Topeka- This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a partial unanimous settlement agreement negotiated between KCC staff, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB), Kansas Gas Service (KGS) and other intervenors pertaining to the utility’s application to increase rates.
Under the settlement agreement, residential customers will see an increase of $2.40 per month (4.23 percent) on average. That includes an increase in the customer charge from $16.70 to $18.70 per month. The new rates take effect February 6, 2019. The company’s original proposal called for a monthly residential increase of $5.67 or 10 percent. In its application, KGS requested to increase base rates by $45.6 million. The settlement approved today will result in an annual increase of $21.5 million.
One issue yet to be decided is whether KGS will be allowed to keep the tax savings it has accrued since the Federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act took effect. In December 2017, the KCC issued an order requiring investor owned utilities to accrue those savings in an interest bearing regulatory account allowing time to study the economic impacts of the new lower tax rates and where appropriate, pass cost savings on to consumers. KGS asked to retain the accrued savings of $17.9 million to offset its cost of service. Both KCC staff and CURB voiced opposition to the request at an evidentiary hearing in December. The Commission will issue a decision on the tax savings issue on or before February 25.
The Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greets are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives and any community members to attend to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown!
Kirk Sharp was recently selected to be the new Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director. He is pictured just outside the museum against a wall depicting some life moments of Gordon Parks. The museum is located in the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
Kirk Sharp started his duties as the new Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director on Jan. 7.
But Sharp is no stranger to the museum. He has been serving behind the scenes since 2004.
“I always had an interest and encouraged the activities and helped with activities and special events when I could,” Sharp said. He also served on the Gordon Parks Museum Foundation Board for four years.
Sharp is a 1985 graduate of Fort Scott High School, and has worked at FSCC before.
“I worked here in FSCC admissions from 2007 to 2010,” Sharp said. “Then Mercy Hospital where I managed Health For Life, occupational and sports medicine until the hospital closed (In 2018).”
“I feel blessed for this exciting opportunity to be with the Gordon Parks Museum and also being back with FSCC,” Sharp said.
“Kirk was the best choice,” said Kassie Feugate-Cate, FSCC’s Director of Strategic Communication. “He is a great asset to the program. We are grateful and look forward to seeing what he can do with the museum, moving forward.”
The mission of the Gordon Parks Museum is to honor the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician; and to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives.
Gordon Parks Museum on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
“I want to continue the mission of the Gordon Parks Museum towards cultural diversity, through special events and programs, not just here in the community, but nationwide,” Sharp said. “Trying to look to the future by becoming more interactive, maybe kiosks or tablets for our digital generation.”
February is designated Black History Month and there will be several learning experiences offered at the museum.
On Feb. 15, there will be a presentation of “Slave to Soldier” during a “Lunch and Learn” at the museum, from 11 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to bring a lunch and hear the history lesson.
This is a Buffalo Soldier history presentation, featuring the Alexander/Madison Chapter-Greater Kansas City/Leavenworth Area, 9th and 10th Cavalry Association. These many generations of negro soldiers served their county from 1866 to 1944 in the military.
“We are also going to show a Kevin Willmott film, “The Jayhawkers” in the month of February. Kansas University Professor Willmott is a past recipient of a Gordon Parks Award and this year is in the running for an Oscar for his film “BlacKkKlansMan.”
History of the museum:
“After Gordon Parks attended the first ever Gordon Parks Celebration in 2004, he gifted the Gordon Parks Center with 30 of his photographs. This spectacular group includes many of his iconic works such as American Gothic, Tuskegee Airmen, Flavio, Ali Sweating, Ingrid Bergman on Stromboli and many others,” according to the Visit Fort Scott website: https://visitfortscott.com/see-and-do/gordon-parks-museum/
Kirk Sharp stands in front of a giant photo of Gordon Parks in the museum.
“In 2006, after his death, his personal effects and other memorabilia, per Gordon’s wishes, were given to the Museum. This valuable collection included many of his awards and medals, personal photos, paintings and drawings of Gordon, plaques, certificates, diplomas and honorary doctorates, selected books and articles, clothing, record player, tennis racquet, magazine articles, his collection of Life magazines and much more,” according to the Vist Fort Scott website.
The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information see The Gordon Parks Museum Facebook page.
Sharp is married to Sis Sharp and has two children, Jolee, 26 and Trey, 24.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites any community members interested in Downtown Fort Scott to Boiler Room Brewhaus, 10 S. National Avenue, on February 5th, 2019, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet is hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives and any community members to attend to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown!
Please join us on Tuesday, February 5th for the Downtown Meet & Greet. Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 with questions.
A one bedroom apartment in The Fort Scott Lofts. Courtesy photo.
A renovated downtown apartment complex has been renamed and had some age restrictions lifted as of January 1, 2019.
The building that used to house the Western Insurance Company, between National Avenue and Main Street in downtown Fort Scott, is now called The Fort Scott Lofts.
“They wanted to rebrand it,” said Rachel Wheeler, leasing agent and onsite manager at The Fort Scott Lofts. “Many thought it was a senior citizen building. I think it confused a bunch of people.”
Under the former name of the apartments, Western Senior Living, 80 percent of the residents had to be 55 years old, Wagner said, and 20 percent under 55.
Western Senior Living opened in December 2016 following a major renovation of the building.
“My bosses went through the proper channels and got it (the name and restrictions)changed,” she said. “Now if a person makes this amount of money, they pay this amount.”
Monthly rent starts at $370 for a one bedroom apartment and up to $625 for a two bedroom one, depending on income, she said.
Wagner can be reached at 620-223-1718 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The apartments are not furnished, except for stove, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher.
Currently, out of 35, 11 apartments are available, Wheeler said.
Some of the amenities are 120 channel Direct TV, water and trash are paid, Wheeler said. There is also an onsite laundry facility and off-street parking.
“We have a fitness room with a couple of exercise bikes and treadmills,” she said. “Pets are allowed. There is a one-time pet addendum of $200 (in the contract for pet lovers).”
“We have caring people that live here,” she said. “A group meets for coffee in the morning and another meets in the evening for wine and talking about the day.”
There are perks for living downtown.
A coffee shop, restaurants, and shops all within a few blocks.
Residents get a front row seat for the parades that Fort Scott celebrates events with, and also for Good Ol Days, the annual community event.
There are free local-artist outdoor music concerts just across the street in the summer, as well.
The owners of the building are Flint Hills Management, LLC.
A sister property, across First Street, will soon begin renovation of the old Union Building and will be called Union Lofts, she said.
“I’ll be managing it, too,” Wheeler said.
The Fort Scott Lofts, formerly Western Senior Living, 8 East First.
RADIO AUCTION – KOMB All Hit 103.9 FM – Started Jan. 16 through first week of March, every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Listen for details!
Care to Share (“The Sharing Bucket”) will be hosting the 5th Annual “TaTa” Ride on June 15th, 2019 and an “AR-15 Gun Raffle”. Raffle tickets are $5 each and on sale now! ATF Regulations apply. Contact Stacey Wright for tickets or more info. (See flyer below)
25-26
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!
25
Eat Smart, Live Strong class – Fort Scott Professional Building (formerly Newman Young Clinic), each Friday in January, 10:30am-12:00pm
Enjoy fun and lively activities with other older adults! Talk about easy ways to make smart food choices and exercise more
Contact Malynda Payne, K-State Research and Extension Nutrition Assistant, [email protected], or call (620)768-9459 for more information
25
Meet the Author Elana A. Mugdan at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main St., 4pm
Hedgehog.INK’s 1st ever in-store author event!
Meet and greet author Elana A. Mugdan. Her book, “Dragon Speaker” is Book 1 of The Shadow War Saga, and is available for purchase at the store
There will be an author talk, Q & A and book signing. Light refreshments provided (See flyer below)
26
Care to Share Fundraiser Auction @ 4-H Building, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd., Fort Scott, 10 am
Wonderful items have been donated for this fundraiser auction. Please plan to come! One day sale, will go quick! Lunch will be served: pulled pork, chips, drinks, pies
29-30
Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
29
T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
29
Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12-1pm (Hedges Administrative Building)
30
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
30
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)
30
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm
Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month. Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
31
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Southwind Extension District
Learning to Navigate Your Smartphone and Tablet for Seniors – Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, 2:30-3:30pm
Class will cover the basics: sending emails, downloading attachments, sharing photos and searching Google. Also addressed: how to use maps, and which apps to download to make your life easier. Attendees names will be placed in a drawing for a $50 gift card
Class is FREE, but space is limited. RSVP by Jan. 28th to Becky Kellum at [email protected] or call
620-223-5550
31
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
1-2
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!
1
YPL First Friday Luncheon (Young Professional’s League of Bourbon County) – In the Celebration Room of Papa Don’s Pizza, 10 N. Main St., Fort Scott
Join us for the YPL First Friday Luncheon, open to YPL members or anyone interested in the organization
2-3
Youth Basketball Tournament hosted by FSHS Booster Club
To enter a team or for more information, contact Jeff DeLaTorre at [email protected]
2
1st Annual All You Can Eat Pancake Meal at First Southern Baptist Church – 1818 S. Main St., 7am-7pm
The First Southern Baptist Church is planning to build a gymnasium to be used for youth programs, meetings, dinners and as a safe shelter for the surrounding area. Adult tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Children under 7 are FREE
The church is also hosting a study on the Book of Revelations on Sunday evenings at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall at the north end of the church
2
Care to Share Cancer Support Group – Mercy McAuley Center, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., 10:30am-12pm
This meeting is for anyone: fighters, survivors, families, caregivers, and anyone that wants to be involved in caring and sharing. No refreshments provided by Mercy this time, so please bring your own
5-6
Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
5
Fort Scott Middle School Pizza Hut Nights Fundraiser, 1st Tuesday of every month – Fort Scott Pizza Hut, 1810 S. Main St.
Please plan to eat at Pizza Hut sometime that day and use the FSMS voucher
5
Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet hosted by the Chamber of Commerce – at the Boiler Room Brewhaus, 10 S. National Ave., 8:30-9:30am
The Chamber of Commerce hosts Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greets at a different location for Downtown business owners or representatives, or anyone in the community with an interest in Downtown issues to attend and share thoughts and ideas related to Downtown, and to stay current on new happenings
5
T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
5
Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12-1pm (Hedges Administrative Building)
5
Forecast 2019 – Presented by White Ember Financial Planning – Precision Coffee Company, 127 E. Cherry St., Nevada, MO
Join us as we discuss how the markets fared in 2018 and the expectations for 2019.
5:45-6:00 pm – Registration & Hors d’oeuvres
6:00 pm – Forecast 2019 Presentation by Ross Lawrence
Please RSVP prior to February 1st to (417) 667-4721 or [email protected]
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
6
Monthly Grief Support Luncheon hosted by Cheney Witt Chapel – at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main, 12-1pm
A Grief Support Luncheon is hosted by Cheney Witt Chapel the 1st Wednesday of each month at noon. Anyone dealing with a loss is encouraged to come, and bring a friend. Cheney Witt Chapel will provide lunch at the Carriage House. Call 620-223-1186 with any questions
6
Bourbon County Coalition Monthly Meeting – Public Welcome! – In the basement of the First Baptist Church, 123 Scott Avenue, 12-1pm
6
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)
6
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm
Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month. Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
7
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by City State Bank
City State Bank’s Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – 202 Scott Ave.
Starts at 5pm, remarks and ribbon cutting at 5:30
7
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
7
Meet the Author Gerri Hilger at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main St., 6pm
Meet and greet author Gerri Hilger, former Fort Scott teacher and resident. Her book, “Our Duty” recalls Kansas WWII nurses and airmen, and is available for purchase in the store
There will be an author talk, Q & A and book signing. Light refreshments provided. (See flyer below)
Save the Date:
– February 9 – Winter Biker Meet & Greet Expo
– February 9 – Rotary’s 2019 Dancing With Our Stars
– February 10 – 3rd Annual Farm Toy Show & Sales
Click here for full events listing on our website.
Tina and Dave Lipe, owners of Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National Avenue.
Dave Lipe told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee attendees that even though January and February are typically slow seasons for retail businesses, Sharky’s Pub and Grub has seen an increase in catering.
He and wife, Tina, are the owners of the business, at 16 N. National Avenue, which opened June 1, 2011.
“We’ve done catering for seven or eight years, since we’ve been open,” Lipe said. “Catering is one thing that has picked up for us.”
“We can do a Superbowl party, a rehearsal dinner….weddings,” he said.
There is also a third-floor event center available for rent above their restaurant, Lipe said.
They recently did catering in Kansas City.
“We did a tailgate party at the Chief’s game, we are mobile,” he said.
“If there is something you are needing, ask,” Lipe said.
The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. and can be reached at 223-4777.
City State Bank, 202 Scott Avenue, has an updated look. Submitted photo.
A business that has been in downtown Fort Scott for over 60 years has received an update in the form of a remodel.
The original City State Bank downtown building was constructed in 1957.
It needed an update, said John Hill, president and CEO of the bank.
“The new drive-thru and ATM allow us to better serve our customers who drive larger vehicles.,” Hill said. “The remodel reflects the type of service we are trying to give our existing and new customers in Fort Scott. It also shows our commitment to downtown.”
There will be a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and grand reopening on Feb. 7 at 5 p.m.
The bank is located at 202 Scott Avenue.
“The inside is completely remodeled with a new layout that includes new flooring, teller desk, furniture, lighting and décor,” Hill said.
Submitted photo. The interior of City State Bank, January 2019.
The outside facelift includes new stone, stucco, drive-thru canopy, a new island ATM, sidewalks and lighting.
The backside of City State Bank following renovation.
The remodel started in August 2018 and was completed by January 2019.
LaForge and Budd Construction Company, Inc of Parsons, Kansas was the general contractor.
In addition, “We used many local vendors and contractors,” working of the project, Hill said.
The bank can be reached at 223-2419 for the downtown branch, or 223-1600 at the 1012 Hwy. 69 branch.
