Tanya Glessner is the owner and stylist of Upper Cut Salon, Fort Scott, which opened for business on November 12, 2021.
Glessner has been a stylist for 16 years.
“I chose this career because I grew up in a salon watching and helping my mom, Laura Brown, in her salon,” Glessner said. “I always loved how her clients became family and no matter what was going on in their lives they always walked away looking and feeling good because of her talent and company. Now I get to share this experience with my clients. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Glessner operates her business in her home.
Upper Cut Salon interior. Submitted photo.
“Having the salon in my home also has the benefit of privacy and comfort for all my clients without the hustle and bustle of a typical salon,” she said. “It’s one-on-one and personal. I also have the benefit of flexible hours. So there’s no set work schedule. I schedule appointments based on my client’s needs every day of the week. I also make house calls for the elderly and those who aren’t able to leave their home.”
“Every Tuesday I offer $10 haircuts for everyone,” she said. “And every day I offer $10 haircuts for EMS, firefighters, veterans, law enforcement officers, and anyone currently in the military with proof. It’s my way of giving back to those in the frontline of our community.”
Upper Cut Salon services and prices. Submitted photo.Submitted photo.
“And for those who follow the salon on Facebook I always have something new going on each month,” she said.
Several years ago my son Aaron decided to pursue a concealed carry permit. After completing the classroom instruction, it was time to prove his proficiency with a handgun. All he had to do was shoot about 30 rounds anywhere into the silhouette. After shooting the target, the concealed carry instructor asked Aaron if he would like to help teach the next class because he had hit the center X every time.
Believers need to make sure we’re doing our best to stay on target. In today’s culture it’s easy to get sidetracked from pursuing God and practicing holy living. The apostle Paul instructs the Church in Philippi, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me — everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8,9 NLT). On what are you fixing your thoughts and sights?
Christians are to have a different mindset from unbelievers. Determining and doing the right thing is not always the popular or easy thing. “It is quite true that the way to live a godly life is not an easy matter. But the answer lies in Christ…. ” (1 Timothy 3:16 TLB). If we aren’t intentionally aiming at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness of heart, the odds are excellent for missing the mark every time. Living a godly life in Christ is not a haphazard coincidence or a lucky shot in the dark.
The Old Testament Israelites had turned their backs on the one true living God and were asking a good-for-nothing idol to tell them what to do. Their idols had misdirected them and caused them to think and live foolishly. Almighty God was the only One who knew how to help, guide, and love them. Hosea 4:11 TLB: “Wine, women, and song have robbed my people of their brains.“ The Israelites had really missed the mark when they deserted God and aimed their prayers to a worthless idol.
God didn’t want the Israelites’ sacrifices, He wanted their love. He didn’t want their offerings, He wanted them to know Him. God hasn’t changed; He wants the same from us today. “Come, let us return to the Lord. In just a short time He will restore us so that we may live in His presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him” (Hosea 6:1a,2,3a NLT). Are you currently in pursuit of knowing Him?
Believers are to look through the scope and line up our lives in the crosshairs of His Word. Perpetual distractions can mess up our aim and cause us to miss the target. “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you” (James 4:7,8a NLT). The closer we get to God, the more He is magnified and the smaller we become. John the Baptist said, “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30 NKJV).
“Let love be your greatest aim….“ (1 Corinthians 14:1a TLB). We know that God is love, therefore, we could also say, “Let God be your greatest aim.”
The Key: If your sights are set on knowing God intimately, your aim is right on target!
Fort Scott Mayor Josh Jones said many positive events happened in the community this past year, and the city is poised for some promising events in the new year.
“A lot of things done in 2021 laid the groundwork for 2022 and we expect a lot of 2021 things to be executed in 2022,” Jones said.
The following is what Jones provided fortscott.biz as accomplishments.
In 2021, the Fort Scott City Commission:
1. Refinanced city bonds saving $15,500 per year over the next five years.
2. Passed a half-cent sales tax with 90% of revenue going towards streets and 10% going towards parks. This money will start coming in, in 2022.
3. Started an in-house safety training program saving the city $15,000 per year.
4. Utilized the Firstsource Building for Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department’s giving mass vaccines during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Put out Requests for Qualifications for a new city attorney leading to the city commission hiring a city attorney saving the city approximately $200,000 a year.
6. Approved to enter into a cost-sharing venture with the Bourbon County Commission for joint purchase of materials and equipment.
7. Approved a conditional use permit for an area south of town to allow a micro-meat processing plant to build a facility, which will create about 30 jobs.
8. Implemented the SeeClickFix app, which allows citizens to report road problems and code nuisances.
9. Started semi-monthly roller skating sessions at Buck Run Community Center for an added amenity for the community.
10. Moved city-county emergency dispatch to the Bourbon County Courthouse.
11. Improved the beach area at Lake Fort Scott.
12. Sold the Firstsource Building for $315,000.
13. Sold four Lake Fort Scott lots for approximately $500,000.
14. Entered into a shared services agreement with Bourbon County for information technology services, saving approximately $30,000 per year.
15. Used $200,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a feasibility study for re-use of the former Mercy Hospital Building as a hospital.
16. Reworked and finalized setting up the Fort Scott Land Bank which focuses on the conversion of vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent, or otherwise underused properties into productive use.
17. Approved $2,000 bonuses for all emergency services workers that work for the city.
18. Entered into an agreement with Bourbon County REDI (Regional Economic Development, Inc.) to provide economic development services for the City of Fort Scott, saving approximately $100,000 a year.
19. Repaired over one mile of city sewer lines.
20. Entered into an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for traffic signal upgrades in 2022 on Highway 69.
21. Was awarded a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile Internet for upgrades to the Skubitz Plaza area on the north end of historic downtown Fort Scott.
Lynne Oharah is the current chairman of the Bourbon County Commission. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County District 1 Commissioner Lynne Oharah is optimistic for the future.
“I am seeing major endeavors in economic development, improved infrastructure, and continued cost savings to the taxpayers,” Oharah said in response to questions from fortscott.biz.
“One of the major accomplishments that was achieved in 2021 is the mill levy was reduced by 1.68 mills for the 2021 budget year and 2.43 for the 2022 budget year which is a total reduction of 4.11 mills or approximately $440,000 taxpayer dollars, which is a trend that the commission is dedicated to continuing.”
A significant success this year was the asphalt program for roads.
“Our Public Works Director and his crews were able to lay 14 miles or 28 lane miles of asphalt at the depth of 2 and ½ inches which has never been accomplished in at least the last seven years,” he said. “If this trend continues through a vigorous chip and seal program coupled with increased asphalt application we are in a position to improve all of our asphalt roads.”
Additionally, the public works crews are increasing gravel production which will mean more gravel on county roads, he said.
“Although COVID-19 hit our community hard this year, the residents continued to support our local economy, “Oharah said. “Sales tax receipts were up this year, allowing us to do more projects in the road and bridge department on hard surface roads.”
“2021 saw the reorganization of BEDCO (Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc.) into a county-wide economic development board which was able to consolidate economic development for the county and cities, as a whole,” he said.
It is now called Bourbon County REDI (Regional Economic Development Inc.) and a new economic development director was hired, Rob Harrington.
“One of Rob’s first tasks was to provide a roadmap to a successful economic development program,” he said.
“Just to name one of these successes is the introduction of a $125,000 granting program that awarded grants to the smaller communities to improve quality of life in these communities, plus a bike recreation project in Gunn Park,” he said.
Harrington, along with other individuals, is working to increase access to healthcare, which is one of the keys to the growth of Bourbon County, he said.
Oharah said the results of the hospital feasibility study will be released on January 31.
For the Bourbon County Courthouse, there have been many personnel changes.
The commission has hired Susan Bancroft as the financial/human resource director, which has been needed for many years, he said.
This position has resulted in an ability to provide the financial tracking and oversite, budget planning, program implementation, and human resource services that have been lacking, he said.
Additionally, Bancroft is working part-time for the City of Fort Scott until they can find a replacement finance director.
A new county appraiser was hired, Matt Quick.
“Matt is very good at what he does and very good at public relations,” he said.
The commissioners also hired a new county clerk, Ashley Shelton. “Ashley has hit the road running, is personable, and a fast learner,” he said.
The county’s information technology department has been busy, as the City of Fort Scott and the county signed a contract to share the services and their costs, he said.
“The IT department worked with the 911 dispatch center to move dispatch into the old jail area at the courthouse which increases safety for this essential group,” Oharah said. “IT is continuing to work on providing broadband access to areas of Bourbon County that are poorly served.”
“Lastly, I’m sure that you have noticed that the front steps at the courthouse have been replaced,” he said.
A few anticipated Bourbon County Commission 2022 projects:
Start repairs on the Elm Creek Lake dam.
Move all budget responsibilities under directors and elected officials.
Move to electronic time reporting.
Implement public works to handle public works projects and work orders.
“As we wrap up 2021, I want to wish our residents a happy new year and I look forward to a more prosperous year in 2022,” he said.
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension will offer virtual workshops January 31–February 4, 2022, to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and also for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers. The workshop series includes four online Lunch and Learn sessions, followed by a half-day virtual workshop. Some K-State Research and Extension offices will be offering in-person watch parties for the February 4 half-day workshop.
“Over the past two years, we’ve seen an increase in people’s enthusiasm for locally sourced food, and these workshops will address common questions and concerns for farmers and small businesses who are embracing these opportunities to reach local consumers,” said Londa Nwadike, food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the University of Missouri. “It’s also important for farmers to understand certain legal, safety and financial parameters before choosing to sell either directly to the consumer or at a farmers’ market.” In 2021, 89 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.
Dates and topics for each Lunch and Learn online session are as follows:
Monday, Jan. 31, noon to 1 p.m.: Food Safety for Value-Added Food Products
Tuesday, Feb. 1, noon to 1 p.m.: Sales Tax, Food Packaging, and How to Care for your Certified Scales
Wednesday, Feb. 2, noon to 1 p.m.: Meat and Poultry, Kansas Value Added Meats Lab
Thursday, Feb. 3, noon to 1 p.m.: Accepting EBT/SNAP & Double Up Food Bucks
The half-day virtual workshop on Friday, Feb. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., will cover topics such as How to Market your Market and Booth, How to Identify Common Legal Risks, Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, Vegetable Production, From the Land of Kansas program, and resources available from KSRE. Keynote speaker Brian Coppom, Colorado Department of Agriculture, will also be discussing Best Practices for Business Success when it comes to farmers’ markets.
KDA’s weights and measures program will offer free scale certification with a paid registration to an online workshop.
Registration for the January/February virtual workshops is now open. The cost is $5 per participant. Register at www.fromthelandofkansas.com/FMWorkshop.
For more information, contact Janelle Dobbins, KDA’s From the Land of Kansas marketing manager, at 785-564-6759 or [email protected]. The workshops are funded by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, the Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
KDA is committed to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. Kansas farmers’ markets not only provide a fresh food source, but also stimulate the local economy. The Kansas Ag Growth Strategy has identified training for small companies via workshops as a key growth outcome for the specialty crop sector. The farmers’ market/direct-to-consumer workshops will provide education through partnerships to help make Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses more successful.
Hare & Crow Barbershop, 118 S. Main. Submitted photo.
Matt Park has received his barbershop license this week for Hare & Crow at 118 S. Main.
“We’re planning to host an open house this weekend as a way to ring in the New Year,” Park said. “We will be open on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.”
Included in the open house for the business, there will be door prizes, light snacks, and beverages.
Visitors will also be entered to win a gift bag of items stocked on his mercantile shelf in the shop.
“We still have a few more finishing touches to wrap up, but we wanted to get the doors open and invite our neighbors to come see the progress,” Park said.
Hare & Crow is a modern barbershop with a traditional aesthetic and atmosphere.
Hare & Crow Barbershop, an interior view. Submitted photo.
Park offers haircuts, straight razor shaves-complete with hot lather and steam towels, beard and mustache trims, facials and shampoos.
The shop will be a comfortable space with a lounge feel for those waiting for their turn in the chair, Park said in a prior interview.
He envisions it to be a place to hang out, have a cup of coffee or a soft drink, chew the fat with friends and neighbors-whether you need a haircut or not—and loafers are more than welcome, he said.
Judy Cassidy, owner of AnchorBay Travel Service. Submitted photo.
Judy Cassidy is the owner of AnchorBay Travel Shoppe.
She describes the business as a family-owned, faith-based full-service travel agency specializing in cruises, groups, and all-inclusive vacations.
“I operate out of my home office so I mostly do free consultations over the phone if anyone is interested in making travel arrangements,” Cassidy said. “Or (we can) meet in a public place for coffee/tea.”
Cassidy attended Fort Scott High School, got married and moved away, then moved back to Fort Scott in October 2021.
She pursued a hospitality career and lived in Nashville, Denver, and Kansas City in those years away.
The idea of the business started years ago in a church she was attending.
“My original passion for this agency started when I was very involved in my church in Denver,” according to a press release. “I already had the travel bug and wanderlust appetite for travel but I wanted to do something fun and eventful for church groups.”
She then began planning cruise groups for churches: for their singles groups, women’s/men’s retreats, and for trips to the Holy Land.
She began her diverse career in travel and hospitality after having gained an unexpected jumpstart into the industry when she found herself managing a hotel at the age of 18, she said.
She then worked as a human resources generalist for one of the largest travel agencies at the time in Kansas City.
“Completely passionately in love with traveling, (I) continued expanding my career in upper-management and consultative roles in information technology, hotel/resort operations, sales, marketing and revenue management along with managing (my) travel agency,” according to the press release. “The travel agency was kept at a manageable part-time level while (I) continued with my hospitality career.”
Cassidy is now full-time in Fort Scott, since October 2021, with her agency AnchorBay Travel Shoppe.
The logo for AnchorBay Travel Shoppe. Taken from Facebook.
She has been partnering with a travel agency to get re-certified and help with re-branding, Cassidy said.
“We haven’t officially launched, we are getting ready to do that at the end of January 2022,” she said. “But I am available to do some travel arrangements now.”
“I am the main person in the business, I have a couple of travel advisors that work by commission,” she said.
Her mission is to “passionately inspire, educate, and fulfill dreams – one client, one destination, one travel experience at a time,” according to the press release.
She believes traveling is the gateway to a broader understanding of vast cultures and destinations yet to be explored.
“We are a full-service agency with a special niche for groups,” according to the press release. “Whether it be faith-based cruises, business/incentive seminars at sea, or annual affinity groups. We look forward to crafting the vacation experience of your dreams.”
“And because Covid also changed the dynamics of traveling, and continues to change daily, we have the tools to stay on top of the latest news, rules and protocols,” she said.
“If something goes wrong on your trip, we work on your behalf and will go to bat for you– no matter who is at fault — and try to get your vacation back on track.”
“We have access to a variety of tools that the average consumer is not able to use or doesn’t know about,” she said. “We can sometimes get you a better seat on an airplane, add amenities at hotels, room upgrades, event tickets, and plan activities for you.”
Though the temperatures have been extremely mild for Kansas winters, it is probable in the next few months that ice and snow will be covering our roadways.
The Kansas Department of Transportation agency has dealt with reduced staffing in the past, but the shortages are greater this year.
KDOT is about 30-percent off of snowplow operators needed to be fully staffed in offices across the state.
“We WILL BE clearing the roads,” Priscilla Petersen, KDOT’s Public Affairs Manager said. “We are concentrating on pre-treating the roads and bridges with our salt brine.”
KDOT is needing ice and snow seasonal workers in 2021. Taken from its’ Facebook page.
“We will also be shifting crews to affected areas when possible,” she said.
“We are off about 29 percent in employees,” she said. “We need seasonal and full-time help. We have an ongoing staffing concern.”
Snow and ice seasonal equipment operators will earn $25 per hour and are eligible for overtime, Petersen said. A pre-employment physical is required, along with drug testing.
Snow and ice seasonal temporary operators start at $19.55 per hour and also are required to take a pre-employment physical and drug test.
There are many different criteria for wages, Peterson said, and one can view and submit an application online or at a KDOT office.
The closest offices are in Pittsburg and Chanute, she said.
A similar splash pad to this image is being planned for Gunn Park. Submitted photo.
A small group of Fort Scott residents, most of whom have young children, have a vision for a splash pad in Gunn Park.
A splash pad is a water recreational play area, which in other cities, is often in a public area.
“A splash pad will benefit all ages,” Josh Jones, one of the organizers said. “It’s a great way for people of all ages to stay active during hot summer days.”
columbiasc.momcollective.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/splash-pad-2.jpg Taken from Facebook.
“A small group of us started this right before COVID (the disease pandemic) hit and it’s been on hold till recently,” he said.
The group is comprised of Kristin Bishop, Will Bishop, Seth Needham, Bailey Lyons, and Jones.
“The planned location for the splash pad will be right down from the caretaker’s house, on the east side of the road, as you start to exit Gunn Park, across from shelter house #1 (the big rock shelter house),” he said.
Fundraising will begin January 2022 and the plan is for the splash pad to be operational by summer 2023, Jones said.
“We have a couple of fundraisers lined up that we will announce in the next month or so,” he said.
Donations are being accepted at Lyons Realty Group, Bourbon County Cars, or Venmo at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is sponsoring a Dare to Dream seminar on January 5, starting at 104 N. National Avenue for women entrepreneurs. It starts at 5 p.m.
“Our goal is to connect up-and-coming female entrepreneurs with local women who can mentor them,” HBCAT CEO Jody Hoener said. “We want to inspire these ladies to take on their dreams to become business owners themselves! The HBCAT wants to provide opportunities to help our community build wealth and income, to come out of poverty, and to take control of their destiny.”
Jody Hoener. Submitted photo.
“This has been a series of four events that have been incredibly well attended and successful,” she said. “Women are coming and asking questions of the panel and speakers. They are talking to each other at their tables, networking, and building each other up”.
A dinner, catered by Drywood Creek Cafe, and a networking time will begin the evening from 5-5:30 p.m.
The Keynote Speaker will be Kristi Banwart.
Kristi Banwart. Submitted photo.
Banwart will speak about how her hobby of making little girl hair bows for her daughter turned into a multi-million-dollar business in 15 years, Hoener said. “Not only did she build regional and national relationships–but international relationships to help her business grow.”
The agenda also includes a short panel speaker session which will include Rebecca Williams with The Butcher Block, Angela Simon with Bids and Dibs, and Katie Casper with Union State Bank.
“They will each discuss a component of business relationships with its supplier, customer, or professional relationships–they are all instrumental in helping build any business,” Hoener said.
Rebecca Williams. Submitted photo.
Angie Simon. Submitted photo.
Katie Casper. Submitted photo.
“We will then have open question and answer so the attendees can ask questions to the speakers, The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce staff, HBCAT staff, or Pittsburg State University’s Small Business Development Center staff,” Hoener said.
There is free childcare available if registered prior to the event.
The support for the seminar is grant funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas.
A double homicide is still under investigation in Fort Scott.
All the press releases are coming from the KBI, according to Fort Scott Police Chief Travis Shelton.
The following is a press release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Facebook page.
On Tuesday, Dec. 21, at approximately 7:40 p.m., the Fort Scott Police Department received a 911 call from a subject who came home to find a female family member had been shot.
When police officers arrived at 402 Main St. in Fort Scott, they located 48-year-old Melissa L. Mitchell who had died from a gunshot wound. They also discovered inside the home, 53-year-old Leonard D. Zimmerman, who had also been shot and was deceased. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
At approximately 8:30 p.m. the Fort Scott Police Department requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to Fort Scott.
The victims’ son, Dawson J. Mitchell, 23, of Fort Scott, was a person of interest and was wanted for questioning connected to this case.
Mitchell was arrested at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22, near the intersection of 5th St. and Judson St. in Fort Scott.
He was arrested for theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unlawful possession of controlled substances.
He was then booked into the Bourbon County Jail.
Currently, Mitchell has not been charged related to the murders.
“Mitchell has not yet been arrested for the murders.” Melissa Underwood, KBI Communications Director, said. “Since he can be held on the other charges, I don’t think that is likely to happen quickly. Additionally, the decision on charges will likely come from the (Bourbon)County Attorney’s Office after we submit our case findings to them.”
The investigation is ongoing.
The jail is known as the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, Fort Scott.
