All posts by Loretta George

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Elevate Fort Scott: Bringing Entertainment Events To Town

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Brad Matkin. Submitted photo.

Elevate Fort Scott is one of several community “movers and shakers” groups that have have organized recently to improve the quality of life in the community.

“Besides our Elevate Fort Scott group there are several other groups that are making things happen and bringing great events to Fort Scott,” said Brad Matkin, one of the organizers of Elevate Fort Scott. “Advance Bourbon County, Fort Scott Forward, and others have been working very hard to bring in events and activities for our citizens and visitors to enjoy.”

“We are not only looking for a strong 2023 but are already planning some events for 2024 we feel everyone will enjoy and be excited about,” he said.

“While talking to one of the current members, I told them I felt I wanted to get a group together that wanted to make Fort Scott a place to be and to put on events that would make us a destination place plus add more things for our citizens to do,” Brad Matkin, group member said. “Even though I am the one that thought of getting this group together it is the six other members that make Elevate Fort Scott successful, they do the leg work and put in the time to make these events a reality.”

The group is comprised of Cory Bryars, Kirk Sharp, Jackson Tough, Josh Jones, Diane Striler, Lindsay Madison, and Matkin.

They first met last year around November, he said.

“The purpose of this group is to come up with positive ways and events to help Fort Scott grow, to show visitors what Fort Scott has to offer, and to get citizens involved in the many great things Fort Scott has to offer,” he said. “We are not trying to reinvent the wheel with the events we are working on, just trying to build off the already great events Fort Scott has to offer”

“Our goal is to think of an idea, work to get it started, then hand it off to a charity organization to put it on and raise money for their cause,” Matkin said. “Our group is not generating any funding for the events and are not involved in that part of the event; we just want to help get more things going in our great town and help the charities raise money.”

Events in The Works

“This group has been working on a lot of different ideas that are still in the early stages, but I can tell you we have added a BBQ cook-off that will share Riverfront Park with the second annual Care to Share/Sharing Bucket Fall Festival and Blues Festival,” he said.

The Riverfront Park Pavilion had its ribbon cutting in May 2018. Riverfront Park is the sight of this years Care to Share Fall Festival and Blues Festival.

“We are also working on a newly named Christmas on the Bricks that will take place of Christmas in the Park that has been a yearly tradition for Fort Scott,” Matkin said. “Christmas on the Bricks will offer the opportunity for the uptown shops to bring out their holiday flare and stay open late for holiday shopping. We are looking at this event to flow along right with the Christmas Parade, Artificers Christmas Shoppe, and the Annual National Historic Site Candlelight Tour. Some of the things we have already planned is a movie night,  a Christmas concert, carolers, chili, and much more.”

 

“Some of the newest things this group has brought to life is a ‘Rock-N-Roll Karaoke’ which will allow people to sing with a real band,” he said. “This will be held at Memorial Hall on June 9th. ‘Almost Kiss’ will be at Memorial Hall on November 18th.  They are a cover band for the Legendary Rock band Kiss and is one of only six Kiss tribute bands that former Kiss star Gene Simmons endorses.”

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Sami Rogers Starts Handmade Baby Clothing Business

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Sami Rogers. Submitted photos.

Sami Rogers, 21, started her business, The Baby Stitch, at the encouragement of her best friend, Chloe Mohn.

Submitted photos. A baby ensemble that Rogers made.

“I started with hairbows for my friend, Chloe, who had a baby,” Rogers said. “She suggested I start making bummies, a baby diaper cover. She said I had an eye for design.”

Submitted photo.

The only sewing she had been taught was in Fort Scott Middle School, “And it was a pillow,” she said.

She began looking on the internet.

“I got on Etsy and purchased patterns, and started on YouTube to learn the techniques of sewing,” she said.

For her business, she makes baby clothes, which include bummies, hairbows, bell bottom pants, leggings, shirts  and joggers.

“I only make baby and toddler clothing, up to size 3-4 Toddler,” she said. “Everything is handmade.”

Go to  her website to order: http://the-baby-stitch.myshopify.com

The Baby Stitch is also on Facebook and Instagram.

 

About Rogers

Rogers is a 2020 graduate of Fort Scott High School and attended Fort Scott Community College.

At age 19, while a freshman at FSCC, she started her business.

She is a recent recipient of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) grant for women, minorities or low income to start up a business, in the amount of $5,000.

“Dacia Clark was amazing to help you,” Rogers said.

Clark is Assistant Director of the Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University, with an office in the HBCAT office at 104 N National Ave, Fort Scott.

The HBCAT Phone is  (620) 215-2892

“They help with a business plan, expense projection,” she said.

Rogers had applied for a grant previously, but wasn’t accepted.

“I felt defeated,” she said. “I do run a business and the grant would help me, so I reached out again. They gave pointers  to improve the application.”

She applied again, and received the grant, which she plans to use on a serger sewing machine, fabric and specialty scissors to “help get the product out the door.”

Submitted photo.

 

 

 

 

Church news, Food, Fort Scott

Catholic Fish Fry Continues Until March 31 to Benefit Rebuild of Mary Queen of Angels Church

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The Knights of Columbus serve a fish dinner to the community on March 10, 2023.t

The Knights of Columbus organization at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church will offer three more Friday Fish Dinners in support of the rebuilding of the church.

The church was struck by lightening in August, 2022 and and a fire ensued which destroyed the building.

March 17, March 24, and March 31 are the last three dates and will end the annual fish dinners for the year.

The dinners always precede Good Friday, which is April 7 this year.

The community is invited to the dinner, which is from 5 to 7 p.m. and is a free-will donation event.

Simpson Construction Services, Wichita, completed the demolition of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in March 2023. The church was destroyed by a fire in August 2022.
The hole where Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church once was. St. Mary’s Catholic School is in the background.
The Friday Fish Fry continues until March 31 at Kennedy Gym at 7th and Holbrook in Fort Scott.
Fort Scott

Two Projects on Skubitz Plaza Started

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Citizens have noticed activity on Skubitz Plaza,  west and south of Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Radell Construction, Pittsburg,  is running trenches underneath Skutbitz Plaza for CrawKan Telephone, to the FSNHS, according to Jill Jaworski, Superintendent of FSNHS.

“This is to improve connectivity to the Fort,” she said.

They were hoping to get the trenching done before the Fort Scott Splash Pad project begins.

The piles of dirt are for that project.

“The dirt is to level the ground for the splash pad,” Josh Jones, who is part of the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park committee.

That project is expected to be started next week, he said.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History, Kansas

Native American Program Series Starts March 18 at Fort Scott NHS

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Photo credit: Dr. Tia Edwards.

Fort Scott National Historic Site (FSNHS) personnel are collaborating to bring stories of  indigenous tribe’s histories to Bourbon County.

“We want to help share the stories of tribal partners, a lot of it is the Osage Tribe,” said Carl Brenner, program manager for interpretation and resource management at the Fort. “We are trying to tell the story with the background of everything that was here in Kansas, the Fort is just a part. It’s a bigger story than Kansas and the Fort. It’s the story of the growing pains of a nation.”

The first program, in a series the Fort is bringing to Fort Scott, is this Saturday.

The series of events will be of authors, historians, artisans, and Native American Tribal members, which will  continue through the fall of this year.

Colonialism and the Osage in Kansas

FSNHS is hosting historian and author, Dr. Tia Edwards, this Saturday, March 18 from 11 a.m. to noon in the theater of the infantry barracks.

“She will discuss how nineteenth century U.S. Indian policy functioned as settler colonialism, displacing Indigenous nations across the eastern United States, including the Osage who were expelled from their Missouri homelands and confined to a reservation in Kansas,” Brenner said.

Photo of this person
Dr. Tia Edwards from the Johnson County Community College website.

 

Dr. Edwards is a historian and director of the Kansas Studies Institute at Johnson County Community College, according to the press release.

Her book Osage Women and Empire was published by the University Press of Kansas in 2018. She is an officer in the Kansas Association of Historians (KAH) and the Kansas Association for Native American Education (KANAE).

She has collaborated on many projects including recording veterans’ oral histories, preserving the Quindaro ruins in Kansas City, KS and rematriating a sacred boulder in Lawrence to the Kaw Nation.

Indigenous Histories Series

The Fort is collaborating with local entities to bring the histories of indigenous peoples to Fort Scott. The Lowell Milken Center, Hedgehog INK bookstore and Fort Scott Community College is collaborating with the Fort for this series.

 

Speakers

The Lowell Milken Center will have Billy Mills, an Oglala Souix, on April 12.  Mills was a 1964 gold medal winner at the Tokyo Olympics, who inspired America with his win.

Billy Mills. Taken from the Olympics website.

To view his story:

https://olympics.com/en/athletes/billy-mills

 

 

On April 15, Isaias Mc Caffrey,  author of Last Stand at Rebel Creek: The Osage as Union Allies in Civil War Kansas will be at the Fort.

Isaias McCaffery, taken from the Humanities Kansas website.

 McCaffery is a professor of history at Independence Community College. His presentation explores the Osage tribe’s contributions to the Union Army cause in Kansas during the Civil War.

Ballet

Wahzhazhe, the name the Osage people call themselves, will perform a contemporary ballet that tells their history from pre-contact years to present day, according to https://www.osageballet.com/. This event will be July 21-22 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College.

Photo from the Wahzhazhe website.

“From the hand-painted scenery, to the original score , which features the use of traditional drums, to the exquisitely detailed costumes, the world of the Osage comes to life in vivid color, a mesmerizing blend of historical accuracy and raw emotional symbolism,” according to its website.

In addition to the ballet, there will be an exhibit of historic photos of the Osage people.

This event is partially funded by Humanities Kansas. Donations for this project are welcome to the Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Fort Scott National Historic Site: Part of the National Park System.

The FSNHS exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.during the winter months, which ends March 31. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset.

To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Expansion of Services, Hours at CHC Start April 17 At New Facility

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The CHC Fort Scott buildilng at 2322 S. Main.

The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas  Ft. Scott Clinic opened in January 2019 to fill the primary care gap when Mercy Hospital closed in December 2018, after over 100 years in the community.

On April 17, the new facility at 2322 S. Main will be open to the public, following the move from the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills.

To view details of the move:

More Space & Services In One Location For CHC Starting April 17: Other Tenants Staying

With the move to a new facility,  residents have services not previously offered, including expanded clinic hours, expanded Walk-In Care, expanded pharmacy, telehealth and behavioral health services, according to a press release from CHC.

Benefits of the the new services at the new facility:

A Larger More Efficient Medical Clinic

The new location expands to 36 exam rooms including, telehealth, according to the press release.

It features updated furnishings and efficient design to save steps for both patients and the staff.

There is an integrated model of care with a wide array of enabling services including behavioral health via telemedicine, patient navigation, and care management.

The medical staff include Dr. Sarah Bradshaw, Dr. Holly Gault, Dr. Pankaj Gugnani, MD, and Dr. Maxwell Self. Advanced Nurse Practitioners include Amanda Stice, Kayla Tinsley and Whitney Dickerson.

 

Specialty Care offered within the clinic:

Diabetic Care: APRN Becky French-diabetic care and education.  

Pulmonology:  Paden Shaffer APRN-pulmonology  and sleep disorders/CPAP management.

Pain Management and Infectious Disease: Dr. Julie Stewart. 

Wound Care:  Dr. Michael Nagle. Todd Carl, APRN

Freeman Orthopedic clinic:  Greg King, FNP

 

A Larger Walk-In Care Clinic

The new Walk-In Care service features a larger waiting area, more privacy and expands to eight exam rooms. There were three at the prior one. Hours of operation are 7 AM- 7 PM every day.

 

Expanded Imaging Services

Advanced diagnostic imaging equipment is under one roof including digital x-ray, ultrasound, mammography, bone density, and a newly purchased 64-slice Computerized Tomography (CT) scanner.

 The CT is an important addition to the clinic  providing a detailed look at what is happening inside of the patient’s body, according to the press release.

“In an urgent situation, having CT locally is important so patients can be scanned quickly to rapidly assess their condition,” according to the press release. “CT scans can often be difficult to access and quite expensive for patients. Having CT in-house makes these scans accessible and affordable. For patients receiving discounted charges through the sliding scale program for uninsured and underinsured patients, the cost of a CT scan can be as low as $50 including the physician’s read.”

Expanded Pharmacy

Apothecare Pharmacy is a subsidiary of CHC/SEK, and is now open to the public providing a full range of prescriptions, according to the press release. “The Apothecare staff include Kelsey Burford, PharmD, Cetra Horton, PharmD, Adam Malone, PharmD, Blake Martin, PharmD, Julie Pellett, PharmD, and Darin Treiber, PharmD. They work directly with the medical staff to ensure patients get the medications they need, affordably, quickly, and safely.”

Apothecare pharmacy is open 7 AM-7 PM, seven days a week, with a convenient drive-through pick-up window and to-your-door delivery within 15 miles. Apothecare accepts most insurance plans Medicare, Medicaid and private commercial plans.

Laboratory 

Outpatients requiring laboratory services will find the new space and expanded  7AM-7 PM Monday-Saturday hours more convenient.  “We want patients to be able to stop in for a quick lab draw and be on their way,” said Baily Davis, CHC/SEK Fort Scott Practice Manager.

 

Wellness Center.

“CHC/SEK has long recognized that ‘health’ and ‘wellness’ go hand in hand,” according to the press release. They will continue to cultivate a culture of health and wellness for both patients and staff.

The center features cardio and strength equipment and is staffed by Physical Therapist and Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, Jessie McGown, DPT; Registered Dietitian, Patrick James, RD; and Chiropractor, Dr. Dave Miller, DC.

There are individualized treatment plans for each patient to best meet their health and wellness goals, which includes teaching and supporting healthy eating habits, improving overall strength and mobility, and  pain management, according to the press release.

 

Teaching Opportunities  

“Since its beginning, CHC/SEK has focused on education,” according to the press release. “To have a thriving… community, rural America needs to train and retain future healthcare workers to replace the retiring workforce, and meet increasing healthcare needs.”

“The new clinic will allow space to collaborate with teaching institutions for students to train alongside staff. CHC/SEK supervises approximately 250 students (medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, behavioral health, etc.) per year, and has an accredited family practice residence program with Kansas University for training and retaining rural physicians.  

 

Group Therapies

Expanded meeting space will allow group therapies for addiction treatment, diabetic education, tobacco cessation, and SNAP-ED classes to offer to patients and the community.

 

2022 CHC Service to the Community

Last year,  the clinic saw more than 60,000 patients, including medical, behavioral health, wellness and support services.

During 2022, staff provided more than 1,700 mammograms, Apothecare Pharmacy filled more than 70,000 prescriptions and the clinic provided more than 4,500 COVID-19 tests and administered more than 8,000 immunizations.

Help For Uninsured, Underinsured

CHC/SEK offers a sliding scale discount for uninsured and underinsured patients  based on the household’s annual income and the number of individuals living in the household. All patients seeking care at CHC/SEK are eligible to receive services regardless of income or ability to pay.

Sliding fee discounts and financial assistance is available to eligible patients.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Food

Fresh Produce Pre-Order Sales Began This Month In Bronson

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In most small towns, fresh produce nearby is hard to come by, unless you grow your own.
Thaddeus and Kelly Perry have started a service that allows people to order fresh fruits and veggies ahead of time, then pick up at their Bronson store, Perry’s Pork Rinds and General Store.
Kelly and Thaddeus Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds. Submitted photo.
The store is located on Hwy. 54 that goes through the town, east to west. Bronson is in the rural western part of Bourbon County.
 The box of produce will typically cost $15 and have a variety of approximately 15 lbs. of fresh fruits and veggies,  with prices subject to change based on the cost of food.
Depending on what fruit and vegetables are  in season and what their pricing is, will decide what is in the boxes, Kelly Perry said.
For the next distribution of fresh veggies and fruits, today, March 13,
is the deadline for a March 17 pick-up order.
“This is something that is not only smart for our business to attract more foot traffic into the door, but also valuable for the community to not have to travel to get fresh produce,” Kelly said. “This fits in line exactly with what Thaddeus and I have always said, we will invest back into our community locally.”
Perry’s Produce is a Bourbon County community program designed to make affordable bundles of fresh produce regularly available in their town and the surrounding area.
“This saves residents time and money shopping while helping them eat healthier,” Kelly said.
This Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Initiative works with a program coordinator, in this case,  The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), located in Fort Scott.
“(BCBS)Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Initiative works with  24 communities across the state of Kansas,”HBCAT President and CEO Jody Hoener said. The HBCAT and the Perry’s  worked together on ways to improve health in the community by awarding the Perry’s  a $20,000 grant for a five year commitment to the food program for rural citizens.

“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team has worked since 2016 to build up and support local food systems,”  Hoener said. “We are thrilled to have Perry’s Produce as a partner in our efforts to increase access to healthier food options.”

With the  funds, they are purchasing grocery shelves that will have a larger capacity to hold even more groceries, pet supplies, home goods, toiletries and more so families do not have to travel into “town” to get something they need, saving them time and money, Perry said.
Shelving for produce distribution and storage, scales, and a printer/date labeler for the fresh grab-and-go salads, sandwiches and deli items, will all be purchased as a direct result of this grant.
The Perry’s, HBCAT and Pathways started researching a program, KSTATE’s Simply Produce program, around eight months ago via zoom calls and emails and in-person meetings.
The first distribution date of the produce was March 3.
“We distributed 61 bundles to members of the community,” Kelly said.  “There was a clerical error at the produce company and we ended up having to improvise, so some folks got double on certain items to still fulfill our end of the deal versus them not getting a bundle at all. There will be learning curves and this is new, so we are working hard to combat all of those curves.”
This is the  15 pounds of produce that was distributed in bags to those who pre-ordered for March 3 delivery. Submitted photo.
“We’ll try to source locally as much as possible for this program,” Kelly said.  “Some models are based on weight, others base off a set number of items in their bundles and we will work with this over the next few months to see what works best and gives shoppers the most bang for their buck.  Inside each bundle will also be a recipe card provided by K-State Southwest Extension District Snap Education.”
The bundles are currently being placed in reusable grocery bags provided by K-State Southwest Extension Snap Ed. Division, she said.
The produce bag. Submitted photo.
The  pre-paid bundles can be picked up over the next five years on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during open store hours.
The bundles are $15 each, plus tax.
“ALL bundles are pre-ordered and pre-pay unless you’re an EBT/SNAP user,” Kelly said.
 “Due to regulations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture EBT/SNAP users cannot prepay for food. EBT/SNAP users can come in or call in and place their orders and pay on pick up days,” she said.
“Each buyer will get a receipt with their pick up date written at the top and we will print a second copy for the store and have the customer write their name and number on the receipt,” she said
“If you have not picked up your receipt by 2 p.m. we will call or text the number for a reminder,” she said. “When you arrive in the store, you will sign the book showing you came to pick up your order.”
Those that wish to purchase online:
Fort Scott, Government

FS Streets and Parks Have Vacant Position on Advisory Boards

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STREETS ADVISORY BOARD

There are TWO (2) openings on the Fort Scott Street Advisory Board to fill vacated positions. The function of the Board is to provide suggestions to the City Commission regarding road improvement projects throughout the City of Fort Scott. When submitting your letter/email of interest, please provide any specific knowledge or training you have that would complement you being a member of this Board.  All Boards and Commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. Currently the Streets Board meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 4:00PM at City Hall.  If you would like more information please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.0550. Please submit your Letter of Interest by 4:00PM on April 12th, 2023.

 

FORT SCOTT PARKS ADVISORY BOARD:

There is ONE (1) opening on the Fort Scott Parks Advisory Board. The function of the Fort Scott Parks Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding all the parks within the City of Fort Scott. All boards and commissions of Fort Scott serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. Currently the Parks Board meets quarterly at 4:00 PM at City Hall.  If you have a desire to serve on this board, please submit a Letter of Interest to the City Clerk, Lisa Lewis, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or [email protected]. The names and letters will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission.

Please submit your letter of interest by 4:00 PM on April 3rd, 2023.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

March 10th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, something for all ages!

Click here for all the FUN activities at the

Museum of Creativity, something for all ages!

March Special at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore

Buy 2 Children’s Books, Get 1 free

Gardening Books 25% off!

3/10-12 ~ FSCC College Rodeo, March 10th starts at 7:30pm, Saturday March 11th starts at 1:30pm and 7:30pm, and Short Go at 1pm on March 12th, Admission is $12 for adults, children ages 6-12 $5 and children 5 & under get in free, FSCC students w/ID – $5. Click here for more info.

3/10 ~ Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry at Kennedy Gym 705 S. Holbrook, all donations will go to help rebuild the Catholic church, 5-7pm, click here for more info.

3/10-11 ~ The Dirty Bourbon Band at Sharky’s starting at 9pm both Friday and Saturday. Join them for food, drinks, and live music!

3/10 ~ Dangerous Doug Harper performing Indie Folk Music at Common Ground Coffee Co. 7-8pm, free admission. Click here for more info.

3/11 ~ Last chance to view the Bourbon County Arts Council Annual Fine Arts Exhibit, open to the public 9am to 1pm, Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of FSCC.

3/11 ~ March Makers Market at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds 4H Building, 10am-3pm, click here for info.

3/12 ~ Daylight Savings Time, Spring Forward!

3/12 ~ Austin Parks Benefit Dinner, FSHS Cafeteria, 11:30am-2pm or until out with an auction starting at 1pm, this is a free will donation with all proceeds going to Austin Parks Family to support him during his cancer treatment journey, click here for more info.

3/13-17 ~ Kids Spring Art and Paint Parties, 702 S. National Ave, cost is $125, $25 to reserve your child’s spot and the balance of $100 due the first day of camp, click here for more info.

3/16 ~ BINGO at Memorial Hall hosted by the American Legion, doors open 6pm, BINGO starts 7pm.

3/17 ~ Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry, Kennedy Gym, 705 S. Horton, click here for

more info.

3/17 ~ St. Patrick’s Day! Find the Golden Coins for discounts at Sunshine Boutique, 10am-6pm, contact Sunshine Boutique for more info.

3/17 ~ St. Patrick’s Day at the Elks Lodge! Reubens, Karaoke and more, starting at 6pm, click here for info.

3/17 ~ St. Patrick’s Day at Sharky’s, breakfast buffet from 9-11am, lunch/dinner special from 11am-close, live DJ from 6:30-10:30pm, join them for drink specials and live music! Click here for more info!

3/17-18 ~ SEK Spring Classic Lamb & Cattle Show, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, click here for more info.

3/17 ~ Baked Potato Bar and Pie at First United Methodist Church 301 National, free will donation, 11:30am-1:30pm, see flyer below for info.

3/23 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Big Sugar Lumber, 1005 S. Clark, 8am, celebrating 40 years in business in March!

3/24 ~ FSCC Aggie Days at Fort Scott Community College, 8am-3pm

3/24 ~ Knights of Columbus Annual Fish Fry, Kennedy Gym, 705 S. Horton, click here for

more info.

3/24 ~ Annual FSHS Talent Show & Miss(ter) Pageant, admission is $5, doors open at 6:30pm, show starts at 8pm, click here for more info.

3/24-25 ~ Spring Open House ~ Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event, Downtown & Around, shop at participating retailers for savings!, click here for more info.

3/25 ~ Visit the Easter Bunny at Bids & Dibs, they have the backdrop; you bring the camera, 12-3pm, click here for more info.

3/25 ~ Mary Queen of Angels Benefit

Golf Tournament, 4 person scramble $60 per person ($240 per team) 8:00 Registration, 9:00 Tee off, click here for more info.

3/25 ~ Unique Fundraiser at Museum of Creativity, $15/person, starts at 9am, click here for more info.

3/26 ~ DIY Wine Bottle Bouquet Class at Sunshine Boutique, 1pm, click here for info.

3/29 ~ Star Party at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, join Park Rangers and the Kansas Astronomical Observers for a deep look into space at stars, galaxies, and nebulae, dress in layers, comfortable shoes, bring a red covering for your flashlight, 7:30-9:30pm, click here for more info.

3/30 ~ Chamber Coffee-OPEN, if your business would like to host a Chamber Coffee please contact the Chamber at 620.223.3566.

3/31 and 4/1 ~ Home, Sport, Farm, & Garden Show, Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, Arnold Arena at FSCC, 2108 S. Horton St., hosted by KOMB FM 103.9 and 98.3 FM Radio

4/1 ~ Eggstravaganza @ Buck Run Community Center, pre-k – 5th Grade, pre-register by March 30th, 9-10:30am, click here for more info.

4/1 ~ Floral Easter Basket Class at Sunshine Boutique, $25/person, 10am-12pm, click here for more info.

4/1 ~ First Saturday Story Time at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, guest reader and an activity, 2:30pm, click here for more info.

4/4 ~ Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet at City State Bank 202 Scott Ave, 8:30-9:30am

Save the Date!

4/5 ~ FSHS 2023 Career Fair, Fort Scott High School Auxiliary Gym, 8am-12pm

4/13 ~ JOB FAIR hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 3-6pm, click here to register for an employer booth.

4/15 ~ America’s Got Talent Semi – Finalist Greg Morton Comedy Show, Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here for tickets!

_________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

March Into Savings at

Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore!

44th Annual Spring College Rodeo!

Austin Parks Family Benefit

Dinner and Auction!

United Women in Faith hosting a Baked Potato Bar and Pie!

Spring Open House Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event!
…
Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda for March 14

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The Uniontown City Council will meet March 14 at city hall at 7 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Public Hearing for Citywide trash service –

 

 

Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of February 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Grass seed around public restroom

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Chamber of Commerce Job Fair 2023

2023-2024 Insurance Renewal Quote

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project –

 

 

Placemaking Project –

 

 

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

 

KMGA/MMGA Prepay project –

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 Attachments:

2023 Financials – February

03-23 Informational items

Ascension Via Christi, Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care, Legacy Health Foundation

More Space & Services In One Location For CHC Starting April 17: Other Tenants Staying

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Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott is making plans to move from the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills, to the former Price Chopper building at 2322 S. Main during the weekend of April 14.

The CHC Fort Scott buildilng at 2322 S. Main.

“It’s going to be a beautiful facility,” said CHC’s Director of Communication and Marketing Robert Poole. “And we have a great crew.”

“The new 43,000-square foot plus facility provides more room to offer more services,” said Baily Davis, CHC/SEK Fort Scott Practice Manager. “And, for the first time, walk-in care, primary care, and our pharmacy will all be in one easy-to-find location with more convenient parking,” she said.

“The move is being coordinated to minimize interruptions of patient care and is being staged in three phases,” according to information from Poole.

On Friday April 14, the Woodland Hills clinic will close at 1 PM.

Apothecare Pharmacy at Woodland Hills will follow, and be closed Saturday, April 15 as staff prepare.

On Sunday, April 16, CHC/SEK Walk-In Care on National Street will close at 1 PM as they relocate to the new facility.

All services will be re-open on Monday, April 17 at 2322 S. Main St. including primary care, walk-in care, behavioral health care, pharmacy and specialty services, which will all be in one location from that point on.

Hours of operation at the new site:

Primary Care is  8 AM-6 PM- Monday through Thursday, and 8 AM-5 PM Friday.

Walk-In Care is from 7 AM- 7 PM, Monday-Sunday

Apothecare Pharmacy 7 AM- 7 PM, Monday-Sunday

 

“Many of the CHC/SEK staff are your friends and neighbors in the community,” according to the information provided by Poole. “101 of the 124 of the Fort Scott clinic employees live in Fort Scott or Bourbon County. The health center believes in investing in its employees with good jobs, education, growth opportunities and progressive benefits. The starting entry-level wage at CHC/SEK begins at $15 per hour, more than twice the federal minimum wage.”

Part two of this story will be published next week, detailing the new services.

Mercy Building: Other Tenants

Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department

The emergency room will continue services to the county in the same location on the south side of the Mercy building.

“The move will not affect our operations and the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department in Fort Scott will continue to provide care as normal,” according to AVC Marketing and Communications Specialist Reagan Rosenhamer.

Legacy Health

The following is from Troy Schell, chairman of the Legacy Health Foundation, Glendora, CA. when asked for an update  on the foundation plans since receiving ownership of the Mercy Hospital building on Nov. 17, 2022.

“Legacy Health has devoted significant efforts to collaborating with both Ascension and USD 234 in order to develop and sustain crucial services within the community,” Schell said. “Furthermore, our organization is actively pursuing the establishment of new specialty clinics, including those specializing in cardiology and urology, in addition to partnering with Freeman Orthopedics to extend their established presence within the community.”

“As we move forward with our initiative, we eagerly anticipate engaging with key figures in the business and government sectors to ensure that the available resources are utilized optimally to provide the essential services required for the growth of the community and the region,” he said. “Additionally, we remain committed to supporting local non-profit organizations and community groups by providing necessary resources to support the most vulnerable individuals in the community.”

To learn more:

Bourbon County Takes Ownership of Former Mercy Hospital Building

View the Bourbon County/ Legacy Health Foundation Agreement

I Am Rehab, Diamonds in the Rough

Because I Am Rehab, a physical therapy business and gym, and Diamonds in the Rough Beauty Salon are not affiliated with CHC, they will remain in the lower level of the former Mercy Hospital and continue business as usual, according to a spokesman for I Am Rehab.

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.

Bourbon County REDI moved its office in February from the Landmark Bank building to the administration wing of the former Mercy Hospital on the north side of the building, in Suite 100.

The banking hours and holidays did not fit the needs of the staff of REDI, according to Rob Harrington, Director, although “We loved being at that location.”

“I am now able to be in the office early and stay late, and there is a conference room available,” Harrington said.

REDI employees are Suzette Torres, marketing and program assistant; Emily Wiebolt, grant manager and Tayton Majors, intern from Lead For America.

The Fort Scott Tourism Department, which was housed with REDI at the bank office, is now at city hall, Harrington said.

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of Feb. 14

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The Regular Council Meeting on February 14, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:03PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Amber Kelly.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Mary Pemberton, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick – did not show up for meeting.

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George was unable to attend.  Project is completed.  Water was shut off and lines drained in December.  Water will be turned back on and they will be unlocked next week.  Clerk Johnson is working on getting sign and thank you notes completed.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Mary Pemberton, on behalf of Uniontown Ruritan Club – club is planning family fun activities in the park for the summer – movies, music, etc.  They will notify City Clerk of dates for the newsletter/webpage.  It was suggested to contact Safe Valley Outfitters for assistance with the activities.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the January 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $343,551.97, Receipts $71,352.08, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $38,977.45, Checking Account Closing Balance $372,900.60. Bank Statement Balance $391,883.92, including Checking Account Interest of $77.34, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $18,983.32, Reconciled Balance $372,900.60.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,165.36, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,793.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,442.36, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $459,301.58. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $77.34, and Utility CDs $0 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $77.34.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of January 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  January Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of January $29,348.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $29,348.63.  Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $15,262.38 (9.7%), Expenditures $23,271.00 (10.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $2,932.49 (8%), Expenditures $1,402.00 (3.4%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $9,698.93 (7.9%), Expenditures $8,508.83 (5.3%); General Fund YTD Revenue $38,368.30 (25.6%), Expenditures $8,821.62 (4.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,063.98 (27.7%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The February 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $71,778.12 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of January 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported KCC Inspection of gas system in January went well, no violations noted.

KRWA Annual Conference, March 28-30, Wichita, $180 plus lodging, meals

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to allow Bobby Rich to attend KRWA Annual Conference, March 28—30, 2023, in Wichita

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported a dumpster is again at Smith Estate.  Any progress will depend on the weather.

Safe Valley Outfitters has indicated that they would like to give back to the community.  It was suggested to have Ruritan reach out to them to help with the summer fun nights planned.

Ongoing noise complaint issue in 400 block of Sherman Street was further investigated.  Surrounding neighbors were interviewed with no complaints about the loud bass.

Complaints have been received regarding 404 Washington Street; another letter will be sent requesting a timeline for renovation.

A complaint was also noted regarding trailer full of debris in front of house at 202 Fourth Street-a letter will be sent to owner.

 

Clerk Johnson presented the 2023-2024 Projected Gas Supply Requirements.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to approve the 2023-2024 Projected Gas Supply Requirements as presented

 

KRWA voting delegate needs appointed, usually Bobby Rich because he attends the conference.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to appoint Bobby Rich as KRWA voting delegate and Brad Stewart as alternate delegate

 

A workshop on benefit-cost analysis will be presented April 19-20 in Manhattan by Kansas Department of Agriculture, Cooperating Technical Partnership with FEMA.

 

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to send Sally Johnson to the BCA Workshop in Manhattan, April 19-20

 

There was a request for a rabies clinic again this year.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to host a rabies clinic in March or April, preferably in March but whatever date vet has available

 

City Clerks and Municipal Finance Officers Association Spring Conference is March 22-24 in Manhattan.  Clerk Johnson would prefer not going this year.

OJA Court Clerks Conference is March 3, Wichita.  OJA will reimburse attendee, not the city.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend OJA Court Clerks Conference, March 3, Wichita

 

Kansas Government Finance Officers Association – Clerk Johnson would like to join membership and attend their Spring Symposium, March 30, Wichita.  She would prefer to attend this instead of CCMFOA.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to join KSGFOA and attend Spring Symposium, March 30, Wichita

 

Utility Hearings date this month is February 22.  Clerk Johnson would like to change date for this month only to last day of the month, February 28.  Hearing officers for February are Brad Stewart and Jess Ervin.

Lead service line inventory surveys were sent out with January billings, several have been returned.

Homestead Websites is raising their fee another $2.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – absent

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

Citywide Trash Service – the next public hearing will be March 14.  Council should select a vendor for the service at the hearing.  Notice of hearing has been sent to vendors and been published in the paper.

Spring citywide cleanup was discussed.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to schedule a spring citywide cleanup for May 1-5 with three dumpsters, picked up when filled

 

School Pond Project – Don George, KDWPT, wants to inspect and review paperwork.  Clerk Johnson will contact Bourbon County Public Works for cost of rock and hauling for their in-kind portion of the cost of the project.

 

Placemaking Project – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is conducting their community perception survey around our placemaking project.  Survey can be accessed online through their website or facebook page.  Survey closes February 28.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – Materials have been delivered and contractor plans to begin February 20 when we are closed for Presidents’ Day.  Clerk Johnson will unlock for them.

 

KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – council is perceptive to participating at 30% load.  Clerk Johnson will send contracts/agreements to attorney for review and contact KMGA for deadline for participating.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to participate in the KMGA/MMGA Prepay Project at 30% load contingent upon attorney approval of contract/agreements

 

NEW BUSINESS

City Attorney – Bob Johnson, Johnson-Schowengerdt, has been our attorney of records for several years.  He has been assigning our work to attorney Jacob Manbeck.  Jacob Manbeck was appointed as prosecutor for municipal court in May 2022.  Mr Manbeck has left Johnson-Schowengerdt and started his own firm.  After discussion, Council directed Clerk to contact both attorneys to request quote of fee schedule for services, including prosecutor.  Council will review fee schedules and determine attorney of record and prosecutor at next meeting.

 

Moved by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:26PM