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Bourbon County, Government, Submitted

The Agenda For The Bourbon County Commission March 20

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 20, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: ____________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00- 9:15 Jim Harris- Discussion of truck

9:15-9:30 Jim Harris- Discussion of Right-Of-Way East Hwy 54

9:30-9:45 Jim Harris- Chemical Bids

9:45 -10:00 Fire Department 3 and Fire Department 4 Consolidation

10:30-10:45 Justin Meeks- Opioid meeting discussion

11:00-12:00 Justin Meeks

12:00 Commissioners gone to lunch

2:00 Fair Housing Month

2:30 Employee Handbook

Justifications for Executive Session:

-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

-Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

-Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

-Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

-Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

-Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Obituary

Obituary Of Shawn Wade Pulliam

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Shawn Wade Pulliam, age 51, a resident of Yates Center, KS, died Saturday, March 17, 2018, at his home. He was born February 18, 1967, in Mt. Vernon, WA, the son of Franklin D. Pulliam and Donna K. Brown Pulliam. After high school, he graduated from welding school. He worked in the welding profession until a recent traffic accident caused his disability. He married Ida Mae Hull in May of 1991. They later divorced. Shawn enjoyed fishing and working on cars. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was a selfless person, willing to do anything to help anyone. He never met a stranger.

Survivors include his two sons, Shawn M. Pulliam and Miranda, Bronson, KS and Dalton Pulliam and wife Caroline, Redfield, KS; siblings Julia Pulliam, Carthage, MO, Frank Pulliam, West Plains, AR, Mary Jean Fogle, Nevada, MO, and Rodney Pulliam and wife Dorothi, Mapleton, KS; nine grandchildren, Koda Stockstill, Ida K. Pulliam, Tayton Pulliam, Allyson Pulliam, Connor Pulliam, Elizibeth Pulliam, Landyn Pulliam, Madilyn Pulliam, and Oaklie Pulliam; his mother, Mary Ann Pulliam; two nephews, Calvin Pulliam and Jimmy Kastle as well as several other nieces and nephews; two cousins, Tim Adams and Donald Adams; and an aunt, Ruth Braack and husband Gary. He was preceded in death by his father, Franklin D. Pulliam; and ex-wife Ida Mae Hull.

Billy Phillips will conduct funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 23rd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Cremation will follow. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Shawn W. Pulliam Memorial Fund and may be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at Cheney

 

K-State Extension, Submitted

Teaching Importance of Farm to Fork

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Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District, Director & Agent

While most kids are relaxing and enjoying Spring Break this week, 4-H livestock project members in the Southwind District will be learning more about their livestock projects through a new national program aimed at teaching youth that part of the learning process in raising livestock also involves understanding that our animals will eventually reach the food supply.

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is a national multi-species quality assurance program for youth ages 8 to 21. The program is designed to provide an estimated 60 minutes of education each year. The online program requires the passing of a series of three quizzes to earn certification. An in-person YQCA workshop requires complete attendance.

YQCA is the result of a collaborative effort between states that have previously offered multi-species youth livestock quality assurance programs, the National Pork Board’s Youth PQA Plus program and representatives from other national livestock groups.

YQCA is designed as an annual education and certification program focused on food safety, animal well-being and character awareness for youth ages 8 to 21 producing and/or showing pigs, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, market rabbits, and poultry. The program has been designed by extension specialists and national livestock program managers to ensure it is accurate, current and relevant to the needs of the animal industry and shows and is appropriate for youth.

The primary goals of the program include:

  • Ensure safety and well-being of animals produced by youth for showing and for 4-H and FFA projects
  • Ensure a safe food supply to consumers
  • Enhance the future of livestock industry by educating youth on these very important issues so they can become more informed producers, consumers and/or employees in the agriculture and food industry
  • Maximize the limited development time and budgets of state and national youth program leaders to provide an effective quality assurance program
  • Offer livestock shows a valid, national quality assurance certification for youth livestock exhibitors

    While the training is not required for youth to exhibit at our local county fairs, it is required for some species at the Kansas State Fair and Kansas Junior Livestock Show. The in-person training will be offered at the Moran Senior Center on Tuesday, March 20 at 10:00 am. Further details can be found on Facebook at ‘Southwind Extension District’, or by calling the Iola Office at 620-365-2242.

Fort Scott, Government, Submitted

FS Commission Agenda/Minutes for March 20

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The agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission, 6 p.m. March 20 at city hall, 123 S. Main.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Dave Martin, City Manager

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 6th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1211-A totaling $284,110.34.

  1. Resolution No. 12-2018 and Notice of Hearing With Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1602 E. Oak – Public Hearing Date – 5/1/2018 at 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution No. 13-2018 and Notice of Hearing With Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 504 S. Judson – Public Hearing Date – 5/1/2018 at 6:15 p.m.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Alterations to 22 & 22 ½ N. Main Street

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

Mike Trim – School Resource Officer

Jackie Sellers – Senior Citizens/Taxi update

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:15 p.m. Resolution 14-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1523 E. Wall Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 15-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1601 E. Wall Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 16-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 13 N. Holbrook Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 17-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 523 S. Main Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 18-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 108 W. Oak Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 19-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 309 S. Lowman Street

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Presentation of 2018 Comprehensive Plan – Diana Endicott, Chairperson, Fort Scott Planning Commission

  1. Supplemental Agreement for Construction Engineering on the South Main (Highway 69) Widening Project and 18th/23rd Street Intersection Project

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:
  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  1. Director of Finance:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

IX. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

The following are theMinutes of March 6, 2018 Regular Meeting #5

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 6th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding. Commissioner Nichols was absent.

INVOCATION: Allen Schellack, Chaplain, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the city and all government and city officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Tim Harper, Rachel Pruitt, Clayton Miller, Frank Adamson, Paul Ballou, Rhonda Dunn, Deb Needleman, Darrell Parker, Terry Hughes, Susan Galemore, Janet Braun, Rose Good, Tom Robertson, Allen Schellack, Deb McCoy, Diana Morriss, Allyson Turvey, Jody Hoener, Roy Hoener, Jerald Mitchell, Tim Harloff, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

Flood Safety Awareness Week Proclamation – March 4-10, 2018 – Mayor Mitchell read a proclamation which proclaims March 4-10, 2018 as Flood Safety Awareness Week in the City of Fort Scott.

Introduction of new City employees – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, introduced Allyson Turvey as a new City employee. Ally started in April 2017 in a shared position with the Chamber and Tourism. She is now full time with the City and assists the Economic Development Director and Community Development Director as well as the Tourism Director.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 20th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1210-A totaling $561,766.74.

  1. Approval of Archer Daniels Midland Amended Agreement – purchase of treated wastewater from City of Fort Scott

  1. Resolution No. 11-2018 and Notice of Hearing With Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 310 N. Cleveland – Public Hearing Date – 4/17/2018 at 6:15 p.m.

Parker moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) –

Terry Hughes – Mr. Hughes appeared before the Commission and told them he lives at 3rd and Hill Street and needs some Fort Scott bricks. He needs about 900 bricks to finish his project he is working on. He is pouring a pad by the alley and will install the bricks in there.

City Manager asked the Commission to let himself and Chad Brown work together with Mr. Hughes and see what the City can do.

Diana Morriss – Ms. Morriss stated she didn’t appear at the last meeting due to the weather. She expressed her concerns in a letter to the Commission last week about the closing of the Beaux Arts Center. She asked the Commission to be fair and just and when errors are made to correct them.

City Attorney said that the City did not make any mistakes. The City of Fort Scott did not do anything administratively to shut down this building. The owners did that themselves. The City is willing to sit down and talk with them. There were no errors made. The owners need to come and talk to the City.

Deb McCoy – Ms. McCoy said she is here with the same concerns. She would like to see this issue moved forward in a positive way. This closure has affected many people’s plans for this year.

City Attorney said that the City is anxious to resolve this situation and is waiting on the owners of the building to meet with them.

Rose Good – Ms. Good said that she is also concerned about the Beaux Arts Center. She moved here 17 years ago and she would like to commend Rhonda Dunn on the good job she is doing in cleaning up the City. She is glad that the codes are being enforced no matter who you are. We need to make sure that we are the best looking town we can be and keep moving forward. She commended Dave Martin as the City looks better since he became City Manager than it has for years before.

City Manager said that he is still waiting to meet with the Duncan’s. He has reached out to Bobby Duncan but has not heard anything. He does not know what else the City can do.

Mayor Mitchell said the Commission would like the building to remain open but the owners need to meet with the City officials.

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Parker moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:15 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. Motion carried.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:15 P.M.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 10-2018 directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 1234 E. Elm Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this structure is in bad need of repair. It has been on the dangerous and unsafe status since 2010. It sold in 2014 to Jerrod Cowlishaw at a tax sale. This structure has no electricity or water to it. She recommended giving the property owner 30 days to either repair or remove this structure.

Discussion was held if less than 30 days can be given and the City Attorney advised it is up to the Commission.

Mitchell moved to give the property owner 10 days to either repair or remove this structure. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 10-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1234 E. ELM STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY MARCH 21st, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

Mitchell moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:19 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:19 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Fitness Bids – Buck Run Community Center – Tom Robertson, Buck Run Community Center Director, informed the Commission that bids were received on February 14th, 2018 for the purchase of two new treadmill machines for the fitness room at Buck Run. He asked the Commission to approve the bid from Mid-States Fitness Equipment of Wichita, Kansas totaling $9,300. There were other bids that were less, but they did not meet the bid specifications.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the bid from Mid-States Fitness Equipment of Wichita, Kansas in the amount of $9,300. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED BID FROM MID-STATES FITNESS EQUIPMENT OF WICHITA, KANSAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,300.00 FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO NEW TREADMILLS AT BUCK RUN COMMUNITY CENTER.

  1. Consideration of 124 E. Wall Bids – CDBG Grant and Approval of Project – Susan Galemore, Grant Administrator for Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission, informed the Commission that this project was recently rebid a second time. There were three bids received with the low bid from Hofer & Hofer of Humboldt, Kansas in the amount of $150,084. This amount is still about $50,000 over the projected budget for the project as the grant amount is $95,000.

Jon Garrison prepared a spreadsheet which reflects the grant in the amount of $95,000, the City of Fort Scott contribution of $30,000, and the Economic Development Grant in the amount of $3,000. The owner’s contribution is $49,759.00 total. The total project is $177,759.00.

Jody Hoener thanked the City for all their assistance with this project.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the low bid from Hofer & Hofer of Humboldt, Kansas in the amount of $150,084 with the payments approved as shown. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LOW BID FROM HOFER & HOFER OF HUMBOLDT, KANSAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $150,084 FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE BUILDING AT 124 E. WALL STREET.

  1. Consideration of Tourism Center Upgrade Bids – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that the upgrade of the tourism center was recently rebid after specifications were drawn up by AG Engineering. There were three bids received: Buildet, LLC of Nevada, Missouri in the amount of $13,800; Great Expectations of Fort Scott in the amount of $15,169.71; and JBHS, LLC of Uniontown, KS in the amount of $19,885.11. City Manager recommended the Commission approved the local bid from Great Expectations. It is 9% higher or $1,367.71 more than the low bid. This amount will be split between the CVB, Economic Development and Community Development budgets.

Mitchell moved to approve the local bid in the amount of $15,169.71 from Great Expectations of Fort Scott for the upgrade at the Tourism Center. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LOCAL BID IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,169.71 FROM GREAT EXPECTATIONS OF FORT SCOTT FOR THE UPGRADE AT THE TOURISM CENTER.

  1. Consideration of Memorial Hall Rental Contract – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that she has had no contact from the buyer who was interested in purchasing Memorial Hall a couple of years ago. She has not heard from him since the fall of 2017. Discussions were held between staff about making Memorial Hall a revenue generator. The building houses the Codes Department still. She said that Larry Gazaway looked at over ten different facility contracts. He came up with a contract for individuals or organizations who would like to rent the facility. It has been approved by the City Attorney. She said that for profit events will be treated differently than not for profit events. She stated that with the revenue that is made from the renting of the building that upgrades will be done to the building such as painting and updating of the windows.

Bartlesmeyer moved to approve the Memorial Hall Rental Contract. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED MEMORIAL HALL RENTAL CONTRACT.

  1. Consideration of Ground Lease Bids for land at Wastewater Treatment Plant – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the lease of approximately 104 acres at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. There were four bids received with the high bid from J.W. Endicott in the amount of $15,000. Approval was recommended.

Parker moved to approve the high bid from J. W. Endicott in the amount of $15,000 to farm the 104 acres at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE HIGH BID FROM J. W. ENDICOTT IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,000.00 TO FARM THE 104 ACRES AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: Rhonda Dunn – Rhonda gave the Commission an update on the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and the Food Alliance Board. She also updated the Commission on the PedNet program, which is focusing on sidewalks, crosswalks, bicycling, and trails.

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Nichols – Not present

Parker – Nothing to report.

Mitchell – Thanked the individuals who spoke tonight for their comments.

C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.

  1. Director of Finance: Nothing to report.

  1. City Manager: Nothing to report.

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:46 p.m. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:46 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on March 20th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

For the full agenda packet, click here, then click on the image.

3-20-2018 agenda packet

Obituary

Obituary for Merlene Viola Hornish

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Merlene Viola Hornish, age 81, a resident of rural Mapleton, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at the Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott, Kansas. She was born July 17, 1936, in Cash, Oklahoma, the daughter of John Rimmer and Elva Penrod Rimmer.

She married Mike Hornish on October 5, 1991, at Hillsboro, Oregon. Merlene had worked as a bus driver in Oregon and later in Linn County, Kansas.

Survivors include her husband, Mike, of the home; five children, Linda Sprague, of Bronson, Kansas; Terry Pitner, of Amboy, Washington; Sharon Brahin, of Columbus, Kansas; Vicki Langford, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Derek Cunningham, of Sarasota, Florida. Also, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Surviving is a brother, Marion Rimmer, of Arizona. She was preceded in death by a son, Nick Stevens, a grandson, Billy Minor and two brothers, Melvin and Marvin Rimmer.

There was cremation and no services are planned. Arrangements were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

Fort Scott Weekend Events

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Schedule of Special Events in Fort Scott, Kansas
March 16 –18, 2018
Visit the Chamber & Tourism Center for more attractions & activities!
Tell your friends you’re here! Check in on Facebook! @ Visit Fort Scott KS
@ Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce 800-245-FORT (3678) * www.fortscott.com
231 E. Wall Street Fort Scott, KS 2 Pages on Facebook: Visit Fort Scott KS & Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce 800-245-FORT (3678) * www.fortscott.com

FRI & SAT – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Livestock Sales – Fort Scott Livestock Market – 2131 Maple Rd. You don’t have to be a buyer to watch the sale and visit the café.
FRI, SAT & SUN – 8:30 am – 4:00 pm – Art Project: New Faces New Neighbors Fort Scott National Historic Site – History & Art come together. Kids have created textile works of art that
encompass the change of Fort Scott NHS throughout its history.

FRIDAY, March 16th
8:00 am – Water/Ways Exhibit on display- Fort Scott Regional Tourism Center – 231 E. Wall St
11:00 am – 4:00 pm – Trolley Tours on the hour, leave from the Tourism Center, 231 E. Wall, $6a/$4c, last tour@3pm.
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Lenten Fish Fry– Every Friday through March 23 at Kennedy Gym 705 S. Holbrook
6:00 pm – 8:00pm – FSCC “Escape the Fort” Escape Room – Contact Matt Glades at [email protected] or call 620.223.2700 ext. 3520 to set up a time. “May the odds be ever in your favor”-Hunger Games

SATURDAY, March 17th
Shamrock Saturday! Wear your green & Shop the Fort! Ask about Drawings, Deals & Discounts
St Patrick’s Day Nightlife & More –
Crooner’s Lounge/Liberty Theatre –St Patrick’s Day on the Patio– All Day
Nate’s Place – St. Paddy’s Day Specials All Day
The Boiler Room Brewhaus Specialty Brew– Feckin Red, Irish Red Ale
Holmtown Pub – The East Siders Band – Live with music from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s –8pm
Sharky’s – Opening at 7 am for an St. Paddy’s Day Breakfast -”You can’t drink all day if you don’t start early!
10:00 am – Water/Ways Exhibit on display – Fort Scott Regional Tourism Center – 231 E. Wall St.
11:00 am – 4:00 pm – Trolley Tours on the hour, leave from the Tourism Center, 231 E. Wall, $6a/$4c, last tour@3p
12:00 pm – 12:00 am – Annual Marvin Colegrove Memorial Pool Tournament – Elks Lodge –
1:00 pm – KJBA –Kansas Junior Bullriders Association – Bullriders Finals held at FSCC Indoor Arena:
1:00 pm – Free Screening of the 1951 Classic “Show Boat” held at the Empress Event Center 7 N. Main

SUNDAY, March 18th
Walk Kansas Begins Today through May 12th – Contact your local K-State extension office for details
6:00 pm – Lenten Worship Services – Trinity Lutheran Church, 2824 S Horton St.

Special thanks to the businesses below for their Chamber membership & support of the community!RESTAURANTS:
Downtown Historic District Holmtown Pub 206 N. National 620-223-1477
Nu-Grille 24 N. National 620-223-9949
Sharky’s Pub & Grub 16 N. National 620-223-4777
La Hacienda 24 N. Main St. 620-223-4400
Papa Don’s Pizza 10 N. Main St. 620-223-4171
Crooner’s Lounge (5-9pm) 117 S. Main St. 620-224-9787
Common Ground Coffee Co. 116 S. Main St. 620-223-2499

Midtown
Nate’s Place (Lyons Twin Mansions) 750 S. National 620-223-3644
Hours: Tues-Fri 9am-2pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm, Cocktails & carry-in Thurs-Fri 5-8pm

Southern Fort Scott
Sonic Drive-In 1700 S. National 620-223-3630
Domino’s Pizza 1709 S. National 620-768-5533
Subway 1715 S. National 620-224-2420
Marsha’s Great Plains Deli 6 W. 18th St. 620-223-6432
McDonald’s 2224 S. Main St. 620-223-6760
Dairy Queen 2328 S. Main St. 620-224-2226
El Charro 2503 S. Main St. 620-223-9944
Penny’s Diner 2505 S. Main St. 620-768-7000

SHOPPING:
Downtown Historic District: Bids & Dibs 19 S. National, 620-224-2437: New & consignment home décor, clothing, & accessories
The Bunker 108 Scott Ave: Shooting sports retailer & firearms training facility
Country Cupboard 12 N. Main, 620-223-5980: Country accents, Victorian décor, quilting fabrics, Primitives, collectibles, and souvenirs. John’s shoe & boot repair located in the back of the store
Electronics Store 2 N. National, 620-223-4501: Electronics, toys and games, cell phones and accessories
Fort Scott Munitions 523 E. Wall St., 620-223-1277: Manufacturer of premium ammunition & firearms
Iron Star Antiques & Such 3 N. Main, 620-223-2929: Unique gifts, home décor, furniture, ladies apparel
J & W Sports Shop 20 N. Main, 620-223-3690: Athletic clothing and shoes
Main Street Gallery & Gifts, and other Collective Booths 23 S. Main, 620-223-2210
Mayco Ace Hardware 205 Scott, 620-223-2670: Hardware, garden and more
Miller Feed & Farm 15 W. Wall, 620-223-3420: Feed, boots, animal care & accessories
Redbud Farms & Nurseries 1291 240th St., 620-223-1811: Greenhouse & Nurseries
Ruddick’s Furniture 117 S. National, 620-223-2510: Furniture and home décor
Rustic Charm Flea Market 212 E. 1st St. 620-644-8645: Antiques and furniture
The Shiney Studios 123 S. National Ave. 620-215-5019: Yoga studio, wellness center, clothing, candles, & more
Sunshine Boutique Gifts and Cosmetics 18 E. Wall, 620-223-6007: Gift items, candles & cosmetics
Trader Dave’s Antiques & More 15 S. Scott, 620-224-0079: Unique items ranging from antiques to gently used items
Treasure Hunt Flea Market 6 S. Main St. 620-223-3522: Antiques, furniture, collectibles & gifts
Additional Shopping Locations:
Bartelsmeyer Jewelry 1519 S. National, 620-223-2070: Fine jewelry
Fort Scott Gun & Pawn 1402 E. Wall, 620-223-0583: Visit their showroom!
HairBow Center 2326 Kansas Rd., 620-223-9898: online & warehouse ribbon & bow accessories
Heidrick‘s True Value & Nancy’s Gift Corner 1508 S. National, 620-223-2660: Hardware and gift corner Pot Pantry 1366 215th St., 620-224-7480: Unique hand-made pottery, call Bobbi to see if open to shop
Sekan’s Occasion Shop 2210 S. Main, 620-223-5190: Furniture, home décor, and party supplies
Shirt Shack 11 E. 18th St., 620-223-4680: T-shirts, jeans and other clothing
Tractor Supply Company 2420 S. Main, 620-223-4900: Farm supplies, clothing, shoes and more
Walgreens 2229 S. Main, 620-223-2402: Cosmetics, health and beauty aids, pharmacy and much more
Wal-Mart 2500 S. Main, 620-223-2867: Discount store plus groceries

TOP ACTIVITIES:
Fort Scott National Historic Site *Free Admission* (8am-5pm): Self-guided tour, cell phone tour, 20 min. the film always available.
11 buildings & exhibits. Gift shop with books, shirts, historical toys, & other souvenirs.
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes *Free Admission* 1 S. Main, 620-223-1312, (Mon.-Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 10am-4pm): Informative exhibits on unsung heroes & other award-winning exhibits. Also sells award-winning book, movie, and teaching materials.
Gordon Parks Museum & Photo Exhibit *Free Admission* 2018 S. Horton, Ellis Fine Arts Center, 620-223-2700
(Tues-Fri. 10am-4pm, Sat. 10am-2pm, & by appt.): 1st black photographer for Life magazine, photographer, poet, filmmaker. The gift shop also sells books, t-shirts, mugs, and other gift items.
National Cemetery No. 1 900 E. National Ave.: Numbered 1 of 14 cemeteries declared National cemeteries in 1861 by Pres. Lincoln.
Lyons Twin Mansions *Free Tour* 750 S. National Ave. 620-223-3644: Offers complimentary tours, any-time of day.
Courtland Hotel & Spa 121 E. 1st St. 620-223-5657: Spa/Massage/Salon Retail Outlet
Re:freshed Aesthetics 750 S. National Ave. 620-215-2694: Beauty products, facials, waxings, & more
The Shiney Studios 123 S. National Ave. 620-215-5019: Yoga studio, wellness center, clothing, candles, & more
Vinedo del Alamo Winery 2304 Poplar Rd.. 620-215-6311, (Fri.-Sat. 3-9pm, Sun. 12-6pm): Wine tastings, and purchase from a local vineyard. North on 69 Hwy. to Poplar Rd. exit, turn east 1 mile across RR tracks.
Woodland Hills Golf Course 2414 S. Horton, 620-223-5060
Gunn Park 1010 Park Ave.: 155-acre Scenic Park, 7 shelter houses, 2 lakes, 6 mi. of trails, 18-hole disc golf course
Kansas Rocks Recreational Park 18 miles NW of Fort Scott, 130th St. Mapleton, KS. (Sat. 8am-5pm, Sun. 9am-4pm): 30 miles of trails for Jeeps & 4-wheel drives, biking, & hiking

Hunting, Fishing, & Watersports: Multiple lakes & fishing/hunting areas at Fort Scott Lake, Rock Creek Lake* Bourbon County State Lake*, Elm Creek, Cedar Creek, Timber Hills Ranch, T&C Wildlife & More! *Waterfalls at these locations.

Opinion

Trust Is A Must by Patty LaRoche

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“The nuns trust us!” The Gringos folding clothes at the Catholic Orphanage here in Mexico were elated. For weeks a team of 30+ have met at the complex to clean, repair, demolish, reconstruct and paint what has been ignored for decades. We are faithful in showing up and diligent in this massive undertaking.

In spite of that, the nuns remained cautious about opening the Bodega, a storage unit the size of a three-car garage crammed with bags of donated clothing. Fearing that we, like dozens of other groups, are fly-by-nights, they would not risk their treasures being stolen. After all, this was money for them. The clothes they reject are either sold as hand-me-downs or as rags.

But this week was different. The elderly nun showed up with the cherished Bodega key to allow Peter, our organizer, to peek inside. Immediately he pulled Alison off my paint crew and asked her to check it out. Alison’s main job at another orphanage is to organize its Bodega, and she’s good at it, but she never expected to see a mess of this magnitude.

Where to start? Fumigation. With floor-to-ceiling mounds of garbage bags, some which have been there for years, one could only guess what critters were nesting in the piles. Once that task was finished, seven women were assigned to the Bodega.

Peter purchased folding tables, and it was there the ladies labored over each bag. Oddly, it was the nun who was the pickiest about what clothes were kept. When a cute pair of girl’s jeans was pulled from a bag, it was she who told the volunteers those jeans were “out of style.” The nun had an opinion on every article of clothing or material the women unpacked.

By the third week, the ladies were elated when the nun had errands to run and left them alone. No longer was she concerned that the items would be stolen or put in the wrong bag. They had earned her trust. Word spread and our entire volunteer community celebrated.

When the nun confided in Peter that two teenage girls were becoming defiant and disrespectful, Peter had to convince them that he could provide a psychologist to help. Gradually, when the nuns realized that Peter was committed to doing what was best for the orphanage, their trust in him increased. It was then they gave him permission to paint the entire complex.

Trust is a must. No matter who is involved.

Nun with volunteer. Parent with child. Boss with employee. Spouse with spouse. Teammate with teammate. Coach with athlete. Teacher with student. Friend with friend. Doctor with patient. Pilot with passengers. Christian with God.

Viable relationships are dependent on such confidence.

Yet sometimes those we trust let us down, don’t they? And we feel betrayed. We forget that all of us are sinners and ignore Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart…”

Not the itsy-bitsy, happy-heart corner that celebrates when we find a parking spot or lose a pound, but “all” of our heart, even the part—especially the part– that aches when things aren’t lining up the way we know they should be (and would be in a perfect world). We are to trust, the practical outworking of faith, to allow God to fumigate the trash we have accumulated in order to give us a fresh start. For some of us, that task, like the bodega, seems overwhelming. Fortunately, God doesn’t see it that way. All He asks is that we give Him the key so He can start.

One bag at a time.

Kansas, Submitted

Fire Danger High: Avoid Activity That Could Create a Spark

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FIRE DANGER REMAINS HIGH IN KANSAS AS STATE CONTINUES RESPONSE EFFORTS

Fire danger remains high with red flag warnings across much of Kansas due to high winds and dry weather conditions.

Currently, the Rice County Fire Complex is the largest active fire. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and crews from the Kansas Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation out of Salina and Topeka have been tasked to assist first responders on the ground with fire suppression efforts. Two of the Black Hawks deployed to assist with the Rice County Fire Complex operations. Five additional Black Hawks are on standby to assist with firefighting operations, as needed.

The State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka remains staffed at a partial activation level to coordinate state firefighting resources.

Kansas Division of Emergency Management officials are reminding Kansans to avoid any activity that could create a spark and start a new fire. Do not drive on or stop your car on dry or tall grass because your exhaust can spark a fire; do not throw cigarettes on the ground.

Stay away from all affected areas and do not drive through heavy smoke. Sightseeing puts you in danger and hampers the work of firefighting crews.