The Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church building on March 1. Demolition has begun.
Demolition started sooner than expected on Fort Scott’s Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, following a wind storm early on March 1, 2023.
A portion of the facade of the fire-damaged church was blown down by the storm around 2 a.m.
“The front facade came off the building and blocked Eddy Street,” Mark McCoy, who is on the parish committee that is working on the rebuild project, said.
“Eddy Street, in front of the church, will be blocked off until further notice,” he said. “I estimate the demo will take approximately three weeks.”
The church parish committee is in the beginning stages of the design and architecture phase of the church rebuild, he said.
“It will be approximately six months until construction can begin,” McCoy said.
They are anticipating a 12 month construction period, he said.
“The cost to rebuild will be in excess of $5 million,” McCoy said. “The building standards have changed since the building of the church in 1872, at a cost of $20,000.
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 705 S. Holbrook, Fort Scott suffered extensive damage in a fire that started in late evening on August 29, 2022.
When the the Fort Scott Fire Department and FS Police Department units arrived the church was on fire with heavy smoke and flames emitting from the southeast corner of the structure.
The fire was later determined to be from a lightning strike.
Simpson Construction Services, Wichita, is doing the demolition of the church building, and also the construction.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church fire on August 29, 2022. Courtesy of Stephen Toal.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2023, for a special board meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board held a work session led by Superintendent Destry Brown to update the board regarding long-range facility and maintenance needs facing the district. Gina Shelton, Finance Director/Board Clerk provided financial information in regard to the various funds that can be used for capital projects. There was discussion.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
The board approved the following items:
Approval of Personnel Report (following)
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
February 27, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Sabrina Cady – Resignation, Van Driver/Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional, effective March 8, 2023
Colin Downey – Resignation, Fort Scott High School Social Studies Teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
Lienna Upchurch – Resignation, Eugene Ware Special Education Teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
Robert West – Termination, Preschool/Eugene Ware Custodian, effective March 7, 2023
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS:
Megan Blythe – Fort Scott High School Art Teacher – remainder of 2022-23 school year
Alicia Craig – Change position to a 4-hour Van Driver and 6.50-hour Winfield Scott Paraprofessional, effective 03/06/23
Jamie Dawson – Transfer from Eugene Ware Paraprofessional to Winfield Scott Paraprofessional on 02/21/23
Alexandrea Herring – Preschool/Eugene Ware Custodian, effective February 23, 2023
Conventional wisdom accepts that Star Wars and the Super Bowl attract an audience of millions. What’s less well known is that arecent surveyindicates almost 50 million people attend one of more than 37,000 school theatre performances annuallyin the United States.
The Theatre in Our Schools (TIOS)Month in March, is an opportunity to inform them, and millions more, that the pleasure they get from seeing a show on stage is just oneof many benefits that school theatre brings to all involved—from overcoming fears of public speaking to the development of collaboration and teamwork. TIOS is timely in that its March celebration occurs the same month as Music in Our Schools and Youth ArtMonth.
TIOS provides an opportunity for all of us here inFort Scott—students, parents, school boards and elected officials—the entire community—to become familiar with the benefits of school theatre participation. Thespian troupe#7365 is planning a numberof events tocelebrate this month. On March2, they travel to Topeka to meet with legislators about the importance of supporting theatre education. March 6, troupe president Kinsley Davis presentsto theUSD 234 Boardof Education about the way theatre education is impacting our own school district. On Thursdays in March, Thespians will wear theatre–related t–shirts to school. March 24 is the annual FSHS Talent Show and Miss(ter) FSHS Pageant at7 p.m. in the FSHS Auditorium. Admission is $5 at the door. Thespians travel to the Music Hall in Kansas City to see the Broadway Touring production of Hamilton on March 28.
You can follow FSHS Thespians through the followingsocial media links: Facebook–FortScott High School Thespians, Instagram–FSHSThespians, Snapchat–FSHSThespians, Tiktok–fshsthespian, Twitter–FSHS_Thespians.Share your school theatre thoughts withus using#TheatreInOurSchools.
Austin Parks, graduate of Fort Scott High School, has Advanced Hodgkins Lymphoma, and members of the community are organizing a benefit to help with costs of the disease.
Parks is the son of former FSHS FFA/advisor and agriculture teacher, Kyle, and Sheena, who was a school psychologist
Austin has hospitalized with complications due to chemotherapy treatments, according to Katie Casper, who is former student of Kyle Parks helping with the event.
“The money raised will be given to the family to help defray the costs of travel, medical treatment, and any other costs associated with the extended period of hospitalization and time off work,” she said.
The benefit is March 12, from 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. in the Fort Scott High School Commons area.
Free-will donations will be received for the Parks family. There will also be an auction to raise donations.
This event is sponsored by the Fort Scott FFA Chapter and friends of the Parks family, she said.
It will be in the FSHS Cafeteria anddine-in attendees should enter through the main entrance on the west side of the school.
For drive-thru: enter from the west side of the school off Main St. and go between the high school and football field.
Fort Scott High School’s west side entrance.
The menu: Butcher Block Pulled Pork Glen’s Taters FFA Homestyle Beans Homemade desserts by FS FFA Tea and water
100% of the donations will be given to the Parks Family, according to Casper.
For more info: Contact: Sydney Cullison at 620-224-7290 or Katie Casper 620-224-6585.
A 2016 photo of the Bourbon County Arts Council Annual Exhibit.
An annual art exhibit will include several local artists this weekend.
The Bourbon County Arts Council will present its 31st Annual Fine Arts Exhibit, March 2 through 11, at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College at 2108 S. Horton.
Local artists entered include Kathryn Allen, Haley Beaton, Trista Brigg, Rylee Coulter, Stephanie Erie, Bareigh Farrell, Steve Floyd, Grace French, Alie Fuhrman, Chance Fuhrman, Barbara Gibson, Lucy Gladbach, Alexis Herring, Bobbi Kemna, Terry Koester, Connie Neil, Kadra Nevitt, Gayle Sackett, Jim Sackett, Caitlynn Tate, Cadence Tuck, amd Cayden Woods.
Other artists who are participating in the exhibit are from Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.
The mission of the council is to foster, promote and increase the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts, according to its Facebook page.
The council will host the Fort Scott Chamber Coffee at 8 a.m. on Thursday March 2, at the Ellis Center, which kicks off the event.
A reception will be held on March 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. to honor this year’s juror and artists. The public is invited to attend and enjoy the opportunity to meet and visit with them about the art.
The exhibit will be open to the public beginning March 2 through Saturday March 11, weekdays from noon to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There is no admission charge for this event, and the community is encouraged to come and enjoy a collection of original artwork.
Artists will have their work on display and for sale in this multi-media exhibit, with categories including ceramics, drawing and graphics, fiber arts, glasswork, jewelry, mixed media, painting, pastels, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and watercolor.
This year’s theme is “Doorways and Windows.”
Cash prizes awarded for category winners are given by the Bourbon County Arts Council in memory of E.C. Gordon, and by the generous sponsorship from these local businesses: Buerge Art Studio, Citizens Bank, City State Bank, Edward D. Jones, Fort Scott Broadcasting, H&H Realty, Landmark Bank, Lyons Realty, MidContinental Restoration, Osage Timber Mills, State Farm Insurance, Union State Bank, and Ward Kraft.
About the Juror
Trent Freeman is the juror for the exhibit. Freeman received his Bachelors in Fine Arts from Emporia State University, and also studied at Kansas University and abroad in Australia.
Freeman is a sculptor whose works have been featured in private collections, local galleries, and at fine-art festivals.
He has instructed privately from his studio for the past 25 years, and continues teaching workshops and private classes currently in Fort Scott where he and his wife, Kate Riddle Freeman, have recently opened a privately owned art gallery, The Artificers, at 8 North National Avenue. From here, they are resident artists in their teaching and working studio.
As an artist, he draws inspiration from Old World and Asian techniques, using native wood, and recycled glass and metals to create his eclectic designs.
He has spent much of his career in education and instruction, facilitating college workshops, providing continuing education for teachers, and instructing at the Carnegie Art Center in Leavenworth.
He was a member of the Board of the Bonner Springs Art Alliance from 2017 -2020.
The Arts Council Board
The Bourbon County Arts Council Board is made up of Deb Anderson, President; Bre Eden, Vice President; Steve Floyd, Secretary; Terri Floyd, Treasurer; Cindy Bartelsmeyer, Elaine Buerge, Deb Halsey, Justin Meeks, Kelly Nelson, Linda Noll, Robin Whitlock, and Chris Woods.
Bourbon County Arts Council Members present at the Chamber Coffee in 2020, from left, Elaine Buerge, Deb Anderson, Terry Floyd, Steve Floyd and Linda Noll.
Marsha Lancaster died in September 2021 at the age of 54, but those who knew her, want to continue to honor her legacy of supporting community youth sports.
There will be a fundraiser in her honor on Saturday, March 4 at 8 p.m. at the Fort Scott Liberty Theater. Tickets are $35.
“Marsha Lancaster was a Fort Scott native and lived her entire life at 2nd and Hill Street,” said her friend Rhonda Dunn, who is helping with the annual event in remembrance of her. “She was active in many things in school including sports like basketball and volleyball. After attending Fort Scott Community College (FSCC), Marsha bought the Great Plains Deli and her food was legendary in the area.”
Marsha’s Deli was known as a local eatery that offered generous portions and a welcoming, down-home atmosphere.
Today her nephew, Brian Lancaster, owns Marsha’s Deli and strives to continue her legacy.
Marsha’s Deli is located at 6 W. 18th Street in Fort Scott.
“She supported many organizations and teams through the years,” Dunn said. “She fed many teams that traveled to Fort Scott. It was a tradition for the FSCC Coaches to bring prospective athletes to the Deli for a welcome from Marsha and their first meal at the Deli. Marsha didn’t know a stranger and was amazing at making everyone feel welcomed as soon as they walked through her Deli doors. Marsha was a Fort Scott legend.”
A girl who grew up in 1980s, Marsha Fest will have an 80s Hair Band Rock group to entertain the attendees.
“Baloney Ponyz (a naughty 80s joke) is from the KC area and plays 80s Hair Band Rock music,” Dunn said. “Many of the members of Baloney Ponyz are also members of Disco Dick and the Mirror Balls as well as Legends of Rock.”
The event is sponsored by the Lancaster family. Profits from the event are going to support the Fort Scott High School Sports Booster Club, Dunn said.
“Marsha always enjoyed watching sports and made sure to support the area sports teams by donating or making treats for them to enjoy on game days and we want to keep that legacy alive,” Dunn said. “The proceeds from last year’s Marsha Fest went to Care to Share and the Splash Pad.”
For the latest information, view the Marsha Fest Facebook page.
There are some fun activities coming up at the Museum of Creativity that you won’t want to miss!
Next week we celebrate Barbie’s birthday!
Thursday, March 2nd we will be having a special birthday bash dinner from 6pm – 8pm. Each child will get a new Barbie, a commemorative tote bag and the opportunity to make some cool crafts. Dinner and dessert will be served.
$20/child
$10/adult
Pre-registration required – limited space available
Friday, March 3rd we will have a family dance! Theme is 50’s Sock Hop. Prize if you come in costume. Crafts and activities will be available as well as an ice cream bar (with Braum’s ice cream!). Come and go anytime between 5pm and 10pm.
$10/person – pre registered
$12/person at door
discount available for more than 5 people (inquire with museum)
$4/ Pre order hotdog combo (hotdog, bun, chips and soda)
On Saturday, March 25th we will be having a unique fundraiser.
The day will start out as a Cute Cake Contest with 3 categories; cake, cupcakes and cookies. Entries will be delivered before 9:00am. Judging begins at 9:15am. with prizes (Sponsored by SeKan’s Occasion Shops) awarded at 10:00am.
$15/entry – fill out attached form and send it to us
At 11:00am we start more fun with a Cakewalk Adventure (because walking in a circle is too boring for us). We will do a new adventure group each half hour until 3:30pm. We will limit each group to 20 people. We recommend you reserve ahead to get your preferred time. Those in each group that don’t win a cake will get to choose a cupcake or cookie so everyone will be a winner! We will have other spring activities and crafts available also.
$5/ticket (May send a proxy person if you can’t be there)
There will be a lot of fun activities to do downtown that day (Easter egg hunt, shopping promotions in lots of stores, etc). You can have a whole day of fun!
For more information, I have attached a FB link to all events and attached flyers and the form to register for the contest.
Email us back or text 209-204-9743 and let us know what you want to register for. We can send you a payment link or you can make an appointment to come and pay in person.
Save the date: May 5th and 6th will be our annual indoor yard sale. As you are doing spring cleaning, consider donating items you no longer need to the museum before that weekend. And then make sure to come shop for new treasures!
Just a reminder:
Lego Club – every Thursday 4-6pm – ALL AGES -build what you want or complete a challenge.
$2/person
Craft Night – every Thursday 6-8pm – ALL AGES – you can always bring your own project or use our supplies. Also check Facebook for special workshops we host on Thursday nights.
$2/person – material fees may apply
Game Night – every Friday 5pm -10pm – ALL AGES – bring the family or a date or meet up with friends and choose from our selection of board games.
$2/person
Open play hours:
Friday 9am – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm
$2/child
$1/adult
ANNOUNCEMENT:
We have built a new party room that is a bit bigger than the old one. Book your party soon. Packages starting at $100.
Our old party room will become a dedicated Maker Space. Our supplies will be easily accessible so anyone can craft anytime.
Thank you for ALL your support! We appreciate all donations of time or money. All funds help with necessary improvements to the Museum.
