Category Archives: Business

Business, Fair, Fort Scott

Authors Needed For Writing Festival and Fair Oct. 19

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The Fort Scott Writing Festival and Author Fair will be held October 19, 2019 at the Lowell Milken Center. The festival is co-sponsored by the following: Bourbon County Arts Council, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Lowell Milken Center, Books and Grannies and Hedgehog.INK!

Morning Workshops session (8:50-12:00) – includes workshops by published authors for adults, college and high school students. The cost of the morning activities is $35 with pre-registration due by October 14. Late registration is $45. College students and high school students are free with school identification.

Afternoon Author’s Fair (1:30-3:30) – is free to the public. Authors may sign up for a space to promote their published works. The cost for each table is $10*. The author is responsible for bringing their own books, collecting money and paying taxes as required by the state of Kansas or use the event tax id#. Authors need to bring their own table (card table size) and folding chair. Authors may set-up during the lunch break from 12:00-1:30.

Author space will be available on a first-come basis. Please fill out the attached form and return to Jan Hedges at Hedgehog.INK! 16 S. Main Fort Scott, KS 66701 (hedgesbookstore.com) to reserve your spot. Please include the following information:

Name _____________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________

Phone _________________________ Email __________________________

Tax ID# (for event taxes information) ___________________ $10 paid ______

Genre (Brief description of your published work:)

*If you attend the morning workshops, there will not be a charge for your table for the Author Fair.

Art, Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Chamber Coffee Celebrates Irena Sendler Project at Milken Center Sept. 19

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Join us for Chamber Coffee and a
very special celebration!
Hosted by:
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Location:

1 S. Main St.
Thursday, September 19, 2019  at 8:00 a.m.

Help us celebrate 20 years of “Life in a Jar: the Irena Sendler Project”. Irena Sendler was a Polish Catholic social worker who risked her own life to rescue a significant number of Jewish children during WWII. Her story was unknown for 60 years until high school students from Uniontown, Kansas uncovered its details in September of 1999, and shared Irena’s story with the world. The students wrote a performance that has now been presented more than 375 times across the United States, Canada and Poland. Their goal to bring Irena Sendler’s story to the world continues.

Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
September 26 – Diehl Banwart Bolton CPA’s P.A. (70th Anniversary)
October 3 – Gordon Parks Museum (16th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of “The Learning Tree”)
October 10 – McDonald’s (2224 S. Main St.)
October 17 – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
Business, Exercise, Fort Scott

A New Fitness Studio: Up Dog Yoga

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From the www.updogyoga.studio website.
For people who want to improve flexibility and strength fitness, Up Dog Yoga begins classes at 12B North Main (just north of Country Cupboard) on Oct. 1.
Regina Casner stands in front of her new fitness center site, 12B North Main Street, north of the Country Cupboard store. Casner has a degree in fitness management and is a certified yoga teacher.
Regina Casner of Mound City has started yoga classes and cardio classes in Fort Scott.
The name Up Dog Yoga comes from “a yoga pose where your heart is open,” Casner said. “It’s a fun name, yoga should be fun.”
Up Dog Yoga offers both yoga and cardio workout classes every day except Friday and Sunday each week.
Classes cost $45 per month for unlimited classes, until Oct. 1, then it will go to $55 per month.
“You can get a class package or membership,” she said.
Classes offered are:
B Strong
“In B Strong, every class begins slowly, awakening all the major muscle groups while focusing on breath awareness,” she said. “You will move through a series of sweat-producing cardio and strength intervals timed to music. As your heart rate rises and falls you will surpass your physical and mental limits, revealing a new and empowered mind-body connection. Modifications are given so this is an all levels (of fitness) class.”

Power Basics

“Everyone needs to start somewhere,” she said. ” Whether you are new to yoga or just need some time to ease back into your practice, this class is for you!”

Power Stretch

“This class is for all runners, cyclers, all-day sitters, cross-fitters and never-quitters,” Casner said. “Whether you are training for a big event or sit behind a desk all-day this class if for you! These classes emphasize floor postures to stretch, open and release the major muscle groups of the entire body. Benefits of this style of classes include fewer injuries, improved sleep, and reduced aches and pains.”

Journey to Power

“Baptiste Power Vinyasa: Sweat. Flow. Transform. A dynamic practice that is the perfect blend of sweat, strength and power.”

Fitness Class Teaching for Over 25 Years
Casner has a bachelors in science degree from Pittsburg State University, majoring in recreation therapy and fitness management.
“I started teaching fitness classes my junior year in college, so around 1994,” Casner said.
“I am a Registered Yoga Teacher, certified Baptiste Power Yoga Teacher, certified American Council on Exercise Group Exercise, and Spin certification,” she said.
She just completed a tenure at Kansas University’s Recreation and Fitness Center as the Fitness and Wellness Coordinator.
“Yoga is an amazing tool that improves your strength, your flexibility and the way you move and feel in your body,” she said. “Yoga also can be a tool to help you experience more calm and focus. I am passionate about sharing yoga with others and Fort Scott is close to home and full of amazing people—so why not start classes?”
Currently, she is meeting at I Am Rehab but is moving to the new space on Oct. 1.
Details can be found at www.updogyoga.studio
and also on Up Dog Yoga Studio Facebook page.
Casner also offers faith-based health coaching online for an 8-week course called “Journey into Balance.”
“We cover eight health habits to restore health and hormones to help balance hormones, sleep better, decrease negative stress and get rid of cravings,” Casner said.
Go to restoretribe.com for more information.
Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Aaron Judy: Exterior/Interior Painter

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Aaron Judy paints a local home.

Aaron Judy began his business, H2 Painting LLC, earlier this year.

“I started working in 8th grade at Max’s Way Station (Restaurant) washing dishes, and I’ve had a job ever since,” Judy said. ” I’ve spent my whole adult life working for someone. After five years at Timken (Company), my family and I decided that Friday was my last day of making money for someone else and putting my own business to the side… I decided to finally take the leap and become fully self-employed! I look forward to embracing it and working just as hard as I was for customers!”

“I began painting in the last few years, but officially began my business as H2 Painting in early 2019,” Judy said.

“I saw a need for painting in this area, and an opportunity for me to go ahead and start my business officially,” he said.  “It’s fulfilling to see people enjoy their home or business again, or maybe more than they ever have after they see it repainted.”

“I provide interior and exterior painting in residential or commercial settings,” Judy said.

Aaron Judy paints a sign in Fort Scott

He also provides metal building or barn painting, power washing and soft washing services, along with parking lot lining.

“I have done quite a few residential and commercial repaints,” he said. “I am currently getting more involved in new construction and commercial painting job settings and expanding our range and business rapidly.”

“I try to provide a quality job with an affordable price for my customers,” he said.

Judy is the owner and operator, who hires part-time time employees when necessary, depending on the job.

Contact info: 620-605-2769 or [email protected]

Art, Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening In Fort Scott Sept. 13 By the Chamber of Commerce

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Save the date!! 16th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration – Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the film “The Learning Tree” – Thursday, October 3rd, FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton (See flyer below)

Karole Graham, Stephen Perry and S. Pearl Sharp, cast members in “The Learning Tree” film by Gordon Parks, will receive “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” at the annual celebration this October 3-5, 2019 in Fort Scott, Kansas. The celebration is in honor of Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, noted photographer, writer, musician, and filmmaker. This year’s celebration is a special one as we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Gordon Parks-directed film The Learning Tree that was filmed in Fort Scott

Save the date!! The Fort Scott Writing Festival & Author Fair – Saturday, October 19, 9am-3:30pm, at The Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes, 1 S. Main St. (See flyer below)

Activities:
8:30am – 8:50am       Registration and Refreshments
8:50am – 9:00am       Welcome
9:00am – 12:00pm     Writing Workshops with experienced, published authors – 50 min. break-out sessions  **Registration required**
12:00pm – 1:30pm     Lunch Break and set up for Authors’ Fair
1:30pm – 3:30pm       Authors’ Fair and mini-workshops **Free to the public**
(Multiple authors will be set-up to market, sign and share their writing journey with participants.)
$35 per participant by October 15th, late registration $45.

High School and College students FREE w/current student ID

Registration available in person at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Hedgehog.INK Book Store, or online HERE
13-14
It’s time for the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale presented by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce: Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th (See flyer below)
The official garage sale maps will be available at the Chamber, 5 Corners Mini-Mart, Bids & Dibs, Casey’s, Don’s Smoke Shop, and Pete’s (all 4 locations)
13-14
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows
& bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
13

Fort Scott High School Activity Fair – Free fun for all ages prior to the first home football game! FSHS front/west lawn, 1005 S. Main, 5:30-6:30pm (See flyer below)

Free games, face painting, prizes, food and fun, hosted by various FSHS clubs, sports & activities

Any organization/business that would like to donate food, beverages, or prizes may contact FSHS Senior Lauren Madison by phone or text at 620-215-0802 or email [email protected]
13

Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main, 7pm

Friday Night Concert in the Park – Sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

This Friday Night Concert will feature three sets (and a brief open mic period):
#1 – Steve Fortenberry -traditional, gospel & light classical
#2 – Rob Hunt and friends – gospel & hymns
#3 – A bluegrass/gospel group Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.  In the event of bad weather we will move to The Common Grounds Coffee Shop

The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected]
14
2019 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Fall Golf Classic
4-Person Scramble – Saturday, September 14th at Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton in Fort Scott (See flyer below)

$200 per team includes green fees, cart & lunch. Deadline to enter is September 6th

This fundraiser will help the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation to support programs for our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson counties

For more information, contact Tricia at 620-431-7401, ext. 230 or [email protected]
14

Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
14

DOWNTOWN – MERCHANT MADNESS SIDEWALK SALE! Saturday, September 14, 2019, 9am-5pm (See flyer below)

Special drawings at each retailer! Shop local, shop Fort Scott!

11 participating stores including:
BIDS & DIBS CONSIGNMENT & RETAIL BOUTIQUE; BOOKS & GRANNIES (INSIDE SALE); COUNTRY CUPBOARD; HEDGEHOG.INK BOOK STORE & MORE; IRON STAR ANTIQUES & SUCH; J & W SPORTS SHOP; MAIN STREET GALLERY & GIFTS; MAYCO ACE HARDWARE; SUNSHINE BOUTIQUE; TRADER DAVE’S ANTIQUES & MORE; TREASURE HUNT FLEA MARKET

While you are out and about for the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale & the Art in the Yard Festival at Bobbi Kemna’s, stop downtown and see what drawings & discounts the Downtown merchants have for you during this sidewalk sale!

The trolley leaves from Boiler Room Brewhaus at Wall
& National Downtown to go to the Art Festival and returns on the half-hour
14
Sidewalk Book Sale at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main,

9am-5pm (See flyer below)

Bags of books for sale: $4/small, $8/large
14 “Art In The Yard” hosted by Bobbi Kemna – 1366 215th St., just north of Fort Scott (known as Old 69 Hwy.),
9am-5pm (See flyer and trolley schedule flyer below)”Art In The Yard”, hosted by Bobbi Kemna, will feature all forms of art (no crafts) – paintings, pottery, jewelry, metal art, fabric art

Live music, BBQ, FSHS Thespians selling beverages, dessert table, kettle corn

Ride “Dolly the Trolley” shuttle for FREE from Boiler Room Brewhaus (10 S. National Ave.) to event and back
14  Storytime at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main, 10:30am (held the second Saturday of each month) (See flyer below)

Storytime and special activity. This month: disco/rap with Jaymie & Kenzie Murphy
15 Louk Family Outing (30 players) at Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton (time to be determined)
15 Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus –
10 S. National, 3-5pmExciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of 8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team)

$5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room
16
Chamber Board Meeting – Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main St., 12-1pm
16 Maker Monday for kids & teens – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm
16 Community Book Club – This month’s meeting will be held at Sylvia Trujillo’s home: 500 Sunset Dr., 7-8pm

This month’s book is “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern. For more info, email Sara Coon at  [email protected]
17

Retailer’s Roundtable Meeting with the Chamber of Commerce – Lowell Milken Center, 1 S. Main St., 8:30-9:30am

“Retailer’s Roundtable” for Downtown Businesses who sell merchandise –
to share ideas on events, promotions, etc., in an effort to increase foot traffic Downtown. This is intended to be a smaller group focused on retail. Then at the Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greets, we can share ideas that have been discussed in the Retailer’s group

Not much of a prepared agenda at this first meeting, just sharing of ideas and reviewing upcoming events scheduled in Downtown.  So, bring any ideas you may have – looking ahead over the next quarter, six months, year.  Can be from a small little promotion type thing that all it takes is some advertising & promotion, to a bigger event that we would need to recruit a committee or service club to take on.  Since we only have an hour, we will probably try and stay somewhat focused on the time frame of now through first quarter 2020
17-18
Story Time, hosted by the Fort Scott Public Library –

201 S. National, 10-11am

Join Miss Val and other local families for a themed story time, featuring 2-3 books read aloud, songs or fingerplays, craft, and snack, along with a play table for before and after the stories. All story times welcome any age children and teens
Some themes are based around seasons, holidays, and annual events, while others are chosen by regular attendees
For more information, visit www.fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org
Enjoy stories, songs, crafts, and snacks related to our theme in the downstairs event room. Hope you can come. Tell your friends!
17 T.O.P.S Meetings held weekly on Tuesdays at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 10:30am
17 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
17 Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living (3rd Tuesday of every month) – 820 S. Horton, 2-4pm

Residents and the public are invited the 3rd Tuesday of each month for Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living

Visit our website here: http://www.countryplaceliving.com/
17 Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Tuesday evenings, 4-6pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds. We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
17 City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 S. Main, 6-7pm
18 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,  308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
18
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library,
201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
18
TAG – Teen Advisory Group – Fort Scott Public Library –

201 S. National, 4:15-5:15pm

Join Teen Advisory Group members in the library events room. This event is exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snacks night, community service project, book club meeting, and craft night each month. Members can help the library develop programs, displays, and book collections that better serve teens! Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. See you at TAG, and bring your friends!
19
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and a celebration at Lowell Milken Center at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee is being hosted by The Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes in honor of the 20 year anniversary of the Irena Sendler Project. (See flyer below for more info)
Location: 1 S. Main St.
19 Horticultural services at the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday – 210 S. National, 9am-3:30pm (See flyer below)

Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday. In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call 620-223-3720
19 KSU Beef Stocker Field Day (See flyer below)

Join us as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the KSU Beef Stocker Field Day. The program will include the latest practical information to help you make the most of significant changes occurring in the beef industry. We’ll offer management tips to help you optimize your stocker operation and provide greater flexibility in the future. Registration is $25 per participant if you register on or before September 10th. Late registration is $35. A CAB Natural Prime Ribeye lunch from Niman Ranch will be provided. For more information, contact Louis Schreiner at 785-532-1267.

For the brochure and registration form, click HERE

To register online, click HERE
19 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
12pm-1pm
19

The Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes invites you to a book signing event celebrating the 20th Anniversary of “Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project” on Thursday, September 19th from 3:30-5:30 p.m. (See flyer below)

Author of the book “Mommy, Who Was Irena Sendler?” Cathy Werling, along with characters from the book Megan & Blair Felt, will be there to sign autographs. The book will be available for purchase and refreshments will be served

Cathy Werling is a retired Fort Scott elementary teacher and author of:
– Why Did Grandpa Cry?
– Why Did Sergeant Stubby Go To War?
– Mommy, Who Was Irena Sendler?
– What If Higgins Had Given Up?

For more information, call
The Lowell Milken Center at
620-223-1312, or visit the website at www.lowellmilkencenter.org.
19 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm

Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
19
A Star is Born, or Died – Boiler Room Brewhaus,
2 S. National Ave., 7-9pm
Join Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from
7-9pm for karaoke fun. Cheer on your favorite local star!
20-21
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows
& bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
20
Citizenship Ceremony – Fort Scott National Historic Site,

1 Old Fort Blvd., 10:30am

Citizenship Ceremony – reflect on the privileges of U.S. Citizenship as you witness new citizens take the oath of allegiance to their newly adopted country

The United States District Court for the District of Kansas will hold a special naturalization ceremony at the Fort Scott National Historic Site in Fort Scott, Kansas on Friday, September 20, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. The Honorable Teresa J. James, United Stated Magistrate Judge for the District of Kansas, will preside over the ceremony on the grounds of the Fort. The ceremony features musical performances from the Fort Scott High School band, orchestra and choir, and an address from a local distinguished citizen. The Pittsburg State University ROTC will present the colors

Approximately 100 applicants will be naturalized at the ceremony, which is open to the public. In case of rain or other inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Fort Scott Memorial Hall
20 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the FSCC Agriculture Building Expansion – 2108 S. Horton, 4pm (See flyer below)

Refreshments provided by FSCC Collegiate Farm Bureau. We’d like to thank our generous donors for making this happen: the Boileau family and the Cleaver family

Questions? Contact Sara Sutton or Blake Davis at
620-223-2700 ext. 3280 or ext. 3110
20 Fort Scott Community College 100th Anniversary Celebration Banquet – 2108 S. Horton, 6:30pm (See flyer below)

FSCC would like to invite EVERYONE to the Centennial Celebration dinner (Sept. 20th) and the Centennial Tailgate Party (Sept. 21st) to celebrate our 100 years of excellence!!

The dinner will be $10.00 per person and reservations can be made over the phone by call 620.223.2700 ext. 0 or online by going to fortscott.edu/celebration. Seating is limited for the dinner on September 20th, so get your ticket soon!

The tailgate party will start at 4:30 at Frary Field with free hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, etc. No reservation needed, just show up and help us celebrate this momentous occasion.

For more info on the upcoming centennial events, click  http://www.fortscott.edu/article/07172019-812am/Join-Centennial-Celebration

20

Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main, 7pm

Friday Night Concert in the Park – Sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

This Friday Night Concert will feature “Christian Strings” (local area dulcimer players), gospel and hymns directed by local Marilyn Adcock
The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected]
20 80’s Party at Boiler Room Brewhaus featuring live music by “80 & Out” – 10 S. National, 7-10pm (See flyer below)

Live music by 80 & Out, plus a costume contest and more! $5 cover charge.

www.boileroombrewhaus.com

www.visitfortscott.com
Art, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Life In A Jar: 20 Years Later, Celebrating Sept. 19

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Irena Sendler

It all began 20 years ago, when an assignment from a  local high school history teacher changed the lives of many people, including an unsung hero.

Irena Sendler was a Polish Catholic social worker, who risked her own life to rescue a significant number of Jewish children during WWII.

Her story was unknown to the public for 60 years until three high school students from Uniontown, Kansas uncovered its details in September of 1999 and shared Irena’s story with the world, according to a press release from the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

Sendler died in 2008 but not before meeting the teacher and three students who discovered her story.

Twenty years ago this week, Life in a Jar: the Irena Sendler Project was started by Uniontown High School students Elizabeth Cambers Hutton, Sabrina Coons Murphy, and Megan Stewart Felt in Norm
Conard’s high school history class, according to the press release.

Megan Felt has gone on to become the program director of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, while the former history teacher, Norm Conard, has become the executive director.

“The Life in a Jar Project and Irena Sendler’s story has completely changed my life,” Felt said. “I have learned a powerful history, met wonderful people, received scholarships and support to complete both of my college degrees, and changed my career path so I can help others have the special experiences I have had.”
“Those who have been involved in the project over the last 20 years realize we all have a responsibility to make a positive difference in the world around us,” she said. “I am so grateful for that day in 1999 when we started this incredible journey of bringing Irena’s story to the world.”

Throughout the last 20 years, the play has been performed more than 375 times with more than 50 students involved in the project.

The performances have been all across the United States, Canada, and Poland.

The www.irenasendler.org website that the students created has had more than 50 million hits, according to the press release.

The center continues the encouragement of searching for unsung heroes.

A Celebration

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is pleased to announce the 20th Anniversary Commemoration of Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project.

On September 19 from 3:30 –5:30 p.m. at the Lowell Milken Center, 1 South Main Street in Fort Scott, there will be a special book
signing for Mommy, Who Was Irena Sendler?

Even after the story became known, that emotional connection of Irena’s story continues to reach across generations, according to the press release.

Megan’s daughter, Blair, also learned a life-changing lesson from both the courage of Irena Sendler’s selfless acts and those of
her own mother’s determination to share Irena’s story, according to the press release.

The Lowell Milken Center is located at the corner of First and Wall Streets.

The book, available in paperback for $9.95, can be purchased and signed by the author and two of the characters featured in the story,  Felt and her 9-year-old daughter, Blair.

Megan Felt and her daughter, Blair, help tell the story of Irena Sendler’s courage in a new book written by Cathy Werling. Submitted photo.

Their goal of making Irena Sendler’s story known to the world continues.

Life in a Jar: the Irena Sendler Project by Jack Mayer is also available during the book signing. This is the story of the students’ discovery of Irena Sendler and her efforts to save the Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto.

Cathy Werling is a local children’s book author at the Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott.

Cathy Werling, the author of Mommy, Who Was Irena Sendler? is an award-winning elementary educator from Fort Scott. Her passion for helping students develop positive character traits and seek out worthy role models led to her part-time work at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

Through her series of books, four so far,  about these humble heroes, Cathy hopes to inspire elementary children to realize that they, too,
have the power every day to make a difference in the lives of those around them.

About the Lowell Milken Center

The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 c (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Once their projects are finished, the center advocates for the student’s unsung heroes by sharing them in its’ Hall of Unsung Heroes or the center’s website so people all over the world discover their individual influence and obligation to take actions that improve the lives of others.

The Hall of Unsung Heroes is located in Southeast Kansas and showcases some of the top projects developed in collaboration with the center.

Bourbon County, Business

Buying Locally Benefits Community

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This sign is placed at each participating local Bourbon County business owner and includes a list of all the businesses.

There is a grassroots movement across the county to help small towns stay viable.

Bourbon County has its’ own organization for encouraging small businesses.

Live Local BB started in July 2017 to raise community awareness of the benefits to using locally owned business over non-locally owned businesses, including internet businesses.

The initial public meeting of Live Local BB was in September 2017, pictured here. The event was held at Sharkey’s Pub.

Geoff Southwell, president of Live Local BB said his businesses have experienced sales because of awareness that they are locally owned.

Southwell owns Miller Feed and Oil  and The Butcher Block  in Fort Scott.

“Individuals and businesses come in and specifically buy from us because we are local,” he said. “With the Butcher Block, we got some commercial accounts to have us cater, because we are local.”

“Ever since I have “joined the movement” I have really tried to “think Local First” and I think that, being able to be on the board with several other entrepreneurial folks has really brought to light how to ‘think local first'” said Chrystal Cowan, a member of the organization. “In my life I have taken it beyond the normal, everyday items- those are easy…. Get gas locally, buy groceries locally, feed, shoes, etc… the list goes on and on.  Instead I now have the mindset of, how can I utilize my locals.”

She gives an example of a recent birthday party.

“We had a birthday party for my daughter a few weeks back, and I ordered pizza (and) I forgot to pickup ice cream,  and really didn’t want to hassle with going to the other end of town,” Cowan said. ” I reached out to Brita at Papa Don’s (Restaurant)and she was able to sell me a tub of ice cream as well.  I knew going in, that she may not have enough stock to sell me a tub, but I thought I would ask, and that particular time it worked out!  Now ice cream isn’t something that Brita typically sells by the gallon, but it just so happened that her inventory allowed her an extra for me to buy. I could go on and on about how many times I have tried to come up with a way to purchase something from someone local, or called them with weird requests… but I think my point is that it may take a little bit of thinking outside of the box, but I have learned to try and just think local first.”

Cowan has been asked why she got involved with Live Local BB, since she works at a local insurance company.

” My response to that question, and my response on behalf of any of our professional services businesses is this- You can buy what I sell online, you can travel outside of the county and utilize an agent. But if you click the link and fill out the form to get a quote, are you really getting what you need? Are you going to have a person that you can call on a Sunday, or text on a Tuesday night at 10 pm, and the answer to that is, no you won’t…  so why do I think that Live Local is important – every business in this town is important, and it’s important we support each other in any way that we can.”

“The numbers (facts on money benefitting the community) vary slightly depending on the study, but it’s pretty close to 60 cents of a dollar will stay in a community with a locally owned business and 40% with a non-local business,” Bryan Holt, a member of Live Local BB, said. “Retaining 50% more dollars in our community is a great thing!”

The benefits of money staying in the community include job creation, keeping the money in the local economy where it can be respent and also providing community involvement in the form of charitable giving to local organizations, according to the MSU study listed below.

 

Links for reference are the following provided by Holt:

https://ced.msu.edu/upload/reports/why%20buy%20local.pdf

https://www.forbes.com/sites/centurylink/2017/11/20/5-benefits-of-shopping-locally-on-small-business-saturday/#7656510d668b

https://grasshopper.com/resources/articles/small-business-saturday-statistics/

 

The Live Local BB organization is comprised of locally owned businesses within Bourbon County.

“We have over 80 businesses in our group,” said Geoff Southwell, president of the organization.

Locally owned businesses can be identified by an orange sign in the window of the business. To see the list of local business, click below:

live local

Geoff Southwell speaks during the initial Live Local BB meeting in Sept. 2017.

” We have a desire to see the community grow and become stronger,” he said. ” We wanted to give the community a means for identifying locally owned businesses, with owners who live in Bourbon County. We have ‘Live Local’ signage placed at each business which identifies them as locally owned.”

“We feel we have made an impact on the community to use locally owned first,” Southwell said.

 

 

The Live Local BB sign can be seen in local businesses and includes the list of participating businesses.

 

 

 

Business, Government, Kansas

KCC Denies Westar Request

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KCC denies request that would have cost Westar customers approximately $93 million

Topeka – This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission denied Westar Energy’s request for ratepayers to bear the cost of its seven-month lease and subsequent purchase in August 2019 of an 8% interest in Jeffrey Energy Center (JEC). Had it been approved, the cost to ratepayers would have amounted to approximately $93 million in increased rates over the next 15 years.

 

In rejecting the request, the Commission order states Westar failed to meet its burden of showing that its new lease and purchase agreement was a prudent decision for its retail customers and that Westar entered into the agreement knowing it did not need the 8% portion of JEC to satisfy its capacity requirements and the settlement agreement would increase customers’ rates.

 

Prior to the August purchase, Westar and Kansas City Power & Light owned 92% of the Jeffrey Energy Center (JEC). Midwest Power Company owned the remaining 8% and leased it to Westar. The power generated was sold to Mid-Kansas Electric Company through a Power Purchase Agreement. The lease and purchase agreements both expired on January 3, 2019. Westar then opted for a new lease and subsequent purchase of the 8% and asked the Commission to approve the recovery of costs through its Retail Energy Cost Adjustment (RECA) which is included in customer rates.

 

Today’s order does allow Westar to operate the 8% portion of JEC for wholesale sales and retain revenues resulting from that portion of the plant for their shareholders.

The Commission’s regulatory oversight requires balancing the interests of the public and the utility while ensuring reliable and cost efficient service.

Today’s Commission order can be viewed at: http://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx?Id=a3473a11-528a-46eb-9195-7b5425701361

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At Stutesman’s Realty Sept. 12

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WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER
Join us for Chamber Coffee and a
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Hosted by:
Stutesman’s Action Realty
Location:

120 E. Wall St.
Thursday, September 12, 2019  at 8:00 a.m.
Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
September 19 – Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes (1 S. Main St.)
September 26 – Diehl Banwart Bolton CPA’s P.A. (70th Anniversary)
October 3 – Gordon Parks Museum (16th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of “The Learning Tree”)
October 10 – McDonald’s (2224 S. Main St.)
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Town-Wide Garage Sale Sept. 13-14

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Submitted by: Lindsay Madison, Executive Director, [email protected]
Monica Walden, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]
Phone: (620) 223-3566

FORT SCOTT – Mark your calendars for the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale this Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th. Now is the time to get your garage sale on the map.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce encourages residents in Fort Scott to do your fall cleaning and make room for something new. Garage sales may be registered through the Chamber by 1 pm, Wednesday, September 11th for only $10. The registration fee lists your sale on the official garage sale map and enables the Chamber to advertise the sale throughout the region on the radio, newspaper, social media and the Chamber website.
Garage sales may be registered in person at the Chamber office, located at 231 E. Wall Street or by phone using debit or credit card by calling (620) 223-3566.
The official garage sale maps will be available to shoppers this Thursday evening from the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the following locations: 5 Corners Mini-Mart, Bids & Dibs, Casey’s, Don’s Smoke Shop, and all four Pete’s locations.
***

Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Government

Federal Reserve Needs Distribution Partners

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The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is looking for partners to help to distribute the National Small Business
Credit Survey
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is looking for small business and economic development organizations that will partner with us to help distribute the National Small Business Credit Survey. This survey is an important survey that assesses the credit and financing needs of the small businesses in the seven states we serve.
Organizations like yours have used this survey to determine the needs of the small businesses that they serve as well as an information resource for fundraising and grant writing.
The time commitment is minimal, requiring only your distribution of a survey link, specific to your organization, to small businesses in your network. All survey responses are anonymous.
Each organization that receives fifty responses from business owners will receive a specialized report exclusive to their organization.
The survey’s official launch date is September 10 and it will be open for responses through December 2.
The Federal Reserve System has recently moved to a centralized partner system to streamline the process.
If you are interested in partnering, please click here to fill out a response form.
If you are interested in learning more about small business research and analysis by the 12 Reserve Banks of the Federal Reserve System,
click hereto visit our
Federal Reserve System page
that houses all the past reports, data, and other information on the survey.
Thank you in advance for your partnership on this important survey.
Dell Gines
Senior Community Development Advisor
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
Omaha Branch