Category Archives: Entertainment

Southeast Kansas Library System Newsletter

The SEKnFind Newsletter
January 2024

We hope you enjoy this newsletter sent as a courtesy to adult patrons of a southeast Kansas library using the SEKnFind catalog.
This selection of titles are NEW at a SEKnFind library and available for a hold.
Need assistance? Your local librarian can show you how!
Happy Reading!

New Fiction

First lie wins : a novel
by Ashley Elston

A woman with many faces and identities, Evie Porter, covertly moves from job to job for her unknown employer until her latest mark, Ryan Summer gets under her skin and makes her envision a different sort of life.

No one can know
by Kate Alice Marshall

Returning to the house where her parents were murdered, mother-to-be Emma Palmer who has never told anyone what she saw the night her parents died, even when she became the prime suspect, is reunited with her estranged sisters who will do anything to keep the past buried.

The fury
by Alex Michaelides

Spending Easter with Lana Farrar, a reclusive ex-movie star and one of the most famous women in the world, on her idyllic private Greek island, her guests, concealing hatred and desire for revenge, become trapped when the night ends in violence and murder.

True north : a novel
by Andrew J. Graff

A heartfelt novel of marriage and whitewater rafting follows one couple as they navigate the changing currents of family, community and the river itself.

The waters : a novel
by Bonnie Jo Campbell

Spending the days searching for truths on an island in the Great Massasauga Swamp, 11-year-old Dorothy Zook, the granddaughter of an herbalist and eccentric healer, finds her childhood upended by family secrets, passionate love and violent men where the only bridge across the water is her wayward mother.

Hedging your bets : a novel
by Jayne Denker

Happily divorced Gillian prefers her garden to the dating scene but is intrigued by her new neighbor until they’re pitted against each other in gardening contest, in the new novel from the author of the“Welcome to Marsden” series. Original.

The house of last resort : a novel
by Christopher Golden

Buying an abandoned house in the remote Italian town of Becchina, American couple Tommy and Kate Puglisi are drawn into a nightmare when they discover the home was owned by the Church—and learn the truth about what the priests were doing in this house for all those long years.

Sanctuary of the shadow
by Aurora Ascher

Hidden within an unusual circus run by a centuries-old Enchanter, Harrow, keeping her true identity and magical ability a secret, finds her destiny in an elemental with no recollection of who he is, forcing her to reveal the secrets from her own dark past to save this dangerous creature.

Mislaid in parts half-known
by Seanan McGuire

When Eleanor West’s School for Wayward Children’s mean girl discovers her talent for finding absolutely anything, new student Antsy searches for a way back to the Shop Where Lost Things Go to be sure Vineta and Hudson are keeping their promise.

The curse of Pietro Houdini : a novel
by Derek B. Miller

In 1943, 14-year-old Massimo, rescued by a mysterious man called Pietro Houdini who preserves the treasures within the Benedictine abbey’s wall, accompanies him on a World War II art-heist adventure where they lie, cheat, steal, fight, kill and sin to survive, while smuggling Renaissance masterpieces they’ve rescued from the“safe keeping” of the Germans.

The caretaker : a novel
by Ron Rash

In 1951, Blackburn Gant, the sole caretaker of a hilltop cemetery in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is charged with caring for his best friend’s wife, Naomi, when he is drafted to serve overseas, and as Blackburn and Naomi grow closer and closer, a shocking revelation upends numerous lives.

On the Oregon Trail
by Robert Vaughan

When sixteen-year-old Matt Logan and his friend Danny Dugan ran away from an orphanage, they went west. There, they met Jim Bridger, among other mountain men, and became fur trappers. But the market for beaver plews died out, and the two friends took on jobs as wagon train guides. They eventually separated, hoping to meet again. One of the trains Matt picks up in Independence began its journey in St. Louis, led by widower Cody McNair. Cody was a well experienced leader, having once been the captain of an ocean-going sailing ship. His adult son and daughter, Jared and Ellen, make the trip with him. Also a part of the wagon company is Lon Baker, his wife Norma, and their eight-year-old daughter, Precious. Lon had been a slave on the McNair farm. When Cody’s father died, Cody had sold the farm and granted Lon his freedom. Lon, in turn, followed Cody to serve as a crewman on his ship. The two were now best friends and were embarking on this new adventure together. On the journey west, tension develops with some of the members of the train, and Cody and Matt are tasked with keeping things in check as the train endures the rigors of travel on their way to Oregon City, Oregon.

New Audiobooks

The Guests
by Margot Hunt

When a Category 5 hurricane is poised to hit their coastal Florida town, the Davies family takes refuge in their waterfront manse. Marlowe, Lee, and their teenage twins invite their close friends to wait out the storm in comfort and style. Uninvited are the three strangers who dock on the family’s shore right before the storm descends. Brothers Jason and Bo―and Bo’s girlfriend, Darcy―are a charming, helpful trio in need of a safe haven that the Davies are only too happy to provide. But as the storm outside grows more threatening, so does the tension in the house. Soon, the lines between family, friends, and strangers blur. Danger mounts with every pointed finger and broken confidence, and long-held secrets are revealed one after another until only one truth remains: not everyone is going to make it out alive.

The Heiress
by Rachel Hawkins

When Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore dies, her adopted son, Camden, rejects his inheritance, settling into a normal life as an English teacher in Colorado and marrying Jules, a woman just as eager to escape her own messy past. Ten years later, his uncle’s death pulls Cam and Jules back into the family fold and questions about the infamous heiress come to light. What really happened to those four husbands, who all died under mysterious circumstances? And why did she adopt Cam in the first place? Soon, Jules and Cam realize that an inheritance can entail far more than what’s written in a will–and that the bonds of family stretch far beyond the grave

Birdie & Harlow : Life, Loss, and Loving My Dog So Much I Didn’t Want Kids… Until I Did
by Taylor Wolfe

Taylor Wolfe tells the story of her wonderfully codependent relationship with her dog, and what he taught her about chosen family and the rewards of motherhood.

New Nonfiction

Your pocket therapist : break free from old patterns and transform your life
by Annie Zimmerman

“Every day, psychotherapist Dr. Annie Zimmerman meets clients in her private London practice who are struggling with their lives. They’re committed to achieving personal growth, making changes-but they’re struck at the question stage. They ask her: Why can’t I sleep? Why do I keep going back to a bad relationship? Why did I lose my temper? What is wrong with me? Here’s the thing: nothing is wrong with them. It’s just that they’re asking themselves the wrong questions. In Your Pocket Therapist, Dr. Zimmerman helps readers delve into their past to identify old, unhelpful patterns and teach them how to unlock the present. The book combines practical tools with anecdotes gleaned from the therapy room, distilling complex psychological concepts with her signature warmth and empathy. Her belief-galvanized by her hundreds of thousands of followers-is that if we learn to understand the roots of our suffering, we can bring about meaningful-and permanent-change in our lives. It comes down to learning how to ask the right questions. A brilliant, necessary toolkit for those who want to break free from past patterns and embrace a life of abundant self-awareness and connection, Your Pocket Therapist is an absolute must-read in the field of psychology”

Njuta : (enjoy, delight in) : the Swedish art of savoring the moment
by Niki Brantmark

Introducing the Swedish concept of njuta, which is about simplicity and intent in every aspect of life, this empowering and engaging guide offers advice for incorporating njuta into any lifestyle, showing you how to relax and consciously seize the moment to enrich and deepen your life. Illustrations.

I survived capitalism and all I got was this lousy t-shirt : everything I wish I never had to learn about money
by Madeline Pendleton

The TikTok superstar and founder of Tunnel Vision, a progressive and employee-centric clothing company, discusses her days living paycheck to paycheck while offering no-nonsense advice on taking control of your own financial life and building wealth.

Your journey to financial freedom : a step-by-step guide to achieving wealth and happiness
by Jamila Souffrant

The founder of Journey to Launch and the host of an award-nominated podcast of the same name offers her seasoned expertise, providing readers with the resources they need for spending and saving responsibly as they embark on a journey to financial freedom and independence.

The allure of the multiverse : extra dimensions, other worlds, and parallel universes
by Paul Halpern

Drawing on centuries of disputation and deep vision from luminaries like Nietzsche, Einstein and the creators of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a physicist reveals the multiplicity of multiverses that scientists have imagined to make sense of our reality. Illustrations.

Break the cycle : a guide to healing intergenerational trauma
by Mariel Buquâe

A trauma psychologist, professor and sound bath meditation healer offers scientific research and practical exercises to help the pain of unhealed emotions and inherited trauma and transform that pain into intergenerational abundance.

Come hungry : salads, meals, and sweets for people who live to eat
by Melissa Ben-Ishay

“In Come Hungry, Melissa shares her favorite everyday recipes and tips for creating nourishing, delicious meals the whole family will love. With flavorful ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, Melissa encourages home cooks of all levels to cook outside of their comfort zones and reveals her go-to techniques for creating the perfect bite”

Elvis Tribute Artist Coming to Fort Scott February 17

Featuring

530 – Happy Hour with Cash Bar with background music

Charcuterie Cup appetizers

Elvis-Themed Silent Auction


630 – Dinner with background music

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Breast & Herb Crusted Lemon Pepper Pork Tenderloin

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans Almondine

Rolls with butter (thank you Connie Conroy!)


730 – Dessert with background music

Elvis-favorites

-Peanut Butter & Banana Dessert Cups

-Pineapple Upside Down Cake Cups

-Donut Wall (Elvis LOVED Donuts)

New Downton Pavilion Is In the Works For Fort Scott

The Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion is located between Old Fort Blvd. and Stanton Street on North National Avenue and construction is slated for completion in mid-January.

A new 70-foot by 150-foot pavilion is in the works for downtown Fort Scott between Old Fort Blvd. and Stanton Street on North National Avenue.

The Fort Scott Farmers Market Pavilion, or Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion is part of many additions in “The Gathering Square” in Fort Scott’s vibrant downtown district, according to Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells.
Matthew Wells. Submitted photo.

‘The farmers market pavilion would aim to be a dynamic community hub,” according to a press release from Wells. “This outdoor pavilion stands in the original location of the first farmer’s market in the community’s history and champions access to fresh produce by hosting the Farmers Market every Tuesday and Saturday from May to October. Beyond the market, the pavilion transforms into a cultural stage.”

“The current plan is to make it available to rent , like Riverfront Park, or the (Gunn Park) shelter houses,” Wells said. “The city has first right-of-refusal on any use other than the set times guaranteed to the farmers market.”

This gathering space offers Bourbon County’s farmers a direct link to the community, fostering healthier lifestyles with the offering of fresh produce and enhancing local commerce, he said.

The pavilion is constructed with sustainability and adaptability in mind, and the design aligns with the International Building Code of 2015, according to the press release.

The pavilion committee also envisions music, theater, and community gatherings coming alive in the space.

It is adjacent to the newly constructed splash pad and sensory park that was constructed last summer.

Also on the horizon is a much-needed public restroom near the site.
“The site (for the new restrooms) has been chosen, plumbing ran underground, and funding secured,”  Wells said.
About The Pavilion Construction

 

The pavilion project is backed by the City of Fort Scott, a grant from T-Mobile, a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, private donations, and other grants that have been applied for and will be awarded soon, Wells said.

“As the price of steel was set to go up by a combined 35%, the Fort Scott City Commission had the forethought to order steel before the skyrocket in price,” Wells said. “As the grants come in, money will be replaced. The city was requested to match at least 1/2 the project cost according to grants.”

Sprouls Construction Inc., Lamar, MO is the general contractor for the pavilion construction project, which began in mid-November and is slated to be finished by mid-January

“We bid the project a long time ago,” Kevin Rooks, Sproul spokesman said. “But we didn’t start working until mid-November 2023.”

“(The project) went through several committees that I was not on, and went through many design and location changes,” Wells said.  “When we reformed the committee we focused on a site, a site plan, and design.  Partnering with the sensory park and splash pad committee we developed the idea for the ‘gathering square’ .”

A final site had to be chosen, and the commission as a whole had to decide on how best to move forward.

“The commission chose progress and what was best, and most cost-effective for our citizens,” Wells said.

The building is constructed of pre-engineered metal and Sprouls Constructin is currently trying to get the roof panels on.

“We hope the wind will quit,” he said. “All the conditions have to be right (for safely installing the roof panels).”

“We anticipate the completion is mid-January,” Rook said. “If the weather cooperates, it will be sooner.”

The structure will be painted black when the weather is warmer and dryer, Rook said. “Hopefully, by June.”

There are more phases to the project.

“We would like to put electricity and lighting, and then we would like to wrap the columns in stone,” he said.  “And when the blockhouse has the new siding put on, incorporate a matching wood, possibly around the top as a skirt.”

 

The pavilion committee consists of:

Lindsay Madison
Bailey Lyons
Rachel French
Angie Simons
Bill Michaud
Brad Matkin
Mary Wyatt
Josh Jones
Tayton Majors
Rob Harrington
Matthew Wells

 

New Commercial, Entertainment and Tourism Project Being Proposed

The KDOT building is located on Hwy. 69. Part of the proposed STAR Bond project is south of the KDOT property.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), the City of Fort Scott Commission, and the Bourbon County Commission announced a Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bond initiative.
REDI presented the STAR Bond project at the last Fort Scott City Commission meeting.
To view the MOU:
The Fort Scott Project, taken from the Memorandum of Understanding. Submitted document. The district runs from Heidrick’s True Value store at 1508 S. National, south on National Avenue to Highway 69 then south to the property south of the KDOT building south of the industrial park. Harrington said this map is only of the northern part of the STAR bond district. To view the rest of the district, see the attachment.

“The (Fort Scott)Commission was presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the multi-million dollar ‘Event Center’ project which would include an 8,000 seat event center focusing on rodeo type events, stockyard, two hotels, travel center type convenient store, restaurants, multi-use turf field, and luxury recreational vehicle (RV) park,” said Brad Matkin, Fort Scott’s City Manager.

The MOU was signed by the city and a signatory, Robb Heineman, for 635 Holdings LLC.

Robb Heineman from the Sporting KC website.

Heineman is the co-owner of Sporting KC, the parent organization of Sporting Kansas City, and one of the club’s five principal owners, according to https://www.sportingkc.com/club/ownership/robb-heineman/.

This MOU begins preliminary negotiations on a development agreement.

“As of right now there is no obligation from the City of Fort Scott,” Matkin said. “The signing of the MOU shows the City of Fort Scott supports the project and wishes to proceed.”

The proposed Fort Scott project will be approximately 77 acres located just south of the KDOT building and in the lot south of LaRoche Stadium, all along U.S. Hwy. 69 on Fort Scott’s south side. There will also be 20 acres of the development located in front of the former Mercy Hospital that will house a hotel, ret,ail and restaurants, according to Robert Harrington, REDI’s Executive Director.
“STAR Bonds empower municipalities to issue bonds for the development of major commercial, entertainment, and tourism projects,” according to the REDI Facebook page. “Repayment is secured by the additional sales tax revenue generated by the project itself! This isn’t just about construction; it’s about sparking economic growth, creating jobs, and boosting tourism. These large-scale projects contribute positively to our local economy, creating a ripple effect of benefits.”

“This project is a unique opportunity for Fort Scott to harness its potential for growth and development, ” said Harrington. “It is a momentous chance for the community to embrace change and shape a prosperous future.”

Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.

“The South Sports Project represents a transformative $116 million development aimed at bolstering tourism and increasing sales tax revenues in the region,” said  Harrington.

“At the heart…. is the construction of an 80,000-square-foot, 8,000-seat professional rodeo arena,” Harrington said. “This versatile facility, designed in collaboration with leading rodeo companies, is set to become one of the nation’s premier rodeo venues. Beyond rodeo events, the arena will host conferences, trade shows, sporting events, and concerts, positioning Fort Scott and Bourbon County as a prominent destination.”

In addition to the arena, there are plans for new hotels and retail spaces, including restaurants.

“These additions are projected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in sales and property taxes over the next two decades,” Harrington said.

One part of the project is a “super field” for local soccer teams and a multi-purpose facility with four baseball and softball fields.

“This will not only bring in sports tournaments but also facilitate an upgrade to LaRoche Stadium, saving significant tax dollars for the school district and city,” Harrington said.

Also included is the establishment of a luxury recreational vehicle park, which will accommodate tourists, sports enthusiasts, and concertgoers, further enhancing the area’s appeal, according to Harrington.

A new truck plaza along Highway 69 is included and will increase sales tax revenue from non-local traffic. This strategic location fills a crucial service gap for truck drivers traveling between U.S. Interstate Hwy. 44 and Kansas City, Harrington said.

Overall, Harrington said the South Sports Project promises to create approximately 300 new jobs and generate nearly a billion dollars in sales and property tax revenues over 25 years. “This growth, driven by external investment, offers the prospect of reducing the tax burden for local residents.”

7th Annual Library Family Holiday Party 

Come to the Fort Scott Public Library on December 18 at 4 pm for a family holiday party! Enjoy holiday stories, songs, games, snacks, crafts, prizes, and gifts. Teens will have their own games & activities upstairs. Adults will have their own craft table! Everyone will have something fun to do.
Kids 1st grade & under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Activities include holiday stories & singalong, cookie decorating, candy cane hunt, “snowball fight,” teen games, and crafts. All children and teens will receive at least one gift and a free book!

The library is seeking volunteers to help supervise the activities and groups, and donors to help provide food. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/Nofhf7aYuChp1aRL8 if you’d like to help.

After stories and songs, the event will be split up by family groups rather than age groups (with the exception of 4th-12th graders, who will remain upstairs for the majority of the event), although age-appropriate activities will be offered for each level. If you will have your children with you and would like to volunteer to help, you may stay with your family or group the entire time while helping to keep the event supervised and activities running smoothly. Email [email protected] or fill out the form linked above to volunteer or donate.+


Want to donate food but aren’t sure what to give? See this list for suggested items: Holiday Party Food Donation List
Happy Holidays!

Submitted photos.

2023 Christmas Light Trolley Tours Offered

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2023 Christmas Light Trolley Tours

See the Christmas Lights of Fort Scott!

Book your tour today!

Friday

Dec 8th

thru

Dec 23rd

5:45 & 7:00PM

Every evening with an extra 8:15pm tour on Friday/Saturday or also on weekdays in demands allow!

Arrive early before the tour for

complimentary hot cocoa, cookies,

candy canes & glow necklaces!

Book the whole trolley for just your group for $125, OR purchase individual tickets for

$8 adults, $5 kids 12 and under.

Elves will be aboard each tour for caroling & fun!

Tour lasts 50-minutes to an hour.

Pre-paid reservations required.

Cash, check or credit card.

Call us at 620-223-3566 to book your tour over the phone, or send us an email.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

The Inaugural Christmas on the Bricks: An Enjoyable Weekend

Diane Striler, chairperson of the Elevate Christmas on the Bricks Festival, enjoys a ride with her husband, Dean,  in one of the horse-drawn carriages in historic Downtown Fort Scott, taken from her Facebook page.

Diane Striler said she is overwhelmed by the positive feedback she has received from the community about the Christmas on the Bricks Festival this past weekend.

Striler was the Elevate Fort Scott Christmas Chairman who facilitated the first annual event.

First Ever Christmas on the Bricks: Something For Everyone

“While planning this event, my goal was to have a variety of activities available throughout the weekend so everyone could find something they would enjoy doing,” she said. “I wasn’t sure how things would fall into place, but was just hoping that people would show up and have a good time.”

“The best part for me is hearing that businesses profited, the community had fun, people traveled to attend the event, our downtown looks beautiful and people are already talking about next year,” she said.

There were some challenges to creating the event.

“Any time you plan something like this, you will run into some challenges,” she said.

Even though the weather was cold and damp, “People still showed up,” she said. “As for other challenges, I did a lot of praying and things just seemed to fall into place.”

” Lindsay Madison…was my main sidekick in this and I couldn’t have done this without her,” Striler said.

“We are compiling a list of people we want to thank, and we don’t want to miss anyone who supported us,” she said. “We’ll be publishing the list once we have that complete.”

The committee is planning a wrap-up meeting at the Chamber office this Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

“We welcome feedback from those involved,” she said. “We’ll use this info to tweak next year’s event to make it even better!”

Next year Christmas on the Bricks will be Dec 6- 8th, staying consistent with the first weekend in December.

FSNHS Candlelight Tour: A History Immersion

Jessica Nielsen leads a group to each historical vignette at Fort Scott National Historic Site on December 2, 2023.

The 42nd Annual Fort Scott National Historic Site Candlelight Tour, December 1 and 2 was entitled Glowing Heartbeats of History.

The vignettes of local history focused on the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health of the soldiers and local townspeople.

The temperatures in the 40s and damp weather did not stop people from attending the tour this year.

1,000 candle lanterns illuminated the site with a peaceful ambiance and reenactors helped bring 1860s history alive at the fort.

During the tour, participants were immersed in ways people have historically been provided the opportunity to be well, despite their circumstances, according to a press release from the fort.

The Fort Scott High School Drama Club wrote the scene at the hospital tent for the tour, the other vignettes were written by the FSNHS staff, Carl Brenner, Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management said.

 

About the Fort

From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation.

The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.

For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs or to become involved in the candlelight tour, or other activities, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

From left, Dwayne Gentleman, Dee Young, Skip Thomas, and Jan Elder converse about life in the community in the 1860s. Submitted by Carl Brenner/NPS. This vignette was at the Officers’ Quarters No. 2 and was a discussion of the budding romance of John Little and Sene Campbell and the growth of the town amidst conflict. Photo credit: Carl Brenner/NPS.

 

The fort’s well is in the center of the Fort Scott National Historic Site compound.
From left to right, Cassie Edson, Susan Anderson, and Chris Morgan depict hospital treatment of injury and disease during the Civil War.
Left to right, Justin Hall, Chris Schafer, and Amanda Clark are a group of performers called the Homes Brigade Minstrels, who portrayed the benefits of music during the Civil War. The trio led the group in singing a few Christmas carols.
From left, Luke Leighsing and Matthew Wells tell of the health of the horses and survival needs for patrolling the overland trails. Photo credit: Carl Brenner/NPS.

 

2023 Christmas Parade Winners

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all who attended or participated in the 2023 Christmas Parade held Thursday, November 30th in the Downtown Historic District.

The theme was “A Candy Land Christmas” and many of the entries did an exceptional job of coordinating with the theme.

 

The parade was sponsored by Briggs of Fort Scott.

The panel of judges selected the following winners out of fifty-four entries:  1st place as Extrusions, Inc., 2nd place as Fort Scott FFA, and 3rd place as Carhelp/Washateria.

 

The contribution of many is what makes events like the Christmas parade successful.  The Chamber is sincerely appreciative of all who volunteered, announced, judged, and otherwise had a part in the parade.

 

Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.