All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Off-Road Trails Recreation Park Celebrates 20 Years in Bourbon County

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An entrance to the Kansas Rocks Recreation Park.

David Killion, Lenexa, is the founder of Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, located on 130th Road in northern Bourbon County.

The property is 380 acres of rugged terrain, that Killion and a group of volunteers have made into miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and utility terrain vehicles.

The terrain consists of wooded hills, rugged rock ledges, and open fields with trails varying in difficulty.

At the recent Saturday morning Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee, he explained how he came to purchase the property.

“This 220-acre property came for sale and we met with the owners,” Killion said. “We signed a 15-year lease on the property. Seven years in, the owner passed away.” The owner’s family then sold the acreage to Killion. Then he talked to neighbors and was able to purchase an additional 160 acres.

Since its inception in 2003, Killion and a group of people mostly from the Kansas City area have built a pavilion, playground, air pump stations, picnic shelters/grills, handicapped accessible toilets, a campground with shower facilities, and recreational vehicle parking.

The park is run by a board of directors.

Almost every amenity built at the recreation park was supplied by grants and volunteer labor, with some hired contractor’s help, said Keith Monroe, one of the park’s board of directors.

Kansas Rocks is a fee-usage park, with entry fees for the driver and the vehicle, with an additional fee for passengers over 12 years old.

Pricing

Daily Pass

1 Day $25
2 Days $45
3 Days $55

Daily Pass – Passengers 12y/o+

1 Day $5
2 Days $10
3 Days $15

Hiking & Mountain Biking

1 Day $5
2 Days $10
3 Days $15

Annual Pass

Per calendar year $125
David Killion talks to Chamber of Commerce guests on September 30, 2023, at the office on the Kansas Rocks site.
Visitors look over one of the challenging drop-offs on a trail at Kansas Rocks, the Carnage Canyon Area.

No all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, or horses are allowed in the park.

To view the rules of the park: https://www.ksrockspark.com/park-rules-regulations/

Jill Jaworski and Joe George look over Carnage Canyon at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park.

In addition to the trails, there are events planned throughout the year at the park.

The Jeep Corporation recently approved two Badge of Honor Trails, and they had participants from 10 different states to run these trails, Killion said.

The next Kansas Rocks event is the 20th Anniversary Celebration Event, on Oct. 14.

Registration is  $40 at the gate, per vehicle, to include day entry, day activities, a blindfolded spotters competition, a King/Queen of Carnage Canyon competition, and more.

There will be a limited number of meal tickets for sale for $10 each.

Friday, Oct. 13,  gates will open at noon for weekend camping spaces, must be reserved at the website: ksrockspark.com. Camping is available on Friday and Saturday.

There are shower facilities available.

Saturday, Oct. 14,  the gates open at 8 a.m.

8 am-7:30 pm:     The trails are open.

8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.:     There are hidden trinkets in the park.

“Find ‘em and turn ‘em in at the office for your prize of shirts, hats, candy, and more,” Killion said

9:30 am-noon:    There is the Carnage Canyon Showcase. “Come throw your hat in for a chance to win a lifetime annual pass or King/Queen of the Canyon sign with your name placed at the top of the canyon. Spectators can vote on their favorite.

There is a 20-person entry limit: the first 20 people to email [email protected] will be entered.

1 pm-4 pm:   Spot the Blindfolded Driver Competition, located by the rock pile, upfront.

Two classes:

  • The best club driver and spotter: both get a five-year annual pass.

The winning club also receives five Annual Passes for 2024.

CLUBS: 1 team entry per club, 10 team limit, email us who will represent the club @ [email protected]

  • The best buddy driver and spotter. “Grab who you trust and show us how it is done! Winning driver and spotter get LIFETIME ANNUAL PASS to KRocks,” Killion said.

“There is a 10-team limit, sign-up day of the event at the park – if we receive more than 10 team entries, we will draw to see who gets to compete,” he said.

1:30-4:30 p.m.:     There will be a bounce house for the kids by the pavilion.

5 pm:              The dinner will be served at the pavilion.

5:45 pm:               Guest speakers and winners from the day events will be announced.

7:45 pm:              There will be a movie in the park, The Sandlot movie. The audience is asked to bring lawn chairs, blankets, drinks, and popcorn will be served.

The park is open for regular business on Sunday, October 15.

Other upcoming events:

Nov. 10-12 is Veteran’s Appreciation- Vets and First Responders get in free and can also enjoy free camping for the weekend.

December 9 is Wheelin’ for Toys- Get in for the day for only $15 if you bring a new toy for the kids.

The annual Frostbite event is the last Saturday of February.

Beginner Off-Road 101 classes are offered throughout the year.

David and his wife, Robin Killion. “She is my right-hand man,” Killion said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business

Perry’s Open an RV Campground in Bronson

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Thaddeus and Kelly Perry have added another business in Bronson.

Kelly and Thaddeus Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store and a new campground. Submitted photo.

Perry’s Park RV & Campground, opened October 1 at 702 Pine Street in Bronson, which is on Hwy. 54 that runs through the small  town in western Bourbon County.

“We purchased a big chunk of land here in Bronson from the corner of Pine Street to the city limit signs on the west side of town, it’s a lot,” she said. “We can mow it for the rest of our lives and do nothing; instead, we wanted to do something to use the land.”

So they devised a plan.

“A few RV hookups made sense to us,” she said. “It will hopefully give back to our business for several years and generate tax revenue for the city and county and hopefully more visitors to the area.”

“We can only hope campers will stay here, buy their grocery goods here, and eat at our local Chicken Shak while in town, and for the hunters they can easily get their deer processed a block away at the Bronson Locker! It’s a win for all of us in my opinion.”

“We have a great little community that has good-hearted people,” she said. “Those people have friends and family that often visit the area for hunting, fishing, ATV or rock climbing, and with the new state park announcement in Iola and the construction on Hwy. 7 and of course the Wolfe Creek project, we anticipate the four little spots we have staying full… or at least that’s our hope.”

“We currently have 4 hookups for RV’s,” Kelly said. “Each hook-up has a sewer, water, and electric 30amp/50amp/110v at each site. Wi-Fi within walking distance. Trash pick up. Full grocery, beer, ice, deli, and diner on-site. Pull through parking. We are still in the process of adding the firepits, and picnic tables per site as well. The last portion will be the playground and BBQ Grill area for the campers.”

“We have nightly and monthly rates available,” she said.

The cost is $40 per night,  $175 per week, and  $475 per month.

“We have an ADA-compliant unisex bathroom inside of our storefront 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday for the visitors to use if needed,” she said. We will eventually have a full coin laundry facility on-site for campers and the community. However, that will be a few years because we simply have a lot on our plate at this time.”

 

A new sign tells passersby that the new campground has opened in Bronson. Submitted photos.

“We specifically worked with small businesses to build the RV Park to feed back into the local economy using Bandara Stone for our rock; Brandon Krebs with Rocking K Construction for groundwork, Matt Kelly with Kelly Electric for the hookups, Eric Stewart with C&S Contracting for our plumbing, and Adam Arnold and Cory Chandra with Deep Roots Lawn Care for all the final touches.”

To reserve a spot, contact the Kelly’s at: 620.939.4300.

Uncategorized

FortFest Fills Riverfront Park With Activity

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Carts are available for those who need rides to the parking areas.

The annual Fort Fest continues until tonight at Riverfront Park, on North National Avenue.

The event highlights Blues bands from across the area.

At 1 p.m. the Howard Mahan Band with Miki P entertained guests. At 3 p.m. Sister Lucille, at 5 p.m. the Arkansas Brothers, and at 7 p.m. the Divas on Fire. People were enjoying the Blues musicians on lawn chairs and blankets.

In addition, arts and crafts, food and drink vendors, a cornhole tournament, a BBQ contest, along with a kid’s fair and petting zoo, and other happenings kept attendees entertained and fed.

The event benefits Care to Share a local helping organization that provides support to cancer fighters and their families.

The Care to Share group had a silent auction and bake sale at the pavilion at Riverfront Park.

 

Rollin’ Nostagalia Car Show was one of the many activities at the FortFest 23 on Sept. 30.
Max’s Axe House had a temporary place to demonstrate the sport.

 

Fort Scott, History

Flood of ’86 Remembered: Author John Freed at Hedgehog INK on Oct. 3

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John Freed. Submitted photo.

John Freed was a graphic arts and photography instructor at Fort Scott Community College in October 1986, when the levy on Mill Creek burst.

Mill Creek feeds into the Marmaton River in the current Riverfront Park area.

On October 3, 1986, after nearly 20 inches of rain in 3 days, the Marmaton River crested at 52.5 feet, breaking the previous record set in 1915, according to information on the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce website.

The Fort Scott Cattle Sales Company released 250 head of cattle from their pens, according to the website. These cattle swam in the water, and three ended up on the roof of a home in Belltown, the area east of the cattle sales company.

Three cattle released from the cattle sale barn escaped the flooding Marmaton River by swimming to the roof of this house. John Freed took this photo. From the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce website.

The area between the Marmaton River Bridge on North National Avenue and U.S. Highway 54 was covered with several feet of fast-moving water.

Freed started taking photos of the historic event on the afternoon of October 3.

This was the beginning of his publication of the book, which is mostly a photo album with stories and poems from residents about the historic event, entitled the ’86 Flood. We Booked It Just For You.

He sponsored a photo contest for the book and over 1,500 photos were submitted by community members.

The stories of the flood were from local Fort Scott students and a few adults.

“Kids wrote the stories,” Freed said. “The superintendent of the schools made it mandatory that elementary, middle, and high school kids had to write an article for the book. The Catholic school students contributed as well. Fort Scott Community College students sent a few articles.”

“A few Panamanian students attending FSCC saw a bunch of Kansas National Guard helicopters that brought flood victims to the college because it was higher ground,” he said. “They thought America was being invaded. They wrote some stories. Theirs are written in Spanish, translated by the college Spanish instructor.”

“I resigned from FSCC and started my print shop a short time after the flood,” he said.  The print shop was located on Main Street, in a space now occupied by Papa Don’s Pizza.

The book was a long-term project.

“I  designed it, put it together,” he said. “It took weeks and I had considerable help from volunteers,” Freed said.

Freed judged the photos, and local English teachers judged the stories, and prizes were awarded to students for their contributions to the book.

The book was published in 1987.

A page from the book. Submitted photo.

In commemoration of the flood stories, he is promoting the book again at an author’s event at Hedgehog INK Bookstore at 16 S. Main Street on Oct. 3 from 2-4 p.m. There will be copies of the book for sale for $8.95, the original cost of the book in 1987, the year it was published.

“I want to encourage people that wrote in the book, to come a get a copy, if they don’t have one,” Freed said.

Business, Fort Scott

New Boutique Comes to Downtown Fort Scott

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Ed Townley paints the front of the new store at 12 N. Main.

Susan Townley has been in the boutique business in the Overland Park and Olathe area near Kansas City for over five years.

Susan Townly works on displays in the family’s boutique, Be The Light at 12 N. Main.

She and her husband, Ed, own the former Country Cupboard Store at 12 N. Main, which they purchased from the Renard family.

They are been making the space their own since purchasing the building in December 2021 with sanding, painting, new lights, and some new carpet in areas. The antique wooden floors and ceiling tiles are features, along with some glass showcases.

Ed and Susan have done all the work themselves.

The name of the boutique is  Be The Light.

“The name Be The Light is based on suicide awareness and on the Bible verse Matthew 5:14-16 which states – 14 ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,'” Susan said.

Tyler Candles are featured at the store.

Her specialty is Tyler Candles, from Tyler, Texas, her hometown. But they also repurpose furniture and have lots of collectibles and vintage finds for sale.

“Going to Canton, Texas when young, the boutique world is not like anywhere else,” she said. “I wanted to bring it up here.”

A vignette displays some of the items for sale at the boutique.

“We see Fort Scott being a destination point, and believe the city is heading toward growth,” Susan said.

Seasonal items are for sale at the Be The Light Boutique.

“We’ve collected three to four years for this move,” she said. They will also sell seasonal items and a little clothing.

Some collectibles are for sale and can be viewed in antique showcases at the boutique.

“I’m from Texas and we make trips to Texas for markets looking for ideas and inspirations,” she said.

Some neon lights are for sale at the boutique.

Be The Light will have its’ grand opening on November 2.

Then they will be a part of the Fort Scott Holiday Open House Shopping Event on November 9-11.

Following the Christmas Parade on November 30, they will have a spot for children to visit Santa in the store.

That parade starts the Christmas on the Bricks event weekend, Dec. 1-2.

The boutique will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Townleys also own 11 N. Main, across the street,  that they have rented out.

Be The Light has a Facebook page and an Instagram page.

The phone number is 913.406.2998.

The logo of the business. Submitted graphic.

 

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

Local Health Center Offers Public Transportation in Bourbon County

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The CareVan is parked in front of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, at 2322 S. Main Submitted photo.
Since August, the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has offered CareVan, which provides transportation for all people in Bourbon County.
“We started rides the beginning of August taking a few people, then September our new driver completed training and we moved them to be Bourbon County only,” said Dee Yount, CareVan Program Manager, said.
They are storing the vehicle at  Fort Scott CHC clinic,  located at 2322 S. Main. The dispatch is in Pittsburg.
“Riders can go anyplace in the county, this is not a CHC-only service,” Yount said. “It is first-come-first-served,  and we take same-day appointments. Our dispatchers answer and take trips when people call in, we try to find a way for everyone to get a ride.”
“We are trying to cover the entire county, Fort Scott is the point that most rides are from,” she said.

Highlights of the service:

  • Anyone can use this service
  • Their rides can go anyplace in the county
  • Last minute scheduling is available
  • Dispatch answers all calls or returns them within 20 minutes
  • It is free
  • The service is wheelchair accessible.

 

Transportation hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with dispatch hours of Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Services are based on availability, including same-day scheduling.

To schedule an appointment call 833-228-7433.

The project is funded in part by the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Public Transit Program and the Federal Transit Administration.

Contact info:

Dee Yount Program Manager’s phone number is 620. 215. 9626 or email [email protected]

Dispatch is 833. 228. 7433

 

 

Fort Scott

Tanya Glessner: Fort Scott Author of The Light You Bring

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Submitted graphic.
Tanya Glessner is a mother, grandmother, wife, and a child of God, she said.
“I am passionate about giving a voice to those who are struggling and doing their best to overcome addiction and grief,” she said. “I love mentoring and connecting with people.”
Her first Christian Inspirational book was published last week entitled The Light You Bring.
“I decided to write about my life to help share how God is able to take what seems to be a hopeless situation and use it for His glory,” she said. “No one is too far gone to be saved.”
“I chose the title The Light You Bring because we all carry God within us,” she said. “Every act of kindness, every loving word is God’s light reaching out from within us into someone else.”
“I actually began writing this book in prison,” she said. “I started journaling while I was incarcerated and pulled from there. This has been a work in progress over the last 10 years.”
She has another book in the beginning stages.
“I am also putting together some other things to begin writing a new book after the first of the year and I will be reaching out to the public for their God stories to add to it when I begin,” she said. “I will make a public post asking people to email their stories after the first of the year on my The Light You Bring Facebook Page:
Fort Scott is mentioned on the back cover of the paperback edition of her book.
The back cover of Tanya Glessner’s new book, The Light You Bring. Submitted graphic.
To purchase her book:
Paperback:
Kindle:
Glessner retired from being a cosmetologist at the end of August.
“My husband and I wanted to make more time to focus on our coffee roasting company Crooked Cactus Coffee Co,” she said. “When he retires… we hope to open a little shop somewhere and sell our coffee. As of now we are roasting and selling from home.”
Bourbon County, Business

New Cleaning and Organizing Service: Rayma’s Clean Team

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Rayma Ridge is the owner of Rayma’s Clean Team. Submitted photo.
Rayma Ridge, 31, opened her new business, Rayma’s Clean Team LLC in June, 2023.
She provides the area between Bronson and Fort Scott with cleaning and organizing services
“Through discussion with other community members, I recognized the need for residential housekeeping services,” Ridge said. “I have been doing some form of housekeeping/ organizing for friends and family members since I was about 14 years old.”
This got her thinking.
“With many years of experience and having recognized the local demand, I decided to get my LLC and start my own business,” she said. “I began with a small amount of clientele, but I was blessed to fill my books quickly! I have the best clients!!”
Currently, she has one employee in training, she said.
Before and after cleaning of Rayma’s Clean Team. Submitted photos.
Contact info: phone: 620-224-6839
Like/ follow on Facebook, where Ridge includes highlights of some of her favorite cleaning products.
She is located in Uniontown.
Before and after cleaning by Rayma’s Clean Team. Submitted photos.
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food

Blues Music Weekend Planned Sept. 29-30 in Fort Scott

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Organizers have planned a fun weekend the last few days of September, called FortFest 23, which is free and open to all.

The events kick off Friday night September 29 with a street dance in front of Sharky’s Pub and Grub at 16 North National Ave. in Fort Scott.

“The dance features two live bands, starting with Danny Brown and the Bourbon County Revival at 7 p.m., and then Left of Center featuring local artist Lori Hixon at 9 p.m.,” said event organizer and Care to Share supporter Cory Bryars.

Saturday’s events are in the north portion of Riverfront Park on National Avenue just north of downtown Fort Scott, he said.

The FortFest features Blues music.

“This is the second annual FortFest, and we intend on having bigger and better FortFest for years to come,” he said. “FortFest23 features four high-quality regionally and nationally acclaimed Blues bands, each with a different style and sound. For people unfamiliar with the Blues or who think it is a single type of slow depressing music, they have only heard a sliver of what the Blues is all about.”

The audience from a prior FortFest. Submitted photo.

“Dozens of the approximately 500 people who came to the first FortFest left saying ‘Wow—I didn’t know that was the Blues’ and have been talking about it ever since,” Bryars said. “Famous Blues Musician Willie Dixon said ‘The Blues is the roots, the rest is the fruits.’  SOOOO true. From country to rock and countless iterations in between, the Blues is at the core of most of the music America and much of the rest of the world loves.”

“Care to Share hosts FortFest with the financial support of dozens of businesses and individuals from throughout Bourbon, Crawford, and Linn Counties, and beyond,” Bryars said. The Care to Share FortFest23 Planning and GET-IT-DONE Committee include:
Teresa”TD” Davenport, Lavetta Simmons, Kathy Clark, Leah Lewis, Tammy Miller, Bobbi Kemna, Joyce Nickelson, Sidney Zimmerman, and  Bryars.

“The City of Fort Scott is a generous supporter, and we will list all those who contributed in flyers at the festival, on Facebook, and in a follow-up thank you in various outlets,” he said. “Support those who Support Care to Share!”

The Blues musicians for Saturday, September 30 from 1 to 9 p.m. are:

1 p.m.- Howard Mahan Band. “Originally from Fredonia and now in Lawrence/KC—he has quite the interesting bio–#1 in his KU Law Class, scratch golfer, killer musician,” Bryars said.

3 p.m.- Sister Lucille, Springfield MO. “Tons of news on them online and recently at or near the top of Billboard’s National Blues rankings,” he said.

5 p.m.-The Arkansas Brothers, Jonesboro Arkansas. “Down-home classic Blues with a great harmonica and killer guitars. You might just hear some old country like Hank William Sr from these guys too. The Arkansas Bros could walk around Fort Scott and everyone would think they were from here,” he said.

7 p.m.- Divas on Fire, Fayetteville/NW Arkansas.”A group of powerful women with amazing vocals and harmonies and top-tier supporting musicians. They will have seven or even more band members wrapping up FortFest 23 with a sure-to-be-memorable performance. They will feature artists like Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and Donna Summer as well good old hard-driving Blues and harmonies sure to please almost everyone.”

Other happenings that evening:

  • Car Show at noon from Rollin’ Nostalgia Car Club, Frontenac, and “anyone who wants to display their car is welcome,” he said.
  • Over 30 fine arts and crafts vendors start at noon.
  • A non-sanctioned BackYard BBQ Ribs Contest open to all comers—details on Facebook.
  • Varied food and drinks are available—Care to Share Bake Sale, smash burgers, walking tacos, pulled pork, pizza, funnel cakes, ice cream, sno-cones, and more.
  •  Kids fair from noon to 6 p.m. hosted by Pittsburg State’s Care to Share Student Support Group—face painting, games for all ages
  • Corn hole tournament

Parking for the event: Twister Trailer across from Riverfront Park, along both sides of Maple Road as it heads east of National Avenue, and the Park Loop Road just south of the red bridge on National Avenue.

 

Parking is free and just a short walk to the event, and there will be shuttles running throughout the day, he said.

 

“Food and drink are charged by the individual vendors, and some of the events have a small participant fee, such as the corn hole tournament, BBQ contest, and car show,” he said. “In years past, there were small charges for some of the kid activities—more details on everything will be on Facebook.  A portion of the fees will go into a prize pool for winners of the events, and a portion will go to Care to Share.”

People should bring chairs/or blankets to enjoy the events, bug spray, dancing shoes, and don’t forget a donation to Care to Share, he said.

The purpose of FortFest is to “build awareness of Care to Share, thank our communities, create energy in our communities, and raise funds for Care to Share to support cancer fighters in our communities,” he said.

Submitted photo.

See all the details and more info as it is released at https://www.facebook.com/events/133991339635397

Care to Share is a southeast Kansas cancer support group that is 100% volunteer and community-funded.

They want to thank the communities they serve for the financial and emotional support of their daily mission to provide emotional and financial support to cancer fighters, he said

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Jobs

Home Clean Home Adds More Employees

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Casey Bradbury, owner of Home Clean Home. Submitted photos.

Casey Bradbury, founder/owner of Home Clean Home, started her cleaning business  over five years ago

“For the first few years family and friends would step in and help me when needed,” Bradbury said.

Last year she started adding more employees.

“Chelsea Davied has been with me for a year now. Kiley Foster and Jessica Colopy started about 2 months ago,” Bradbury said.
Home Clean Home offers both residential and commercial cleaning.

The business services all of Bourbon County as well as Nevada, Missouri, and surrounding areas.

Cleaning services are also provided to the southern suburbs of Kansas City upon availability.

“The best thing about my job is knowing that we can impact families’ lives in a positive manner,” she said. “Our goal is to provide extra peace of mind at the end of your day!”
“One challenge I face, that I like to view as more of a positive, is potential scheduling conflicts,” she said. “We work hard to build trusting relationships with our clients to better navigate these scenarios when they arise.”

 

Chelsea David and family. Submitted photo
Kiley Foster and family. Submitted photo.
Jessica Colopy and family. Submitted photo.

The business can be found on Facebook at HomeCleanHomeBB, Instagram at homecleanhome_cleaningservice, and her number is 620.644.2534.

“Please contact us with any inquiries that you may have,” she said.

Casey Bradbury and her family. 2023

Church news, Fort Scott, Jobs

New Methodist Church Administrative Executive: Kristin Bishop

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Submitted photo. Kristin Bishop

Kristin Bishop, 43, is the new First United Methodist Church Administrative Executive.

“My new role is a combination things – covering duties typical of office manager, treasurer, membership, and volunteer coordination – a little bit of everything to help the congregation live out our mission to know, grow in, serve, and share Christ,” she said.

First United Methodist Church at Third Street and National Avenue,

Bishop is a 1998 Graduate of Fort Scott High School, a 2000 graduate of Fort Scott Community College, and a 2003 Pittsburg State University graduate with a bachelor’s of science in Family and Consumer Sciences.

She has worked at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, New Generation Child Care and Preschool, BIDS & DIBS, USD 234, USD 235, and Big Sugar Lumber.

Her new job is a joy.

“I enjoy working in this environment,” she said.  “The church, the sermons, and interacting with church members and community volunteers. It is a peaceful and productive place to be.”

“It is a blessing to work in this beautiful church building,” Bishop said. “I love the way the light shines through the stained glass windows and the intricate details that went into the design of this church a century and a half ago.”

“I find Pastor Christopher’s Sunday morning sermons to be engaging and thought-provoking,” she said. “There is always a takeaway from the sermon and a melody from the beautiful music to begin each week. I also enjoy working with members of the church and community volunteers alike. They walk into the church with kindness in their hearts and a mission in mind. They selflessly share their gifts, talents, and time. It’s inspiring!”

Kristin is married to Will Bishop, and they have two sons Winston (7) and Linden (6).

She enjoys reading, road trips, good coffee, and conversation in her spare time.

About The Church

 Christopher Eshelman is the pastor of First United Methodist Church, Pat Harry is the organist and choir director, Sara Schnichels is the nursery coordinator, and Robert Wilson is the custodian.
Sunday school groups meet at 9:30 a.m. and Worship is at 10:30 a.m.
The church’s annual  Christmas Candlelight Service will feature communion and real candles again this year, at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

 

Outreach ministries of First United Methodist:
  •  Feeding Families in His Name is a free weekly meal that averages about 500 served a week, with help from other churches.
  • They provide water bottles available for homeless folks, supplied by a resident.
  • There is a Shepherd’s Center program to help encourage friendship and lifelong learning among older adults that features a variety of speakers: The 2024 schedule is coming soon!
  • Community events such as the Chuck Crain concert coming up on October 8th at 6 pm.
  • Trunk or Treat for Halloween
  • First Annual Nativity Festival, with displays of Nativities and Creche from around the world on Dec 1st and 2nd,
  • The church hosts community meetings for K-State Extension, Pioneer Kiwanis, various sewing groups, a support group for Grieving Mothers starting later this month, and CORE Community beginning in November.
  • Beginning the last Friday of October, the church will offer a soup lunch for freewill donations as a fundraiser.
For more information view its Facebook page or website www.firstumcfortscott.org!

Contact Information: info@firstumc.fortscott.org

Bourbon County, Church news, Food

Blessing Closet Open at Uniontown Baptist Church

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First Missionary Baptist Church of Uniontown is located at the intersection of Maple Road and Hwy. 3 at 100 Fifth Street.
The Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC)has started a new service to their community.
“FMBC is a generous supporter of missions and we strive to
find opportunities to assist those in our community and beyond,” said Mission Board Chairwoman Marci Williams. “Hebrews 13:16 says ‘And do not forget to do good and share  with others, for which sacrifices God is pleased.’ The  current food pantry (was) located inside the church and (was) open one evening per month and by appointment.”
The church realized this was not convenient for everyone.
Beginning on September 15, the outside pantry, named the Blessing Closet, is available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

The Blessing Closet is located in the alley on the east side of the church at 100 Fifth Street, Uniontown, behind this white door.
“This will be located on the east side of the church in the alley and can be accessed from an outside entrance anytime night or day.  We are hopeful this will benefit our community and increase our outreach efforts,” Williams said.
The church is located at 100 Fifth Street (also known as Maple Road in the county) at the intersection with Hwy. 3 on the town’s west side.
Food products such as canned goods, and boxed mixes (cake, Hamburger and Tuna Helper, etc.) will be in the closet.
In addition, the church believes there is a need to put personal care items in the Blessing Closet.
The contents of the Blessing Closet.
Personal care items such as deodorant, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, brushes, toilet paper, paper towels, soap, washcloths, and some laundry products.
“Motion lights will be located both inside and outside the closet for those who visit after dark,” she said.
The Blessing Closet is funded by our church through monthly offerings,” she said. “Many in our church have brought this project to completion.”
“Anyone in the area is welcome to utilize the Blessing Closet,” she said. “If  additional assistance is needed, please contact FMBC at 620-224-7438.”
The banner can be seen on Maple Road on the north side of the church.