Hedgehog.INK, located at 16 S. Main, in historic downtown Fort Scott.
Writing Wednesdays start at Hedgehog.INK! on November 3, 10 and 17 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. to kick-off
National Novel Writing Month.
“There is no fee for the sessions and they are intended to provide encouragement and support in our writing endeavors,” Jan Hedges, owner, said. “Whether it be writing a novel, a poem, working on a memoir, cookbook, genealogy or keeping a journal, you are invited to attend. No matter your age or writing skill level, you are invited to attend. Please help us share the word with others. We will meet in the Great Room at Hedgehog.INK!”
Brandon Krebs, owner of Rocking K Construction. Submitted photos.
Brandon Krebs, started a new business, Rocking K Construction, in August 2021.
Krebs offers the community brush mowing, pasture reclaiming, hauling and excavation, demolition, snow removal, leveling for both residential and commercial, and firewood for the winter. He offers free quotes for proposed work.
“I enjoy being able to help people out and offer honest, fair prices to the community,” he said. “As a lifelong resident of Fort Scott, I feel I can help the community out and look forward to building loyal customers and lifelong relationships.”
He has a background in farm and construction.
“I started out on a family farm running tractors, grain trucks, combines, and other equipment from the age of 9 to 14 years old,” he said. “Then went on to work for local businesses doing the same work until 25. I then worked construction for three years, running big equipment such as dozers, track hoes, haul trucks, scrapers, etc. “
He drove a tow truck, and picked up repossessed cars for four years, and then worked at Twister Trailers for five years.
Rocking K Construction is owned by Brandon Krebs. Submitted photos.
In his spare time, Krebs enjoys outdoor activities.
“I like spending time with my kids, family, and friends going fishing, camping, boating, and riding motorcycles, he said. “I enjoy participating in benefit rides such as the Care to Share Ride and being a part of charity events raising money for those in need.”
Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.
What Will Your Retirement Be?
We humans spend a lot of time and effort planning ahead for different stages of our lives. A good amount of that effort involves planning for the finances that will be involved, such as purchasing a car or home, starting a family, education for ourselves or our children, or retirement. All of these require a commitment to some kind of planning process to make the puzzle pieces fit together.
I’ve written about retirement before. Maybe that is because every day brings me a little closer to my own. When we are younger, we feel we have more options or time to reach some of those larger goals as previously mentioned. We might take on additional work or put off a larger purchase giving ourselves more time to collect the funds needed. We might even decide to change course in our decision-making process…because we have the time. Retirement often seems a far-off distant concept in our younger years, which is why we sometimes put off thinking about or preparing for retirement.
More serious thoughts about retirement loom as we get closer to that stage in life – “Do I have the finances set aside to sustain me?” “Will my health hold out for the long haul?” “Will I need to make major changes to my lifestyle? If so, when?” These can be nagging questions, because, like previous stages, there are uncertainties. However, in reaching this stage in life, there are limits in our ability to compensate for shortfalls, such as the time and ability to change course or acquire more funding.
It goes without saying that preparing for retirement should begin before the event is official. There may be much to do that may include a transition to a different lifestyle. Income and expenses will likely change as a result. Following are three general aspects that may help in the retirement consideration process.
Organize Your Finances. Take a closer look at your monthly or annual budget. Project the changes you expect to take place when you retire. For example, will you continue to work part-time, start receiving a pension, or count on Social Security for support? With our longer life expectancies, retirement can last decades. Your tax bracket may change, so look ahead by doing some tax planning in relation to how your future income will be taxed based on tax laws related to pensions and Social Security.
Plan Your New Lifestyle. Start thinking about where you want to live. Have your children moved, or have you? You may want to move closer to them. Is a recreational or leisurely type of retirement important to you? Where might that best happen for you? Do you want to consider senior housing with plenty of conveniences and support, as well as the freedom to come and go? Consider the monthly income you will need for any of these options. You may want to add more to your IRA or investment accounts to support your retirement wishes.
Start taking steps now. Besides stashing away more money to prepare for the golden years, there are other preparations that can be made. If you are close to retirement, you might consider downsizing your furnishings and personal effects, so you don’t need as much space in the future if you move. If a move is in your plan, start looking at the neighborhoods where you want to live after retirement to help you acclimate to a different lifestyle and community.
Many plan to retire right where they are. If a consideration now is to make your home a safer and comfortable living space, some modifications may need to be made. Most modifications are simple, but a remodel may be done as part of that preparation. Just for fun, or a little inspiration, take a look at the Universal Design Living Laboratory at www.udll.com. This is more house than most of us need. However, many of the concepts included, such as the hardwood flooring, creating clear and wider paths, adding natural light, and no steps, are some good features to study. Think through your options now for an easier transition before it becomes necessary. There is also a vast resources list on that site with helpful information.
We’ve heard it before, “It’s never too soon to start planning for retirement.” What would you like your retirement to look like?
For more information on simple home modifications or home assessment tools, contact the Southwind Extension District Office in Yates Center at 620-625-8620.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.
Students of Saint Martin’s Academy will be the featured entertainment at this week’s Friday Night Concert. The school currently has an enrollment of 55 boys, ages 13 to 18. The music department is under the direction of Dave Agee and Daniel Kerr.
“This lively group of young men will warm your heart with their endearing performances of folk, country, and gospel songs,“ concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “In addition to their musical talent, these students have proven to be an asset to the community with their willingness to help out in various areas. We are pleased to welcome Saint Martin’s Academy back to perform in our downtown pavilion. This concert will conclude the 2021 season, so bring a friend and join us for an enjoyable evening of music.”
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Stephan Moses will serve as sound technician this week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
THE COUNTY & CITY COMMISSION WILL HOLD A WORK SESSION AT THE EMPRESS EVENT CENTER BEGINNING AT 12 NOON ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021. NO COUNTY BUSINESS WILL BE CONDUCTED. THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND WILL NOT BE BROADCAST ON YOUTUBE.
of Historic Fort Scott. Every hour on the hour. Departs from the Fort Scott
Chamber at 231 E. Wall St.
Friday hours: 11 am until 3 pm
Saturday hours: 10 am until 3 pm
$6 adults & $4 for 12 yrs. & under
THE FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OFFERS DAILY GUIDED TOURS AT 10 AM & 1 PM, 7 DAYS/WEEK – FREE!
10/22 ~FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT FEATURING BETHEL COMMUNITY CHURCH AT HERITAGE PARK PAVILION 7-8 PM. Clickherefor info.
10/22 & 23 ~CLARK STREET HAUNTED HOUSE:See flyer below for dates/times
10/22 thru 11/28 ~ FORT CINEMA:
Dune, Halloween Kills, and Ron’s Gone Wrong. Check out what is coming to the theater, clickhere.
10/22 ~ FRIDAY EVENING OF FUN AT THE MUSEUM OF CREATIVITY – Open play session and crafts 3:30-7:30 pm, Game Night 8:30-11:30pm, only $1 admission! Visit and Like their Facebook pagefor more info.
10/22 & 10/23 ~FORT SCOTT LIVESTOCK SALE. Click herefor info.
10/23 ~ROLLER SKATING NIGHT AT BUCK RUN COMMUNITY CENTER. Click here for info.
10/23~LIVE MUSIC AT THE BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS – 3 CORD JUSTICE. 7pm, clickherefor info.
10/23 ~ FSCC ALUMNI RODEO,Arnold Arena, Fort Scott Community College, Slack 1pm, Rodeo Performance 7:30pm. See flyer below.
10/23 ~ OPEN PICKLEBALL ~8-10am, Buck Run Community Center, open to anyone wanting to play! Click here for the FB group to stay updated.
10/23 ~ FARMERS’ MARKET ~8am to noon, Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort.
10/27 ~ BIKE NIGHT AT HOLMTOWN PUB.Click herefor more information.
10/28 ~ CHAMBER COFFEE HOSTED BY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH.8 am at 2824 S. Horton St.
COMING SOON:
10/29 ~ BRIGGS AUTO TRUCK-OR-TREAT,see flyer below!
10/30 ~ HALLOWEEN PARADE HOSTED BY THE CHAMBER,trick-or-treat parade, Downtown Fort Scott, parade starts at 11am w/free hot dogs, chips & drink to kids in costume following!
11/4 ~ MISTLETOE MARKET AT THE RIVER ROOM,click here for info.
11/11-11/13 ~ DOWNTOWN & AROUND HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE SHOPPING EVENT,kicks off from 5-8pm Thursday evening with special refreshments throughout the stores & stores offering a portion of sales to Wreaths Across America or a token of appreciation for our Veterans! Shopping Open House continues on Friday & Saturday.
11/22 ~ FSMS VIP EXTRAVAGANZA,5-8pm, Fort Scott Middle School, click here for info.
Anna Rose of Uniontown will be celebrating her 100th birthday on November 14th at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Friends and family are invited to come celebrate with her.
If not able to attend, her address is:
Anna Rose
P. O. Box 85
Uniontown, KS. 66779
Members of the Fort Scott Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Front row: Martha Scott, Terri Townsend, Bernice Hill, Nolene Whiteside. Back row: Dee Ann Davis, Barbara Ritter – Regent, Brenda Collinge and Peggy Cummings. Submitted photo.
On Tuesday, October 19, 2021, Mayor Josh Jones of the City of Fort Scott, issued a Mayoral Proclamation honoring the Molly Foster Berry Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, on their 110th anniversary.
The original Fort Scott group was organized on October 19, 1910. Those members who attended the city commission meeting are pictured here outside city hall after the proclamation was received.
Rachel Carpenter, 23, started yesterday as the new program coordinator for the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
Carpenter earned an associate degree from Fort Scott Community College and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University in sociology. She has a certification in community development, program evaluation, and grant writing from FHSU and will graduate in the fall of 2022.
“I’ve been working in Honduras (in Central America) and decided to study sociology and am learning how to make data-driven decisions in how to help,” she said.
She interned with Jody Hoener, CEO of HBAT, and then applied for the full-time position when it became available.
“Rachel met all the minimum qualifications for the… position and brought additional skill sets to move our mission forward,” Hoener said. “She is passionate about our work and helping people, that’s the kind of culture we aim to nurture at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. With everyone seeking employees right now, we consider ourselves considerably blessed to have an amazing skilled induvial as a part of our team.”
Carpenter’s salary comes from a $560,000 grant which will also provide grants for farmers and ranchers and start-up businesses, she said.
The grant will also help with development funding for the east side of Fort Scott and the historic downtown Fort Scott, Carpenter said.
The grant was from the Patterson Family Foundation, a family-led foundation extending the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson which strives to help lift rural communities through health care, education, economic opportunity, and beyond, according to its website How We Help | Patterson Family Foundation.
Carpenter is married to Jon, a Fort Scott Policeman, and is a nursery volunteer at Faith Church, Fort Scott. She is also the founder of the Carpenter’s Hands, a ministry to Honduras. Her hometown is Wichita, but she has lived in Bourbon County for five years.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is located at 104 N. National Avenue, north of Luther’s BBQ Restaurant. Submitted photo.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team has a vision of a community where we feel safe, earn a living wage, find healthy food, have access to sidewalks, ride safe bike routes, have opportunities for recreation, and more according to its Facebook page
The HBAT is currently seeking community input to better fund development projects.
Bourbon County’s Health and Wellness Survey is open at
hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
The event will take place
Wednesday, October 20th
Memorial Hall Auditorium, 1 E. 3rd St.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a meet & greet with the candidates and the forum will begin at 6 p.m.
The following races/candidates have been invited to the forum:
~ USD-234 School Board, candidates include Position 4: David Stewart; Position 5: Garold Billionis, Casey Bolden, and Mike Miles (write-in); Position 6: Tracy King, Brian Allen, and Joshua Query.
~ Fort Scott City Commission, candidates include Michael Hoyt, Josh Jones, Ann Rawlins, Tim Van Hoecke, Judy Warren, Matthew Wells, and Willa Wilson.
~ FSCC Board of Trustees, candidates include John Bartelsmeyer, James Fewins, Bryan Holt, Bill Meyer, and Kevin Wagner
The general public is invited and encouraged to attend this Election Candidate Forum on Wednesday, October 20th.
Candidates should RSVP to the Chamber prior to the forum by e-mailing [email protected]
Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.
Bethel Community Church will provide the music for this week’s Friday Night Concert. “The performing musicians and vocalists represent a diversity of ages and talent. The audience is sure to enjoy their program of gospel music excellence,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “I’m very pleased to welcome the Bethel Community Church to the park pavilion. The concert season is nearly over, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of this musical presentation Friday evening.”
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main Streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas of Parsons serves as sound technician each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
