Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Coalition Minutes of May 5

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

May 5, 2021

  1. Welcome: Twelve members representing twelve agencies joined the Zoom meeting. Billie Jo Drake shared that the Coalition Board was able to approve 31 applications for the family swim pass program. She also shared that the Coalition Board had received a $6,000 donation from the Key Charitable Trust to be used for the swim pass program and rent/utility assistance. The number of requests for rent/utility assistance has been down the past few months, no doubt, due to the government programs for Covid.
  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Holly, Healthy Home Start: There will be a drive-through community baby shower on May 12 beginning a 10:00 a.m. at the health department, 524 S. Lowman. Holly can be reached at 417-661-0308 for additional information.
  • Elizabeth, Feeding Families: This program continues to serve meals to approximately 300 people each Wednesday evening.
  • Sandy, RSVP: She has enrolled several volunteers from the High Rise; she is in need of service projects. She does have Hallmark bags available.
  • Nancy, American Red Cross: Red Cross needs volunteers. Information and sign-up options can be found on the Red Cross website.
  • Allen, Compassionate Ministries: He has been able to help a number of people, including two Covid cases, with housing. He has also received a large donation of queen-sized bedding that needs to be disbursed to those who are in need.
  • Mandy, Healthy Families: They have programs for children aged 3 months to five years; she will be starting a parent support group later this month.
  • John, Thrive Allen County: Signs are all ready for the Prairie Spirit Trail – the safest way to bike from Fort Scott to Iola. He will be working to place signs soon.
  • Dena, DCCCA: DCCCA will be offering a summer youth conference for middle and high school students June 1-15; sessions will be student-led. May 9-15 is Substance Abuse Awareness week. This month’s Third Thursday Prevention topic will be “Marijuana and updated Legislation.”
  • Christine, Southeast Kansas Works: The Pittsburg office is now open with access by way of a doorbell. They are closed from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. for lunch. Christine is also continuing to be in Fort Scott at the BWERC building one day each week. She will be here Friday this week and then begin coming on Mondays.
  • Cinda, Red Cross: The recent blood drive in Fort Scott was not as large as usual; Red Cross now requires appointments to be made online, and calling only comes from the office in Wichita. The next drive in Fort Scott will be held in June.
  • Alice, SEKCAP Head Start: The home-based program works with children from prenatal through five; there is currently no waiting list.
  1. Program (no programs for Zoom meetings)
  1. Open Forum: Following discussion, the consensus was that the June 2 meeting will be a hybrid meeting. We will provide the Zoom link; in addition, we will meet in person at the community room at the High Rise, 315 Scott Avenue.

Nancy mentioned that the Good ‘Ole Days celebration will be held this year in Fort Scott.

  1. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be June 2, 2021.
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

New Bourbon County Eco Devo Director: Rob Harrington

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Robert Harrington. Submitted photo.

On Monday, May 10, Rob Harrington will begin as the newly created position of Bourbon County Economic Director.

 

 

Harrington, 40,  has 13 years of experience in economic development and civil investment.

 

 

Currently living in Houston, MO, Harrington is the economic director there. He has a wife and four children.

 

The Harrington family. Submitted photo.From left: Ostin, his wife Kathryn, Rob, Braley, Hunter, and Avery.

 

 

“His office will be in the Landmark building,” Gregg Motley, chairman of Bourbon County Economic Development Council, said.  “That may be temporary, but we would like him to take ownership of a final domicile.”

 

 

Harrington has a bachelor’s of science degree from the University of Phoenix in business and has been a retail company business manager and in politics, he said.

 

 

He has a master’s degree in economic development practicum and certification from the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program sponsored by the University of Clemson, Texas Christian U., Southern Mississippi U., and New Mexico U.

 

 

He is currently finishing a master’s degree in public administration from Park University,  based in Parkville, Mo.

 

 

“I am facilitating a rural economic development class in the Kansas City portion, for the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program.”

 

 

For Harrington, the best part of his job is “Knowing if I do my job right, the person with no job, can get a job and provide for their family.”

 

 

Challenges  of Economic Development

 

 

The number of members in a family has decreased, which for this generation means fewer workers,  Harrington said.

 

 

People his parent’s age are retiring, and there are not as many people in the working-age group, he said.

 

 

 

“Also in rural areas, is ‘brain drain’ in the 1990s and early 2000s,”  Harrington said. This is where young people left their rural areas to find higher-level wages.

 

 

That is changing because of quality of life issues like cost of living and crime, and many in urban areas are seeking smaller towns, he said.

 

 

“And in my opinion, the COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way people look at being in densely populated areas,” he said.

 

 

Work ethic also comes into play.

 

 

There is a work ethic problem when you can stay at home and receive money, he said.

 

 

“There will still be some who would live off the system,” he said.

 

 

 

Harrington has been president of the University of Missouri Extension Board and treasurer for the Houston Community Foundation, along with several other groups in his community, he said.

 

 

“My kids are active in our school, where we live,” he said.

 

 

In his spare time, he likes to hunt and fish and is a Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

 

 

 

Harrington will have a forty-hour workweek, Motley said

 

 

“We are not disclosing salary, as we are a private entity,” Motley said.  “Funding is from a budget from the county (Bourbon County Commission).

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Sports

FS Hurricanes Swim Team Pre-Season Parents Meeting on May 5

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The Fort Scott Hurricanes Swim Team will be having their pre-season parents meeting and registration on Wednesday, May 5th at 6:00 pm at Buck Run Community Center.

 

The Hurricanes are a competitive summer swim team for kids ages 6U-18.

 

Swimmers need to be able to swim one length of the pool , 25 yards, of any stroke unassisted in order to participate.

 

The Hurricanes practice in the mornings, Monday through Friday starting June 1st-August 6th.

 

Swim meets are on Wednesday nights and on the weekend.

 

Please attend the meeting to learn more and to register your swimmers.

 

If you are unable to attend you can contact team President April Stock though the Fort Scott Hurricanes Swim Team Facebook page

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Kiwanis Pioneers Host Prayer Walk for the National Day of Prayer

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The tall deciduous trees give shade to walkers on the Belltown Trail in Riverfront Park.
The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation, according to its website, https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/about

The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers will hold a Prayer Walk for the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 6th at the Riverfront Park, according to a press release. The park is past the orange bridge on North National Avenue.  The walk will take place at the Belltown Walking Path between 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. The public is invited to stroll the loop and stop at each of the designated reflection points to pray.

 

On May 6th, Americans from all walks of life will unite to lift America in prayer for the National Day of Prayer, according to a press release. America has endured a year marked by tragedy and pain, but  prayer has carried us through these days and the hand of God will move us into a brighter future. The theme for this year’s event is “LORD pour out Your LOVE, LIFE, and LIBERTY.”

 

Parking near the trailhead is limited but overflow parking is available at Twister Trailers across the street.

 

Millie Karleskint is the president of Kiwanis Pioneer Club, who is facilitating the event.
“We decided we wanted to do something with less close contact(public health recommendations for the pandemic of the past year),” Karleskint said.  “Something in the afternoon.”
“Some of the club members will be on hand to explain the event and distribute National Day of Prayer information and free water,” Kelley Collins, secretary, said.
“There is no specific route but there are designated reflection points,” Collins said. “Each stop will be posted and include suggestions for prayer in keeping with this year’s theme.”
“There will be seven topics that are part of the National Day of Prayer theme this year,” Karleskint said.
The Belltown Trail information kiosk at Riverfront Park.
About the National Day of Prayer
It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman, according to the website.
The task force behind the event is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation in the day of prayer and represents a Judeo-Christian expression based on an understanding that America was birthed in prayer and reverence for the God of the Bible.
About Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers
The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers has 24 members and meets on Thursdays at noon at the United Methodist Church, 301 South National Avenue.
Current members include Judy Wallis, Nancy Van Etten, Sylvia Trujillo, Gina Staudinger, Diane Spencer, Elizabeth Schaffer, Gayle Sackett, Aileen Pollock, Carol MacArthur, Millie Karleskint, Bernita Hill, Tammy Helm, Nancy Hart, Joyce Gobl, Sally Eckles, Dee Ann Davis, Kelley Collins, Susan Cole, Carol Clyde-Gallagher, Vickie Chaplin, Marlene Braker, Dona Bauer, Cheryl Basore, and Marlene Arndt.

“Contact one of our members if you are interested in learning more about Kiwanis or would like to join the club,” Collins said. “Millie’s number is 620-223-3311.”

 

Pictured are left to right:  Diane Spencer, Immediate Past President; Millie Karleskint, President; Tammy Helm, member; Marlene Braker, Treasurer; Kelley Collins, Secretary; Judy Wallis, Board of Directors; Vickie Chaplin, member; Gayle Sackett, Board of Directors, Carol Lydic, Past Region Division 3 Lieutenant Governor.  Submitted by Kelley Collins.

 

Pictured are left to right:  Marlene Braker, Judy Wallis, Nancy Van Etten, Liam Karleskint, Ben Karleskint, Loren Karleskint, Millie Karleskint, and Nolan Karleskint. The group is getting the flower bed on Skubitz Plaza ready for this past winter. The flower bed is one of the community projects of the Kiwanis Pioneers. Submitted by Kelley Collins.

Projects of the club include their focus on children.

Sponsoring the Fort Scott High School K-Club, softball club, college scholarships, Healthy Start for kids, Christmas Adopt-A-Family, Care to Share Fall Festival,  Fort Scott Police Department Emergency Kits for kids,  Head Start, gift cards to the Washateria,  and donations to The Beacon, Red Cross,  Good Neighbor Action Team, USD 234 and 235”s reading programs, CASA, Keyhole Youth Center, Fort Scott Middle School Project Art and accelerated reading programs, FSHS student pantry, after-prom party, and SOS Party.

A recent project is in memory of Joyce True: a two-person swing to be installed at Gunn Park’s fourth shelter house playground.

All these are funded by the annual chili feed in the fall, Karleskint said.

 

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda For May 4

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: May 4, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

    MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM.

 

Call to Order

   

    • Flag Salute
    • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
    • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
    • Kendell Mason – Real Property Relief Application
    • Elected Officials Comment
    • County Counselor Comment
    • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director
    • Public Comment
  • Commission Comment
  • Zoning Discussion

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.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Scout Trees and Shrubs for Signs of Damage

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

The impact of our cold winter may be noticeable on evergreen trees and shrubs in the area. People often tend to believe that the browning they see is a disease. Actually, it is winter damage or winter kill. Some trees and shrubs that looked fine last fall are now showing symptoms of the tough winter.

Winter damage is common on evergreens due to desiccation injury. Desiccation injury happens because evergreens continue to lose moisture during the winter months. This is especially true on windy or sunny days. When the soil freezes, the plant’s roots cannot absorb moisture. Put these two environmental conditions together and the foliage exposed to the sun and wind will eventually dry out and die. Damage is most often seen on the south and west side of evergreens. Winter damage to ornamental trees and shrubs will be seen as dieback of twigs and branches to complete death of the tree.

The best time to assess the extent of the damage and potential for recovery is mid-May. By this time, new growth should have developed. If not, then the branch or tree could be dead.

The winter was also hard on some of our roses. I have seen several that were either killed to the ground or had a majority of canes damaged. If the rose is looking scraggly, prune out all dead wood. Apply a light application of fertilizer to help promote new growth and hope that it will recover. If there was extreme damage, complete replacement is probably in order.

Another thing that has been showing up and worrying homeowners is rows of holes in their trees. The problem is not borers. It is caused by feeding of the yellow-bellied sapsucker.

The difference between borers and sapsuckers is easily distinguished. Borer holes will be randomly spaced over the trunk. Holes that are in a horizontal or vertical row are caused by the feeding of the sapsucker. This woodpecker makes a shallow hole and then feeds on the sap released from the wounds or on insects attracted to the sap.

This bird is highly attracted to pines, apples, maples and Bradford pears. However, just about any tree species can be a target. And interestingly enough, certain trees may become favorites to the exclusion of nearby trees of the same species. Damage to mature, established trees is usually slight though small trees may be girdled and killed.

These birds are migratory and are usually present from October to April. So, there shouldn’t be any more damage from them until next fall. If you feel the damage was severe enough to warrant control, you may want to try one of these remedies next fall.

  • Wrap the trunk with fine wire mesh in the area of damage. This may discourage the sapsuckers if left in place for several months. The mesh must be adjusted every six months or removed when no longer needed because if left in place the tree will likely be girdled.
  • Use Tanglefoot on the area of damage. This is a sticky material that is applied to the tree trunks to capture insects that crawl up the trunk. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers do not like to put their feet in the sticky material.

As you scout your trees and shrubs this spring, if you find any type of damage, give me a call and I can help you diagnose the problem.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Bourbon County, Schools

SOAR Camp at West Bourbon Elementary This June

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West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.

SOAR is a summer camp offered to West Bourbon Elementary 4th through 6th-grade students.

 

“The name was chosen to represent the eagle soaring,” Kerri Travis, the program director, said. The USD 235  Mascot is an eagle.

“It’s an opportunity for students to spread their wings and experience and enhance their learning through the exploration of new concepts and activities.,” she said.

 

These two girls are forming a flower pot on pottery wheels in a previous WBE Camp. Submitted photo.

The camp is June 1 – 28, Monday through Friday, from  8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., and is free to district students.

 

Parents can sign up their children by contacting the West Bourbon Elementary School office at 620-756-4335.

 

“Our goal is to provide a place for our students to continue their growth academically while learning through hands-on activities such as robotics, coding, life skills, community service, and science experiments,” Travis said. ” Furthermore, it’s an opportunity for our students to spend time with their friends while engaging in fun activities.”

 

These are the planned activities for the camp:

 

Field trips to  Fort Scott Cinema, Trampoline Park, nature exploration, roller skating,  and a bouncy house.

 

Outdoor games, such as bowling, ladder golf, cornhole, horseshoes, badminton, water games, slammo game, ring toss, basketball, and volleyball.

These boys are preparing to eat a pumpkin dessert that they made in cooking class at a previous WBE Camp. Submitted photo.

 

Indoor Activities include 3D puzzles, bead pets, catapult wars, wooden construction science projects, sewing kits, magnetic design and paint tiles, food science experiments, cooking, photography, science experiments using microscopes, gardening, Legos, banking, fishing, tie-dye shirts, community service, reading session, and virtual reality headset activities.

 

Daily camp schedule and activities.

Students will arrive at West Bourbon Elementary be served a free breakfast.

 

Then the activities begin.

 

“Our summer program is designed to offer new enrichment activities while they are continuing to learn science concepts, technology, engineering, and math,” Travis said. “Our program is all hands-on activities, which the students love!”

 

There are three different enrichment activity classes daily, a thirty-minute session focusing on reading, a physical activity, and a healthy, nutritious free lunch for all students.

 

“Our SOAR camp will end daily at 1:30 p.m., from which the students will be sent home via school buses,” she said. “Every day will offer new and exciting learning opportunities for all our students. We all are gearing up for a great time at summer camp!”

 

These girls are painting rocks during sn enrichment time at a previous WBE Camp. The rocks are then hidden around the school for others to find. Submitted photo.

 

Daily Schedule

8:30 – 9:00 a.m. is check-in time, attendance, and breakfast.

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Enrichment class #1

10:00 – 10:20 a.m. Recess – outside or gym

10:20 – 11:00 a.m.  Reading session

11:00 – 11:50 a.m. Enrichment class #2

11:50 – 12:00 a.m. Recess – outside or gym

12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Lunch

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Enrichment #3

1:30 – 1:45  p.m. Family time – load onto buses

 

The WBE camp leaders are Travis, program director, along with
Hannah Hays, Courtney Campbell, Angela Nading, Julie Schafer, Rachel Reed, and Bonnie Rathbun, who are tutors for the program.
“These ladies are who keep this program running effectively and work hard to keep the program exciting for our students,” Travis said.  “I appreciate their inputs, suggestions, and support as we all work together to make the best program possible!”
Pictured are students building objects with the activity called Zoomtools, in a previous WBE Camp.  “One student told me that they built the Coronavirus,” Travis said. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Parks: Recipient of 2021 Community Champion Award

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April 30, 2021
Kyle Parks: Recipient of the 2021 Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Community Champion Award

Parks is recognized for his 38 years of dedication to Bourbon County youth, developing leaders, and strong advocacy for the agriculture and FFA program.

During the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Award Ceremony, The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) awarded Kyle Parks as the Community Champion for 2021.

 

For thirty-eight years Parks has shown a strong dedication to our youth, agriculture, education, and developing strong leaders. Always there and willing to do what needs to be done, Parks is an advocate, teacher, friend, and community leader.

 

“Mr. Parks goes above and beyond in everything he does. He is well deserved for such an award,” wrote Stacey Wright, nominator.

Through his work, he has shown he is committed to making things better for everyone. Parks and his class contributed to a community-built environment project by welding bike racks which were then painted by Peerless Products, Inc. After the paint dried, the City of Fort Scott agreed to install them throughout the community.

 

“The students who helped build these bike racks can walk through downtown and have a piece of ownership in revitalizing their community,” Jody Hoener, President and CEO of HBCAT states, “I would like to think when our youth participate and take ownership in their community, they will have a strong desire to give back and contribute even more as adults.”

This project was a stepping-stone to developing a more bikeable community, supports the Chamber of Commerce’s Bike Share Program, and increases access to outdoor activity.

 

The Bike Share Program has allowed residence a way to get to work, the grocery store, school, or healthcare.

 

“The bikes have served as transportation for several residents temporarily without a vehicle.” Lindsay Madison, President, and CEO of The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

As a teacher, Parks has made an impact on many student’s lives who have later in life become dear friends with he and his wife, Sheena Parks.

 

A previous student and friend of Parks, Katie Casper, wrote of him in her nomination:

“Kyle Parks has made so many contributions to our community it would be impossible to list them all here. He has given 38 years of service as the Agricultural Education instructor at Fort Scott High School. He has been a champion for our youth and has given each and every student that has passed through his doorway a feeling of purpose and belonging, allowing them to grow into skilled citizens and empowering them to find their place in the workforce and in life. This was demonstrated recently in his strong advocacy to our board of education and community for the programs in which he believes. He retires this year from a program that he feels is his identity, but in truth, he has given agricultural education and identity in our community. I believe in the future of Agriculture in Bourbon County, because Kyle Parks has played a role in shaping that future.”

The HBCAT solicited nominations for the prestigious award and received submissions of several worthy candidates. The winner was chosen out of the pool of nominations based on the following criteria:

Continue reading Parks: Recipient of 2021 Community Champion Award →

Bourbon County

April Uniontown 4-H Report

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The Uniontown 4-H Club met on Sunday, March 14th, 2021. The April 4-H meeting was the club’s parent led meeting. Parents/adults filled the roles normally handled by the youth 4-H members.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 by Scott Sutton. Roll call was led by Deidra Maycumber and was “What is your favorite vacation destination.” There were 15 members, 5 visitors and 3 leaders were present. The leader report was provided by Sara Sutton, Melanie Bloesser, and Deidra Maycumber. Members have until May 1st to make changes to projects on the online 4-H site. Wednesday, April 28th at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds in Fort Scott is tag in for sheep, swine, and goats. Also, on Friday, April 30th is tag in at the Saddle Club Arena, in Uniontown, from 4:00- 6:00. Bourbon County Born animals need to be identified at tag in to be eligible to show at the Bourbon County Fair in July. The FSCC Aggie Day livestock and meat judging teams/participants were recognized and presented with team plaques and individual medals. Jackie and Haley Shadden led the communication project presentation on how to write a letter and address an envelope. Melanie Bloesser shared a project talk with the group on how to make handcrafted soap.

The Uniontown 4-H Club will meet next on Sunday, May 2nd at the Uniontown Community Center at 6:00.

Kendyl Bloesser, club reporter

Bourbon County, Business

Tiger Replica Fish Mounts: A Passion for Art and Fish

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Submitted photos. Tyler Davidson working on a fish mount.
Tyler Davidson, also known as Tiger, is a fisherman and an artist.
He began his business Tiger Replica Fish Mounts, three years ago.
“I have been an avid angler and artist for most of my life and I’ve always had an interest in preserving the beauty of these fish,” he said. “I started this adventure with the thought of combining my extensive knowledge of fish coloration, their anatomy and my passion for art.”
“I’m really passionate about putting all of the detail in these fish,” Davidson said. “I definitely don’t mass produce them. Each one is special. My favorite part of the process is handing over the fish, or getting photos of the fish on the wall from a happy customer.”
“So far it’s worked out great!” Davidson said. “I have customers from all over the United States coming to me.”
“My mission is to provide customers with the highest quality fish mounts available,” he said. “I strive to create highly realistic one-of-a-kind replicas that match every last detail of your trophy.”
His business is located in Bronson, in the western part of Bourbon County.
  “I do not allow public visits to my shop as it is on the same property as my home,” he said. “Customers need to call and arrange pick-up.    My plan, for now, is to gain recognition and further construct my shop into a more efficient fish studio. In the future, I’d like to have a more public studio with a display room.”

Davidson’s contact info:  (785)521-5192 or

Facebook page: TigerReplicaFishMounts  or
Instagram: Tigerfishmounts
His starting cost is $20 per linear inch, he said.