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Category Archives: Entertainment
FSHS Thespians Present the Thriller “Trap”
The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 presents the docudrama thriller “Trap” by Stephen Gregg at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16-18 at the FSHS Auditorium.
The performance includes eighteen FSHS cast members: Allie Barnett, Payton Bowling, Ashley (Sypher) Cannon, Kaiden Clary, Kinsley Davis, Levi Fairchild, Junie Fisher, Cooper George, Casey Gomez, Emma Guns, Lexi Hill, Jericho Jones, Mykael Lewis, Jaedyn Lewis, Luke Majors, Chris Newman, Madison Smith, and Regen Wells. Technical crew members include: Alyssa Popp, Kiara Thompson, Emma Bin, Jackson Elton, Josiah Eisenbrandt, Natalie Woods, Lily Brown, Tobi Larrabee, Lizzie Moore, Piper Weeks, and Skylar Chaplin.
Playscripts.com describes the play: “MENACHAP, CALIFORNIA. An incomprehensible event: every person in the audience of a high school play falls unconscious–every person but one. Using interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the investigators pursuing the case, a theatre ensemble brings the story of the strange event to life, documentary-style. But as the strands weave together into an increasingly dangerous web, it becomes clear that this phenomenon might not be entirely in the past.”
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com for reserved seating. Remaining tickets will also be available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
“Trap” is directed by FSHS Thespian Director Angie Bin and FSHS Thespian alumna Mesa Jones. It is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com).
Uniontown: Improving Community Spaces Grant Available
“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is gearing up for a placemaking project in Uniontown,” President and CEO Jody Hoener said.
They are seeking Uniontown resident’s input for a grant to improve the small town of almost 300 people in Bourbon County.
“We have a survey for community members to fill out,” Hoener said. “It’s available online at HBCAT.org or residents can pick up a paper copy from us at our Fort Scott Office (104 N. National) or from Sally Johnson at City Hall in Uniontown.”
Fort Scott has received several placemaking grants.
“We have already been working on Creative Placemaking projects in Fort Scott: the 3rd Street Park Improvements and the Downtown Arch projects,” Rachel Carpenter, Director of the The Center for Economic Growth at HBCAT, said.
“Creative Placemaking is letting the community choose a project and public space that enhances the quality-of-life people in that area,” Carpenter said. “Placemaking is about creating community spaces that improve vitality, and promote health, joy, and well-being. The community has the opportunity to take ownership of a place in their neighborhood.”
“This Creative Placemaking project is specifically for Uniontown, we are encouraging all residents of Uniontown to complete the survey,” Carpenter said. “The survey is live now and will remain open until March 13th. We can budget up to $10,000 towards this project funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas to be completed by June 2024.”
“Some examples would be: park improvements, murals in an alley way, public space for studying or a public art sculpture about the place’s history,” Carpenter said.
Uniontown residents are asked to fill out a brief survey to help with ideas for the grant.
Here is the link:
http://ow.ly/iJ8s50MJfSL
Kansas Attraction Development Grants Announced
Kansas Tourism Announces $400,000 Available in Attraction Development Grants
TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism today announced the Attraction Development Grant program is open for applications. A total of $400,000 is available. Attraction Development Grants provide strategic economic assistance to public or private entities, or not-for-profit groups, that are developing new or enhancing existing tourism attraction in the state. The deadline for applications is March 31.
“The projects that we are looking for with these grants are those that will bring new visitors to Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Each person that visits our state also supports our economy, by eating at our restaurants, staying at our hotels and shopping at our stores. These Attraction Development Grants will help entice more people to choose Kansas for their next adventure.”
The goals of Attraction Development Grants include:
- Spur economic growth
- Develop destination-based assets
- Increase visitation to Kansas
- Enhance visitor experience
- Improve the quality of life in communities across the state.
“Attraction Development Grants are one of the many tools we have to assist travel industry partners across the state,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “With world-renowned destinations, history rich communities and spectacular natural wonders, every corner of Kansas is a vital part of the state’s tourism economy. These grants support our attractions and increase visitation to and throughout Kansas.”
Grant dollars may fund up to 40 percent of a project, with the community or business funding the remaining 60 percent. For more information, including grant applications please visit https://www.travelks.com/
Funding for Kansas Tourism grants, including the Tourism Marketing Grant, is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF) that is derived from state lottery proceeds.
About the Kansas Tourism Division:
The mission of the Kansas Tourism Division is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism is a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce and works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.
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Guided Bird Walks at The Fort Feb. 17-19
Make it Count at Fort Scott NHS This Weekend
Fort Scott Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site will host free guided bird walks hourly from 9am through 3 pm, Friday, February 17, through Sunday, February 19, for the 26th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC).
A National Park Service Ranger will lead easy birdwatching walks starting from the Visitor Center. Some of the “walks” will be completely durable surfaces and accessible. Rangers and participants will record all bird sightings and upload the data to the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). This walk is for birders of all skill levels and you don’t have to stay for the entire program to make a difference. Birders are encouraged to bring binoculars and layered clothing.
Since 1998, “The Backyard Bird Count has been an opportunity for every citizen to contribute to the understanding of wild birds, and their threats,” said Jill Jaworski, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “We encourage everyone to join us for this and future bird walks and programs.” Watch for scheduled bird walks in the park throughout the year on Facebook or at the Fort Scott NHS website www.nps.gov/fosc.
For more information about the Great Backyard Bird Count, contact Ranger Bristol at Fort Scott National Historic Site by calling 620-223-0310.
Each checklist submitted during the GBBC helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society learn more about how birds are doing, and how to protect them and the environment we share. An estimated 385,000 people participated during the 2022 GBBC. They reported more than 7,000 species from 192 countries. The results of these bird counts are available at www.birdcount.org/2022-final-results.
-NPS-
Credit Photo: Manny Salas/Macaulay Library
Marsha’s Deli Closed For Updating Feb. 6-11
A local eatery known for its’ generous portions, is closed for some aesthetic improvement to the dining area.
“We will be closed February 6-11,” Brian Lancaster, owner, said.
H2 Painting LLC will be painting the ceilings and walls.
“We are wanting to update and improve our dining room area,” Lancaster said. “We are planning to update flooring and the kitchen area at a later date.”
The deli’s owner, Marsha Lancaster, died on September 19, 2021, and on October 13, 2021 , her siblings became the owners of her decades-running restaurant.
In July 2022, Marsha’s nephew, Brian Lancaster assumed ownership of the deli.
Brian Lancaster Assumes Ownership of Marsha’s Deli
Also last year, a Marsha Fest was started in memory of Marsha Lancaster.
Marsha Fest Is March 5: Celebrating Her Life
This year’s Marsha Fest is Saturday March 4, 2023
from 8 to- 10 PM at the Liberty Theater, 113 S. Main.
Tickets are $35.
To learn more about Marsha:
Illusionist Coming to Fort Scott on Feb. 17
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Branson Illiusionist Coming to Fort Scott For Splash Pad Project Fundraiser
A Branson illusionist will perform at Ellis Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College on Friday, Feb. 17 from 7-9 p.m.
Tickets range from $50 to $65 for the event that is a fundraiser for the Fort Scott Splash Pad project.
Reza is a touring illusionist that performs at Branson’s Famous Theater. His performance is on a grand scale with interactive comedy and magic, according to Branson.com.
Josh Jones, one of the splash pad project members, talked to the performer a year ago about coming to Fort Scott and then again following the Jeff Leeson Comedy Tour on Jan. 21, which netted the project $5,000.
“They will be traveling through and will cut us a break on that day,” Jones said. “The college is letting us use the Ellis Center for free.”
Project Committee to Make City of Fort Scott Presentation
The Fort Scott Splash Pad Committee is comprised of Jones, Bailey Lyons, Katie Hueston, Kelly Barr and Meredith Tucker.
A presentation by that committee will be made to the Fort Scott City Commission on Feb. 7 at the city meeting, he said.
They will be presenting the proposed location of the splash pad on Skubitz Plaza, and show an architects rendition of the project.
At completion of the build, the project will be donated to the City of Fort Scott for public use.
“To run it, it is estimated to be $5,000 a year in maintenance and operation costs,” Jones said.
All together, the cost for the project is estimated to be $200,000, he said.
“Two years ago, Kristin and Will Bishop reached out to me about a splash pad project,” he said. “We didn’t move it forward until a year ago.”
“We thought it would be a two year project but with gracious grants from Walmart for $40,000 and Timken LLC for $75,000 and other community members it is moving forward,” he said.
In addition to those big grants, on Nov. 29 during the national Giving Tuesday day, an anonymous donor gave $10,000 to the project and the project had a $10,000 match plus $10,000 from other citizens, he said, totaling $30,000 for that day.
Jones said the water park project is around $120,000 and any money extra will go towards landscaping, shade and seating at the site, plus possibly a public bathroom there as well.
The project is estimated to be completed this year.
About the Illusionist
REZA has taken the art of illusion to a new level, delivering his rock concert style magic show to audiences across the globe, according to press release from Reza.
Reza’s current tour transports concert level lighting and production elements merged with cutting-edge magic. Reza has garnered a loyal fan base with his passion for creating signature grand-scale illusions such as making motorcycles and helicopters materialize out of thin air!
Reza’s unique brand of illusion has landed him on popular reality shows across 31 countries, including recent U.S. television appearances on A&E’s Duck Dynasty and The CW’s Penn & Teller : Fool Us.
Audiences can expect to witness such illusions as passing through the spinning blades of an industrial fan, a record breaking recreation of Houdini’s most famous stunt, and the appearance of a real helicopter, live on stage.
Reza infuses state-of-the-art production elements, comedic timing, and numerous interactive and inspirational moments, allowing the audience to experience the magic first hand. Perhaps Reza’s greatest secret is his uncanny ability to communicate his performance art on such a personal level.
Reza’s new show, “Edge of Illusion,” has earned various awards including “Magician of the Year.”
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.RezaLive.com
Common Ground Offering A Valentine Concert on Feb. 10
Nevada MO musician Stephan Moses will be playing at Common Ground Coffee shop,12 East Wall Street on Feb. 10 from 7 to 8 p.m.
This is a Valentines Day Concert, so bring a special someone.
“He will be playing Jazz music and performing love songs by Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra,” said Common Ground’s Event Coordinator Stacy Racy. “All age groups are welcome to come out and spend their Friday evening with us.”
Racy’s goal is to utilize the beautiful facility while giving the community something to do on Friday Night, Racy said.
“So often we hear people say they have never been in the building and we would like to change that by offering good coffee, pastries, food, concerts, catering, and by renting out the dock area and conference room,” Racy said.
About Stephan Moses
Stephan Moses was born in rural Northwest Iowa and came from a non-musical family. Since the age of ten, he’s been playing guitar and has a diverse musical background with influences from Crooner’s to Blues greats, according to Racy. As a singer, songwriter, musician, Moses has a love for Gospel music and Delta Blues. Mostly, he just loves to play. Moses currently resides in Nevada, MO.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott
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Chamber Announces The Artificers Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Gala
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Gala to celebrate the launch of The Artificers, T.E. Freeman Studio & Kate Freeman Studio at 8 N. National Ave. in the Downtown Historic District on Saturday, January 28, 2023. The ribbon cutting and remarks will take place at 5:45pm and the gala will follow from 6 to 9pm. Light refreshments will be offered. The gala will feature art from Trent and Kate Freeman as well as some of their house artists that will be with them on a regular basis. This long-awaited event will kick off the opening of the art gallery and hosting of art classes and workshops that will be held in the teaching studio.
Classes and workshops will start February 1st, and those interested can sign up for emails at their website theartificers.com and always be the first to know what’s being offered. The Gallery will also periodically feature master artists who will teach workshops about their art.
Trent & Kate will also be conducting a silent auction of some exclusive pieces of artwork as well as a special announcement, regarding the artwork. Only those in attendance will have the opportunity to purchase these pieces.
The Freeman’s recently moved to Bourbon County from Kansas City after selling their home and studio. Trent has been a mixed media sculptor for 26 years and received his Undergraduate in Fine Art from Emporia State University. Kate Freeman is a ceramist and acrylic painter as well as the marketing and day to day management of the studio. The Freeman’s have been restoring the Hammons’ Real Estate building and are planning to continue the restoration and have their residence in the upper level. The Freeman’s are glad to be part of the Fort Scott community and are excited and encouraged by the amount of support they have received from fellow business owners and residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding areas.
The galleries first artists will include; Kenny Felt- photography, Tim Kienzle- copper jewelry, Erin Shevling- pottery, Dianne Miller- glass, Kristin Girard- electroforming jewelry, Kristan Hammond- photography, Rachel Painter- painting, Amy Smith- mixed media, and “Forged in Fire” Champion, Ryan DeMott- Bladesmith.
Chamber members and the community are welcome and encouraged to attend the ribbon cutting and gala event this Saturday. The Artificers look forward to a festive evening by suggesting cocktail attire or nice dress. Although the event is free, those attending are requested to RSVP under the event on fortscott.com or email [email protected].
Chamber Coffee at the River Room Event Center on Jan. 26
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