All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Schools

West Bourbon Elementary: A Music Program Following COVID-19 Protocols

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West Bourbon Elementary School Principal Vance Eden worked the soundboard, while WBE Music Teacher Rhonda Allen welcomes the audience to the spring program of kindergarten through third-grade students on May 3.

The music program for the performances.
Rhonda Allen has taught music for 39 years, with 30 of those at West Bourbon Elementary School in Uniontown.
“I teach pre-k through 6th-grade general music and junior high choir,” she said. “I also accompany the high school choir.”
Second-grade students enjoy their teachers Sheryl Fry and Brenda Gleason hamming it up during a performance.
But Monday’s kindergarten through third-grade spring music concert was not the normal spring concert at WBE.
It was held outside on the front porch of the school, with parents and the community invited to bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the performances, because of the COVID 19 pandemic restrictions.
The audience brought lawn chairs and blankets to watch the performances.
The idea was born out of some recommendations and some experiences, Allen said.

“There were recommendations by the National Association of Music Education, that outside is a safer place to make music,” she said.

 

 

First-grade students perform.

 

 

Last fall the district had outside performances in the local park.

 

 

“We had an event held last fall in Uniontown City Park by the 4th and 5th grades, and the junior high and high school music and art students called Art in the Park,” Allen said.  “It was very successful.”

 

 

“And we knew, an outdoor venue would not require us to limit the audience for these young performers,” she said.  “An indoor program would be limited to four audience members per participant.”

 

 

At the end of each class performance, parents came to retrieve their students. They could then leave or stay for the entire concert.

 

So plans were made for the annual spring concert with fingers crossed and prayers to God for good weather.
“It was a delight to be able to have a spring program this year,” Allen said. ” At the beginning of the school year, performances seemed unlikely. We were very thankful that the rain held off!”
Third-grade students performed on the kazoo.

 

“I feel the outdoor venue was a success,” she said.  “Many seemed to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as they watched the kids perform.”
Allen feels performing music is important.
“Performance skills are an important part of the elementary music curriculum,” she said.  “I was grateful to be able to teach those skills in this unprecedented year.”
Kindergarten students perform
Covid impact on Music Education
“A study done in the summer of 2020 revealed the amount of aerosol, how Covid is spread, created while singing or playing an instrument was significantly higher,” Allen said.  “Music education was deeply impacted by this discovery.  Social distancing, masks, and bell covers on the ends of instruments were some of the protocols followed.”
“Until late February, I traveled to each classroom, teaching from a cart,” she said.  “This changed my curriculum and the activities I normally used to teach music concepts.  It was different, but it was doable. Though it was challenging, I learned new skills and had the opportunity to discover new, and sometimes better, ways to teach music skills.”

 

Bourbon County

Infrastructure! by Gregg Motley

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Greg Motley. President of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council. Submitted photo.

Gregg Motley is the chairman of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council.

As mentioned in previous columns, there is not much we can do about some megatrends; but, we can do the basic blocking and tackling to make our town more attractive and livable. We can’t lose sight of long-term investments in exchange for short-term gains. What is infrastructure? Congress has struggled with this definition lately. Here are my thoughts:

Roads and Sewers

Somehow, we quit maintaining these two critical features. I was involved in an exchange program, designed to send teams to a “sister city” and evaluate them on numerous criteria. Our partner was Independence, Kansas, and a small group of us took off for a stealth tour of the town. A few days later, a group from there toured Fort Scott. Their report on us? Overwhelmingly positive, except one category: roads. And, if they could have seen underground to examine our sewer system, that grade might have been worse. It cost five times more to repair/replace than to maintain. Yes, the catch up, and beginning proper maintenance might be painful in the short-term, but the price tag will be substantially more later.

Internet Access

In whatever form it comes, Internet access is becoming almost important as paved roads. It is critical to our businesses and schools, as well as desirable for every citizen in Bourbon County. We have to expand and improve this infrastructure, in whatever form it comes, to the far reaches of the county.

Downtowns

Studies show that outsiders judge the vitality of communities by their downtowns and central business districts. We have to pay attention to this aspect of every community in Bourbon County, and see what we can do to put our best foot forward.

Schools

What do working-age parents evaluate first in considering a move to a community? This is a no-brainer; continue to invest our collective time, talent, and treasure in the public and private schools in our county.

Recreation

Years ago, corporate site selectors paid little attention to recreational amenities when deciding where to locate; now it is critical. Younger people want something to do; some place healthy to “hang out”. Older people want amenities too, a place to connect around a recreational activity.

Faith Community/Charity

Is this infrastructure? Yes! How we create community, and how we respond to the most vulnerable among us is a quality of life issue that must be addressed. Most American’s are concerned about the poor, and want to live in communities that respond to these critical needs. We can’t ignore this factor when considering how to grow our communities and create quality of life for all. I am so glad for the success of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, our strong church community, and other charities that focus on meeting basic human needs.

Next week: Eleven common attributes of non-energy sector small towns that are bucking the trends, and continuing to grow.

Bourbon County, Health Care

Uniontown Medical Clinic Open For Patients

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Lori Reith, left, medical assistant, and Stephanie Hallacy, nurse practitioner, stand in front of the newly opened Girard Medical Center of Uniontown Clinic.

Uniontown’s new medical clinic is open for patients as of May 4.

 

The staff has been in the building for a month, working on the accreditation process which was completed.

 

The clinic staff received accreditation this week.

 

“There was a soft opening for four weeks,” Medical Assitant Lori Reith said. “We have seen 20 patients.”

 

 

The official title of the facility is the Girard Medical Center of Uniontown Clinic.

 

 

The building is located south of the USD 235 football field, at 401 Fifth Street. The phone number is 620-756-4111.

 

 

Clinic hours are 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The clinic is closed each day between noon and 1 p.m.

 

On the front door of the clinic is a list of the summer holiday schedule.

 

Reith is in the clinic on Tuesdays doing bookkeeping, she said. “I can schedule appointments, answer questions and fill out new patient forms.”

 

 

Stephanie Hallacy is the nurse practitioner and Reith is the medical assistant of the clinic. Candi Adams is the director of clinic operations, with Dr. Adam Paoni the medical director.

 

 

 

Hallacy is a family practice nurse practitioner, who will be offering primary care to the community in western Bourbon County.

 

Hallacy has worked for Girard Medical Center since 2013 as a nurse practitioner in their clinics as well as its walk-in clinic, she said in a prior interview.

 

From 2006-2014 she was a flight nurse for EagleMed.

 

Prior to that, she worked as a registered nurse in an intensive care unit in Oklahoma from 1994 – 2006.

Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Hallacy works on charting at her desk in the Uniontown Clinic.
Hallacy received her 1994 associate degree in nursing from Grayson County College in Denison, TX,  her bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Oklahoma, and her master of science in nursing from Pittsburg State University in 2012.

To see a prior story on Hallacy, click below.

Stephanie Hallacy: New Nurse Practioner At Uniontown Clinic

 

 

Medical Assitant Lori Reith works at the front desk at the Uniontown Clinic.

 

Reith’s education was as an emergency medical technician but was cross-trained in the lab and as a medical assistant. She was a phlebotomist for 15 years and recently worked for the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Iola.

Reith is married to Uniontown Junior High/Senior High Principal Mike Reith.

 

Medical Assistant Lori Reith stands in the laboratory of Uniontown Clinic.

 

A sign on the door of the clinic states a mask must be worn.

 

“It is a walk-in clinic, but also primary care,” Reith said.

Other services:

rapid testing for strep, flu, COVID-19

urinalysis, urinalysis for pregnancy,

hemoglobin tests,

tetanus shots,

blood draw,

monitor of blood pressure,

steroid shots,

stitches and

referral of patients.

 

“We are also able to do sports physicals free for the month of May, Reith said.  “We can do pre-school physicals. We offer immunizations, but those need to be scheduled.”

 

 

A patient exam room at the Uniontown Clinic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opinion

Jessie by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

On my recent trip to Florida, I hurriedly rounded the aisle in Target, my daughter-in-law and grandbaby waiting for me in the car. An agitated, middle-aged man was talking on his cell phone. “I’m so sick of Christians,” he said. “In all my years in the business world, no one has stabbed me in the back more and been more crooked than they have.” I continued pushing my shopping cart away from the man who wasn’t through giving us a tongue-lashing. I wanted to linger, to tell him that I was sorry and to say that we all aren’t like that. Then again, maybe too many of us are. I certainly have my moments. Fewer, the older I get, but there still are times I don’t represent Jesus Christ very well. Jesus spoke of his “followers” who failed to embody the fruits of the spirit as listed in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These people pretend well and are referred in Scripture as “lukewarm” Christians. Francis Chan spends a chapter in his best-seller Crazy Love describing behaviors of people in this category. Following is a short list of his descriptions. These people:

give money to charity and the church…as long as it doesn’t impinge on their standard of living care more about what others think of them than what God thinks of them don’t want to be saved from their sin but only from the penalty of their sin fail to share their faith for fear of being rejected gauge their morality by how they compare to the secular world have a hard time loving anyone other than those who love them back or don’t disappoint them

Here in Mexico, I have befriended Jessie, a sweet, young woman who is studying to be a missionary. A few weeks ago, she called me and said that her team of missionaries was at the beach near our condominium, and she wanted to talk. When I picked her up a few minutes later, she was wearing her swimsuit with a cover-up and shorts. I could tell immediately she was struggling with something. I was not prepared for what she had to share.

“I gave all my clothes away last night,” she began.

“All? And how would you define ‘all’ your clothes?” I asked. Apparently, all meant all, except for what she had on. At base camp the previous night, the discussion had been about our idols and what we love more than God. Two girls shaved their heads because they found that their hair determined much of their self-worth. Jess prayed about it and realized that she loved her clothes far too much, so she gave them away. “Well, honey, you can’t go to your classes this week in the outfit you’re wearing now,” I reminded her. She knew that, and within a few hours, I drove her back to her base, finding my closet now barer than when Jess arrived. Somehow, not surprisingly, her sacrifice had become mine as well. I had to laugh. The first commandment states that we are to have no god before God, yet lukewarm Christians do just that. Anything we don’t want to do without has the potential to be the one thing we probably should do without, if we want to grow in our faith. If the “Christians” with which the man in Target worked had put God before the idol of their business transactions, his conversation about them might have been radically different. We all must understand that we have the potential to be the person(s) about whom he was talking.

Business, Fort Scott

Star Emporium Closes in Downtown Fort Scott

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Bill Michaud. Submitted photo.

Star Emporium Downtown General Store owner Bill Michaud announced the closing of the store after four months on a May 5 post on its Facebook page.

The store is located at 17 S. Main and featured grocery store items and a deli.

 

The Star Emporium’ was formerly the Kress Store in Downtown Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

 

Starting today all items in the store will be 20 percent off, then Friday and Saturday-40 % off, then Monday-60 % off.

 

“It’s an awful feeling for something that I had such high hopes to make a difference in the elevation of the retail climate downtown to be shut down so quickly,” Michaud told fortscott.biz.   “The perishable inventory and low sales level pushed us to this.”

 

Michaud is working on a new chapter of the storefront in downtown Fort Scott, though.

 

 

 

 

“We certainly hope that Fort Scott comes out and helps us liquidate our inventory this Friday and Saturday,” Michaud said.  “We will be closed on Mother’s Day and most of what’s left will be offered for sale at 60% off on Monday.”
  “We are very hopeful that all perishable and frozen items are purchased so that we can shut down the refrigeration equipment,” he said. “IF our sale is successful, Monday will be our last day open.”
 “We will open the deli and sell sandwiches on Monday to utilize as much deli meat and cheese as possible but the salad bar will not be open.”

 

“We will keep our regular hours during the sale – 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.,” he said.
What is on the horizon for you at this storefront?
“Since its inception, this project has been about aiding the growth of our downtown, addressing the limited food access in this part of the community, and giving local producers a place to sell products,” Michaud said.  ” We’ve done all those things, but we have unfortunately learned that our business model was not financially sustainable.”
  “Because this project was funded in large part by the SPARK grant (A COVID-19 relief grant) funding that we received, we have always viewed this as investment in the community, so we have an obligation to figure out a different business model that is sustainable and still helps us with the objectives set forth by that grant program.”
Food Producers Co-Op
“The new model we are working to put together will be more of a producer’s co-op type format,” he said.   “We are looking for people who produce products of all types in our region that are looking for a marketplace.”
  “We will begin hosting producer meetings soon and form a co-op model together to create that marketplace at the store,” Michaud said.  ” There are still more questions than answers on how this will come together but we will navigate the questions together with the producers to create a model that the group feels will be sustainable and beneficial for all involved.”
“We’re getting more community involvement in hopes that we can attract more broad-based support and offer more products that people will go out of their way to buy than was offered in the previous grocery store model.”
Licensed Commercial Kitchen
“Our current deli will become available as a licensed commercial kitchen in which space may be reserved for co-op members, as well as others, to rent in order to produce products that are able to be sold to retailers.”
 “Currently there is no licensed commercial kitchen available for use in our community for small quantity producers or that can be used as a food-based business incubator,” Michaud said.  “This opportunity will allow someone to start small and develop a base business prior to expanding into a larger space such as a restaurant, bakery, or other food production facility.”
 “With great resources in our community such as the Center for Economic Growth on the second floor of the (Star Emporium) store and the Chamber of Commerce E-Community loan program,  we hope to continue to pursue the economic impact goal that was one of the purposes of the SPARK program.”
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

New Bourbon County Eco Devo Director: Rob Harrington

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Robert Harrington. Submitted photo.

On Monday, May 10, Rob Harrington will begin as the newly created position of Bourbon County Economic Director.

 

 

Harrington, 40,  has 13 years of experience in economic development and civil investment.

 

 

Currently living in Houston, MO, Harrington is the economic director there. He has a wife and four children.

 

The Harrington family. Submitted photo.From left: Ostin, his wife Kathryn, Rob, Braley, Hunter, and Avery.

 

 

“His office will be in the Landmark building,” Gregg Motley, chairman of Bourbon County Economic Development Council, said.  “That may be temporary, but we would like him to take ownership of a final domicile.”

 

 

Harrington has a bachelor’s of science degree from the University of Phoenix in business and has been a retail company business manager and in politics, he said.

 

 

He has a master’s degree in economic development practicum and certification from the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program sponsored by the University of Clemson, Texas Christian U., Southern Mississippi U., and New Mexico U.

 

 

He is currently finishing a master’s degree in public administration from Park University,  based in Parkville, Mo.

 

 

“I am facilitating a rural economic development class in the Kansas City portion, for the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program.”

 

 

For Harrington, the best part of his job is “Knowing if I do my job right, the person with no job, can get a job and provide for their family.”

 

 

Challenges  of Economic Development

 

 

The number of members in a family has decreased, which for this generation means fewer workers,  Harrington said.

 

 

People his parent’s age are retiring, and there are not as many people in the working-age group, he said.

 

 

 

“Also in rural areas, is ‘brain drain’ in the 1990s and early 2000s,”  Harrington said. This is where young people left their rural areas to find higher-level wages.

 

 

That is changing because of quality of life issues like cost of living and crime, and many in urban areas are seeking smaller towns, he said.

 

 

“And in my opinion, the COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way people look at being in densely populated areas,” he said.

 

 

Work ethic also comes into play.

 

 

There is a work ethic problem when you can stay at home and receive money, he said.

 

 

“There will still be some who would live off the system,” he said.

 

 

 

Harrington has been president of the University of Missouri Extension Board and treasurer for the Houston Community Foundation, along with several other groups in his community, he said.

 

 

“My kids are active in our school, where we live,” he said.

 

 

In his spare time, he likes to hunt and fish and is a Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

 

 

 

Harrington will have a forty-hour workweek, Motley said

 

 

“We are not disclosing salary, as we are a private entity,” Motley said.  “Funding is from a budget from the county (Bourbon County Commission).

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Opening Soon: Fort Scott Barbershop, 118 E. Wall

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From front to back are Jaylisha Montanez, Giancarlo Montanez, and Jose Montanez, the three new barbers in Fort Scott. Mayra Montez stands beside her husband, Jose. In the barber seat is Jose Montanez Jr.
A view of the inside of Fort Scott Barbershop, 118 E. Wall.

The Montanez family will soon open their new barbershop at 118 E. Wall.

 

 

They are waiting on a few items to complete the shop and plan on opening in the next few weeks.

 

 

Jose Montanez is father to the other barbers: his daughter, Jaylisha Montanez, and son, Giancarlo Montanez. Jose’s wife, Mayra does bookkeeping for the business “and everything else,” Jose said.

 

 

For 20 years the family has had a barbershop in Overland Park, operating six shops altogether, Mayra said.

 

 

“Jose won an award for best barbershop in the midwest and the Trailblazer Award of Kansas City,” she said. “Jose started training other barbers. We specialize in straight razors. It gives a clean, direct shave to the face, that started getting people’s attention.”

 

 

Razor cuts are what the Montanez family is known for in Overland Park.
Jose Montanez demonstrates a razor cut on his son Giancarlo.

“It is an old fashion barbershop with hot towels and hot lather for our VIP treatment,” Mayra said. “But also all the trending hairstyles.”

 

 

The cost for a haircut is $20 and $30 for the VIP Treatment, which includes a beard cut with a hot towel and hot lather, Jose said.

 

 

There are posters of 180 men’s hairstyles on the wall of the barbershop, Jose said. “But we can also do custom hairstyles.”

 

 

 

“If you bring your kid in for a first haircut, they get a certificate with a piece of the hair and their name, date, and the signature of the barber,” Mayra said.

 

 

Their hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

 

 

Their first day of business, instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, will be a day of free haircuts for City of Fort Scott personnel: which includes police officers, firemen, city office, EMTs.

 

 

 

 

“Following the honoring of Fort Scott employees, the shop will be open to the public,” Mayra said.

 

 

 

 

“We are making vouchers, so if the city employees can’t come on that day, they can still come and get the VIP treatment,” she said.

 

 

 

 

“Being Puerto Rican…we know how to work with all hair,” Mayra said. “That has helped us be so diversified in the city. Anybody can come  and get a great haircut experience.”

 

 

Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier was in the shop on May 3 to welcome the new business.

 

 

Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier, right, welcomed Joses Montanez, to Fort Scott on May 3 outside the new barbershop.

 

When people are looking for a new town to reside in, they look for the basics: housing, transportation, schools, health care… but also personal care, such as barbers, Frazier said. “I feel like this shop will help add diversity and offer people with different kinds of hair a place for a haircut.”

 

 

 

The Montanez family purchased the storefront at 118 E. Wall from Dean and Marlene Gettler.

Former building owners Dean and Marlene Gettler stop in the Fort Scott Barbershop on May 3 to view the building remodel.

 

The Gettler’s would often have coffee and people-watch from the storefront, they were told by their realtor, Barbara Albright.

 

Realtor Barb Albright, left talks with Mayra Montanez on May 3 at the new barbershop.

 

So the Montanez’s have installed a coffee station in the shop, with free coffee, and a table to sit and have the coffee.

 

 

“We started a coffee station, with Puerto Rico, Brazilian and American coffee, so the Gettlers can come for coffee, along with patrons,  and can have a free cup of coffee,” Mayra said.

 

 

Jose and Mayra have purchased a home on Judson, Jaylisha a home on Main Street and Giancarlo is looking to purchase a home in Fort Scott, as well.

 

 

To view the previous story on this barbershop:

Downtown Barber Shop Coming Spring 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Kiwanis Pioneers Host Prayer Walk for the National Day of Prayer

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The tall deciduous trees give shade to walkers on the Belltown Trail in Riverfront Park.
The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation, according to its website, https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/about

The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers will hold a Prayer Walk for the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 6th at the Riverfront Park, according to a press release. The park is past the orange bridge on North National Avenue.  The walk will take place at the Belltown Walking Path between 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. The public is invited to stroll the loop and stop at each of the designated reflection points to pray.

 

On May 6th, Americans from all walks of life will unite to lift America in prayer for the National Day of Prayer, according to a press release. America has endured a year marked by tragedy and pain, but  prayer has carried us through these days and the hand of God will move us into a brighter future. The theme for this year’s event is “LORD pour out Your LOVE, LIFE, and LIBERTY.”

 

Parking near the trailhead is limited but overflow parking is available at Twister Trailers across the street.

 

Millie Karleskint is the president of Kiwanis Pioneer Club, who is facilitating the event.
“We decided we wanted to do something with less close contact(public health recommendations for the pandemic of the past year),” Karleskint said.  “Something in the afternoon.”
“Some of the club members will be on hand to explain the event and distribute National Day of Prayer information and free water,” Kelley Collins, secretary, said.
“There is no specific route but there are designated reflection points,” Collins said. “Each stop will be posted and include suggestions for prayer in keeping with this year’s theme.”
“There will be seven topics that are part of the National Day of Prayer theme this year,” Karleskint said.
The Belltown Trail information kiosk at Riverfront Park.
About the National Day of Prayer
It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman, according to the website.
The task force behind the event is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation in the day of prayer and represents a Judeo-Christian expression based on an understanding that America was birthed in prayer and reverence for the God of the Bible.
About Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers
The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers has 24 members and meets on Thursdays at noon at the United Methodist Church, 301 South National Avenue.
Current members include Judy Wallis, Nancy Van Etten, Sylvia Trujillo, Gina Staudinger, Diane Spencer, Elizabeth Schaffer, Gayle Sackett, Aileen Pollock, Carol MacArthur, Millie Karleskint, Bernita Hill, Tammy Helm, Nancy Hart, Joyce Gobl, Sally Eckles, Dee Ann Davis, Kelley Collins, Susan Cole, Carol Clyde-Gallagher, Vickie Chaplin, Marlene Braker, Dona Bauer, Cheryl Basore, and Marlene Arndt.

“Contact one of our members if you are interested in learning more about Kiwanis or would like to join the club,” Collins said. “Millie’s number is 620-223-3311.”

 

Pictured are left to right:  Diane Spencer, Immediate Past President; Millie Karleskint, President; Tammy Helm, member; Marlene Braker, Treasurer; Kelley Collins, Secretary; Judy Wallis, Board of Directors; Vickie Chaplin, member; Gayle Sackett, Board of Directors, Carol Lydic, Past Region Division 3 Lieutenant Governor.  Submitted by Kelley Collins.

 

Pictured are left to right:  Marlene Braker, Judy Wallis, Nancy Van Etten, Liam Karleskint, Ben Karleskint, Loren Karleskint, Millie Karleskint, and Nolan Karleskint. The group is getting the flower bed on Skubitz Plaza ready for this past winter. The flower bed is one of the community projects of the Kiwanis Pioneers. Submitted by Kelley Collins.

Projects of the club include their focus on children.

Sponsoring the Fort Scott High School K-Club, softball club, college scholarships, Healthy Start for kids, Christmas Adopt-A-Family, Care to Share Fall Festival,  Fort Scott Police Department Emergency Kits for kids,  Head Start, gift cards to the Washateria,  and donations to The Beacon, Red Cross,  Good Neighbor Action Team, USD 234 and 235”s reading programs, CASA, Keyhole Youth Center, Fort Scott Middle School Project Art and accelerated reading programs, FSHS student pantry, after-prom party, and SOS Party.

A recent project is in memory of Joyce True: a two-person swing to be installed at Gunn Park’s fourth shelter house playground.

All these are funded by the annual chili feed in the fall, Karleskint said.

 

Bourbon County, Schools

SOAR Camp at West Bourbon Elementary This June

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West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.

SOAR is a summer camp offered to West Bourbon Elementary 4th through 6th-grade students.

 

“The name was chosen to represent the eagle soaring,” Kerri Travis, the program director, said. The USD 235  Mascot is an eagle.

“It’s an opportunity for students to spread their wings and experience and enhance their learning through the exploration of new concepts and activities.,” she said.

 

These two girls are forming a flower pot on pottery wheels in a previous WBE Camp. Submitted photo.

The camp is June 1 – 28, Monday through Friday, from  8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., and is free to district students.

 

Parents can sign up their children by contacting the West Bourbon Elementary School office at 620-756-4335.

 

“Our goal is to provide a place for our students to continue their growth academically while learning through hands-on activities such as robotics, coding, life skills, community service, and science experiments,” Travis said. ” Furthermore, it’s an opportunity for our students to spend time with their friends while engaging in fun activities.”

 

These are the planned activities for the camp:

 

Field trips to  Fort Scott Cinema, Trampoline Park, nature exploration, roller skating,  and a bouncy house.

 

Outdoor games, such as bowling, ladder golf, cornhole, horseshoes, badminton, water games, slammo game, ring toss, basketball, and volleyball.

These boys are preparing to eat a pumpkin dessert that they made in cooking class at a previous WBE Camp. Submitted photo.

 

Indoor Activities include 3D puzzles, bead pets, catapult wars, wooden construction science projects, sewing kits, magnetic design and paint tiles, food science experiments, cooking, photography, science experiments using microscopes, gardening, Legos, banking, fishing, tie-dye shirts, community service, reading session, and virtual reality headset activities.

 

Daily camp schedule and activities.

Students will arrive at West Bourbon Elementary be served a free breakfast.

 

Then the activities begin.

 

“Our summer program is designed to offer new enrichment activities while they are continuing to learn science concepts, technology, engineering, and math,” Travis said. “Our program is all hands-on activities, which the students love!”

 

There are three different enrichment activity classes daily, a thirty-minute session focusing on reading, a physical activity, and a healthy, nutritious free lunch for all students.

 

“Our SOAR camp will end daily at 1:30 p.m., from which the students will be sent home via school buses,” she said. “Every day will offer new and exciting learning opportunities for all our students. We all are gearing up for a great time at summer camp!”

 

These girls are painting rocks during sn enrichment time at a previous WBE Camp. The rocks are then hidden around the school for others to find. Submitted photo.

 

Daily Schedule

8:30 – 9:00 a.m. is check-in time, attendance, and breakfast.

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Enrichment class #1

10:00 – 10:20 a.m. Recess – outside or gym

10:20 – 11:00 a.m.  Reading session

11:00 – 11:50 a.m. Enrichment class #2

11:50 – 12:00 a.m. Recess – outside or gym

12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Lunch

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Enrichment #3

1:30 – 1:45  p.m. Family time – load onto buses

 

The WBE camp leaders are Travis, program director, along with
Hannah Hays, Courtney Campbell, Angela Nading, Julie Schafer, Rachel Reed, and Bonnie Rathbun, who are tutors for the program.
“These ladies are who keep this program running effectively and work hard to keep the program exciting for our students,” Travis said.  “I appreciate their inputs, suggestions, and support as we all work together to make the best program possible!”
Pictured are students building objects with the activity called Zoomtools, in a previous WBE Camp.  “One student told me that they built the Coronavirus,” Travis said. Submitted photo.
Business, Fort Scott

Hedgehog INK Bookstore Expands

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Hedgehog INK employee Lynne Pallaske puts a book in its place on April 26. This area is the fiction area of the bookstore.

Hedgehog INK, 16 S. Main, had no more space for their books.

 

Hedgehog INK is located at 16 S. Main.

Jan and Dick Hedges opened the bookstore in October 2018.

Jan Hedges at the cash register of Hedgehog INK. Masks and sanitizers are available for use to deter the spread of COVID-19. There is also a plastic screen at the cash register.

“We were running out of space for all our books,” Jan Hedges said. “I have wanted a space where I can have author talks, writing groups, reading groups…a space where people can meet for whatever reason.”

So they annexed the back two-story room of the building next door, adjacent to theirs, an approximate 1,200 square foot space, and extended to the back of the current store to make a 9 foot by 16-foot children’s area, she said.

The new space for the children’s area in 9 feet by 16 foot and is located in the rear of the building, just behind the fiction area.

 

The Hedges started the expansion in January 2021.

“It’s a work in progress,” she said.

 

Their plan is to start children’s storytime in September, Jan said.

 

The expanded larger space is for meeting rooms,  and the walls are full of research and reference books.

Jan Hedges walks through the new space for non-fiction and history books. It will be the gathering place for future events. This view is from the mezzanine area.

 

“We were able to save the tin roof and wood floors,” she said. “The building was built in the 1870s.

 

The tin ceilings are original to the 1870s building.

The Hedgehog INC building, and the one next door, are all owned by Jared Leek, who has remodeled these and several other downtown Fort Scott buildings.

 

The Hedges have carved out an office space in the building.

In the mezzanine area of the expanded space is a seating area with large windows to read and relax.

 

There is seating in the mezzanine area for reading a good book.
Jan Hedges stands at the top of the stairs in the reading area.

“With the additional space we are able to spread out our fiction area more, to be able to see them better,” Jan said.

 

Hedgehog INK has a local authors section.

 

The bookstore hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

 

The store also sells local products from area producers and artists.

To see the latest, view their Facebook page.

 

Bourbon County, Business

Tiger Replica Fish Mounts: A Passion for Art and Fish

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Submitted photos. Tyler Davidson working on a fish mount.
Tyler Davidson, also known as Tiger, is a fisherman and an artist.
He began his business Tiger Replica Fish Mounts, three years ago.
“I have been an avid angler and artist for most of my life and I’ve always had an interest in preserving the beauty of these fish,” he said. “I started this adventure with the thought of combining my extensive knowledge of fish coloration, their anatomy and my passion for art.”
“I’m really passionate about putting all of the detail in these fish,” Davidson said. “I definitely don’t mass produce them. Each one is special. My favorite part of the process is handing over the fish, or getting photos of the fish on the wall from a happy customer.”
“So far it’s worked out great!” Davidson said. “I have customers from all over the United States coming to me.”
“My mission is to provide customers with the highest quality fish mounts available,” he said. “I strive to create highly realistic one-of-a-kind replicas that match every last detail of your trophy.”
His business is located in Bronson, in the western part of Bourbon County.
  “I do not allow public visits to my shop as it is on the same property as my home,” he said. “Customers need to call and arrange pick-up.    My plan, for now, is to gain recognition and further construct my shop into a more efficient fish studio. In the future, I’d like to have a more public studio with a display room.”

Davidson’s contact info:  (785)521-5192 or

Facebook page: TigerReplicaFishMounts  or
Instagram: Tigerfishmounts
His starting cost is $20 per linear inch, he said.
Business, Fort Scott

Armstrong Pressure Washing: Business Follows Facination

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Jeff Armstrong, owner of Armstrong Pressure Washing. Submitted photo.

 

 Jeff Armstrong started his new business, Armstrong Pressure Washing LLC in the fall of 2020.
“I love my hometown,” he said.  ” I see a real need to continue to help homeowners and businesses maintain and protect their properties. It lends itself to community pride and I think we need more of that.”
 “This business also lends itself well to my somewhat OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)personality,” Armstrong said.   “Over the last year, I found myself fascinated by pressure washing videos on Youtube.  After months of research and educating myself, I took a bit of a leap.”
He bought a truck, built his own rig, and invested in proper equipment and chemicals.
“After a few jobs, it was clear that I really enjoyed the work,” he said. “It’s satisfying to see something restored to its original condition and to see a customer excited about a renewal of their home.  I take a lot of pride in my work and being able to bring a house or business back to its former glory is extremely fulfilling.”
Concrete washing, before and after. Submitted photo.
 
His service?
“I operate a residential and commercial pressure washing and soft washing business,” he said.   “I specialize in house washes, roof washes, and surface cleanings such as sidewalks, porches, and driveways.”
Other services that are available include deck cleaning, fence washing, boat/Recreational Vehicle washing, fleet washing, and  gutter brightening.
 ” I am now offering parking lot striping, as well as American Disabilities Act compliance and traffic flow designations, he said. “I am currently bidding striping work to begin this summer.”
“Often our home is one of our greatest financial investments, he said. ” We insure it, to protect it from major damage, but we sometimes don’t realize the everyday damage that occurs when houses and roofs are not properly maintained.”
 ” Driving around town it’s easy to see signs of damage caused by mold and algae,” Armstrong said.  ” Roof stripes or dark streaks are called gloeocapsa magma, which is an airborne algae that is the most common type and it’s the easiest to spot.  Those dark streaks look unsightly but they are actually eating the lime out of an asphalt shingle, which over time, can deteriorate a roof to the point of replacement.”
 “It’s commonly understood that washing your car properly prevents the paint and clear coat finish from breaking down due to salt, and road materials but most people overlook the need to wash our homes,” he said.
“I wish it were as simple as just taking any old pressure washer and spraying it off, but pressure isn’t typically recommended for anything other than flat surfaces such as concrete,” he said. ” A proper house and roof wash requires the correct mixture of chemicals, and is actually applied with a low pressure or a  soft wash system.  I hope to continue to educate local homeowners about why this maintenance is so important.  In the long run, it can save them thousands of dollars.”
Before and after photo of Armstrong Pressure Washing. Submitted photo.
For the majority of the jobs, he is the sole worker.
“However, on roof washing jobs there is the need for someone on the ground to protect surrounding vegetation from any overspray,” Armstrong said.  “My wonderful daughter Kendal has assisted me on previous roof washes, and will likely help in the future.”
Pressure washing before and after. Submitted photo.
Contact info:
Address: 634 Fairway Drive
Contact Info: 913-271-6993, [email protected]
FB @armstrongpressurewash