Courtesy photos of the 2016 2nd Story Festival of Arts and Ideas by Lindsay Madison.
What started as a group composed of artists and city officials in 2015 has grown each year into an art festival that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.
This year the 2nd Story Festival of Arts and Ideas will be April 27-29.
All the events are located in or near the downtown area.
“Our inaugural festival in 2016 was held mostly in a couple of locations,” Jared Witt, spokesman for the group said. “This year we have expanded our offerings and events and so have utilized multiple spaces in the downtown area. The festival schedule lists where each event will be held.”
Anyone in the community, child and adult alike, who would enjoy expressing themselves creatively is welcome to come, he said.
For children artists the following activities are provided by Breann Martin and Laura Agee:
2nd Story Young Artist Visual Arts Show is for Kindergarten through 12th Grade.
“We currently have 64 participants, from schools in Nevada, Fort Scott, Uniontown, and Girard,” Breann Martin said.
The artwork will be displayed at Common Ground,116 South Main on April 27-28 during business hours.
Winners will be announced at 2nd Story Arts Festival Finale, which is Saturday, April 28, 6:30 pm at Nate’s Place.
Art Workshops for Young People are as follows:
9:30-10:20 a.m. Saturday – Oogly Monsters with Myrna Minnis: Unique and personalized clay creatures will be a make and take for $5 per person for ages 6-11and is limited to 20 people.
10:30-11:20 a.m. Saturday – Oogly Monsters with Myrna Minnis: Unique and personalized clay creatures ($5pp): Ages 12-18: limited to 20 people.
Myrna Minnis, a.k.a. “the oogly lady” is passionate about working with people and clay, according to information provided by Martin.
In 1989, she created the OOGLY kit as a simple tool to help students and adults transform feelings into a form using non-hardening clay.
In Myrna’s workshops, students learn to create a basic oogly, then Myrna gives them free reign to embellish and customize their very own unique oogly creature.
Myrna loves to watch people’s faces light up when they get their hands on clay. Myrna comes from the Overland Park area and is well known by many Fort Scott residents for her famous one-of-a-kind witches.
12:30-1:20 p.m. Saturday: On the Fence with Allison Dey: stitching with metals and fabrics is another make-it and take-it event for $5 per person for ages 6-18 with a limit of 20 children.
Allison Dey is a modern day fiber artist, according to information provided by Martin.
Her sewing designs and embroidery patterns have been featured in magazines in the U.S. and Australia.
Allison’s artwork is inspired by found objects combined with her love for needle and thread.
In her workshop, students will bring old time skills together with unusual materials by cross stitching fabric strips onto a grid of fencing material to create a piece of mixed media textile art that fuses modern with traditional.
All workshops will be held in the event room at the Fort Scott Public Library, 201 South National.
These workshops are geared toward young artists ages 6-18.
“Thanks to a grant we received from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation we were able to include activities for young artists in this year’s Art Festival,” Martin said. “Our hope is to inspire young artists to create, give them a platform to display their artwork and expand their artistic skills. “
The festival as a whole is to encourage the importance of arts and innovation for the community and economic development, Witt said.
The goals of the festival are to promote Fort Scott as a place where creative people and creative businesses want to be located, Witt said. ” So that means we want to encourage creativity among those already here. But it also means that we want to persuade artists and entrepreneurs to consider relocating here.”
The keynote speaker is Marc Willson, who will be speaking at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Empress Event Center.
“From 9:00 to 10:30 Mr. Willson will present a workshop on Art as a Business,” according to Charles Gentry, a festival committee member. “This address targets professional and amateur artists with practical business advice to grow an art related business.
Private 15-minute sessions with Willson will be offered between 11 a.m. and noon, focusing on any specific questions and issues.
2 to 3:30 p.m. Willson will on Creative Placemaking.
“This will explore the following: Does Fort Scott have an interest in incubating, nurturing and expanding artistic businesses in our town?” Gentry said. ” How could this best be accomplished? Are there places which have successfully developed artistic activity and what can we learn from them?”
Retail business owners and artists can signup for a Willson half-hour onsite visit between 4 to 6 p.m. for ideas on display, marketing, and promotional setup.
“Marc Willson is an entrepreneur and nationally known speaker, who presents programs on art, business and community involvement,” Gentry said.
All sessions and consultations are free of charge.
Here is the festival schedule:
Schedule of Events Friday 2-4pmArt of Brewing, Tour and Tastingof Beer Flight $10 per person (must be over 21, ID required), non-alcoholic
tour & tasting $5 per person. 3-4: 30 pm Trolley Tour of Public Art in Fort Scott ($8pp), leaves from the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St. – limited to 22 people.
7 pm ImprovComedyat Common Ground Coffee Co. 116 S. Main, $5 suggested donation. Join for a night of laughs as the Fort Scott High School Thespian Improv Troupe performs comedy sketches created on the spot using audience suggestions.
Saturday 9-10: 30 am Trolley Tour of Public Art in Fort Scott, $8pp, leaves from the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St. – limited to 22 people.
9-11am Mimosas and Painting Workshop with Brittany Morris, Boiler Room Brewhaus, 102 S. National Ave. -south back entrance, $30pp, includes one beverage – limited to 25 people south back entrance, $30pp, includes one beverage – limited to 25 people.
9 am Enameling w/Kris Bohanon, First Presbyterian Church Zimmerman Hall, 308 S. Crawford$, 25pp – limited to 10 people.
9-10: 30 am Comedy Improv – Improvised Theatre Techniques And Games – FSHS Thespians and Director Angie Bin will provide a 1.5-hour class. Have fun getting an introduction to creating comedic theatre on the fly! No experience necessary, Sleep Inn Conference Room. This is FREE but donations are welcome to FSHS Thespians.
9-10: 30 am “Art as a Business” by Marc Willson, Empress Event Center, FREE.
The Hair Bow Company gives a tour to attendees of the 2016 Festival of Arts and Ideas. Courtesy of Lindsay Madison.
9 am Block Printing workshop with Ripp Harrison, Papa Don’s Celebration Room, 10 N. Main St., $15pp -limited to 15 people
9:30 am Art Workshops for Young People Ages 6-11, FS Public Library. Oogly Monsters with Clay with Myrna Minnis: unique and personalized clay creatures,$5pp – limited to20 people
10 am Scratchboard with Chris Woods, Lowell Milken Center, 1 S. Main St., $25pp – limited to 15 people
10 am Literary Workshop: Writing and Publishing Children’s Literature with Lori Baker Martin, Common
Ground Coffee Co., FREE
10:30 am Art Workshops for Young People Ages 12-18, FS Public Library Oogly Monsters with Clay with Myrna Minnis: unique & personalized clay creatures, $5pp – limited to 20 people
11 am Block Printing workshop with Ripp Harrison, Papa Don’s Celebration Room, 10 N. Main St., $15pp -limited to 15 people
11:30 amLiterary Workshop: Writing for Tabletop RPG’s (Role Playing Games) with Bartholomew Kick, Common Ground Coffee Co., FREE
12:30 am Art Workshops for Young People Ages 6-18, FS Public Library. On the Fence: Stitching with Metals & Fabric w/Allison Dey, $5pp – limited to 20 people
1 pm Enameling with Kris Bohanon, First Presbyterian Church Zimmerman Hall, $25pp – limited to 10 people
1 pmScratchboard with Chris Woods, Lowell Milken Center, 1 S. Main St., $25pp – limited to 15 people
1 pm Literary Workshop: Romance Writing as an Exploration of Healthy Relationships with Lynn Caldwell, Common Ground Coffee Co., FREE
2-3:30 pm Comedy Improv – Improvised Theatre Techniques and Games – FSHS Thespians and Director Angie Bin, 1.5-hour class. Have fun getting an introduction to creating comedic theatre on the fly! No experience necessary, Sleep Inn Conference Room. FREE – donations welcome to FSHS Thespians.
2-3: 30 pm “Creative Placemaking: Building the Artist Community in Fort Scott” by Marc Willson, Empress Event Center, FREE
2-4pmArt of Brewing, Tour and Tastingof Beer Flight $10pp (must be over 21, ID required), non-alcoholic tour and tasting $5pp. 6:30-8: 30 pm Festival Finale Event and Fundraiser at Nate’s Place, 750 S. National Ave., $25pp, includes heavy appetizers, dessert, and a liquor cash bar. This event will feature the awards for the Student Art Competition and art for sale by the artists participating in the 2nd Story Festival of Arts & Ideas.
Sunday 2-4 pmArt of Brewing, Tour and Tasting of Beer Flight $10pp (must be over 21, ID required), non-alcoholic tour and tasting $5pp.
2nd Story Arts Festival 2016 photo courtesy of Lindsay Madison.
The event is being hosted by the Fort Scott Festival of Arts.
Grant funding provided by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.
Event Sponsors
Boiler Room Brewhaus | Bourbon County Arts Council | Citizens Bank | City of Fort Scott
Common Ground Coffee Co. | Empress Event Center | First Presbyterian Church | Fort Scott Public Library
Fort Scott Area Community Foundation | Charles and Martha Jane Gentry
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes | Nate’s Place at the Lyons Twin Mansions
Sleep Inn & Suites Hotel | Jeff and Kate Sweetser
The 2nd Story Festival Planning committee serves as a sub-group of the Bourbon County Arts Council, according to Witt.
“The BCAC has provided guidance and advice along the way, Witt said. The committee this year included Deb Anderson, Charles Gentry, Breann Martin, Dr. Randy Nichols, Jason Reid, Kathryn Salsbury, Kate Sweetser, Clayton Whitson, Lindsay Madison, Laura Agee, and Witt.
2nd Story Arts Festival 2016, courtesy photo by Lindsay Madison.
Lee’s Paws and Claws Animal Shelter Rummage Sale is Saturday, April 28 starting at 8 a.m. at the 4-H Building at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street.
The non-profit animal shelter was the recipient of a publishing and printing company inventory sale in Missouri, Kate Sweetser, a board member told the Chamber of Commerce coffee Thursday morning.
“There are office supplies, equipment, and office furniture, ” that will be sold to benefit the shelter, Sweetser said.
The City of Fort Scott will be available to provide dog tag renewal during the rummage sale from 8 a.m. to noon. The cost per dog is $3 for neutered animals and $5 for un-neutered animals.
Proof of rabies shots is required.
Animals can be microchipped for $20.
Cats need to be brought in in a crate, dogs must be on a leash.
There will be a concession stand for breakfast and lunch.
Sweetser said only dogs and cats are taken into the shelter, and when they are adopted out the animals have all their shots, have flea treatment, have been de-wormed and have been spayed or neutered.
Adoption fees range from $10 to $100, depending on the animal, with the average between $60-80.
She said the Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation has received two generous bequeaths from Yeager and also Lee Weast but interest only is available to use for the budget.
“That’s not enough to meet our yearly budget,” Sweetser said.
In addition to donations, volunteers are needed at the animal shelter, she said.
“Volunteers are needed to help with the animals, for socialization,” Sweetser said. “Some come once a week, some come as a project such as a scout troop.”
The shelter is located at 721 240th Street and the phone number is 620-223-2888.
Lee’s Paws and Claws is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shelter manager is Kiersten Poole, and there are four part-time employees.
Members of the shelter board are Jim Adams, Randy Shannon, Cathy Dancer, Rhonda Dunn, Mary Ann Crain, Barb Ritter, Sweetser, Rob Shaw, Bob Taylor and Matt Messer.
“We are trying to create a board of members who love animals but have a strong background in organization, marketing, and business,” Sweetser said. “To create a sustainable business model that will ensure the future of the organization.”
Get ready to wear your best boots and sparklies to the first-ever Boots and Bling Gala, a fundraiser for St. Mary’s Catholic School.
The gala will start with appetizers and drinks at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 28 at the Kennedy Gym, 705 Holbrook.
Tickets are $45 per seat which includes a prime rib dinner cooked by the Knights of Columbus and appetizers and desserts provided by the ladies of the parish, Katie Casper, chair of the gala committee said.
There are complimentary drinks with the dinner, then a cash bar after attendees use their drink tickets.
“We wanted a fun theme, to make it a fun event,” Casper said. “It’s not a black tie, it’s a country casual affair.”
The community is invited to the adults-only evening of fun, fellowship and raising funds for the school, she said.
“Our school is funded mainly through our church,” Casper said. “This is another way to help give our kids the best education we can.”
There will be a live auction and silent auction during the evening.
Some of the live auction items include a Chief’s Sports Package, a Royals Sports Package, a hog-hunting trip to Texas, a weeks stay at a cabin in Colorado among others.
Larry Martin will be the auctioneer.
To make reservations, call the school at 620-223-6060.
Reservations are required and still being accepted. Tables of six or eight people can be reserved.
Members of the gala committee are Casper, Krista Gorman, Jarett Dauben, Mark McCoy, Pat Renfro, Dale Cation, Chrystal Cowen, Tammy Hill and Deb Martin.
Todd Farrell and Mike Durossette, Fort Scott Parks Department, prepare the hanging planters on Main Street. The new potting soil is in preparation for the Bourbon County Garden Club, who will be planting flowers next week, weather permitting, Farrell said.
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].
