The Bourbon County Democrats will meet on Sunday Oct. 17th at 2 p.m. in the Heritage Room of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.
Guest Speaker will be Patrick Schmidt, retired Navy Intelligence Officer.
Submitted by
Category Archives: Bourbon County
Friday Night Free Concert: DJ Brown and Bourbon County Revival
DJ Brown and The Bourbon County Revival will be the featured entertainment at this week’s Friday Night Concert. The local four-piece band plays classic rock, country, and Red Dirt. Band members are Danny Brown on acoustic guitar and vocals, Robert Uhler on drums, Jerry Bahr on banjo, electric, acoustic and bass guitars, and vocals, and Randy Brasuell on mandolin, fiddle, bass and electric guitars, and vocals.
“These guys have been playing together for quite some time and are a crowd favorite,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “This band is a delight to hear and we are pleased to welcome them back to perform in our downtown pavilion. Bring a friend and join us for an evening of superb musical talent.“
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.
Bourbon County Agenda For Oct. 12
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: October 12, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
- Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
- Don Brown – Reno Dry USA regarding Courthouse Building
- Jim Harris – Executive Session – KSA 75-4315(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
- Ann Dare – Audit
- County Counselor Comment
- Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
- Public Comment
- Elected Officials Comment
- Commission Comment
Reaching Out to Community: Law Enforcement’s Faith and Blue Event This Weekend
At the Fort Scott High School Football Game and the Uniontown High School Volleyball Tournament this weekend, one might think there is a crime being investigated.
But that thinking would be wrong.
Both Fort Scott Police and the Bourbon County Sheriff Officers will be there to mingle with people to “meet the community and let the community know us,” said Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Bob Jackson.
The events are part of an organization called Faith and Blue.
“Nation-wide, after the George Floyd deal, things started spiraling downhill for law enforcement,” said Jackson.
Last year following the civil unrest, an organization called Faith and Blue was started nationally.
The following is the organization’s purpose, according to its’ website: Faith & Blue: Partnering for stronger, safer communities (faithandblue.org)
“Communities are stronger and safer when residents and law enforcement professionals can relate as ordinary people with shared values, hopes, and dreams. The partners who are a part of National Faith & Blue Weekend believe we can find ways to work together around our many commonalities instead of being divided by our differences.”
The Faith and Blue weekend nationally is Oct. 8-11, according to Jackson.
The law enforcement officers will be at Frary Field this evening, Oct. 8, on the campus of Fort Scott High School starting about 5 p.m. to “pass out popcorn and give away tickets to the concession stand,” Jackson said.
Then on Saturday, the officers will be at West Bourbon Elementary School for the Uniontown High School Volleyball Tournament from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There, they will be giving away food too, with the help of local food truck (The Sunshine Shack) owners, Shayla and Kyle Knight.
“They are going to set it up inside the school cafeteria,” Jackson said.
The officers are hoping to get to know those they serve a little better in the mingling and also let the community get to know them.
He is hoping the event will be a positive one, he said.
“It will not be to hear complaints,” Jackson said. “But it’s to get to know you and you know us.”
The event is a collaboration of some local churches and the FSPD and the BCSO.
In Fort Scott, Community Christian Church, Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, Trinity Lutheran and the Seventh Day Adventist Church have provided funds for the event.
In Uniontown, the Uniontown Missionary Baptist Church, along with the Bronson, Hiattville, and Uniontown United Methodist Churches have contributed to the event.
Agenda For the Uniontown City Council Meeting, Oct. 12
Uniontown Regular City Council Meeting, Tuesday, October 12, 7PM
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
HBCAT – Prairie Pathways (ABC Trails) Presentation
Rurtian – Skeet George
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of September 14, 2021 RNR Hearing, Budget Hearing, Regular Council Meeting
B. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Fuel tank
Culverts
Bulletin board quotes
Building insulation
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan – quarantined, will not attend meeting.
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Building Code Effectiveness Grading – ISO
HBCAT – Health in all Policies Partner Pledge
KMGA Board of Directors Meeting and conference report
CBK request for legal action on two accounts
Gazebo
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Oak trees donation –
Pond Improvement Project –
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
FEMA project update –
NEW BUSINESS
112A Second St –
Attachments to view:
Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on Sept. 14
Minutes of the Uniontown City Council
The Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing on September 14, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:39 PM by Mayor Jurgensen, immediately followed by the Budget Hearing, then the Regular Council Meeting. Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPA, City Treasurer, Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING
No citizens were present for the hearing.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2021-0914-1 to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate
2022 BUDGET HEARING
Clerk Johnson asked for an amendment to a couple line items in the general fund that would not change the total expenditures for that fund – Expenditures – Current Year Estimate for 2021 column, change Library to $900 and Remove Unsafe Structures to $7,250; Proposed Budget Year for 2022 column, change Operating Expenses to $15,300 and Library to $900. The software licensing and support for the library was not considered during the worksession. No citizens were present for the hearing.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to adopt the 2022 Budget as amended
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Audit Review – Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPA, presented the 2020 financial audit findings. There were no statutory violations or irregularities.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept the 2020 financial audit as presented.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the August Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $347,763.13, Receipts $46,926.80, Transfers Out $21,026.00, Expenditures $32,309.84, Checking Account Closing Balance $341,354.09. Bank Statement Balance $343,309.95, including Checking Account Interest of $29.07, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $1,955.86, Reconciled Balance $341,354.09. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $26,004.12, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $17,467.30, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $23,292.56, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $409,118.07. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $254.64 and Utility CDs $231.07 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $485.71. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of August 2021, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. August Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, from Water Utility to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00, from Gas Utility to Capital Improvement-Streets $12,500.00, from Sewer Utility to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00, from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Street $2,500.00, from General Fund to Lease Purchase Fund-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00, from Water Utility to Lease Purchase Fund-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00, from Gas Utility to Lease Purchase Fund-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00, and from Sewer Utility to Lease Purchase Fund-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00 for Total Transfers of $21,026.00. Net Loss for the month of August $6,409.04, Year-to-Date Net Loss $59,744.38. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $75,567.16 (75.7%), Expenditures $67,355.64 (54.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $23,308.69 (67.1%), Expenditures $24,884.15 (57.0%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $113,180.96 (87.6%), Expenditures $209,244.83 (63.3%); General Fund YTD Revenue $93,037.70 (81.3%), Expenditures $97,240.64 (59.2%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,012.60 (100.5%), Expenditures $3,686.47 (24.7%). The September 2021 estimated payables in the amount of $28,393.81 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of August 10, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Council was informed that KDHE is asking for water systems to volunteer to quarterly test for PFAS. There was discussion about PFAS and whether to volunteer; however, the deadline to let them know was August 31.
The solenoid valve had to be replaced again at the master meter. This is the third replacement since 2014. Superintendent Rich would like to stock another one in case of a future failure.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to purchase a solenoid valve as a stock part
He received one quote, from Roberts Tree Service, to remove the trees discussed last month. He would remove seven trees, trim one in the easement and remove eight stumps for $5,725.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to accept the quote from Roberts Tree Service to remove seven trees, trim one in the easement and remove eight stumps for $5,725
Rich asked if the Council still wanted him to replace two of the gas main shut-off valves. It is budgeted to replace 2-4 this year. He would like to replace the two valves near 201 Hill St. Council gave approval to replace.
He has not ordered culverts for Second and Fulton area. Shipping is costly. Councilman Stewart offered the use of his 16’ trailer to go pick up the culverts instead of shipping them. Council instructed Rich to order several culverts of different sizes.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan updated the Council on ongoing issues. 104 Washington – complaints about backyard, he has been unable to speak with them, a letter will be sent. There were several complaints about dogs the past month; he has not observed them out. 505 Washington – needs grass/weeds letter sent. 307 Sherman – one tree has been removed, the other has been trimmed; complainant has been told that they have complied with our request. 301 Second #1 – the camper has been moved. 202 Fourth – needs mowed by City. 103 Sherman – City mowed, property is in the process of being sold; prospective owners have covered broken window and will keep mowed. 306 Sherman – not mowing their ditches, needs letter sent.
Clerk Johnson went over recently released 2020 Census Data. Uniontown census increase 21 to 293.
Uniontown High School is having a homecoming parade on September 17. They would like to have First, Second, and Third Streets barricaded for the parade at Clay Street and Fifth Street barricaded just west of the high school parking lot entrance. The parade line up begins at 1:30 and the parade at 2:00
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to barricade First, Second, and Third Streets at Clay Street and Fifth Street just west of the high school parking lot entrance for the homecoming parade
Steve Headley has two oak trees he started from acorns to donate for the pond or the park. Clerk Johnson will ask Mr Headley how big they are. Consensus of council was to put them in the park since we are removing seven; but make sure placement would not interfere with the possibility of the splashpad. Council also asked Superintendent Rich to look into the purchase of 4” trees.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – absent
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – J Kite would like to donate his vacant lot on Second Street to the City. Clerk Johnson will check on size of lot and legal description and bring back to Council next month when more members are present. Mayor Jurgensen would also like to send a Thank You to Bourbon County Fire District #3 for their participation in the Old Settlers Picnic parade.
OLD BUSINESS
City Building Roof update – the opening for the stove pipe has been cut and the pipe installed. Project is completed. A puddle of water was found on the north side of community building near the furnace room. It was determined that the water wicked in from under the metal siding, not from the roof.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – two more accounts have paid in full, another account sold their property and will be billed the balance with the final bill, one account that was billed the balance on their final bill in July has not paid yet. If not paid by October 10 Clerk Johnson will submit to collection agency. Clerk Johnson played a recording of Erik Sartorius, LKM, informed cities of the progress in the investigation of price gouging. Attorney General’s office feels there may have been some violation and merits hiring outside counsel further investigate. He cautioned that even with further investigation cities may not receive any reimbursement.
American Rescue Plan Act update – Clerk Johnson spoke with Jason Solomon from KRWA about smoking/lining the sewer lines. The cost to smoke the lines is just the cost of the oil to create the smoke, approximately $200, because we are members of KRWA. He will put us on their list for some time next year, probably summer as it needs to be dry. He said once we smoke and see where the problems are we can discuss options for stopping the infiltration and that there are less expensive options than lining. He also conducted a sludge profile on the lagoons and reviewed our wastewater testing results. He said our influent biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) was 477 and the total suspended solids (TSS) was 600 in March. The effluent BOD was 24.9 and TSS was 43.2, which is in compliance. He reviewed our sewer system Ordinance No. 33 and Section 506 states “. . .admission into the public sewers of any waters or wastes have (a) a five-day BOD greater than 300 parts per million by weight or (b) containing more than 350 parts per million by weight of suspended solids. . .shall be subject to the review and approval of the Superintendent.” He suggested a conversation with the locker about the amount of blood entering our system on butchering days. He also said that overall our lagoon system is working well and no compliance issues have been identified.
She also asked Kansas Office of Recovery if the purchase/installation of culverts to improve stormwater drainage was an allowed use of ARPA funds. She was referred to the most recent FAQ Section 6 which referred to EPA Clean Water State Revolving Fund or Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. She is still researching.
FEMA project update – they are now requesting a bid to restore to pre-disaster condition (without adding riprap, that is considered mitigation). A bid has been requested from the contractor for both the ditch and the corners. As soon as it is received Clerk Johnson is to email to Ms Mitchell and call her to discuss.
NEW BUSINESS
Home Rule Day Proclamation – this year is the 60th anniversary of the implementation of Home Rule in Kansas. Home Rule gives local government, specifically cities, the power to make decisions at the local level based on the unique needs and values of their residents. LKM is encouraging all cities to proclaim October 11, 2021 as Home Rule Day and share the importance of Home Rule with our citizens.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to proclaim October 11, 2021 as Home Rule Day
Moved by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 8:27PM
Local Historian Shares Antique Photos
Brian Allen, a local historian in his spare time, likes to collect old items and if he can, reunite them with family members.
At a recent garage sale, Allen found some antique glass photo negatives circa, he believes, the 1890s to the 1910s.
“I found the negatives and the photos at a local garage sale two weeks ago,” Allen said. “I have always collected vintage Fort Scott items.”
Along with many items in a box, there were 13 glass negatives, he said.
“I have a scanner that can make negatives into photos,” Allen said. “They were very dark, and without the scanner, it would have been almost impossible to make them out even with a bright light.”
Allen has been sharing photos online for several months now.
“The photos do depict some local scenes,” he said. “One is clearly the old (Fort Scott)High School, and one is taken from the side of a house across the street from the school.”
The photo finds are posted in the Historical Fort Scott and Surrounding Areas group on Facebook, as well as the Bourbon County Historical Preservation Association page, he said.
“The ones on the HPA page belong to the organization,” Allen said. “I have posted well over well over 100 photos. I have been able to reunite about 30 photos with family members during this time, as well as a family Bible to a family in Texas.”
“I love to be able to return these old items to a family,” he said. “If someone wants to contact me about any of the photos, please just send me a message on Facebook.”
Food Assistance Offered by The Beacon
Those who need food assistance for 2022, may sign-up at Beacon Food Pantry, 525 East Sixth, Fort Scott from October 25 through October 29.
“Sign-ups must be done by October 29th ,” Dave Gillen with The Beacon, a helping agency, said. “No exceptions. You will need to call in advance for appointment for one of these days.”
The Beacon staff started taking appointments on October 4.
Gillen said the participants will need to bring the following to qualify for a food card:
- Picture ID for all adults in household
- Social Security card for all in household and birthdates, all dependent children with different names must show full-time parental custody, adoption papers. must live with you to be on your card.
- Proof of income, pension, retirement, social security disability, VA benefits, unemployment, child support/alimony and any other income
- If you receive any services from DCF please bring the verification letter.
“If you are also getting food that day, you will need to call in advance and your order will be put on the back porch for pick-up,” he said.
“We’ll also be doing sign-ups for the Adopt-A-Child program and additionally the Elk’s Club food basket, at this time,” Gillen said.
“Adopt-A-Child pick up and food baskets will be at Community Christian Church on December the 17th from 9 am to 1 pm,” he said. “Pick-up will be a drive-through like last year.”
“Elk’s baskets will be delivered the Sunday before Christmas.”
There will be COVID-19 Protocols when one comes to sign-up.
“You will be required to have temperature checked and wear a mask before entering the Beacon,” he said. “If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you. Please enter through the front door. We are asking only one person per family in the building at this time.”
Gordon Parks “Celebration Tribute Dinner” This Weekend
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Gordon Parks Celebration: Education, Entertainment, Art, and Fun
The annual Gordon Parks Celebration in Fort Scott did not happen last year.
“We were not able to have 17th annual celebration last year due to COVID, so we wanted to make up for that misfortune and combine them both for this year and make it the 17th and 18th annual celebration,” Kirk Sharp, director of the Gordon Parks Museum on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, said.
This year there are three full days to look at the past and encourage creativity and activism in the future.
The activities are listed by day:
Thursday, October 7
A photo exhibit in the Lunt Lobby of the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton will feature a photo contest, whose theme was “Fashion and Diversity.” Winners of the contest will be announced at the Fort Scott Chamber Coffee. The contest is sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography, Fort Scott.
“Also part of the photo exhibit will be some of The Gordon Parks Mercy Foundation Collection with Gordon’s photos and poems, and behind the scenes photographs of the film Shaft and The Learning Tree,” Sharp said. “We will also have a promotional display of the Gordon Park: Homeward to the Prairie I Come Exhibition that is taking place now until May 2022 at the Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University.”
There will be a sign and mural display featuring Gordon Parks at the Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes, 1 S. Main, and also at the Riverfront Park, 400 N. National.
From 8-9 a.m., the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee will be a Gunn Park, Shelter House 1, hosted by the Gordon Parks Museum. This weekly coffee will announce the grand opening and ribbon-cutting event of The Learning Tree Film Scene Sign Trail.
In case of inclement weather, the event will be in the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium.
9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., The film The Learning Tree will be shown at the Gordon Parks Museum, FREE – Introduced by Kyle Johnson.
10 a.m. – 3: p.m., Registration for the celebration opens (Outside of Museum)
10 a.m. – 3 p.m., “Mayhew Cemetery” and “Homeward to the Prairie, I Come Exhibition” table displays will be available at the museum.
11:50 a.m. – 1 p.m., “Gordon Parks: Fort Scott and The Learning Tree Revisited” is a free lunch and learn at the Ellis Center. Local historian Arnold Schofield will open with a short presentation on the history of Gordon Parks and his return visit to his hometown of Fort Scott, Kansas, in 1950, as documented in the book Back to Fort Scott. Schofield will then introduce keynote speaker, John Edgar Tidwell, Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Kansas for a presentation on The Learning Tree legacy, comparing and contrasting the book and film. The presentation will also cover the importance of the cultural and historical impact of them both, along with the story and subject matter compared to today.
Box lunches with sandwich wraps, desserts, and drinks are available in the lobby for $8 – to purchase that day – or bring your lunch and grab available desserts and join the lunch and learn.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., There will be a guided trolley tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott & The Learning Tree film scene locations. Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center to see the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history. (Fee: $7)
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m., Showing of the film Moments Without Proper Names (Gordon Parks Museum, FREE).
“Moments without Proper Names is a film directed by Gordon Parks in 1986,” Sharp said. “This film has a wonderful mixture of Gordon’s iconic photos that he has taken during his career and his most updated photographic work during that time along with some of his musical compositions. It is narrated by actors Avery Brooks, Roscoe Lee Browne, and Joe Seneca.”
6:45 p.m. – 7 p.m., “Gordon Parks: Homeward to the Prairie I Come” Exhibition (FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium, FREE).
Aileen Wang, curator at Kansas State University’s Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art will discuss the current exhibition that features photographs that were donated by Parks to K.S.U., in 1973 and work by the photographer, Doug Barrett.
The social hour starts at 6 p.m. with wine and light refreshments available.
7 p.m., “All things Kansas” (FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium, FREE) – Doug Barrett, photographer and videographer based in Manhattan, Kansas, will share some of his work and show how Gordon Parks continues to inspire contemporary artists. Barrett covers all things in the American Midwest. Some of his recognized work includes his project started in 2018 documenting homeless veterans living on the streets across America. He is currently documenting the black community on Yuma Street in Manhattan, Kansas, and covered the civil unrest last year within black America. This performance was supported in part by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Friday, October 8
9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Registration open (outside of Gordon Parks Museum)
9 a.m. – 9:50 a.m., “All things Kansas, Part 2” (FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, FREE) – Doug Barrett, photographer, and videographer will continue the presentation of his work and show how Gordon Parks continues to inspire contemporary artists.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m., “Mayhew Cemetery” and “Homeward to the Prairie I Come Exhibition” (Gordon Parks Museum/FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center).
10:05 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., “A Conversation with Choice of Weapon Honorees.” (FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium, FREE) – The 2021 “Choice of Weapons Award” honorees, Kyle Johnson and Eli Reed.
11:30 a.m. – noon, “I Needed Paris”(FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium, FREE) – With Michael Cheers, Associate Professor of Photojournalism, School of Journalism and Mass Communications, San Jose State University.
This will be the launch event for the immersive educational experience that will take a group of diverse American and Parisian student photographers through Paris, traversing the same streets and neighborhoods as Gordon Parks. These students will reimagine Gordon’s spirit as a fashion photographer while using the same type of camera Gordon used – twin lens reflex film cameras. Student participants will style and photograph their models at some of the same locations chosen by Parks.
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m., “Children of the Promised Land” (FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium, FREE), Lunch and Learn.
Angela Bates, executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society, will explore the lives of free-born children after the Civil War. Nicodemus, Kansas, a small unincorporated town in Graham County, is the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War.
“Children of the Promised Land” is part of Humanities Kansas’ Movement of Ideas Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and workshops designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement. The program is brought to the community by Humanities Kansas.
Sack lunches are available in the lobby for $8 – to purchase that day, or bring your lunch.
1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., “Book Club Presentation, A Choice of Weapons” (FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, FREE) – With John Mason, Associate Professor, Associate Chair, University of Virginia Department of History and Eli Reed, Choice of Weapon Honoree.
Hosted by Susie Arvidson, Fort Scott Community College Librarian. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
2:30 p.m. – 3 p.m., “Eli Reed, Photography Collection of Works” – Photographer, author, and Choice of Weapons Honoree Reed, will provide a short presentation of some of his photography.
3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., African-American Suffragists Exhibit Reveal (Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, 1 S. Main St., FREE). Come to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes for the unveiling of a new panel exhibit featuring Kansas suffragists Mamie Dillard and Carrie Langston Hughes. Also, visit the Unsung Heroes Park, where Gordon Parks is one of the featured signs. (Refreshments available).
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Guided trolley tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott & The Learning Tree film scene locations.
Meet at the entrance of the Ellis Center and see the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history. (Fee: $7)
7:30 p.m., “A Night of Hot Jazz and R&B” (The River Room, 3 W. Oak St.) – Featuring, Dominique Hammons, multi-talented contemporary jazz, and R&B violinist.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with a cash bar available. All seats are reserved (fee: $30.00 each or $35 at the door). Supported in part by Peerless Products, Inc. in Fort Scott.
Saturday, October 9th
9: a.m. to 3 p.m., Registration open (outside of Gordon Parks Museum)
9 a.m. – 3 p.m., “Mayhew Cemetery” and “Homeward to the Prairie I Come Exhibition” Table Display (Gordon Parks Museum/FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center)
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., “Just Talking about Shaft” (FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum, FREE).
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the film Shaft. University of Kansas film professor and Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Willmott will host a conversation with David Parks about the film. David will share his insight and experience during the filming and Kevin will talk about the impact of the iconic film along with some behind-the-scenes clips of Gordon Parks directing and producing the film. (Coffee, water, juice, and light refreshments will be available.)
11 a.m. – noon., Panel Discussion, “Racism, Discrimination and Poverty” (FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum, FREE) – Join us for a panel discussion on racism, discrimination, and poverty. Gordon Parks used his camera and writings to fight against bigotry and poverty. People are using the same weapons as Gordon used to fight this same battle. Moderated by John Mason, Associate Professor, University of Virginia Department of History with featured panelists; Michael Cheers, Associate Professor, San Jose State University, Eli Reed, Choice of Weapons Honoree, Kyle Johnson, Choice of Weapons Honoree, Doug Barrett, photographer, and Robin Hickman-Winfield, CEO and Executive Producer of SoulTouch Productions and great-niece of Gordon Parks.
Noon – 1 p.m., “Picnic on the Patio” (FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center) – Join us for some great E3 hamburgers, along with chips, drinks, etc. Sponsored by E3 Meat Co.
1 – 1:30 p.m., “Reflections on the Commemoration and Celebration of Greenwood 2021” (FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum, FREE) – The presentation will cover the seven important events as seen by photographer Don Thompson as the historic Tulsa, Oklahoma, Greenwood District move forward from the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre to the future.
2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m., Showing of the film Shaft (Gordon Parks Museum, FREE) – Introduced by David Parks.
7 p.m., social hour starts at 6 p.m.), “Celebration Tribute Dinner” at the Liberty Theater, 113 S. Main St. This is an evening of celebration, dinner, and tribute; a 50th anniversary retrospective of the release of the film Shaft, and presentation of the 2021 “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” to Kyle Johnson and Eli Reed. All seats reserved (fee: $30.00 – reserve by Wednesday, October 6th).
Sunday, October 10
10 a.m., Breakfast at Crooner’s Lounge, at one of Fort Scott’s finest, 117 S. Main Street. Check out the menu at: fscrooners.com. Everyone pays for their food.
Schedule subject to change. Please check at www.gordonparkscenter.org for any updates.
Questions? Please call (620) 223-2700 ext. 5850 or email: [email protected]
The Gordon Parks Museum Board is comprised of Janice Fewins, Elouise Young, Jane Campbell, Latisha Kelley-Cook, Marion Stepps, Angel Wilson, Debra Wood, and ShayLynn Clements.
Chamber Coffee at Gunn Park on Oct. 7
Chamber Coffee will feature a Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting celebration for the The Learning Tree Film and Sign Trail
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, October 7th at 8 a.m. hosted by the Gordon Parks Museum at Gunn Park Shelter 1, 1010 Park Ave. The event will conclude with a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of The Learning Tree Film and Sign Trail with one of the trail signs in that location.
The Learning Tree motion picture was directed by Fort Scott’s native son Gordon Parks and Gunn Park was a primary scene location during the 1968 filming. The film was based on a semi-autobiographical novel that Gordon Parks wrote in 1963. Brochures and maps will be available at the Gordon Parks Museum and the Chamber of Commerce to identify all fourteen of the sign and scene locations included on the trail.
The Chamber Coffee will be the kick-off event of the combined 17th and 18th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration to be held this weekend and the full schedule of events may be found on gordonparkscenter.org.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Available Locally
COVID-19 Vaccine booster shots are available for the following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago and are:
- 65 years and older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work in high-risk settings
- Age 18+ who live in high-risk settings
Mondays are walk-in days, but otherwise would need to call for an appointment. The Southeast Kansas Multi-Health Department location phone numbers Bourbon: (620)223-4464.
Submitted by
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Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN
Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN
SEK Multi-County Health Department
Administrator