During the first Chamber Coffee of the new year, the Chamber of Commerce introduced staff and new and returning board members to local business leaders of the community, also summarizing accomplishments from 2015 and announcing upcoming 2016 events.

“We do have an exciting year coming up,” chamber coffee hostess Rita Baker of Mercy Hospital said, saying the chamber will hold a strategic planning meeting soon to continue planning out the new year.

Baker said the chamber currently has 385 members, whose fees allow the chamber to hold events throughout the year. In 2015, the chamber organized events such as Fort Scott’s first Manufacturing Day, the third year of the high school mentoring program, the first three-species hunt, the opening of the LaRoche Baseball Complex and fundraisers such as the annual Golf Classic and Forks and Corks events.

Baker encouraged members to stay involved in such local events and invite others to join.

Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin said he has spoken with members of other communities who ask why new businesses come to Fort Scott, and said he believes it is because of the cooperation between the businesses and other entities such as the college and school districts with the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce.

“I just want everybody to realize how important the chamber is,” Martin said.

Upcoming events or needs in the community include:

• The LEAD Bourbon County course begins Thursday with the Chamber Coffee and will meet monthly over the next 10 months. Those still interested in joining can sign up and the Young Professionals League has a scholarship available.
• The Fitness Center at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott is currently waiving new membership fees for those interested in joining.
• The Fort Scott National Historic Site will be in need of employees by the summer, accepting applications from high school students and adults.
• First United Methodist Church will be hosting medical screenings next Thursday against the possibility of a stroke.
• The Fort Scott Community College will host a Martin Luther King Day luncheon in honor of the holiday.
• On February 9, at 1 p.m., the Fort Scott National Historic Site will host a class on how to properly burn pastures.
• The Rotary Club will host their Dancing with our Stars fundraiser event on February 26, but are still looking for couples who may be interested in participating.
• Country singer and Kansan Lucas Maddy will perform at the Liberty Theatre, March 6.

After more than a year of preparation and work at the old Western Insurance building, including demolition in recent months, construction will soon begin to prepare the remaining building for independent- living, senior apartments.

In a news conference hosted by the city of Fort Scott Monday morning, leaders of the city and the project gave an update on its process and answered questions.

Flint Hills Holdings Group, under president and CEO Tony Krsnich, purchased the buildings at the block of First Street between Main and National in June of 2014, with the goal of putting in 35 one- and two-bedroom units, a project which could add up to about $6 million of investments.

The group has completed similar projects in cities such as Lawrence, Parsons and Kansas City and found success in that area service. Krsnich said they like to look for projects that would include working on historical buildings in order to help preserve them and their legacy, which attracted them to Fort Scott.

With the sale of the buildings, the city of Fort Scott invested almost $1 million in an environmental cleanup of the building as well as the demolition of the building alongside National Avenue. That area will be used as a parking lot.

“The project wouldn’t have been possible without the city,” Krsnich said of the city’s investment in the building, saying he hopes the new apartments will bring more residents downtown as well as more businesses and employees.

City Manager Dave Martin said not only the city leaders but the residents of the community showed support for that investment that would improve the downtown appearance as well as potentially encourage others to invest in vacant spaces located downtown.

“This project isn’t going to fix our downtown,” director of economic development Heather Smith said. “But what it will do, I think, is bring opportunity for additional developments.”

Krsnich said construction will begin within the historic building in January and will likely be complete by October. Already a list is forming for those interested in becoming residents, which could lead to a waiting list as Krsnich said they expect the apartments to rent out quickly.

On New Year’s Eve, Fort Scott and the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Soleil Tan, a tanning salon bringing its services to Fort Scott after opening a similar location in Nevada.

“I feel like we’re going to do really well here,” general manager Devin Miller said, saying their presence was requested by some of Nevada’s customers who had been traveling from Fort Scott, so they began working to bring it to the area more than a year ago. “We felt there was a need.”

The business offers a range of tanning levels on different beds manufactured in Kansas City, some sessions lasting about six minutes and going up to 15 minutes. It also provides teeth whitening and tanning lotions and moisturizers that Miller said can help tans last longest. Miller said they hope to add more services in the future.

“Our mission has always been to dispel the myths about sun beds and explain the science behind UV tanning,” Miller said, saying they use a controlled environment of UV exposure in moderation. “Our goal is to earn our customers’ business with a well-trained staff, a clean environment and a relaxing experience that gives great results.”

To go with their grand opening, Miller said they are offering specials including 12 tanning sessions for the price of 10 and 20 percent off lotions. The first tan is also always free.

Soleil Tan will be open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Miller said those hours may change based on demand. Appointments can be made via their text line, sending those messages to 620-215-0176.

“The place looks beautiful,” Chamber of Commerce director Lindsay Madison said of the building they renovated and cleaned up. “And we’re just glad you’re here.”

Other announcements concerned New Year’s Eve events being held at Vinedo del Alamo Winery and the Liberty Theatre at 8:30 p.m., and music and a champagne toast at Sharkey’s.

On Feb. 9, at 1 p.m., the Fort Scott National Historic Site will host a program concerning pasture burning for the cost of $10. The 10-month LEAD Bourbon County program is also still accepting applicants.

During the final Chamber Coffee of 2015 Thursday morning, members of the community were introduced to city employees and leaders as well as given a report on the accomplishments of the city in 2015.

City Manager Dave Martin listed a number of additions and improvements to Fort Scott in 2015, including the completion of the Lowell Milken Center building, the LaRoche Baseball Complex, the Marmaton Riverfront trails, the National Historic Site’s new exhibit, the expansion of a number of businesses as well as the opening of different venues for community events.

Other changes include the addition of the new Fort Scott Community College president and the approval of the school and jail bonds. It was also determined that Mercy Hospital would remain in Fort Scott while the demolition of the Western Insurance building will likely be complete by the end of the year.

Martin expressed gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce and the Historic Preservation Association for their work with the city to continue to improve the community.

In 2016, Martin said residents can look forward to the completion of the National Avenue project and possibly the quiet zone where the railroad tracks intersect with Wall Street. Work will also begin on widening Highway 69 for a turning lane, improving Maple Road, constructing the Western building apartments and creating a new entrance for the Industrial Park.

Kansas Fiber will also arrive in Fort Scott as well as the new assisted living facilities being built on Horton. Grants will be used such as the safe routes to school grant and another grant that will permit the city to put sidewalks in place on Wall Street.

“We just really appreciate our jobs,” Martin said on behalf of the city. “We appreciate serving in the community. And when I say that, we couldn’t do that without everyone in this room—the hospital, the college, the school district, the county and everybody working together. We have to work together to move forward.”

Other announcements concerning upcoming events included:

• The Fort Scott Community College will host a Red Cross Blood Drive Thursday 1-7 p.m., and Friday until noon.
• The Young Professionals League of Bourbon County will hold a Christmas social Friday evening at 6:30. Further details can be found on their Facebook page.
• The Fort Scott Public Library will hold a Christmas party for children Saturday at 11 a.m., with activities and snacks provided. They are also looking for volunteers who might help with the event.
• The Common Ground Coffee Co. will host a Christmas concert by Nine Mile March Saturday evening at 7 p.m., using the event as a fundraiser for a barista who will leave for Uganda in January.
• The Salvation Army Kettle Drive is still looking for volunteers to help with the drive through December 24. The money raised will remain in Bourbon County to be used to assist those in need.
• The Leadership, Exploration and Development program beginning in 2016 continues to look for participants for the 10-month program, which will meet the second Thursday of each month. Deb Needleman and Robert Uhler will facilitate the sessions which will include curriculum from the Kansas Leadership Center.

Submitted by: Dani Gardullo, 223-9991, lmcgardullo@gmail.com

2015 Lowell Milken Center Expansion

FORT SCOTT, KS – December 7, 2015- The Lowell Milken Center’s expansion has neared conclusion as the building located at 1 South Main Street has been fully constructed.  This new exhibition hall will provide 6,000 square feet of exciting exhibits. The Grand Opening is in May, although the building may be toured now. The new Hall of Heroes will be located at the site of the major fire in Fort Scott in 2005. The new exhibits will feature the great stories of the past museum, such as Irena Sendler, and also new enhanced exhibits. The Center expects tourism to double over the next few years.

We offer a special VIP media tour of the building, just contact us at your convenience.  You will be invited to the grand opening, but now is your opportunity to get an advance look at the outstanding museum.

Since its establishment in 2007, LMC has reached over 1,150,000 students and 9,000 schools in all 50 states, with increasing global reach. In addition, LMC’s Fort Scott headquarters have hosted visitors from every state and 78 countries, demonstrating the worldwide application of its mission.

About the Lowell Milken Center:

The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) discovers, develops and communicates the stories of unsung heroes who have made a profound and positive difference on the course of history. Through project-based learning, people throughout America and the world learn that each of us has the responsibility and the power to take actions that “repair the world.”  Visit www.lowellmilkencenter.org to learn more.

Several businesses of downtown Fort Scott, plus a couple others not located downtown, will participate in the Mistletoe on Main Street event happening Thursday evening, giving the community an opportunity to complete their Christmas shopping locally.

“The reason we do it is just to promote shopping downtown,” said Jessica Cook, marketing, relations and events coordinator with the Chamber of Commerce, adding they hold similar events throughout the year to support local businesses and provide the community with a chance to shop after getting off work.

This event, occurring 5-8 p.m., includes a slight change this time as 10 of the participating businesses will have mistletoe with a coupon attached placed somewhere in their stores. Whoever finds the mistletoe is asked to take it to the Chamber of Commerce, where they will be given $10 in Chamber bucks, which can be used at any chamber business.

Participating stores include Bids & Dibs, Books and Grannies, Country Cupboard, Iron Star Antiques, Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, Papa Don’s and Miller’s Feed & Farm among others. The Lowell Milken Center will also take part in the event through their gift-wrapping fundraiser.

“While you’re shopping you can get your gifts wrapped,” Cook said, saying the LMC asks for a donation of $2 to $4 for each gift they wrap.

The Fort Scott Middle School hosted the seventh annual VIP Fall Extravaganza Monday evening, with almost 60 local and out-of-town vendors participating to provide a one-stop shopping experience for those getting a head start on their Christmas shopping.

“It’s our biggest year,” organizer Stephanie George said, saying 10 new vendors joined the event this year. “I think the turnout’s been pretty good.”

George said each of the vendors paid a flat fee for their space in the middle school’s gym or commons area and the money raised could be used for building improvements or supplies for the students.

Some vendors provided food such as barbecue, enchiladas, sugar cookies, pies or other dishes and treats that could be consumed during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Others had handmade items that were sewn, crocheted or carved. Businesses including Essential Oils, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Miller Feed and Farm and Scentsy were also on hand as well as other organizations such as Care to Share and Relay for Life.

Some vendors held drawings for donated giveaways. Meals and live music were also part of the event along with childcare provided by the Fort Scott Community College volleyball team.

During the weekly Chamber Coffee Thursday morning at Landmark Bank, the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation presented grants to nine different local organizations, for a total of more than $21,000.

“Fort Scott should be proud that they…are celebrating the vision of community leaders…who had the long view of how do we support our community and important needs on an ongoing basis,” chairperson Carla Bryant Farmer said.

Since their beginning in 2007, the foundation has given 76 grants to non-profit organizations and other entities for a total of more than $103,000.

Grant Chairman Patty LaRoche said they had 21 applicants this year who had to prove they were a cause worthy of receiving the money, going through a lengthy process which this year focused on how they would help beautify Fort Scott.

Those recipients included entities such as the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Fort Scott/Bourbon County Riverfront Authority, First Presbyterian Church with the Bourbon County Arts Council, the city of Fort Scott, First United Methodist Church of Fort Scott, Fort Scott Middle School, Fort Scott National Historic Site and the Bourbon County Casa.

Their causes included improving the image of vacant downtown buildings, a pavilion and trails at the riverfront, an arts festival, new downtown pole banners, trees and plants for the new city park coming to Main Street and training among other goals.

“This is a real exciting program for Fort Scott,” said foundation member Steve Buerge, saying it will help make the community better. “It’s a way to get money, invest it in the future of Fort Scott, which we all are interested in.”

The foundation accepts donations, and has a matching program in place.

Other upcoming events or services announced during the Chamber Coffee include:

• Fort Scott Family Dental is offering six-month smiles to adults who would like their teeth straightened in 4-6 months.
• The Beacon will hold their Soup Line fundraiser Nov. 20, with tickets still available.
• The Adopt-a-Child program will begin in coming weeks, giving businesses, families or individuals a chance to shop for Christmas gifts for children in low income families.
• The Fall Extravaganza will be held at the Fort Scott Middle School Nov. 23, from 5 to 8 p.m., with about 60 vendors present and child care provided.
• Mercy Hospital will hold their Chili and Soup Cook-off Nov. 19, to raise money for their red stocking fund.
• Bye Bye Birdie will be performed by students once more Saturday evening at 7 p.m. at the Fort Scott High School. Tickets are still available.
• The Chamber of Commerce will conduct an open enrollment Monday through Wednesday of next week, contacting members and potential members who might want to be involved in the chamber.
• The sophomore class of Christian Heights will work on the Gunn Park bike trails Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., as a fundraiser for a school trip. Students will be seeking sponsors as well as donations.
• Fort Scott Community College will host the Ryan White Benefit Rodeo Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Arnold Arena to help pay for the medical expenses of the rider who was injured earlier this year. The event will include live and silent auctions as well.
• Key Industries will hold their annual warehouse sale Nov. 21-28, excluding that Sunday and Thanksgiving Day.
• Nate’s Place will host book signings as well as sales Friday, 5-8 p.m.
• The Christmas parade will be held Dec. 1. Groups and businesses interested in participating are encouraged sign up.
• A fundraiser dinner for the trolley will be held Nov. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Beaux Arts Centre.

During the first November Chamber Coffee, hosted by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1165, the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution honored Aubrey “Buzz” Hawpe for his care of the American flag in Fort Scott.

Jim Gilpin, of Iola, president of the local SAR, presented a plaque to Hawpe in recognition of his tending to more than 40 American flags at over a dozen locations in Fort Scott, including those at the 20^th Century Veterans Memorial, Skubitz Plaza, at the East National and National streets triangle and those at the triangle at Horton and 18^th streets.

“The U.S. flag is one of the most recognized symbols of American patriotism,” Gilpin said. “One of the five goals of the Sons of the American Revolution is to encourage respect for our national symbols, including our flag.”

In the past, the SAR has presented similar awards to the Fort Scott VFW and the Fort Scott National Historic Site for taking care of flags such as by keeping them well lit and replacing and properly retiring worn flags.

Other announcements from local businesses included:

• Mary’s Catholic School will host their fall bazaar Sunday at the Kennedy Gym, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Medicalodges will host a potato bar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to raise money for the residents’ Christmas Fund.
• Students of Fort Scott High School will be presenting the play Bye Bye Birdie at the school’s auditorium next Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m.
• Planning for the 2016 Pioneer Harvest Fiesta has already begun, which includes changing the dates from the last weekend in September to the last weekend in August to avoid conflicts with other events.
• The Power and Light musical trio will perform Saturday at the Common Ground at 7 p.m. The coffee shop is also hosting a bingo and baked goods fundraiser Thursday evening for a barista who will be going to Uganda in January.
• The Beacon is serving as a go-between in coming weeks for the adopt a child program, allowing businesses or individuals to buy Christmas gifts for children in low income families this holiday season.
• Fort Scott Community College theater department will be putting on the Wildflowering of Chastity play Friday through Sunday at the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
• The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes recently presented Discovery Awards at a ceremony in Topeka Wednesday.
• The Chamber of Commerce fundraiser Forks and Corks: Taste of Fort Scott will be held at the Memorial Hall Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m., offering a variety of beverages and food vendors as well as auctions.
• The theme of this year’s Christmas Parade is announced as Old Fashioned Christmas, and will occur December 1, at 6 p.m.
• The Holiday Open House will be hosted at downtown shops next Thursday, Nov. 12, with businesses selling holiday items as well as providing snacks to customers.
• The Beacon Soup Line will offer hot meals to the public Nov. 20, at the Kennedy Gym for $5 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Tickets are on sale for the Homes for the Holiday Tour the first weekend of December, including a limited number of tickets for the Moonlight and Mistletoe Tour which will include the LaRoche home.
• The VFW will hold a free-will donation luncheon on Veterans’ Day, Nov. 11, at 11:30 a.m.