All posts by Loretta George

Fort Scott’s Price Chopper To Open Dec. 13 According To CFO

The cover sheet for the Price Chopper Fort Scott plans.

Citing “unforeseen issues” at the delayed store opening, Dennis Riley, Chief Financial Officer of Price Chopper, said the new grocery store will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, December 13, not December 6.

“Barring any other unforeseen issues, we will open Dec. 13,” Riley said. “We wish it would have been sooner… Everything will be open and operating and ready for the citizens of Fort Scott .”

“Late August is when demolition began,” Riley said. “It’s been a top to bottom remodel and a relocation of the flow of the store.”

The store is similar to the Price Chopper in Paola, Riley said.

“We have a heavy emphasis on fresh foods,” he said. “We are proud of our meat department and our produce department.”

There will be a cut fruit and salad bar where people can dine in, Riley said.

The Dunkin’ Donuts area has a drive-up window feature.

Price Chopper Fort Scott currently has 120 employees and is located at 2322 S. Main Street on the city’s south side.

The site was formerly Woods Supermarket.

Barry Queen is the owner of the store and has family ties to the Fort Scott area, Riley said.

 

Where Is Winnie?

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant Allison Turvey holds Winnie the elf. ” Where is Winnie” is a promotion for local businesses.

Winnie the elf works for the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

Her job is to encourage people to shop in Fort Scott.

“Where is Winnie” is the Facebook page where you can learn more about her.

“The goal is to get people to shop local businesses,” Allison Turvey, administrative assistant at the Chamber said.

Turvey “escorts” Winnie to one of the Chamber member’s businesses and places her there.

A photo clue is given on the  Chamber Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/196009193830966

Participants can win a chance to enter a drawing for $100 in Chamber Bucks.

There are two ways to win a chance.

The first is to guess where Winnie is at and post the answer on Facebook.

The second way is to shop at the store Winnie visits then take a photo of your receipt and post it to the discussion board of the “Where Is Winnie” Facebook event page.

All receipts must come from shops where Winnie visited and be posted by December 15.

Each is one entry into the drawing for the $100 Chamber Bucks prize. The bucks can be spent at any of the 55 Chamber businesses.

Anyone unable to upload their receipt photos to Facebook may bring their receipts to the Chamber office, 231 E. Wall.

For more information, contact Turvey at 620-223-3566.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For Dec. 5

The Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue.

The Bourbon County Commission Room meets on the 2nd Floor of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays.

Today, December 5, 2017, the agenda is:

9-9:45 a.m.-Jim Harris

9 a.m.-Motor Grader Bid Opening

9:30 a.m.-Open Bank Bids for 2018 Mac Dump Truck

9:45-10:15 a.m.-Commissioners consider and take action on any and all questions or issues which may arise regarding the law enforcement project.

10:15-10:30 a.m.-  Bill Martin

10:30-10:45 a.m.-KCAMP and Cereal Malt Beverages Licenses

10:45-11 a.m.-2018 Wages

11:00-11:15 a.m.-Justin Meeks

11:30-11:45 a.m.-Clint Anderson

Commissioners will be gone by noon.

1st District Commissioner is Lynne Oharah,2nd District-Jeff Fischer, 3rd District-Nick Ruhl, County Clerk-Kendell Mason.

 

 

HPA’s Annual Fundraising Event Concludes

To help meet the Historic  Preservation Association of Bourbon County’s goal to save historic buildings in Fort Scott, money has been raised since 1980 in their annual Homes for the Holidays tour. This year in addition to four homes showcased and a shopping event offered, a quilt show was added along with a Christmas tree contest.

 

This year, the Ed and Christine Lundberg home on Friday evening was the first part of the HPA’s tour, called Moonlight and Mistletoe. The home was built in 1970s contemporary style. Guests were limited to 100 and appetizers were served.

The doorman greets visitors at the Lundberg home on Lees Circle Drive Friday evening.
Deb Martin takes a photo of Carl Repp, Dande Lyon Vredenburg, Christine and Ed Lundberg at the Moonlight and Mistletoe Event.
Jeff and Vera Norris get a tour of the Ed and Christine Lundberg home.
Crystal Mason, Elaine Kirby, and Bernita Hill share a conversation during Moonlight and Mistletoe evening Friday.
Piles of food were provided by the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County at the Lundberg home.

The Stocking Stuffer shopping event was held Saturday and Sunday at Fort Scott Middle School also as part of  Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County’s fundraising.

Mercy Hospital Auxilary volunteers work a booth at the Stocking Stuffer.
Shoppers pick out gifts at a booth during the Stocking Stuffer at Fort Scott Middle School Saturday morning.

Three Homes for the Holiday were decorated for the tour.

The Nate and Bailey Lyons home at 919  Burke was built nearly 100 years ago by Charles Gunn and completed renovated into a contemporary family home by the Lyons.

The completely remodeled kitchen of the Lyons home.
The living room, which was completely renovated in the Lyons home.

The Bob and Terri Taylor home at 315 Holbrook was built in the 1880s in the Victorian style.

Visitors admire the front room of the Taylor home Saturday morning during the tour.
A hostess tells of the home’s history during the tour.

The Shiney Studio, 2nd Street and National Avenue, is the former St. Andrews Episcopal Church.

DandeLyon Vredenburg greets visitors to the Shiney Studio in costume as Cindy Lou Who.
Visitors were given tours of the Shiney Studio which included the private home of DandeLyon Vredenburg along with other businesses.

The Presbyterian Village Christmas Tree Contest was part of the Homes for the Holiday tour for the first time this year. The village is an assisted living facility.

Pictured are some of the trees that were stationed around the assisted living facility at 2401 S. Horton.

 

A quilt show was a feature of the Homes for the Holidays tour for 2017, which was located in the Beaux Arts Center, north of the Fort Scott Post Office.

Denise Duncan stands before a few of the quilts that were part of the quilt show. The Duncan’s own the Beaux Arts Center.
Some of the quilts that were displayed as part of the Homes for the Holidays tour.

 

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site Candlelight Tour

A visitor catches the full moon over the fort on his cell phone during the candlelight tour Saturday evening.

Fort Scott National Historic Site celebrated its 175th anniversary by presenting the 36th annual Candlelight Tour Friday and Saturday evenings.

The theme for this year’s candlelight tour: “Happiness Amid Hardship.”

The tour featured five scenes from the 1840s at Fort Scott, the years that it was an active frontier military fort.

Traditionally, the site’s candlelight tour has been “ghosted,” meaning that the reenactors in the scene do not interact with or even recognize the people on the tour.

This year, the staff encouraged some audience participation in most of the scenes, which made the scenes fun and engaging.

The full moon as a backdrop to the tour added to the ambiance of the evening. Temperatures in the 50s added to the enjoyment as well.

Visitors get information from Park Guide Tiffany on the scene that is about to be portrayed on the Fort Scott National Historic Site Candlelight Tour Saturday evening.
Visitors are invited to join in dancing at the dragoon barracks in this scene.
Enlisted men are treated gruffly in this scene.
There is a discussion of reasons why soldiers are going to become Oregon pioneers in this scene at the sutler building.
Men enjoy visiting during this scene at the fort’s store.
Visitors participated in an evening social at the officers’ quarters, amidst gossiping and matchmaking activities in this scene.
There was singing of Christmas carols led by Ralph Carlson and also refreshments offered in the Grand Hall at the end of the tour.

Christmas In The Park

A sneak preview of Gunn Park before the first viewing Friday evening showed some of the hard work that had been put into Christmas in the Park, a community holiday event.

Diana Mitchell and Tom Robertson work on last minute details Friday evening before the first showing of Christmas in the Park in Gunn Park.
The big rock shelter house at Gunn Park is lit by Christmas lights Friday evening as part of Christmas in the Park.
The small rock pavilion on a hill in Gunn Park is decorated with lights for Christmas in the Park.
The nativity scene is lit in preparation for the Bethel Community Church Live Nativity.
Fort Scott Recreation Department decorated a shelter house in Gunn Park for Christmas in the Park.
The big rock shelter house was decorated for Christmas in the Park by Niece Products of Kansas.

Fort Scott Commission Agenda And Minutes

AGENDA  FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION FORT SCOTT CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM 123 SOUTH MAIN DECEMBER 5, 2017, 4 P.M.

  1. ROLL CALL:

ADAMS BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

  1. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle

  1. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Introduction of new employee
  2. CONSENT AGENDA:
  3. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 21st, 2017.
  4. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1204-A totaling $319,308.23.

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:
  2. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)
  3. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: 4:15 p.m. – Vacation of Street/Alley – 18 feet of the alley between Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12, Block 14, South Side Park Addition lying between the South line of 19th Street to the North line of 20th Street between Crawford and Eddy Streets AND the 60’ street of Crawford Street lying between 19th and 20th Street adjacent on the West of Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12, Block 14, Southside Park Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas and lying adjacent on the East of Lots 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, & 11, Block 13, Southside Park Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas – Approval of Ordinance No. 3521

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit to operate a private

secondary school at 1950 Indian Road

  1. Consideration of change of zoning from C-2 (Restricted Commercial) to I-2 (Heavy Industrial) for the property known as

AGENDA FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION FORT SCOTT CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM 123 SOUTH MAIN DECEMBER 5, 2017 4:00 P.M. the vacant land south of 2500 Liberty Bell Road – Approval of Ordinance No. 3522

  1. Consideration of change of zoning from C-2 (Restricted Commercial) to I-2 (Heavy Industrial) for the property known as the land south of 2503 South Main – Approval of Ordinance No. 3523
  2. Consideration of change of zoning from R-2 (Residential Zoned) to C-2 (Commercial) for the property known as the northwest corner of 19th and Crawford – Approval of Ordinance No. 3524
  3. Consideration of Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3525
  4. Consideration of Wastewater Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3526
  5. Consideration of Stormwater Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3527
  6. Rejection of Woodland Hills Golf Cart Shed Bids
  7. Consideration to set Budget Amendment date

10.Consideration of the Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas amending the project plan and development agreement regarding the 2322 S. Main Redevelopment District within the City. Approval of Ordinance No. 3528, Project Plan and Development Agreement

11.Consideration of three year contract with KCAMP for Member

Contribution Credit and Rate Stabilization Program

12.Consideration of Proposed Salary Ordinance No. 3529

  1. COMMENTS:
  2. Director Updates:
  3. Commission:
  4. City Attorney:
  5. Director of Finance:
  6. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

AGENDA FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION FORT SCOTT CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM 123 SOUTH MAIN DECEMBER 5, 2017 4:00 P.M. SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO (see below justification) DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency
  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
  1. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21

CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 21st, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL: Commissioners Bartelsmeyer, Nichols and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding. Commissioner Adams was absent.

INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Martin, Children’s Minister, Community Christian Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the city and all government officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Rachel Pruitt, Deb Needleman, Cheryl Adamson, Chad Brown, Bill Lemke, Daryl Parker, Barbara Ritter, Bryan Ritter, Jody Hoener, Roy Hoener, Paul Martin, Clayton Miller, Michael Mix, Rhonda Dunn, Jessica Schenkel, Cory Schenkel, Justin Dye, Blake Sloup, Margo Stockert, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 7th, 2017.
  2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1203-A totaling $191,896.81.
  3. Christmas Parade Permit Form- December 5th, 2017.

Nichols moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None
  2. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Approval of updated Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention – Ordinance No. 3520 – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that the current ordinance regarding cross connection and backflow prevention was adopted in 1992. This ordinance prohibits the cross connection between the public water supply and any other water or substance of questionable or unknown quality or any substance which would degrade the public water supply and to provide for maintenance of a continuing effecting cross control program. Over the years, the City has updated their codes, but this ordinance has never been updated. He thanked Bill Lemke for his hard work with this ordinance.

Bartlesmeyer moved to approve Ordinance No. 3520 providing for Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3520 REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3048 AND REPLACING WITH ORDINANCE NO 3520 REGARDING CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION AND PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES THEREOF.

  1. Adoption of PedNet Coalition – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Plan – Jody Hoener, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, informed the Commission that a public unveiling of the plan was held last Tuesday. The purpose is to adopt a non-motorized transportation plan which will help address barriers towards a healthier community and provide more access to transportation options and healthy food choices. The plan is broken out into four sections: Trails; Bike Infrastructure; Crosswalks and Signage; and Sidewalks. The total budget for this plan is over $4,000,000. These projects will be focused on one at a time and take many years to complete. She asked the City Commission to formally adopt the Master Non-Motorized Transportation Plan for the City of Fort Scott.

City Manager said that this plan will eventually incorporate into the City’s Comprehensive Plan and can be referred to when projects are looked at.

Nichols moved to approve the adoption of the Master Non- Motorized Transportation Plan for the City. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE ADOPTION OF THE MASTER NON- MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT.

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt – Rachel introduced two guests that were present at the meeting from Sol Purpose. Blake Sloup and Justin Dye were present and gave an update on their company. They recently finished up a solar renewable energy project at Sharky’s where they installed solar plates at the roof of their building and also installed energy efficiency upgrades. They have saved the company approximately $1,600 in energy costs already. They said they would be willing to visit with any commercial business or residential household that is interested in solar renewable energy.

Rachel also introduced Brian and Barbara Ritter with the Boiler Room Brewhaus who had just received their State licensing to open up the brewery at 102 S. National. They plan to have an open house on January 6th, 2018 and invited all to attend.

  1. City Commission:

Adams – Not present.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Parker – Nothing to report.

Nichols – Nothing to report.

Mitchell – Shared a flyer with the Commission that she received at the Fort Scott Public Library Board meeting showing all the benefits they offer.

  1. City Attorney: Nothing to report.
  2. Director of Finance: Nothing to report.
  3. City Manager:
  4. Bridal Veil/2nd Street Park – City Manager said that there is a group that is looking at this park and will come to the City with a proposal in the near future. It was removed from the agenda due to this fact.
  5. Employee Christmas bonus – City Manager asked the Commission if they would consider giving the Christmas bonus to City employees again this year with the exception of the City Attorney and himself. He recommended $100.00 to full time employees, $50.00 to regular part time employees and $25.00 for part time employees.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Christmas bonus. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21

APPROVED THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BONUS OF $100.00 FOR ALL FULL TIME EMPLOYEES, $50.00 FOR REGULAR PART TIME EMPLOYEES AND $25.00 FOR PART TIME EMPLOYEES. THIS BONUS WILL EXCLUDE DAVE MARTIN, CITY MANAGER, AND BOB FARMER, CITY ATTORNEY.

  1. City Christmas Party – City Manager reminded the Commission the City Employee Christmas party is December 12th, 2017 at Buck Run Community Center at 6:00 p.m.
  2. Next City Commission meeting – City Manager reminded the Commission that the next Commission meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m. on December 5th, 2017 due to the Christmas parade.
  3. City Manager wished all a Happy Thanksgiving! He is excited about

all that is happening in our community.

ADJOURNMENT:

Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:35 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on December 5th, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________ DIANE K. CLAY CITY CLERK

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Beacon Still Has Older Children In Need of Christmas Presents

Sue Emmons, executive director of The Beacon.

The Beacon is a helping agency that during the Christmas season is the go-through agency for Adopt-A-Child.

This program helps provide Christmas presents to families with children up to fifth-grade age.

Currently, all families have been adopted, but “I have a few families that have older children that need presents,” Sue Emmons, executive director of the Beacon said. “Several grandparents on fixed incomes are raising grandchildren.”

For the Christmas Adopt-A-Child, sponsors are asked to choose only one clothing item and/or one gift item for each child, with a $30 per child limit.

Stated needs are asked to be purchased before toys.

The gifts are asked to be gift wrapped and tagged with the child’s first name and family member and delivered to Community Christian Church, 1919 Horton, not later than December 18, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“We also handle the Elks Christmas Food Basket,” Emmons said. “It’s a generous Christmas basket they deliver.”

For more information contact Emmons at 620-223-6869 during office hours 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

As a helping agency, the Beacon follows these guidelines:

Food Assistance Guidelines

 

 

Christmas Decorations On Burke Street

Story idea submitted by Jana Walker, who provided the photos.

Bob Lemons leads neighborhood children in painting candy canes that he created to display in yards. From left:  Ella Walker, Olivia Walker, Grace Walker, Annabelle Gorman, Johnny Kerr, Owen Smith, Bob Lemons, Gianna Gorman, Audrey Walker.

Candy canes, bows, bells… these are all symbols that bring to mind the Christmas season.

The Burke Street neighborhood in Fort Scott created candy canes as yard decorations this month using these symbols of Christmas.

“We started talking about it at the annual 4th of July picnic,” Jana Walker, said. The Burke Street residents have an annual 4th of July parade, and with a picnic following.

It was at the picnic that the neighborhood decided to do Christmas decorations. Burke Street resident Sara Ellis recommended a candy cane lane, said Jana Walker.

“We are trying to build a community with each other,” Jana Walker said. “We wanted to include the children.”

Walker said she would like to encourage other neighborhoods do projects together because it helps people get to know each other.

“It’s fun getting to know the neighborhood,” Bob Lemons said of the project.

Lemons was the carpenter on the project and spearheaded the children painting the candy canes.

“Shane (Jana’s husband) knew that Bob had done carpentry work,” Jana said.

In October, the Walkers then went door-to-door in the neighborhood seeking input about the Christmas candy cane yard decorating project.

“They supplied the materials,” Lemons said. “I cut them out.”

“They needed a place to paint, so I offered my garage,” he said.

Just before Thanksgiving, when the neighborhood children were out of school, the painting portion of the candy cane project got started in the Lemons garage.

From left: Ella Walker, Olivia Walker, Grace Walker and Annabelle Gorman paint candy canes in Bob Lemons garage.
From left: Owen Smith, Gianna Gorman and Audrey Walker paint candy canes during Thanksgiving break.

“He volunteered to cut them out and directed the children in painting them white,” Jana Walker noted. “He then finished painting the red stripes.”

Then bows and bells were attached along with the hardware to allow them to stay in the ground.

One of the candy canes that were a community project on Burke Street.

On Monday, Betty and Bob Lemons, went down the neighborhood street, putting the candy canes on display in the yards, after getting permission from each family.

Candy canes are posted in yards of residents on Burke Street. The decorations are a community project of the people who live on the street.

About 12-14  children off-and-on helped with the project, Lemons said.

“We’ve just lived here three years, it’s a great way to get to know the neighbors,” Lemons said.

 

 

Volunteer Bell Ringers Needed

Allen Schellack, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Outreach Center, shows the bell and bucket needed to volunteer for the Salvation Army fundraising campaign.

It’s that time of year again!

The Salvation Army needs volunteers to ring bells in their annual fundraising campaign.

Allen Schellack, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries(FSCM), is seeking bell ringers in partnership with the Salvation Army.

The hours and days are flexible, he said.

Individuals, families, churches, and community service organizations are encouraged to call 620-223-2212 to set up a time to serve.

All donations stay in Bourbon County, he said.

This year $4,134.47 is assistance was provided to local families.

FSCM is the designated Salvation Army Disaster Relief and Services Extension Unit for Bourbon County. Through the partnership the following services are provided:

  • disaster relief,
  • rental and utility assistance,
  • prescriptions (no narcotics),
  • temporary lodging,
  • gasoline for work or doctor,
  • vision help(eyeglasses),
  • Salvation Army Kids Camp,
  • and other unspecified needs are on a case by case basis.

In addition, FSCM is a volunteer organization that provided these services in 2016-17:

  • fire disaster packs,
  • homeless/transition assist packs,
  • Christmas presents for teens,
  • school supplies for middle and high school students.
Fort Scott Compassionate Care Ministries is located on the second floor at 26 N. Main. Pass through the Senior Citizens Center to get there.