Category Archives: Exercise

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

Skating Rink Is Nearly Completed for Christmas on the Bricks, Parade Is This Evening

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The new ice skating rink at the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue on December 4.

The new synthetic ice skating rink will open on Friday, December 6, from 4 to 9 p.m. on North National Avenue at the Gathering Pavilion.

The rink is a new event offered for Christmas on the Bricks Festival, and the rink will be open five weekends through the first weekend of January, according to the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce website.

Hours on Saturday, December 7 will be from 12 pm-9 pm and on
Sunday, December 8 from 12 pm-4 pm

Starting next week, the rink will be open on Thursdays as well.

Admission is anticipated to be $5/skater.

People will sign waivers, skates will be for adults and children and also assistive devices will be available.

“Please be patient with us, this is all new,” Striler said about the skating rink procedures prior to skating.

Thanks to those in the community who came together to bring this project from dream to reality, according to the Chamber of Commerce website. The rink was totally paid for by donations.

 

Robert Coon’s A1Towing moved the rink room to the pavilion on Dec. 4.

The rink room will be the skate storage area for the skate rental and for paying for skating.

Brock Coon helps clean off the rink in preparation for the opening. Brock is the son of Robert Coon whose business, A1Towing, helped moved the rink room to the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue.
The list of those helping with the rink setup. Submitted photo.

The rink project had delivery and setup help through help from the following:  Matthew Wells and the Great Expectations Restoration crew, Kevin Allen, Craig Campbell, Robert Coon, Jeremy Dare, Frank Halsey, Jeff Allen Electric, Scott King, Rob Pfohl, Mitch Quick, Jared Weaver, The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office for surveillance, The Fort Scott Public Library for the mobile hot spot, Heidrick’s True Value for the squeegees, Shawn Pytlowany for lighting. The skating rink room was constructed by the Fort Scott High School Career and Technical Education whose instructor is Jason Johnson.

The Annual Christmas Parade Is This Evening, Dec. 5

Fort Scott High School Band entertained the crowd at the Christmas parade from a past year.

To kick off the festival weekend is the annual Christmas Parade. The following is the list of almost 60 participants who are scheduled to be in the parade.

The lineup begins at Wall and National, in front of the radio station going north.

Park entries as close as possible to the west curb when lining up.

The entry number should be placed on the right/passenger side of your entry. Numbers can be picked up until 5 p.m. at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce at 231 E. Wall. If not picked up then, one can pick up at the radio station at Wall and National Avenue.

Entry participants are asked to pause briefly at the Heritage Pavilion at First and Main Street so the judges can announce your submitted  remarks to tell of your business/organization/ entity.

Volunteers Still Needed

Diane Striler, the leader of the festival project, said volunteers are still needed for Saturday night for a few venues from 8 to 10 p.m.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce,620- 223-3566

 

Exercise, Fort Scott, Government

Updates at Buck Run Community Center Ongoing

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The Buck Run Community Center has seen some updates in the facility recently.

The renovations were done by employees at the center, Lucas Kelley the Recreation Director, Dustin Fly the Maintenance Supervisor, and Katie Chipman the Office Manager.

“It is all funded by proceeds from our fitness center,” Kelley said. “Total renovations cost us $2,000.
Renovations on the Buck Run Community Center. Submitted photo.
In the concession stand:
“We added new flooring to replace the old stained carpet and
reorganized/simplified our tables and serving machines,” he said.
The lounge area. Submitted photo.
In the lounge area:
“We removed the original unused office and replaced it with a new seating area,” he said.
The front desk area of the Buck Run Community Center. Submitted photo.
The front desk area makeover:
“We gave our front desk a new look using contact paper! This gives our front desk a more modern feel,” Kelley said.
Future projects at Buck Run Community Center include painting in the weight room, gyms,  and meeting room.
“We are also planning on installing 3/8” thick rubber flooring throughout our entire Fitness Center after the first of the year,” he said.
Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.
The Fort Scott Recreation Department is located at 735 S Scott St, Fort Scott.
To contact BRCC phone 620-223-0386 or email [email protected] or view the website at brcc.recdesk.com
Bourbon County, Exercise

Bronson Area Residents Encouraged To Be Part of Process For Future City Park

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A new plan for Bronson’s public park is in the works.

Bronson is a small town (population 300) in western Bourbon County.

With support from some organizations,  a community meeting to get public input on a new park has been planned.

The surrounding community is invited to the town hall kick-off for the Rural Champion and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Bronson Placemaking Project on Tuesday, November 12th, at 6:30 p.m. at Bronson’s community building.

The Rural Champions program is designed to create a network of grassroots individuals who possess the necessary tools to resolve critical community needs quickly and effectively, according to a press release from HBCAT. These Rural Champions will receive strategic training and compensation and be connected with resources to assist them. HBCAT (The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team) was awarded one of 14 Rural Champion’s Grants and selected Kelly Perry to lead this initiative in Bronson.

Bronson Park. Submitted photos.

Rural Champion Kelly Perry (who lives and has a business in Bronson) will hold four town hall meetings.

Kelly and Thaddeus Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store in Bronson. Submitted photo.

The initial meeting on November 12 will be used to officially kick off the placemaking project and collect information from community members to create an assessment and to learn what there is to build on, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team CEO Jody Love said.

“We hope you will join us for the town hall kick-off for the RuralChampion and Healthybbco Bronson Placemaking Project!,”  Love said. “We are working to increase access to physical activity and enhance quality of life!”

Bronson Park. Submitted photos.

“We will discuss the current and envision the future,” Love said. “We will brainstorm, tell stories, talk about our strengths and opportunities, and determine our priorities for the space. This placemaking project empowers community members to help develop solutions and some grant funds to see their ideas become a reality.”

 

” Residents of Bronson report safety concerns when at the park and a need for overall upgrades and improvements.” Love said.

Bronson Park. Submitted photos.

“Snacks and drinks will be provided, and we want to hear from everyone, including your children, teens, and young adults. Their voice is essential,” she said.

 

The project, in collaboration with HBCAT, the Health in All Policy Task Force, the Bourbon County Local Health Equity Action Team, and the City of Bronson, has identified creating safe and healthy places and neighborhoods for families to enjoy, instilling a sense of pride, and lifting community morale as a priority, according to the press release.

 

“Anyone with ties to Bronson is encouraged to attend,” Love said.  “Teachers, relatives, community members, business owners, church leaders, and even family members who have relatives living in Bronson should attend.  We want to hear your unique perspectives, your stories, and your memories of Bronson and more!”

Bronson Park. Submitted photo.

About the Rural Community Champion Program and HBCAT’s Placemaking Project:

 

As a division in the Kansas Department of Commerce, the Office of Rural Prosperity is part of the economic development team solely focused on rural Kansas’s growth and prosperity.   The Rural Champion Program was developed by the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) in collaboration with the Kansas Sampler Foundation (KSF) and the Patterson Family Foundation; this program will address critical public needs in rural communities and build capacity in the future.

 

 

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

Fundraiser for the New Ice Skating Rink is at Sharky’s on November 4

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The plan for the new ice skating rink is to open during the Christmas on the Bricks Festival,  Friday, December 7th at the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue, according to Diane Striler, project coordinator.

“The high school carpentry class led by Jason Johnson, is starting to build the shed that will house the skates,” said Striler.

“Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National will be hosting on Nov. 4th to help us raise funds for the rink,” she said. Ten percent of the net sales that day will be donated to help fund the ice skating rink.

“I have also included links for people who would like to help us with a donation. We are getting closer, but still need a little over $20,000.00.” The total goal of the rink that will last approximately 15 years is $50,000 which includes the skates, rink, sharpeners, and building that will house the skates and take the $5 fee for skating.

See the flyer below to scan and donate to the ice skating rink.

The rink is a new addition to the Christmas on The Bricks festival that began last year in Historic Downtown Fort Scott.

 

 

Exercise, Fort Scott

FS Skating Rink Is Seeking Donations

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Fort Scott Skating Rink

Help us meet our goal for Fort Scott’s NEW Skating Rink!
Use the QR codes below to donate via PayPal, Venmo, GoFundMe.

Cash or Checks made to the Chamber Foundation also accepted. Mail or drop off to the Chamber at 231 E. Wall St. Fort Scott, KS 66701.

We appreciate everyone who has donated already to help us make this possible for our community!

Click the QR code below for a direct link to donate!

Call 620-223-3566 for questions. Click here for our Chamber Foundation page and more information.

A special thank you to our Champion Chamber members…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

New Trail Coming To Riverfront Park

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Jerry Witt near a marker for the new Riverfront Trail.

A new walk/bike trail should be completed by early 2025 in Riverfront Park.

The Overlook Trail will be 1,722 feet long, and eight feet wide, and follow the curves of the Marmaton River on the south side of the park, said Jerry Witt, Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority Chairman.

It is being funded by a $92,000 grant from Kansas Wildlife and Parks and the Riverfront Authority adding $75,000.

The survey stakes are in place for the proposed trail,and the land was surveyed by Agricultural Engineering Associates, Uniontown.

The entrance to the Riverfront Park’s south side, south of the orange bridge that crosses the Marmaton River. The stakes are in place to mark the new trail from this starting point.

The concrete path contractor will be Marbery Concrete Inc., Fort Scott.

Following the curve of the Marmaton River around to the Hwy. 69 bridge, it will include a concrete ramp for the wooden observation deck, for handicap accessibility, he said. The deck, called an overlook, gives an unobstructed view of the river.

The river overlook deck will have a concrete ramp added to make it more handicap-accessible.

The grant proposal process started in 2021 and a grant was 11submitted in 2022. The grant was awarded in 2023 and will be completed in 2025, he said.

History of the Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park is covered with tall deciduous trees that provide shade to walkers along the Belltown Trail.

The Riverfront Park came out of a 2005 town-wide visioning meeting that gave ideas for the future of the city.

One of the visions that came out of this meeting was the formation of a committee to clean up the unused area around the Marmaton River on the north edge of Fort Scott.

In 2007, then Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, authorized a board, called the Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority to secure the needed land for a new park.

From 2007 to 2010 the board secured all the properties needed.

“Most donated the land,” Witt said. “Once the land was secured, we were able to develop the land.”

The development since then: lighted trails, a pavilion with lights, the river overlook deck, benches, and bike repair stations, all with the help of the community and local organizations.

The bicycle repair station is one of several around the park, donated by the Rotary Club.

The overlook had to be moved to higher ground on the south side of the Marmaton River,  following a flood that partially destroyed it.

The Riverfront Park has daily walkers, businesses and schools use it, Boy Scouts have camped there, and weddings and other events, including last weekend’s FortFest have large gatherings there.

FortFest 2024 is a blues music festival that benefits Care to Share, a local helping organization.

Paul Ballou, the retired Fort Scott Fire Department Chief, is the park caretaker, and Witt said he does a good job.

The flower garden and in the back,  the underpass with mural art.

The Bourbon County Garden Club maintains the flowers in the circle in the south part of the park and local artist Stephan Toal has created mural art in the 69 Hwy. underpass area.

The Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority is comprised of Witt, Bob Love, Arnold Schofield, Penny Barnes, Dean Mann, Danny Magee, Jeff and Kate Sweetser.

 

The Riverfront Park is one of several in the City of Fort Scott, as shown on this sign at the park.
A historical marker in the south Riverfront Park is about the Fort Scott floods in this area.
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Ice Skating Is On The Horizon For Christmas On The Bricks: 1st Fundraiser Is Oct. 9

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Diane Striler and her husband Dean at last year’s Christmas on the Bricks. Submitted photo.

There will be an added event coming to the 2nd Annual Christmas on the Bricks event,  ice skating!

The rink will be a daw to Fort Scott and help with local commerce, according to Diane Striler, who is spearheading the rink project.

The rink will be in the new Gathering Place Pavilion on North National Avenue of the Fort Scott Downtown Historic District.

Striler has been talking to people since the first of 2024 about the project, an ice skating rink with no ice (it is a synthetic surface) that is not dependent on cold weather since the surface does not need to be frozen.

An anonymous couple is donating approximately $18,000 of the $37,000 total for the rink which includes the skating surface, railing, 60 skates of various sizes, and a sharpener for the skates.  Additional donors have totaled approximately $3,500, and she has applied for a Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant.

In addition to those for the rink, other funds will need to be raised to purchase materials to build a storage facility.  Striler has talked to a group that is willing to build the facility. It will be used to house the skates and provide a place for skaters to check in, sign their waivers, make payments, and access the rink.

“The whole project will be funded by private donations and grants, there are no tax dollars involved,” she said.

To bring the rink to Fort Scott, Striler had to get approval from the City of Fort Scott Commission and have a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the City and the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which is overseeing operations.

The kick-off for the opening of the rink will be the weekend of Christmas on the Bricks, Dec 6-8th.  The plan is for the rink to be open that weekend and the following Thursday and Friday evenings, Saturdays, and part-day Sundays through January 5th.  The cost to skate is $5 per person.

“We have talked to an individual who may help run the rink and oversee individuals involved,” she said.  “We would like to allow different organizations to help staff the rink and receive part of the proceeds for their groups.”

In addition, Striler has been talking with Fort Scott Physical Therapist Meredith Tucker about creating some aids to use at the rink to make it more accessible for children with disabilities.

The rink can be reused for up to 15 years if cared for, she said.

 

First Fundraiser For the Project

To add to the needed ice skating rink funds, the first fundraiser is 6 p.m. on October 9 at the Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main, Fort Scott.

It is called a Puzzle, Pizza & Pub Challenge!

The first team of 4 people to complete a 300-piece puzzle, a large pizza, AND a bucket of beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) wins!

The cost is $100 per team ($25/person)

The event is Wednesday, October 9th, at  6 p.m.

at the Liberty Theatre in downtown Fort Scott.

Register a team by calling or stopping by the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or online here! Limited to 20 teams!

If you can’t attend and still want to donate to the rink: click here to make a payment to the Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation, 501c3, via PayPal or Venmo @fschamberfoundation, please note the Rink in the notes! Checks may also be made payable to the FS Area Chamber Foundation and mailed or dropped off at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St with Rink in the memo.

Submitted graphic of a similar skating rink being purchased from Kwik-Rink, Maple Grove, Minnesota.
Bourbon County, Exercise

Ribbon Cutting For Uniontown Pickleball Court

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Uniontown held a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting for the Uniontown Community Pickleball Court on September 1.  Pictured are Councilwoman Danea Esslinger, Levi Ervin (cutting the ribbon), son of Councilman Jess Ervin, Councilwoman Mary Pemberton, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

The court was completed with the help of the entire community, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, Uniontown City Council, and Uniontown Ruritan Club.  A grant facilitated by Healthy Bourbon County Action Team from Blue Cross/Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas contributed to the cost of the court; the equipment and benches were donated by community members; and Uniontown Ruritan Club is donating fencing for the north and south ends.  The City of Uniontown wishes to thank all those involved with this project.  The court is being used daily by  the community.

 

Bourbon County, Exercise, Government

Pickleball Court Comes To Uniontown

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The new pickleball court in Uniontown is located at Sherman and Second Street on the town square.

Pickleball has come to Uniontown, with equipment provided by community members and a court provided by a grant.

Pickleball resembles tennis in which players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net, according to Oxford Languages Dictionary.
A grant provided the concrete court to play the sport on.
Recently, the court had been marked for pickleball play.
Last Thursday, pickleball equipment was made available in a storage container located under the community bulletin board at Uniontown’s City Hall on the east side of the town’s square.
Paddles and balls to play pickleball are inside the bin beneath the City of Uniontown Community Bulletin Board.
“There is no charge to use the equipment and we ask that you put it back, or the community loses it,” City Clerk Sally Johnson said. “Return it and take care, so everyone can use it.”
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A sign inside the bin containing the pickleball equipment.
“All the equipment has been donated,”  Johnson said. “The bin, which houses the equipment was donated by Amber Kelley; the net, paddles and ball were donated by the Frank Johnson family; and the benches around the pickleball court was supplied by Skeet George.”
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Sally Johnson, Uniontown’s City Clerk.
“People are already using it,” Johnson said. “Equipment is available at City Hall, behind the community bulletin board.”
The City of Uniontown pursued a grant in 2022 to provide this sport to those in the community.
The project was funded by a grant from the Kansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield Pathways Grant, through Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Placemaking.
“We went through them to apply and qualify for the grant,” Johnson said. “HBCAT worked with the community to find out what the community wanted in 2022. We received and implemented the grant request and had to make an estimated budget, then advertised and put it out for bid. $18, 430 was the low bid. The BCBS grant provided $10,000 in grant money to help pay for that. The process took about two years.”
Grand Opening
A grand opening/ribbon cutting is scheduled during the Old Settler’s Picnic at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 1 at the pickleball court, located west of the new public restrooms in Uniontown.
The grand opening falls between two family activities that day at the town square, bingo is slated for 2 p.m. at the southeast shelter house, and then the Family Fun Night starts at 6 p.m. at the gazebo, Johnson said.
“They will incorporate the ribbon cutting in the family fun time,” she said. “The public is invited to all the events.”
The new Uniontown Pickleball Court is adjacent to the new public restrooms on the town’s square.
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Exercise, Food

Old Settlers Picnic Weekend: Something For Everyone

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The 119th Annual Old Settlers Picnic is this weekend, starting on Friday evening  with a street dance and continuing to the recognition of old settlers to the community on Monday afternoon.
The parade is on Monday,  with the Marilyn Holt family as the grand marshalls.
 The following information was provided by Sara Roufs, president of the Old Settler’s Picnic Committee.
Friday, August 30
To kick off the weekend, there will be a street dance on Friday evening with live music by No Bad Vibes.
Saturday, August 31
“The 5K Run/Walk will now be in Uniontown as well as the kid’s fishing derby so the town will be bustling and we are inviting the community to have a yard sale if they wish,” said Sara Roufs. “It would be a great chance to make some spending cash for Monday where there will be a variety of food and craft vendors available.
Sunday, September 1
There will be the traditional community church service in the park on Sunday at 10 a.m. starting with a coffee, milk and donuts social. This annual event is a collaboration of the First Missionary Baptist Church and Uniontown Methodist Church.
“Everyone really enjoyed bingo last year, so we will start that earlier on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. Prizes have been donated by local businesses.”
Sally Johnson will be facilitating the bingo game and it will be at the southeast pavilion in the town’s square.
The grand opening of the new pickleball court will be at 5:30 p.m. at the new court on the south side of the town square park.
The new Uniontown Pickleball Court.
“Family Fun Night will begin at 6 p.m. at the park and will also include the kids’ games normally played on Monday. The youth rodeo also begins at 6 p.m. on Sunday.”
Monday, September 2
“The car show will be held at the southeast side of the square starting at 9 a.m. so be sure to check out the amazing vehicles and grab some breakfast before the parade begins.”
“New this year for the car show, Dale Jackson’s family will be judging and picking their top 20 favorite vehicles and top 5 favorite motorcycles and overall best of show. Spectators are invited to vote for their favorite as well. Trophies will be awarded by the family at 1:00.”
“Food and craft vendors will mainly be lined up on the north street this year to make room in the park for everyone to stay and enjoy the day.”
“Bring a lawn chair or lay a blanket out on the grass. We will have live music throughout the day performed by Holly Crays and cash prizes, raffle drawings and contests.”
Bring a lawnchair and stay awhile. 2022 Old Settler’s Picnic photo.
“We will have a baby parade at noon at the gazebo where they can introduce and show off their little ones. All babies that register for the baby parade will be entered to win a prize.”
“We will once again be having free kids carnival games in the northwest corner of the park starting at noon. The Old Settlers Committee has purchased prizes with donations from our generous sponsors to provide free fun for the kids to replace the bounce houses they were allowed to have in the past. Starting last year, the city council now requires that we purchase a special event policy to cover all the weekend events and our policy will not cover bounce houses. The carnival games are a great replacement and we are really excited to send the kids home with some fun prizes.”
Parade
“All kids are welcome to be in the children’s parade at 10:30. Ride a bike, wear a costume or just walk for fun. Line up at the fire station at 10:15.
The parade will start at 11 a.m.
The grand marshall of the 2024 parade is Marilyn Holt and her family. Community members are selected to be honored to lead the parade each year.
“Entries for the main parade will line up starting at 10 a.m. at the football field. We hope every club, organization, business, etc will participate. Our parade theme this year is “It’s a family tradition” and we will have a family float category so we hope to see some families join the parade. There will be cash prizes for the top floats.”
All area families, clubs, organizations, teams, churches and businesses are invited to be a part of the parade. First place prize for a float is $100, 2nd place is $75 and 3rd place is $50.
Kids Sign Up To Win a New Bike
“New this year too, all kids in attendance will be able to sign up (for free) at the Old Settlers tent to win a free bike! We will have multiple bikes to give away, which were paid for by raffle ticket sales this year. Mary Pillion has done an amazing job organizing and selling raffle tickets to make this happen.”
“As the treasurer, she keeps meticulous records and devotes a great amount of time to fundraising and contacting our sponsors. We have an entire circle of people volunteering time or making donations. There are far too many to mention individually but we want to thank everyone who has contributed to this and kept this community tradition going since 1905.”
“We hope to have another great year!” Roufs said.