We are working together with Feeding America, our sister food banks and state and local health authorities to understand and manage our response to the Covid-19 virus.
PLEASE BE ADVISED EFFECTIVE MARCH 16 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE…
There is a new procedure for obtaining food box if one is eligible.
Please call the Beacon with name and when you would like to pick up your order. It will then be filled between normal business hours.
Orders will be picked up off the back deck of the agency.
To see the Beacon Director for any reason please feel free to call and visit with him at 620-223-6869.
Thank you for understanding we are just trying to protect our clients and staff. We feel social distancing is the best approach.
Benjamin Banwart and Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo. Ben is in his eighth year of piano study with Tucker.
A local piano teacher has encouraged many students to pursue music in her 25-year career.
And it started in her childhood with a passion for piano and encouragement from her parents.
When Carolyn Tucker was in third grade, she had a desire to play the piano but there was no piano in her home.
Like a broken record, she consistently told her parents that she wanted to play, she said.
“They soon realized this desire was not going to go away, so one Saturday the three of us went to Springfield, MO, to shop for a piano,” Tucker said. “A few days later a brand-new piano was delivered to our home, and I couldn‘t play a lick! That expensive purchase was a huge step of faith for my parents and I will always be grateful.”
Carolyn and Zachary Ballou at a piano recital in April 2013. Submitted photo. Ballou was a student of hers for nine years.
She began studying piano with Miss Rebecca Murray and found she loved it.
“I soon realized that God had given me the gift to play by ear, ” she said. “My mother never had to tell me to practice my lessons because every time I walked through the living room, I’d stop and play the piano. The ability to read music and play by ear was a great marriage, and by the time I was in eighth grade, I was the church pianist. I ‘cut my teeth’ on gospel music and it’s always been my first love.”
Taylor Cation and Carolyn at a piano recital in 2012. Cation was a 10-year student with Tucker. Submitted photo.
Since that purchase and the subsequent lessons, she’s been sharing her of love of music for 53 years in various church settings, weddings, funerals, civic functions, patriotic programs, nursing homes, retirement facilities, gospel concerts, family reunions, baby dedications, recitals, music parties, prayer breakfasts, etc.
“Music is a powerful language that everyone understands because it speaks from the heart,” she said.
In 1994, a friend asked her if she would teach her daughter to play the piano.
“I agreed to give it a try. Now, 25 years later, 97 students have come through the studio,” she said.
At a recital in 2016 – with 10-year student Kelcie Bailey.
Grateful
“Playing the piano has provided a lifetime of musical ministry and joy for me,” Tucker said. ” I can’t imagine what my life would be like had my parents not provided the ‘begged-for’ piano and lessons for me.”
“I believe every baby is born with God-given gifts, and it’s up to the parents to help the child discover his/her destiny using those gifts for God‘s glory,” she said. “My Dad always said, ‘Buying that piano was the best investment I ever made.'”
Encourage children to find musical gifts
Tucker wants to inspire parents to provide their children with opportunities to find their gifts.
“God doesn’t gift every individual to be musical, but if a child expresses a deep desire to play an instrument, there’s a good chance that he/she was created to do it,” she said. “You never know what treasure lies within a child’s heart until the door is opened.
To contact Tucker for lessons, call 620-223-1483.
Tucker Music Studio is located at 954 240th Street
Perry’s Pork Rinds invites vendors to join a
🔥🔥1st Annual Sizzling Summer Craft Fair🔥🔥.
💰💰Admission to our air-conditioned event is FREE.
“We do ask you to donate any shampoo conditioner 🚿toothpaste toothbrushes 🦷 sanitary items for women razors and 🪒deodorants🧼,” Kelly Perry said. ” Also feel free to donate a monetary donation for us to purchase the toiletries. Items will be given to local families in need in BB County via one of the many resource centers.”
“We will be accepting 60-100 craft, hand made, mass-produced, one of a kind or direct sales items as well as foods. No repeat of items will be allowed. Step away from the summer heat☀️☀️Drop the kids off at the aquatic center to swim 🏊♀️ and come enjoy some free time with indoor shopping 🛍 in the AC right here in Ft Scott KS🌻”
Vendor Applications available Friday, March 13, 2010. www.PerrysPorkRinds.com Click on EVENTS tab & print form.
Mail to:
Perry’s Pork Rinds
PO Box 112
Bronson. KS66716
Beauty salon owner Margo Davis, right, gives a friend who dropped in, Mary Etta Williard, a tour of her new business on March 3.
Margo Davis took time out of a hair appointment to give a friend a tour of her new salon on the salon’s opening day, March 3.
Structure by Margo is at 19 S. National Avenue, where Bids and Dibs Consignment store was formerly located.
The tour included a look at the new salon area that will eventually allow five other beauticians space, a kitchenette, a dispensary, a waxing room, hair washing stations, nail spa, bathroom and lots of storage space.
“I’m loving it, the new location, and the renovation work,” Davis said.
Davis shows the dispensary of the salon.
The salon opened following a Kansas State Board of Cosmetology inspection on Feb. 26 and months of a renovation of the building.
The hours of the business are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The brand new business phone number, as of March 9, is 620-644-5003.
Davis shows Willard the hair washing stations.
Davis received her cosmetology degree from Fort Scott Community College and taught in the cosmetology department for 26 years.
Following her desire to mentor new hairstylists, Davis has a 2020 Fort Scott Community College Cosmetology student, Joy Page, coming when Page graduates.
Davis shows the waxing room where she removes facial and upper body hair. The reno work was done by Jim Jones, an electrician, and Josh Query, a contractor.
“They did an amazing job,” Davis said.
Margo Davis takes an appointment by phone at her new shop, Structure By Margo.
Davis, in a previous interview, said she received help starting her business from Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor who gave step-by-step guidance during the process of applying for an eCommunity loan.
She also received a grant from Bourbon County Economic Development Council with The City of Fort Scott Economic Director Rachel Pruitt instrumental in attaining this grant, she said.
Topeka, Kan. – The Kelly administration announced today that nominations are being accepted for the prestigious 2020 Governor’s Awards for Business Excellence, which honor businesses across the state.
“The Governor’s Awards for Business Excellence have been presented to outstanding Kansas businesses since 1995,” Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said, “It’s my honor to continue the tradition of recognizing the magnificent work Kansas businesses do for our people and our communities.”
In past years, the state has presented the Governor’s Award to one outstanding Kansas business. This year, in addition to Business of the Year, the state also will present awards for Outstanding New Business, Outstanding Veteran-owned Business and Family Friendly Business. Regional awards also will be presented in the Manufacturing and Distribution, Healthcare and Nonprofit, Business Services and Retail sectors.
“Businesses play a critical role in creating and maintaining a healthy Kansas economy,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “With so many terrific businesses in Kansas, I know members of the selection committee will have their work cut out for them in selecting this year’s winners.”
Nominations for the Governor’s Awards for Business Excellence are reviewed and scored by a committee of Kansas businesses and economic development professionals.
Businesses may be nominated by an individual or organization, and nominators may submit multiple companies for consideration. Self-nominations also are accepted. The nomination deadline is April 3, 2020. Additional details on the awards, as well as the nomination form may be found online at www.kansascommerce.gov/governorsawards.
Smallville CrossFit Recognized as Emerging Business of the Year at 2020 Kansas Small Business Awards
Smallville CrossFit was recognized as the Kansas SBDC at Pittsburg State University Emerging Business of the Year at the annual Kansas Small Business Awards on March 5th in Topeka.
Aaron and Lindsey Watts, owners of Smallville CrossFit in Fort Scott, are on a mission to build a well-balanced, healthy, and fully capable community. Smallville’s atmosphere allows for anyone to come through their doors and start on their better health journey with no judgement.
The Wattses purchased Smallville CrossFit in 2016 and the business quickly grew. Knowing they would need to purchase a larger facility, the Wattses reached out to the Kansas Small Business Development Center in 2019 for assistance with cash flow projections and the development of a financial strategy.
“Laying out a detailed list of all of the costs we needed to address and be prepared for was huge for me,” said Lindsey Watts. “I am a planner; however, there were still many things that were not even on my radar. [Kansas SBDC advisor] Dacia Clark explained each and every cost and asked questions that helped me question ways to do things better with future spending.”
Smallville CrossFit is located at 1905 S. Judson Street in Fort Scott, Kansas. To learn more, follow them on Facebook at @smallvillecrossfit.
The First and Main building as seen from National Avenue on Nov. 4, 2019.
The renovation of a downtown late-1800s building has been at a standstill.
Work began in 2018 on the Union Building, at First and Main Street, and stopped for many months in 2019 and into 2020.
The inside was gutted and will be built back to make it into apartments, according to the developer.
“We replaced the (first) contractor” Tony Krsnich, president and CEO of Flint Hills Holdings, told FortScott.Biz.
A new process began of moving forward on the project, he said.
Architects and engineers have been working on plans for the gutted Union Building for weeks, Krsnich, said.
The three-story building is being converted into apartments for the general public and rent will be based on income, Krsnich said in a prior interview.
“Architects and engineers work from their offices most of the time,” Krsnich said. “They’ve been on site along with subs every week for the past five weeks or so.”
Hans Thomas and Associates, K.C. MO are the architects, Agricultural Engineering Associates, Uniontown, is the civil engineer, Rau Construction, Overland Park is the general contractor, and Joe Towns, Lee’s Summit, MO is the structural engineer, Krsnich said.
The developer, Flint Hills Holdings, is located at 2315 W. 65th, Mission Hills, KS.
Completion of the project is expected to be in December currently, he said.
Union Building, First and Main streets, Fort Scott. June 2018, before inside demolition began.
Topeka, Kan. – Kansas exports totaled $11.6 billion in 2019, up 0.25 percent over 2018. Nationally, U.S. exports experienced a 1.25 percent decline during the same period.
“Seeing Kansas exports rise in the face of global headwinds like trade disputes, aviation difficulties and Brexit is heartening, and Kansans should be proud they are outperforming the national trend,” said Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Toland.
“Governor Kelly and I are committed to Kansas’ success in an increasingly competitive global economy,” Toland added. “The Governor’s reestablishment of the International division at the Department of Commerce and the continued investment in key programs that benefit Kansas exporters are having a positive impact on our exports.”
The combined value of the top ten exported commodities was $9 billion. The largest gains were seen in the cereals, electric machinery and vehicle and parts categories, which increased by $93 million, $90 million and $80 million respectively.
In the five-state region which includes Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma, the average export value was $9.3 billion, $2.3 billion less than Kansas’ export total.
Highlights:
The top ten exported commodities accounted for 77.2 percent of total exports, nearly the same as last year’s data (77.4 percent).
Other than the cereals, electric machinery and vehicle categories, significant growth was seen in the optic and medical equipment category and the oil seeds category, which increased by $44 million and $32 million respectively.
Mexico continues to be Kansas’ largest export destination, totaling $2.2 billion. Compared with last year, exports to Mexico increased by $84 million or 4 percent.
Exports to Brazil increased by $87 million or 47.5 percent, making it Kansas’ ninth-largest export destination. The drastic increase came from the aircraft and parts sector, which grew by nearly $70 million.
Exports to China, the United Kingdom and Canada experienced significant declines, $103 million, $64 million and $61 million respectively. The decline was mainly caused by turbulence in trade deal negotiations, volatility in the aircraft and parts sector and slow growth in the global economy. Despite significant reductions, these three countries continue to be Kansas’ top export destinations, and the rank order remains largely unchanged. France and Australia dropped out of the top-10 list and were replaced by Brazil and Taiwan.
The top five export markets are Mexico, Canada, Japan, China and Germany. Combined, the group accounted for 53 percent of total exports. The top 10 markets accounted for 68 percent of total exports.
2019 Kansas Exports–Top 10 Markets
% of Total
% Change
Exports (Millions)
Country (with 2018 rank)
KS Exports
2018-2019
2019
2018
2017
1 Mexico (1)
18.85%
4.00%
$2,190
$2,106
$1,882
2 Canada (2)
16.24%
-3.16%
$1,886
$1,948
$2,512
3 Japan (3)
8.87%
2.21%
$1,030
$1,008
$980
4 China (4)
4.76%
-15.83%
$553
$657
$706
5 Germany (6)
4.37%
7.06%
$508
$475
$430
6 United Kingdom (5)
3.99%
-12.22%
$464
$528
$419
7 Republic of Korea (7)
3.40%
-4.22%
$395
$413
$282
8 Singapore (8)
3.17%
9.37%
$368
$336
$256
9 Brazil (12)
2.33%
47.53%
$271
$183
$207
10 Taiwan (11)
2.13%
8.43%
$248
$229
$196
Top 10 Total
68.12%
0.39%
$7,912
$7,882
$7,871
Total Kansas Exports
0.25%
$11,615
$11,587
$11,244
2019 Kansas Exports Top 10 Commodity Classifications
Submitted by Billie Jo Drake, President of Bourbon County Coalition
March 4, 2020
Welcome and Board update: Twenty members and one guest representing fourteen agencies attended. Billie Jo shared that the Coalition Board would have family swim pass applications at Buck Run Community Center and Beacon by April 1. She thanked members for their cooperation in cancelling the February meeting due to weather.
Member introductions and announcements:
Michelle Worsley, SEK CAP Head Start, shared that they are taking applications for the program; acceptance is based on income.
Steve Jameson, SEK CAP, shared that he is now working on one of the eight Kansas teams with the Drug Endangered Children Academy.
Christine Abbott, SEK Kansas Works, announced that the state wide job fair will be April 2, 3-6:00 p.m. at the Pittsburg Memorial Hall. She reminded members that participants need to come with resumes in hand. The Youth Summit will be held at the same time; presently, the Youth Summit is at capacity with 125 registered.
Reagan Rose, SEK Kansas Works, emphasized that she can help with employment issues for adults, 18 and up.
Michelle Lyon, DCF, announced that the First Presbyterian Church now has a furniture ministry; contact the church or Michelle with needs and/or donations.
Sandy Haggard, RSVP, reminded members of the “Are You Taking Your Medications Safely?” program being held Tuesday, March 24, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., at the SEK-Multi County Health Department , 524 South Lowman, Fort Scott.
Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries/Salvation Army/Care Portal, shared that there will be a free-will offering pancake feed on April 5 at the Empress Center to benefit Compassionate Ministries. He is also working on building beds through a Fort Scott Community Foundation grant. Although he does not have a definite budget as yet, the Salvation Army has given him permission to begin spending the 2020 money to help those in our area.
Cinda Reynolds, American Red Cross, shared that she and Nancy Van Etten had recently completed the “Mass Care Training.”
Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, has apartments available!
Caleb Smith, Kansas Appleseed, noted that they will host a SNAP training on April 23, 1-3:00 p.m. at the Wesley House in Pittsburg. He will have more information later on the May 30 Payday Lending program in Iola.
Kelly Stammer and Abby Churning, DCF GOALS, shared that they are in need of beds and bed frames.
Shannon Stancer, TFI, mentioned that they are short on transportation drivers.
Gary Murrell, Beacon, noted that they are in need of food and financial donations.
Program: Barbara Longhofer, Kansas Guardianship Program. The Kansas Guardianship Program is a partnership involving the State of Kansas and citizen volunteers. Every year many adults in Kansas are declared legally unable to manage their lives and financial affairs. The KGP recruits citizen volunteers willing to be appointed as guardian or conservator to advocate for and protect the rights of these individuals. The program began in Manhattan and has been in existence for about forty years. It is like CASA for adults. Volunteers need only to have a big heart and a few hours each month. In 2019 Kansas had 1,385 adults with 767 volunteers. Bill Meyer and Elizabeth Schafer, both volunteers in the program, shared about their clients and their experiences with them. Barbara also shared that the “Aging with Attitude” conference will be held on the last Friday in April at the Community Christian Church.
April program: Meaghan Russell will be sharing about the mentoring program at USD 235.
Open Forum: We still need program ideas for May and June as well as all months next year.
