Category Archives: Entertainment

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC WEAVES MUSICAL MAGIC WITH ‘GODSPELL’

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Fifty years after its theatrical debut, the musical “Godspell” returns to the stage at Fort Scott Community College in an exciting, powerful new form next month.

Called “a ‘Godspell’ for the new millennium” by Paul Shaffer, who conducted the Toronto production of the original musical in March 1972, the show was revised in 2012 with gritty new dialogue and edgy new arrangements of the memorable songs.

“This is not the version staged here in 2013,” said Allen Twitchell, FSCC theater instructor, who is directing the musical with the assistance of Dr. Denissa Rivas, FSCC music instructor, and Rachel Dugan, choreographer, of Fort Scott. “Our version is told by a group of homeless young people set amidst the urban decay of a metropolitan city who elect to follow the teachings of a messiah-like figure preaching peace, love and community.”

The musical was conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. “Godspell” was originally produced on the New York stage by Edgar Lansbury, Stuart Duncan and Joseph Beruh.

Shows are 7:30 p.m. March 25-26 and 2 p.m. March 27. Admission is $5. FSCC students, faculty and staff are admitted free of charge. Masks are required.

The FSCC cast features: Ray Burch, freshman from St. Louis, as Jesus; Evan Ballinger, freshman from Pleasanton, as Judas; Lexi Ornelas, freshman from Chanute, as Anna Maria; Jacquie Hampton, sophomore from Uniontown, as Celisse; Hyden Wirsig, freshman from Drexel, Mo., as Nick; Sonny Webb, freshman from Tampa, Fla., as Morgan; Colleen Sweat, sophomore from Pleasanton, as Uzo; Robenton Wirsig, freshman from Drexel, Mo., as George; Kiera Threlfall, sophomore from Frontenac, as Telly; Mackenzie Peoples, sophomore from Fort Scott, as Lindsay; Shawn Huffman, freshman from Fort Scott, as Brick; Dray Dickey, freshman from Bronaugh, Mo., as Simon; Paityn Curtis, freshman from LaCygne, as Minnie; Carlee Studyvin, sophomore from Fort Scott, as Rachel; and Joy Nichols, freshman from Moundville, Mo., as Jo.

Meda Hurst, freshman from Fort Scott, is stage manager; Zach Loper, freshman from Girard, supplies the sound; and Dylan Graham, freshman from Tonganoxie, supplies the lights.

“Godspell” is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Entertainment, Government, Kansas

Fishing: Live-Imaging Sonar Study

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KDWP Fisheries Staff Test Latest Technology in Ground-breaking Study

EMPORIA – Many advances in technology arise out of a desire to improve output and efficiency, and the fishing industry is no exception. One such advancement that has many anglers “picking sides” is the introduction, and proliferation, of live-imaging sonar (LIS) – sonar that allows anglers to view fish and structure, below and around their vessel, in real time and often with great clarity. While some believe LIS adds immense value to the overall fishing experience, others believe it poses an ethical dilemma, blurring the lines of “fair chase.” So, when is an advancement too advanced? That’s the data KDWP Fisheries staff sought but couldn’t find; so, they developed it themselves in a first-of-its-kind study.

“As a conservation-based organization, we always want to look to science and ask ourselves, ‘What is the data telling us?’” said KDWP Fisheries biologist, Ben Neely. “But this technology is just new enough, that these data really didn’t exist. That’s when we decided we needed to explore this further and develop the study. It’s taken off like wildfire in the conservation community ever since.”

KDWP Fisheries staff opted to conduct a controlled and replicated experiment to assess the influence of LIS on catch of winter crappie ­– Kansas’ second-most sought-after sportfish. Specifically, the project was designed to examine LIS impacts on “casual weekend anglers” fishing unfamiliar water on a weekend trip.

In early December 2021, a total of 32 individuals from KDWP’s Fisheries and Wildlife divisions, and Kansas State University took part in a two-week experiment at Cedar Bluff Reservoir. Anglers were randomly partnered up and instructed to fish for seven hours on either the north or south sides of the lake, and either with or without the aid of LIS. The next day, each team switched sides and use of equipment; This resulted in a total of 16 controlled “samples.” The results were unexpected.

  • Participating anglers who did not use LIS averaged 6.3 crappie per day, while anglers who used LIS caught 7.3 crappie per day.
  • When other species of fish were counted in the study, teams not using LIS averaged 12.9 fish per day, compared to 14.4 per fish per day when LIS was used.
  • And, anglers also caught slightly larger crappie on average (10.8 inches) when using LIS, compared to the fish (10.5 inches) caught by anglers not using LIS.

Ultimately, the data collected demonstrated that while LIS may improve angler catch and size of crappie by casual weekend anglers, overall differences were statistically minimal. And maybe more importantly, the data suggests an overall low risk of long-term damage to crappie populations as a result of LIS. However, anglers with more experience and expertise using LIS to target crappie were not considered in this study. Future studies are being discussed that can leverage the abilities of more LIS-experienced anglers to further inform future management of crappie in Kansas.

“Balancing sociological needs with biological needs is at the heart of nearly everything we do at KDWP,” said KDWP Secretary Brad Loveless. “This study is a fine example of how our staff continue to operate off of the best-available data to make science-based decisions that benefit not only the resource, but our users. I’m confident this study will be just one of many that the conservation industry looks to, as our talented staff in Kansas continue to pave the way in fisheries research and management.”

To learn more about this study, watch an audio/video presentation by Neely here, https://youtu.be/XEiP0_PMjjg.

For more on fishing in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Fishing.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

First Annual Marsha Fest on March 5

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1st Annual Marsha Fest with
Disco Dick & the
Mirror Balls
Saturday, March 5th from 8-11pm
Liberty Theatre
113 S. Main St.
Fort Scott, KS
Join us to celebrate Marsha Lancaster with one of her favorite nights out. Disco Dick will be performing at the Liberty Theatre on March 5th, 2022. We hope to make this an annual event to honor a person that meant so much to so many.
Click here to buy tickets
Click here for the FB Event page
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members for all of their support.
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Marsha Fest Is March 5: Celebrating Her Life

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Marsha’s Deli has been renamed, but the signs will remain, according to Debbie Baxley, Marsha Lancaster’s sister.

Long-time restauranteur Marsha Lancaster died last fall and her life will be celebrated in a unique event planned by her nieces and nephews and close friend Rhonda Dunn.

“When Marsha passed away last fall, her family wanted to plan a celebration of her life,” Dunn said. “At that time, they weren’t sure what kind of event they wanted to plan or when it would be. They knew they wanted to do an event with music because Marsha loved music, and went to a lot of concerts.”

To view Lancaster’s obituary:

Obituary of Marsha Lancaster

Marsha Lancaster with Disco Dick’s lead singer Curtis Anderson. Submitted photo.

Marsha’s favorite band was Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs, and they will be performing in Fort Scott around Marsha’s birthday, Dunn said. “We traveled all over Kansas City watching them perform. As a special tribute to her, they are coming back to the Liberty Theater to perform.”

“Marsha’s passing was such a huge loss to our family and our community,” her niece Sara Lancaster said. “She would have been 55 years old on March 1 and there is no better way to celebrate the Dancing Queen herself than with a concert in her honor.”

“We hope to make the event an annual one,” Dunn said.

Plans are for the first annual Marsha Fest with Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs to take place on Saturday, March 5 at the Liberty Theater, 113 S. Main, Fort Scott.

The Liberty Theater doors open at 7:30 PM and the concert will be from 8 to 11 p.m.

There will be a cash bar.

For more information, contact Rhonda Dunn at (620) 224-1186.

About the Band

Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs are a band that tribute to the disco dance era. They perform the greatest hits from KC and the Sunshine Band, Kool and the Gang, the Commodores, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, and many more. They formed in 1998.

 

Entertainment

American Pickers Are Coming To Kansas: Tell Them About Your Stuff

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Robbie and Mike Wolfe, from the American Pickers website.

Mike and Robbie Wolfe, stars of the American Pickers TV show are coming back to Kansas to look for rare treasures to feature on the show. The show features the team scouring the country in junkyards, barns, garages, and basements looking for those treasures.

“Mike and his brother, Robbie will be traveling to Kansas,” Meredith Ball, associate producer of  American Pickers said. “Our host is in love with Kansas and hasn’t been back since 2018.”

“We are looking for those who think ‘I’ve got these cool items I’m ready to part with, I’ll have them come look,'” she said.

They will be choosing who they visit by March 4, so interested applicants should call 646-493-2184 or email [email protected], Ball said.

“We want large private collections that aren’t open to the public, unique batches of items,” Ball said.

The Wolfe’s will come in April.

“Once we solidify who we are seeing, well set up the exact dates,” Ball said.

Those interested can send their name, town, state, phone number and where the collection of treasures are located, and a description of the items, she said.

These pickers earn a living by restoring forgotten relics to their former glory, transforming one person’s trash into another’s treasure, according to the website:  American Pickers Full Episodes, Video & More | HISTORY Channel

 

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott High School Thespians Perform Comedy Murder Mystery

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The FSHS Thespians perform “An Audition for a Murder,” a comedy murder mystery by Lee Mueller, at 7 p.m. on Feb. 18  and 19 in the FSHS Auditorium.

 

The production features a community theatre troupe holding auditions for a Murder Mystery called “Death of A Disco Dancer.” All of the typical actors show up to audition, but as they get underway, there’s a bit of a problem with the “script,” it isn’t finished. The playwright arrives in the nick of time with a few more finished pages just as one of the actors mysteriously dies. As luck would have it, an inspector arrives to give advice on the play. Perhaps the investigation into this “mysterious death” will inspire the playwright and help him finish the play. After all, there is a read-through on Monday!

 

Audience members even get to play a role as they interrogate the suspects and vote on who they think the murderer is.

 

The production involves a cast of 14 including seniors Christina King and Zaria Byrd; juniors Israel Carreno and  Luke Majors; sophomores Casey Gomez, Regen Wells, Jaedyn Lewis, Jericho Jones, and Lizzy Moore; and freshmen Emma Guns, Mykael Lewis, Kaiden Clary, Piper Weeks, and Madison (River) Smith. The play is directed by Thespian sponsor Angie Bin.

 

“This show is a fun way for our students to interact with the audience and really give our community an immersive theatre experience,” Bin said. “We have had such an enjoyable time rehearsing and I am especially proud of our freshmen making their stage debut in this production.”

 

Reserved seating tickets are available for $5 from fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chocolate Lover’s Shopping This Saturday

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For those who love to shop and LOVE chocolate, get your walking shoes on.

This Saturday, Feb. 12, is the Love Local Chocolate Crawl shopping event, sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

This is the second annual Fort Scott Chocolate Crawl, according to Executive Director Lindsay Madison.

Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.

Stores festooned with red and white balloons and with the chocolate crawl poster in the window are participating and many will be offering drawings and store give-aways.

The majority of the retailers are in Fort Scott’s Downtown Historic District, but there are others also.

Downtown retailers are Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Bartlesmeyer Jewelry Store,  Better in Bourbon Boutique, Bids and Dibs resale clothing and more, Hare and Crow Barbershop, Hedgehog INK Bookstore, Iron Star Antiques, and Such,  Laree + Co. clothing store,  Main Street Gallery and Gifts, Sunshine Boutique, The Beauty Lounge hair salon and spa, and Treasure Hunt Flea Market.

Other retailers participating are Museum of Creativity, Shirt Shack clothing store and Varia clothing store.

Customers are invited to shop at local retailers and sample chocolate treats.

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Big Kansas Road Trip coming to Fort Scott

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BKRT is coming May 5-8th!
ATTENTION:
Events, Attractions, Restaurants
& other locally owned Businesses
TOMORROW
February 1st
is the last day to register to be
included in the print program.
Business listings will only be included if offering some type of special discount or giveaway to BKRT visitors.
Click here to submit form to register.
You have until April 25th to register and be included online on the
BKRT website, but the deadline
to be included in the full color print guide is February 1st.
Stay connected with Big Kansas Road Trip by Liking the official Facebook page, click here.
Visit the BKRT website here.
Links to BKRT Facebook, Twitter & Instagram below…
Thank you to our Chamber Champions below…
Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

A Coummunity Evening: Watch the Pinewood Derby

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Boy Sout Race Kit. Taken from BSA 114’s Facebook page.

Fort Scott Cub Pack 114 is having its annual Pinewood Derby on Saturday, Feb. 12  from 6-9 p.m. at Memorial Hall, Third Street and National Avenue.

This year to beef up community attendance, Scoutmaster Seth Needham is hosting a Corporate Pinewood Derby.

Tiger Den Scouts receiving awards for the 2021 Pinewood Derby. Scouts from left to right: Robert Needham. Payton Golden. Max Petrillo. Submitted photos.
Winners from each den in the 2021 scout derby. From left: Robert Needham. James Gooderl, Allison Moore, Charlie Widder, Emory Ellis.  Submitted photos.

“It will be a night of fun and racing,” Needham said. “The Pinewood Derby is an annual scout event where we design, build, and race pinewood derby cars,” Needham, said. “Pinewood Derby cars are small-scale cars made from wooden blocks, carved and cut for unique designs, and then raced down a special track. They are powered 100% by gravity, so the design is very important, and something the scouts work hard on.”

Needham decided to make this year’s race a community event because the scouts do work so hard on their cars.
“I wanted the community to have a chance to come and cheer them on,” he said. “The scouts give back a lot to the community through various projects, so it’s nice to have an event that can bring the community out to see them.”
“The corporate race is open to local businesses and organizations,” he said. “So far, I have about 10 different businesses signed up, and they are all really excited. Also, the sheriff’s office and the city of Fort Scott will have cars entered.”
Key Apparel is sponsoring the derby by providing prizes for the fastest cars, and best designs, he said.
The corporate derby has a cost of $25 that includes one derby car kit, registration for the race, and one meal ticket, he said. Extra meal tickets are $10. Companies can register more than one car, too. 
1st and 2nd place will be awarded for both categories, and the prizes are $150 and $100 gift certificates to purchase items online from Key Apparel.
“The design contest will be judged by a panel of judges,” Needham said. “Currently, Lindsay Madison from the Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Kevin “Skitch” Allen, and Kelley Zellner, city manager, are our judges.”
Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. for race contestants and their guests.
 Each company that registers gets one meal ticket, and extra meal tickets are available for $10.
“If people want to come and just watch the race, we will charge $5 entry,” he said “All proceeds will go directly to Cub Scout Pack 114.”
“I decided to do the derby as a fundraiser because so many people have fond memories of these races when they were scouts,” he said. “Anytime scouts are brought up in conversation, the first thing people want to talk about is their experience with the pinewood derby.”
Robert Needham testing the track at the 2021 Pinewood Derby. Submitted photos.

The Corporate Pinewood Derby

“Area companies are invited to design and decorate a car, race, and have dinner with the scouts,” he said. “You can be as creative as you want with the design of your car, as long as it complies with the official scout pinewood derby rules.”

The cost to compete in the Corporate Derby is $25 per car, and each registration will include the following:

  • 1 BSA approved Pinewood Derby Car Kit
  • 1 dinner ticket
  • Area to display your car and company literature before and after the race.
  • Features on our Facebook page.

Agenda for the Event

Check-in will begin at 5 p.m. with the official scout races starting at 6 p.m., and company races will start immediately after.

Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Additional meal tickets can be purchased for $10 before the event, or $15 the night of the event.

Please make checks payable to BSA Pack 114.

Key Apparel has donated gift certificates with prizes from their business website, which is www.keyapparelstore.com

Prizes will be awarded for the following categories.

  • Speed: 1st place $150, 2nd place $100
  • Design: 1st place $150, 2nd place $100.

If your business would like to register, please contact Needham at (620) 215 6934, or send an email to [email protected].

“Upon registration and payment, you will receive your pinewood derby car kit and a copy of the rules,” he said. “Also, be sure to follow BSA Pack 114 on Facebook for tips and tricks that you can use to make your car faster.”

Needham provided the rules of the derby:

RULES FOR BUILDING YOUR PINEWOOD DERBY CAR

BSA’s Pinewood Derby Car Building Rules

All cars must pass the following inspection to qualify for the race:

  1. Width shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches.
  2. Length shall not exceed 7 inches.
  3. Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.
  4. Axles, wheels, and bodies shall be from the materials provided in the kit.
  5. Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
  6. No lubricating oil may be used. Axles may be lubricated with powdered graphite or silicone.
  7. The car shall not ride on any kind of spring.
  8. The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices.
  9. No loose materials of any kind are allowed in the car.
  10. A double-elimination method is used to determine the winner.

This method uses a “winner’s bracket” system that begins with every car filling one spot. At the end of each heat, the winning car advances to the next level of the winner’s bracket while the other cars are entered in the loser’s bracket. Those cars then race against one another, with the winners of each heat advancing. The final car of each of the two brackets competes with the other for first place.

 Each judge will give each car a score of 1-10, with 10 being the best. The car with the highest score wins.

Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment, Gordon Parks Museum, History

Celebrating the Life of Martin Luther King Jr.

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In honor of Gordon Parks and his tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.,
The Gordon Parks Museum has scheduled a series of events to celebrate his life.
Starting on January 13th at 7pm
The Gordon Parks Museum Presents:
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey’s: Ever Present
Then, on Friday, Jan. 14th and Monday, Jan. 17th, the film showings of
Eyes on the Prize: American Civil Rights
After the first film on January 14th, there will be a Lunch & Learn in the Ellis Arts Center at 12pm. The Fort Scott High School Advanced Drama students will be reading the “I Have A Dream” speech given by Martin Luther King.
The community is invited and encouraged to bring canned food or cleaning products from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to the museum which is in recognition of King’s day of service events that will happen nationally. These canned goods/cleaning products will be presented to The Beacon, a local helping agency. Please, no out-of-date goods.
After the 1st film on the 17th, the Lunch & Learn event by Prisca Barnes, will be speaking on the “The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In”, an event that happened in Wichita.
A free lunch will be provided by Luther’s BBQ. Drinks and desserts will be provided by Great Western Dining.