Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Tinkergarten Coming To Fort Scott

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Maria Whitson plays with her children Asher, Judah, and Malachi in Gunn Park last week.

The thought of a classroom without walls intrigued Maria Whitson.

Whitson, from Garland, first found out about an organization called Tinkergarten when a friend from Kansas City referred her saying she would be a good leader.

“When I went to their website, I lit up,” Whitson said. ” Being outdoors with a group of parents and children.  Playing and educating, growing together, all of it caught my attention.”

Founded in 2012, Tinkergarten is a nationwide play-based, outdoor learning class designed for children ages 18 months to 8 years, and their parents.

According to recent statistics, children’s free play time is declining, and it’s diminishing the chances to develop critical life skills, she said.

Free spring trial classes will be offered at 10 a.m. March 29 and 31 at Gunn Park.

Then classes will be held each Thursday, April 12 through May 31
 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

In a 5-part class each week Whitson will facilitate an expert-designed play scenario, allowing children of various ages and needs to explore, problem solve, communicate, collaborate, and create together, according to the Tinkergarten.com website. Parents and caregivers learn, too, and share insights into a child’s development.

To register go to Tinkergarten.com.

The cost is $140 per student for 8 sessions. An installment plan is available. There is a 30% discount for each additional sibling.

Some benefits of Tinkergarten provided by Whitson are:

●  Spending time outdoors provides children with a wide range of health benefits including social and emotional well-being. Research shows that time outdoors supports improved relationship skills, and reduces stress, anger, and aggression.

  •  80 percent of brain development occurs before the age of five. Children build foundational skills in their first five years that will affect the rest of their learning and life.
  •  In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, parents need to balance the screen time with outdoor time to raise healthy, well-adjusted kids.

“I’m bringing this incredible early-childhood education program to Fort Scott, to help children develop critical capabilities such as self-reliance, creativity, persistence and problem-solving skills, all proven benefits of play-based, outdoor learning, ” she said.

“I became a leader because I want to get my children outdoors more and be intentional about creating learning experiences with them.  The opportunity for me to lead a Tinkergarten class was exactly the motivation and training that I was looking for.  I am thrilled that I get to not only have that opportunity for my children and myself but also for other families.  I am so excited to be in a classroom without walls.”

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Police, Sheriff's Office

Narcan Toolkit Comes To Bourbon County Law Enforcement

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Kansas Department of Corrections personnel delivered Narcan, an antidote that will stop an opioid overdose, to area law enforcement agencies Tuesday at the new Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center.

KDOC Administrator Liz Rice along with Andrew Lucht, corrections manager, hand-delivered the boxes of Narcan to several  Kansas first responders on stops throughout the eastern portion of the state.

Allen County Undersheriff Roy Smith, KDOC Administrator Liz Rice, Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin and Fort Scott Police Captain Shaun West pause for a photo of one of the boxes of Narcan delivered to the drop-off site.
Sheriff Bill Martin looks over the boxes of the drug Narcan before they were distributed to the law enforcement officers.

Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin, Fort Scott Police Department Captain Shaun West, and Allen County Undersheriff Roy Smith came to the new law enforcement center to pick up the boxes.

Liz Rice provided a news release she wrote that explains the reason for the delivery:
“In Governor Colyer’s March 1st announcement of EXECUTIVE ORDER 18-09: Task Force to Address Substance Use Disorders he shared with us that ‘The crisis of substance use disorder, particularly addiction to opioids, heroin and methamphetamine, has truly become an epidemic in our state and our country’ in that order the Governor called for greater cooperation and collaboration of state agencies, organizations, professionals, emergency response personnel, and others with policymaking authority to address substance use disorders,” according to the news release.
“We are seeing the results of that call to action today with the delivery of the Opioid reversal agent Naloxone to first responders across our great state. Opioid reversal medications are not just for addicts, we need to have them available for accidental exposure as well.”
“First responders are there when an accidental overdose occurs in a home setting or they may have accidental exposure themselves while investigating criminal activity. We want Naloxone available in all situations of Opioid overdose.”
Rice said through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)  $1.3M  was given to The University of Kansas Health System to provide treatment, prevent opioid-related deaths and educate Kansans and health care providers about the Opioid Epidemic.
“The University of Kansas Health System leveraged pharmacy relationships to use grant funds to obtain NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) at the lowest available price for mass distribution to first responders across the state of Kansas.” according to the press release.
“NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray was chosen for its ease of use in delivering Naloxone in a nasal spray for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose.”
Rice said she and Lucht had delivered the drug to law enforcement entities in Labette, Cherokee, and Osage Counties this route and were on their way to Miami and Franklin Counties.
KDOC Administrator Liz Rice shows the dosage units of Narcan,  a nasal spray, which only sprays one dose, she said. Each dose is worth approximately $25, Lucht said.

“We bought enough to get you started, ” Rice said. “This will get it out on the streets where needed. I would put a box in each (law enforcement) car.”

A training video to go along with the drug is provided, she said.
Captain West said the FSPD will provide training for each of their first responders and will put the Narcan in both marked and unmarked vehicles for emergency use.
Sheriff Martin also asked for some to be provided to the Bourbon County Rural Fire Departments, and Rice complied with that request.
Captain West said Narcan “only stops an opioid overdose, it has no effect other than stopping a high.”
For more information about Narcan and the Naloxone Law Enforcement Toolkit:
https://www.bjatraining.org/tools/naloxone/Naloxone-Background
Bourbon County, Government, Submitted

The Agenda For The Bourbon County Commission March 20

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 20, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: ____________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00- 9:15 Jim Harris- Discussion of truck

9:15-9:30 Jim Harris- Discussion of Right-Of-Way East Hwy 54

9:30-9:45 Jim Harris- Chemical Bids

9:45 -10:00 Fire Department 3 and Fire Department 4 Consolidation

10:30-10:45 Justin Meeks- Opioid meeting discussion

11:00-12:00 Justin Meeks

12:00 Commissioners gone to lunch

2:00 Fair Housing Month

2:30 Employee Handbook

Justifications for Executive Session:

-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

-Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

-Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

-Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

-Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

-Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

Fort Scott Weekend Events

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Schedule of Special Events in Fort Scott, Kansas
March 16 –18, 2018
Visit the Chamber & Tourism Center for more attractions & activities!
Tell your friends you’re here! Check in on Facebook! @ Visit Fort Scott KS
@ Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce 800-245-FORT (3678) * www.fortscott.com
231 E. Wall Street Fort Scott, KS 2 Pages on Facebook: Visit Fort Scott KS & Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce 800-245-FORT (3678) * www.fortscott.com

FRI & SAT – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Livestock Sales – Fort Scott Livestock Market – 2131 Maple Rd. You don’t have to be a buyer to watch the sale and visit the café.
FRI, SAT & SUN – 8:30 am – 4:00 pm – Art Project: New Faces New Neighbors Fort Scott National Historic Site – History & Art come together. Kids have created textile works of art that
encompass the change of Fort Scott NHS throughout its history.

FRIDAY, March 16th
8:00 am – Water/Ways Exhibit on display- Fort Scott Regional Tourism Center – 231 E. Wall St
11:00 am – 4:00 pm – Trolley Tours on the hour, leave from the Tourism Center, 231 E. Wall, $6a/$4c, last tour@3pm.
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Lenten Fish Fry– Every Friday through March 23 at Kennedy Gym 705 S. Holbrook
6:00 pm – 8:00pm – FSCC “Escape the Fort” Escape Room – Contact Matt Glades at [email protected] or call 620.223.2700 ext. 3520 to set up a time. “May the odds be ever in your favor”-Hunger Games

SATURDAY, March 17th
Shamrock Saturday! Wear your green & Shop the Fort! Ask about Drawings, Deals & Discounts
St Patrick’s Day Nightlife & More –
Crooner’s Lounge/Liberty Theatre –St Patrick’s Day on the Patio– All Day
Nate’s Place – St. Paddy’s Day Specials All Day
The Boiler Room Brewhaus Specialty Brew– Feckin Red, Irish Red Ale
Holmtown Pub – The East Siders Band – Live with music from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s –8pm
Sharky’s – Opening at 7 am for an St. Paddy’s Day Breakfast -”You can’t drink all day if you don’t start early!
10:00 am – Water/Ways Exhibit on display – Fort Scott Regional Tourism Center – 231 E. Wall St.
11:00 am – 4:00 pm – Trolley Tours on the hour, leave from the Tourism Center, 231 E. Wall, $6a/$4c, last tour@3p
12:00 pm – 12:00 am – Annual Marvin Colegrove Memorial Pool Tournament – Elks Lodge –
1:00 pm – KJBA –Kansas Junior Bullriders Association – Bullriders Finals held at FSCC Indoor Arena:
1:00 pm – Free Screening of the 1951 Classic “Show Boat” held at the Empress Event Center 7 N. Main

SUNDAY, March 18th
Walk Kansas Begins Today through May 12th – Contact your local K-State extension office for details
6:00 pm – Lenten Worship Services – Trinity Lutheran Church, 2824 S Horton St.

Special thanks to the businesses below for their Chamber membership & support of the community!RESTAURANTS:
Downtown Historic District Holmtown Pub 206 N. National 620-223-1477
Nu-Grille 24 N. National 620-223-9949
Sharky’s Pub & Grub 16 N. National 620-223-4777
La Hacienda 24 N. Main St. 620-223-4400
Papa Don’s Pizza 10 N. Main St. 620-223-4171
Crooner’s Lounge (5-9pm) 117 S. Main St. 620-224-9787
Common Ground Coffee Co. 116 S. Main St. 620-223-2499

Midtown
Nate’s Place (Lyons Twin Mansions) 750 S. National 620-223-3644
Hours: Tues-Fri 9am-2pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm, Cocktails & carry-in Thurs-Fri 5-8pm

Southern Fort Scott
Sonic Drive-In 1700 S. National 620-223-3630
Domino’s Pizza 1709 S. National 620-768-5533
Subway 1715 S. National 620-224-2420
Marsha’s Great Plains Deli 6 W. 18th St. 620-223-6432
McDonald’s 2224 S. Main St. 620-223-6760
Dairy Queen 2328 S. Main St. 620-224-2226
El Charro 2503 S. Main St. 620-223-9944
Penny’s Diner 2505 S. Main St. 620-768-7000

SHOPPING:
Downtown Historic District: Bids & Dibs 19 S. National, 620-224-2437: New & consignment home décor, clothing, & accessories
The Bunker 108 Scott Ave: Shooting sports retailer & firearms training facility
Country Cupboard 12 N. Main, 620-223-5980: Country accents, Victorian décor, quilting fabrics, Primitives, collectibles, and souvenirs. John’s shoe & boot repair located in the back of the store
Electronics Store 2 N. National, 620-223-4501: Electronics, toys and games, cell phones and accessories
Fort Scott Munitions 523 E. Wall St., 620-223-1277: Manufacturer of premium ammunition & firearms
Iron Star Antiques & Such 3 N. Main, 620-223-2929: Unique gifts, home décor, furniture, ladies apparel
J & W Sports Shop 20 N. Main, 620-223-3690: Athletic clothing and shoes
Main Street Gallery & Gifts, and other Collective Booths 23 S. Main, 620-223-2210
Mayco Ace Hardware 205 Scott, 620-223-2670: Hardware, garden and more
Miller Feed & Farm 15 W. Wall, 620-223-3420: Feed, boots, animal care & accessories
Redbud Farms & Nurseries 1291 240th St., 620-223-1811: Greenhouse & Nurseries
Ruddick’s Furniture 117 S. National, 620-223-2510: Furniture and home décor
Rustic Charm Flea Market 212 E. 1st St. 620-644-8645: Antiques and furniture
The Shiney Studios 123 S. National Ave. 620-215-5019: Yoga studio, wellness center, clothing, candles, & more
Sunshine Boutique Gifts and Cosmetics 18 E. Wall, 620-223-6007: Gift items, candles & cosmetics
Trader Dave’s Antiques & More 15 S. Scott, 620-224-0079: Unique items ranging from antiques to gently used items
Treasure Hunt Flea Market 6 S. Main St. 620-223-3522: Antiques, furniture, collectibles & gifts
Additional Shopping Locations:
Bartelsmeyer Jewelry 1519 S. National, 620-223-2070: Fine jewelry
Fort Scott Gun & Pawn 1402 E. Wall, 620-223-0583: Visit their showroom!
HairBow Center 2326 Kansas Rd., 620-223-9898: online & warehouse ribbon & bow accessories
Heidrick‘s True Value & Nancy’s Gift Corner 1508 S. National, 620-223-2660: Hardware and gift corner Pot Pantry 1366 215th St., 620-224-7480: Unique hand-made pottery, call Bobbi to see if open to shop
Sekan’s Occasion Shop 2210 S. Main, 620-223-5190: Furniture, home décor, and party supplies
Shirt Shack 11 E. 18th St., 620-223-4680: T-shirts, jeans and other clothing
Tractor Supply Company 2420 S. Main, 620-223-4900: Farm supplies, clothing, shoes and more
Walgreens 2229 S. Main, 620-223-2402: Cosmetics, health and beauty aids, pharmacy and much more
Wal-Mart 2500 S. Main, 620-223-2867: Discount store plus groceries

TOP ACTIVITIES:
Fort Scott National Historic Site *Free Admission* (8am-5pm): Self-guided tour, cell phone tour, 20 min. the film always available.
11 buildings & exhibits. Gift shop with books, shirts, historical toys, & other souvenirs.
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes *Free Admission* 1 S. Main, 620-223-1312, (Mon.-Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 10am-4pm): Informative exhibits on unsung heroes & other award-winning exhibits. Also sells award-winning book, movie, and teaching materials.
Gordon Parks Museum & Photo Exhibit *Free Admission* 2018 S. Horton, Ellis Fine Arts Center, 620-223-2700
(Tues-Fri. 10am-4pm, Sat. 10am-2pm, & by appt.): 1st black photographer for Life magazine, photographer, poet, filmmaker. The gift shop also sells books, t-shirts, mugs, and other gift items.
National Cemetery No. 1 900 E. National Ave.: Numbered 1 of 14 cemeteries declared National cemeteries in 1861 by Pres. Lincoln.
Lyons Twin Mansions *Free Tour* 750 S. National Ave. 620-223-3644: Offers complimentary tours, any-time of day.
Courtland Hotel & Spa 121 E. 1st St. 620-223-5657: Spa/Massage/Salon Retail Outlet
Re:freshed Aesthetics 750 S. National Ave. 620-215-2694: Beauty products, facials, waxings, & more
The Shiney Studios 123 S. National Ave. 620-215-5019: Yoga studio, wellness center, clothing, candles, & more
Vinedo del Alamo Winery 2304 Poplar Rd.. 620-215-6311, (Fri.-Sat. 3-9pm, Sun. 12-6pm): Wine tastings, and purchase from a local vineyard. North on 69 Hwy. to Poplar Rd. exit, turn east 1 mile across RR tracks.
Woodland Hills Golf Course 2414 S. Horton, 620-223-5060
Gunn Park 1010 Park Ave.: 155-acre Scenic Park, 7 shelter houses, 2 lakes, 6 mi. of trails, 18-hole disc golf course
Kansas Rocks Recreational Park 18 miles NW of Fort Scott, 130th St. Mapleton, KS. (Sat. 8am-5pm, Sun. 9am-4pm): 30 miles of trails for Jeeps & 4-wheel drives, biking, & hiking

Hunting, Fishing, & Watersports: Multiple lakes & fishing/hunting areas at Fort Scott Lake, Rock Creek Lake* Bourbon County State Lake*, Elm Creek, Cedar Creek, Timber Hills Ranch, T&C Wildlife & More! *Waterfalls at these locations.

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Farmers Market Plans For Season, And Is Looking For Honey Vendors

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The Fort Scott Farmers Market group met at Presbyterian Village Thursday evening to plan for the 2018 season which starts the first weekend in May.

The Fort Scott Farmers Market group met Thursday evening to review 2017 and look to this season possibilities.

The market sets up stalls in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site at the north end of Main Street starting in May on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon and Tuesday evenings from 4-6 p.m.

It continues until October.

Market stall fees are $5 per day and there is a $5 application fee to reserve a vendor space. Or there is a discounted fee of $4 per day if pre-paid in the amount of $108 for the 27-week market space.

A new president of the market was elected, Stacey Atkins.

Beverly Brown was re-elected as treasurer.

Stacy Atkins, left, was elected the new president of Fort Scott Farmers Market. Beverly Brown was re-elected treasurer.

Atkins was the secretary in 2017 and that position is still open.

Linda Bower, the president of Fort Scott Farmers Market for two years, leads her last meeting March 15. New officers were elected and plans were made for the 2018 season.

In 2017 the group facilitated:

  • Breakfast on the Bricks, where customers can purchase a breakfast on Saturday mornings while attending the market.
  • Several demonstrations of interest to the community, such as CPR and rain barrels.
  • Tuesday evening strawberry shortcakes social.
  • Once a month raffle drawing, starting in June, with market vendors contributing goods for the prize.
  • The Third Saturday Marketplace, working in collaboration with the City of Fort Scott, the market moved to historic downtown on Main Street once a month.
  • Special music that entertains while customers stroll through the market.
  • Children’s activities.

The group is looking for honey producers, at the request of community members.

Group member Vickie Shead said she has some honey but production has been difficult with the drift of herbicides that have helped to decimate her bee population.

Traditional offerings of this market are veggies, fruit, eggs, crafts, jellies/jams, baked goods, herbs, live plants, nuts,  and pottery.

This year Fort Scott Kiwanis has offered to do Breakfast on the Bricks the first Saturday in May, according to Mickie Kraft, a group member.

Group member Ronnie Brown told about the Bourbon County Food Alliance that he is a part of.

“They were talking about how they could help us, possibly furnishing entertainment, breakfast, public relations, and help with the business part,” Brown said. “They want to see this farmers market extended.”

Brown also mentioned Project 17, which is a regional economic development and community engagement initiative in the southeast region of the state, according to a K-State website.

“Bob Marshall helped initiate it,” Brown said. Marshall was a Kansas Senator from 2009 to 2013.

“Local food is a by-word now,” Brown said. “There is a lot to look forward to, a lot of enthusiasm.”

Newly elected President Stacey Atkins told the group about a program through a Pathways Grant that is seeking input from local food producers.

“On May 3, a Buy and Sell-Meet and Greet will be at 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall,” Atkins said. “This meeting will be to bridge the divide between local gardeners and retail food sellers.”

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

“Go Further with Food”

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by Sherise Beckham, MS, RD, LD

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (March 15, 2018) – March is one of my favorite months! Why you may ask? March is National Nutrition Month®; a whole month dedicated to celebrating nutrition and what dietitian doesn’t love that?

The theme for March 2018 National Nutrition Month® is “Go Further with Food.” This campaign is geared towards being mindful of what you put in your mouth, as well as what is left over as food waste.

What does this mean for you? How do we go further with our food? To begin, start planning your meals and snacks. Make a weekly menu and a shopping list for the grocery store. As hard as it may seem, try to stick to items on that shopping list when at the grocery store.

It’s important to make sure your meals and snacks have some variety and color. Have fun with your meals and try new foods and recipes! Once you plan what to prepare, have a plan for the leftovers, too. Use your leftovers in another meal later in the week, or freeze the leftovers for another time. Also, be mindful of your portion sizes. Think about the amount you should be eating and dish up just that amount. Help our environment by reducing food waste (the stuff that goes into your trash) by not overserving yourself.

I encourage you to take time this month to think about helping ourselves be healthier by eating a variety of healthful foods, as well as helping our planet by cutting down on food waste. Again, happy National Nutrition Month® and “Go Further with Food!”

Mercy Hospital Fort Scott is an acute care hospital with 46 licensed beds, offering comprehensive medical, surgical, OB/GYN, pediatric, home care and hospice services. Inpatient care is provided with 24/7 physician coverage. In 2017, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott received The Leapfrog Group’s prestigious A rating. Mercy Clinic Fort Scott is located on hospital grounds as well as Mercy rural health clinics in Arma and Pleasanton.

Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2017 and 2016 by Truven, an IBM Watson Health company, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.