Category Archives: Fort Scott

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

McCoy: Encouraging Small Businesses Through REDI

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Mark McCoy. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. has created a small business development division and Mark McCoy has been volunteering as coordinator in that endeavor since March 15, 2022.

“We want to help entrepreneurs and small businesses in Bourbon County: exploring a business opportunity, expanding a business and knowing how to grow the business,” McCoy said.

“I am happy to work with anybody and we could gather at any location,” he said. ” I work by appointment”

Currently, hours are set for Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the REDI office on the second floor of the Landmark Bank at 200 S. National.

Landmark Bank houses the office of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.

McCoy can be reached at 620.719.7841 for more information or an appointment.

McCoy’s Business Background

McCoy brings with him a business background of most recently interim City of Fort Scott Manager, until the current one was hired.

Prior to that he has 46 years of business experience owning and operating McDonald’s Restaurants.

His first 27 years he worked in the McDonald’s Corporation in California.

“I operated, supervised and was operations manager, responsible for 13 restaurants,” he said. “Then I worked with owner-operators in business development operations.”

“I worked from ground-breaking to opening, 58 restaurants in California, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska,” he said. “I opened the first McDonald’s in Jamaica.”

 

Robert Harrington. Submitted photo.

About REDI

Rob Harrington is the executive director of Bourbon County REDI.

“He is the economic director for both the City of Fort Scott and  Bourbon County, with a contract with each,” McCoy said.

REDI is currently looking for people to fill a grant writing position and additionally a administrative assistant position.

The Mission of REDI:

“To enable quality business retention, expansion and recruitment in Fort Scott and Bourbon County by coordination of the community assets as well as local, state, and federal grants and incentives,” according to information on the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce website.

Their goal is to facilitate business retention and the growth of employment. To  accomplish this they work with current employers as well as the recruitment of businesses that improve the quality of life for the citizens of the community.

Contact information:

Bourbon County REDI (Regional Economic Development, Inc.)
BEDCO (Bourbon County Economic Development Council)
Rob Harrington, Director
200 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS  66701
(620) 215-0144
[email protected]

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Prom This Saturday, May 7

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Front from right to left, Abby Altic, Alexa Bukowski, Elli Milburn
Back:  Dominic Bishop, Shekhar Gugnani, Thade Yates.
The Fort Scott High School Junior and Senior Prom will be on May 7th, 2022 from 8:00 to 11:00 PM, at Liberty Theater.   Walk-in will begin at 6:30 that night.


Submitted by Bert Lewis FSHS Student Council Sponsor, Senior & Junior Class Sponsor, Key Club Sponsor, Ed Rising Sponsor,  and Scholars’ Bowl Coach.
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Friday Night Free Concert: Stephan Moses

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Stephan Moses. Submitted.

Stephan Moses will be the guest performer at this week’s Friday Night Concert. Moses is a songwriter vocalist and musician who plays guitar, banjo, and mandolin. He performs a variety of genres and this week’s show will feature Blues music.

 

“Formerly from Kansas City, and currently residing in Nevada, Moses began playing music at age ten, and he knows his way around the stage,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Moses has a rich family heritage in music from his grandfather and uncle and hearing their music as a youngster left a strong impression on him. As a vocalist and musician of excellence, we are pleased to welcome Stephan Moses back to the park pavilion. Come out and join us for a great evening of friendship and music.“

 

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas of Parsons serves as sound technician each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

 

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 News Release

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Friday, April 29, 2022

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 424 S. Main for a special board meeting on Friday, April 29, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.

The board approved participation in the KanAWARE Grant.

Board members discussed the timeline and process of the superintendent search.

Board members approved removing the following agenda items:

 

·       An executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel

·       Consider employment

 

The board adjourned

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Superintendent Search Update

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USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

April 29, 2022

 

Message for Stakeholders:

 

On behalf of the board, we would like to update our stakeholders and staff on the Superintendent Search process, specifically the opportunities for input and feedback on candidates.

 

The first opportunity was with the online survey, there was an amazing response – thank you. The next opportunity for feedback will occur during the candidate interview process.

 

There will be two “meet and greet” receptions open to all staff and community members during the candidate’s visit and tour of our district.

On each day of finalist interviews, scheduled for May 10, 11 and/or 12, the district will host public receptions at 4:00 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. It is our hope that providing two times on each day will allow staff and community to select the time that best fits their personal and work schedules.

 

KASB will collect feedback from each of these events and provide the data to the board for consideration. More specific information regarding location and specific dates will be shared as soon as the board determines the number of finalists for interviews.

 

The USD 234 Board of Education wants to use the opportunities provided through the search process to engage the voices of our staff and patrons in helping us identify the best course forward for our district.

Submitted by

USD 234 Fort Scott Board of Education

 

Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Local Agricultural Animals Photo Contest Starts Today

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A local agriculture business is sponsoring a photo contest that will feature cattle, goats and sheep.
“We are starting our annual photography contest today and wanted to make sure residents of Fort Scott had the opportunity to participate as well,” said Sam Raney, Marketing Coordinator at ReproLogix.

It’s time for another Photo Contest!!📸

Here’s how to enter:

 

✅Email a picture of your entry to [email protected].

✅Include in your email: your name, age, address, and phone number.

Limit one (1) entry per person, per category.

(You can submit one Small Ruminant and one Cattle picture.)

Contest begins April 29th, 2022 and ends May 13th , 2022

1 like = 1 vote. Images will be posted The winners will be announced on Friday August 27th.

First place winner will receive a $1000 Visa Gift Card.

Second place winner will receive a $500.00 Visa Gift Card.

Third place winner will receive a $250.00 Visa Gift Card.

All entries become the property of Reprologix and may be used or reproduced in any manner and for any purpose by Reprologix without additional consent or compensation, and will not be acknowledged or returned.

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Bourbon County, Exercise, Fort Scott

Prayer Walk Next Thursday Eve at Riverfront Park

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Pioneer Kiwanis, taken from its’ Facebook page.

Fort Scott Pioneers Kiwanis  Club will host a prayer walk for the National Day of Prayer on May 5 at  Riverfront Park on North National Avenue near the Marmaton River.

The tall deciduous trees give shade to walkers on the Belltown Trail in Riverfront Park.

“It worked so well last year during (the) COVID-19 (Pandemic),” said Marlene Braker, treasurer for the group. “When COVID hit we couldn’t host the annual breakfast event (which is held) at Fort Scott Community Collge.”

This year when they began planning the event, there were still COVID constraints, so they decided to do the prayer walk again, which allows for small groups in the open air.


The walk will take place between 4:30 – 6 p.m. The public is invited to stroll the loop and stop at each of four designated reflection points to pray.

“It’s a nice level path, with benches to sit and pray,” Braker said.

Unless there are storm warnings out, the event will take place, she said.

Parking near the trailhead is limited but overflow parking is available at Twister Trailers across the street.

2022 NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER THEME

Graphic taken from the National Day of Prayer website.

The theme for the 2022 National Day of Prayer is a call to praise in prayer:

‘EXALT THE LORD, WHO HAS ESTABLISHED US’ based on Colossians 2:6-7 NASB

“This theme is set against the backdrop of an inspiring painting created exclusively for the National Day of Prayer by renowned Christian artist, Ron DiCianni. The image illustrates God’s people joining His angels in EXALTING Him as we pray, because He is God Almighty. We have bold access to His throne and passionate confidence as we pray – because HE HAS ESTABLISHED US in this nation and is working in the heavenlies to accomplish all that He has purposed – as we PRAY FOR AMERICA!, according to the National Day of Prayer website.


On May 5th, Americans from all walks of life will unite to lift up our country in prayer for the National Day of Prayer. Our nation has endured tragedy and pain, but we know prayer has carried us through these days and the hand of God will move us into a brighter future”.


About Pioneer Kiwanis

The Fort Scott Pioneer Kiwanis is a service organization helping the children of Bourbon County

The group meets on Thursdays at noon at the First United Methodist Church,Third Street and National Avenue, in fellowship hall.

 

The current officers and board of directors are as follows:

Elizabeth Schafer, President
Diane Spencer, Immediate Past President
Millie Karleskint, President Elect
Kelley Collins, Secretary
Marlene Braker, Treasurer
Cheryl Basore, Director
Vickie Chaplin, Director
Nancy Hart, Director
Gayle Sackett, Director
Judy Wallis, Director

Other members include:
Marlene Arndt
Dee Ann Davis
Sally Eckles
Tammy Helm
Bernita Hill
Carol Clyde Gallagher
Aileen Pollock
Gina Staudinger
Sylvia Trujillo

“In 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill into law establishing a National Day of Prayer, ” Collins said. “It is a day set aside for prayer and meditation and recognizes the role of religion in our country.”
“The Kiwanis Pioneers have held a public activity on the National Day of Prayer for over 25 years.,” Collins said.

Recently in honor of a Joyce True, a friendship swing was installed at Gunn Park by the group.

To learn more about the swing for the community:

Friendship Swing Dedication During Chamber Coffee April 28

On Thursday the Fort Scott Pioneers Kiwanis Club presented a friendship swing at Gunn Park to the community. Marlene Braker and Judy Wallis are standing, and Vickie Chaplin and Dee Ann Davis are in the swing. Taken from the organization’s Facebook page.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, K-State Extension

Starlite FCE Minutes of April 21,2022

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The Starlite FCE meet April 21st at the Yeager building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.  The meeting was called to order by Vice President Joyce Allen.  She also led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Ten members and one guest were in attendance.  The members reported 24 hours of volunteer work and that they had recycled 545 pounds.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected.  Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report.  There was no council report. Deb Woods reported that she had attended the Healthy Bourbon County meeting.

 

Joyce announced that Glenda Miller was our only Birthday for the Month of April.

 

Old business consisted of a report from Joyce Allen that the Easter items had been delivered to Tri-Valley.

 

Under new business it was announced that Aging with Attitude will be April 29th at FSCC starting at 9:00, and that the Spring Tea will be May 3rd at the Bronson Community Center.  Eight members present signed up to attend.  The Area Recognition Day will be May 17th at Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church.  The cost to attend is $10 and can be given to Doris Ericson.  The speaker for the Recognition Day will be from the Lowell Milken Center.

 

Deb Lust moved that the Club present the lesson Last Wishes at the fair, Deb Woods second the motion, motion carried.

 

Deb Woods moved that the meeting be adjourned, Helen Carson second the motion, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting the lessons of More Plants on the Plate and Show me the Power of Healing Foods was presented to the members by Terri Williams as they enjoyed refreshments of fruit parfaits and assorted vegetables and dips, with water provided by Deb Lust and Terri Williams.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commissioners Meet in Special Meeting Today at 5 p.m.

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There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28th, 2022.  This meeting will be held for the City Commission to recess into Executive Session.

 

This meeting will be held at 123 S. Main Street in the City Commission meeting room and will be broadcast on the City’s you tube channel.   This meeting is open to the public.  The Executive Session is not open to the public.

Business, Food, Fort Scott

New Bakery in Town: Hamilton’s Bakery

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Teri and Michael Hamilton. Submitted photo.

In early 2020, Teri and Michael Hamilton were looking for a move to a home so they could be a one income family. They lived in the Kansas City area.

“We were looking farther out of the Kansas City area, because it is so expensive to live there,” Teri said. “We were looking for a house to buy, we wanted to live on one income.”

They had friends in the Fort Scott area and fell in love with Fort Scott, she said.

“Both of our moms, a nephew and a sister have moved here,” since their move, she said.

They began the process of opening a bakery from their home, with sourdough bread as their first product.

“I grew up in a bakery,” she said. “But we never did sour dough bread.”

She has been developing the technique of making the specialty bread.

“The process is different from yeasted bread,” Hamilton said. “It’s 30 to 48 hours to get a loaf of bread from start to finish. But it’s so good!”

They opened a new home-based business venture this month.

“Our main product is a really nice loaf of artisan sourdough bread,” she said.

Marketing their product

“We are going to Fort Scott Farmer’s Market, and doing orders online,” Hamilton said.

Farmer’s Market meets at Skubitz Plaza on Saturday mornings from  8 a.m. to noon and Tuesday evenings from 4 to 6 p.m from the first weekend in May, this year it’s May 7, until the last weekend in October.

“We will be there Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings until we sell out,” she said.

To order, send a message to them on their Facebook page:
The Hamilton’s Bakery.
The Hamilton’s Bakery produces artisan sourdough bread. Submitted photo.

Pick-up System

“We have a max capacity of two dozen loaves per day, so sales are limited,” she said.
Here’s how it all works:
Order and pay by noon Sunday for Tuesday pick up.
Order and pay by noon Wednesday for Saturday pick up.
The pick up location is the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market area on Skubitz Plaza.
They currently accept CashApp and cash.
 A large loaf of sourdough bread is $8. medium is $7.
On the horizon
On the horizon for the business is new products which they are developing.
“We want to grow as we go,” she said. “Not get in over our heads. We want to do one thing at a time and do it well, then do something else.”
“We would love to have a storefront bakery in the town,” she said. “But for the time being, we are doing it in our kitchen.”
Recommends HBCAT
The Hamilton’s have been aided in the business start-up by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
“They have been so incredibly supportive, I highly recommend them.”