Category Archives: Entertainment

New Keyhole Director

Bethany Hartford, the new Keyhole director.

Youth Ministries of Bourbon County Inc, known as the Keyhole, has a new director.

Bethany Hartford, 24,  became the director in March 2018.

Hartford has lived in Fort Scott for 14 years and has worked with the youth group at her church, Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, for about three years, she said.

She formerly worked at the Common Grounds Coffee Shop and saw a flyer on the bulletin at the shop of the position and applied.

The Keyhole is located at 1002 S. Main, across from Fort Scott High School and targets middle school through high school youth.

“The Keyhole is a place to hang out with friends,” Hartford said.

The Keyhole offers gaming systems, board games, ping pong, pool and an outside basketball hoop, in addition to a concession stand.

But most of all, the ministry hopes to be an encouragement to the youth to be “good members of society and love Jesus,” Director Bethany Hartford said. “I want to lead by example and show you can be a positive person in working with others.”

Caring, adult volunteers are always needed at the Keyhole, Hartford said. The phone number is 620-223-4700.

This month through July 29 from noon to 1 p.m. free sack lunches are available at the site as well.

Thursday the Keyhole hosted the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee, with Keyhole board members present.

Board member Ben Workman said the goal of the ministry is to instill Godly principals in the lives of the youth.

The Keyhole Board of Directors listens as Ben Workman, member, shares about the ministry. From left, president Tim Harper, Judy Hood, Workman, Hartford and Dona Bauer. Not pictured are Marge Madison, Kenny Felt, and Ryan Goodbody.
Summer hours of the Keyhole.
The Keyhole is a youth activity center located across from Fort Scott High School.

 

 

2018 Notable Kansas Books

The State Library of Kansas Announces the 2018 Kansas Notable Books

15 books celebrating Kansas cultural heritage

 

Topeka, KS — Acting State Librarian Eric Norris announced today the 13th annual selection of Kansas Notable Books. The fifteen books feature quality titles with a wide public appeal, either written by a Kansan or about a Kansas-related topic.

 

“I am proud to present the 2018 Kansas Notable Book list.  Choosing only 15 books is no easy task,” said Eric Norris, Acting State Librarian. “The selection committee began with a pool of over 100 submitted titles and worked diligently to identify the year’s best works by authors and illustrators from Kansas, as well as those works that highlight our history and heritage. Kansans are encouraged to visit their local public library and celebrate the artists and the artistry of Kansas.”

 

Kansas Notable Books is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book, a program of the State Library. The Kansas Center for the Book is a state affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Throughout the award year, the State Library promotes and encourages the promotion of all the titles on this year’s list at literary events, and among librarians and booksellers.

 

An awards ceremony will be held at the Kansas Book Festival, Saturday, September 8, 2018, 9:30 a.m., at the State Capitol to recognize the talented Notable Book authors. The public is invited.

 

For more information about Kansas Notable Books, call 785-296-3296, visit kslib.info/notablebooks or email [email protected].

 

 

2018 Kansas Notable Books

 

Bad Kansas: Stories by Becky Mandelbaum (Rockport WA), University of Georgia Press

In this darkly humorous collection, Kansas becomes a state of mind as the characters struggle to define their relationship to home and what it means to stay or leave, to hold on or let go.

 

Cricket in the Thicket: Poems about Bugs by Carol Murray (Overland Park), illustrations by Melissa Sweet (Portland ME). Henry Holt & Co

Playful poems highlight surprising facts about the world of insects – from familiar ants and exotic dragonflies to cringe-worthy ticks and magnificent fireflies in this picture book for children.

 

Dodge City: Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and the Wickedest Town in the American West by Tom Clavin (Sag Harbor NY), St. Martin’s Press

Cowpokes, desperadoes, and lawmen: it wasn’t always easy to tell which was which. This rollicking tale of Dodge City brims with colorful characters. From frontier settlement to cattle drives, to a railroad town, the history of Dodge City is the story of how the West was won.

Feet of the Messenger: Poems by H.C. Palmer (Lenexa), BkMk Press Books

Between the horrors of the Vietnam War and the pacific silences of the Kansas prairie, these poems honor both the beauty of the English language and the ancient powers of poetry to speak experience without diminishing it.

 

Fireflies in the Gathering Dark: Poems by Maril Crabtree (Mission), Aldrich Press

These poems traverse landscapes, inner and outer: physical landscapes and metaphysical ones; the landscape of relationships; the landscape of age, from childhood to maturity; and the questing landscape that leads to new understandings.

 

Headlights on the Prairie: Essays on Home by Robert Rebein (Irvington IN), University Press of Kansas

These essays bring a storyteller’s gifts to life’s dramas, large and small. Moments of singular grace and grit encapsulate the lives of feedlot cowboys, long-haul truckers, and farm kids dreaming of basketball glory.

 

Ike and McCarthy: Dwight Eisenhower’s Secret Campaign Against Joseph McCarthy by David A. Nichols (Winfield), Simon & Schuster

This fast-paced account reveals President Eisenhower’s subtly clever role in the destruction of demagogue Joe McCarthy. Drawn from documents in the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Nichols presents a gripping story of a classic power struggle.

 

Kansas Baseball, 1858-1941 by Mark E. Eberle (Hays), University Press of Kansas

The early history of baseball in Kansas is the story of towns and the ballparks they built. It was a time when baseball was adopted by early settlers, then taken up by soldiers sent west, and finally by teams formed to express the identity of growing and diverse communities.

 

Kansas Guidebook 2 for Explorers by Marci Penner (Inman) and WenDee Rowe (Inman), Kansas Sampler Foundation

The ultimate guidebook for all things to see and do in Kansas features 4,500 attractions, 843 eateries, and more than 1,600 color photos. Counties are arranged alphabetically within six geographic regions as are the cities within each county. Entries include directions, hours and contact information.

 

The Man from the Train: The Solving of a Century-Old Serial Killer Mystery by Bill James (Lawrence) and Rachel McCarthy James (Lawrence), Scribner

A baseball statistician and his daughter deliver a provocative story that aims to solve a 100-year-old mass murder case. The two painstakingly scoured thousands of newspapers and records to discover and reveal the identity of one of the deadliest serial killers in America.

 

Midnight at the Electric by Jodi Lynn Anderson (Asheville NC), HarperTeen

While the stories of three women span multiple generations and thousands of miles, their lives are intertwined. Before leaving Kansas to go to Mars, Adri discovers Catherine’s journal of the Dust Bowl and Lenore’s letters about World War I. Each story weaves a unifying thread of hope.

 

The Shape of Ideas: An Illustrated Exploration of Creativity by Grant Snider (Derby), Abrams ComicArts

What do ideas look like? Where do they come from? These one- and two-page comics have been featured in the New Yorker, the New York Times, and the Kansas City Star. They are a colorful look into the creative process.

 

Stark Mad Abolitionists: Lawrence, Kansas, and the Battle over Slavery in the Civil War Era by Robert K. Sutton (Bethesda MD), Skyhorse Publishing

In 1854, Boston was in an uproar. Businessman Amos Adams Lawrence was inspired to put his efforts and considerable fortune toward keeping slavery out of Kansas. The town that came to bear Lawrence’s name became part of a bigger story of people willing to risk their lives and fortunes for freedom.

 

That is My Dream! by Langston Hughes and Daniel Miyares (Lenexa), Schwartz & Wade

Langston Hughes’s inspiring and timeless poem “Dream Variation” comes joyously to life in a gorgeously illustrated picture book. Follow one child on a walk through his small segregated town in the 1950s. Then watch his mind take flight as he images a brighter, more inclusive world.

 

To The Stars Through Difficulties by Romalyn Tilghman (Long Beach CA), She Writes Press

Inspired by the women who built fifty-nine Carnegie libraries in Kansas, the No Guilt Quilters overcome numerous obstacles to build the Cultural Center on the Plains- proving that New Hope is more than just the name of a town.

 

Scenes From Good Ol’ Days June 2

A street fair view of North Main Saturday morning during the Good Ol’Days, the annual festival for Fort Scott.

A rain overnight cooled things down a little for Saturday’s Good Ol’Days events. The event is in its 37th year.

A street fair stretched from Third Street to Skubitz Plaza, a petting zoo, pony rides, motorcycle, tractor and automobile displays, a baby contest,  the Red Garter Show, a carnival, a turkey calling contest, and lots of other entertainment was offered for the public’s enjoyment.

Boys ages 19 to 24 months strut their stuff in their age division at the annual baby contest held at Memorial Hall Saturday morning.
Maddox and his dad, Matt Glades, enjoy the pony rides.
Even grown-ups enjoyed the petting zoo.
A broad ax demonstration at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
A family enjoys the birds of prey demonstration at the Fort.
Ticks were the subject of a station at the Fort.
Storyteller Steve Otto entertains a group at the Fort Saturday morning.
Two young archers get lessons from the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism employees at the Fort Saturday morning.
Fort Scott Munitions had a marketplace of its own on East Wall at the store location.
A long line waited to enter Fort Scott Munitions store Saturday morning.
A car show was held at the Fort Scott Munitions location Saturday morning.

 

Fort Scott Talent Extravaganza May 31 Results

The list of contestants of the Fort Scott Talent Extravaganza 2018 posted at Memorial Hall Thursday afternoon.
Morgan Eaton, 16 years old, Fort Scott, rehearses her performance Thursday afternoon for the Fort Scott Talent Extravaganza later in the evening.
Contestants were judged on talent, entertaining and appearance for the Fort Scott Talent Extravaganza Thursday evening at Memorial Hall. Pictured is the judges tally sheet.

 

The final results of the competition are:  First Place, Kenna Miles  who won $300; Second Place, Christina Ramirez, who won$200;
Third Place, Jakob Slinkard and Jorden Willard, who won $100.

 

Relaxed, Artful Evening

Courtesy photo. A necklace created by Mindy Bartlett.

If one is looking for a relaxing evening with friends or family, the Bourbon County Arts Council (BCAC) Art Walk is an option.

From 5-8 p.m.  Friday, May 25, the art walk will be located at the Liberty Theater Patio, 113 S. Main. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the office lobby just south of Crooner’s Lounge, next door to the Liberty.

Food and drink may be purchased at Crooner’s Lounge and delivered to the patio.

The patio event is intimate and relaxing, Deb Anderson, president of the BCAC, said.

“The artists feel more comfortable with that environment,” Anderson said.

Courtesy photo. Paul Milks, photographer.

Artists who are scheduled this evening are Paul Milks, photographer, Fort Scott; Bobbie Kemna, potter, Fort Scott; Carleen Shatto, maker of handmade soaps, Drexel, M0; Mindy Bartlett, jewelry maker, Fort Scott; Sandy Smith, potter, Fort Scott; Lucy Gladbach, painter, Missouri; Ken Anderson, elk antler decor, Fort Scott; Dee Ann Davis, cut coin pendant creator, Fort Scott and Toni Thornton, maker of dream catchers, Fort Scott.

Courtesy photo. Handmade soap created by Carleen Shatto.

Any artist interested in showcasing their artwork can call Anderson at 620-223-8650 before 2 p.m. today to reserve a table to sell their wares, she said.

The BCAC is hosting four Art Walks this summer, whose purpose is to showcase local artists, Anderson said.

They will all be Friday evenings at the Liberty Theatre Patio:  June 15, July 27 in collaboration with Mercy’s Wine Stroll, and September 14.

“August is just too hot to have it,” Anderson said.

Additionally, the BCAC is sponsoring music concerts at 8 p.m. at the Liberty Theater Patio on June 23-featuring Ben Taddiken, July 14-The Whiskey Raccoons, August 18-Flagship Romance.

The 12-member board of the BCAC consists of Anderson, Terri  Floyd, Deb Halsey, Elaine Buerge, Bre Martin, Laura Meeks, Tedena Tucker, Ray Streeter, Danny Magee, Rob Shaw and Chris Woods.

Membership is currently at 103, she said.

They meet at 6 p.m. the second Monday of each month at Presbyterian Village’s Community Room.

The BCAC’s mission is to promote and expand the arts in Bourbon County, Anderson said.

 

 

 

 

Free Outdoor Downtown Movie May 25

There will be four, free movies for family entertainment this summer at the City Park just south of the Lowell Milken Center at Wall and Main streets downtown.

The first one is The Incredibles sponsored by Bids and Dibs and also Fort Scott Family Dental. The movie will start at 8:30 p.m. on May 25. In case of inclement weather, the movied will be moved to Memorial Hall.

Free popcorn and drink will be available.

The event is facilitated by the Fort Scott Convention and  Visitors Bureau.    Check out the website at   http://www.visitfortscott.com

 

Annual Town Festival Begins May 31: Good Ol’Days

New entertainment acts and hours of the street dance are what’s different this year at the 37th Annual Good Ol’ Days Festival May 31 through June 2.

The theme this year is “Fins, Feathers, and Furs”.

“The street dances will be from 7 to 10 p.m., with the carnival and beer tent open until 11,” Kellye Barrows, vice chairman of the festival’s board, said.

Formerly the dance went until 11 p.m. but the new time will allow people to leave more leisurely, Barrows said.

For all performances at Skubitz Plaza bring a lawn chair. No coolers or glass containers are allowed. And no pets, please.

Performing on Skubitz Plaza for the street dance on Friday, June 1 is Shades of Blue, from Kansas City. These five young musicians share a love of blues and rock and roll, according to information provided.

Check out their website at www.shadesofbluekc.comhttp://www.shadesofbluekc.com

Also on Friday night, the street fair and marketplace on North Main Street will be open from 5 to 10 p.m.

Wade Henry, “entertainer extraordinaire”, according to Barrows will perform Saturday morning from 10-11 a.m. and again 1-2 p.m. at Skubitz Plaza. Henry is a juggler, unicyclist, ropewalker, fire eater, equilibrist, magician, speaker and comic.

Check Henry’s website at http://www.wadehenryshow.com/

Saturday evening, from 3 to 6 p.m. Stone Country, a country-western band from Girard will perform at Skubitz Plaza. The group is comprised of Shana Lynette Stone, Dan Duling, Jeff Culver, Rick Eaves, Rick Duling and Fort Scott native, Jason Richison.

Check out its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Stone-Country-179892725724073/

Saturday night from 7 to 10 p.m. The Brent Giddens Band, Cleveland, Okla. will perform a wide variety of cover songs from multiple genres.

Check the band out on its website: www.brentgiddens.com

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 2 the 2nd Annual BBCO Outdoor Expo will be located from 1st to 3rd streets on North Main Street.

Adam LaRoche, Buck Commander, and Duck Commander are partnering for this event. A full schedule of events will be available at the festival.

Activities At The Fort

Fort Scott National Historic Site will be featuring presentations on canoeing/kayaking and youth archery instruction provided by the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Additionally there will be a broad-ax/hewing carpenter display by Jim Bailey with the National Park Service.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. live birds of prey will be on display by Operation WildLife at the fort.

A story-time will be provided by Steve Otto from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring a blanket for an old-fashioned picnic. Visit the food booths downtown, then bring your lunch to the Fort and enjoy some shade, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

An old-fashioned mattress race will be run at the fort from noon to 12:30 p.m.

There will also be a timed visit of “Buddy The Bison.” Buddy Bison will be one of the attractions of Good Ol’ Days at Fort Scott this year and is the grand marshal of the parade.

Check Buddy out:

https://www.nps.gov/fosc/planyourvisit/goodoldays.htm

To get involved with the parade on June 2 click below.

Seeking Good Ol Days Parade Entries

For applications for arts and crafts, food vendors, outdoor expo, talent show and parade, click below.

https://www.fortscottgoodoldays.com/applications.html

 

Fort Scott Munitions Gives Customer Appreciation Day June 2

Good Ol’ Days weekend, May 31 -June 2 Fort Scott Munitions is celebrating BIG.

“We are involved in Good Ol’ Days, plus we have our Customer Appreciation Day,” Robbie Forrester, president of Fort Scott Munitions said.

A car show, free hamburgers, raffles, giveaways and in addition the whole store will have discounted items ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent off the regular price.

Fort Scott Munitions is a United States distributor of lead-free rifle and handgun ammunition and the store is located at 523 E. Wall, just off the Hwy. 69 ramp.

The Second Annual Car and  Bike Show will be June 2 at 9 a.m., with the doors opening at 8 a.m.  It is a family-friendly, alcohol-free environment, according to Forrester. Registration is free.
There is a limit of 200 bikes and 200 cars for the show.
Preregistration is available in store and online at www.fortscottmunitions.com
There will be Best of Show cash prizes for both car and bike categories. The prizes are: 1st place $500, 2nd $250, 3rd $100. Winners will be announced at 2:30 p.m.
There will be 1000 Platinum Beef Burgers cooked for customer appreciation day, provided by KW Beef, a local Registered Angus Ranch. The hamburgers will be cooked by representatives of Traeger’s Grills.
A charity 50/50 Raffle for Jordan Karleskint and Carter Collier will be available with the winner announced following the car and bike show winners announcement.
The items in the store are discounted between 10%-50%.
“Everything in the store will be at least 10 percent off,” Forrester said. “There will be a special on Springfield Guns that day.”
“New items we are just coming out with, 357 sig rounds, will be discounted in the store that day,” Dustin Doherty, marketing manager for Fort Scott Munitions said. Also 9 mm nickel-plated and 9 mm TPD plated ammunitions are for sale that day.
There will be giveaways throughout the day, as well.
Special Guests include:
Sheriff David Clarke  (ret.), President of David A. Clarke Enterprises and Spokesman for America First Action;
Kris “Tanto” Pronto and Dave “Boon” Benton, two of the survivor soldiers of Benghazi;
Blue Line Bears (non-profit) – Megan O’Grady;
Got Your Six Coffee Company – Eric Hadley;
Thin Red Line K-9 – Amy and Ted Donaldson.
In the Good Ol’ Days parade on Thursday evening, there will be Hummers, a  race car, and trucks provided by Fort Scott Munitions, and will also include some of their special guests.
Store hours change
As of May 1, store hours have changed at Fort Scott Munitions.
“Most gun stores are closed Monday and Tuesday,” Forrester said. “We’ve expanded hours Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If customers need something Monday and Tuesday, they can call us.”
To contact the store call 620-223-1277.
From left: Dustin Doherty, marketing manager of Fort Scott Munitions; Caleb Osborn, loading manager and Robbie Forrester, president, stand in front of a new display in the store, a mountain lion being brought down by a pair of dogs.