A Good Neighbor Action Team past project, before volunteers, worked on painting the house. From the Good Neighbor Action Team Facebook page.After the GNAT volunteers painted the house. From the GNAT Facebook page.
Good Neighbor Action Team is gathering resources and also looking forward to helping people with projects in the community of Fort Scott.
If a person is interested in serving on the committee, organizing a group of friends, co-workers, a civic club, relatives, or your neighborhood, contact Craig Campbell on the Good Neighbor Action Team Facebook page.
The first organizational meeting of the 2021 GNAT season is at 4 p.m. on March 18 at Fort Scott City Hall.
“Clint Anderson, the Bourbon County Appraiser, will speak on the topic of GNAT projects and the impact on assessed valuations of the property,” Campbell said. “AndJeremy Frazier, Fort Scott City Manager, will speak on his experience with a similar organization in Cushing, OK.”
“I am willing to meet with citizens in small groups if unable to attend the first meeting on the 18th,” Campbell said.
Interested people are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Ideas will be discussed for this year’s projects.
For over a decade the Good Neighbor Action Team has been helping Fort Scottians with painting, helping rid yards of debris, building handicap ramps, and other needed projects.
The team provides help for those who are not able to do the job themselves.
GNAT has tried to handle the project workloads using the model of Habitat For Humanity, Campbell said.
Work project recipients are asked to provide family and friends to assist GNAT workers.
For example, if GNAT provides five people, the recipient will need to bring five people to help with the project, he said in the prior feature.
In addition, proof of income is required with one of the following: income tax return, pay stubs from the last two paychecks, a Vision card or Healthwave card.
Logo from the Good Neighbor Action Team Facebook page.
The FSCC Spring Rodeo is from March 12-14, at the southern side of the college, located at 2108 S. Horton.
There are four hundred contestants from 20 colleges who will participate, said FSCC Assitant Rodeo Coach Caitlyn Wiswell.
Caitlyn Wiswell. Photo credit-FSCC.
Tickets go on sale on March 10 at 2 p.m. To secure a ticket contact the following number, 913-259-8453. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Schedule of events:
Friday, March 12th:
9 am- Slack, $5
7:30 pm- Performance, $10
Saturday, March 13th:
9 am- Slack, $5
1 pm- Performance, $10
7:30 pm- Performance,$10
Sunday, March 14th:
1 pm- Short Go, the top ten in each event perform, $10.
Limited fan space is available with the FSCC COVID-19 regulations listed below.
Fort Scott Community College will allow spectators to attend athletic events up to 25% fan seating capacity.
FSCC students must present their student ID in order to attend the games.
All fans must wear masks for both indoor and outdoor venues.
There shall be no concession allowed.
No outside food or drinks allowed.
Every effort will be made to ensure a 6-ft area marked off separating the teams and participants from the spectators.
These are among the FSCC Rodeo Sponsors for 2021. Submitted photo.
The cover of Marti Wells-Smith’s new book. Submitted photos.
Marti Wells-Smith is not a stranger to pain and loss.
Her only child died an unexpected death in 2019.
A Fort Scottian for 18 years, Wells-Smith has written a book that relays her innermost thoughts and emotions concerning her son’s death.
She hopes it will help someone else with loss.
“Lamentations of the Heart – Mingled with Peace and Joy, was recently published through MSI Press, and soulfully combines contemporary poetry with nonfictional prose to reach out to others who have experienced similar pain and loss,” she said in a press release.
Written from a Christian perspective, it is a book that provides comfort and hope in the healing process, she said.
The book has true stories of people she has met both in Fort Scott and in other communities where she grew up and lived.
Wells-smith has a bachelor of arts degree in English and sociology from Pittsburg State University and has worked as a writer and in varied positions in radio, authoring numerous human interest stories, articles, and poems over the years, she said.
She has also worked in social services, and served on a variety of boards, including Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation and Mother to Mother Ministries.
She assisted with crisis services, providing resources and support for individuals and families in need through Southeast Kansas Mental Health.
She continues to raise funds for Paws and Claws with a booth at the Treasure Hunt Flea Market in downtown Fort Scott.
The book is available locally and online.
Lamentations of the Heart is available at Hedgehog INK!, also in downtown Fort Scott, with a book signing to be announced in the near future.
The book is also available through MSI Press, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
The author can be reached at her website: martiwellssmith.com.
A poem from her book:
SADNESS, LEAVING
by Marti Wells-Smith
Grief, in time,
is but a gentle missing;
a breath of want
for those gone on,
for those held dear–
a fond desire to bring them closer;
a wish to draw them near.
Sadness transforms,
making way for tomorrow,
as we each choose what will follow
in the aftermath of sorrow.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
The men of Knights of Columbus Council #796 serve the Lenten meal in February 2020.
New this year because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the annual Knights of Columbus Fish Fry planned a drive-through pickup of the food served.
There are only two dates left for the event, both on Fridays from 5-6:30 p.m. March 12, and March 19.
Because of the pandemic, all the workers will be wearing masks and gloves to serve the meals.
But as in the past, it will be at 702 Holbrook, at Kennedy Gym, which is a part of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.
The fish fry in 2016.
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men’s organization, that has a “great tradition of fish fry’s nationwide,” Mark McCoy, spokesman for the group said.
The meal had to be simplified this year because it is a drive-through, McCoy said.
“Meal #1 will be catfish, french fries and coleslaw, Meal #2 is catfish, cod, fries, and coleslaw and Meal #3 is baked cod with fries and coleslaw,” McCoy said.
There will be no home-made desserts this year that have been provided by the ladies of the parish in past Lenten fish fry meals.
A row of homemade desserts lines tables at the Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry in February 2020 at Kennedy Gym.
Logistically, it would not work, McCoy said, since the drive-through was new this year.
The annual Lenten fish fry is also a community event where lots of conversations happen between attendees, McCoy said.
“We look forward to going back to sit down dining” in the future, he said.
Stephanie Hallacy is the Nurse Practioner when the Uniontown Clinic opens in April 2021. Submitted photo.
Stephanie Hallacy, APRN, FNP-C. will be the medical care provider when the new Girard Medical Center at Uniontown opens in April 2021.
“We hope to open in the first couple of weeks in April, but that is dependent upon when our Rural Health Clinic Certification is completed,” Hallacy said.
Hallacy has worked for Girard Medical Center since 2013 as a Nurse Practioner in their clinics as well as its walk-in clinic, she said.
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.
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.
She was originally a pre-pharmacy major in college.
“But that changed while working there as I realized that I wanted to be more directly involved in the care of the patient,” she said.
The clinic is housed in a building on the campus of Uniontown High School, south of the football field and will serve both the school and the community.
The Girard Medical Center at Uniontown Clinic is located south of the Uniontown High School football field.
“We are hoping to be a resource for the Uniontown school for their student physicals and hopefully other medical services,” she said. “We also want to be the provider for the community for both acute illnesses as well as for the prevention, screening and management of chronic health conditions.”
In the first stages of the brand new clinic, she will be part-time.
“I believe initially the days that I will be providing care will be Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.,” she said. “This may change as we depending upon the volume of the clinic and needs of the community.”
Freshman Cadence Tuck portrays a step-sister in “Cinderella” from “Snow White Gets Her Say.” Submitted photo.
Due to the frigid temperatures in late February, the Fort Scott High School Thespians will host their Third Annual Royal-Tea Party and Revue on March 6 at the high school auditorium.
“We began offering the Royal-Tea Party as a way for the community and especially children to interact with the princesses and princes they grew up loving from fairy tales,” Angela Bin, director, said. ” It offers an immersive theatre experience where the audience can actually talk with the characters and take pictures. Many audience members also dress in period attire and become part of the fairy tale realm.”
Performances begin at 5 and 7:30 p.m. with an immersive theatre experience to follow where audience members can interact with nearly 20 other characters and take home a goodie bag.
Tickets are $6 for children and $8 for adults.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschooltheatre.ludus.com.
Tickets may be available at the door but are not guaranteed.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, masks and social distancing are required.
All children must stay with and be accompanied by an adult as they enjoy the festivities and attendees are encouraged to join us in dressing as royalty.
Doors will open 15 minutes early.
Sophomore Izzy Carreno portrays King Arthur in a monologue from “Camelot.” Submitted photos.
Some of childhood’s favorite princesses and princes, queens, and kings will sing, dance, and perform for the audience.
Children may have their photos with their favorite characters and take home special crafts and treats as momentos.
The Revue includes performances by junior Jenna Stockstill; sophomores Israel Carreno, Jordyn McGhee, and Karen Primeaux; and freshmen Rex Wells, Silvia Moreno, and Cadence Tuck.
The musical is directed by FS Theatre Director Angie Bin, FS Music Director Mary Jo Harper, assistant music director Taylor Qualls, and choreographer Delynn Abati.
For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.
The cast performs “Knights of the Round Table” from “Spamalot.” Submitted photo.
Standing at the bottom of a wind turbine looking up at the clear Kansas sky.
The Jayhawk Wind farm facility breaks ground this week and is expected to be operational later this year, according to a press release from Apex Clean Energy, the developer.
The project will consist of 70 General Electric wind turbines totaling an installed capacity of more than 190 MegaWatts. The project will provide more than 115 construction jobs and seven long-term operations positions—and will generate over $20 million in landowner payments and $27.2 million in tax revenue, according to the press release.
The following is an email interview with Patrick Chilton, Apex Public Engagement Manager.
Apex sold to WEC yet you will be doing the construction and operating of the windmills?
“Apex Clean Energy has not been sold to WEC Energy Group. Jayhawk Wind, the wind project developed by Apex in Bourbon and Crawford Counties, has been sold to WEC Energy Group and Invenergy.
“The power produced by the project will be injected into the Southwest Power Pool grid, the electric grid network that serves Bourbon and Crawford Counties.
“Facebook signed a contract to purchase the power from Jayhawk Wind after the previous power purchase agreement (PPA) was mutually dissolved. The tech company will buy that power to help support its operations in the region.”
Facebook is a valued Apex customer, according to a Bloomberg Business press release about the transaction:
Apex sold to WEC but will still construct and operate the farm?
“Apex Clean Energy will manage the construction of Jayhawk Wind on behalf of its new owners, and IEA Constructors will perform all of the engineering, procurement, and construction needs of the project.
“Under this contract, IEA will be responsible for working to hire subcontractors, vendors, and local personnel. Upon completion of construction, Invenergy will take over operations.
“IEA Constructors is a subsidiary of IEA that manages utility-scale renewable energy and heavy civil infrastructure projects. They will perform all of the engineering, procurement, and construction needs of the project,” according to Chilton.
A question was asked if Apex was planning on selling Jayhawk Wind from the beginning?
“Yes. Our plans to work with a financing counterparty on Jayhawk Wind have been a part of our discussions with the community since the beginning of this project. Apex is honored to help design and permit excellent projects like this one for companies that want to support and own renewable energy facilities. We believe WEC and Invenergy will be wonderful long-term partners for this community.”
You will be hiring locals, so where is the info if someone is interested in seeking a job with Jayhawk Wind.
“Jayhawk Wind has been running a local vendor program, which is ongoing.
“Through this program, local contractors and vendors have been signing up to let us know they are interested in supporting the construction of Jayhawk Wind.
“As promised, we have been preparing to share this information with the Balance of Plant contractor. We have continued to aggregate a locate vendor list throughout development and vendors are welcome to continue to submit their information on our website for consideration.
Rosemary Harris is the owner of the new business on Main Street. Submitted photo.
Rosemary Harris, 52, is the owner of a new downtown business at 18 N. Main, Suite A, Barbed Wire, and Roses Vintage Market.
Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market is located in the northern storefront of what used to be a part of Country Cupboard Store, a decades-long mainstay of downtown Fort Scott.
The store hours are currently Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
She began her business journey helping a friend that owned a store, then opened her own flea market on January 30, 2021, she said.
“We have a variety of items ranging from vintage to antique to customized and repurposed,” Harris said. “Our vendors bring their own unique style to the store and each booth has its own special charm.”
“We have unique furniture pieces, vintage items, and collectibles. We love to help you find items you are looking for in your collections. We also will be looking to buy estates soon.”
“I started this business because I love seeing vintage and antique items find new life and purpose,” she said. “I enjoy the stories and pictures people share of their collections and why they started collecting. I’m so glad to be a part of the downtown business district.”
Rosemary Harris in her flea market on Main Street. Submitted photo.
Harris can be contacted at 620-224-7764 or find the business on Facebook.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas was one of 250 health centers, out of 1,400 health centers in America, that was selected to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine directly from the federal government, according to Krista Postai, President and CEO of CHC/SEK said.
“They have a million doses to distribute weekly, so we expect to receive – for the whole 10-county region we serve – up to 4,000 doses per week,” she said “Which means – I am excited to say – that we should have enough vaccine – along with what the counties are receiving — to take care of everyone in southeast Kansas over the next few months. We are required to still follow state guidelines on priority groups, but counties do have some flexibility.”
CHC staff spent last week building the infrastructure needed to set up a toll-free phone line and appointment schedule.
“We have already started calling our patients ( more than 7,500 people) who are 65 and older and getting them an appointment as early as Thursday,” Postai said.
“Companies who have been notified by the State of Kansas that their employees are now eligible to be vaccinated should email Dawn McNay at [email protected] with their contact information, employee count and a copy of the letter. She will be working with our outreach teams to take the vaccine to the companies,” Postai said.
Fort Scott residents have the opportunity to vote on a proposed .5% sales tax for the City of Fort Scott on Tuesday, March 2.
The tax would go towards streets, parks, and community facilities improvements, which has been a call from the citizens of Fort Scott.
A history of the tax proposal
In 2010, Fort Scott residents passed a .5% sales tax for improvements to Buck Run Community Center and the Fort Scott Aquatic Center. This sales tax was for 10 years and set to expire June 30, 2021, according to a press release from Susan Bancroft, Fort Scott’s Finance Director.
“In December of 2020, Fort Scott City Commission voted to petition for the continuation of the 0.5% sales tax for a different dedicated purpose for five years set to expire June 30, 2026,” she said. “The city commission voted unanimously that 90% of the proposed .5% sales tax would go to streets and 10% to parks and community facilities. Based on the past five-year average, the .5% sales tax has the potential to raise on average $698,000 per year.”
“The .5% sales tax is not an additional tax, it is the renewal of a prior .5% sale tax,” Bancroft said. “The difference of proposing a sales tax versus a property tax for the community is that those visiting from other communities are contributing to the improvements of our local infrastructure.”
“The 90% dedicated to street improvements includes sidewalks, bike lanes, and curb and gutter work,” she said. “The street advisory board and the public works director have been working to develop a five-year plan of potential street improvements and have preliminary plans in place.”
“The 10% dedicated to parks and community facilities include improvements such as ADA compliance, public bathroom facilities, playground equipment, trails, and memorial hall preservation,” Bancroft said.
“The parks advisory board has also met with the public works director to begin a five-year plan of potential projects and reported to the city commission at their work session on February 23, 2021, priorities they feel need to be addressed,” she said. “Year one they have proposed repairs to shelter houses and bathrooms in Gunn Park and repairs to the playground fall area at Nelson Park. Year two priority recommendations include an additional bathroom between shelter house 6 and 7 and further upgrades to the campground in Gunn Park.”
“During the election in November of 2020, the citizens passed a countywide 1% sales tax for Bourbon County,” Bancroft said. “The city commission committed to using 90% of the funds generated from this sales tax to be dedicated to the operations and maintenance of the street department. The remaining 10% would be used for the general purposes of the city. Collectively, the revenue generated from two sales tax initiatives would generate enough funding to put together a sustainable street program.”
The is an image of the proposed micro-meat processing plant. Submitted.
The Fort Scott Planning Commission is meeting at 4 p.m. March 1 at city hall, 123 S. Main, to consider a conditional use permit for property south of the town for a micro-meat processing plant.
The property being considered is south of the Kansas Department of Transportation property, according to the press release from the City of Fort Scott. The K.D.O.T property is south of the LaRoche Baseball Park.
Jody Hoenor, Bourbon County Economic Development Director. Submitted photo.
The Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor sent the following information on the proposed plant.
“Billy Madison, the owner of W Diamond M Meats, will be seeking the approval of a conditional use permit from City of Fort Scott Commission,” Hoenor said. “He plans to return to his hometown and build a $2.7million micro meat processing plant located approximately two miles outside the city limits of Fort Scott and south of the Fort Scott Industrial Park.”
“The processing plant will add to our efforts in building resilient and self-sustaining food systems,” Hoenor said. “The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for these smaller-scale processing plants, and we are very fortunate to be considered for this expansion. This proposal has potential to help farmers and ranchers with extra supplemental income act as a stimulus for other sectors such as retail trade and services.”
“The site is currently zoned correctly as heavy industrial for use,” she said. “The City of Fort Scott codes requires an additional conditional use permit approval for a meat processing plant to be built.”
The City of Fort Scott Water Department and Codes Enforcment were consulted on sewer and wastewater issues, she said.
“The codes department let us know we would need a conditional use permit to build on the selected site,” Hoener said.
Since July 2020, Madison has been working with Hoener and Bourbon County Economic Development Council Chairs, Steve Buerge (previous), and more recently Gregg Motley, she said.
“It is Madison’s goal is to be a good neighbor, bring above-average wage jobs, and provide value in under-developed land,” Hoenor said. “Financing of the project and acquisition of land is pending approval of the conditional use permit.”
“All impacts on social, economic, and environmental conditions were investigated thoroughly including air and water quality, crime rate, property valuation, wage growth, employment growth, occupational health, and odor,” she said.
“State of the art wastewater system is used to remove suspended matter such as oils and solids,” Hoenor said. “This is measured through biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The equipment skims any leftover matter and is sold. Bacteria growth is what creates an offensive odor,” she said.”The requirements in cleaning are incredibly stringent and does not allow time for bacteria to grow. As a result, there is no offensive odor in the processing plant.”
“This is a highly regulated industry with a USDA inspector office on sight,” she said. ” It is a requirement in building plans that the USDA inspector has a separate office with his/her own shower. This inspector is on-site at all times while in operation. There are 3-4 additional inspections per month, in order to keep our food safe to consume.”
“There will be no outdoor pens or holding areas for animals, mitigating smell downwind or in the vicinity,” Hoenor said. “Animals are delivered in the very early morning hours and several hours later slaughtered and processed.”
“Letters of support from residential houses in Johnson County and commercial businesses have confirmed the business is a conscientious neighbor,” she said.
In addition, the product can be sold in other states and will bring new jobs.
“W Diamond M Meats is FSIS approved, allowing the meat to be sold across state lines, injecting capital into our economy,” Hoenor said. “This business will bring 30 full-time jobs that pay higher than Bourbon County average. The new construction increases overall county valuation in property and affords the opportunity to reduce the overall tax burden.”
