Category Archives: Food

Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

First Ever Christmas on the Bricks: Something For Everyone

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The inaugural Christmas on the Bricks Festival is this weekend and behind the scenes, the committee has been working like elves in Santa’s workshop. Today is the deadline for parade entry and sponsorship gathering, see at end of the feature.

“There will be a variety of things that people can do,” Diane Striler, Elevate Fort Scott Christmas Chairman said. “It will be a unique event that people will want to come back to each year.”

The group formed in the spring of 2023, and there are several committees.

Beside Striler, on the Christmas on the Bricks committee are Lindsay Madison, Brad Matkin, and Josh Jones.

“Brad Matkin wanted to start a group to bring awesome things to the community,” Striler said. The group started talking about Christmas. “Brad saw cutouts for photo opportunities at Branson (MO.) I love Christmas and said ‘Let me help with that!’, ” she said.

“So many people have helped out,” Striler said. “Denise Beaman is helping with the Fort Scott Downtown Christmas Tree Contest for businesses. The city workers are helping downtown get ready for the event. Mid Continental Restoration is supplying generators for the booths that will be set up downtown. Southeast Kansas Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) instructors and students designed the booths, and Structural Panel Innovations (SPI) cut the walls for the booths. Niece Products made and donated the firepits that will be used for making s’mores.”

Many, many people have donated time, expertise, or materials to the event, she said.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce has had a Christmas Parade for years, ending with the lighting of the huge Mayor’s Christmas Tree at the end of North Main Street.

This year has been added St. Mary’s Catholic School students (Fort Scott)  will be singing at the lighting ceremony, and fireworks will go off as the tree is lit.

Striler said she is a TV Hallmark Channel fan and many of her ideas have come from those romantic drama movies.

One of the first things Striler did was to find horse-drawn carriages that would give rides. “We have Orange Star Carriages from Arkansas who are bringing three carriages. The cost is $40 for four people, with small children sitting on a lap for free. We are encouraging people to pre-register ahead of time. They will be at Wall and Scott Avenue (the depot building) from 6 to 10 p.m.”

The downtown businesses will be open until  8 p.m. each evening.

Businesses are competing in a Christmas tree decorating contest. “This will bring awareness to the businesses downtown. The public can vote at the Courtland Hotel at 1st and Scott Street,” she said.

Vendor booths will be selling “Quality Christmas-related items, that don’t compete with our businesses,” she said.

There will be a public information booth on Wall Street.

At that booth will be sold Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks commemorative items, including t-shirts and sweatshirts (price range $30 to $55) and mini-brick Christmas ornaments created by the Artificers owners, Kate and Trent Freeman, which will sell for $20.

Striler said she has been “asking God to handle the little things and the weather.”

The following is provided by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce:

Click HERE for a printable PDF copy of the flyer.

Click HERE for more details on the individual activities listed.

Events that require pre-registration include:
* Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
* Candlelight Tours of the Fort
* Gingerbread House Making Contest
* Christmas Paint Party at Pizza Republic
* Floral Centerpiece Making Class

For places to stay during the event: click here

 

The organizers for the Christmas on the Bricks want to recognize the event sponsors.

To be added to the sponsors for promotion, printed signs, and materials for the event, contact the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce today, Monday, November 27 by 1 p.m.

 

From the Chamber press release:

The festival will be packed full of holiday cheer, events, shopping, and activities for all ages with aspirations to be a destination for an Old-Fashioned Christmas.

The weekend will kick off with the“Candy Land Christmas” Parade of Lights on Thursday, November 30th at 6 pm, followed by the Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, Music by St. Mary’s School Choir, Holiday Fireworks, and Pictures with Santa insideBe the Light Boutique at 12 N. Main St.

Click here to enter the parade by 1 pm on 11/27!

Events taking place on BOTH Friday and Saturday,

December 1st and 2nd, include:

• 42nd Annual Candlelight Tours, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Fri. 6:30-9 pm, Sat. 5-9 pm

• Downtown Business Christmas Tree Decorating Contest cast your vote @ the Courtland, your vote will also enter you in a drawing for prizes!

• The Artificers 7th Annual Christmas Show, Fri. 5-9 pm, Sat. 10 am-9 pm, Sun., 12-5 pm

• Downtown Stores Open Late for Shopping, until at least 8 pm each night

• Crooner’s Outdoor Patio decorated for photo opportunities, open to the public Fri.-Sun.

• Nativity Showcase, First United Methodist Church, Fri. 5-8 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm

• Holiday Market Booths at Wall & Main St., Friday 6-10 pm, Saturday 12-10 pm

• Carriage Rides departing from the Depot, 6-10 pm each night

• Firepits with S’mores on Skubitz Plaza, 6-10 pm each night

• Live Nativity by Bethel Church, 1st St. & Scott Ave., 5:30-8:30pm each night

• Pictures with Santa, Be the Light Boutique, Fri. 5-8 pm, Sat. 12-2 pm & 5-8 pm

• Historical Trolley Tours from the Chamber & Visitor’s Center, Fri. 11 am-2 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm

Friday-only events include:

• Outdoor Movies at Lowell Milken Park, 6 pm until over

• Live Music by Holly Crays 6:30-7:30pm & Morgan Rohr 8-9 pm, Heritage Pavilion, 1st & Main St.

• Christmas Karaoke at Sharky’s North Pole Pop-up Christmas Bar (3rd floor), 9 pm-1 am

Saturday-only events include:

• Gingerbread House Making Contest, Brickstreet BBQ, 10 am

• Candy Land Adventure, Museum of Creativity, 10 am-4 pm

• Christmas Paint Party at Pizza Republic, 1-3 pm

• Christmas Cookie Decorating and Storytime, Hedgehog.INK!, 2pm

• Chili Feed by FSPD & FSFD, Empress Event Center, 5:30-8 pm

• Bourbon County Revival live band, Empress Event Center, 6-8 pm

• Late-night SINGO, Memorial Hall, 8-11 pm

Sunday-only events include:

• Cohn’s Cafe Holiday Family Style Brunch, 10 am-2 pm, reservations strongly recommended, call or text 620-418-6209

• Floral Centerpiece Making Class by Sunshine Boutique, 1 pm

Be sure and look for the Christmas cutouts throughout Downtown for photo opportunities with your friends and family, being made by Mike & Danyell Miles.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Fort Scott express sincere thanks to ALL the sponsors, volunteers, and staff who are making this event possible, including:

Event Chairperson and Chamber Board Member, Diane Striler; Chamber President & CEO, Lindsay Madison; Communications & Events Coordinator Emily Clayton.

Locals and visitors are encouraged to make plans to enjoy this

This is a FUN weekend on the bricks of the Downtown Historic Fort Scott District!

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or [email protected] for questions or more information.

Food, Fort Scott

Schwalm Family Thanksgiving Dinner For the Community: Perhaps the Last

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Two of the Schwalm family members Margery and her, son David. Submitted photo.

The Margery Schwalm family has been providing free Thanksgiving dinners to the Fort Scott community for 28 years.

The Schwalm family poses following the community Thanksgiving dinner during the pandemic. Submitted photo.

“It takes a good week out of my life to do this,” Margery said. “I would like to fix Thanksgiving dinner for my family next year.”

The best part for her is “talking to all the people that call and are so thankful for the meals,” she said. “I get lots of thank you’s from lots of people.”

“But I am tired,” she said. “I would love to have anyone pick it up.”

But for this year,  she and about 25 family members along with some others, will be cooking, packaging, and giving away turkey with all the fixings.

There is a drive-through pickup and also a delivery service for those who can’t get out, but no sit-down meal.

The event is this Thursday, November 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. People can call Schwalm at 620.224.6769 to order the meals.

The City of Fort Scott supplies the orange cones that help direct the traffic the day of the dinner at the Elks, and her son David helps with the distribution of the dinners to those who pick up.

Schwalm is a lifelong member of the Elks and gets the use of the facility for free, she said.

Elks Club members Bill Brittain and Pat Bishop gather the turkeys and slow roast them, a few days before the dinner.

“We buy the turkeys from G & W Grocery Store,” she said. “Last year I paid about $700 for the turkeys. G & W donates the carryout bags.”

“Then I round up most of my family and a few friends and will debone them,” she said.

“Cindy Ziegler Schwalm makes sure everything in the kitchen is taken care of, she has several people that help her,” Schwalm said. “She has some big strong guys to help whip up those potatoes.”

Cindy Ziegler Schwalm, facing center right, with the kitchen help at the Schwalm family community Thanksgiving dinner. Submitted photo.

Community Christian Church donates 50 pies and 15 cakes for the event.

“They do a wonderful job with the desserts,” she said.

Parkway Church of God donates money for the dinner rolls.

“The rest of the stuff I buy,” she said. “The carryout plates, seasonings, all the extra fixings to pull it all together.”

A free-will offering is accepted to help with the cost of the meal.

“Freewill donations generally pay for what I am out,” she said.

“We will be out there Thursday in the morning,” she said. “The helpers, the cookers, the handlers who pack up the meals.”

“Once I get everything taken care of,  I will be in the background overseeing,” she said.

Aria and Charlee Davis help with desserts and taking meals to the drive-through. Submitted photo.
The packaging of the Schwalm family Thanksgiving dinner. It is an assembly line. Submitted photo.

 

 

Art, Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Christmas on the Bricks Festival: Nov. 30-Dec.3

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Join us for the Inaugural

Christmas on the Bricks Festival

in Downtown Fort Scott!

First weekend of December

November 30th to December 3rd

See below for details!

Some activities require

pre-registration, so visit the

landing page on fortscott.com for info. so you don’t miss out!

Also, Like & Follow the Festival

Facebook page to stay informed.

EVENT SWEATSHIRTS FOR ORDERING

A limited quantity of event sweatshirts are still being offered for ordering, to be picked up on December 1st, click here for info.

The festival will be packed full of holiday cheer, events, shopping, and activities for all ages with aspirations to be a destination for an Old-Fashioned Christmas.

The weekend will kick off with the

“Candy Land Christmas” Parade of Lights

on Thursday, November 30th at 6pm,

followed by the Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, Music by St. Mary’s School Choir,

Holiday Fireworks, and Pictures with Santa inside

Be the Light Boutique at 12 N. Main St.

Click here to enter the parade by 1pm on 11/27!

Events taking place on BOTH Friday and Saturday,

December 1st and 2nd, include:

• 42nd Annual Candlelight Tours, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Fri. 6:30-9pm, Sat. 5-9pm

• Downtown Business Christmas Tree Decorating Contest, cast your vote @ the Courtland, your vote will also enter you in a drawing for prizes!

• The Artificers 7th Annual Christmas Show, Fri. 5-9pm, Sat. 10am-9pm, Sun., 12-5pm

• Downtown Stores Open Late for Shopping, until at least 8pm each night

• Crooner’s Outdoor Patio decorated for photo opportunities, open to the public Fri.-Sun.

• Nativity Showcase, First United Methodist Church, Fri. 5-8pm, Sat.10am-2pm

• Holiday Market Booths at Wall & Main St., Friday 6-10pm, Saturday 12-10pm

• Carriage Rides departing from the Depot, 6-10pm each night

• Firepits with S’mores on Skubitz Plaza, 6-10pm each night

• Live Nativity by Bethel Church, 1st St. & Scott Ave., 5:30-8:30pm each night

• Pictures with Santa, Be the Light Boutique, Fri. 5-8pm, Sat. 12-2pm & 5-8pm

• Historical Trolley Tours from the Chamber & Visitor’s Center, Fri. 11am-2pm, Sat. 10am-2pm

Friday-only events include:

• Outdoor Movies at Lowell Milken Park, 6pm until over

• Live Music by Holly Crays 6:30-7:30pm & Morgan Rohr 8-9pm, Heritage Pavilion, 1st & Main St.

• Christmas Karaoke at Sharky’s North Pole Pop-up Christmas Bar (3rd floor), 9pm-1am

Saturday-only events include:

• Gingerbread House Making Contest, Brickstreet BBQ, 10am

• Candy Land Adventure, Museum of Creativity, 10am-4pm

• Christmas Paint Party at Pizza Republic, 1-3pm

• Christmas Cookie Decorating and Storytime, Hedgehog.INK!, 2pm

• Chili Feed by FSPD & FSFD, Empress Event Center, 5:30-8pm

• Bourbon County Revival live band, Empress Event Center, 6-8pm

• Late-night SINGO, Memorial Hall, 8-11pm

Sunday-only events include:

• Cohn’s Cafe Holiday Family Style Brunch, 10am-2pm, reservations strongly recommended, call or text 620-418-6209

• Floral Centerpiece Making Class by Sunshine Boutique, 1pm

Be sure and look for the Christmas cutouts throughout

Downtown for photo opportunities with your friends and family, being made by Mike & Danyell Miles.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Fort Scott express sincere thanks to ALL the sponsors, volunteers,

and staff who are making this event possible, including:

Event Chairperson and Chamber Board Member, Diane Striler

Chamber President & CEO, Lindsay Madison

Communications & Events Coordinator Emily Clayton

Locals and visitors are encouraged to make plans to enjoy this

FUN weekend on the bricks of the Downtown Historic District!

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at

(620) 223-3566 or [email protected]

for questions or more information.

See full event flyer below,

or click HERE for a PDF printable copy.

We would appreciate you sharing with

your family & friends!

Special recognition & appreciation to the Festival sponsors displayed below.

This event simply would not be possible without all of the support!

If you would like to be added to the final sponsor promo, signage, and printed handouts for the event, you may still make a charitable contribution to the Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation by

1pm Monday, November 27th. Click here for more info. on sponsorship levels & payment info.
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Click on the individual flyers below for more details on each event!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below for their premium support of the Chamber year-round!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Annual Holiday Shopping Open House Begins This Evening

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Santa sits on a bench in front of The Ironstar and gets a second look from Ernestine Eden.

If people haven’t been out and about in Fort Scott lately, they might be pleasantly surprised at the number of quality boutiques, art galleries, and other storefronts that the city has to offer, according to Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

“Nearly every building is occupied and we are so grateful for the investment that building and business owners have made in our community,” she said.

The chamber recently announced the Annual Holiday Open House Shopping event, Downtown & Around in Fort Scott.

The main event will take place this evening,  Thursday, November 9 from 5-8 p.m. with refreshments, drawings, and deals to enjoy and get you in the holiday spirit!

On Thursday the trolley will be going from store to store from 5-8 p.m. for shoppers to ride to each site.

The multi-day event will continue on Friday and Saturday, November 10-11.

Nearly 20 participating retailers are involved,  including 110 South Main, Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses, Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, Better in Bourbon, Be the Light Boutique, Bids & Dibs, Flint + Fray, Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Laree + Co, Long Creek Outfitters, Papa Don’s Vendors, Ruddick’s Furniture, Sekan’s Occasion Shop, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, The Artificers, and The Beauty Lounge.

One can enter their name at each store for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks.

Visit fortscott.com or the Chamber’s Facebook page for more details.

The trolley in a Christmas parade in 2016.

History of the Event:
“Iron Star Antiques & Such initially started the Holiday Open House concept 20 years ago this month when Barbara Trimbur and Cindy Bowman, who were both booth vendors in the store at the time, came up with the idea,” said Madison. “Then Barbara took over ownership of the store that following January. I started leading the Chamber as President and CEO in the Fall of 2010 and that may have been the first year all of the businesses formally came together for an organized event.”

 

Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.

“I feel the Chamber and the retailers together have a strong relationship and communicate and work well together to plan these types of events and promotions throughout the year such as Spring Fling, Sidewalk Sales, Fall Fest, Holiday Open House, and more,” she said.

Food, Fort Scott

Fall Bazaar and a Meal at 1st Southern Baptist Church Nov. 10-11

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FALL BAZAAR/CRAFT SALE/

BAKE SALE/LUNCH AND/OR DINNER is scheduled at

FORT SCOTT FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH, 1818 South Main, Fort Scott for

November 10th, 2023 – 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
November 11th, 2023 – 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

HOMEMADE CRAFTS, BAKE SALE,

 

SAUSAGE ROLLS (cheddar or jalapeno cheddar)

$2.00 EACH OR 12 FOR $22

 

LUNCH AND/OR DINNER (serving at 10:30 a.m.)

 

CHICKEN NOODLE DINNER  OR PULLED PORK SANDWICH

(Mashed Potatoes, homemade chicken           ( Pulled Pork Sandwich, Baked

noodles,  green beans, homemade roll,           Beans OR Chips, 2 cookies AND

2 cookies AND bottled water)  $10.00       bottled water) $9.00

 

(DINE IN, CARRY OUT, OR CALL for DELIVERY (2 OR MORE MEALS) OR CURB SIDE SERVICE)

 

417-262-3948 or 620-215-3202

 

10:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Friday)

10:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. (Saturday)

Food, Fort Scott

Enjoy Some Chili on Election Day and Support a Good Cause

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Millie Karleskint dipping up chili at a prior fundraiser. Submitted photo.
The  35th Pioneer Kiwanis Chili Feed fundraiser is Tuesday, November 7th, election day, and the venue is across the street from the Bourbon County Courthouse.
The site for the feed is United Methodist Church, 301 S National.
The all-female Kiwanis club in Fort Scott,  The Pioneers, has a signature chili they will be serving, with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll 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) is to be collected at the door.
All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County stated Kiwanis Pioneer President Kelley Collins.

This meal is a drive-through only. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Please do not 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.

Elizabeth Schafer boxing cinnamon rolls. Submitted photo.
“Kiwanis International welcomed women into the organization in 1987, Collins said. “The following year approximately 60 women formed the Kiwanis Pioneer Club (in Fort Scott).
“The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers was chartered in May 1988,” said President Kelley Collins. “After brainstorming ideas for fundraisers, it was decided that we would hold an annual chili feed in November as our major fundraiser.”
Kiwanis Pioneer Club members, from left: Marlene Braker, Millie Karleskint, Holly Fritter (County Health Department), Dee Ann Davis, Vickie Chaplin, and Kelley Collins presenting a check for the 2023 Community Baby Shower event. Submitted photo.
Their mission:
To support the children of Fort Scott and Bourbon County through volunteerism and fundraising, she said.
“We provide college scholarships and support CASA( Court Appointed Special Advocates), the Backpack Food Program, Fort Scott High School Key Club, the Beacon, foster kids, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs,” she said. “Club members also volunteer for Feeding Families in His Name, the American Red Cross Blood Drive, and maintain a flower planter in the historic Fort Scott downtown.”
Food, K-State Extension

Apply For K-State Master Food Volunteer Training

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Clara Misenhelter (Wicoff). Submitted photo 2023

 

Interested in increasing your knowledge of nutrition, health, wellness, and food safety? If so, the Master Food Volunteer training is perfect for you! The Master Food Volunteer Program, which is modeled after the successful Master Gardener Program, provides a wide range of benefits. This training is being provided by the Southwind Extension District in collaboration with the Wildcat Extension District and the Marais des Cygnes Extension District. The majority of the training is completed online at your own pace, with three in-person labs. You’ll learn more about basic nutrition, meal planning, cooking techniques, seasonings and flavors, food preservation, food safety, and more.

 

Master Food Volunteers are people with interests in food, cooking, and nutrition who have gone through this training to take their expertise to a higher level in order to be able to give back to the community by volunteering at educational programs. Examples of programs supported by trained Master Food Volunteers in recent years have included summer youth cooking classes in Fort Scott and Bronson, as well as a breadmaking workshop in Fort Scott. If you are interested in joining this group, apply by December 1st. The training will take place in January and February 2024. Visit bit.ly/southwindmfv to learn more and find the application. Please note there is a $120 fee to complete the training.

 

For more information, contact Southwind District Nutrition, Food and Health Agent Clara (Wicoff) Misenhelter 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, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Keeping Safe at Halloween

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A downtown Halloween Parade in 2013.

Kids may have to bundle up for the scariest night of the year tonight because of cold weather, and Fort Scott Police Chief Jason Pickert gives parents some other tips to keep them safe.

“Fortunately, there are lots of easy things parents and kids can do to stay safe on the spookiest of holidays,” Pickert said.

Here is his list:

  • Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.

  • Don’t let little ones walk by themselves. Make sure they are joined by an older sibling or an adult for trick-or-treating.

  • Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks.

  • When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Choose face paint over masks when possible. Masks can limit children’s vision.

  • Drivers – Slow down and be alert! Kids are excited on Halloween and may dart into the street. Turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from further away.

 

 

Safety Advocates Offer Tips to Protect Your Children this Halloween

 Safe Kids Kansas, the Kansas Poison Center, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal remind families to make safety part of their fall festivity planning.

“On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year, according to a press release from Safe Kids Kansas. “Drivers need to slow down and be extra alert, especially in neighborhoods, as there will be more children on the streets and sidewalks – and those kids may be focused on gathering candy and the excitement of the holiday rather than being careful while crossing streets.”

“Review safety rules with your kids before they leave the house,” according to the release. “Trick-or-treaters are often out when it’s dark and more difficult for drivers to see them. Children younger than age 12 should not be crossing streets alone on Halloween without an adult or responsible teenager.”

It’s a good idea for children to have a cell phone with them in case of an emergency, but remind them to pay attention to their surroundings, and not be distracted by texting or talking on the phone, said Cherie Sage with Safe Kids Kansas.

“Parents and kids should also be careful with candy,” according to the release. “It’s best to check sweets before children are allowed to eat them. Only eat treats in original and unopened wrappers. Also, be aware kids are in candy-seeking mode, so keep medicine locked up and away, and keep the Poison Help Line programmed into your phone: 800-222-1222.”

“According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of home structure fires happened because decorations were too close to a heat source,” according to the press release. “Most of these incidents were started by candles. Play it safe and use battery-powered candles or lights. Remember to make sure your family has working smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside every sleeping room.”

Safety tips from these organizations:

Decorate Safely

  • Keep flammable materials such as hay bales, corn stalks and paper decorations away from heat and flame sources, like candles, light bulbs and heaters.
  • Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns and when decorating pathways and yards.
  • Set a reminder to blow out any candles and unplug lights at the end of the evening.
  • Talk to your teens who may be attending parties and haunted houses to look for the exits and have a way out in case of an emergency.
  • If using dry-ice, make sure you use gloves or tongs when handling it and do not put it in cups where it could be swallowed and cause severe burns.

Walk Safely

  • Stick to sidewalks or paths. Don’t walk through neighbors’ yards, as there may be a hazard you can’t see.
  • If there are no sidewalks along your street, walk on the road facing traffic as far to left as possible.
  • Always stop and look before you cross the street, and cross at corners using signals and crosswalks whenever possible. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

For more tips on how to keep kids safe on Halloween and throughout the year, visit safekids.org.

Business, Clothing, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Holiday Open House Shopping Event Downtown & Around Thursday, November 9th, 5-8pm

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Santa sits on a bench in front of The Ironstar and gets a second look from Ernestine Eden in this 2017 photo of the annual Holiday Open House.

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Annual Holiday Open House Shopping event, Downtown & Around in Fort Scott.  The main event will take place Thursday, November 9th from 5-8pm with festive refreshments, drawings & deals for you to enjoy and get you in the Holiday spirit! Then, Open House will continue Friday & Saturday, November 10th &11th. On Thursday the trolley will be going store to store from 5-8pm so you can shop & ride!

There will be spirited holiday shopping at nearly 20 participating retailers including 110 South Main, Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses, Bartelsmyers Jewelry, Better in Bourbon, Be The Light Boutique, Bids & Dibs, Flint + Fray, Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Iron Star, Laree + Co, Long Creek Outfitters, Papa Dons, Ruddicks Furniture, Sekan, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, The Artificers, and The Beauty Lounge.  Don’t forget to enter your name at each store for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks!

Visit fortscott.com or the Chamber Facebook page for more details.  Get out for the Annual Holiday Open House Shopping Event Thursday, November 9th through Saturday the 11th in Fort Scott.

 

Food, K-State Extension

Healthy Cooking for the Holidays

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Clara Wicoff Misenhelter.  Submitted photo 2023

 

 

By Clara Misenhelter

Southwind Extension District

 

The holidays are right around the corner! Many families, mine included, have holiday traditions centered around foods that they only get to enjoy a few times each year. These traditions are important and should be cherished without guilt. However, if you are wondering how you can make your traditional holiday recipes healthier, there are several steps you can take.

 

First, recognize that many holiday favorites (like pumpkin pie) start with a healthy first ingredient. Think of this vegetable or fruit as the “star” ingredient. Next, find ways to “focus on the stars” so that you can reduce the large amounts of fats and sugar typically found in traditional holiday recipes. For example, try using fat-free evaporated milk when making your pumpkin pie filling instead of using regular evaporated milk. Other ways you can “focus on the stars” this holiday season include switching from a traditional green bean casserole to a green bean sauté, from traditional mashed potatoes to yogurt mashed potatoes, from a traditional pumpkin pie to a crustless pumpkin pie, or from a traditional apple pie to slow cooker baked apples. Again, remember that it is important to make changes based upon what is important to your family traditions and culture. You may have specific recipes that are important for your family to enjoy as they are without making any modifications.

 

To learn more, consider attending one of the “Healthy Cooking for the Holidays” programs I will be hosting in November. These programs are free, but please call 620-365-2242 to RSVP for the location you prefer out of the following options:

  • Uniontown – November 8th at 6 PM
  • Iola – November 13th at 5 PM
  • Yates Center – November 15th at 6 PM
  • Chanute – November 16th at 12 PM

 

This article was adapted from a fact sheet originally published by retired family and consumer sciences agent Barbara Ames. This fact sheet can be found online at bit.ly/focusonthestars. For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242. To learn about additional programs we will be offering, visit bit.ly/southwindnews to sign up for the “Wellness For You and Community, Too!” e-newsletter published monthly by the Southwind District.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

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

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Halloween Parade Tomorrow in Downtown Fort Scott

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Halloween Parade

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces this year’s Halloween Parade will be held Saturday, October 28th at 11:00 a.m. in Downtown Fort Scott.

Prior to the parade, starting at 10:00 a.m., there will be special activities including pictures with a spooktacular backdrop at the City Scales building on North Main and face painting by Fort Scott High School Thespians.

The parade trick-or-treats merchants along Main Street, starting at La Hacienda, south to 2nd Street, crossing the street then heading north back to Skubitz Plaza. Any businesses or organizations in the community not located along Main Street are also welcome to set up a table on the sidewalk providing treats, coupons, or other handouts for kids. Children are encouraged to bring a sack or bag to collect treats along the parade route.

Following the parade, a free slice of Papa Don’s pizza and a drink will be served to kids in costumes.

The Chamber is currently seeking sponsors and donations for the pizza lunch following the parade.

Contact the Chamber if interested at 620-223-3566
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

   The Beacon Food Pantry sign up for 2024 EXTENDED TO NOVEMBER 3RD

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Dave Gillen, director of The Beacon Food Pantry of Bourbon County. Submitted photo.

The signup period has been extended to November 3 for the Beacon Food Pantry.

Hours will be on the following days Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday through November 3rd.

Normal business hours from 9:15 am to 12:45 pm

Sign-ups must be done by November 3rd No Exceptions

You will need to call in advance to the Beacon to set an appointment for one of these days. We will start taking calls for appointments beginning October 2nd                                                              our phone number is 620-223-6869.

You will need to bring with you to qualify for a food card:

Picture ID for all adults in the household

Social Security card for all in the household and Birthdates, all dependent children with different names must show full-time parental custody, and adoption papers, and must live with you to be on your card.

Proof of income, pension, retirement, social security disability, VA benefits, unemployment, child support/alimony and any other income

If you receive any services from DCF please bring the verification letter.

Please have your information with you when you come or you will be turned away and will have to reschedule an appointment

WE WILL ALSO BE DOING SIGN-UPS FOR THE ADOPT-A-CHILD AND THE ELKS FOOD BASKET AT THAT TIME.

PLEASE WEAR A MASK IF YOU HAVE A COUGH OR COLD OR HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19 FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF.  WE ARE ASKING ONLY 1 PERSON PER FAMILY IN THE BUILDING AT THAT TIME.

IF YOU ARE ALSO GETTING FOOD THAT DAY YOU WILL NEED TO CALL IN ADVANCE AND YOUR ORDER WILL BE PUT ON THE BACK PORCH FOR PICKUP

Adopt a Child pick-up and food baskets will be at Community Christian Church on December the 15 from 10 am to 1 pm. Pick-up will be a drive-thru like last year.

Elk’s baskets will be delivered the Sunday before Christmas.

 PLEASE CALL TO SET UP YOUR APPOINTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

THANK YOU, THE BEACON STAFF