The Artificers, a local art gallery at 8 N. National Avenue, will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting gala on January 28. At 5:30 p.m. will be the ribbon cutting. The gala is from 6 to 9 p.m.
An artificer is a skilled or artistic worker or craftsman, according to Webster’s Dictionary.
Cocktail attire is recommended for the gala event.
The owners, Kate and Trent Freeman, have been renovating the storefront for several years and still have some work to do, but the first floor is ready for the classes the Freeman’s will offer.
The classes start February 1 as part of the The Artificers Teaching Studio, and offer a wide range of classes for any age or ability.
“We will start off with clay sculpture and pottery wheel throwing classes, but soon will add a variety of classes from our extensive list of master artists, that includes painting, watercolor, airbrush, graphite drawing, mixed media collage and more,” Kate said.
Trent Freeman. Submitted photo.
“We are so excited to host a variety of artists throughout the coming year and display their superior craftsmanship that has taken them thousands of hours to develop,” she said.
A clay sculpture. Submitted photo.
The hours of operation for the art studio/gallery business are Tuesday- Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are extended hours during classes and special events.
About The Artists
Trent works to create art in mixed media: clay, glass, wood, metal; Kate works in clay and acrylic painting.
“We had our studio in Kansas City for 22 years,” Trent said. “I’ve been a professional for 28 years. We’ve done everything from gallery to commission to art festivals all over the country. Most of our work is commission now.”
Trent said when Kansas City shut down businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic, they began coming to their farm, west of Fort Scott.
Trent’s parents, Ed and Jackie Freeman built a house near Bronson and retired there, and so Trent and Kate have been coming here for 20 years, he said. “And we loved the town.”
Eventually the Freeman’s purchased the building at 8 North National Avenue, on October 2, 2020, and have been working on the renovation since.
In 2022, the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. group held visioning meetings to find the perceived needs of the community.
These meetings were in August, October and November and focused on specific areas: labor, housing, retail, and an in-depth sales tax revenue study.
“These sessions brought community and business leaders together to work through important issues that we face today,” said Rob Harrington, director of REDI. “On average, we had 40 participants at each event and the dialogue was very thought provoking.”
“In the final session the hard work and dedication of all who attended these visioning sessions came to three very specific projects which the group felt were the most important,” he said.
Bailey Lyons, CEO of Lyons Realty Group, was chosen by the housing group to lead a group that will encourage more housing developments in the county.
“A separate committee decided that having a quality place to live was just as important, and would help with growing our housing possibilities as well,” Harrington said. This group is being lead by Brad Matkin, Interim Fort Scott City Manager, and will be working on the planning and construction of a tennis court complex in Fort Scott.
Training the youth in the county was another issue the visioning group thought was important.
“This group decided to work with the three different education boards (USD 234-Fort Scott, USD 235-Uniontown and Fort Scott Community College) to develop more technical training for our youth,” he said. “This group is being led by Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer of Bourbon County.
The groups have been asked to meet throughout 2023 to work on each of these goals.
“At the end of next year the same group of people will be asked to reconvene and discuss with the group all of their progress on each goal,” Harrington said. “At which time, if goals have been reached others can be developed.”
“This was the first time a group of leaders across the entire county had been brought together to target and address concerns and opportunities for our communities as a whole,” Harrington said. “Bourbon County REDI was honored to be the host organization, and look forward to the continued work by this and other groups.”
The Bourbon County REDI mission is to build a vibrant county through business, economic and tourism development, and ongoing community development throughout the county, according to its website.
The Bourbon County REDI is housed on the second floor of Landmark Bank, 200 S Main St Suite 200, Fort Scott, KS 66701 and can be contacted at (620) 644-7966.
Landmark Bank Fort Scott houses the office of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.
Agenda Bourbon County Commission Room 1stFloor, County Courthouse 210 S. National Avenue Fort Scott, KS 66701 Date:January4, 2023 1stDistrict–Nelson BlytheMinutes:Approved:_______________ 2ndDistrict–JimHarrisCorrected: _______________________ 3rdDistrict–Clifton BethAdjourned at: _______________ County Clerk–Ashley Shelton MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 9:00AM Call to Order •Flag Salute •Jim Harris–Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discusspersonnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters ofindividualnonelected personnelto protect their privacy KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discussmatters relating toemployer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of thebody or agency KSA 75–4319(b)(4)To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Our first Walk Into Books, Bourbon County! walking contest featured a virtual walk down the Yellow Brick Road, with 118 local residents participating, and the Reading Rangers team winning the contest. Our next contest begins on January 9. Please help us get the word out about this free fitness & literacy program!
Submitted by:
Valetta Cannon
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
Fort Scott Public Library
WALK INTO BOOKS, BOURBON COUNTY!
The Little House Trail Challenge
Walk off those holiday pounds and compete for prizes with the library’s walking program. Fort Scott Public Library & The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team invite you to virtually walk a trail from Little House on the Prairie Museum in Independence, Kansas to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home “Rock House” in Mansfield, Missouri. This walking contest is for people of all ages & fitness levels.
• Record your daily step counts through the Reader Zone app or browser version OR in Google Sheets
• Connect with teammates & compete against other teams
• Receive a pedometer & t-shirt just for signing up!
• Each member of the winning team will earn a free book & may also win coupons or gift cards from local businesses
• Reception after the contest ends for all participants
• Book club for all participants after the contest ends (depending on interest)
Register here: https://forms.gle/WUpQakNKiK1rZtfW8 or fill out a paper form at the library.The contest begins on January 9, is open to everyone, and free of charge. If you need help using the technology, come to the library for help or send an email to [email protected].
For persons with special needs, library staff will do their best to make accommodations. Send a message to the above email detailing your needs.
Sponsors include After Affect Salon, Buck Run Community Center, and Hedgehog.INK!. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, please email Valetta Cannon at the above address.
This program is made possible in part by a dream grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System. Funding for this Story Telling Project is also being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant.
Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be held, withseveral events planned in Fort Scott.
The events will start on Thursday, January 12that the Gordon Parks Museum.
The day willbeginwith a hosting of the Fort Scott Area Chamber Coffee at 8:00a.m.and a filmshowing at 10:00a.m., “Martin”, atribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Gordon Parks.
This is a ballet tribute to Dr. King, written and directed by Gordon Parks.
On Friday, January 13th, the community is invited to the Ellis Fine Arts Center for a free Lunch and Learn event that willbe held at 12:00p.m.featuring a music and speaking presentation by multicultural artist, community organizer, researcher, and educator,Alex Kimball Williams. A reception will follow with birthday cake. Lunch and dessert will be provided by Great WesternDining.
The day will also include three film showings at 9:00am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm.
The celebration will wrap up on Monday, January16th, with a(Lunchand Learn)event and Canned Food Drive.Canned and non–perishable (non–expired) food items for the Beacon Food Pantry in Fort Scott, Kansas, will be collected at the museumfrom 9:00am–till 2:00p.m.
The Lunch and Learn speaker presentation event “Good Trouble” by John Edgar Tidwell will be held at 12:00pm. Lunch will be provided by Dunk’s BBQ.Drinks and desserts will be provided by Great Western Dinning.
Films will also be shown throughout the day on Monday at 9:00a.m., 10:30a.m., and 1:30p.m. All events will take place at both the Gordon Parks Museum and Ellis Fine Arts center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
A full list offilm showings and events can be found athttps://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events.For more information call the Gordon Parks Museum at 620–223–2700 ext. 5850. For more information call (620) 223–2700, ext. 5850, or email[email protected].
About Humanities Kansas Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
Agenda Bourbon County Commission Room 1stFloor, County Courthouse 210 S. National Avenue Fort Scott, KS 66701 Date:January 3, 2023 1stDistrict–Nelson BlytheMinutes:Approved:_______________ 2ndDistrict–JimHarrisCorrected: _______________________ 3rdDistrict–Clifton BethAdjourned at: _______________ County Clerk–Ashley Shelton MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 9:00AM Call to Order •Flag Salute •Reorganization of Board •Approval of Minutes •Eric Bailey–Road &Bridge Report •Approval of Accounts Payable •Matt Quick–NRP Renewal •Teri Hulsey–Grant Approval •Ashley Shelton–Resolutions, KAC Renewal, KONE, 6thJudicial Coroner, Forensic Medical, Presentation of Filed Documents •Lora Holdridge–Part–time Employee to Full–timeEmployeeRequest •Susan Bancroft–Chief Financial Officer oBank Bids oHandbook–Section 2 oBroker Selection •Justin Meeks–County Counselor Comment •Shane Walker–Chief Information Officer Comment •Jim Harris–Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy •Public Comment •Commission Comment
DBB Letter(1)Handbook Section 2(1)Assured Partners Timeline(1)Lora Holdridge – Agenda Request Form(1) Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters ofindividualnonelected personnelto protect their privacy KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–clientrelationship KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discussmatters relating toemployer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of thebody or agency KSA 75–4319(b)(4)To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating tosecurity measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
120 E. Wall was purchased this week by Robert and Kim Coon. Submitted photo.
Continuing the restoration of Fort Scott’s downtown, Robert and Kim Coon have purchased 120 E. Wall this week. They own Coon Rentals LLC.
Robert and Kim Coon own Coon Rentals LLC. Submitted photo.
“After I bought the Kress Building, I fell in love with the downtown area,” Robert Coon said. “There is lots of energy, lots of events, music on Friday nights at Heritage Park. That little strip of Main Street was dead, now it’s thriving.”
The Kress Building he purchased last year was renovated into Pizza Republic Restaurant this year.
“It’s the support of the community that put downtown Fort Scott on the map and it’s exploding,” he said. “Developers, business people have contributed-the Bartlesmeyers, the Lyons, the Freemans, the LaRoches, the Lipes, the Dancers and others.”
“Developers are taking money from their other ventures to fund this,” he said. “These people are building downtown, are working downtown and still choosing to build downtown.”
“My wife and I have always been involved in rentals,” Coon said. “The residential rental market is easy. The commercial market is fun.”
Going back in time, the shoe store, the appliance store, the Kress Tea Room were closing, now investors are revitalizing the downtown, he said.
Instrumental economic development people in this revitalization have been Jody Hoener and Rob Harrington, Coon said.
Plans For the Building
Coon Rentals LLC will be renovating the upstairs of 120 E. Wall into a 1,900 square feet “high end, classy Airbnb.”
“The view is spectacular from the second floor,” he said.
The lower 1900 square feet, which was renovated by the Gettler’s and most recently Patrick Wood, is an office space that is currently rented out to Stutesman Action Realty.
A view inside 120 E. Wall on the main floor. Submitted photo.
History of the Building
“In the 1800’s the original building burnt down,” Coon said. “In 1920, the current structure was built. Brian Allen and Shane Walker are a wealth of knowledge of downtown history.”
“There was a complete renovation under the previous ownership of Patrick J. Wood-the street level, 1900 square feet of a stunning, professional area, is currently occupied by Stutesman Action Reality. The 1,900 square feet, high end loft apartment space upstairs is set to be Airbnb in early April, 2023”.
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 8:00AM.
Flag Salute
MOU Medical Director for Emergency Medical Services
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
National “Wreaths Across America” has notified local location coordinator Diann Tucker that following the 2022 successful wreath laying and remembrance at Fort Scott National Cemetery, we have matching funds sponsorship to begin the 2023 wreath funding. This is an opportunity to kick off a great start to 2023. Starting immediately and running through January 13, 2023, all wreaths sponsored through the local registered group will be matched for placement next December. This means when you sponsor a wreath through the local sponsorship group during this time frame, your sponsorship will be matched.
The mission of Wreaths Across America at Fort Scott National Cemetery continues to grow and has been successful because of the generosity and awareness of others. Wreath prices remain at $15.00 each. You can mail a contribution payable to Wreaths Across America, c/o Diann Tucker, 746 215th St. Fort Scott, KS 66701, or bring your donation to the office of Stewart Realty, 1707 S. National, Fort Scott. We can also take your debit or credit card information by telephone (620-223-6700). Please share your blessings as we make plans for the 2023 laying of remembrance wreaths at Fort Scott National Cemetery. We must continue to REMEMER, HONOR AND TEACH.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. hired a consulting company to do local studies on retail, housing and labor in the county. That study was completed this fall.
“Last year, REDI was able to work with both Goldstone Consulting and O’Brian and Associates on the Retail, Housing, and Labor studies,” Rob Harrington, REDI CEO said. “These studies were able to provide us with the necessary data to move forward on several initiatives in 2023.”
“One of those initiatives is a Small Business Retention and Expansion Program for our local businesses,” he said. “We will be working throughout this next year to visit and create ways to help these companies continue to grow within Bourbon County. “
“We will also begin working with a group of citizens throughout Bourbon County on housing development initiatives,’ he said. “This housing committee will be instrumental in creating ways for us to not only attract developers but also new residents and marketing our communities to outside markets”.
REDI will continue to work to bring new developments in commercial and industrial business to Bourbon County by using the data from these reports as well as building on the partnerships that have grown over the last two years, Harrington said.
“All of the reports were paid for by Bourbon County REDI and we will continue to use our funds to help grow our county and ultimately work towards lowering taxes for everyone who lives and owns businesses in Bourbon County,” he said.
