The leaves are changing for fall and winter, so are the hours of operation at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Beginning Thursday, November 1, the park visitor center, park store, and historic structures will be open daily from 8:30 am–4:30 pm through March 31, 2019.
The buildings are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The park grounds, walkways, and parking lot are open from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset daily.
Fort Scott National Historic Site is a fee-free park that offers a glimpse into the growth of our nation through a short film, interactive audio-visual programs, displays, the museum, and historic objects.
A walk through the fort reveals the significant role it played in the opening of the West, as well as, the Civil War and the strife in the State of Kansas that preceded it.
Park Rangers are on hand and happy to help you learn more about the area and plan your visit. For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs, the candlelight tour, or other activities, please call the park at 620-223-0310, or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
Tours of Cato, the first town in Crawford County are hardly new.
Susie Stelle started helping John Spurling organize Cato Fall Tours in 1985.
Stelle is president of the Cato Historic Preservation Association.
With Spurling, she started giving informal tours of the town, located northwest of Arcadia for several years prior.
Organizers of the upcoming Cato tour this Saturday, Nov. 3, plan to take visitors back to the mid-1800s through music, history, and re-enactments.
Activities on Saturday will begin at 9 a.m. and continue through the day.
Ralph Carlson, a member of a music group called “Old Fuss and Feathers”, will perform in the church at 9:30 a.m.
There will also be presentations in the restored 1869 rock school by Anna Portwood Swank and her sister, Elizabeth Portwood Thompson, and husband Jaime Thompson.
Souvenirs and homemade baked goods will be available at the Cato Store, headed up by Stelle.
Proceeds from the tour will benefit the continued restoration and preservation of the Cato School and Cato Christian Church and this year’s newly constructed cabin, donated by the Coonrod family.
At noon, there will be ham and beans cooked by Bob “Buck” Rowland of Arma. The meal also includes cornbread.
There will be an open fire for those who choose to bring their own hot dogs.
Drinks will be provided, all for a nominal fee.
At 12:30 p.m. a quilt raffle will take place. The quilt was donated by Sue James of Galveston, TX.
Sue’s husband, Dale, attended all eight grades of the one-room Cato school.
At 1 p.m. hayrides are offered by Joe Bournonville to visit area cemeteries and other sites related to Cato’s history.
On Friday, Nov. 2, approximately 600 youngsters will have a field day, organized by Katharine Spigarell.
School children from Uniontown, Fort Scott, Girard, Arma, Frontenac, Pittsburg and new this year, Liberal, Mo. will come to Cato.
A tour guide will direct groups of kids to various stations to observe living history exhibits such as blacksmithing, wagons and farming, schoolhouse games, area history, civil war weaponry, and Native American culture.
The Cato HPA has a Facebook page and website located at www.catoschool.com.
Directions to Cato, KS: On 69 Hwy., turn west on 720 Avenue, one mile north of the Arcadia turn-off (one mile south of the Bourbon County line. Go west one mile, then turn north for one-half mile, then left one mile to Cato.
Susie Stelle, Mary Portwood, Richard Coonrod, Lily Coonrod, Jerry Coonrod, Ralph Carlson, Joe Bournonville, Anna Portwood Swank, Katharine Spigarell, Marilyn Coonrod Flagg, Elizabeth Portwood Thompson, Floyd Feezel, Donna Hashagen, Bob George, Jamie Thompson, Buck Rowland.
Don’t forget to take this opportunity to clean out your closet of gently used coats and jackets for a senior project at Fort Scott High School. Coats and jackets can be taken to Fort Scott High School or call Carl Jowers at 620-215-1688 to arrange pickup and delivery on your behalf. Post 25 Legionnaires still serve our community.
October 30. 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 620-215-1688 to schedule an appointment.
October 30. 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. Please share this information with any Veteran you may know who might need assistance in dealing with their VA paperwork.
November 1. Post 25 Executive Committee meeting starts at 6 pm in Memorial Hall.
November 5.Post 25 general membership meet and greet. Light refreshments will be available. Starts at 6:30 pm.
November 5. Post 25 general membership meeting. Starts at 7 pm.The meeting is held at the Memorial Hall at National and 3rd in downtown Fort Scott. All Post 25 members, eligible Veterans and guests are invited to attend the meeting. Light refreshments will be available at the end of the meeting.
November 6. 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 620-215-1688 to schedule an appointment.
November 6. 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. Please share this information with any Veteran you may know who might need assistance in dealing with their VA paperwork.
November 9 – 11. Veterans weekend in Fort Scott.
November 9. Friday evening, 5pm: Reception @ Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave.
November 9. Saturday, 10am: Veterans Day Program @ Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.
November 10. Saturday. Veteran Service Representatives (VSRs) from the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs will be at Memorial hall beginning at 10 am to assist veterans and their families with applying for benefits. This service is free of charge.
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, 7pm: 1800’s Grand Ball @ Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.
November 11. Sunday, 9am: Veterans Church Service @ Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton S
November 11. Sunday, 11am: Veterans Day Service @ US National Cemetery No. 1, 900 E. National Ave.
November 11. Sunday, 12pm: Lunch @ VFW, 1745 S. National Ave.
These signs mark the closed Eagle Road, Oct. 25. Workers were busy all along Hwy. 69 on the expansion project.
The 69 Hwy. expansion project from Fort Scott to Arma doesn’t have a November completion date anymore, according to Priscilla Petersen, with the Kansas Department of Transportation.
In an interview, Petersen said the November completion date of the U.S. 69 expansion has been pushed back.
“We plan to have this project open to four-lane unrestricted traffic by Dec. 21, 2018,” she said.
All work on the active U.S. 69 expansion in Bourbon County will be completed in April 2019. ”
“The active Bourbon County expansion project is approximately six miles long, starting south of Fort Scott and ending at the Bourbon-Crawford county line,” Peterson said.
“The Crawford County expansion project has not been let. The tentative letting date is the fall of 2020.”
It seems KDOT ran into more extensive excavation of the stretch of highway than originally thought.
“During the grading phase of the expansion our contractor encountered a lengthy section of the old highway that had not been previously removed,” Petersen said. “The removal of the old mainline and bridges required extensive excavation. In addition, the discovery of the old roadway greatly reduced the amount of dirt available for the earthwork. We found it necessary to add a second borrow-waste area to supply the material.”
A KDOT crew work on a section of Hwy. 69 Thursday morning near the Garland exit.
“Current project activity includes concrete paving on the mainline and guardrail installation on the bridges,” Petersen said.
High school students do a history program in the quartermaster’s house at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people, so that all may experience our heritage, according to an NPS statement.
To help area children experience our heritage, Fort Scott National Historic Site administration personnel applied for and received a grant to help classroom students get to the Fort.
The grant will pay school transportation costs for area fourth-grade students to come for a hands-on experience in history.
“Students come primarily in the spring,” Barry Geersten, education program coordinator at the Fort, said. “But they could come now.”
Area high school government and history students help with re-enacting the history experiences for the fourth-graders, he said.
Fort Scott High School Teacher Josh Regan’s Advanced Placement History Class, Tami Campbell’s government class, along with Nevada High School teacher Jared Brown’s Advanced American History Class will be the instructors for the field trips, according to Geersten.
The following is a press release from the Fort about the opportunity:
“FSNHS has received a field trip grant for the 2018-2019 school year from the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service.
This $5,000 grant will reimburse the costs of transportation for fourth-grade class field trips to this national park.
This grant is part of the Foundation’s Open OutDoors for Kids program which creates pathways for kids to explore and connect with national park experiences, and is administered locally by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site.
“We are excited to be able to assist school groups in coming to Fort Scott National Historic Site,” said Betty Boyko, Superintendent, FOSC. “We understand that not all schools can afford to visit even though we do not charge a fee. This grant will help reduce barriers to bringing students to have fun while learning and developing a lifelong connection to our nation’s history,” Boyko continued.
“We are pleased to be involved in helping more of the areas school children build deeper connections with Fort Scott NHS and our history,” said Reed Hartford, President of the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc.
During their time on site, the students will participate in either the “Life on the Frontier” program for grades K-4 or the “Sweep through History” program for grades 4-8.
In “Life on the Frontier,” local high school students train to be the instructors and mentors to the K-4th-grade students. They dress in period clothing and are stationed at various locations around the site focusing on various aspects of life at Fort Scott during the 1840’s.
“Sweep through History” will acquaint 4-8th-grade students with life at Fort Scott during the three most significant periods in the site’s history: Westward Expansion, Bleeding Kansas and the Civil War.
Educators, dressed in period clothing, are stationed at various locations around the site focusing on life at Fort Scott during one of these periods. Both programs have pre-visit and post-visit activities and all are aligned with Kansas and Missouri content standards.
“Trekking along trails, observing our natural ecosystems and engaging with our shared history are experiences that benefit all children,” said National Park Foundation President Will Shafroth. “Making it possible for America’s youth to explore our national parks is an investment in their future and the future of the national parks community.”
Teachers and school administrators can request additional information about transportation grants and curriculum-based field trip programs by visiting the education section of the park’s website (www.nps.gov/fosc) or contacting the education program coordinator, Barry Geertsen, at 620-223-0310 or e-mail us.
For the full list of grantees and their projects, click here.”
The free Bells of Peace App has attracted over 5000 people nationwide to join in the bell tolling on November 11, 2018 at 11:00 am local time. People and organizations can use the app to select a bell, connect to a local sound system, and load photos and videos of their bell and commemoration events.
Did you sign up on the website? You should also download and sign up on the app so that you can upload your photos and see what others are doing. It is also easy to share with your friends so that everyone can be part of this nationwide commemoration1
Did you sign up on the app? If you are an organization, you should also sign up on the website so that you can upload your logo and we can add it to the logo scroll.
Don’t worry – we will only send you one newsletter per email address!
The U.S. Navy will toll the bells on November 11!
Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer has ordered Navy and Marine Corps ships and installations to commemorate the Centennial of the Armistice with a bell toll. Read the “ALLNAV” order atww1cc.org/bellsunder PROCLAMATIONS.
U.S. Capitol – The Taft Carillon will toll the bells on November 11!
Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri, Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, has authorized the Architect of the Capitol to toll the U.S. Capitol’s Robert A. Taft Carillon at 11:00 a.m. on November 11. The carillon plays “The Star-Spangled Banner” every July 4 at 2 pm. The last special event for which the Taft Carillon was tolled was the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. on September 24, 2016.
Independence Hall – The Centennial Bell will toll on November 11!
The National Park Service will toll the Centennial Bell in Independence Hall in Philadelphia on November 11 at 11:11 a.m. in conjunction with other commemoration activities. The Centennial Bell was placed in Independence Hall in 1876 and rings hourly.
Washington Ringing Society – the Old Post Office Bell will toll on November 11!
The Washington Ringing Society, winner on October 20 of the second annual nationwide Trinity Shield Striking Competition, will toll the Old Post Office Bell in Washington, D.C. on November 11. This bell is the closest to the National World War I Memorial we are building to honor WW1 veterans! The Washington Ringing Society is also responsible for tolling the bells at the National Cathedral on November 11, with Retired Navy Admiral Mike Mullen in the role of ceremonial toll master.
Need Ceremony Ideas? Consult the National Cathedral Interfaith Service Program
The program for the National Cathedral’s November 11 interfaith service is now posted on our website atww1cc.org/bellsunder CEREMONY IDEAS. Here you can see Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Native American, Jewish and Christian prayers along with poetry and hymns especially selected to honor the service of our nation’s World War I veterans and commemorate the Armistice Centennial.
2018 Zombie Chase/Werewolf Attack 5K Run/1 Mile Walk
For a printable copy of the flyer, click here. To visit Buck Run Community Center’s website, click here.
There will be an inter-denominational praise and prayer gathering at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
There will be no promotion of any candidate, no political speakers.
It is gathering people of faith to ask God to bless our community and our nation.
Installation of SAL Squadron Officers Commander Jeff Norris and Adjutant Carl Jowers by 2nd District Executive Committeewoman Myra Jowers, with SAL Department Adjutant Don Culver observing.
Sons of the American Legion Squadron 25 was chartered Saturday, October 20 with 10 members. Squadron Commander is Jeff Norris. Adjutant is Carl Jowers. SAL members are invited to attend the Post 25 general membership meetings. SAL members are not allowed to vote on Legion issues.
October 23. 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 23. 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. Please share this information with any Veteran you may know who might need assistance in dealing with their VA paperwork.
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.
October 27th. 2nd District Commander Homecoming in Blue Mound. All Post 25 Legionnaires are invited to attend.
October 30. 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 30. 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. Please share this information with any Veteran you may know who might need assistance in dealing with their VA paperwork.
November 2.Post 25 general membership meet and greet. Light refreshments will be available. Starts at 6:30 pm.
November 5. Post 25 general membership meeting. Starts at 7 pm.The meeting is held at the Memorial Hall at National and 3rd in downtown Fort Scott. All Post 25 members, eligible Veterans and guests are invited to attend the meeting. Light refreshments will be available at the end of the meeting.
November 9 – 11. Veterans weekend in Fort Scott.
November 9. Friday evening, 5pm: Reception @ Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave.
November 9. Saturday, 10am: 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, 7pm: 1800’s Grand Ball @ Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.
November 11. Sunday, 9am: Veterans Church Service @ Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton S
November 11. Sunday, 11am: Veterans Day Service @ US National Cemetery No. 1, 900 E. National Ave.
November 11. Sunday, 12pm: Lunch @ VFW, 1745 S. National Ave.
Post members Darrell Spencer and Marvin Taylor prepared to carry the colors at the recent Fort Scott Pioneer Harvest Parade.
The quilt show at Pioneer Harvest Fiesta is one event for women at the annual show.
Pictured is Charlotte Hite, Fort Scott, who brought several heirloom quilts to the show. This quilt is one of her grandmother’s, who was in a quilting club in Uniontown.
Other events: arts and crafts show, gas engine exhibit, tractor exhibit, flea market, food vendors and live music.
Wheat threshing, draft horse plowing, corn husking, rock crushing, sawmill operation, are among the demonstrations at the event.
Because of wet arena conditions, there will be no tractor pulls, according to Allen Warren, of the PHF board.
The Shoe Sensation, 2420 S. Main, Fort Scott will be open until Oct. 27.
Shoe Sensation will relocate to Pittsburg this November
Shoe Sensation administration, headquartered in Jeffersonville, Indiana, has decided to relocate the Fort Scott store location, 2420 S. Main, to Pittsburg.
“We have notified our landlord of our intent to leave our current location,” according to a press release from Taylor McAdams, public relations coordinator with Shoe Sensation. “This is part of our continued growth and expansion strategy.”
“We believe we can better serve a greater area of our target customer and existing customer base by moving our location to Pittsburg where we will continue to offer a wide variety of name brand shoes for the entire family,” says CEO, Dave Schoengart.
“We will be serving our customers in Fort Scott until our last day of business on October 27, 2018.”
Current employees were given the opportunity to commute to Pittsburg.
Shoe Sensation in Pittsburg will have its Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting with the Chamber on November 16, 2018.
The ribbon-cutting will take place at the new Shoe Sensation store in Northgate Plaza at 2808 N. Broadway Pittsburg, which is located behind Appleby’s Restaurant.
The new Shoe Sensation, 2808 N. Broadway, Pittsburg.
Information provided with the press release:
Shoe Sensation is a regional chain of family shoe stores selling quality name-brand shoes. Our stores carry a large selection of men’s, women’s, children’s, and athletic footwear in a better-branded merchandise mix. Shoe Sensation was developed to meet the footwear needs of the entire family; our clientele range from toddlers to senior citizens.
