Fort Scott, KS — Construction has begin on the James B. Tedesco Memorial Skate park expansion. The construction crew arrived in Fort Scott on November 25th and have been doing the preliminary dirt work and set up a few forms for the expansion areas. The park is located at 4th and Scott street and you can view their Facebook page here.

The park was originally constructed in April 2012 and now with a generous gift from Steve Tedesco, a businessman from Colorado, has made the expansion possible. Construction is hoped to be completed by the end of the year.

Construction pictures:

Current park pictures:

Fort Scott, KS – This weekend is packed full of great events going on. Already, this short article space will not be enough to cover all that is going on. Hopefully, you will have a chance to get out this weekend and participate in some of the activities.

This will be the 35^th year the homes have been available for touring. The event is sponsored by the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County (HPA). The tour dates are December 6^th and 7^th, Saturday, 11am-5pm and Sunday, noon-4pm. Admission is a $12 donation and you can pick up a ticket and map at any of the homes.

In brief, there are four homes on the tour this year. You can click here to see the homes and the addresses ahead of time, but you will have to show up in person to really appreciate the beauty and the hard work these home-owners have done to showcase these remarkable homes.

We were able to catch up with two home owners to get a sneak peek inside the homes. Erica Schuber-Chikly, 816 S. Crawford, has just recently completed remodeling of her home, established in 1888. Here are a few pictures:

Also, Joyce Gobl was kind enough to allow us a few early pictures. Joyce and her sister, June Seaver were both working hard to put the finishing touches on over 19 trees located within the home Joyce doesn’t take credit, but said June is really the master designer of the presentation of the trees. Here are just a few pictures:

The two other homes include an 8,000 square foot home, re-purposed from a business built in 1922 and a three story Victorian brick home built in 1884.

Not only are you able to enjoy the beauty and the history of these homes and hear the stories, your ticket fee will continue to support the efforts and programs of the HPA. When you are finished with the tour, you can stop by the Middle School (1105 E 12^th St) , where HPA is sponsoring, “The Stocking Stuffer.” FREE ADMISSION. If you still have some shopping left to do, gift items and crafts are available for purchase along with baked goods and a brisket lunch. Hours: Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday 11am-4pm

If you have an event or something you think we might be interested in writing about, please send us an email: [email protected]

Fort Scott, KS — Tuesday night hundreds of people gathered to the Historic Downtown Fort Scott to watch the annual Holiday parade hosted by the the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. The parade started at 6pm on Main Street from 3rd Street  to Skubits Plaza.

Following the parade, the Mayor’s Tree Lighting ceremony commenced. A few remarks were made by Cindy Bartelsmeyer in Skubits Plaza before several prizes were given away. Local businesses, Walgreens, Radio Shack and  Walmart, were kind enough to donate prizes for the drawings. The lighting of the tree wrapped up the outdoor activities.

During the parade, everyone was able to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission and after the Tree Ceremony, kids were welcomed by Santa at Papa Don’s. The first 200 children were given a free book donated by Greenbush. If you weren’t able to make it, here are a few pictures to tide you over until the next Fort Scott Parade!

Fort Scott, KS – The holidays are nearly upon us and many are gearing up for all the festivities. One event you need to make sure and have on your calendar is the city Christmas parade happening December 2^nd, downtown. The parade starts at 6pm on Main Street and ends at the Skubitz Plaza. At the plaza will be Santa and drawings for prizes.

If you are the creative type and interested in putting a float in the parade, there is still time to get your entry submitted!! There are cash prizes for the top three entries and you can submit your entry to the Chamber.

If you have questions, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber and Tourism Center
231 E. Wall
620.223.3566
[email protected]

Fort Scott, KS — If you are wondering what to do for lunch today, the United Methodist Women will sponsor the “Friendship Soup Lunch” in the church’s fellowship hall from 11:30a – 1:30p.  The menu will include Chili, Potato Soup, Hamburger Soup, a variety of pies and a drink! There’s no charge, but you are welcome to make a donation! They will also be having a bake sale starting at 11am.

Also, next weekend (November 22), First UMC is sponsoring a concert at FSCC in the Ellis Fine Arts Center at 7pm. No charge for the concert, but there will be a offering to help cover expenses. Two bands will be playing, Among the Lost and Greater than Fables will be performing.

Check out their Facebook page here. 

Check out their Facebook page here. 

You can keep up with all that’s happening at First UMC at their website here or you can ‘like’ their Facebook page here

Contact:
Address: 301 S National Ave, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone:(620) 223-1950

If you have an event coming up or think you know of something we maybe interested in covering, please email us: [email protected]

Fort Scott, Ks – Last Thursday the Lowell Milken Center for unsung heroes had their groundbreaking ceremony at 6^th and Wall Street. Back in September, Fort Scott city commissioners voted 5-0 to transfer the land at the corner of Main and Wall to build a 6,000 square foot venue to honor, display, promote, engage and further the message of the unsung heroes.

According to Heather Griffith, Director of Economic Development, “The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is truly one of the great assets of Fort Scott and enriches our entire community.” The Lowell Milken Center is an educational non-profit, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes discovers, develops and communicates the stories of Unsung Heroes.

The LMC locally has hosted over 25,000 visitors from every state in the country and has impacted over 1,000,000 students through their various programs. The LMC was established in 2007 and did not want to limit its reach nationally, also has international programs and visitors from 68 countries have visited the LMC in Fort Scott.

Due to growth and rising demand for its services, LMC was in need of a new headquarters. The construction of the new 6,000 square foot building will serve for the international headquarters and exhibit space. Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2015. You can visit their web page here and for current events and announcements, check out their facebook page here.

For more information you can contact:

Heather Griffith, Director of Economic Development
City of Fort Scott
620.223.0550

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
620.223.3566

Lowell Milken Center
[email protected]
620.223.9991

Fort Scott, KS – Thursday morning, the Chamber coffee was hosted by Bill and Jennifer Michaud in the new Sleep Inn & Suites hotel that will be soon opening their doors. The coffee was to show off the new lobby and hotel, complemented by a nice breakfast, that will be available for guests staying in the hotel.

The official grand opening and ribbon cutting is November 5^th at 11am. However, if you need a place to stay, they will be able to make accommodations for you and family that maybe coming in this weekend. Reservations will be available online November 1^st through Choice Hotels.

They are finishing up some small details and putting all the final touches on the hotel. There are 59 rooms (combo of doubles & king suites), fitness center, pool, small meeting room, wireless internet and breakfast.

Contact information:
Sleep Inn and Suites
302 E Wall St.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
620.223.2555
[email protected]
sleepinn.com