Category Archives: Area News

Area News

Tri-Yak-Athon Tentative For Oct. 20

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Frank Halsey speaks to a group of young riders in July before a mountain bike race at Gunn Park.

An annual outdoors athletic event has tentatively been rescheduled for Oct. 20.

“The Tri-Yak-AThon is rescheduled for this Saturday, weather permitting,” Frank Halsey, who is the original organizer of the event. “We are praying the forecasted rain for Thursday night and Friday morning misses us.”

” The Tri-yak-a-thon is a race where participants run on Gunn Park’s beautiful trails, kayak up and down the Marmaton River, and then tackle the trails again on a bike”, according to a press release. ” The goal of the event is to have fun and raise money to support the bike share program. ”

“I can tell you there is a lot of interest again this year,” Halsey said. “We are just so dependent on weather it’s hard to tell how many will show.”

The 6th Annual Tri-Yak-A-Thon, at Gunn Park Trails, was postponed for the scheduled race on Oct. 13, due to Marmaton River flooding.  Organizers rescheduled tentatively for October 20.

The Gunn Park Trails volunteers extend an invitation to enjoy the fall weather and watch the 6th annual Tri-yak-a-thon. 

This year’s proceeds benefit the new City of Fort Scott Bike Share Program.

The competition is scheduled on October 20 at 10:00 AM in Gunn Park.

The trail run is approximately four miles, the kayak portion is 2.5 miles, and the final portion is a 7-mile mountain bike ride.

Participants may be part of a relay team or do the entire race solo.

Participants must bring their own kayak, life jacket, helmet, and mountain bike.  Riders must wear a helmet.

Onsite registration and packet pickup will be from 8:00 to 9:45 AM Oct. 20 at Shelter House 6.

You can register online at https://www.trireg.com/tri-yak-a-thon.

“Whether you enter the race or just come and cheer, please join us and support our park, our trails, and our bike share program,” according to the press release.

Fort Scott started a Bike Share program June 2018,

Ten yellow bikes are available for community members and visitors to take and ride for free check out.

Nate’s Place eatery, 750 S. National Avenue is a hub for Bike-Share.

Bikes are available  from the following hub locations:
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB, 231 E. Wall St., 620-223-3566
Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton St., 620-223-2700
Nate’s Place/Lyons Twin Mansions, 750 S. National Ave., 620-223-3644
Peerless Products, Inc., 2403 S. Main St., 620-223-4610

Riders must be at least 12 years of age to ride.  If under 18 a parent/guardian must sign the waiver form.
Hub location will take a copy of driver’s license upon bike check-out.
Click here to view the waiver form.

Area News

Pioneer Harvest Fiesta This Weekend

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The 62nd Pioneer Harvest Fiesta comes to the Bourbon County Fairgrounds in Fort Scott, Kansas October 19 to 21.

The event kicks off with a Parade of Antique, Classic Farm Implements and More through Fort Scott’s historic downtown on Thursday the 18th at 6 PM!

This year’s Fiesta promises to be the best yet, with something for every member of the family! There will be Handmade Arts & Crafts in the 4-H building Saturday and Sunday. There is a Quilt Show in the Meyers building all three days. This year’s Gas Engine Exhibit features a 1926 15hp Reid Oil Field engine.  The Featured Tractor is a 1966 John Deere Model 1020 Diesel three cylinder, 38hp.

Again this year, Pioneer Harvest Fiesta features one of the largest, most interesting Flea Markets in the Four-State’s region. Experience educational and historic exhibits, refreshments and live musical entertainment all weekend.

All three days are alive with Steam Engines, Blacksmiths, Food and Flea Market Vendors, Drag Saw Demonstrations, Tractors & Gas Engines on Display, Baker Fan Demonstrations. Corn Shucking demonstrations, Arts and Crafts, Quilt Show, Straw Bailing, Wheat Thrashing, Corn Husking/Shelling, Rock Crushing, Saw Mill Operation, Parade of Power, and many more exciting events! It’s one great weekend to kick off Fall in the 4-state’s region! It’s the 62nd annual Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds in Historic Fort Scott, Kansas.

For more information:http://www.pioneerharvestfiesta.com/

Area News, Entertainment

Pittsburg Youth Chorale Performs Oct. 20

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Pittsburg Youth Chorale presents Pre-Parade Prelude

Pittsburg Youth Chorale, under the direction of M.J. Harper, will perform a pre-parade prelude at 8:30 AM on Saturday, October 20 outside of Root Coffeehouse at 802 N. Broadway.

Warm up your body before the PSU Homecoming Parade with a cup of joe or mug of tea and a scone or muffin.

Warm up your voice with patriotic pieces such as “The Star Spangled Banner” and “TAPS.” Warm up your feet with selections like “Sing, Sing, Sing!”

Performers: Auggie Allison, Ben Bolinger, Sydney Ewing, Eden Darling, Amaeus Hawkins, Quorynn Harris, Angie Miller, Rachael Miller, Zayne Miller, Chloe Riska, and Hayden Turnbull meet Tuesdays 5-6PM at Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium & Convention Center, 503 N. Pine.

If you are interested in booking this ensemble, email [email protected] or call 620-235-7827.

Area singers in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to join Pittsburg Youth Chorale.

Participants do not need to be enrolled in USD 250 to belong to this ensemble.

To enroll, visit Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium & Convention Center between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, or call 620-231-7827.

 

Contact: MJ Harper, 620-719-6633, [email protected]

Area News

Flooding Postpones Tri-Yak-A-Thon to Oct. 20

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The 6th Annual Tri-Yak-A-Thon, at Gunn Park Trails, has been postponed due to river flooding.  Organizers have tentatively rescheduled for October 20.

The Gunn Park Trails volunteers would like to invite everyone to enjoy the fall weather and join us for the 6th annual Tri-yak-a-thon.  This year’s proceeds will benefit our new bike share program. The event will take place October 20 at 10:00 AM in Gunn Park.  The Tri-yak-a-thon is a race where participants run on Gunn Park’s beautiful trails, kayak up and down the Marmaton River, and then tackle the trails again on a bike.  The goal of the event is to have fun and raise money to support the bike share program.  The trail run is approximately 4 miles, the kayak portion is 2.5 miles, and the final portion is a 7-mile mountain bike ride.  Participate as a relay team, or if you are tough enough you can do the entire race as a solo participant.  You must bring your own kayak, life jacket, helmet, and mountain bike.  Riders must wear a helmet.

Onsite registration and packet pickup will be from 8:00 to 9:45 AM at Shelter House 6.  You can register online at https://www.trireg.com/tri-yak-a-thon. The race will begin at 10:00 AM.  Whether you enter the race or just come and cheer, please join us and support our park, our trails, and our bike share program.

We would like to thank our generous sponsors:

UMB Bank

Landmark Bank

Briggs Auto of Fort Scott

City State Bank

Smallville Crossfit

Papa Don’s

Brock Electric

Southwind Cycle and Outdoor

Area News, Bourbon County, Business

Chicken Shak Opens Nov. 3 In Bronson

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Clint (Spanky)McKinnis, owner of the refurbished Chicken Shak in Bronson, at his cash register Oct. 7.

Even though he has a full-time job, Clint McKinnis took on the project of refurbishing a restaurant in Bronson.

The Chicken Shak has been in Bronson for over 55 years, with different owners, McKinnis said.

“I felt like I wanted to revive it,” he said. “The Good Lord told me to buy it and make it what it was before.”

His family still has a farm down the road from Bronson and they used to go to eat chicken at the restaurant after church.

“I want to give back to the community,” he said. “To have good fellowship and good chicken.”

He recently had a “soft opening” of the restaurant with friends and family only.

The building had been vacant for nine months before McKinnis purchased the restaurant in January 2018.

After 10 months of repairing and painting the building, the restaurant will open next month.

A giant fowl decorates the outside of the Chicken Shak in Bronson.

Something new, is a bar with two big screen TVs in the back dining room of the restaurant.

The backroom of the Chicken Shak includes a bar.

“The La Rue’s (previous owners) added a bar about three years ago,” he said.

The restaurant officially opens Saturday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. The hours will then be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The restaurant has 10 employees, including chief cook, Cheryl Blythe.

The phone number of the Chicken Shak is 620-228-5228.

About the owner

McKinnis is known by some as “Spanky”.

“I was nicknamed at 4-years-old by a friend of my dad’s,” he said. “He thought I looked like Spanky of Our Gang.”

He went to Uniontown schools for a period of time, then his family moved to Fort Scott where he graduated in 1997.

He now lives in Pittsburg where he works full-time at Performance Spine and Sports Rehabilitation Clinic.

The front dining room of the Chicken Shak.
Area News

Gordon Parks Celebration Photo Contest Winners

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First place winner is Kole Wagner’s “First Love”.

2018 Gordon Parks Celebration
Photo Contest Winners Named

FORT SCOTT — Winners of the Gordon Parks Celebration “I Am Inspired By…” photo contest have been chosen. Thirty-four entries were received and the winner of First Place was Kole Wagner (Fort Scott) with his photo titled “First Love.” Second Place was Jennifer Yoder (Louisburg, KS) with her photo “Big Dreams.” Third Place was Kole Wagner with his photo, “Freedom Post.”

Second place winner: “Big Dreams” by Jennifer Yoder.

There were 5 Honorable Mentions named: “Ice Cream” by Miriam Mix (Fort Scott); “Puddle at Daylight” by Boguslaw Lowczyk (Roselle, Illinois); “Love Has No Labels” by Amanda Bourbina (Pittsburg, KS); “Everything is Beautiful on the Farm” by Stephen Robinson (Redfield, KS); and “Traversal” by Zoe McClure (Uniontown, KS).

First, Second and Third place winners received cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50 respectively and all finalists received a set of prints of Gordon Parks photos.

The contest was open to any non-professional photographer and was inspired by a quote by Parks: “Driven by an insatiable hunger, I still search for those things that inspire me—beautiful imagery, music, and literature.”

“We received good entries and the judges had a very difficult time making their choices,” said museum director Jill Warford. Judges for the competition were Merl Humphrey, Kassie Fugate-Cate, and Tammy Helm.

The photo exhibit is on display in the Lunt Lobby of the Ellis Fine Arts Center through October 15th. The building is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

Area News, Recipes

Olive Cheese Bread by Martha Meinsen Scott

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From Linderhof’s Kitchen . . .

Martha Meinsen Scott

Every once in a while someone brings a dish to “something” and you fall in love!     Rhonda brought this to our Cookbook Book Club last Thursday night . . . and I’ve already made and taken it to two “come and brings”.       It is that good! It’s easy but not inexpensive for it calls for 2 cans/jars of olives and a whole pound of Monterey Jack cheese. But it is so worth it!     And I actually like it at room temperature rather than hot out of the oven. Both times, I brought home crumbs. This recipe is definitely going in my little black book!

OLIVE CHEESE BREAD

1 loaf French Bread

8-ounce jar Pimiento stuffed Green Olives

8 ounce can black olives

2 green onions (white and green)

1 stick butter, room temperature

½ c. real Mayonnaise

1 pound Monterey Jack Cheese, grated

Roughly chop both black olives and green olives.     Slice green onions (green and white part) into thin pieces.

Combine butter, mayonnaise, cheese, olives and green onions in mixing bowl.    Stir together until thoroughly combined. Cut French bread in half, lengthwise.     Spread half of the mixture on one half of the bread. Spread the other half of the mixture on the other half of the bread.      Bake in a preheated 350 oven for 20 – 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and browning.

Cut into slices and serve.

Martha Meinsen Scott is a Fort Scott foodie who creates from her home, called Linderhof.

 

Area News

American Legion Post 25 Upcoming Events:

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October 9. Tuesday. American Legion Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers has office hours at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Carl is available to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have about Post 25, Veterans issues in general or just to help solve world problems. Carl will meet with you at other times by emailing him at [email protected] or calling him at 904.553.1848 to schedule an appointment.

 

October 9. Tuesday. American Legion Service Officer Myra Jowers is at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Myra is available to assist you with questions about your VA claims or paperwork. This free service is for ANY Veteran or family member who may have questions about starting a VA claim or have questions about next steps.

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She is not allowed to complete your forms for you, but rather provide guidance and directions in pursuing your claims. She will meet with you at other times by emailing her at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

 

October 11. No Post 25 Color Guard meeting.

 

October 16. Tuesday. American Legion Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers has office hours at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Carl is available to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have about Post 25, Veterans issues in general or just to help solve world problems. Carl will meet with you at other times by emailing him at [email protected] or calling him at 904.553.1848 to schedule an appointment.

 

October 16. Tuesday. American Legion Service Officer Myra Jowers is at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Myra is available to assist you with questions about your VA claims or paperwork. This free service is for ANY Veteran or family member who may have questions about starting a VA claim or have questions about next steps.

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She is not allowed to complete your forms for you, but rather provide guidance and directions in pursuing your claims. She will meet with you at other times by emailing her at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

 

October 20. Saturday. An organizational meeting for Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron. Sons and grandsons of current or deceased Legion members are eligible to join the SAL. Sons and grandsons of honorably discharged Veterans are eligible to join as well.

 

SAL membership eligibility can be confusing as I cannot join the SAL because I am a Veteran. My SAL eligibility is through my grandfather’s military service in World War 1. My sons and grandsons can join the SAL because of my military service.

 

We will be meeting downstairs in Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall at 10 am to charter the unit.

 

The Sons of the American Legion are part of the American Legion family. More information about the SAL is available at https://www.legion.org/sons

 

This is an opportunity for the sons and grandsons of Veterans to honor their Veteran ancestor while giving back to the community.

 

Please reply to this email if I can count on you to join the SAL.

 

October 25. Post 25 Color Guard meets in Memorial Hall at 7 pm. The Post 25 Color Guard is open to all Post 25 members.

 

November 9 – 11. Veterans weekend in Fort Scott.

November 9. Friday evening, 5 pm:  Reception @ Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave.

November 9. Saturday, 10 am:  Veterans Day Program @ Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.

November 10. Saturday, 12 – 4 PM. “A Gathering of Veterans” at VFW Post 1165 for fellowship and camaraderie.

November 10. Saturday, 5 pm:  Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Fort Scott.  All Veterans are encouraged to participate. Transportation will be available for those unable to walk in the parade.

November 10. Saturday, 7 pm:  1800’s Grand Ball @ Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.
Click here to purchase Grand Ball tickets online,
or purchase in person at the Chamber or over the phone at 620-223-3566.

November 11. Sunday, 9 am:  Veterans Church Service @ Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton St.

November 11. Sunday, 11 am:  Veterans Day Service @ US National Cemetery No. 1, 900 E. National Ave.

November 11. Sunday, 12pm:  Lunch @ VFW, 1745 S. National Ave.

Carl Jowers, Commander

Fort Scott American Legion Post 25

Area News, Bourbon County, Government, Mercy Hospital

County Meets at 10 a.m. Oct. 3 to Discuss Mercy Hospital Closing

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Regular meetings are Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Special meeting date: October 3, 2018 at 10 a.m.

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

10:00 a.m.-Special Commissioners Meeting regarding Mercy Hospital.

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

Area News

Public Comments Welcome on Kansas Gas Service Rate Increase

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KCC to host a public hearing on Kansas Gas Service rate increase request

 

Topeka – The Kanas Corporation Commission (KCC) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 4 to receive input from Kansas Gas Service customers on the company’s rate increase request. The public hearing will begin at 6 p.m. at the Washburn Institute of Technology, Main Conference Center, Building A, located at 5724 SW Huntoon in Topeka.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the proposed rate change and make comments to KCC Commissioners. Members of the public can attend in person or watch a live broadcast of the hearing on the Commission’s website: www.kcc.ks.gov. For those unable to watch live, a recording of the hearing will be available on the Commission’s website beginning October 11.

The application, filed by Kansas Gas Service in June, requests a $42.7 million dollar net base rate increase. If approved, the average residential customer’s natural gas bill will increase by $5.67 per month, an increase of 10 percent. A complete copy of Kansas Gas Service’s application and supporting testimony is available on the Commission’s website.

The Commission will accept public comments through 5 p.m. December 14, 2018. In addition to attending the public hearing, there are three convenient ways to submit a comment:

  1.  Go to the KCC website (www.kcc.ks.gov) and click on the “Your Opinion Matters” link to submit a comment.

2)  Send a written letter to the Kansas Corporation Commission, Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, 1500 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604-4027.
Be sure to reference Docket No. 18-KGSG-560-RTS.

3)  Call the Commission’s Public Affairs office at 1-800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140.

Area News

Grief Support Luncheon Oct. 3

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Grief Support Luncheon
Oct 3, 2018 12:00 PM
Our next scheduled grief support luncheon will be Wednesday, October 3rd, at 12:00 Noon. Anyone dealing with a loss is encouraged to come and bring a friend. Cheney Witt Chapel will provide lunch at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main. Pastor Matthew Hunt will be speaking. Call us at 223-1186 if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you!

Area News, Mercy Hospital

Mercy Hospital Fort Scott to Close

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Primary Care Services to Continue through Agreement with CHC/SEK

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (October 1, 2018) – In the face of declining patient numbers and shrinking reimbursement, Mercy has made the difficult decision to close Mercy Hospital Fort Scott by the end of the year. The decision was made following months of exploring options for keeping hospital services in the community.

At the same time, there is a plan for continuing physician services in the area. Mercy is finalizing an agreement with the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK), the federally qualified health clinic based in Pittsburg, to maintain primary care services in Fort Scott and other nearby communities in which there are Mercy Clinic locations. All Mercy Clinic Fort Scott primary care physicians have committed to continue practicing in the area as part of CHC/SEK. The two organizations expect to share more information soon.

“Mercy Hospital has been privileged to serve Fort Scott since 1886. Like many rural hospitals across the country, we have struggled to remain viable as community needs have changed,” said Reta Baker, hospital president. “We considered – and exhausted – every possibility for keeping our doors open, and ultimately we had to acknowledge that it’s a different era for hospital care in Fort Scott. There are many options in nearby communities for patients seeking hospital care, and there are many challenges we didn’t have in years past. Our hearts are heavy, but it’s the decision we know has to be made.”

The hospital will close by December 31, including all inpatient services, the emergency department and ambulatory surgery.

Mercy first announced the need to explore options for future sustainability in 2014, citing trends that included patients leaving the area to seek health care services in larger communities and declining reimbursement, especially from government payers which make up the largest source of revenue. The announcement was followed by an 18-month discernment process, which ended in 2015 with the understanding that should these trends continue, Mercy would need to revisit plans for the future.

“That time came earlier this year, and a new process of evaluating solutions was undertaken,” said Baker. “Unfortunately, the health care environment in Fort Scott has not improved, and in fact we’ve encountered the additional challenge of successfully recruiting and retaining physicians in the community.”

To prepare for closing the hospital, Mercy will undertake the required regulatory and legal notices and procedures, including notifying state and federal agencies and payers.

Mercy is developing plans to support hospital co-workers in through the closure process, and all will be treated with compassion and respect. There may be the possibility for some co-workers to transfer to other Mercy facilities.

“Having closed our hospital in Independence, Kansas, in 2015, we know how difficult this news is to hear – not only for our Fort Scott co-workers and the community, but for everyone across Mercy. Our prayers are with everyone impacted by this decision,” said Lynn Britton, Mercy president and chief executive officer. “We also know that the Sisters who served before us had to make similar decisions in light of changing community needs, and we draw strength from their courage.”

 

Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.