Category Archives: Area News

Area News, Business, Fort Scott

Sleep Inn & Suites Grand Opening

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Fort Scott, KS — On November 5th, about 70 community members showed their support for the newly opened Sleep Inn & Suites in Fort Scott.

The Chamber held a ribbon cutting ceremony and many of Fort Scott and Bourbon County officials were present and a few made brief remarks and congratulations to Bill and Jennifer Machaud.

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“The sign is going up today and looking forward to open doors and serving Fort Scott, ” Bill Machaud commented as he addressed the crowd and covering the amenities the hotel has to offer. These include 59 rooms, wi-fi, full complementary breakfast, indoor pool and weight room. Doors are open and they will be happy to take your reservations for the upcoming holiday season.

For more information or reservations:
Sleep Inn &  Suites
302 E Wall St.
Fort Scott, KS, 66701
(800) 424-6423

Area News, Fort Scott

Lowell Milken Center Groundbreaking

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Fort Scott, Ks – Last Thursday the Lowell Milken Center for unsung heroes had their groundbreaking ceremony at 6th 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.

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Exterior Rendering – Courtesy Lowell Milken Center
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Interior Rendering – Courtesy Lowell Milken Center

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.

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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

Area News, Bourbon County

Shead Farm Host Elementary Day at the Farm

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Garland, KS — On October 15th, one hundred thirty Fort Scott Elementary kindergarten students traveled to the Shead Stead Farm in rural Garland to enjoy the beautiful fall weather and experience many farm related activities.-

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All photos credit: Mark Shead
The eight classes were accompanied by their teachers and a number of parents. Four of the classes participated in the morning activities and the other four in the afternoon, crossing over with both classes being at the farm for lunch around the picnic tables.
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The various activity stations were attended as each teacher rotated her students around the farm.  This gave the children opportunity to explore different aspects of farm life and fun that can be created with a little imagination.
The Indian camp with a teepee was hosted by Benjamin Shead who was dressed in full Indian attire.  Children sat on mats and wore headbands and feathers as they learned several Indian songs and rhyme.
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Teachers then moved on to the animal area where each child was able to pet and feed the donkey, the pot-belly pig, the goats and pet the horse.  Chickens, guineas, ducks, cats, dogs and friendly turkeys could be observed wandering around.
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A favorite to all of the students was the barn swing and hay ride.  Teachers and parents helped the students take turns swinging. Raymond Kalm, a nearby farmer, drove the hay wagon to the delight of the students.
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The chicken yard story time was hosted by Katy Shead who read the story of Henny Penny and showed the students live baby chickens and guineas.  Each student was able to gather eggs from the metal nest boxes.
The apple harvest station was run by a parent and Haley Shead.  Students learned about the comparison of a bushel basket, a half bushel and a peck.  They also learned how to pick apples from the tops of the trees with an apple picker. They were able to watch how one can peel apples quickly with an electric drill, core and slice them and then sample the tasty crisp apples.
Another activity station included finding feathers in hay and then matching them with the picture of farm poultry.
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Butter making was another area of interest as the students learned about how to make butter the old fashioned way and the new quicker way of doing it in the blender.  Treats of crackers with butter were shared with the students.  Teacher, Mrs. Melissa Tatro and Haley Shead helped with this activity.
During the afternoon, Fort Scott Community Rodeo Cowboys came to help the students learn to rope. Also on display were various collections of insects and bird habitats. Class pictures were taken on the old tractor.

Story submitted by farm owners, Larry and Vickie Shead.

Area News, Fort Scott

Sleep Inn & Suites Hosts Chamber Coffee

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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.

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Bill and Jennifer Michaud, owners Sleep Inn and Suites

The official grand opening and ribbon cutting is November 5th 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 1st 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

Area News, Bourbon County

Young Professional League of Bourbon County host Sheriff Candidates

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Fort Scott, KS

sheriffIt goes without saying, but one of the greatest impacts on a community is who the people vote into office. This November, there will be important decisions to be made. One of which, will be the county Sheriff.

At the last Young Professional League of Bourbon County, YPL hosted those who will be on the ballot for County Sheriff. Mike Feagin and the current Sheriff, Bill Martin shared their thoughts and responded to a few questions. (in case you don’t make it to the end of the article, there will be a candidate forum Oct 20th, hosted by the Chamber at Fort Scott High School).

Here are the general remarks:

Mike Feagin:

Ramp up efforts to address the drug problem
Build unit cooperation / collaboration
On site working with the drug enforcement
Increase grant research for equipment / maintenance

Bill Martin

Shortfalls due to budgetary restrictions. Need new radios, budget has been approved.  Working closely with Fire Chief to ensure radio systems will be compatible.
Won 40K Grant for video systems in all patrol cars
Need more personnel – final decision is left with the commissioners
Drug cases – more difficult than property theft. Have to build a case, determine probable cause, etc
Have a strong working relationship with FSPD.
Open door policy / transparency

Another major issue – jail. Invitation for all to come and visit and see what is going on. Two bonds are going on – taking a step back until school bond is passed.

Questions:
If bond issue to build new jail (increase tax) fails, what is the plan?

BM – I don’t want a new tax, but to pull from sales tax. Also, housing other inmates to bring add’l revenue to pay building. Will not go after prop. tax 40-55 inmates per day. Need to have room for 15 more. Current jail is designed for 26 inmates. Wyandotte Co and surrounding Co are very interesting.

Moderator stop discussion here due to limited time to allow for additional questions. Mike did not get to answer.

If population of inmates is growing, but the population is not, why?

BM – job force is low, laws are changing that are more aggressive

MF – There are alternatives to dwindling job force, need to focus on prevention as well as prosecution ie cadet program

What is the biggest drug contributor?

BM – meth; K2 is growing because not illegal in surrounding states

MF – agreed

If you know you there is a drug problem, what can a citizen do?

BM – keep reporting it, manpower is down, we can partner with KBI, but need to have the case built before much can be done.

MF – agreed, keep watching and be vigilant.

Which is more important, prevention or enforcement:

BM – both are important, sometimes getting arrested is the only way to get them into treatment programs

MF – (general discussion started and MF did not get a chance to respond.

Important dates for the upcoming elections:

  • Oct. 14 – Last day to register to vote in general election
  • Oct. 15 – Advance voting begins
  • OCT 20: Chamber Hosts Candidate Forum at the Fort Scott High School
  • Oct. 31 – Deadline for advance ballot application
  • Nov. 3 – Noon deadline to cast advance voting ballot in person at county election office
  • Nov. 4 – Advance ballots must be received in county election office by the close of the polls, polls are open from 6am to 7pm

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Project 17 and Kansas Leadership Center Offer FREE Workshops

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Fort Scott, KS – Have you been looking for a way to make a real impact on your community on multiple levels? If so, you might want to do learn more about Project 17. Project 17 was born out of a large community meeting to address socio-economic, health care and industry in 17 counties in South East Kansas.

The mission statement is to improve the economic opportunities and qualities of life of those who live, work, and play in the 17 counties of South East Kansas. One of the key indicators of low performance is the lack of high impact civic leadership. Towards this goal of increasing networking and leadership, Project 17 has joined with Kansas Leadership Center and is putting together one day (FREE) leadership conferences in area counties to address these issues.

During the conferences, there will be actions points where leaders can get involved as well as discussion topics such as: Diagnosis Situation, Intervene Skillfully, Energize Others and Manage Self. These conferences are focused on developing leadership skill in the civic leaders in the area. Registration deadline is October 15, click here to register. Here are the dates of conferences in the area:

October 28:
Fort Scott Community College, Ellis Family Fine Arts Center (2108 S. Horton, Fort Scott, KS 66701)

October 29:
Neosho County Community College, Ottawa Campus(900 East Logan St., Ottawa, KS 66067)

October 30:
Independence Community College West, Woods Family Community Center (2615 West Main St., Independence, KS 67301)

Another conference in conjunction with Project 17 is the “UnConference” that will be hosted at Pittsburg State University, Thursday, October 16th, 9-4pm. “Topics will include things like how to support existing business and entrepreneurship, economic development, health education and how to improve the regions workforce,” Project 17’s Executive Director, Heather Morgan commented. Ken Brock and Joe Bisogno will be speaking and will further the discussion of how we can make Project 17 counties more economically productive. Click here for more information and to register (deadline today).

For more information about Project 17
Heather Morgan
Project 17
Executive Director
785-323-7001
[email protected]

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Brownback, King make major SEK announcement

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Fort Scott, KS – A major announcement for SEK came this morning (October 9th), an announcement that has been debated for a decade. Governor Brownback and Secretary of Transportation, Mike King, was in town to announce the final stretch of highway 69, from Arma to Pittsburg, will be widened to a four lane highway.

It will be a $23.5 million project that has been a long time coming. Brownback cites the reason for being able to do this now is other projects in the state coming in under cost. Already announced and funded is the stretch from Fort Scott to Arma, although construction has not started. The total project will cost about $70 million and will cover about 18 miles. Construction is expected to begin in 2017 and will be completed 2019.

Following the announcement Governor Brownback continued to visit local places in SEK, part of campaigning for the upcoming elections. He didn’t make any remarks but used the time to connect with local people at Papa Don’s pizza in downtown Fort Scott.

 

Area News

Crawford State Park Hosts Country Music Jamboree

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Crawford State Park (Farlington Lake), KS – Do you have an award winning chili recipe? Maybe it’s time to put it up to the test! This weekend, September 27th, Crawford State Park host’s Country Music Jamboree and annual Chili cook-off. This is the last big activity planned at the state park this year.

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Cooking starts at 12:30 and judging starts at 4:00pm. If you are not the cook, but enjoy sampling the bounty of good cooks, tasting will take place at 4:30pm. If you think you have what it takes to compete, you can contact Kevin Smith, the chili commissioner: 620.362.3237 or [email protected]. The park is offering free park entrance for this event and if you decide to stay and do a little camping you can register at www.reserveamerica.com or visit the park office.

Also, included in the festivities, are live music and a pot-luck “end of season” dinner at 6:30pm. Bring a covered dish and join in. Live music starts at 3:30pm and includes performances by The Duling Band, Jeff Simpson, Kinley Rice, Jason Richison and more. All activities will be in the Oak Point Campground.

Crawford State Park

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If you haven’t had a change to visit the lake, take some time before the winter weather comes to go and visit. The park is located 9 miles north of Girard on Hwy 7 and contains an 150 acre lake. The whole park comprises 530 acres, six campgrounds, five modern cabins (for rent), two boat ramps, a swimming beach and three bathhouses. Also, the park offers four hiking trails, a 9-hole disc golf course and a Civilian Conservation Core (CCC) Memorial Museum (when open).

You can click here to visit their website.

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Curator Aggie Keeling (right) and friend Dorothy

We will do a more complete story on the historical activity of the CCC in a future article. The lake was constructed in the 1930’s by the CCC and shortly after, the hatchery was built. The Museum contains many artifacts retrieved from the CCC camp which was located were the park sits today. The museum is curated by Aggie Keeling and her friend Dorothy, both who are actively involved in the “Friends of Crawford State Park.” The two of them are diligently working to preserve the history and legacy of the men who built the park.  They are also working hard to enhance the experience of visitors today, including raising fund to install storm shelters for park campers. There is an outdoor exhibit as you enter the park, make sure you take some time to observe the memorial and learn some of the history of this park.

Crawford State Park
1 Lake Rd.
Farlington, KS 66734
(620) 362-3671
[email protected]
www.ksoutdoors.com

Area News

Produce Auction in Barton County

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Lamar, MO – If you are looking for fresh produce in larger than farmer’s market quantities and up for a nice drive, the Barton County Produce Auction is the place for you. Located in Lamar, MO off NW 30th Ln, has auctions April through October on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 10am. To see the online calendar schedule, click here.

The auction is primarily for farmer’s market vendors or grocery stores, but individuals are welcome to attend as well. This auction is primarily designed to bring local growers and buyers together to sell large quantities of produces for re-sell or consumption.

Of course, the selection is seasonal, currently pumpkins, mums and fall decorations fill the sale bill. Buyers and sellers are both welcome to participate, however, BCPA has a few requirements like growers must be within 100 mile radius, some package restrictions and no minimum bid requirements.

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If you are interesting in selling or have further questions, you can reach the Auction Manager, Daniel Yoder at 417-681-0123

Barton County Produce Auction
669-A NW 30th LN
Lamar, MO 64759
417-884-2232 (Auction phone, day of auction only)

Area News

Arcadia Old Settlers Days!

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Arcadia, KS – Arcadia may only have a few hundred people, but that isn’t stopping them from continuing the city’s yearly festival. “It’s about the kids,” Landon Young could be heard saying from the evening concert stage.

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It certainly was about the kids. The festival kicked off at 10am with a parade, led by Grand Marshall, Thelma Medley. Many activities followed throughout the day including a cake walk, lunch: free beans and cornbread (which was very tasty!), bingo and concluded with a free concert.

All proceeds and donations will go towards making sure each child in the community will have a Christmas gift and a visit from Santa sometime in December.

For more information, contact Arcadia City Hall at (620) 638-4344, e-mail at [email protected].

If you have stories you think we’d like to cover, let us know! [email protected]

Area News

Arcadia Area News

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Long term attender of the Arcadia Christian Church, Carol Brooks of Englevale, died peacefully at l2:15 AM, February 18. She returned home from hospital care the preceding evening and was surrounded by three of her sons, 2 daughters in-law, 2 Granddaughters, a friend and an honorary nephew who loved her. Our sympathy to family.

Class # l0 met on Wednesday Afternoon, February 17 in Christian Church Bungalow. President Patty Peterson opened the meeting with pledges to Christian and U.S. Flags. Michelle Castro was the leader for the day and read THE MYSTERY OF LOVE FROM GUIDEPOST. Roll Call asked each to tell about a special Valentine. Thank You notes were read from Charles & Willa Cable for their Christmas gift from the Class. One from Ralph & Cindy Shead who filled the pulpit on recent Sunday. Contributions to the Ava Mae Adams memorial fund were acknowledged from Johnna Bever and Port Hughes. A birthday cake was served to honor Carole Garrison’s special day and a card signed by all was given to her. Refreshment enjoyed by others present included Carol Bridgewater who baked the cake, Judy Rawlings and Mary V. Shead. Upon leaving, Michelle presented each lady with a Red Rose for Valentine’s Day. The March 15 meeting will be hosted by Patty who closed the meeting with the Irish blessing.

Joyce Gabel Niebrugge from Louisburg wrote that her cousin Margaret Gabel Brooks had died May l, 2011, at age 93 Parkview Healthcare Facility in Bolivar, MO. She was the daughter of Crystal and Willie Gabel who for many years owned and operated the Gabel Meat Market on Race Street. Margaret attended Arcadia School all twelve years and graduated from AHS in l936. Condolences to close friends & relatives.

Vickie and Larry Shead spoke in the Ft. Scott Methodist Church on February 14. It was a Valentine Banquet. A fine meal was served that evening. Larry met with several friends he had worked with in Western Insurance. One, Gene DuVall, said that he enjoys reading the Arcadia News in Fort Scott Tribune.

Mae Watt attended the 13 Team DANCING WITH OUR STARS performances. 600 tickets were sold for each of the two nights. This was sponsored by the Rotary Club on Saturday in the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Arts Center at Ft. Scott Community College.

Gary Peterson announced at the JOY Meeting on Feb 20, that the committee for the future Arcadia Fair on October 8, met and things are in progress for different activities to raise money for play equipment for the Powell City Park. There will be tickets sold for some activities and some will be free. There will be meals, Cake Walk, Chances on a Rifle and many other activities. Mark the date.

Our Gang of AHS will be meeting in Arcadia Community Center on the evening of February 25. The Cato Committee will be in the Center on the evening of February 28. Wednesday, March 14 is the USD 246 School Meeting from 7:00-8:00 PM

Charles Corporon, Pittsburg and his brother and wife, Jack & Harriet Corporon, Brooklyn, N.Y. attended the Sunday afternoon World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra Concert in Pittsburg on February 12.

Area News

Arcadia Area News

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Michael and Chrisi Shead sent word to their local relatives from their Mission in Guatemala that their Mother, Vickie Shead of Garland, KS., will be 60 years old on Monday, March 13. Congratulations.

Sunday Morning, February 12, birthday offerings were given by Pastor Charles Cable who said he is not growing older and to prove it he sang a solo entitled EACH STEP I TAKE before he went from the piano to the pulpit for sermon time. At the end he had all singing I HAVE THE JOY DOWN IN MY HEART. The other birthday offering was given for Tara Vanleeuwen. The birthday song was sung by the congregation.

Due to cold and snowy weather, the February 13, Autumn Leaves Senior Citizens was cancelled. Due to the snow that did fall, it seemed the right thing to do for Senior Citizens. The next meeting will be March 5, in the Senior’s Cottage on Arcadia Street, weather permitting.

February 25, will be this month’s date for AHS OUR GANG potluck dinner in the Arcadia Community Center at 6:30 PM.

Saturday afternoon, Larry Shead drove to Ottawa, Kansas to bring his Aunt and Uncle, Harriett and Jack Corporon of Brooklyn, NY to Garland, KS. Gathering at the Shead farm in the mean time were relatives and friends to celebrate the birthday of Vickie Shead and the 55th wedding Anniversary of the Corporons. Kentucky Fried Chicken furnished by the Corporons was enjoyed then after Happy Birthday and Anniversary song, the Ice Cream Cake was served by Larry. The total of thirteen present for the evening also included others, namely, Charles Corporon, Rose Campbell, Pittsburg; Matthew & Ashley Shead; Joplin; Ralph & Cindy
Shead; Carl Junction; Katy and Benjamin Shead, Ft. Scott and Mary V. Shead, Arcadia. where the New Yorkers spent Saturday night.

The last of January, Port Hughes in McPherson enjoyed visits from her daughter, Kirby Gould from Olathe, Kansas and first of February her brother Charles Corporon was her guest.

Dr Tyler Eugene Coomes, who died February 3, funeral was held in Brenner’s Chapel in Pittsburg on Monday, February 6. His wife is the former Ruh Herlocker of Pittsburg and a niece of Bill Dobbins in Pittsburg and Dan, Ray & Perry Dobbins of Ft. Scott. Her Grandfather is the Late Edd Dobbins, the Barber on Arcadia Street for many years. Condolences to the family.

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 14, 2012 for the USD School meeting to be held in the Arcadia Community Center from
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM