Varia’s owner, Robin Kendrick, stands in front of the new storefront she will move her clothing items into.
Varia, means variety in the French language, and the Varia Shop carries a variety of used clothing at less than retail pricing.
The store was opened by Robin Kendrick on June 8, 2021 and has expanded to the point of needing more space.
As of September 6, the store will be located in the same building, but two doors east of the present store front.
The new address is 114 E. 23rd, just behind the Taco Bell Restaurant on Main Street.
Hours the shop is open: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are closed on Sunday and Monday.
“We provide the community quality used name brand clothing at affordable prices,” Kendrick said. “Nothing is above $11.50. We opened because we see a need for more clothing stores in Fort Scott.”
Some of the clothing sold in Varia.
Kendrick buys clothing directly from the public and online.
One can make an appointment with her to sell clothing to her.
Shoes and purses are sold at Varia.
“I will look items over, to see if I think I can sell it,” Kendrick said.
When they opened in 2021 they had 300 items and now have over 4000 items, she said.
“We are moving to a bigger space because we have outgrown our current place,” she said. ” We are moving starting on Sunday (Sept. 4) and will ready for business on Tuesday, Sept. 5.”
New comers to the Fort Scott area from Kansas City are planning a blues festival on their property at 2006 Maple Road on September 24 from 2 to 10 p.m. and they are doing it to benefit a local helping organization.
Cory and Cecilia Bryars. Submitted photo.
“My wife, Cecilia and I have met and become lasting friends with wonderful people by attending blues music events and venues in the Kansas City area and travels to Arkansas and Mississippi,” said event organizer Cory Bryars said. “We moved to Fort Scott in 2021 from Kansas City and I wanted to have a once-in-a-lifetime housewarming and a thank you to contractors and friends. My wife has roots and best friends here and the kid went to college, freeing us up to leave K.C.”
“As I put (the event) together, it took on a life of its own, and I thought this thing needs to be more than just friends and family,” Bryars said. “Through a friend, Belynda Davenport, I got connected with Lavetta Simmons and Care to Share ( a helping organization for cancer survivors and their families) and it turns out their big annual Fall Fest fundraiser for the last 15 years is no more.”
They decided to turn the event into a fundraiser for Care to Share.
“Before Care to Share, it was all about the music; now it’s all about music being a force for good,” Bryars said. “This is real deal. Any one of these bands could headline a decent municipal blues fest, and we are providing four bands of that caliber.”
“I like to think the town was clamoring for something, and unbeknownst to me, I was apparently organizing it,” he said. “Soooo…our event is now a full-blown fundraiser.”
The music will be provided by the following artists, with performance times listed and comments provided by Bryars:
2pm—The Hermosa Prairie Dogs featuring Randy McAllister and James Van Nuys
o “Randy is an award winning, Grammy Nominated, singer, songwriter, harmonica player, drummer and legend of East Texas Blues/Soul/Roots.
o James is a talented artist in many disciplines and you will love his songs.”
4pm—Kilborn Alley featuring Big Rich McDonough
o “Band Leader Andrew Duncanson is smooth as silk on the vocals and guitar.
o Big Rich masters the guitar, making it SING almost as well as Andrew.”
6pm—Cassie Taylor & Band
o “After starting her music career while still a teenager, Cassie toured Europe as part of Girls with Guitars. She took a break from music to raise a family and her spirit, and now is back on the scene.
o With powerful vocals and a soulful voice perfect for pop and blues, Cassie leads her generation of blues artists.”
8pm—Junebug & The Porchlights
o “Long-time Kansas City favorites with great musicians, there’s never a dull moment as they cover Merle Haggard, Muddy Waters, and other country and blues standards, all with their own fast-paced sound and fury
o If you like 70s classics like John Denver’s Country Roads and the aromatic Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road, wait ‘til you hear the Porchlights’ versions!”
The Venue
The festival site is west of Findley’s Auto on Maple Road about one-half mile, on the Bryars property.
“We will use our front and back pasture for parking–not sure but thinking 75 cars can fit, maybe more,” Bryars said. “We are asking neighbors to have friends and family park at their properties. Care to Share is exploring options for parking and shuttle service via city trolley and/or side-by-sides from volunteers. The back yard near the house will have the stage and attendees.”
Free Admission, But Donations Accepted for Care to Share
“I am funding it and friends that were attending before Care to Share got involved will chip in and depending on the donation levels to Care to Share they will help offset some of my expense as a cost of the fundraiser,” Bryars said.
“We want to encourage donations,” he said. “I have found that people are very generous when it’s up to them to decide how to help. And Care to Share is organizing other methods of fundraising—concessions, crafts for the event.”
Tom Havron, Fort Scott Community College Vice President of Student Affairs and Foundation Director, had the idea to hold a fall golf tournament.
Tom Havron is the FSCC Vice President of Student Affairs and Foundation Director. Submitted photos.
“I thought it would be fun to do something a little different,” Havron said. “I used to play night golf when I was a high school kid in Montana and we always had a great time. After doing a little research, I thought we could make this a really special event.”
The event will be a fundraiser.
The Twilight Open Golf Night is a four-person scramble teeing off at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at Woodland Hills Golf Course, just down Horton Street from the community college.
Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, Fort Scott.
“The proceeds will go towards establishing a new golf driving range on campus,” Havron said. The short-term goal of the first annual Twilight Open Golf Night, set for Oct. 29 at Woodland Hills Golf Course in Fort Scott, is a design for long distances.”
Proceeds from the event, sponsored by Fort Scott Community College’s Foundation office, will go directly to the creation of a driving range on the FSCC campus, Havron said.
Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton is the site of the annual Independence Day fireworks event.
“College golfers need a driving range to work on different shots they will see on courses across the state throughout the season,” said Jeff Tadtman, head golf coach for the Greyhounds. “It has been an obstacle we have faced since the start of the golf program in 2019. We hope a driving range on campus will appeal to potential recruits looking to continue their golf career.”
Jeff Tadtman. Submitted photo.
The presence of a range in “their own backyard” is an immediate advantage for college golfers, said Havron, but the plan includes eventually opening the facility to community members.
“I think the community would really love to have a place to go and hit some balls,” said Havron. “Woodland Hills is an excellent course and I believe they would also see the benefits of a driving range close to their course.”
The future driving range, which is to feature a ball machine, is to be maintained by the FSCC golf team, and will provide a venue for fund-raising opportunities, Havron said.
“We would love to also be able to provide the facility to our area high school teams for practice, as well,” he said. “Details on the course are still being investigated and may take a few fund-raisers to get up and going.”
The night of the golf scramble will also include food and a silent auction.
“I’m working on having some food available for people to have during the silent auction period,” Havron said. “I will provide more information on this as soon as arrangements are finalized.”
“We will have FSCC staff and students assisting players throughout the round,” Havron said. “We will also have headlamps so players can make their way safely around the course. I have some other ideas which will provide safety features but make the event unique. I’m going to hold that information so it is a surprise at the event.’
What about inclement weather?
“We always will concern ourselves with weather in Kansas, but we are hopeful,” Havron said. “In my opinion, there is no better time to live in Kansas than October. The leaves will be turning and we hope the weather is kind to us.”
Cost of the event:
$500/team – this price includes cart and glow-in-the-dark ball
$475/team – with one cart included
$450/team – with no cart included
“To ensure safety and space between groups, we will be limited to the first 18 teams to RSVP,” Havron said.
A cross can be seen from the fallen timbers in the sanctuary of Mary Queen of Angels Church. Courtesy photo of Shane Walker.Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church fire on August 29, 2022. Courtesy of Stephen Toal.The Catholic church fire damage to the sanctuary. Courtesy of Kenny Felt.
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 705 S. Holbrook, Fort Scott suffered extensive damage in a fire that started in late evening on August 29.
According to a press release from the FSFD, on Monday, August 29, 2022 at approximately 9:12 p.m. the Fort Scott Police Department and fire department, along with Bourbon County EMS responded to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Scott for a report of a fire.
When the units arrived the church was on fire with heavy smoke and flames emitting from the southeast corner of the structure.
The Fort Scott Fire Department, with assistance from Nevada Fire Department, Scott Township Fire Department, Bourbon County Rural District 3 Fire Department, and Arma Fire Department battled the blaze until the early morning hours today.
The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by the state fire marshal’s office, along with local fire investigators, according to the press release from Fire Chief Dave Bruner and the FSFD Public Information Office.
One Fort Scott Firefighter sustained a minor injury and he was treated and released from the Via Christi Emergency Department. No other injuries are known.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the parishioners of St. Mary’s Church, and the members of our community who have been affected by this tragedy,” according to the release. “All official updates on this case will be posted to the Fort Scott Fire Department Facebook page, as well as the Facebook and Twitter accounts for the Fort Scott Police Department.”
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church this morning, following the extensive fire last evening. Photo courtesy of Stephen Toal.Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Courtesy of Shane Walker.Inside the sanctuary of the Catholic Church this morning. Courtesy of Kenny Felt.Inside structure damage from the fire. Courtesy of Shane Walker.The Catholic Church fire as seen from the backside of the church. Courtesy of Sara Simonds.People watch the fire at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church on Monday evening, August 29. Photo courtesy of Stephen Toal.Fort Scott Firefighters take a break during the fire at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Monday night. Courtesy photo by Stephen Toal.St. Mary’s Catholic Church fire. Courtesy of Angie Bin.
The following was from the St. Mary’s School Facebook page this morning.
“We had a major fire at our church last night. Damage is extensive but all indications are that we will be able to rebuild. However, for safety reasons we will cancel school for today. We will work tomorrow to get information from professionals and develop a plan to return to school as soon as possible, hopefully on Wednesday. There is no faith community more devout, fierce, or resolute than ours. God will get us through this, stronger than ever!”
The annual Old Settler’s Picnic committee is gearing up for this weekend’s activities, with events for people of all ages. In addition, the Uniontown High School Alumni Association has planned events for Saturday.
On Labor Day, Sept. 5, “There will be new food trucks and vendor booths”, Becky Shinn, Secretary-Treasurer of the committee said. The vendors will be scattered around the town square of the town of less than 300 people. The town doubles and sometimes triples in size for this annual event.
Also in the park on Labor Day will be the picnic offerings. In addition to the food trucks, the Uniontown High School FFA will be serving BBQ food, and the Methodist Church, a chicken dinner.
The announcer for this year’s event is Adelay Martin.
The children’s parade will line up starting at 9:50 a.m. on Sept. 5 on the east side of the town square and prizes will be awarded for best theme, decorated bike, child costume, pet and battery operated toy. No gas powered vehicles are allowed in the children’s parade, which will start at 10:15 a.m.
Uniontown High School Cheerleaders board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
The theme of the parade this year is “Back to the Old School Days”, and entries are invited to decorate their vehicles and hay wagons to showcase their organizations. There are prizes for best church float, best theme oriented float, school floats, All Terrain Vehicles (they must be clean and decorated), antique tractors and cars.
Horses are always welcome in the parade, but riders are asked to unload them at the rodeo arena, west of town on Hwy. 3. The horses be last in line up in the parade and are asked to line up at the Methodist Church.
The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade on Labor Day, 2019.
Throughout the day there will be raffles with drawings for cash prizes.
The Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the square.
For the kids is the traditional turtle race at 11:30 a.m., so be on the look out for a fast turtle! An egg toss competition, along with foot races and water races are planned for people from pre-kindergarten age to 100 years old on the south side of the square.
As is the tradition, there will be a recognition of the oldest man, oldest woman, longest married couple, former resident that traveled the farthest distance, and the resident who has had a Uniontown address the longest time.
Graphic from the Old Settler’s Picnic Facebook page.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at the Hwy. 3 arena, west of town, there will be rodeos to entertain. See the flyer above for more information.
At 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, coffee, milk and donuts will start the fellowship time of the Community Church Service at 10:30 a.m., this year presented by the Uniontown Methodist Church. Please bring lawn chairs for the service.
As part of the family game night on Sunday evening, the UHS Cheerleaders will be hosting a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament as a fundraiser. Additionally, there will be a bubble gum chewing contest, watermelon eating contest and cornhole contest, with events starting at 5:30 p.m.
Graphic from the Old Settler’s Picnic Facebook page.
High School Reunion
This year the Uniontown High School alumni are having their reunion on Saturday, Sept. 3, in conjunction with Old Settler’s Picnic weekend celebration.
A “Welcome Back” Reception at the UHS Commons area at the high school is scheduled from 3-5 p.m. Cookies and drinks are provided as well as an opportunity to tour the school. All alumni, and current and retired faculty and staff are invited to attend.
All-School Reunion Alumni will host a party at Uniontown City Park from 6 p.m. to midnight, with a Disk Jockey presenting music and a food truck. Coolers of beverages are welcome, but no glass containers.
This is part of a series featuring the 26 new educators in USD 234.
Dale and Ashleigh Brauer and children. Submitted photo.
Dale Brauer is a new 8th-grade math and Algebra 1 teacher at Fort Scott Middle School.
He earned an Associates of Science from Fort Scott Community College, Bachelors of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University and a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University.
This is Brauer’s ninth year in education.
His hometown is Girard, Kansas.
His wife is from Fort Scott, Ashleigh Page Brauer, and they have three children.
“We raise our six year-old nephew Theodore Brauer, our
oldest son is 2 years-old, Maverick Brauer, and Macen, 2.5 months old.”
Brauer’s grandparents are Mary Diane and Derell Spencer, and his mom is Susan West. He has a brother Marcus Page and wife, Ashley, who work at Fort Scott Community College.
In his spare time he likes making items out of wood – cabinets, tables, kids toys, and spending time with his family.
A former teacher from his high school inspired him to take part in the profession of teaching, he said.
For Brauer, the best part of teaching is interacting with students.
Dale Jackson was a car mechanic for many years in Uniontown. Event organizers are honoring him with a car show in conjunction with the annual Old Settler’s Picnic on Labor Day.
“We started the car show in 2019 to honor Dale Jackson and bring more people to the Old Settlers Picnic, an event that Dale contributed to for many years,” said car show organizer, Sara Roufs.
“I’m the main organizer but I have a great group of friends and family helping me put it all together,” she said. “I also need to give credit to Jeremy Lockwood, Garrett Knight and the Wasted Youth Car Club for helping get this car show started and making it a success.”
“Local businesses and organizations have sponsored the t-shirts, trophies, dash plaques and door prizes,” she said. “They have also contributed goody bag items that the first 50 car show registrants will receive.”
The Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show will be on Monday, Sept. 5 in Uniontown at the downtown square.
Cars, trucks and motorcycles are encouraged to enter, Roufs said.
The Old Settlers Picnic Parade is at 10:30 a.m. with line up at the high school starting at 10 a.m. for those vehicles wishing to be in the parade.
After the parade ends, vehicles will park at the town square.
The Car Show will be from 11a.m. to 1 p.m.
To enter the show, register by noon at Uniontown Community Center, on the square’s east side in Uniontown. Registration fee $10. The first 50 to register will receive a dash plaque, she said.
“We will have four judges and 20 trophies to be awarded,” Roufs said. “A special crowd favorite trophy, sponsored by Ol’Boys Tire & Auto, will be awarded to whoever receives the most votes. Spectators may pay $1 to vote for their favorite entry. Vote by 1 p.m. inside the Uniontown Community Center. ”
The Crowd Favorite Award, submitted graphic.
“There will also be a raffle for a free full vehicle detail from Tip Top Detailing,” she said. “The car show participants enjoy supporting a good cause so anything left after the expenses of the car show will be donated to the Bourbon County Angels. They are a local organization that help Bourbon County families to ensure that every child in need receives something nice to open on Christmas morning.”
Trophies are ready for the award presentations. Submitted photo.
The trophy presentation will a be at 1 p.m.
Vehicle classes:
-Best in Show
-Best of the 50s
-Best of the 60s
-Best of the 70s
-Best of the 80s
-Best of the 90s and up
-Best Hot Rod
-Best Street Rod
-Best Rat Rod
-Judges Choice (4 trophies)
Motorcycle classes:
-Best Motorcycle
-American Classic
-American Custom
-Metric Standard
-Metric Custom
-Best Trike
There will be t-shirts available for purchase this year thanks to Shirt Shack and these local sponsors:
Agricultural Engineering Associates
Bourbon Boy Bait Co
Brumback Engine & Machine
Cedar Ridge Management
Fort Scott Rides
Matt Russell Bulldozing
On Point Auto Sales
Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store
Roger’s Body Shop & Alignment Services
RHC Ron Hurd Construction
Tip Top Detailing
Union Station
Kansas Department of Commerce Announces New Grant Opportunity to Support Economic Development in Smaller Communities
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland announced a new grant opportunity today that will help support economic development and revitalization efforts in smaller communities across Kansas through investments in quality-of-life initiatives.
The brand-new Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) program will make grants between $5,000 and $50,000 available to communities in 78 designated counties with a population of 5,000 or less. Grants will be available in the following categories:
Childcare and senior programming – projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies and equipment;
Community vibrancy – projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals and signage;
Food retail – projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation and/or expansion; and
Libraries – projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading material, technology, furniture and building improvements.
“The Department of Commerce is very pleased to offer this new grant opportunity to our smallest communities across Kansas,” saidLt. Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “The SEED grants will offer communities a boost that will help them prosper and thrive. Quality-of-life investments help create vibrant communities that attract more people to live and work in Kansas.”
Local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and other organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a minimum 10 percent match and complete the project within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Funds will be distributed half at the beginning of the grant cycle and the balance upon successful completion of the project.
Funding for the SEED program, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.
Earlier this year, the Beneficient Company Group, L.P. received its full charter and became the first technology-enabled fiduciary financial institution in Kansas pursuant to the TEFFI Act. Beneficient’s first contribution to the grant program totaled $2.7 million.
SEED grant applications will open Monday, August 29, and close at 11:59 p.m. Friday, September 30. Grant awardees will be announced in October.
An informational webinar on the SEED grant will be available to the public at 10:00 a.m. (CST) Monday, August 29. Registration for the webinar, guidelines for the grant application, and a list of eligible counties can be found at www.kansascommerce.gov/seedgrants.
Applicants can contact [email protected] for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
A foundation that is located in Leawood, Kansas, has roots in and supports Bourbon County artists.
The Fremar Foundation was established in 2010 by Karen Fremar as a charitable organization and began giving scholarships in 2017.
Fremar’s parents were Fort Scott musicians who had a music studio starting in the 1950s through the 1970s. Fremar began her career as an accordian artist here.
Those students that have received Fremar scholarships, where they are studying and what their degree is:
The mission of the foundation has evolved, said Fremar, chairwoman and president of the Fremar Foundation. “It is currently to recognize the achievements and enable talented high school students in the Fort Scott area to continue with their artistic studies at the college level.”
“Initially we wanted to bring outstanding accordion artists from all over the world to perform concerts in Kansas City,” she said. But the cost was to high.
So her thinking changed.
“I was thinking that I would rather spend time and raise funds to support and recognize local young artists in all disciplines to help them on their artistic journey,” Fremar said. ” While we champion outstanding accordion art, we are not exclusive and support all musicians and artists.”
Tax advisor, Carol Hill, and financial advisor, Jordan Witt, both of Fort Scott, helped the organization develop a program to present scholarships in the area.
“Jordan was president of the school board at that time, and said that there was really nothing to recognize and financially reward the efforts of these talented young people in the area,” she said.
The critical part of the scholarship program is to recognize the achievements of these young artists in their creative work in high school, and encourage them to continue their art as they go into college and into life, she said.
“We find it thrilling to follow their careers, see their successes, and know that maybe we had some small part in recognizing and encouraging their talent and achievements,” she said.
“An added benefit is that Mayson Lane has now become a full-fledged member of Vivant! (the group of K.C. area musicians she performs with) and performs with us whenever possible.”
Annual Concert
Each year she spearheads a concert to provide more funds for the scholarships the foundation awards.
She is inviting people from Bourbon County to the concert at the Leawood United Methodist Church (near Ranchmart) at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 28. The free concert will last about one hour and refreshments will follow. It’s at this time the audience can meet the scholarship recipients.
“The concert will be varied and fun… plus, we’ll feature some amazing musicians,” she said. “We would be grateful for donations to our scholarship program.”
“I arranged all the scores we perform together,” she said. “The musicians in Vivant! are top professionals in their field.”
This year’s recipient Laney Covey, Uniontown, will be featured, she said.
“Laney will… provide an art show in the lobby of her works,” she said. “Jezeriah Simpson… at Baker University, now in his fourth year of receiving our scholarships, will be there and be introduced.”
Fred and Margie Fremar, Karen’s parents who started a music studio in Fort Scott.
Photos on the foundation website show many recognizable names and faces.
Zach Mason, 32, is a new junior/senior high physical education teacher at Uniontown.
He attended Fort Scott Community College, McPherson College, and Fort Hays University.
His teaching experience includes one year as a K-6 Special Education teacher at Dighton Elementary School, one year Special Education Para at St. John-Hudson Elementary School, and seven years K-12 Physical Education/Weights and Conditioning instructor at Crest Schools.
His hometown is Uniontown.
He and his wife, Megan Mason, have three daughters Markayla, Paxton, and Rory.
Outside of school he enjoys golf, softball, hunting, and spending time with family.
He wanted to become a teacher to help kids find the fun in staying active, he said. and his college track coach, Robert Spies, inspired him to teach.
The best part of teaching for Mason is “Seeing kids progress and do things they might have thought they couldn’t do.”
What are the challenges?
“Trying to get kids to understand that running and lifting are not the only ways to stay physically active. He wants students to understand that exercise as simple as walking, golfing, and bowling have health benefits.”
Luke Davis has been hired by USD 235 to teach math at the junior high school.
“Since Luke Davis still needs to complete a semester of student teaching, Ed Ramsey will also be in the room with him during the first semester,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said. “Ed is a retired teacher who moved to Uniontown a year or two ago. Last year he was a substitute teacher and substitute bus driver for the district. Luke will be providing the majority of the instruction. Once Luke graduates in the fall, he would then be able to assume the full responsibilities as the teacher.”
Davis graduated from Uniontown High School, before attending Pittsburg State University.
