The American Red Cross and the Fort Scott Fire Department are partnering to provide free smoke alarms in a program called Sound the Alarm, Dave Bruner Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshall told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce coffee attendees Thursday morning.
The Red Cross is holding a Sound the Alarmhome fire safety and smoke alarm installation event on Sunday, May 6 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Buck Run Community Center.
To view the Red Cross flyer click below, then click on the image to enlarge:
City of Fort Scott Water Distribution Department employees Brady Coffman and Kyle Adams ready a flag in their truck Wednesday on Wall Street to welcome the veterans to town.
In spite of the rain, the people of Fort Scott lined the route from the airport through downtown Fort Scott, then east to the Adam and Jennifer LaRoche ranch Wednesday afternoon.
The route and patriotic welcome were for the combat veterans that the LaRoche’s will be hosting a turkey hunt in the next few days.
E3 Foundation, founded by Adam and Jennifer LaRoche, is partnering with Combat Warriors Inc. to host the turkey hunt for the military heroes.
The LaRoche’s asked the town to rally behind the entry into Fort Scott of the veterans, to honor them.
On Wednesday, April 25 at approximately 1:30 p.m. the veterans landed at Fort Scott Airport then headed to the LaRoche Ranch.
Cloudy skies and light rain prevailed, and some bystanders were downtown on the route by 1 p.m. Temperatures were in the 50s.
Just before the convoy arrived downtown, the rain steadily increased.
That did not stop the bystanders from waiting to show their support for the veterans.
The Fort Scott Tourism Center and additionally, Stewart Realty had handed out American flags, while Captured Images Photography handed out patriotic posters to the community to hold in welcome to the veterans.
All of these added to the color to the welcome, in spite of the cloudy skies.
If you have a great photo you’d like to share of the convoy, please add it with a description of what is happening in the photo on the FortScott.Biz Facebook page.
Angela McKenney, Hilary Berry, Amari Berry, Roland Mills and little Jaeston Grant wait in the rain at Wall and Main streets to honor the veterans.Julie Wright, Cathy Wuerdeman, Megan Felt, Bailey Lyons and the Shane Walker family line Wall Street to welcome the vets to town.Rhuey Eden and her mom, Rachel Eden wait patiently for the veterans convoy to drive down Wall Street.These Fort Scott Civil War re-enactors donned uniforms and horses to welcome the veterans to town Wednesday. From left Wyatt Keyes, Brett Dawson and Aaron Phillips.Fort Scott National Historic Site employees wait for the veterans convoy to pass by on Wall Street. From left: Paul Goodman, Barry Geersten, Summer Porter, Betty Boyko and Tiffany Durham. Behind them are the re-enactors on horses.Fort Scott Police and Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office personnel signaled with flashing lights the beginning of the convoy.
The end of the convoy heads east on Wall Street to the E3 Ranch.
Amanda Gilmore, community liaison, and Wilma Leach, director of Mother to Mother Ministry show an information board they take when telling others about the ministry.
Fort Scott.Biz is showcasing United Way of Bourbon County agencies that have received a grant.
Mother to Mother Ministry, 728 S. Heylman, is one of those agencies. The phone contact numbers are 224-0809 or 215-0924.
The ministry is open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon with some classes and groups meeting in the evening.
Wilma Leach is the ministry director, Alison Leach helps with planning, Amanda Gilmore is community outreach and assistant, Adin Leach does records and maintenance and Shanna McClure is a special assistant.
What services do you provide the community?
“We offer mentoring programs with friendship and support either one-on-one or in group settings for moms, dads, and families. We have classes, guest speakers, and parenting programs. We have a library and reading room for personal study. We network with Bourbon County Coalition and are advocates for victims of domestic violence.”
We have a baby and children’s clothing closet as well as some adult clothing.
We provide baby supplies, diapers, hygiene and cleaning supplies.
We collect and give away some household furniture when possible.
We provide baby supplies, diapers, hygiene and cleaning supplies.
We collect and give away some household furniture when possible.
Current needs of the ministry?
“Currently we are accepting shoe donations and are looking for volunteer mentors for men and women to provide encouragement and support.
Other opportunities for volunteers include clothing and cleaning assistance.”
M2M is currently in need of the following appliances and miscellaneous items including a refrigerator, washer and dryer, curtains, area rugs, a large bookshelf, storage shelves, sturdy 8′ folding tables and folding chairs, clothing racks, and large plastic storage tubs with lids.”
Anything new for the ministry this year?
“Our newest group forming is for adoptive families on the second Thursday of each month at 7 pm.”
How much of your budget is provided by United Way of Bourbon County?
“Thankfully about 30 percent of our budget is supplied by United Way. Other gifts from churches, organizations and individual citizens are greatly appreciated as well.”
Job seekers may talk to individual employers during the job fair going on until 2 p.m. today.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Job Fair is continuing until 2 p.m. today at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College.
Fifteen area employers will many jobs to fill are available to talk to possible employees. There are full and part-time positions available.
A Phi Theta Kappa representative is available to help with resumes, interview skills, and social media usage to secure a job.Potential employees filling out application forms for the jobs available today at the job fair.Applications can be picked up, filled out and returned to 15 employers today at the job fair at Fort Scott Community College, until 2 p.m.Susie Arvidson is the Phi Theta Kappa sponsor at FSCC. She is available today until 2 p.m. to help with interviewing skills, resume preparation and other skills needed to secure a job. Arvidson is the library director at FSCC and can help people during the library hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.Potential employees talk with Niece Equipment representatives during today’s job fair at FSCC.
Montana, Adam, Jennifer and Drake LaRoche. Submitted photo.
E3 Foundation, founded by Adam and Jennifer LaRoche, is partnering with Combat Warriors Inc. to host a turkey hunt for military heroes.
The community is rallying behind the event to honor the combat veterans.
On Wednesday, April 25 at approximately 1:30 p.m. the veterans will land at Fort Scott Airport then head to the LaRoche Ranch.
Fort Scottians will be lining the route to show the vets honor for their service.
Beginning at 1 pm this Wednesday, the Fort Scott Regional Tourism Center at 231 E. Wall will distribute 500 American Flags to wave while these heroes pass by.
“The Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott High School, Winfield Scott Elementary, Eugene Ware Elementary, and St. Mary’s Catholic school are all coming out to wave, hold flags and signs to say ‘Thank you’ to the soldiers for there service and sacrifice,” Jennifer LaRoche said. “Businesses, along the convoy route, are allowing their employees to step out during the work day to show their support as well. The estimated convoy time is 1:30 pm but that could be sooner or later due to flight times so we will post on the E3 Foundation Facebook page the most current convoy departure time. So people need to be checking that throughout the morning and early afternoon.”
The route of the convoy of veterans:
These military service people will travel through Fort Scott following a route of east on Indian Road (AKA Lake Fort Scott Road), north on HWY. 69, then turn north onto National Avenue to Wall Street, and then Wall Street, east out of town.
The Mission Statement of the E3 Foundation:
The family of the E3 Foundation is committed to putting God’s love into action as we use our gifts to be good stewards, to serve, to help those in need and to ultimately introduce others to Christ.
Following is the post on the E3Foundation Facebook page:
City State Bank, downtown Fort Scott is slated for a remodel.An artist’s depiction of the future facade of City State Bank, following the remodel.
City State Bank is remodeling its downtown branch at 202 Scott Ave.
“The building was built in 1957,” John Hill, bank president said.”We are sticking with mid-century design.”
The canopy over the drive-in window will be replaced and a new ATM island will be installed in the drive-through, Hill said.
“It will be wider for easier access for automobile traffic,” he said.
This canopy will be replaced and the drive-through made wider, in addition, the ATM will be more accessible.
The remodel includes a new metal fascia system, new fabric awning, new wrap around awning, new stone entrance, new stone veneer and wall in the front of the building. Additionally, there will be a new sign.
Fifty-percent of drive-through transactions occur at the downtown branch, Hill said.
From 1957 to 2001, the downtown branch was the main facility.
Then a new facility was built at 1012 Hwy. 69, just south of Walmart.
“We’ve been here 18 years,” Hill said from his office at the Hwy. 69 address.
Work on the remodel will begin within 90 days and construction will take about 90 days.
“It should be completed by September 30,” he said.
JOB FAIR TO BE HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 24TH IN FORT SCOTT
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Job Fair on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton St.
Fort Scott employers currently registered to attend include Briggs, City of Fort Scott, Firstsource Solutions, Medicalodges, Mercy Hospital, Niece Products, Peerless Products, Presbyterian Village, Russell Stovers Chocolates of Iola, Southeast Kansas Mental Health, Timken, Tri-Valley Developmental Services and WK Holdings (Ward/Kraft, Inc. and Fort Scott Munitions). KANSASWORKS will have a booth on employer and job seeker resources and Fort Scott Community College Phi Theta Kappa will be offering soft skills tips on interviewing, resume writing, and more.
Positions employers will be hiring for are include those shown below:
Briggs of Fort Scott: Full-time Sales, Full-time Service Techs, Full-time Service Advisors, and Full-time Sales Managers
City of Fort Scott: Police Officer and Seasonal Park Laborer
Firstsource Solutions: Full-time Claims Examiners and Full-time Call Center Representatives
Mercy Hospital: Clinical and non-clinical positions including Food Service staff and Nurses
Niece Products: Skilled Mechanics, Welders, and Painters
Peerless Products, Inc.: Full and Part-time Process and Production Engineer, Project Manager, Assembly 1st Shift, Press or Saw Operator 2nd Shift, and Part-time Mechanical and Plastic Engineer
Russell Stovers Chocolates, Iola (all full-time): Utility Operator, Material Handler, General Mechanic, Electronics Technician, Service Workers, Lead, Production Supervisor, Plant Scheduler, and Training Coordinator
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center: Full-time Adult Case Manager (Bourbon County), Full-time Chemical Abuse Counselor (Neosho County), Part-time Children’s Aides for after-school and summer program
Timken SMO, LLC: Maintenance Technician off-shift
Tri-Valley Developmental Services: Full and Part-time Residential Service Specialist
WK Holding Co., Inc.: Ward/Kraft Production Operators, Sales Reps for both Ward/Kraft and Fort Scott Munitions, Shipping Clerk for Fort Scott Munitions
Job seekers are encouraged to dress for success, bring copies of a resume, and be prepared to connect with employers. Attendees may enter a drawing for a door prize of $50 in Chamber Bucks that may be used at over 50 Chamber member businesses. Contact the Chamber for more information on having an employer booth at 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].
U.S. Hwy. 69/South Main Street in Fort Scott in September 2017 during initial roadwork.
Traffic has been a little slow on Hwy. 69 that traverses north and south through Fort Scott.
Beginning earlier this month Heckert Construction Company, Pittsburg, working as subcontractors of LaForge and Budd Construction Company, Parsons, resumed asphalt work on South Main Street (Hwy. 69)beginning just south of 23rd Street and ending just north of the South National Avenue.
Crews performed grinding work to the asphalt surface, to smooth it out, according to Peter Kemmeter, an estimator with Heckert Construction today.
The corrective construction work should end today, Kemmeter said.
Finishing touches will be painting stripes on the asphalt by a four-man-crew which should be completed by 5 p.m., he said.
The new Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center is being readied for inmates, likely in the next two weeks, according to Sheriff Bill Martin.
The Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center is nearly ready for inmates, Sheriff Bill Martin said Thursday.
The new center is located at 293 E. 20th Street, just east of Briggs Auto Dealership on Hwy. 69.
“Hopefully within a couple of weeks we’ll be moving in,” Martin said. “Some electrical issues are being addressed, which should fall under warranty work.”
The sheriff gave a tour of the new facility:
Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin works at his desk Thursday morning at the new law enforcement center.Shane Walker, the Bourbon County Information Technology Director brings in more supplies to the law enforcement center Thursday morning.Some of the BCSO staff are getting trained on the new software at the center.Deputy Zach Ross works on a report at the center.Lesley Herrin, administrative secretary mans the front office.BCSO Major Bobby Reed addresses billing issues Thursday morning in his office.Sheriff Martin demonstrates how the evidence locker works.The sheriff arranges the furniture in one of the interview rooms at the facility.Pictured is the interview room where a judge at the Bourbon County Courthouse can talk to individuals about their charges. The technology was purchased through a JAG grant of $20,000, Sheriff Martin said.The sheriff demonstrates how all the cells can be viewed from the control room in a direct line of sight, something that couldn’t happen at the old jail, he said.One of the inmate cell pods.Inside one of the inmate cells, a spartan bunk bed with toilet and shower.The activity room for inmates, ventilated with fresh air by a big vent to the outside. By law, inmates are required to get fresh air daily.Unused space for possible future cell pods for inmates.This space is reserved for honor inmates as a result of good behavior. They also get extra privileges, such as getting outside the facility to do community service work.Inmates will be doing the laundry of the facility because the laundry room is secure, unlike the old jail.The refrigeration systems are installed and following the state fire marshall’s approval, meals can start being cooked.The medical area for inmates.The booking area of the facility.The lockdown cell, for inmates who haven’t followed the rules of the facility.Framed art in the sheriff’s office space entitled “Sheriff-America’s Peacekeeper” by artist Doug Lindauer. Sheriff Bill Martin’s shadow can be seen reflected from the windows.A piece of artwork on the wall at the law enforcement center given the sheriff by his wife, Wendy, which he donated to the sheriff’s office.
John LeBeouf converses with Amanda Bourassa during the weekly Chamber of Commerce coffee Thursday morning. In the background is Bailey Lyons and Penne Moore. All three women are agents for Stutesman’s Action Realty, who hosted the event. In addition, Scott Tice is also an agent in the Fort Scott branch office.
Stutesman’s Action Realty was the host for the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee Thursday.
The event took place at the real estate office at 119 S. Main, Ste. A, just north of city hall.
Bourassa told the attendees its real estate agents provide professional services that include not only signing contracts but help with the loan services and the negotiation process.
“The Fort Scott businesses work together to make Fort Scott a better place to work and live,” Bourassa said.
Bourassa can be contacted at 417-684-5681.
Lindsay Madison, executive director of Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce videos the weekly coffee drawing that the hosts provide.
Fort Scott Community Development Director Rhonda Dunn shows the deterioration of the planters on Skubitz Plaza that will be demolished and a new tourism sign installed.
An unsightly part of Skubitz Plaza is being redeveloped by the City of Fort Scott to showcase a sign that depicts the city’s history.
The plans were approved by the city commissioners Tuesday evening.
Plans are for all parts to be completed by the Good Ol Days annual celebration, the end of May this year.
Two brick planters on Old Fort Boulevard at the north end of Main Street have been repeatedly hit by vehicles turning right.
The planters that will be taken down are the closest to the camera. They are located on Skubitz Plaza at the north end of Main Street in downtown Fort Scott. The new tourism panel will be placed to the east of the planter on the left.
“We’ve repaired it a number of times,” Rhonda Dunn, the city’s community development director said.
“This has been a long-term project for several years,” she said.
Serendipitously, a proposal for a new sign for tourism came along, she said.
“There is no downside to this,” Dunn said. “The broken planter will be gone and a new by-ways sign will go up.”
The new Frontier Military Historic Byway sign panels will depict the history of Fort Scott and some tourism highlights as well.
Dunn shows the spot where the new tourism sign will be installed, out of the way of traffic.
The place where the western planter is currently will be an open space, the eastern planter will be removed also, then the by-ways sign installed, just slightly to the east.
City workers will remove and salvage brick that can be reused, Dunn said.
To view click on the links below, then click on the image to enlarge:
