The 36th annual Kiwanis Pioneers Chili Feed is today, November 19th at the First United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott.
A meal of the Pioneer’s signature chili, (the same recipe prepared since the chili feed’s inception) with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
A free-will donation (suggested minimum $8.00 donation per meal) will be collected at the door.
“All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County,” stated
Kiwanis Pioneer President Kelley Collins. “The annual fundraiser will be drive-through only. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy of the First United Methodist Church on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.”
Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.
This is the Kiwanis Pioneers major fundraiser for the year.
In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of Improving the world one child and one community at a time, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including college scholarships, Court Appointed Special Advocates (for children), the Backpack food program,
Fort Scott High School Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, foster children, Feeding Families in His Name, Care to Share,
and school reading and arts programs.
About Pioneer Kiwanis
They are a service organization helping the children of Bourbon County.
Recently they completed a project for the local Head Start Program that involved Fort Scott Community College Construction Trades class members.
Head Start Fort Scott now has two new picnic tables for picnics and art classes at their site at 409 S. Judson.
A recent project of the Pioneer KiwanisPictured are (seated) front row from left, Pioneer Kiwanis members Kelley Collins and Vickie Chaplin; SEK-CAP Child and Family Development Educator Janice Durbin and Marie Wheeler, cook; middle row (seated) Maggie Brenner and Marlene Braker (standing) of the Pioneer Kiwanis; back row from left, Fort Scott Community College construction trades instructor Jason Johnson and students.
Members of the Pioneer Kiwanis club, SEK-CAP representatives, students in Fort Scott High School’s construction trades program, and their instructor pose for a photo, above, during the presentation of the two picnic tables to the SEK-CAP Head Start program this month.
Volunteers are needed in Fort Scott as meal servers and meal delivery drivers for the Southeast Kansas Agency on Aging 60+ nutrition program. The positions are open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Call Deb Stewart at 620-305-1539 for any questions.
It’s that time of year that people begin thinking about Thanksgiving holiday celebrations, and for many, having enough food to feed their families is an ongoing issue.
Three local organizations have started a food drive, the Bourbon County-Wide Gratitude Challenge, that will help contribute to limited-resource residents’ food availability. The food drive will continue until November 25.
Canned goods, boxed meals, and dry goods, as well as essential personal hygiene products, will be collected. The items will be distributed to local food pantries and other organizations working to support those in need during the holiday season and beyond.
“During this season of gratitude, we have an opportunity to give back to our neighbors in a meaningful way,” said Lisa Robertson, Community Health Worker with The Local Health Equity Action Team. “Food insecurity is a real challenge for many in our community, and by coming together, we can make sure that no one has to go without the basic necessities of life.”
The Guild Mortgage Company, 1 E. Wall, is taking donations for the food drive. Submitted photo.
Tomorrow: A Drive-up, Drop-off Event
Saturday, November 9, Lisa Robertson, LHEAT Community Health Worker, and Lea Kay Karsleskint, with K-State Extension SNAP-ED, will be outside at Brick Street BBQ Restaurant on North National Avenue from 10 a.m. to noon for the convenience of drive-up and drop-off contributions.
There are several options for those who want to help the cause.
Monetary Donations: HBCAT will accept monetary donations to purchase essential food pantry items.
Drop Off Non-Perishable Items: Take non-perishable food items to any of the participating drop-off sites below. Several partner organizations are offering drawing entries for gift cards and more, to those who donate at their business establishment.
5 Corners Mini Mart
Bourbon County Courthouse
Bourbon County EMS
Buck Run Community Center
Citizens Bank
City Hall
City State Bank
Community Health Center of Fort Scott
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
Fort Scott Christian Heights
Fort Scott Fire Station #2 – 23 S. Franklin
Fort Scott Police Department
Guest Home Estates
Guild Mortgage – 1 E Wall
Kansas Renewal Institute
HBCAT – 104 N. National
The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative
Landmark National Bank – Downtown location
Papa Don’s
Peerless Products
Perry’s Pork Rinds
SEK-Mental Health
The Artificers
Union State Bank
Uniontown Spark Wheel
Ward-Kraft
Order from Walmart: Place an online order for delivery directly to the HBCAT office at 104 N. National.
Drive-Up and Drop-Off: On Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 AM to 12 PM, drive up and drop off your donations in front of Brick Street BBQ. Volunteers will be on hand to unload your donations.
Get Your Church or Organization Involved: If you have not yet been contacted and would like your church or organization to participate in making this food drive a success, please reach out to HBCAT.
Contact for More Information: Call the HBCAT office at 620-224-2563 for additional details or questions.
Landmark Bank, 200 S. Main, created a Thanksgiving theme at their drop-off location.
The drive, spearheaded by the Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), and K-State Research and Extension SNAP-ED, has set in motion area partners who are collecting non-perishable food items, according to a press release from Kansas State.
“The Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) coalition is taking proactive steps to address pressing health disparities in our community,” Karleskint said. “Meeting bi-monthly, this diverse group of local leaders, health professionals, and community members collaborates on identifying and tackling the most urgent public health challenges affecting residents.”
“One of the critical issues that the LHEAT has identified and is actively working to address is food insecurity,” she said. “With many individuals and families in our community struggling to access healthy and nutritious food, the coalition is committed to finding sustainable solutions that will help alleviate hunger and improve overall health outcomes.”
“We know that food insecurity is not just a matter of access—it’s a health issue that impacts individuals across all ages and backgrounds,” said Karleskint. “By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, we’re not only raising awareness about the issue but also working collaboratively to implement real, lasting change.”
“The coalition’s efforts are part of a larger initiative to reduce health disparities and improve well-being for all community members, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Through these ongoing discussions and partnerships, the Local Health Equity Action Team is paving the way for a healthier, more equitable community.”
How It Started
“At a recent LHEAT meeting, Lisa Robertson, our LHEAT lead, proposed organizing a food drive to address the ongoing food insecurity in Bourbon County,” Karleskint said. “Having seen firsthand the struggles faced by many in her role as a Community Health Worker, Lisa is deeply committed to supporting underserved community members. After she introduced the idea, the LHEAT team came together to brainstorm ways to make it a meaningful event. A few weeks later, Lisa reached out to several local food pantries, churches, and The Beacon, inviting them to meet with she and I. As an LHEAT member and the KSRE SNAP-Ed nutrition educator for Bourbon County, I was eager to partner on this project. Together, we held a productive brainstorming session, generating ideas that would inspire community involvement and ensure the food drive’s success. With the weather getting colder and the holidays approaching, we thought now would be the perfect time to implement our project.”
Here’s a summary of the food assistance resources in Bourbon County they plan to assist:
The Beacon Food Pantry provides essential services for those in need Monday – Friday
Fort Scott High School Pantry and Fort Scott Community College Pantry offer students access to essential food items.
Uniontown Spark Wheel and Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church Pantry serve Uniontown residents, supporting families and individuals facing food insecurity.
Blessing Boxes are small, community-based outdoor pantries stocked with essentials for immediate access.
Bethesda Church Food Pantry and First Baptist Church Food Pantry provide ongoing support for local families in need.
Fulton Community Pantry will assist local households in need, and Bronson Library Food Pantry extends support to residents in the Bronson area.
These organizations are part of a collaborative network dedicated to combating hunger in Bourbon County.
“We encourage any additional food pantries in Bourbon County that we may not yet be aware of to reach out to us,” Karleskint said. “Connecting with these resources allows us to strengthen our community network and better support residents facing food insecurity.
With November comes cooler weather and thoughts of piping hot comfort food. The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers stands ready to dish up some warm satisfying fare as they hold their 36th annual Chili Feed on Tuesday, November 19th at the First United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott. A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $8.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door.
This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year. In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, Foster Kids, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs. “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Kiwanis Pioneer President Kelley Collins.
“The annual fundraiser will be drive through only.” according to Collins. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.
Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.
A group picture from the Girard’s meal site, the Beach Center Senior Center. Submitted photo.
On November 4 at 11 a.m., a new place for senior citizens to get healthy meals and an opportunity for social engagement will begin at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott.
Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.
“60+ Nutrition Bourbon County is the name of the program,” said Kathy Brennon, Executive Director of Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging.
“We currently provide approximately 1,000 home-delivered meals a month to 72 people in Bourbon County, from Monday through Thursday,” she said. “This is generally known as Meals on Wheels, but there are other organizations that provide meals to individuals in their homes.”
The meals are cooked in the agency’s industrial kitchen in Pittsburg and transported to Fort Scott to be portioned for home delivery.
The Older American Act, OAA funding has two goals: to provide healthy meals to homebound individuals and, for those not homebound, to also provide a healthy meal and opportunities for social engagement which contributes to health and well-being, she said.
“The funding is primarily through the Older American Act which is federal funds, and also funded by the State of Kansas,” she said. “This funding has a required match which is provided with county funding and donations.”
Volunteers Are A Key Component Of The Funding
” For Fort Scott, there is only one SEKAAA paid staff, with volunteer staff doing the home delivery. Last year, volunteers provided over 2000 hours of assistance. Without these committed volunteers, the program couldn’t occur,” she said.
“Volunteers can be daily, one day a week, or whatever works for the person. Sometimes a business or church takes home- delivery as a project and commits to a specific day or week and they rotate their staff.”
“We do conduct background checks for all our volunteers. Volunteers frequently say they get so much out of the experience and typically people are so grateful. If someone is interested in volunteering they can call 620-305-1539 for more information.”
The Target Participants
“The target participant is individuals 60 and older. The spouse of the participant, regardless of age, and individuals less than 60 years of age with a disability, who reside in the home with and accompany a participant are also eligible to participate.”
If interested, the person must make a reservation by calling 620-305-1539.
Why this service?
“I started at SEKAAA as executive director in 2021,” she said. “I had a vague knowledge of the nutrition program but did not realize how important it was to the participants. We were coming off the COVID restrictions, in which we were slowly opening our meal sites. Social isolation and poverty is an identified concern for the elderly in the nine-county area, Allen, Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson, Woodson.”
“Veivek Murthy, US Surgeon General reports that there is significant health concerns associated with loneliness. He reports that the health impact of social isolation is similar to what is caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day.”
“Home delivery is a very important service we provide, but we also believe that people meeting together for a healthy meal and seeing and making friends is also important. In our surveys of the congregate program, 35.6% of our participants eat alone. America’s Health Ranking reports that nearly 10% of Kansans age 60 and over face the threat of hunger. Murthy’s Social Connection Advisory reports that studies have shown that socially connected people live longer and are typically healthier. We at SEKAAA made it a goal to promote social connections whenever possible.”
“In Bourbon County over 26% of the population is over the age of 60 and it is anticipated it will continue to grow,” she said. “This program helps us meet our organization’s mission of helping people age their way, by having resources in place to keep people in their communities healthy and safe as long as possible.”
“There is a requested donation of $2 per meal, but no one is denied a meal. We do accept SNAP (foodstamps), she said.
The Fort Scott Chamber announces the Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat Parade!!!
SPONSORS NEEDED!
The past couple of years the attendance has been growing for the Downtown Trick-or-Treat parade with 600+ kids in attendance! At the end of the parade, we serve a slice of Papa Don’s pizza and a drink to each child who is in costume. We have been very thankful for the gracious donations from you all in the past!
If your business is interested in making a donation, please contact us! Click here to email us or call the
Chamber at 620-223-3566.
We will accept monetary donations or other items such as pop, juices, or bottled water.
Saturday, October 26, 2024 @ 11:00 AM
10-11am: Halloween photo backdrop for pictures with your own camera.
Face painting will be offered by the Fort Scott High School Pride and Thespian Clubs!
11am: Parade will start at La Hacienda, down the west side of Main Street to 2nd, then back down the east side of Main Street to Skubitz Plaza.
Following parade: A slice of pizza and a drink will be served to the kids in costume provided through the generous donation of local businesses!
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***Businesses along Main Street will be handing out candy during the parade, and businesses not on Main Street as well as any community organizations are welcome to set up a table along Main to pass out candy, coupons, promo items, etc.***
Please email the Chamber if your business or organization will be passing out candy so we
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Chamber After-hours Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting to celebrate Outpost 13 West, Thursday, October 17th, from 5:15 to 6:30pm. The new restaurant is located in the Downtown Historic District at 13 W. Oak St. where the celebratory remarks and cutting of the ribbon will take place at 5:30pm.
The Bowman family is deeply rooted in Downtown and the restaurant business, owning NuGrille and Brickstreet BBQ, and is excited to present the new Outpost 13 West featuring Southwest cuisine where you design your own tacos, burrito, nacho, salad, or bowl. The business officially opened on September 23rd and this Ribbon Cutting event will officially celebrate the opening with the community.
John and Cindy Bowman purchased the building for Outpost 13 West in 2021 and started refurbishing the property. The building dates back to 1862 and was originally a livery and feed stable. The Bowman’s son Alex and his wife Carissa are part owners in the restaurant along with John and Cindy. The Bowman’s feel the new restaurant has been well received in the community and people have seemed to really enjoy the food and experience. For more information and updates on Outpost 13 West, follow their Facebook page and other social media.
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.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
