Cathy Bishop is the new event coordinator at the River Room Event Center. Submitted photo.
Cathy Bishop, who retired from Niece Products of Kansas on December 31, 2022, is the new event manager for the River Room Event Center, at Oak Street and National Avenue.
Al Niece is the owner of the building at 3 W. Oak and the River Room is located on the second floor.
The River Room Event Center is located at the corner of Oak Street and National Avenue on the second floor.
Bishop, who was the Niece Products of Kansas Human Resource Director prior to her retiring, now schedules reservations and manages the set up of the alcohol bar.
Renters will need to secure catered food for their event, Bishop said.
“We don’t have a working, cooking kitchen, but do have a refrigerator,” she said.
“There is a cash bar and we supply the bartender and alcohol or beer,” she said
Some of the bigger reservations this year are for the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Banquet in April and the Fort Scott High School Prom on May 6.
“We contract by volume of people attending,” Bishop said. “We also charge by the hour for a small two-hour event.”
Contact Bishop via email for more information on rates charged at [email protected].
In addition to banquets and proms, they have provided a venue for weddings, anniversaries and graduations, to name a few.
A recent event at the River Room. Submitted photo.
The event center will hold 700 capacity, but that would be standing room only, Bishop said.
“Four hundred people is a comfortable number of attendees,” she said.
A recent event at the River Room. Submitted photo.
Although the email is the preferred way to contact Bishop, the phone number for the River Room is 620.820.0536.
History Of The Building
According to hearsay, the building has housed a roller rink, car dealership, bowling alley and a couple of restaurants, the most recent: Luther’s BBQ, Bishop said.
Bishop came upon a book about the building with some information:
Mary Barbara McKay is the featured local author on Jan. 28. Submitted photo.
All during January there will be a special sale of Buy 2 Books Get 1 Free on Action/Detective/Mystery and Christian Fiction at Hedgehog INK! Bookstore located at 16 S. Main.
The store showcases book signings featuring local authors.
On January 28, Mary Barbara McKay will introduce her book, Writings from Vietnam, at 1:30 p.m. at the store.
“We are excited to have her launch her book and book signing at Hedgehog.INK!,” store owner Jan Hedges said.
McKay has lived in neighboring Linn County since 1996, when she and husband, Rod, bought 40 acres of Kansas farm ground and built a country home. They moved from Sacramento, California, where she had been a high school English and art teacher and then nurse and he, a commuter airline pilot.
First Book
McKay’s first book, The Good Horses: How Horses Taught Me God’s Plan for My Lifetells the story of their move to the country and the important role horses played in making the transition from city woman to country woman pleasant, she said.
“Horses made my new life interesting, enjoyable, educational,” she said. “Country life brought me closer to God through the horses and our care of them and the peaceful natural world around us.”
“My first book was published in 2019 and is also available at Hedgehog Ink Bookstore,” she said. “It has my own photographs and paintings, and some favorite poems and Scripture quotations. I love painting, drawing and photography and also love writing from my own experience.”
Second Book
“The second book, Writings from Vietnam, was completed in November 2022,” she said. It is a compilation of my husband’s letters to me from his time in Vietnam, plus a short journal he kept for three months, and nine pages he wrote of what happened on ‘a terrible day,’ but never sent to anyone.”
Rod, survived serving in the Vietnam War, and died of a heart attack in 2018.
She had kept all his letters from his tour of Vietnam and wrote the book as a tribute to him, she said. “He very rarely talked about Vietnam, and then only a sentence or two.”
“Rod has an almost intellectual view of the war, though he is living through very dismal times (in the book)” she said. “I insert paragraphs from his time in Army Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training within the war letters to show the differences and parallels between the Army at war and the stateside Army. My husband was a radio telephone operator, which means he carried the radio for his commanding officer.”
“He was in Vietnam for 11 months,” McKay said. “In April 1970 the U.S. was pulling back forces and he was discharged a month early. His letters show life in the field–sleeping in the mud, constantly watching for enemy, losing men he just met.”
“His last five months were spent as company clerk at a fire support base,” she said. “He wrote the letters home to families who’d lost a husband or a spouse. He has deep insights and always kept his faith. God always came first in his life.”
“This is a short book, it is only 114 pages, and it includes a few photographs and an addendum which is a journal he kept for three months from May 3 to August 12, 1969, his first three months in Vietnam,” she said.
Her husband of nearly 47 years was a thoughtful, principled man and has a message for everyone who reads the book, she said. “This book is a tribute to him with a message I believe will resonate with readers.”
The cover of Mary Barbara McKay’s book, Writings from Vietnam. Submitted.
“Merl Humphrey Photography (a local Fort Scott business) used two photographs to make the composite picture for the cover,” she said. “The color picture I took of Rod at the Vietnam War Memorial in 1994; the black and white picture of men in Vietnam placed within the wall was among Rod’s things.”
February’s Offers At Hedgehog INK!
Additionally coming up at Hedgehog INK! in February is Buy 2 Get 1 Free on Romance books.
Feb. 4 – Children’s Story Time, story and activity
Feb. 10-11 Love Local Chocolate Crawl – All Chocolates 25% off
Feb. 25? – Author Talk / Book Talk – Leon Perry
A Fort Scott woman, who cooks at a local restaurant for a living, has paid for a movie for the community at Fort Cinema, 224 W. 18th.
On January 7 at 2 p.m. there will be a free showing of Puss in Boots The Last Wish hosted by this woman, who wishes to remain anonymous.
“This is Christmas present to the community,” Terri Belcher Turner, her cousin, said. “The first 95 people will get to enjoy the movie, free of charge. The concessions stand will be open. There was a scheduling issue before Christmas, so now it is the Saturday after the holidays.”
Turner sent an email to fortscott.biz with the story.
“I know the donor and want everyone to know she is a life-long Fort Scott resident with a love for her town and the families in it,” Turner said. “She works regular jobs and struggles like the rest of us but wanted to give families a chance for an afternoon out that they normally couldn’t afford. I hate I am 500 miles away and can’t be there to help promote this generous act.” Turner lives in St. Paul, MN.
“She is someone that cares and really doesn’t have the extra but wants to make a difference,” Turner said. “I’m just wishing I could be there and could help get other people or companies involved because this could help the community and be an ongoing thing on spring break, summer break anytime through out the year.”
“I’m wondering if anyone would like to step forward and pay for the concessions,” Turner said.
The donor paid close to $200 for renting the theater for this free event to the community.
“This is something for a family to do together, but because of the cost, can’t go to a theater anymore,” Turner said.
Common Ground employees are from left to right: Dawson Korinke, Barista; Brightin Eads, Barista;, Lauren Ogran, Barista; Chandler Endicott, Barista; Michelle Keyes, Cook; Heidi Dixon, Manager, Samantha Racy, Asst Manager and Hannah Dunn, Bookkeeper. Submitted photo. Not in the picture: Payton Atwood, Barista; Ella Maher, Barista; Skylar Mohler, Barista and Hannah Keyes, Barista.
New Staff
Heidi Dixon, 52, started as the new manager of Common Ground Coffee Shop on Dec. 19.
Dixon grew up in Fort Scott, moved away and moved back.
She has been a general manager for Fort Scott Taco Tico, operations manager for Dave and Buster’s Restaurant in Kansas City and worked at several other restaurants through the years.
The Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene board oversees the coffee shop and selected Dixon as the new manager.
Hired as assistant manager is Samantha Racy, 22.
“I volunteered for about a week,” Samantha said. “There was a period the coffee shop was struggling. Others from the church helped. My whole family volunteered.”
Samantha Racy is an esthetician at Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage and Salon and also works at the coffee shop.
In addition, several high school students work there.
The business is searching for an additional cook.
“There is an assistant manager and a manager to take a load off of one person,” said Stacy Racy.
Racy has taken on the scheduling of the Loading Dock, the big rental room, in the rear of the shop.
The Loading Dock
Stacy Racy is hoping to have an event in the Loading Dock at least once a month, she said. Stacy is Samantha’s mother.
In December they had two events: a 1940s Christmas Concert on Dec. 16 and a Photo With The Grinch event on Dec. 17.
The Loading Dock has a stage area and an outside patio area.
To rent the event center costs $60 for four hours during business hours, eight hours will cost $100. To rent the space during in off- business hours is $150 for six hours, she said.
For small groups there is a conference room with a large table in a private area, and it is free, she said.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sunday.
To contact the Common Ground Coffee Shop, call 620.223.2499.
Visit the shop’s Facebook page and webpage to see the shop’s latest news.
The family of a gifted medium who can receive messages from Beyond are welcomed by the town of Cherrvale, but no one knows about their other business, in a novel based on the true story of old West serial killers.
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“Returning to practice after a suspension for stealing opioids, a young doctor takes the only job he can find: a post as a physician at the struggling St. Luke’s Hospital in east London. Amid the maelstrom of sick patients, overworked staff, and underfunded wards, a more insidious secret soon declares itself: too many patients are dying. And a murderer may be lurking in plain sight”
“Franny Steinberg knows there’s powerful magic in laughter. She’s witnessed it. With the men of Chicago off fighting WWII on distant shores, Franny has watched the women of the city taking charge of the war effort. But amidst the war bond sales and factory shifts, something surprising has emerged, something Franny could never have expected. A new marvel that has women flocking to comedy clubs across the nation: the Showstopper. When Franny steps into Chicago’s Blue Moon comedy club, she realizes the power of a Showstopper-that specific magic sparked when an audience laughs so hard, they are momentarily transformed. And while each comedian’s Showstopper is different, they all have one thing in common: they only work on women. After a traumatic flashback propels her onstage in a torn bridesmaid dress, Franny discovers her own Showstopper is something new. And suddenly she has the power to change everything…for herself, for her audience, and for the people who may need it most”
Twenty years after secretly causing panic in her hometown through the written word and artwork, along with a fellow loner named Zeke, famous author, mom and wife Frances Eleanor Budge gets a call that brings her past rushing back, threatening to upend everything. 200,000 first printing.
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When his business partner, Henry, is accused of murdering their troublemaking neighbor, ranch owner Caleb Marlowe risks everything to bring the real killer to justice, refusing to let Henry go down without a fight. Original.
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Weaving instruction on how to paint with her own story of discovering a passion for painting, a painter, teacher and art evangelist welcomes readers ti this transformative art form, which will help them see the world in a whole new way. Illustrations.
Common Ground Coffee Co. presents “A 1940s Christmas Concert” with CMT this Friday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m. Ensemble members are Ralph Carlson on acoustic guitar and vocals, Stephan Moses on electric lead guitar and vocals, Carolyn Tucker on keys and vocals, Aaron Tucker on drums and vocals, and Mariam Tucker Self as lead vocalist.
“The World War II era has long been recognized as one of the most prolific musical periods of the 20th century. Hundreds of songs which became popular during this time have continued to maintain their hold on our memories,” band member Ralph Carlson said. “Some of the most beautiful, heartfelt, and fun songs of the season will be featured this Friday.”
The audience will hear a variety of Big Band, classics, standards, traditional carols, gospel, and blues Christmas tunes. A partial song list includes I‘m Dreaming of a White Christmas, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Silver Bells, Winter Wonderland, Do You Hear What I Hear, Silent Night, Go Tell it on the Mountain, Merry Christmas Baby, and more.
The concert will be held at the Loading Dock inside Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street. An assortment of goodies and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission to the concert is free. Sound is provided by Dave Oas and Jim Butler.
CHAMBER ANNOUNCES CHRISTMAS LIGHT CONTEST SPONSORED BY NIECE PRODUCTS
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce encourages businesses, residents and neighborhoods to “Deck the Fort” and make the community merry and bright for the holidays. Niece Products is sponsoring a Christmas Light Contest with cash prizes for the winners including:
Residential: 1st $100, 2nd $75, 3rd $50
Top Business: $100
Top Neighborhood: $100
Other contest details:
Lights should be in place by December 15th and judging will take place between the 15th and 17th.
Properties within a 1 mile radius of city limits will be considered for contest
Those wanting to ensure their property is judged should call or email the Chamber with their address, name and phone number. Otherwise, no registration necessary and the judges will do their best to seek out lights in the area.
Lighting and decorations must be visible from street view
The Chamber encourages everyone to get in the spirit with lights this season. For more information contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or by email at [email protected].
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces Cocoa & Caroling Late Night Shopping Event in Downtown Fort Scott. It will be held this Friday evening, December 9th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Retailers in the Downtown Historic District will be decked for the holidays with great gift ideas.
The event will feature several groups of carolers strolling the sidewalks of Downtown from store to store with complimentary cocoa being served by the Museum of Creativity in front of the Sunshine Boutique. This will offer locals and visitors another opportunity to shop small and support local, while enjoying some holiday cheer. Find the hidden mistletoe in stores to win Chamber bucks!
Participating stores include: Angela Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market, Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog.INK!, Iron Star (will close at 6:30pm to attend CASA event), Main Street Gallery & Gifts, Museum of Creativity, Sunshine Boutique, and Treasure Hunt Flea Market
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Waverly, TN – The community is invited to attend a concert by singer, songwriter, and storyteller Daryl Mosley on Wednesday, December 7 at First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main Street, Ft. Scott, KS.
The First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main.
From countless appearances on “The Grand Ole Opry” to classic shows at the famous Bluebird Cafe to a touring schedule of over 150 concerts per year, singer/songwriter Daryl Mosley has been sharing his songs and his stories with America for over 30 years. Daryl has written three Song of the Year award winners, eight of his songs have made it to number one, and he has twice been named Songwriter of the Year! His songs have been recorded by dozens of artists ranging from bluegrass legend Bobby Osborne to country star Lynn Anderson to Southern Gospel’s The Booth Brothers, and have been featured on television shows ranging from “American Idol” to “The View.” One of his best-known songs, “(Ask the Blind Man) He Saw ItAll,” was named one of the top Southern Gospel songs of all time!
Gospel music legend Bill Gaither calls Daryl “a poet-and we don’t have many poets left!” Daryl says, “I just write and sing songs about real life and real people; songs about faith and home and community are the foundation of my music because those are the things that are most precious to me.” Daryl’s concert is an intimate opportunity to hear his songs of life and faith as well as the entertaining stories of the people and events that inspired them.
The concert is free to the public but a love offering will be taken. For additional information, contact Patty Lindley at 502 262-0428.
A Christmas parade is happening in the downtown historic district this Thursday, December 1.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce organizes the Christmas Parade each year with Briggs Auto of Fort Scott sponsoring the prizes for the parade, according to Lindsay Madison, CEO of the chamber.
Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.
Deadline to enter a group in the parade is Tuesday, November 29 at 1pm. It is FREE to enter the parade.
What is happening Thursday evening:
> Parade starts 6 pm at Wall and National, goes south to Third Street, east to Main, North on Main to Skubitz Plaza.
> Parkway Church of God Kettle Corn will be setup at 1st & Main before and after parade, box $2, Bag $5.
> Complimentary hot cocoa by Fort Scott Recreation in front of Hedgehog.INK! Book Store
> Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree immediately following the parade, north end of Main.
> Christmas Crafts by Fort Scott High School Thespians & Visits with Santa and photos by Walgreens at Papa Don’s Restaurant after the parade.
> Make-your-own Ornament Kits free at 110 S Main while supplies last, appropriate for ages 10 and under.
> Bourbon County Revival live music at Hare & Crow Barber Shop with refreshments following parade.
> Sharky’s North Pole Pop-up Bar open 5pm to 10/11pm with festive atmosphere and drinks!
