All posts by Loretta George

Tornado possibilities are a part of Kansas weather.

The towns in Bourbon County that have tornado shelters provided for their citizens are Bronson, Garland, Mapleton and Uniontown, according to Brian Allen, the Bourbon County Emergency Management contact.

Allen is in training to takeover from Will Wallis, the former contact. He said he is not aware of any public storm shelters in Fort Scott.

“My recommendation would be what Will always told the public, and that is to have a personal plan in advance, and to seek out neighbors who may have a shelter,” Allen said. “Also everyone should sign up for Code Red on the county’s website for alerts.”

“Right now, my main function in the emergency management role is getting the necessary courses taken to be licensed which will take quite awhile,” Allen said.

In addition to emergency management, Allen still works for the county in 911, floodplain management, as well as information technology.

“I am being trained and directed by Shane Walker who has been the deputy emergency manager for many years, going back well before Will,” he said. “The EM position is no longer a full time position.”

Sign up here for the Code Red Emergency Warning System for Bourbon County

https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF57D14BF76B

About Bourbon County Emergency Management, from the county’s website.

Emergency Management

Bourbon County Emergency Management
210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-3800 x124
620-223-3234 fax
620-224-8165
[email protected]

Mission Statement:

To provide a 24-hour operation to reduce the loss of life and property and to protect the environment. The highest priority is to protect Bourbon County residents from all hazards by providing and coordinating resources, expertise, leadership and advocacy through a comprehensive, risk-based emergency preparedness program of mitigation, management, response and recovery.

Below are links to other informative websites regarding emergency preparedness.

Outside Links

Bourbon County D3 Rural Fire Facebook page www.facebook.com/BC3FD

PUBLIC NOTICE

ACCESSIBILITY OF SARA TITLE III HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION

Section 324 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, also known as SARA Title III (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, PL99-499) requires public notice at least once annually informing the public of the means to access information about extremely hazardous substances that are manufactured, stored, and used within their community. Follow-up emergency notices may subsequently be issued.

Accordingly, information concerning LEPC meetings, SARA Title III hazardous materials planning which is included in our Bourbon Emergency Operations Response Plan, materials safety data sheets (MSDS), hazardous chemical inventory forms, listing extremely hazardous substances manufactured, stored, or used within Bourbon County can be obtained during normal business hours by contacting Bourbon County Emergency Management at 620-223-3800.

K-State Extension

Poison Ivy – Easy to Identify But Tough to Control

May 13, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

Leaves of three – let it be! I’m certain that someone has told you this before in an attempt to keep you away from poison ivy. It is true that poison ivy has three leaflets. However, the untrained eye can easily confuse poison ivy with other plant species such as Virginia creeper.

Poison ivy occurs in three forms: an erect woody shrub, a groundcover that creeps along the ground, and a woody vine that will climb trees. It can grow to 10 feet or more as it climbs up trees or fences. All parts of poison ivy – leaves, sap, roots, and burning vines, are poisonous at all times of the year. All of these plant parts contain a toxic oil which causes irritation to the skin on many people. The typical reaction is an itchy rash with clear blisters about 2-3 days after contact with the oil.

As stated earlier, poison ivy always has three leaflets. But the leaf margins can vary. They can be toothed, incised, lobed or smooth. The size of the leaf can also vary. The middle leaflet is larger than the other two and the middle one is the only leaflet with a long stalk. The other two are closely attached to the leaf stem. Virginia creeper has the same habitat as poison ivy and is often confused as being such. However, if you look close, Virginia creeper has five leaflets rather than three.

Have you ever gotten poison ivy, but swear that you didn’t touch it? Yes, it can happen. Poison ivy can be spread to you from your pet’s fur after they have ventured out to an infested area; from touching the clothing of a person who has come in contact with it; from garden tools that may have been used to pull down or chop vines; and even by the smoke from a burning vine. Burning poison ivy will cause the toxic oil to vaporize and be carried in the smoke. Believe it or not, the oil from poison ivy can remain active on clothing and footwear for as long as a year.

Poison ivy is not the easiest plant to kill. It is a tough plant and difficult to eradicate without killing desirable plants in the process. There are three methods used to destroy poison ivy – pulling the plants out by hand, cutting the plant off at the vine and treating the stump, or spraying the plant directly. The first two methods are more risky as far as infecting yourself with poison ivy.

The method used depends somewhat on the growth form the plant has taken. If it is in the groundcover form, direct spray or hand pulling is often used. If the plant is in the shrub form, direct spray is routinely used. For plants that are a woody vine and climbing, the preferred method is to cut the plant off at the base and treat the sprouts after they emerge. With any method, make certain to wear gloves and preferable a long sleeve shirt. Wash clothing and your skin immediately after you have finished.

Several herbicide products are labeled as “Poison Ivy Killers.” The products are premixed, ready-to-use products containing the active ingredient triclopyr. Products containing Glyphosate and 2, 4-D offer fair to good control. Once a treatment is made, wait 3 to 4 weeks for the product to work before applying any additional herbicide. Read label directions and follow with care as these chemicals cannot differentiate between poison ivy and other plants – meaning you might accidentally kill desirable plant species while trying to kill poison ivy!

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Good Ol’ Days Festival June 2-3: A Fun Place for The Family

May 12, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

It’s that time of year, the 42nd Annual Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days, with theme this year: “Back to the bricks”.

It’s a few days of all manner of entertainment: shopping, live music, eating and seeing friends.

The event kicks off on Friday, June 2 at 6 p.m. with a parade.

Parade goers line the streets of Main and Wall to view the Good Ol’ Days Parade in 2019.

Bring a lawn chair and line up along the parade route: Main Street from 6th Street north to Wall Street then west to National Avenue, then south to 6th Street.

The parade grand marshal this year is retired Fort Scott Chief of Police Travis Shelton.

Click here for parade application

Click here for vendor application.
Click here for the Good Ol’ Days website.

At 8 a.m. Saturday, June 3 will be the race called the Dragoon Charge.

Then historic downtown Fort Scott will come alive with craft vendors, food trucks, pony rides and so much more, according to the Good Ol’Days Facebook page.

“We have some great entertainment lined up for the weekend,” Shawn O’Brien, chairman of the Good Ol’ Days Committee, said.

“We will have a stage in front of the pavilion at 1st and Main,” he said. “There will be live entertainment featuring some great local musicians.”

On Friday night June 2 from 7-8:30 PM the Whisky Outlaws, a Red Dirt and Classic Country band will perform, then from
8:45-10 p.m. Bobby Degonia will perform Solid Old and New Country music.

On Saturday June 3 from 10 AM-1 PM, Zane Grimes will perform, then from 2PM – 5PM – Bill and Monica’s Excellent Adventure, who are a 90’s Tribute Band, then from 7PM-10PM, 80’s and Out.

“We will have many activities for kids like we have in the past,” O’Brien said. “The bounce houses will be located at Third and Main this year. They will run from 9 a.m. to noon then from 1-4 p.m. They will be $5 per session for unlimited bounces.”

Caricature drawings and a balloon artist will be on Skubitz Plaza free of charge, he said.

“Care to Share, a local helping organization, will host their second annual fundraiser “Children’s Cove” on Skubitz Plaza,” O’Brien said. “They will have fun games and much more to offer. For further information please contact Lavetta Simmons.”

“The annual Red Garter show will have their showcase,” he said. “They will have one show on Friday Night at 7 PM. Then they will have shows every hour on the hour starting at 10 AM on Saturday. Their final show will be at 5 PM.”

The Good Ol’ Chicken Dinner, from Chicken Mary’s in Pittsburg will be available for pick-up behind the Lowell Milken Center on Friday, June 3 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The $9 ticket includes chicken, two side orders, bread and a bottle of water.

Plate with chicken, mashed potato and potato Salad. — From the Good Ol’ Days Facebook page.

Tickets for the Good Ol’ Days events are on sale at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and Regional Tourism Center at 231 E. Wall St.

From their Facebook page:

Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days Festival

Draft Schedule of Events

Where To Find Everything Fun!

Friday, June 2nd

11:00 AM – 2:00PM (on the hour) – Trolley Rides – 231 E. Wall St (Chamber of Commerce) – Adults-$6.00, Children 12 and under $4.00

4:30 – 6:00 PM – Chicken Mary’s Dinner – Wall Street, $8.00 Chicken, 2 sides, & water

6:00 PM – Good Ol’ Day’s Parade – Starting at 6th & Main St., proceeding north along Main St. to Wall St., west to National Ave., south to 6th St.

After Parade – Pioneer Harvest Tractor Display – Wall & Main (on Wall Street between Main and National)

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Tulsa Gellyball – Skubitz Plaza

7:00 – 10:00 PM – Street Dance – Pavilion at 1st & Main

Bring your lawn chairs! Live music for all ages!

7:00 PM – Red Garter – Skubitz Plaza

7:00 PM – 3rd Annual Cornhole Tournament – Fisher South Ball field, Sign-up Friday Morning. Link for more information

Saturday, June 3rd

8:00 AM – Noon – Farmer’s Market – Wall Street – East of Main to Scott

8:00 AM – Dragoon Charge 5K Run or Walk – Frary Stadium (9th & Main), Link for more information

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Pony Rides – 1st Street east of Main

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Tulsa Gellyball – Skubitz Plaza

9:00 AM – 3:00PM (or until out of shirts) – Tye Dyed T Shirt – 2nd and Main

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Pioneer Harvest Tractor Display – Wall & Main (on Wall Street between Main and National)

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Kids Fun Area on Skubitz Plaza (Bounce Houses, Obstacle Course, Interactive Light Race Arena, and Dry Slide)

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Children’s Care to Share Cove – Skubitz Plaza

10:00 AM – Baby Contest – Memorial Hall (3rd & National), Registration Begins at 9:00 AM

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Caricatures – Skubitz Plaza

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (every Hour) – Red Garter – Skubitz Plaza

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (on the hour) – Trolley Rides – 231 E. Wall St (Chamber of Commerce) – Adults-$6.00, Children 12 and under $4.00

10 AM – 3:30 PM – Programs and Tours – Fort Scott National Historic Site

11 AM – 3 PM – Pavilion at 1st & Main – Music TBD

11 AM – 11:30 AM – Artillery Demonstration – Parade Grounds, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Noon – 4:00 PM – Balloonist – Skubitz Plaza

NOON – 12:30 PM – Jr. Duck Stamp Art Contest Award Presentation – 2nd Floor Infantry Barracks, Fort Scott National Historic Site

2 PM – 3 PM – Native American Dance Presentation – Parade Ground, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Bourbon County, Business

Local Children’s Book Author: Maria Whitson

May 11, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

Maria Whitson, rural Garland, is the mother of five children and married to Clayton.

She is also a children’s book author.

The Process

Her journey as an author began with a college assignment to write and illustrate a children’s book.

“That is when the whole series of books called ‘Lessons for the Least’ was birthed,” she said. “But it was a couple years before I wrote down all the ideas for the series.”

She wrote the main content for all the stories while single, assisted by family in refining and editing her writings.

When she started looking for someone to illustrate her books, she looked to family. She worked on one book and sent another to her Aunt Judy Walters to illustrate. Then a second cousin, Zoe Acuna, got involved in the illustrations.

Every time Acuna sent her preview illustrations, “I was so thrilled with her style and ideas,” Whitson said. “We made a small tweaks and then they sat for a while as life got busy.”

About the same time she and her husband were working on a manual for disaster preparedness, for a class on the subject.

They edited that book, then published it, on their own. This began a business called Swift Word Publishing.

“He loves helping others take their written work and getting it into a tangible product,” she said.

With her husbands help, she published her first book Reuben the Rooster in 2020. It is available on Amazon.com and also can be purchased at the Shead Farm Festival, rural Garland, on May 20.

About the Books

The first book, Reuben the Rooster, tells of a courageous rooster who learns the value of standing up for his friends. Children will learn how courage and empathy can help overcome adversity, Maria said.

Currently they have three books in the Lessons from the Least series, with another being published this week.

Each book in this series has a double story, according to Maria. Each young animal’s adventures are encountered with relatable-to-children life lessons. There is also a secondary story unfolding in the illustrations, with directions at the end of each book on how one can uncover the mystery story. The hidden story is there to be discovered as the child is ready. The rhythmic verses, make them an enjoyable read-aloud experience for parents and children.

The age range for her books is 3-8 years old. Submitted pages.

Maria Whitson’s first book, Reuben the Rooster. Submitted pages.

A book in the series that Maria Whitson has authored. Submitted pages.

A book in a series, by Maria Whitson. Submitted pages.

About The Author

“My husband, kids and I love being in God’s creation,” she said. “We have a passion for growing in our knowledge of the Kingdom of God and how it operates here on earth.”

“Most of my writings are birthed from that passion and I have so many more books in me, waiting on timing,” Whitson said. “There has been many times that the Holy Spirit will give me an idea that takes a while to figure out how to go about writing it and publishing it.”

Her family lives on a small farm close to her parents Larry and Vickie Shead’s farm, where she grew up. They home school their children.

They launched a family business called The Journey Home that is an umbrella for their whole family’s creations, including two of their children

Book publishing, art, jewelry, cast iron accessories, homeschooling, foraging, homesteading, disaster prep, herbal remedies, are some of the interests of the family business.

“The Journey Home name meaning captures our heart,” she said. “Our company is about everything that is centered on the home life and family, but going even deeper it centers on our eternal home (the kingdom of God) and living life in a way that lives that life out now.”

Business, Fort Scott

Homeless Man Arrested for Vandalism of Eight Businesses

May 10, 2023 Loretta George 2 Comments

Jesse Frye, from the Bourbon County Sheriff’s website.

Jesse Dean Frye was arrested on May 8 for vandalism of some businesses, a residence and a vehicle in the early morning hours on that day.

Charges for Frye are theft, a misdemeanor and criminal damage to property, a felony, with bond set at $2,500.

“He was involved in throwing rocks or objects through windows,” Lt. Caleb Bell, with the Fort Scott Police Department said.

“From the info we have, he is believed to be homeless,” Bells said.

“We have identified him in several security surveillance videos.” he said.

Those who were victims of the vandalism are the Lowell Milken Center, Empress Event Center, Iron Star Antiques, Merle Humphrey Photography, City State Bank, Patterson Dental Office, Farmers Insurance and the Jerry Witt residence in downtown Fort Scott.

In addition, a vehicle was vandalized as well.

Norm Conard, director of the Lowell Milken Center on North Main Street in the historic downtown area, said “On our security camera, the man threw a rock, it didn’t break the window. Then he put his feet in our fountain (adjacent to the building), then thew a rock a second time.”

The Witt’s have a residence in the historic district and said that they had some outside decor knocked over and some strewn about.

The next step in the process for Frye is “We will forward all the info to the Bourbon County Attorney’s office, then court proceedings will take place at a later date,” Bell said.

Art, Fort Scott, History

Historic Mural Soon Coming to Downtown Fort Scott: Artist Proposals Needed by May 29

May 9, 2023 Loretta George 5 Comments

The mural will be on this wall that faces the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Jerry Witt, owner of the building, had Mid-Continental Restoration Co. do the work of preparing the wall for the mural.

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Division is working to bring about a downtown historical mural’s creation that will feature the Civil War’s 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment that were stationed in Fort Scott.

“Kansas was the first Northern state to recruit, train, and send Black soldiers into combat during the Civil War,” according to the Fort Scott National Historic Site website. “Fort Scott served as the home base for both the 1^st and 2^nd Kansas Colored Infantry, with both regiments being mustered into federal service on Fort Scott’s former parade ground.”

Captain William Mathews –a free Black, a businessman and station master on the Underground Railroad –recruited former slaves into the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment at Fort Scott. From the FSNHS website.

To learn more:

https://www.nps.gov/fosc/learn/historyculture/firsttoserve.htm

Jerry Witt is the owner of the building at 19 N. Main whose north outside wall faces the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Country Girl Cuts Salon is housed in the building currently. It is this wall where the mural will be created.

The plaque on the building at 19 N. Main states that at one time the building was a clothing store and the second floor a bordello. Submitted photo.

Witt contracted with Mid-Continental Restoration, Fort Scott, to “tighten up the building, tuck pointing, in preparation for the mural painting,” he said. “Any loose paint, etc. taken off so as not to deter the new mural going up.

Jerry and Judy Witt hand out Halloween candy in from on their home on Main Street in this photo from October 30, 2021, taken from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. The Witts live in a historic downtown building, and own several storefront buildings in the downtown.

“We’ve had several people want to paint a mural there,” Witt said. “But this project, we are excited about because we wanted to enhance something about the history of the fort.”

The Mural Project: Looking For An Artist

“The mural public art project will offer one artist the unique opportunity to showcase their original art in the historic district of downtown Fort Scott,” according to fortscott.com

“The chosen mural will be painted on the exterior building wall facing the National Historic site, where the group was sworn in and was the first African-American regiment to fight against the Confederacy in the Civil War.

“The artwork will remain the property of the City of Fort Scott.

For request for proposal of a mural, artists are to submit the following:

Mural sketch including the following:

At least three soldiers from the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry

Representation of the Regimental Flag

Examples of previous work/exhibitions

Artist Contact and design concept form found here

Mural Location

The selected mural will be painted on the Star Clothing building, 19 North Main Street, on the north wall facing the National Historic site. Mural size will be 25′ x 12′, covering the existing mural.

Schedule

“All proposals are due by 11:59 pm on Monday, May 29, 2023, and must be submitted via the Visit Fort Scott web page dedicated to the mural. Late or incomplete proposals will not be accepted. All proposals will be reviewed by a panel of African-American consultants to ensure the mural is culturally sensitive, and then proposals will be judged blind by a panel of local artists, historians, and stakeholders. The winning proposal will be announced on Juneteenth (June 19, 2023). The winning artists must be prepared to have their murals installed no later than September 30, 2023.

“Proposals not selected may be invited to participate in a special art show hosted by the Artificers Gallery in Fort Scott, KS, to be held in January of 2024. Additionally, any proposal submitted may be used for marketing purposes by the City of Fort Scott or the Fort Scott Chamber. The artist will be cited for their work.

Selection Process and Criteria

“One artist will be selected by a panel of local judges comprised of local artists, historians, and community stakeholders. Criteria will include artistic merit, historical appropriateness, and how well the subject will translate to a mural.

Eligibility

“The Fort Scott Chamber Foundation , a 501c3 organization, has opened the call for artists, and is open to any Kansas resident willing to submit a proposal that can complete the requirements as specified, including the design and installation of the mural. Any design that includes advertising, soliciting, campaigning, or any other promotional or commercially-driven entries is ineligible.

Artist Compensation

“The chosen artist will be compensated through a payment of at least $5,000, which is intended as a design fee and will be paid at the completion of the mural. The selected artist will also a given a daily per diem during the project period (up to seven days) for meals/lodging if travel accommodations are required for the project. Project material costs will be covered up to $5,000 by The Fort Scott Chamber Foundation in addition to the artist fee. The artist fee could be more than the amount listed if additional funds are raised through crowdsourcing.”

Ascension Via Christi, Business, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care, Legacy Health Foundation, Mercy Hospital

Mental Health Center to Move Into the Former Mercy Building

May 8, 2023 Loretta George 1 Comment

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center in Fort Scott has recently signed an agreement with Legacy Health LLC for the center to move into the former Mercy Hospital Building at 401 Woodland Hills.

The building was recently vacated by Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas who moved to another Fort Scott building.

The former Mercy Clinic Suites C and D, at 401 Woodland Hills, will be renovated by the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Clinic and move in will be thereafter.

“We don’t have an official date for the move as we need to secure a contractor for some renovations but are hoping this summer,” said Holly Jerome, SEKMHC’s director of marketing and human resources said. “Once a move date has been set, we will be notifying clients and the community.”

“We are certainly not new to Fort Scott,” said Jerome. “We were established in 1961! But due to our growth after becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Healthcare Clinic ( in 2022) we are outgrowing our current building which is located at 212 State Street.”

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, Fort Scott.

“We will continue offering our current and expanded services,” Jerome said. “This new space will allow us to continue adding to our team!”

“SEKMHC is one of the first five community mental health centers to earn certification,” CEO Nathan Fawson said in a press release https://fortscott.biz/news/legacy-health-partners-with-southeast-kansas-mental-health-to-expand-services. “The CCBHC model of care concentrates on the overall health of a client, not just their mental health. We have expanded our care to integrate holistic care approaches, connect people with care coordination, and increase accessibility to services throughout our six–county catchment area. Looking into the future, we are striving to provide each client with a much more individualized experience by assisting clients in recovery–oriented ways in their homes, in our communities, or via telehealth whenever possible. We know that recovery is possible when you treat the person, not just their mental health challenge.”–

According to its website https://www.sekmhc.org/ the services they provide to the community are:

Last year they served over 4,000 clients, according to its website. The staff provide school based therapy and case management in 12 school districts. They have 15 team members in the crisis department and 10 in the psychiatry department.

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is in transition to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), according to its website. A CCBHC provides comprehensive behavioral health services, while also focusing on physical health and whole person wellness.

What the transition means is, the following is added:

Patient navigation services
Comprehensive behavioral health screening at intake
Primary health screening including gathering health metrics (height, weight, and blood pressure)
Primary health resources and referral

What won’t change is:

Access to counseling and therapy
Access to crisis services
Access to medical services and psychiatry
Community-based services for adults and children
Services and programs previously provided, unless otherwise noted

Upcoming Community Self-Care Event:

A Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Self-Care Fair will be held on May 23, from 5-8 p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. 12th.

For more information:

https://www.sekmhc.org/selfcarefair/

For questions about the self-care fair, contact: Dawne Burchett at 620-496-8702 or Vicki Wright at 620-212-9391.

About Legacy Health

Legacy Health has a mission to bring development and healthcare to rural communities through sustainable and proactive approaches, according to the Legacy Health press release. Legacy believes that for a project to be successful, it is necessary to understand the needs of the community and the people.

Legacy Health LLC was registered on June 7, 2022 as a Limited Liability Company – CA company type incorporated at 269 WEST BONITA CLAREMONT, CA 91711. according to /https://ca.ltddir.com/companies/legacy-health-llc/

Troy Schell is the Legacy Health Chairman of the Board, according to the press release.

Chief Clinical Officer is Jennifer Massey and she is the contact person at [email protected]

Chief Strategy Officer is Merrill Eisenhower.

Locally, Matthew Wells is Legacy Healthcare Foundation Director of Plant Operations at the 401 Woodland Hills site. His duties are technical and equipment maintenance. Wells recently helped the building receive joint hospital accreditation, which is necessary because of the patient care given in the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department that is also housed in the facility, he said.

The Legacy Health Foundation received the building from the Bourbon County Commission in November 2022. In addition to the building, the commission gave Legacy Health Foundation $2 million dollars from funds received from Mercy Hospital and American Rescue Plan Act Funds to develop the property, according to a prior story.

To view the prior story:

https://fortscott.biz/news/bourbon-county-transfers-mercy-building-to-legacy-health-foundation

Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

FS Farmers Market Season Starts May 6 on Skubitz Plaza Including Breakfast on the Bricks

May 5, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

Fort Scott Farmers Market begins its 2023 season on May 6, this Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon.

“It’s going to be a great day for a farmer’s market,” Teri Hamilton said. She is the new president of the market members group.

The market is in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site on Skubitz Plaza.

Spring veggies, fresh bread, meat, flowers, eggs, honey, live plants and handmade crafts will be for sale from local vendors.

The group is looking to add other events to the market.

“Our goal is to connect with acoustic type music to have live music at the event, and other fun activities,” Hamilton said.

This first market of the season, the local Bourbon County Democrats are serving breakfast/ brunch on Saturday from 8 a.m. – noon.

They will serve fresh coffee or bottled water, fresh fruit, and a choice of fresh-baked coffee cake–all for $5.

“We will deliver in town,” said Carol MacArthur, Bourbon County Democrats chairperson. “For delivery or more information, call 620- 215-1505.”

“We also invite you to bring a lawn chair, if you wish to come, eat, and socialize!” she said.

Teri Hamilton, owner of Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery, is the president of the Fort Scott Farmers Market this year.

Teri Hamilton is the new president of the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market. Submitted photo.

“Melinda Goff has been the president for the last several years and we are transitioning leadership,” Hamilton said.

The cost of booths for vendors is $10 for the first day, which includes $5 registration and $5 booth fee.

“If you sign up for the whole season, its $108 to reserve a spot,” Hamilton said. ‘We welcome any new vendors. We can have 25 percent of the booths selling handmade crafts.”

Returning vendors will be given first priority for spots on the plaza.

Some of the returning vendors are the Hamiltons , Still Waters Farm-Katie and Ethan Holly, the Little Flower Farm-Kelly Richards, Chet and Linda Bower-fresh veggies, Ron and Beverly Brown-farm produce and preserves, Tim Allison-honey, Mrs. Tibbits and Mrs. Hawkins-sellilng crafts, Nickie Kraft-home sewn items, Roger Stumfoll-farm produce and eggs, and others.

There are four new vendors who will be selling baked goods, crafts, live plants and eggs.

A National Avenue stationary pavilion is on the horizon for the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market use in the near future, following a T-Mobile $50,000 grant in 2021.

https://fortscott.biz/news/market-street-pavilion-project-kicks-off

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Papa Don’s Celebrates Anniversary

May 4, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

Papa Don’s Restaurant day staff: Sheila Rygmyr, Emily Martin, Jessica Joyce, Shayla Cowlshaw, Amy Walker.

Mother-daughter team of Sheila Rygmyr and Brita Bolton are the owners of Papa Don’s Pizza Restaurant in historic downtown Fort Scott.

From left, the evening crew of Papa Don’s Pizza, Cash Rygmyr-Rose, Melody Cooper, Abby Sczpanski, Brita Bolton and Daswon Wilson. Submitted.

They originally opened the business at 22 N. Main in March 1991 and after a break of several years reopened at 10 N. Main on May 2, 2011.

They strive to provide their community with all manner of food service.

“We actually do it all,” Brita said. “Not only dine-in and carry-out but also delivery, catering, online ordering and curbside. From pizza, pasta, salad bar, ice cream and deli sandwiches. Plus gluten-free and low carb is available.”

Hours of operation are Monday to Saturdays 10:30 a.m, to 8 p.m. and the first Sunday of every month 11a.m. to 3 p.m.

To contact the business: email at [email protected] or by phone 620.223.4171 or find them on Facebook Papa Don’s Pizza.

They currently have 15 employees that includes the owners.

The best part of being a small business owner in Fort Scott is “the local support from the community and surrounding schools that we cater lunches for every week,” Brita said.

Papa Don’s back patio is a pretty place to eat a meal on these warm spring days.

Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

Brickstreet BBQ Opens

May 3, 2023 Loretta George 1 Comment

Brickstreet BBQ is at the corner of National Avenue and Oak Street just northwest of downtown Fort Scott. Oak Street turns into Old Fort Blvd. when you cross National going east.

Brickstreet BBQ, at the corner of National Avenue and Oak Street opened yesterday with a Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting.

Alex and Carissa Bowman welcome the crowd that came for the ribbon cutting on May 2.

Owners are Carissa and Alex Bowman.

In an interview, Carissa said they are looking forward to this new venture and “The challenge and excitement of starting something that Alex and I can build together.”

She said they are also looking forward to bringing more job opportunities to Fort Scott. They currently have 60 part-time and full time employees.

Brickstreet BBQ owner Carissa Bowman, left, and Shelby Burdick and Donna Hughes, servers, prepare for the first customers on this opening day.

The service they will be providing to their community is “A sit-down restaurant experience with high quality smoked meats,” she said.

Brickstreet hours of operation are Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Contact them at 620-224-2425 or on their Facebook page.

In this photo of the ribbon cutting at Brickstreet BBQ, the Bowmans are pictured in the center with family, friends and staff surrounding. At left is the Chamber Chairperson Bailey Lyons and holding the other end of the ribbon is Mayor Matthew Wells.

There was much gratitude expressed in the comments for the opening of this restaurant.

Carissa welcomed and thanked all the family and friends for the support they give.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Bailey Lyons told the attendees “Thanks for bringing barbecue back to Fort Scott.”

“May this place bring you much return on your investment,” Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells said.

Bourbon County, Business

Fresenius Building Owner Looking For A Tenant

May 2, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

Photo taken in 2019 of the Fresenius Medical Care Center at 2526 S. Main.

The newer building just in front of Walmart in Fort Scott has been empty since 2019.

The building which housed a kidney dialysis center is still under lease, according to Mike Panek, President of Phoenix Realty Management, owner.

“We would be happy to find a new tenant so the building had some life,” Panek said. “The economics of property and the state of commercial real estate have made it challenging to find a suitable tenant with interest. Since it went dark, we have local and national brokers working on it.”

Phoenix Realty Management offices located are at 464 Heritage Rd, Southbury, CT 06488, can be reached at (203) 262-1922 or (203) 736-4813.

The Closure

Fresenius Medical Care was the renter of the building at the time of closing and was the only kidney dialysis center in Fort Scott. The doors closed on September 30, 2019.

Patients had to make arrangements to either drive to Pittsburg, 30 miles away, or Chanute, 50 miles away, to get this specialized, life saving treatment, or do home dialysis.

The building was built in 2014 and is over 7,000 square feet.

At the time of the closure, Panek said they would be working with Fresenius to see what their plans are for the site as there was a lease in place for that location.

Fresenius spokespeople did not give a reason for closing the kidney health care facility.

To see a prior story:

Fort Scott Dialysis Center t o Close Sept. 30

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Ecker: New Real Estate Agent with Lyons Realty Group

May 1, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

Bill Ecker, taken from the Lyons Group Realty Facebook page.

Bill Ecker, 65, received his real estate license in February, 2023.

He was recently hired by Lyons Realty Group.

“My job will be to help others with the sale or purchase of property,” he said. “I am available almost every weekday after 2 p.m. and on weekends.”

Contact him at 620-224-6311 or email, [email protected]

Ecker lives in Fort Scott and is a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.

In his spare time, Ecker enjoys a variety of activities.

“I love to golf, gardening, bike riding, hiking and watching almost any sport,” he said. He has two daughters, Sarah in Durham, NC and Amy in Centerton, AR and two grandchildren.

Lyons Realty Group recently announced Ecker’s hiring on its Facebook page:

“Bill is no stranger to rural living, in fact, that’s what he prefers. He moved to Fort Scott in 1994 from a rural community in Central Illinois, and has enjoyed building a life in this community ever since.

“While Bill is new to real estate, he is not new to customer service and helping people. He has worked in sales and service his entire life, and is passionate about exceeding his customer’s expectations.

Coming originally from the farm lands in Illinois, Bill has working knowledge of agricultural properties and their uses.

“Bill’s father was a carpenter giving him knowledge of general construction. His diverse background makes him well-qualified to help with any facet of real estate whether it be agriculture, residential, or commercial.

“Bill entered the real estate business in hopes of helping others achieve their goals of property ownership, and he gets great satisfaction out of helping others succeed. Finding the right property for the right person is his newest passion.”