to get our clients the best coverage for the right price,” Schossow said. “We also have a team of licensed crop insurance agents in our Farm & Ranch Division who can provide area farmers with Federal crop insurance, Livestock Risk Protection, and insure their farm operation.”

Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and weekends by appointment.

For more information, contact 620.670.4590, visit us on Facebook

 

Bourbon County, Government, Schools, Uniontown, Youth

USD 235 Preschool Building: Upgrade For the District

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A sign in the preschool.

The new USD 235 Preschool building, at the southeast corner of the West Bourbon Elementary School in Uniontown, is 99 percent complete, said Superintendent Vance Eden.

The school held an open house on Labor Day, alongside the Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show, in the small town of almost 300 people.  The town celebrated its annual Old Settlers Picnic.

 

The new preschool serves 32 three-year-old and four-year-old students and is free, regardless of income. Up to 20 students are allowed in each age group.

 

A view of the new USD 235 preschool classroom.

The preschool is funded through the Kansas Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program.

The new building includes a large classroom, a child-sized bathroom, and a food preparation area, along with two offices.

The oversized preschool classroom for 3 and 4-year-old students.

The school Psychologist Shelby Reichard, and Speech Therapist Kayla Collins also have dedicated office space in the new building.

The preschool building also houses the school psychologist’s office, Mrs. Reichard.
The preschool also houses an office for the speech therapist, Mrs. Collins.

 

The building was made possible through a successful bond election in March 2025 in the school district, and it replaces an old modular unit.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Old Settlers Picnic 2026

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Old Settlers Picnic’s annual culmination is the Labor Day parade.

This year, the theme was Family, Friends, and Community, with Becky Shinn as the grand marshal, leading the parade.

Grand Marshal Becky Shinn (in wide brimmed hat) had a float of family and friends in the parade. Here they wait for the parade to begin at the Uniontown Fire Department building.

 

Following are glimpses of the day in Uniontown.

The annual Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show was held at the West Bourbon Elementary School parking lot, starting at 9 a.m.  , with awards announced at 1 p.m.

Vendors and the USD 235 Preschool Open House were also happening at the car show.

In the downtown area, vendors were busy with onlookers.

Vendors line the square in Uniontown.
Old Setters Picnic planning committee members Mary Pillion and Rhonda Dewitt give instructions from the gazebo on the square in Uniontown.

The children’s parade started at 10:30 a.m., followed by the parade at 11 a.m.

Children wait in the shade of the fire station for the children’s parade to begin.
Bicyclists are the front line of the children’s parade.
Bourbon County Sheriff’s Officers lead the way in the parade.
Scouts from Iola were the color guard.
Grand Marshal Becky Shinn points to a crowd member from her float of family and friends.

 

Following the parade were a picnic, recognition of old settlers, kids races, street games and the drawings for prizes.

Other highlights of the weekend were a fishing derby, rodeos, a 5k run/walk, bingo and family fun night in the park.

The weekend events were planned by Mary Pillion, Rhonda Dewitt and Mike Ramsey.

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Re: freshed Salon and Spa Expands and Moves Shop

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{Re Freshed} Salon and Spa has a new, expanded building at 102 S. Judson.


Business owner and aesthetician Delane Godden has moved to a new location, 102 S.Judson, and is open for business as of September 1.


“We have grown significantly and needed a bigger space,” Godden said. The building has 3,500 square feet of space.


The building, at 102 S. Judson, was at one time Fort Scott Family Physicians, then Reynold Law Firm, she said.

In addition to the five technicians already at {Re:freshed} Salon & Spa , she has added another aesthetician to her team, Meghan Owenby, who will specialize in headspa services and facials as well.

Godden started her aesthetician business in the Lyons Mansions, then moved to the Five Corners Strip Mall, just off of Highway 69 in 2016.

Delane Godden with eight month old son, Jagger.

Julie Daly has been a provider of massage therapy and nail/pedicure technician services at the salon/spa for nine years. She can be reached at 620.215.3436

Kayla Greenway has provided manicures/pedicures, eyelash services and spray tans for eight years at the spa, contact her at  620.363.0195

Bailey Hall has been a hairstylist for six years there; contact:  620.215.0107

Owenby recently started as a second aesthetician; contact: 620-215-6987

 

Dr. Saeid from Kansas City has been providing injectable cosmetic services on weekends at the spa for about one year, and has 20 years of experience in aesthetics. Contact “In Town Aesthetics by MD”  at 913-602-6265

Cali Emerson is a hairstylist specializing in hair extensions and is also a receptionist, and has been with Re: freshed Spa for a few months.

Heather Jackson has been a receptionist for two years.

Godden can be contacted at 620.215.269

The spa is open Monday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday hours are undetermined at this time.


Godden has created a brand of skin care products that is comprised of plant-based ingredients including perfumes and hand sanitizers, and facial products.

“We also have a line of laundry detergent, multi-purpose cleaning spray, hand soaps and room and linen sprays, as well as Bathhouse Trading Co. products and several skincare and body care line options as well,” she said.

One of a kind greeting cards are for sale by Laura Garzone and Cindi Lipe.


Other retail items include hair clips/scrunchies, belt bags, and insulated tumblers etc.

Services provided


Massages starting at $55


Hair cuts starting at $20


Facials starting at $75


Spray tans-$35


Make-up sessions: $40


Manicures starting at $30, pedicures at $50.


Waxing starting at $5

Brow tint and shape: $20

Business, Exercise

Fall Classes Starting in Self-Defense at The Watchmen Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

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Noah Terry. Submitted photo.

 

Noah Terry opened a martial arts business on August 1 in the former St. Andrews Episcopal Church at 123 S. National Avenue.

Terry defines Jiu Jitsu as submission grappling.

“Imagine a martial art built on pure human mechanics, where brain beats brawn almost every single time. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gives you the ultimate equalizer: a proven system of leverage, movement, and control that allows a smaller, calmer person to effortlessly neutralize a larger attacker without ever throwing a single punch.”

“All while inside a community of training partners who push you to get 1% better every single day. Whether you’re looking to get into the best shape of your life or master a real-world chess match on the mats, Jiu Jitsu delivers skills that stick with you for a lifetime.”

 

“The Watchmen Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is stepping up its community outreach in Fort Scott, introducing dynamic new programs built to give local residents of all ages practical skills and confidence,”  Terry said in a press release.

Founded by Terry, the academy was established after he recognized a need in the community for a team- like martial arts experience.

 Terry is certified in defensive tactics through the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and brings a tactical, real-world perspective to the mat, according to the press release.

“What started as a vision quickly took root thanks to a strong core of dedicated men who bought into the mission of building a grounded, supportive, and resilient martial arts family.”

“We built this academy to be a place where people can gain real-life skills, physical strength, and unshakeable confidence,” says Terry. “Whether you’re a parent wanting your child to be bully proof, or a woman looking to learn essential self-defense, or a father who wants to prepare himself to defend his family, our goal is to serve and strengthen Fort Scott.”

“The ‘we’ in my statement is the community of guys that have surrounded me and supported me. They are the building blocks of this business, and I am forever grateful to them,” he said.

This fall, The Watchmen BJJ is highlighting two upcoming opportunities. To join the event, go to the event page on Facebook and select ” Going ” to RSVP:

“All you need is a $10 entry fee! A T-shirt and shorts, and an excitement to learn! “
Submitted graphic.

Women’s Only Intro to Jiu Jitsu Seminar

“Designed specifically for women with zero prior experience, this beginner-friendly workshop focuses on practical self-defense techniques in a safe, supportive environment.”

• Date: Wednesday, August 26th

• Time: 5-6  p.m.

• Focus: Core self-defense fundamentals, building functional strength, and empowering personal safety.

• Registration is on the Watchmen’s event page.

Submitted graphic.

Back to School Youth Special (Ages 5–12)

“Timed with the new school year, this youth program helps kids develop physical health alongside lifelong character habits.”

• Focus: Bully proof self-defense, respectful discipline, physical fitness, and positive peer interaction.

• Goal: Giving kids the confidence and physical tools to navigate the school year safely and successfully.

Contact & Registration:

• Location: 123 South National, Fort Scott, KS, 66701

• Action: To reserve a spot for the seminar or inquire about youth enrollment, message or call The Watchmen BJJ directly today @913-475-4321.

Bourbon County Local News