There is nothing that says summer more than ice cream. Start your summer off right with a free sweet treat being offered at Fort Scott National Historic Site from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Saturday, June 28. This ice cream social is being sponsored by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site in conjunction with other fort activities.
The Friends will also be selling chances to win an authentic reproduction of an 1833 Dragoon saber. A drawing to select the winner will be held September 8, 2025, at the Friends of FSNHS annual meeting. Chances are $10 each and $25 for three. All proceeds will benefit activities and operations at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Tomatoes for sale at Fort Scott Farmers Market in 2018.
The Fort Scott Farmer’s Market is excited to accept SNAP/EBT for the purchase of all eligible food items!
SNAP/EBT enables qualifying individuals and families to use their EBT card to buy eligible fresh and local products at the farmers market! This program gives families better access to fresh foods, supports family farms and local producers, and directs tax dollars into the local economy.
How it works
1. Go to the SNAP Booth at the north end of the Farmer’s Market Pavilion.
2. Choose how much you would like to spend that day on food purchases. The Fort Scott Farmers Market runs the EBT machine. We will swipe your EBT card for the amount tokens you want to spend on SNAP-eligible items.
3. Shop for fresh produce.
What products are eligible to be purchased using SNAP?
Plants and seeds that grow food
Foods wrapped, labeled and intended for home consumption, including the following:
Did you know that you can use your Food Stamps card at the Farmer’s Market? We love that we can make fresh, local produce available to everyone, regardless of circumstances.
Just stop by the SNAP booth at the north end of the pavilion and we’ll get you set up!
Lupe and Mirna Santana in front of La Hacienda, 24 N. Main.
Sixteen years ago, Mirna and Lupe Santana moved to Kansas from Georgia. Lupe had family in Parsons who owned a Mexican restaurant, and they decided to venture into that business, so Lupe began looking in other towns in the area.
In Fort Scott, they discovered that a Mexican restaurant had recently relocated from the downtown area, and they believed this would be an ideal location.
In 2010, they moved into 20 S. Main, Mirna said. By 2015, they were looking for a different location because of the condition of the building.
“We moved into 24 N. Main in 2015,” she said. “And we are celebrating 15 years in Fort Scott.”
“We enjoy when we see people happy and thankful they had a great meal,” she said. “That makes us feel proud.”
Mirna has her father living in their home, and Lupe has his mom and dad in town, and that requires a lot of time, she said. They enjoy having their parents so near, but it is a challenge, because “We think about the business 24/7,” she said.
But despite this challenge, “We hope to keep La Hacienda open for another 15 years. We just want to work.” And they are thankful to own their own business.
Her mom and dad were in the food business as well.
“My daddy used to be a baker and my mama used to put a table out on the street and sell food, and I helped her,” she said.
One of their son helps care for her father, and another son, nephew, uncle, and daughter-in-law work with them in the restaurant.
Last month, the restaurant reopened on Sundays after a year-long break.
“We invite you to come and try, we cook with lots of love,” Mirna said.
The history of Mirna and Lupe is told on a page in their menu.
The “mom and pop” restaurant is open Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Taco Azul, food truck will be at the Woodland Hills Golf Course hosted by ParTeeGirls Golf League!
5-9pm
The truck will serve the dinner and the Clubhouse will serve the drinks. Take the night off from cooking and join family, friends and community for a night out.
Everyone welcome!
Carry out available!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Sandy Haggard is the new Southwind K-State Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, who has an office out of Iola.
Haggard has been employed in the current Kansas State University Research and Extension, Southwind District since April 14
She felt this job was a good fit.
“I’ve often had a position where I coordinated a program or gave presentations, so I was looking for a position where I could use those skills. Also, at Neosho County Community College, I had been working in the same four counties with older adults who volunteered at non-profits, so I’m able to keep in touch with several of the same contacts. I had attended several K-State Research and Extension programs during the eight years I’ve lived in Kansas, so I was excited to work alongside the agents I’ve known for years. I’m looking forward to giving presentations on nutrition and health and getting to know more people in our four-county area.”
The job is multi-faceted.
Her duties include leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to nutrition, food safety, and health.
This includes nutrition through the life cycle, supplemental nutrition education, food security, consumer and food handler food safety, local food systems, physical activity promotion, and chronic disease prevention.
She will be covering four counties: Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson.
In the next year, she hopes to have programs for ServSafe food handling, Dining with Diabetes, Food Preservation, and Basic Nutrition, she said.
She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Secondary English from Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO, and Adult Education from Prescott College, Prescott, Arizona.
She taught internationally as a Middle School English teacher at Morrison Academy in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and was a part of the English Faculty at Meiho University, Neipu, Taiwan.
Most recently, she has been the RSVP Director with AmeriCorps Seniors at Neosho County Community College (NCCC) serving Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties.
Vendors will once again line Main Street, there will be entertainment for young and old, a few contests, and a variety of vehicles to view at Fort Scott’s annual festival, The Good Ol Days.
“This year, we have extended our vendors on Skubitz Plaza and will have even more vendors than last year. Come out Friday from 5-11 P.M. and Saturday 9 A.M.-6 P.M. to get some great food from a variety of food trucks or get some woodworking, leather work, or maybe some crochet blanket, or even some boutique designer wear for men and women,” said Good Ol Days Chairman Shawn O’Brien. “We are always excited to see new vendors and our returning ones.”
The theme this year is 44 Years of Crafting Memories.
“Thinking back over the last 44 years, we have had some great crafters who show up year after year,” he said. “I’ve made lifelong friendships with these vendors. We are thankful for each of them and what they offer to our street fair. We look forward to 44 more years of crafting memories.”
Something new this year is a mechanical bull ride for $5. “This will be on Skubitz Plaza, and we are looking forward to some great laughter.”
Also this year, there is a new kids’ bicycle race on Saturday. Registration will be at the Farmers Market Pavilion at 6 P.M.
“We are going to have bounce houses at 3rd and Main Street again this year. They will be free of charge to all children to jump and bounce around from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. ” We are thankful for so many generous sponsors who donate each year to help us have so many free events,” he said. There will also be caricature drawing and a balloon artist on Skubitz Plaza.
“Trey Sharp has worked hard to secure some great entertainment this year. The Care to Share stage will be on Skubitz Plaza, and Cohn’s Cafe will host a beer tent also located on Skubitz Plaza.
There will be a limited edition Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days mug that you can purchase at their beer garden. They will also offer spiked lemonade.”
The entertainment this year on Friday night will be KC All Stars. Saturday, from 11 A.M. to 11 P.M.
“Saturday will feature some great artists and groups. Ty Ellis and the Flat Liners, Left of Center, Holly Crays, and finish off the evening with Clarksdale Caravan, which is Mississippi blues,” O’Brien said.
All entertainment is free to the public; no glass containers allowed.
The Good Ol’ Days Parade Grand Marshall this year is Kenny Clary, who has been doing the Red Garter show since it began 44 years ago. The parade is on Friday, June 6, at 6 p.m.
” We are so thankful to Kenny and his wonderful crew for the great show they put on each year. It is such an honor to recognize Kenny for all his hard work that he puts into the show each year.”
The Red Garter Saloon in 2016.
The Red Garter show will be at the Liberty Theatre, with one show on Friday at 7 P.M. and on Saturday, starting at 10 A.M., featuring a show every hour on the hour.
“Be sure to check out this great show with dancing, singing, and great comedy. Thank you, Kenny, for your years of service and dedication to the Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days and The Red Garter Show,” O’Brien said.
The baby contest in 2016.
The annual baby contest is on Saturday at Memorial Hall. Registration is 9 AM -9:45 AM. The competition starts at 10 AM. There is a $5 entry fee per child.
There will be local police, sheriff, Emergency Medical Service, Fire, and Kansas Highway Patrol vehicles at Wall and Main Street.
“We will also have a helicopter flying in and landing around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at Wall and Scott Avenue. Come by and check out the vehicles they drive or fly. “
The Fort Scott National Historic Site will have Native American dancers at 1 P.M. on Saturday.
“Be sure to stop by and check out our wonderful Fort and all the great activities it will be offering,” O’Brien said.
The car and motorcycle show will be on Scott Avenue from Wall to 3rd Street. “They are still taking entries and are expecting some great muscle cars and bikes. To register, contact James Malveaux at 620-224-4875 or [email protected].”
The Good Ol Days Committee members are Shawn O’Brien, Charlotte Thompson, Cheryl VanHoecke, Shay Clements, Angel Wilson, Trey Sharp, Leslie Godden, Danielle Hull, Steven Tyler Cruz, and Fort Scott National Historic Site Representative Carl Brenner.
The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging has received disappointing news that the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program will not begin at its typical time.
Older Kansans anticipate the KSFMNP. It typically begins on June 1st, and individuals 60 and older who meet income guidelines receive ten $5 vouchers to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey at farmers markets.
“We already have people that are calling to see when they can pick up the vouchers,” said Kathy Brennon, Executive Director of Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging. “It is a great opportunity for older Kansans to eat healthy as well as promoting our local farmers markets. There is no confirmed start date, but any delay could be detrimental because the participants might miss out of the peak growing times. The number of vouchers we have to distribute has been cut in half of what we received in previous years. We were not told why the number of vouchers was reduced.”
SEKAAA is the assigned Distribution Agency for Bourbon, Neosho, Labette, Crawford, and Allen counties.
Wayne and Stacy Racy are the new owners of Common Ground Coffee Co., as of May 1. They took over ownership from Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall.
“Wayne and I have always supported Common Ground, even since they opened on Main Street,” Stacy said. “When we travel, we make it a point to stop at coffee shops, enjoying a good cup of coffee in a relaxing setting. Wayne has served on the coffee shop board (at their church, Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene) for several years. Three years ago, we began volunteering at the coffee shop and started spending numerous hours inside Common Ground, which allowed us to meet new people and reconnect with old friends.”
Photos courtesy of Kenny Felt Photography and Common Ground Coffee Company.
Stacy usually works in the kitchen, while Wayne serves coffee and chats with customers. About a year ago, Timken LLC, Fort Scott, announced it would be closing.
“He had worked at Timken for several years, and when an opportunity arose that would take us out of Fort Scott, we both felt mixed emotions,” she said. “This was my hometown, and we had always imagined that we would retire here.”
Stacy’s parents, longtime farmers in Bourbon County, are now older, and she didn’t feel she could move away and leave them behind.
“We have built our family to love Fort Scott just as much as we do,” she said. “Our youngest daughter, Samantha Burenheide, started volunteering with us three years ago and later became the manager until a permanent replacement was found. Leaving Fort Scott wasn’t an option for us, especially with our parents, and children, Katie and Samantha, and grandchildren living here.”
“I felt early on that the Lord was calling us to become more involved with Common Ground Coffee, and by November, we realized it was time to take the next step and become the owners. Wayne spoke with Pastor Virgil Peck about our intention to buy the coffee shop. Pastor Virgil understood our passion for it, and soon after, our proposal was presented to the Coffee Shop Board and the Church Board, both of which approved it.”
The planning began, and Common Ground transitioned from a non-profit to a for-profit business.
“After hours of paperwork, on May 1st, we officially took ownership. We are excited to serve our community and eager to see what the Lord has in store for Common Grounds. We anticipate some challenges ahead, but we also believe we live in one of the best cities around.”
Stacy will continue running her business at Healing Hands Massage and Salon, and Wayne will remain at Timken until he completes his time there, after which he will join Common Ground Coffee full-time.
“Most Saturday mornings, you can find both of us at the shop, working alongside our team,” she said.
Heidi Dixon will continue as manager, and Suzanne Griffin will continue to cater for Common Ground and keep the case full of her delicious desserts, along with Teri Hamilton and the baristas.
“We will continue to work with our baristas on learning new techniques and consistency on each coffee they make for our customers,” she said.
The Common Ground outside eating space, from its Facebook page.
“Common Ground will still be a place that you can come and use the Wi-Fi to work or study, ” she said. ” We will also still offer free space for Bible studies and small groups to meet. I would eventually love to find someone to start a book club, etc. Just a place to reconnect with friends and build memories. People are welcome to come in and bring games to play with family and friends. Just a place to feel at home. Besides amazing coffee, we offer smoothies, teas, lemonades, and dirty sodas for those who don’t like coffee.”
The small group area at Common Ground, from its Facebook page.
The phone number will continue to be 620-223-2499, and the name will stay the same, Stacy said.
They don’t own the building, the owners are still Jennifer and Adam Laroche. They own the business.
The large group private area at Common Ground, from its Facebook page.
