Upgrades to Third Street Park, Nelson Park and the Ellis Park Soccer Field are in the works by the City of Fort Scott.
“The City of Fort Scott is working on upgrades to the 3rd Street Park bathrooms, ” Mary Wyatt, Fort Scott’s Planning, Housing, and Community Development Director, said. “I’ve ordered new bathroom doors, Ron Hurd Construction is going to be framing in the new doors, Stoughton’s Plumbing will be drilling sink holes into the concrete in both bathrooms and installing sinks, we (the City of Fort Scott)are installing motion lights, security cameras, and automatic locks for the bathroom doors. Evergy (the electric utility) has made a donation of a 35-foot pole to the project and CrawKan (Telephone Cooperative) has also been involved in the technology aspect of this project.”
Third Street Park is located at 600 E 3rd St., a few blocks east of Hwy. 69.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team received a grant to install new playground equipment and new concrete stairs that have added better access in the multi-level park in 2023.
“Through funding from Patterson Family Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, HBCAT started the Stronger Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods placemaking projects,” according to Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT Director in a prior interview.
A Building Up Our Neighborhoods Placemaking project through HBCAT repaired the bathrooms and existing structures, including the basketball goal.
“HBCAT initially started the 3rd Street Park project in 2023 and had new playground equipment and fall protection installed, the City of Fort Scott promised assistance on the project in the form of upgrading the bathrooms,” Wyatt said. “The City of Fort Scott has paid for the bathroom doors and security equipment and will be paying Stoughton’s Plumbing for their services and Jeff Allen for electrical work and CrawKan for the technology work, Ron Hurd Construction has volunteered to donate their time to frame in the new bathroom doors, and Evergy donated a bare 35-foot pole.”
“The HBCAT 3rd Street Park project was paid for by a grant that HBCAT applied for and were awarded, but the bathrooms portion of the project is paid for by the City of Fort Scott,” Wyatt noted.
The bathroom completion timeline is the end of May.
“There are a lot of moving parts and coordinating of individuals and businesses to make it all come together, but it is my goal to have the bathrooms completed and opened to the public by Memorial Day weekend,” she said.
Wyatt has been working on other projects for youth.
“I am also currently working on a project to make upgrades to Nelson Park, I’ve recently attended several Community Development and Grant Writing workshops and have found many resources that could lead to grant funding opportunities to fund the Nelson Park project,” she said. Nelson Park can be accessed from East Wall Street, turning north on Grant Street
“A few months ago, I completed a project that brought flashing school zone speed limit signs to both Margrave Street on the east side of Fort Scott as well as on National Avenue on the west side of Fort Scott and also just received additional flashing school zone signs that will be placed on Horton Street. The cost of the flashing school zone signs were split between the USD234 school district and the City of Fort Scott.”
“I am also currently looking into a project that could hopefully help resurface the Ellis Park soccer field this summer,” she said. Ellis Park is near the Fort Scott Middle School, on Twelveth Street.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore on Thursday, May 9th at 8am. Crooked Cactus Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.
Jordan and Randi Witt, new owners of Hedgehog.INK!, took ownership in February 2024. Hedgehog.INK! is your family-owned bookstore located in the historic downtown Fort Scott. With over 25 sections of new and used books, including a local authors section, you can find books in great condition at an affordable price and something for everyone! Hedgehog.INK! also carries products from several local vendors and offers freshly roasted Nutty Bavarian nuts.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
The 43rd annual Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days will happen May 31 through June 1 with the theme “Where Our History Comes to Life” said the steering committee chairman, Shawn O’Brien.
The kick-off is Friday, May 31, from 4:30-6 p.m. with the chicken dinner catered by Chicken Marys for $10 for a two-piece dinner including German potato salad, creamy cole slaw bread, and water.
“You can purchase your tickets at the Fort Scott Chamber office, 231 E. Wall,” O’Brien said. ” Pick up will be at the corner of Wall and Main. You can drive through on the east side at Wall Street and Scott Avenue.”
“The largest parade of the year starts Friday at 6 p.m. at 6th and Main Street,” he said. “We are delighted to announce that Lavetta Simmons has been selected as this year’s Grand Marshal. Each year, our committee has the privilege of recognizing individuals who stand out and shine in our community, and Lavetta’s unwavering dedication to Care to Share has truly captured our hearts.”
“Lavetta’s heartfelt commitment to Care to Share over the years has left an indelible mark on countless lives,” he said. “Her compassion and kindness have provided solace and support to numerous cancer victims, survivors, as well as their families and friends. Though Lavetta has retired from her role at Care to Share, her dedication to service continues as she now attends to her family, serving as the epitome of the best babysitter. Join us in celebrating Lavetta Simmons and her remarkable contributions to our community.”
“This year we will feature some great entertainment on the stage at Skubitz Plaza,” O’Brien said. “Friday night will kick off at 7 p.m. with Nathan Ast Band followed by Blane Howard. Blane returns to Fort Scott for his second show. We are excited to host him again as he always has a great show.”
The stage at Skubitz Plaza will feature free entertainment.
“We will have local artists Jericho Jones and Holly Crays on Saturday, he said. “Then finish out the Saturday evening with Left of Center which will play some great music along with karaoke. Bring your lawn chairs and come out and enjoy live music that features some great artists.
“The Red Garter show will return thanks to Kenny Clary and his wonderful group,” he said. “They always have an energy-packed show. This year they will have their show in the Liberty Theatre. We are excited to partner with a generous sponsor to host this show in the beautiful downtown Liberty Theatre.”
The Red Garter show will kick off Friday at 7 p.m. for one show, then resume Saturday at 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a show every hour.
“Jared Leek, owner of Liberty Theatre, an icon of the parade, will appear on the magical bike and we are so thankful for all the years that he has represented something that dates back to the start of the Good Ol’ Days”.
Many great family activities are planned for Saturday.
“We will have a bounce house at 3rd and Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $5 unlimited bouncing. Tulsa Gelly Ball will return this year at 2nd and Main. They have always been a family fun event. There is a cost for each participant, hide, roll, and avoid being shot at through a maze of obstacles. We will also offer free balloon artist and caricature drawings. These have been a great hit over the past few years.”
“We have some new food trucks coming in, and locals that will feature tacos, burgers, chicken, Hawaiian dishes, BBQ, fried fish, fried Oreos, funnel cakes, and much more,” he said.
‘The food trucks are always a huge hit as they feature fun options that we can’t get locally. We are excited to feature some new food that we have not had before,” he said.
The steering committee chairman is O’Brien, Vice Chair Charlotte Thompson, Secretary Kayla Hall, Treasurer Cheryl VanHoecke, Fort Scott National Historic Site representative Carl Brenner, and members, Tim VanHoecke, Shaylynn Clements, Angel Wilson, and Trey Sharp.
O’Brien has been on the committee for 11 years and chairman for 5 years.
“I want to thank our community for their generous support and contributions,” he said. “Our festival would not be possible without so many volunteers and passionate people. The City of Fort Scott is gracious with their city workers, the Fire department and Police department and so many countless others.”
“This will be my last year as chairman, and I am looking forward to enjoying the Good Ol’ Days as I did 12 years ago strolling down the street and enjoying the food, crafts, and fun,” he said. “If you would like to become a part of the committee, please let me know as we are looking for people to join our fun team.”
With every person they date finding their soulmate the second they break up, Justin and Emma decide to date each other and break up to cancel each other’s curse out, but their quick fling turns into something more when their families get involved and they catch real feelings for each other. Original.
When human remains are found, reopening a decades-old case, a group of friends, highly respected, affluent members of their communities, begins to fracture as homicide detective Jane Munro and forensic anthropologist Dr. Ella Queen get closer to the truth of what happened on an autumn night 47 years ago.
After killing her husband—a truly terrible man, Sally finds herself leading an extremely unusual self-help group of women who have come together to heal the damage their husbands have done—and to work out a plan to get rid of the bodies and get away with it. Original.
A hustler from a family of hustlers, Javi Perez, after college graduation, writes a viral essay embellishing his life story, which lands him a gig at a legendary magazine, but when his childhood best friend is released from prison, Javi offers to cut him in on the deal in exchange for his silence.
The best-selling author of The Music of Bees returns with the story of the unlikely friendship between a lonely ornithologist and an Irish musician working to save an injured crow in the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Gretchen Acorn, a fake spirit medium, is hired to cleanse a skeptical goat farmer’s property where she is shocked to find herself face-to-face with a very real ghost who wants to help the landowners avoid a long-standing curse. Original.
“In 1910, Effie joins forces with an English newcomer to discover what lies behind the doors of the abandoned house on Predicament Avenue. In the present day, Norah reluctantly inherits the house turned bed and breakfast, where her first guest, a crime historian and podcaster, is set on uncovering the truth about what haunts this place”
In a climate-ravaged America, a grieving musician sails a sentient Lake Superior, seeking his lost love amidst rising corpses, crumbling empires, and an unexpected rebellion sparked by his own gentle spirit.
While part of a small space exploration crew on an abandoned planet, a psychologist confronts a gruesome murder and twisted secrets as she races to prevent history from repeating itself in the form of space-borne madness. 125,000 first printing.
When a community of Anishinaabe people, with their natural resources dwindling, needs to find a new home, Evan Whitesky leads a dangerous mission back to their ancestral home in the Great Lakes region, during which they encounter other survivors, some who thrive on violence.
When his son Will dies following in his footsteps, former CIA agent Mac Dekker, forced into hiding after being framed for treason, returns to the field to uncover the secrets Will was hiding and finds himself working to stop a terrorist plot that threatens thousands.
Sacrificing his freedom by confessing to his desperate brother’s crime, John Bannack, while on work detail outside the prison, saves the judge who sentenced him from a bloody prison break, in return the judge releases him and employs him as his bodyguard and avenger. Original.
Two women who escaped an overly-strict home with a foster mother on a farm are called back to their childhood home and into the orbit of their former guardian when human bones are discovered beneath the farmhouse. 300,000 first printing.
During the Great Depression, Cottonmouth Tomlin, after the death of his uncle, returns home to Columbia County to the broken-down outlaw camp—the sum of his family legacy, but soon pushes the boundaries of the community’s forgiving nature as he is faced with hard choices. Original.
After being expelled from their ancestral home, Silvia and her mother finally settle at the Morningside, a crumbling luxury tower in Island City where Silvia’s aunt Ena serves as the superintendent. Silvia feels unmoored in her new life because her mother has been so diligently secretive about their family’s past. Silvia knows almost nothing about the place where she was born and spent her early years, nor does she know why she and her mother had to leave. But in Ena there is an opening: a person willing to give the young girl glimpses into the folktales of her demolished homeland, a place of natural beauty and communal spirit that is lacking in Silvia’s lonely and impoverished reality. Enchanted by Ena’s stories, Silvia begins seeing the world with magical possibilities and becomes obsessed with the mysterious older woman who lives in the penthouse of the Morningside. Silvia’s mission to unravel the truth about this woman’s life, and her own haunted past, may end up costing her everything.
A veteran journalist embarks on a poignant American odyssey, tracing the human toll of climate change that is no longer just a warming future, guiding readers across our current wildfire-ravaged landscapes, hurricane-battered coasts and vanishing ecosystems.
Utilizing her linguistic insights and sociological explorations, the best-selling author of Cultish and host of the podcast Sounds Like a Cult delves into the cognitive biases that run rampant in our brains, including“magical thinking,” offering a prevailing message of hope, empathy and forgiveness for our anxiety-riddled human selves.
“After more than a decade of stability or improvement, the mental health of adolescents plunged in the early 2010s. Rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide rose sharply, more than doubling on most measures. Why? In [this book], social psychologist Jonathan Haidt lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that hit many countries at the same time. He then investigates the nature of childhood, including why children need play and independent exploration to mature into competent, thriving adults. Haidt shows how the ‘play-based childhood’ began to decline in the 1980s, and how it was finally wiped out by the arrival of the ‘phone-based childhood’ in the early 2010s.”
“A deeply transformative memoir that reframes how we think about death and how it can help us lead better, more fulfilling and authentic lives, from America’s preeminent death doula”
An astrophysicist unlocks the mysteries of alien worlds, from lava planets to multi-sun systems, using Earth as a key and humanity’s curiosity as fuel, in a thrilling quest to answer whether we are alone in the universe. 50,000 first printing.
“Master the art of growing flowers in pots year round with inspiration from stunning full-color images and expert advice from the Sunday Times bestselling author of A Year Full of Flowers.”
A food stylist and cast of America’s Test Kitchen offers an all-occasion guide to making 150 homemade, delicious food gifts including Fruits of the Forest Liqueur, Banana Caramel Pie in a Jar and Chocolate Ginger Truffles. Illustrations.
Star Wars fans, come to the Fort Scott Public Library on May 3 from 10 to 5:30 or May 4 from 10 to 1:30 to celebrate Star Wars Day.
Dress up as any Star Wars character or wear your favorite fan t-shirt to show your love for the franchise.
Play games, put together a puzzle, watch a movie, take photos in front of our selfie station, try your hand at trivia, create a craft, color pages, check out a book or movie, or enjoy themed refreshments while discussing all things Star Wars with your fellow fans.
This will be a casual, drop-in program, available in the Event Room downstairs. May the Fourth be with you!
Join Miss Val at the library’s first-ever Storytime in the Park events on May 15, with an event at Nelson Park at 9 am and 3rd Street Park at 10 am.
This event is ideal for families who live nearby and do not have transportation to travel to the library.
The program will include stories, snacks, a craft, and a nature walk (weather permitting). Parents must supervise their children at all times.
These events are free and open to the public.
In case of rain, stories, snacks, and crafts will take place under the shelter house and the nature walk scavenger hunt will be sent home with participating families.
Since the pandemic, many people have been looking at a lifestyle that includes purchasing local products and growing their food, or at the least, knowing nearby local producers.
The fourth annual Shead Farm Homestead Festival event will happen on May 18, southeast of Fort Scott. This educational and family-fun event has attempted to help those people.
Homesteading is moving towards food security by means of producing one’s own animals and gardens.
Larry and Vickie Shead and their extended family have provided people with an event where people can gather tips on gardening, homesteading, grafting fruit trees, beekeeping, orchard care, and soap-making, and many others.
This year over 50 vendors related to homesteading, along with family activities are scheduled.
Besides new vendors and activities, there will be a speakers’ tent where people can listen to a question and answer time on various homestead topics.
“A chapel is provided for those who may need prayer or just want some Biblical insight,” Vickie said.
Over 150 volunteers have been working to create a memorable time, on Saturday, May 18, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $5.00 each or $25.00 for a family of five or more.
“There will be good old fashion and exciting, memory-making events that young and old will not want to miss,” Vickie said. “There are plenty of places to sit down and relax for a good visit with old friends and neighbors while watching the exciting activities taking place.”
Historical demonstrations to view: blacksmithing, broom making, butter making, wooden spoon making, leather working, rock wall building, and a weaver who demonstrates on an 1864 old barn wood loom, as well as showing how to spin. There will be a Model T Ford and a Model A Ford for viewing with early 1900s music playing on a Victrola nearby.
Educational vendors will share information on growing microgreens, making butter, washing clothes without electricity, creating with macrame, making goat milk soap, milking a cow, making jams and jellies, and creating pictures with pastels. One can also learn about making pottery, sourdough bread, and how to harvest maple syrup. And many beautiful quilts will be on display, she said.
“Children can enjoy the Children’s Center’s huge tent full of new, fun, educational, and exciting activities,” Vickie said. “The little children can gather bugs in their bag and turn them in for a prize. Face painting and a Story Station give a moment of rest for children. New this year will be a huge sand pile with treasures to find. New, also a Kids’ Corner Store with many farm and educational toys.”
An Animal Arena displays donkeys, goats, dogs, cows, sheep, and a pig. Poultry will be roaming the area with peacocks, chickens, guineas, ducks, turkeys, and quail. Children and adults can learn the techniques of roping along with other fun animal activities, and additionally, there will be kittens, rabbits, and quail.
The Food Court has expanded to include pulled pork sandwiches, as well as the festival’s famous Walking Tacos, she said. Snacks are in abundance with kettle corn and homemade potato chips, cotton candy, and bakery bargains. Snack Shack items are dried candy fruits, and many other snacks.
“A variety of refreshing drinks will be available such as hot and cold coffees, cocoa; lemonade, and homemade refreshing root beer,” she said.
“Hope to see you all for this wonderful family and friend’s event,” she said.
Rumble on The Bricks is a local car show organized by Fort Scott residents, Austin Alfaro and Dakota Rusk.
“We present ourselves as a car community but this is for anybody who wants to come out and have a good time, see friends, and promote small businesses/ideas,” Rusk said. “All vehicles are welcome, bring whatever you’ve got, just come hang out.”
Their first car shows were in 2023 and one is scheduled for April 21 at Riverfront Park, north of the orange-colored bridge on North National Avenue. The event starts at noon and will last about three hours, Rusk said.
“This is a family-friendly event, food trucks are welcome to come,” he said. “We’ve had Over Yonder BBQ bring some amazing food last year.”
They hope to bring the community together and give people something to do, once a month when the weather is nice, Rusk said.
“My main goal is to bring the community together and have fun,” he said. “This is a car show, just for fun.”
Dust off your dancing shoes and mark your calendar for the Civil War Camp Dance this Saturday, April 20. The fun filled evening, hosted by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc., is being held at Memorial Hall 1 East 3rd Street in Fort Scott and will feature 19th century music, Victorian dance instruction and light refreshments. Doors open at 6:30 pm with dancing to begin at 7:00 pm. Admission is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Period dress is encouraged but not required.
Dancing was a favorite form of entertainment during the Victorian era (1840s-1890s) and especially during the Civil War as it offered respite from the worries and horrors of a war that affected the entire nation. Come find some respite from your own busy schedule as you are transported to times past. All ages are welcome and no prior dance experience is necessary to enjoy the evening.
This event is being offered in conjunction with Fort Scott National Historic Site’s (FSNHS) Civil War Encampment. For more information concerning FSNHS’s Civil War Encampment go www.nps.gov/fosc.
The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.
The American Pickers are excited to return to Kansas! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in June 2024.
AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques.
They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections.
As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics.
Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way.
The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen
before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.
The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell…we would love to hear from you! Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public.
If interested, please send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to: [email protected] or call (646) 493-2184
facebook: @GotAPick
Sending on behalf of Chamber Member Advance Bourbon County…
WLW Returns!
Saturday, April 13th, World League Wrestling returns to Ft. Scott, KS at the historic Memorial Hall! This event for the public! This free event still requires a ticket and you can pick up free ticket/s at locations listed below.
Thanks to the awesome people at Advance Bourbon County / The Hall Events for their work in making this event happen and thanks to the businesses for their sponsoring April 13th’s event –
Findley Auto & Body LLC
Sleep Inn & Suites
No Limits Rehabilitation
5 Corners Mini Mart
Lyons Realty Group
Peerless Products
Bourbon County Cars
Kale Nelson State Farm
Brumback Motorsports
Pearson Towing
Fort Scott American Legion Post 25
H2 Painting LLC
H2 Logistics
Aunt Toadies
Linn’s Sanitation Services
Ron Hurd Construction
Jeff Allen Electric
City of Fort Scott
Again – we want to send out a HUGE THANK YOU for all the businesses above and Advance Bourbon County for getting this event free for the public to attend!
It’s time to fill up Memorial Hall and have a great night of pro-wrestling!