Category Archives: Exercise

Exercise, Fort Scott, Youth

Lucas Kelley: New Buck Run Recreation Director as of July 1

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Lucas Kelley is the new Buck Run Community Center Recreation Director. Submitted photo.

Lucas Kelley will assume the position of recreation director at Buck Run Community Center on July 1, with the retirement of Tom Robertson. Robertson served for 23 years in the position.

Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

“He has been here since May 1, and will take over on July 1,” Robertson said.

“I feel so fortunate,” Kelley said. “Tom has done wonders with the rec. department, he has made it (the transition) easy on me.”

Kelley, 24, graduated from Houston, MO. high school and attended Fort Scott Community College on a basketball scholarship, where he earned an associate of science degree. He then went to Pittsburg State University where he earned a bachelors degree in exercise science in December 2021.

“All through high school I worked at the rec. department, then at FSCC I was assistant coach for one year and also refereed for some of the rec. programs here,” Kelley said. “I then moved to northwest Arkansas and worked in cardiac rehabilitation for a year, before moving to Fort Scott to take this job.”

He is married to Makayla Kelley.

For Kelley, the best part of this new job is “service, and getting to help people and get them involved through recreations.”

Kelley is working on making sign-up for leagues and payment of fees online, “So they won’t have to come to the building every time they want to sign up for something,” he said. “I’m in the process upgrading the system we have now.”

His community involvement so far has been with the Healthy Bourbon County’s Local Health Equity Team and also enjoys Bingo Nights at Memorial Hall to help support Veterans, he said.

 

 

Exercise, Fort Scott

Tom Robertson To Retire From Buck Run Center after 23 Years

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Tom Robertson. Submitted photo.

Tom Robertson, 55, has been the Buck Run Community Center Recreation Director since May 2000.

Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

His last day on the job is June 30 ,2023.

Robertson said he has served the Fort Scott community to the best of his ability, developing relationships with many community leaders, and representing the Fort Scott Recreation Commission and BRCC with “high moral values and leadership.”

“Th best part of my job was to improve the quality of life for the Fort Scott families,” he said.  “Dealing with all ages that want to be active, serving the community through offering of programs, events or facilities.”

The biggest challenges of his job?

“Finding quality, responsible volunteers and staff to carry out the programs that we offer,” he said. “And staying within a restricted budget.” Also working evening, weekends and holiday hours, ” when the patrons want to be active.”

Thinking back over the 23 years he feels his accomplishments are:

  • Working to not increase the mill levy, a tax.
  • Helping organize “Pennies in the Park” with the Youth Activity Team and also three concerts that featured Country singers Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. All money raised went to providing a sand volleyball court, outdoor basketball court, lighting at two ball fields, a walking trail at Ellis Park.
  • Hosting various district and state Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth baseball tournaments.
  • Helping to secure a half-cent 10 year sales tax to build an additional phase to Buck Run Community Center and the renovation of the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.
  • Hosting community events: Corporate Olympics, corn hole and  pickle ball tournaments, as well as others.
  • Renovating unused tennis courts to four lighted outdoor pickleball courts.
  • Serving on the Gunn Park Committee that hosted many Christmas in the Park events as well as Independence Day, Halloween and other holiday activities in the park.

There have been many changes in the Buck Run Community Center in his tenure:

  • The new phase of the center that included a fitness center, locker rooms, racketball court, additional office and lobby space in 2012.
  • The renovation of the center’s kitchen in 2020.
  • The renovation of the youth dance studio upstairs in 2020.
  • New services introduced in his tenure:
  • Youth indoor soccer, pickleball tournaments and open play, co-sponsored camps with the Fort Scott High School, corn hole leagues and tournaments.
  • An annual fundraiser for Adopt a Family,  that included garage sales, corn hole tourneys and middle school dances.
  • The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Competitions for the community to become more health conscience.

Robertson has big plans for his retirement.

“I’m getting married the first day of retirement, July 1,” he said. “To Becky Colding from Chanute. She will be moving to Fort Scott. She has accepted the job of administrative assistant for the Bourbon County Public Works Department.”

He plans on staying active but also spending time with his family.

“I want to find a job that is rewarding but not stressful,” he said. “(And) being the best dad, grandpa, husband, son, brother and friend I can be.”

 

About the Fort Scott Recreation Commission

All employees of FSRC work for U.S.D. # 234, that levies taxes.  The city of Fort Scott has contracted the FSRC to manage Buck Run Community Center. The FSRC has their own budget and board.

The mission of the Fort Scott Recreation Commission 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 Facebook page.

The Fort Scott Recreation Commission has a board consisting of five members serving three  or four terms. These are non compensated positions. Tammy Hill is the chairperson, board membersare Adam Lancaster, Stewart Gulager, Mike Chipman and Susan Marbery.

 

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

Kathi Hall: New Fort Scott Pool Manager, Pool Opens June 5

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Kathi Hall, taken from the USD234 website.

After a delay because of vandalism, the Fort Scott Aquatic Center will open Monday, June 5 at 1 p.m. to the public.

Swimming lessons at the Fort Scott Aquatic Center on July 10, 2018.

Kathi Hall is the new pool manager at the center, and is a 6th grade teacher at Fort Scott Middle School during the school year.

She was hired last month.

“It’s a perfect job for educators,” Hall said.

“We are excited that the facility can be open to the public,” she said. “We apologize for the delay. We were supposed to open on Memorial Day.”

The vandalism included graffiti, which didn’t delay the opening, and also included “multiple rocks that were thrown into the pool, damaging the concrete,” Hall  said. “The concrete then had to be treated and cured, then so many days the water had to be treated with chemicals, before we could begin the water filling process.”

The pool hours are Monday through Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m., Sunday 1 to 6 p.m. On Monday through Friday there is a family swim from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

The pool phone number is 620.223.8142

As a special treat, on Monday at 1 p.m. Pearson Towing staff will be handing out popsicles to those entering, until gone, Hall said.

Pool parties are from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. when scheduled. Cost is $150 per hour.

Pool rates are:

2 years and younger are free.

3-14 years: $2

15 to 62 years: $3

63+years: $2

A single season pool pass is $65, a family of four season pass is $200 and a $25 per person fee for over four family members. Members must reside in the same household.

“Children 10 years old and younger must be supervised by someone 14 years and older, at all times,” Hall said.

Assistant pool managers are Brayden Moore, Kayla Hall, Billie Jo Shoemaker, and Dakota Hall.

“We have a sufficient supply of lifeguards,” Hall said. “Thirty-plus lifeguards.”

 

 

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott, Youth

Splash Pad and Sensory Park Moves Forward

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Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones, right,  and FS Water Distribution Supervisor Bill Lemke discuss the splash pad project on April 19 at the site on North National Ave. Jones is one of the initiators of the splash pad project, as well.

Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones was on the site of the future splash pad and sensory park on April 19. Jones is also one of the organizers of the project.

Dirt work has begun on the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park looking southwest towards National Avenue.
The Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Committee from it’s Facebook page. On the committee: Bailey Lyons, Kelly Barr, Katie Hueston, Meredith Tucker and Josh Jones.

“It has started,” Jones said. “You’ll start seeing water lines and concrete, the above ground (part) in three to five weeks.”

The crews will be working around the annual Good `Ol Days events, the first weekend in June, he said.

Looking south from the Lunette Blair Blockhouse on Skubitz Plaza. This is the proposed site of the sensory park.

The splash pad will be a 50 by 50 foot multiple feature water site and the sensory park will be two pads, roughly 24 by 24 foot for children’s equipment that is easily accessed, with no physical barriers.

Looking north from the Lunette Blair Blockhouse to the splash pad site.

The splash pad and sensory park will be located on Skubitz Plaza at the north end of downtown Fort Scott, on North National Avenue.

Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park rendition from their Facebook page.
Poster explaining the sensory park from the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Facebook page.

 

Exercise, Fort Scott

National Interscholastic Bike Race This Weekend at Gunn Park

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Submitted photo.

The Kansas League of National Interscholastic Bike Race (NICA) is returning to Gunn Park on April 22 and 23.

“We will need volunteers for 2 – 4-hour shifts during the weekend, mostly on Sunday the 23rd,” Frank Halsey, event host said..

“If you missed this event last year, it is worth the effort to check it out,” he said. “These people do an amazing production for these kids and we at Gunn Park Trails are proud to be hosting their return.”

Halsey is founder of Gunn Park Trails, a volunteer organization that maintains the bike trails in the park.

Gunn Park will be closed for use during the event, but spectators are welcome.

“We still need volunteers for the upcoming NICA Race next weekend, April 22nd & 23rd,” Halsey said. “Please check out the following link for times and duties.”

https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/14705758298350030/false?fbclid=IwAR2yIrgmbAzeDryWMhK0hXKPNDQbrJ5kjAY811wbfvV4DRWs_mMVXGCdQ_Q#/invitation

About NICA

“We get kids on bikes, “according to NICA’s website https://nationalmtb.org/about-us/. “We are outside going places. We are stoking a life-long passion for riding. Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States.

The Kansas NICA was formed in 2019

NICA is  having adventures with teammates while tackling both small and grand challenges, according to the website.

Its mission is to build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities through cycling. Its values are fun, ,inclusivity equity, respect, and community.

About Gunn Park

Gunn Park entrance.

Gunn Park is located on the west side of Fort Scott, KS and is a 155-acre park with beautiful landscape and stone features, with the Marmaton River flowing through.

There is camping, playgrounds, eight miles of trails for biking/hiking,18-hole frisbee/disc-golf course, two lakes for fishing, seven shelter houses, 14 camping slots with electric hookups and restrooms.

 

Area News, Exercise, Food

Walk Kansas: Eight Week Healthy Lifestyle Challenge

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Walk Kansas registration is open now at WalkKansas.org! This eight-week healthy lifestyle challenge will inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active and making better nutrition choices. You are part of a six member team which selects a goal and supports one another in reaching it. If you don’t have a team, we can assign you to one or you can fly solo! The cost to participate is $10 per adult. (Youth can participate for free.) The benefits of participating in Walk Kansas include:
  • Weekly newsletters filled with motivational healthy lifestyle information, resources, and recipes;
  • 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;
  • Support in working towards leading a healthier life, including support gained from your teammates and exclusive membership in a closed Walk Kansas Facebook group; and
  • A new opportunity this year to participate in the online “Med Instead of Meds” class series! If you are interested in eating the Mediterranean way but not sure where to start, this is the perfect way to learn more.
We will also be hosting a kickoff event this year in collaboration with the Wildcat Extension District! At this event, participants will be able to run or walk a 5K, 3K, or 1K. The cost to participate in the kickoff event is $25 per adult, which includes a t-shirt and your Walk Kansas registration fee. If you are interested in attending the kickoff event, please register for it first at https://bit.ly/wildwindwalkrun. If you have any questions, please contact me at 620-365-2242 or [email protected].
Exercise, Fort Scott

Ladies Golf League Sign Up Is March 8

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Ladies Golf League
Informational & Sign Up
Meeting
Wednesday, March 8th | 5:30 pm
Woodland Hills Golf Course | 2414 Horton St.
Ladies League for women of all skill levels!

Par Tee Girls Ladies League

Informational & sign up meeting will be Wed., March 8th

Woodland Hills Golf Course at 5:30 pm.

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 May 3rd thru August 2nd

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!
Bourbon County, Exercise, K-State Extension

K-State Healthy Lifestyle Challenge Begins

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Southwind Extension District…
Walk Kansas registration is open now at WalkKansas.org! This eight-week healthy lifestyle challenge will inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active and making better nutrition choices. You are part of a six-member team which selects a goal and supports one another in reaching it. If you don’t have a team, we can assign you to one or you can fly solo! The cost to participate is $10 per adult. (Youth can participate for free.)
The benefits of participating in Walk Kansas include:
  • Weekly newsletters filled with motivational healthy lifestyle information, resources, and recipes;
  • 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;
  • Support in working towards leading a healthier life, including support gained from your teammates and exclusive membership in a closed Walk Kansas Facebook group; and
  • A new opportunity this year to participate in the online “Med Instead of Meds” class series! If you are interested in eating the Mediterranean way but not sure where to start, this is the perfect way to learn more.
We will also be hosting a kickoff event this year in collaboration with the Wildcat Extension District! At this event, participants will be able to run or walk a 5K, 3K, or 1K. The cost to participate in the kickoff event is $25 per adult, which includes a t-shirt and your Walk Kansas registration fee. If you are interested in attending the kickoff event, please register for it first at https://bit.ly/wildwindwalkrun. If you have any questions, please contact Clara Wicoff at 620-365-2242 or [email protected].
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Area News, Exercise, K-State Extension

Walk Kansas registration is open

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Clara Wikoff. Submitted photo.

The weather is warming up, which is a sign that it is almost time for Walk Kansas! Walk Kansas is an eight-week healthy lifestyle challenge that will inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active and making better nutrition choices. You are part of a six-member team which selects a goal and supports one another in reaching it. If you don’t have a team, you can be assigned to one or you can fly solo! The cost to participate is $10 per adult. Registration is open now at WalkKansas.org, and the program will take place from March 26th through May 20th. The benefits of participating in Walk Kansas include:

  • Weekly newsletters filled with motivational healthy lifestyle information, resources, and recipes;
  • 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;
  • Support in working towards leading a healthier life, including support gained from your teammates and exclusive membership in a closed Walk Kansas Facebook group; and
  • A new opportunity this year to participate in the online “Med Instead of Meds” class series! If you are interested in eating the Mediterranean way but not sure where to start, this is the perfect way to learn more.

There will also be a kickoff event hosted in both Chanute and Pittsburg this year in collaboration with the Wildcat Extension District. At this event, participants will be able to run or walk a 5K, 3K, or 1K. The cost to participate in the kickoff event is $25 per adult, which includes a t-shirt and your Walk Kansas registration fee. If you are interested in attending the kickoff event, please register for it first at https://bit.ly/wildwindwalkrun. Register by March 15th to ensure you will receive a shirt in your size.

For more information, contact Clara Wicoff with the Southwind Extension District at (620) 365-2242 or [email protected].

 

# # #

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K – State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Weekly Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

February 16th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, something for all ages!

February Special at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore

Buy 2 Get 1 Free Romance Books!

2/16 ~ BINGO hosted by American Legion at Memorial Hall, doors open 6pm, starts 7pm.

2/16-18 ~ Trap Play by Stephen Gregg, Fort Scott High School 7pm, click here for more info.

2/17-18 ~ Prairie Troubadour Symposium, most events held at The River Room, click here.

2/17-19 ~ 26th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count at Fort Scott National Historic Site, FREE hourly bird walks from 9am-3pm.

Click here for more info.

2/17 ~ First United Methodist Church Mission Soup Lunch, 11:30am-1pm in Fellowship Hall prepared by Don Tucker and Friends, freewill offering. Click here for more info.

2/17 ~ Daddy Daughter Dance Battle at Buck Run Community Center, $5/pre-registration for couple, $2.50 per additional child, $8/at the door for couple, $4 per additional child.

Click here for more info.

2/17 ~ REZA- World Class Touring Illusionist, FSCC in the Ellis Building, 7-9pm,

click here for more info and to order tickets!

2/18 ~ VFW Post 1165 – 8 Ball Pool Tournament, 12-3pm, click here for more info.

2/18 ~ The Artificers Pottery Class: Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class, age 21+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/18 ~ MS Bingo Fundraiser, all proceeds help fund students attending the Washington DC trip, Chili Pie with a dessert and a drink will be available, tickets are $10, click here for more info.

2/19 ~ Bourbon County Democrats General Meeting, Representative Christina Haswood guest speaker, Ellis Fine Arts Center H121,

2-3:30pm, click here for more info.

2/20 ~ Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce closed for President’s Day.

2/20 ~ No School! Skate Days! Buck Run Community Center, ages 7-12 with a parent/guardian, $3.00/per person, 10am-12pm, theme is ugly sweater/sweatshirt, click here for more info.

2/21 ~ Kiwanis Drive-thru Pancake Feed, tickets are $5, 11am-1:30pm and 4-6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church.

2/22 ~ The Artificers Pottery Crash Course, age 17+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/22 ~ Cholesterol Screening, Nevada Regional Medical Center,. 6:30-9:30am, register today by calling 417.448.2101

2/23 ~ Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting hosted by The Beauty Lounge, 2 S. Main, 8am

2/23-24 ~ Radio Auction All-Hit 103.9 FM, 2pm, click here for more info.

2/23 ~ Chess Group Every Thursday at Moe’s Bread, 6-9pm, no admission and all ages are welcome, US Chess Federation members are welcome to play in rated games as well, click here for more info.

2/24 ~ Knights of Columbus Annual Fish Fry, Kennedy Gym 5-7pm, 6 Fridays in a row.

2/25 ~ Kansas Rocks Recreation Park Annual Frostbite Event, ksrockspark.com

2/26-27 ~ FSCC Rodeo Bareback and Bronc Riding School, contact the college for more info.

2/28 ~ Retirement reception for Chief of Police Travis Shelton, come & go from 2-4pm, Buck Run Community Center, click here for FB event.

3/2 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County Arts Council, Ellis Fine Arts, 8am

3/2 ~ BINGO hosted by American Legion post #25, Memorial Hall, doors open at 6pm, Bingo starts at 7pm

3/2-9 ~ Bourbon County Fine Arts Exhibit, open to public for viewing, click here for more info.

3/4 ~ 2nd Annual Marsha Fest at the Liberty Theater, 8-10pm, click here for more info.

3/4 ~ Storytime at Hedgehog.INK!, 2:30pm, click here for more info.

Save the Date!

3/10-12 ~ FSCC College Rodeo

3/17 ~ St. Patrick’s Day! Find the Golden Coins for discounts at Sunshine Boutique

3/24 ~ FSCC Aggie Days

3/24-25 ~ Spring Open House ~ Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event, Downtown & Around

_________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Hedgehog.INK! February Special!

REZA World Class Touring Illusionist!

Link to buy tickets here.

Chamber Member Nevada Regional Center is offering cholesterol screenings!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Exercise

Read and Walk Off Holiday Pounds Starting January 9 at FS Public Library

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Our first Walk Into Books, Bourbon County! walking contest featured a virtual walk down the Yellow Brick Road, with 118 local residents participating, and the Reading Rangers team winning the contest. Our next contest begins on January 9. Please help us get the word out about this free fitness & literacy program!
Submitted by:
Valetta Cannon
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
Fort Scott Public Library
WALK INTO BOOKS, BOURBON COUNTY!

The Little House Trail Challenge

Walk off those holiday pounds and compete for prizes with the library’s walking program. Fort Scott Public Library & The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team invite you to virtually walk a trail from Little House on the Prairie Museum in Independence, Kansas to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home “Rock House” in Mansfield, Missouri. This walking contest is for people of all ages & fitness levels.


• Record your daily step counts through the Reader Zone app or browser version OR in Google Sheets
• Connect with teammates & compete against other teams
• Receive a pedometer & t-shirt just for signing up!
• Each member of the winning team will earn a free book & may also win coupons or gift cards from local businesses
• Reception after the contest ends for all participants
• Book club for all participants after the contest ends (depending on interest)

Register here: https://forms.gle/WUpQakNKiK1rZtfW8 or fill out a paper form at the library.The contest begins on January 9, is open to everyone, and free of charge. If you need help using the technology, come to the library for help or send an email to [email protected].

For persons with special needs, library staff will do their best to make accommodations. Send a message to the above email detailing your needs. 

 

Click here for more information on the contest: https://fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org/walkintobooks/

Sponsors include After Affect Salon, Buck Run Community Center, and Hedgehog.INK!. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, please email Valetta Cannon at the above address.

This program is made possible in part by a dream grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System. Funding for this Story Telling Project is also being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant.