Category Archives: Area News
Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 Scuttlebutt
Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 Scuttlebutt
Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 received the Ed Mullins award at the recent 2nd District Convention in Gardner. The Ed Mullins award is for the 2nd District Post with the highest membership percentage. At the time of the Convention, Post 25 was at 143% in membership. However the real numbers for Post 25, as of this week, including transfers and new members not yet posted at National, is 84 members. In May 2017, Post 25 had 40 members. Our Post has grown by 44 members since then.
Post 25 Legionnaires Jack Kendrick and Russell Vann were memorialized at the recent 2nd District Convention Joint Memorial Service Roll Call. Both Legionnaires transferred to Post Everlasting in the past year. Photos of the Memorial Service are attached.
Kansas Senators introduced and passed Senate Resolution 1719: Honoring the 100th anniversary of the American Legion posts in Kansas. Photos of the Resolution and Kansas Legionnaires in attendance for passing of the resolution are attached.
Recruit a new Legion member and both you and the new member will be entered into a drawing where each of you could win $500. This new member contest runs until May. Bringing in a past member whose membership expired in 2017 or earlier would also count towards the $500 drawing. If you need recruiting brochures or membership applications, please contact me. I’ll make arrangements to deliver them to you. A copy of the membership drive rules is attached.
Post Service Officer Myra Jowers will meet with anyone, by appointment, who has questions about filing VA claims, who need a second set of eyes to review their claims or help understand VA documents they have received in the mail. Her service is free and is for anyone, Veteran or family member, who wishes to file a claim or appeal a denied claim. She can be reached at [email protected] or 620.215.1286 to schedule an appointment.
Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle is now in operation. The shuttle is operating on Mondays and Tuesdays. As more drivers are cleared by the VA, additional days will be added to the schedule.
I anticipate adding a Kansas City VA Medical Center shuttle run starting in April. The KC run will be on either a Wednesday or Thursday. A start date will be set once two more shuttle drivers are cleared by the VA.
Any area Vet needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 for more information or to reserve a seat. All Vets riding the shuttle must have medical appointments between 9 am and 1 pm and call by 5 pm the day before their appointment to schedule their ride.
We are moving towards starting an American Legion Riders. An organizational meeting will be scheduled in early May. The date and time will be based upon ALR District Officers availability. If you are interested in joining the Post 25 Riders Chapter, contact Post Commander Carl Jowers to be placed on a meeting notification list. The requirements to join the ALR are on the attached flyer.
Second nominations for Post 25 Officers for the 2019 – 2020 Legion year will at our April meeting. Any Post 25 Legionnaire who is current on their dues can be nominated for any office. Please give thought to stepping up and being nominated for an office or encourage other members to step up and help guide Post 25’s growth for another year.
Your Post 25 Color Guard continues to grow. Come to the April 11 meeting and learn more about the Post 25 Color Guard. Darrell Spencer serves as the Color Guard Captain. All current Post 25 Legionnaires and SAL members can join the Post 25 Color Guard.
Legion merchandise can be ordered through Emblem Sales: https://emblem.legion.org/. Contact me if ordering a Legion cap to insure your cap has the correct lettering.
Upcoming Events
April 1. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
April 1. Post 25 meet and greet at 6:30 pm in Memorial Hall. Come and enjoy the fellowship of other Veterans. Bring an eligible Veteran to visit our Post.
April 1. Post 25 general membership meeting at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. Our membership meetings are open to all. SAL members are strongly encouraged to attend.
April 2. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
April 8. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
April 9. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
April 11. Post 25 Color Guard meets at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. All Post members including SAL members are invited to join our growing Color Guard.
April 15. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
April 16. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
April 22. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
April 23. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
April 29. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
April 30. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
Remember to check out Post 25 on Facebook. It contains current information pertaining to Veterans and their families.
Carl Jowers. Commander
Fort Scott American Legion Post 25
Telephone: 620.215.1688
Email: [email protected]
Presbyterian Village Annual Auction May 15
Spring cleaning? Donate your items now
to Presbyterian Village’s annual auction
Fort Scott, Kan. – Now that it’s finally warming up outside, the time for spring cleaning approaches. Soon, area residents will tackle annual challenges such as clearing brush in the backyard, tidying up the basement, cleaning out the garage, and emptying cabinets to replace shelf paper. As you identify the things you no longer need, keep in mind the adage “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure,” and consider donating that “treasure” to Presbyterian Village for its annual fundraiser.
“You may look at it and see junk, but your neighbors may look at it and see a collectible or a useful tool,” said Executive Director Ginger Nance.
Stop by during regular business hours, in the evening or on weekends to drop off your donation at 2401 S. Horton. For pick-up and delivery of heavy items, call 620-223-5550 to make arrangements.
“Used hobby items are always popular at the auction, such as a golf cart or set of clubs, fishing tackle, that flat-bottom boat, tractors and farm items that have been sitting out back untouched for a few years, knick-knacks and even some of those tools you don’t use or need anymore,” Nance said. “The possibilities are endless, and everything will go at the auction, including that vintage jewelry you haven’t worn in centuries, good lawn mowers and the old furniture pieces you plan to replace with your income tax return. Now’s the time to clean out the old and pass it on to someone who can use & cherish it! Remember, items don’t have to be old, new items are appreciated, as well.”
Presbyterian Village’s annual dinner and auction will take place May 15. Proceeds stay local and go to Presbyterian Village’s Good Samaritan Program, which helps seniors who have outlived their financial resources, through no fault of their own. Every dollar raised makes a direct difference in senior’s lives.
Everyone wins at the auction. The items you donate may be deductible on your income taxes. The Presbyterian Manor organization is a 501(c)3, not for profit, Christian mission organization dedicated to providing quality senior services guided by Christian values.
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Fort Scott Presbyterian Village has been offering independent and assisted living services for seniors from southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri since 1994. Learn more at FortScottPresbyterianVillage.org. It is a member of the nonprofit Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America network of 17 communities and two hospices in Kansas and Missouri. Learn more about PMMA at PresbyterianManors.org.
Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 Scuttlebutt
Upcoming Events
March 14. Post 25 Color Guard meets at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. All Post members including SAL members are invited to join our growing Color Guard.
March 18. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 19. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 23. Department of Kansas District 2 Convention at Gardner Post 19 starts at 8 am. Districts will meet in Convention for the purpose of conducting its business and electing officers for the 2019-20 membership year which begins on July 1. All Legionnaires in good standing are invited and encouraged to attend District and Department conventions.
March 25. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 26. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
April 1. Post 25 meet and greet at 6:30 pm in Memorial Hall. Come and enjoy the fellowship of other Veterans. Bring an eligible Veteran to visit our Post.
April 1. Post 25 general membership meeting at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. Our membership meetings are open to all. SAL members are strongly encouraged to attend.
Remember to check out Post 25 on Facebook. It contains current information pertaining to Veterans and their families.
I am pleased to announce that once again Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 leads the Department of Kansas in membership for the week ending March 8. Our 2019 goal was 51 members. Our current membership is at 143% and 73 members. We are 22 members over our goal. By way of comparison, Sterling Post 128 in District 7 is in 2nd place for membership at 123%. Thanks to all members who have made Fort Scott Post 25 a highly visible and active Legion Post in the Department of Kansas.
We welcomed Vernon Hill, Marilyn Matthews and Michael Newberry into Post 25 as new members at our March membership meeting. Michael Johnson also joined the SAL Squadron 25 as a new member.
Recruit a new Legion member and both you and the new member will be entered into a drawing where each of you could win $500. This new member contest runs until May. Bringing in a past member whose membership expired in 2017 or earlier would also count towards the $500 drawing. If you need recruiting brochures or membership applications, please contact me. I’ll make arrangements to deliver them to you. A copy of the membership drive rules is attached.
American Legion Service Officer Myra Jowers will meet with anyone, by appointment, who has questions about filing VA claims, who need a second set of eyes to review their claims or help understand VA documents they have received in the mail. Her service is free and is for anyone, Veteran or family member, who wishes to file a claim or appeal a denied claim. She can be reached at [email protected] or 620.215.1286 to schedule an appointment.
Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle is now in operation. The shuttle is operating on Mondays and Tuesdays.
I anticipate adding a Kansas City VA Medical Center shuttle run starting in April. The KC run will be on either a Wednesday or Thursday. A start date will be set once two more shuttle drivers are cleared by the VA.
Any area Vet needing a ride for a medical appointment should call 785-925-0261 for more information or to reserve a seat. All Vets riding the shuttle must have medical appointments between 9 am and 1 pm and call by 5 pm the day before their appointment to schedule their ride.
We are moving towards starting an American Legion Riders. An organizational meeting will be scheduled in mid-March. The date and time will be based upon ALR District Officers availability. If you are interested in joining the Post 25 Riders Chapter, contact Post Commander Carl Jowers to be placed on a meeting notification list. The requirements to join the ALR are on the attached flyer.
Second nominations for Post 25 Officers for the 2019 – 2020 Legion year will at our April meeting. Any Post 25 Legionnaire who is current on their dues can be nominated for any office. Please give thought to stepping up and being nominated for an office or encourage other members to step up and help guide Post 25’s growth for another year.
Your Post 25 Color Guard continues to grow. Come to the March 14 meeting and learn more about the Post 25 Color Guard. Darrell Spencer serves as the Color Guard Captain.
Legion merchandise can be ordered through Emblem Sales: https://emblem.legion.org/. Contact me if ordering a Legion cap to insure your cap has the correct lettering.
Westar Working With Municipals and Cooperatives To Add Renewable Energy
Baldwin City, Westar Energy break ground on solar project
With the addition of community solar project, about a third of the city’s electricity will be generated from renewable sources.
TOPEKA, Kan., March 6, 2019 – Leaders from Baldwin City and Westar Energy broke ground Tuesday on a 1-megawatt solar project to serve the city’s electric customers.
“I am excited that we were able to form a partnership with Westar Energy to further enhance our portfolio of sustainable energy offered to our citizens. While this increases our sustainable energy, it also helps control our expenses on our purchased energy for as long as this solar power is producing,” said Mayor Casey Simoneau.
“Westar Energy is excited to help Baldwin City on a forward-looking, sustainable energy strategy. Community solar is a cost-effective way for cities to harness the sun’s energy for customers,” said John Bridson, Westar Energy vice president, generation services. “We’re also excited to partner with Baker University to provide lessons in business and science using the community solar project.”
Science and business students from Baker University are using the project as the basis for field study. Business students may use the project to learn about energy management, building business cases and managing request for proposal processes. Science-related lessons will include ecology, assessing the soil and designing the site to provide habitat for endangered Monarch butterflies.
About 40 people attended the groundbreaking. The project will be constructed on city property adjacent to the city’s public utility building and is scheduled to be complete summer of 2019.
With the addition of the solar plant, about a third of the electricity needs of Baldwin City will be met with renewable sources. Learn more here on the Baldwin City website.
Westar is working with other municipals and cooperatives that are interested in adding renewable energy sources.
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About KCP&L and Westar Energy: Serving approximately 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCP&L), KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company and Westar Energy are the electric utilities of Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG). Together we generate nearly half the power we provide to homes and businesses with emission-free sources. We support our local communities where we live and work, and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings and
Redfield City Council Changes Election Ordinance
Redfield’s City Council is working to improve their town.
One of the ways to improve is the way the council is elected.
“We will have elections every two years, like everyone, but not everybody running for office at the same time,” said Beth Guss, acting Redfield City Clerk.
“When my husband (Ed Guss) took office, everyone but Wilma Graham was new, and nobody had known what to do,” she said.
They visited with neighboring Uniontown Mayor Larry Jurgensen and City Clerk Sally Johnson about the issue and were told about staggering the election so all are not new members at the same time, she said.
Following protocol, the City of Redfield published the proposed changes in the Fort Scott Tribune on Feb. 9 and 16.
This ordinance will take effect 61 days following the final publication.
An election of city council members will take place this November 2019, with succeeding elections every two years for the positions of those whose terms have expired.
This year Wilma Graham and L.D. Morrison will be up for re-election.
“Anyone can register to run,” Guss said.
Other members of the council in addition to these two are Clarence (Ed) Guss, Kirby Martin, and Michael Beerbower.
Beth Guss said she is the acting city clerk until a replacement can be found.
It is difficult to find citizens who will serve in a community of Redfield’s size, 157 people, “not counting the dogs,” she said with a laugh. The town is located in the middle of Bourbon County.
“We’ve got small-town issues, like all small towns,” she said. “We are working to make our town better.”
Emergency Room Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Feb. 28 at Noon
KU’s Willmott Wins Oscar
Kirk Sharp, director of the Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College shared a link about the 2016 Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award winner, Kevin Willmott.
Willmott is a KU Professor and filmmaker that won an Oscar on Feb. 24 for Best Adapted Screenplay for the movie ‘BlacKkKlansman’ that he co-wrote with Spike Lee, Charlie Wachtel & David Rabinowitz.
Click below for the link.
https://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/movies-news-reviews/article226740399.html
Tribute To Gordon Parks
U.S. 69 Hwy. Closed South of K-7 and K-39 Junction
US-69: ROAD CLOSED between 0.4 miles south of Junction Kansas 7 South and Kansas 39 and Junction US 69 Business Route and Kansas 57-Franklin.
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Fort Scott American Legion Post 25 Scuttlebutt
Upcoming Events
February 26. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
February 28. Post 25 Executive Committee meets at 6 pm in Memorial Hall.
March 4. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 4. Post 25 meet and greet at 6:30 pm in Memorial Hall. Come and enjoy the fellowship of other Veterans. Bring an eligible Veteran to visit our Post.
March 4. Post 25 general membership meeting at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. Our membership meetings are open to all. SAL members are strongly encouraged to attend.
March 5. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 11. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 12. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 14. Post 25 Color Guard meets at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. All Post members including SAL members are invited to join our growing Color Guard.
March 18. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 19. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 23. Department of Kansas District 2 Convention at Gardner Post 19 starts at 8 am. Districts will meet in Convention for the purpose of conducting its business and electing officers for the 2019-20 membership year which begins on July 1. All Legionnaires in good standing are invited and encouraged to attend District and Department conventions.
March 25. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 26. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
April 1. Post 25 meet and greet at 6:30 pm in Memorial Hall. Come and enjoy the fellowship of other Veterans. Bring an eligible Veteran to visit our Post.
April 1. Post 25 general membership meeting at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. Our membership meetings are open to all. SAL members are strongly encouraged to attend.
I am pleased to announce that once again Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 leads the Department of Kansas in membership this week. Our 2019 goal was 51 members. Our current membership is at 143% and 73 members. We are 22 members over our goal. By way of comparison, Sterling Post 128 in District 7 is in 2nd place for membership at 121%. Thanks to all members who have made Fort Scott Post 25 a highly visible and active Legion Post in the Department of Kansas.
Recruit a new Legion member and both you and the new member will be entered into a drawing where each of you could win $500. This new member contest runs until May. Bringing in a past member whose membership expired in 2017 or earlier would also count towards the $500 drawing. If you need recruiting brochures or membership applications, please contact me. I’ll make arrangements to deliver them to you. A copy of the membership drive rules is attached.
Post Service Officer Myra Jowers will no longer hold office hours on Tuesdays at Memorial Hall. She will meet with anyone, by appointment, who has questions about filing VA claims, who need a second set of eyes to review their claims or help understand VA documents they have received in the mail. Her service is free and is for anyone, Veteran or family member, who wishes to file a claim or appeal a denied claim. She can be reached at [email protected] or 620.215.1286 to schedule an appointment.
Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle is now in operation. Currently, the shuttle is only operating on Tuesdays. As more drivers are cleared by the VA, additional days will be added to the schedule. Monday shuttle runs will start on Monday, March 4.th.
Any area Vet needing a ride for a medical appointment should call 785-925-0261 for more information or to reserve a seat. All Vets riding the shuttle must have medical appointments between 9 am and 1 pm and call by 5 pm the day before their appointment to schedule their ride.
We are moving towards starting an American Legion Riders. An organizational meeting will be scheduled in mid-March. The date and time will be based upon ALR District Officers availability. If you are interested in joining the Post 25 Riders Chapter, contact Post Commander Carl Jowers to be placed on a meeting notification list. The requirements to join the ALR are on the attached flyer.
Nominations for Post 25 Officers for the 2019 – 2020 Legion year will begin at our March meeting. Any Post 25 Legionnaire who is current on their dues can be nominated for any office. Please give thought to stepping up and being nominated for an office or encourage other members to step up and help guide Post 25’s growth for another year.
Legion merchandise can be ordered through Emblem Sales: https://emblem.legion.org/. Contact me if ordering a Legion cap to insure your cap has the correct lettering.
Remember to check out Post 25 on Facebook. It contains current information pertaining to Veterans and their families.
American Legion Fort Scott Post 25 American Legion Riders 022219
Carl Jowers. Commander
Telephone: 620.215.1688
Alabama Residents are Invited to Tumbleweed Music Festival for Free
Governor Laura Kelly: Alabama Residents are Invited to Tumbleweed Music Festival for Free
Topeka, Kan. – Governor Laura Kelly announced details today of a new and entertaining musical opportunity for residents of Kansas and Alabama.
Working with assistance from the Kansas Department of Commerce, Governor Kelly announced today that residents of the state of Alabama are invited to attend the Tumbleweed Music Festival in Kansas for free, thanks to an offer from the festival’s promoter.
The festival will take place from May 30th through June 1st in La Cygne, KS. Every citizen of the state of Alabama is eligible to receive a three-day General Admission pass to the festival at no charge.
“I want to thank Alabama Governor Kay Ivey for the ability to share this Kansas experience with the residents of Alabama,” Governor Kelly said. “I hope this marks the beginning of a long-term relationship between our two beautiful states.”
In 2019, the Tumbleweed Music Festival will be headlined by the band Alabama. Other acts performing will include The Marshall Tucker Band, Blackberry Smoke, Whiskey Myers and many more.
Any Alabaman wishing to register can go to this site to claim their free pass: http://www.TumbleweedCountry.com/Alabama
Tumbleweed Festival Lineup Announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHnm0TOvtUE