Regi Casner is back to teaching fitness classes in Fort Scott once again, after a hiatus during the pandemic.
Her classes are at the Buck Run Community Center and also in Mound City, where she lives.
“I am teaching at Buck Run on Mondays and Fridays. I teach a 10:15 a.m. stretch class and a 12:15 p.m. Align/Pilates class.
“The stretch class moves slow and the Align/Pilates class flows through yoga poses with some strength work and Pilates blended in,” she said.
“The target audience age is 40-60s. I have a couple in the 30’s. I was hoping the noon class would be helpful for gals still working, and taking a lunch break.”
She will offer a free introductory class in April and early May.
About the Instructor
Casner “has taught fitness classes for a long time, completed a ton of training over the years, and wellness is my career and lifestyle,” she said.
“I first fell in love with group fitness when I took a step class in college(Pittsburg State University). It was love at the first step and downbeat.”
“The Fitness Nook was started because I believe small towns also deserve great fitness classes and the opportunity to sculpt, stretch and sweat together! “
“I love teaching group classes for many reasons. My top three are: 1. seeing people show up for themselves, and then realize than can do more than they think they can… and then doing it. And doing it again. It’s more than the mountain climber or plank. It is about showing up. 2. Sweating together is just downright awesome, especially when the music and company is good. 3. Helping people feel better in their bodies.”
“I’ve been married to Mat for almost 30 years, we have four grown adult children and one granddaughter (all of the above are my favorites). Besides the studio in Mound City, I work as the Wellness Coordinator at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, and teach fitness in Fort Scott.”
“My own personal fav workouts are: a strong yoga class, and a Pilates/Barre class-with some decent weight work included—and a great playlist. “
“I really do enjoy burpees, I don’t like mountain climbers (even though we almost always do mountain climbers). I love jumping jacks and backbends, I don’t enjoy twists, esp. twists in chair pose.”
If interested in classes, please send her a message
(913) 991-7860
reginacasner@gmail.com
fitnessnookmc.com
“And if you were interested until you read the words: burpees, mountain climbers, and/or jumping jacks, come to stretch class. Those words and actions are never mentioned there.”
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
Dust off those walking shoes and join the fun and challenge of Walk Kansas, running March 30th-May 24th! This is a team-based program that will inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active, making better nutrition choices, and learning positive ways to deal with stress. During the 8 weeks, you will log and report minutes of physical activity and the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat.
Each participant will receive a weekly newsletter with healthful lifestyle information and a recipe. Full access to the online tracking system, as well as the Walk Kansas app, to help keep you on track as you work to reach your goals. Fun and useful incentives are also a part of the package!
The Walk Kansas process is simple: join a team, select a challenge, and register. The captain of your team will initiate this process. Don’t have a team? No Problem! You may register as an individual and we will connect you with one! The participant fee is only $10.00, with an option to purchase t-shirts for an additional cost. Now is the time for a healthier you! Register by March 30th, at walkkansas.org.
For more information, contact Tara or Heather at Southwind Extension District, 620-244-3826.
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K – State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer
Informational & Sign Up Meeting Saturday, March 8th
Woodland Hills Golf Course, 9-10am
At the meeting you can pay your $40 league fee, get a pic for our website, get paired up with a partner (if you don’t already have someone to play with) and meet the other women of the league.
The league will run on Wed. April 30th thru Wed. July 30th.
Morning tee times available or at 5:30pm for a shotgun start.
The season will end with a banquet with a best ball scramble, a catered dinner, and a lot of fun!
The Fort Scott Recreation offers events throughout the year to help individuals stay physically fit.
This month, January 2025, the following classes are offered: yoga/pilates, Get Fit Stay Fit, Soul Fusion, Stretch Class, youth indoor soccer, Tiger Kids Cheer, Taekwondo, and The Biggest Loser Competition.
Lucas Kelley is the Buck Run Community Center Recreation Director. Submitted photo.
Recreation Director Lucas Kelley provided a list of all the new programs coming this year:
Youth Track (starts in March) Pre-K-6th Grade
Stretch Class: January 13th – February 28th 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Yoga/Pilates January 13th – February 28th 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
All-Star Weekend Challenge: Contestants pick winners for the three National Basketball Association All-Star Events.
BRCC hours are Monday through Friday from 5 A.M. – 9 P.M.
Saturday 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. May through September, and
Sunday from noon to 5 P.M.
Recreation office hours are 8 A.M. – 5 P.M
For successful programs, it is critical for
participants to sign up by the deadline, according to the website.
Classes may be canceled if there are not enough
registrants and the decision to cancel programs will
be made shortly after the deadline.
There are fee assistance and scholarship programs available for those who need them.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy our programs! according to the website. “Based on the needs of the individual or family size,
collected from the information that is provided,
scholarships may be available. Just ask our staff
for additional information.”
“Our policy is to provide customer satisfaction and to
refund payment for services which do not meet
customer’s expectations. If by the second program
day, you are not happy with a program or have
conflicts, a credit will be issued,” according to the website.
“In the case of inclement weather and program
cancellations, register for Textcaster, listen to
KOMB FM (103.9), visit our website at
brcc.recdesk.com or call (620)-223-0386.
Managers will be notified if games are canceled, according to the website.
Lucas Kelley is the Recreation Director, Dave Fly is the Program Supervisor and Katie Chipman is the Office Manager at Buck Run Community Center, 735 S, Scott Avenue, Fort Scott.
Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.
The Mission of the Fort Scott Recreation Commission (FSRC) is to promote the development of a healthy and productive life for the citizens who reside in the USD #234 School District through broad-based recreational opportunities, according to its website.
This is done by:
Providing a positive atmosphere for people and children that is fun and enjoyable.
Encouraging participation, not the winning and losing aspect of activities.
Providing a variety of programs for all ages, stages and abilities.
Remaining cooperative and open to all community input for additional recreational programming.
Recognizing the valuable contributions of community volunteerism.
Offering training to coaches and officials so that they are better prepared.
Encouraging positive reinforcement from coaches, officials, parents and to all that participate.
The Fort Scott Recreation Commission is comprised of Tammy Hill, Susan Marbery, Stewart Gulager, Adam Lancaster, and Dillon Duffy.
The following opportunities are provided to the community:
Buck Run Community Center/ Fisher Park , Located at 735 Scott Ave.
Which has the following: Fitness Rooms, Gymnasium, Kitchen, Indoor Basketball Court, Shuffle Board, Baseball Fields, Softball Fields, Tennis Courts, Outdoor Basketball Court, Swimming, Facility Rentals for Meetings, Parties, etc., Bathrooms and Playground Area. For Information Contact Buck Run at 620-223-0386.
Gunn Park
Located at Park Avenue 2
Lakes, Fishing, Shelter Houses, Tent & RV Camping, Bathrooms, Picnic Tables, Disc Golf and Playground Area. For Rental Information Contact City Hall at 620-223– 0550.
Lake Fort Scott
Located at Rt. 5 South of Fort Scott
Boating, Fishing, Swimming, Shelter Houses, Picnic Tables. For Information contact City Hall at 620-223-0550.
Bridal Veil Park
Located at West 2nd Street
Shelter House, Picnic Tables, Soccer Field, and Playground Area.
Lions Park
Located at West 18th Street
Baseball Field and Bathrooms.
Lincoln School Walking Trail
Located at West 18th Street
Walking, Running, Fishing, Picnic Tables.
Kiwanis Soccer Field
Located at 2108 Horton
Soccer Fields.
Betty Ruth Willard Fields/Ty Cullor Field
Located at 2108 Horton
Softball Fields, Baseball Field, Bathrooms, Picnic Tables and Playground Area.
Fort Scott Community College
Located at 2108 Horton
Gymnasium, Indoor Basketball, Tennis Courts, Volleyball, and Racquetball Court.
Located at the corner of Grant & Elm Street
Playground Area and Walking Trail.
James Tedesco Memorial Skate Park
Located at 4th & Scott Street Skate Park
The park is for public use by skateboarders, rollerblades, scooters and more. Helmets are not required but suggested and benches and trashcans are provided for anyone who would like to enjoy watching the skaters perform.
TOPEKA – Start 2025 on the right foot by joining a First Day Hike at a Kansas State Park! These guided hikes, organized annually by parks staff, encourage individuals and families to embrace the New Year with outdoor exploration and a connection to nature.
This year, more than 1,000 hikes will take place across the country, including 24 First Day Hike events hosted by Kansas State Parks. While the distance and rigor of the hikes will vary, each one aims to create a fun experience for all. Savor the beauty of our state parks’ natural, cultural, and historical resources, and be inspired to continue taking advantage of these local treasures throughout 2025.
“This marks our 14th year of offering First Day Hikes in Kansas State Parks, and we’re thrilled to continue the tradition,” said Linda Lanterman, Kansas State Parks director. “These events are a fun, healthy way to kick off the New Year, beat cabin fever, and explore some of the most beautiful areas in our state.”
What To Expect
Participants can choose from a variety of guided hikes that fit their comfort level, including scenic walks along lakes, exploring trails, and options best for wildlife viewing. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. And if hiking isn’t for you, Kansas State Parks invite you to explore other fun activities, from boating and fishing to horseback riding, or enjoy a peaceful moment from a park picnic table or bench.
What To Bring
Kansas State Park staff recommend the following items for a successful First Day Hike:
Water
Snacks
Weather-appropriate clothing (hat, gloves, heavy coat, or raincoat)
Hiking shoes
Binoculars
Hiking stick
Camera
Limited First Day Hike t-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. A vehicle permit will be required at all state park entrances; a daily vehicle permit can be purchased for $5 at each park.
First Day Hikes originated at the Blue Hills Reservation State Park in Massachusetts in 1992. The program has since expanded nationwide, with nearly all 50 states now participating.
For more information on First Day Hikes across the country, visit stateparks.org/special-programs/first-day-hikes. And don’t forget to share your First Day Hike experiences on social media with #FirstDayHikes and #MyKSStatePark.
Click HERE to find a Kansas State Park nearest you.
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.
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 lucas.kelley@usd234.org or view the website at brcc.recdesk.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
