The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee and observation of National Day of Prayer hosted by Fort Scott Pioneer Kiwanis, Thursday, May 1st at 8am. The coffee will be held at the First United Methodist Church located at 301 S. National Ave. in the Fellowship Hall for which the entrance is on the 3rd Street or north side of the church. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.
Fort Scott Pioneer Kiwanis’ mission statement is “Kiwanis is a global organization dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time”. Locally, they support several causes yearly, including school programs and scholarships, feeding families, healthcare, and community services.
The Chamber Coffee will honor the National Day or Prayer and this year’s theme is HOPE – Pour out the God of HOPE and be filled. Guest speakers will include Rachel French with reflections about HOPE, along with Kelley Collins, educating about Kiwanis and its mission. Pastor Christopher Eshelman will conduct opening and closing prayer. The Fort Scott Pioneer Kiwanis meet on Thursdays at noon in the Fellowship Hall at the 1st United Methodist Church, and anyone interested in their work is always welcome to visit and join them.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2824 S. Horton St. Fort Scott Ks
Palm Sunday 9:00 am 4/14/2025
Maunday Thursday 7:00 pm 4/17/2025
Good Friday 7:00 pm 4/18/2025
Easter Sunday 9:00 am 4/20/2025
The annual Lenten Fish Fry started last Friday and will continue each Friday until April 11 at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church gymnasium at 705 Holbrook.
The meals are offered 5-7 p.m. and are prepared by the Knights of Columbus.
The parish priest, Father Yancy Burgess, said that the community is welcome to come and view the new church building that replaced the 150-year-old Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church which was destroyed in a fire on August 29, 2022. The new church was dedicated in November 2024.
Taken from the Catholic Diocese of Wichita website, the dedication of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in November 2024.
“The Keyhole has been falling short of its intended purpose for some time now,” said Nick Sprague, a board member. “The funding provided by Key Industries has been withdrawn. From my understanding, the Keyhole was a valuable component of this community for many years and actively engaged in ministry to the youth of Bourbon County.”
“However, in the past two years, the youth of Bourbon County have shifted their preferences from physical gatherings to online interactions and participation in sports and activities. While these changes are not necessarily negative, they reflect a shift in our culture and community.”
“The most productive aspect of the Keyhole over the past two years has been renting out the facility to families and groups on a regular basis. The building’s size and prime location make it unsuitable for solely serving as a rental facility.”
“The Keyhole served as a safe haven for the youth of Bourbon County, fostering a sense of belonging and providing a personal space for teenagers,” he said. The name ‘Keyhole’ referred to the building operated by Bourbon County Youth Ministries, which received funding from Key Industries and various churches and organizations throughout its history.”
“The building will be sold. Bourbon County Youth Ministries, the current owner, will transfer ownership to another youth-focused organization, business, or community entity. The proceeds from the sale will not be retained by the organization; instead, the board is deliberating on the most suitable recipient for the funds, with the intention of reinvesting them within the community. This may involve supporting Key Industries or other organizations.”
In December 2024, the Bourbon County Youth Ministries Board of Directors voted to close the Keyhole. The voting members of the Board are Sprague, Ryan Goodbody, Amber Goodbody, and Janelle Tate.
“As a non-profit organization, we will donate items (in the building) to families in need or other local non-profit organizations. Bourbon County Youth Ministries will not retain any of the donated items; instead, they will either be sold with the building or donated to another organization.”
” I would like to express my personal sadness at the closure of the Keyhole,” Sprague said. “However, I am also confident that the community has great opportunities ahead. Our teenagers are an invaluable and essential component of our community, and I sincerely hope that someone with the necessary time and vision will establish a space for them.”
“Furthermore, it is prudent to acknowledge and celebrate the legacy of the Keyhole. Its longstanding history of serving our community is truly remarkable. I want to honor and recognize all the individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to the Keyhole, whether they were the founders or those who dedicated many years to its operation.”
“The Keyhole’s era has come to an end, and I am eager to witness and ready to participate in the community’s future endeavors,” he said.
Nick Sprague is youth pastor at Fort Scott church of the Nazarene
The Keyhole building is located across from Fort Scott High School at 10th and Main Streets.
Fort Scott’s Tanya Glessner newest book release is
The Uncomfortable Truth: Finding Freedom in God’s Grace.
Book Overview:
The Uncomfortable Truth: Finding Freedom in God’s Grace- by Tanya Glessner invites you to embark on a transformative journey that challenges the very foundations of your understanding of faith and grace. In a world riddled with division, uncertainty, and the constant pull of fleeting desires, this powerful book serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to true freedom found in God’s unwavering love.
Dive deep into the complexities of human experience as Glessner masterfully unpacks uncomfortable truths that we often shy away from. Through the lens of Scripture, she confronts the malevolent influences that seek to derail our spiritual journey and guides us toward a profound understanding of our identity in Christ. Addressing pressing societal issues such as race, gender, and socioeconomic disparities, Glessner doesn’t shy away from the hard conversations that shape our world today.
This book is more than just a spiritual exploration; it’s a practical guide filled with actionable steps that empower you to grow in your faith. Discover how to make peace with God amidst life’s pain and suffering, find your purpose, and heal through the boundless love of Christ. As you navigate the uncertainties of life, let the timeless truths within these pages anchor your soul and renew your spirit.
Are you ready to confront the uncomfortable truths that can lead to profound freedom? Join Tanya Glessner on this enlightening journey and rediscover the power of faith in a world that often seeks to diminish its significance. Purchase your copy today and step into a life transformed by grace!
