Category Archives: Fort Scott

A Leadership Training Program Produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is pleased to announce that Lindsay Madison, President & CEO, of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, has recently completed her third year at Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at Athens, Georgia.

Third Year Group at the Institute for Organization Management. Submitted photo.

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness. We educate the public on the conditions necessary for businesses and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future.

institute.uschamber.com @IOMeducates

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

The FS Christmas Parade Route Extended

November 30, 2021 Loretta George Leave a comment

A new Fort Scott Christmas Parade route will happen this year.

The 2021 annual parade is Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. and this year will start line up in front of Central Communications, 2 N. National Avenue, the radio station. Participants will line up north of that site, extending to possibly Twister Trailer, across the bridge over the Marmaton River. Each entry is to be in place no later than 5:50 p.m. that evening.

“We feel like people go to a lot of work on their entries,” Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison, said. “We wanted to give them more blocks for people viewing their entries. In the past, it has been four blocks.”

Lindsay Madison is the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

Floats, foot units, horse units, car/trucks, golf carts, marching bands or other entries will start at Wall Street and National Avenue, head south on National, to Third Street, turn left on Main Street, then north on Main until Skubitz Plaza is reached, where the Fort Scott Mayor’s Christmas Tree will be lighted immediately following the parade. Josh Jones is mayor this year.

The theme is Marching Into Christmas.

Entries are encouraged to feature toy soldiers to showcase the new downtown decorations.

“We looked at Christmas decor availability and felt that these complemented the Fort Scott National Historic Site and the history of Fort Scott,” Madison said.

Briggs Automall of Fort Scott is sponsoring cash prizes of $75 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.

The deadline to enter the parade is Monday, December 6, 1 p.m.

Click here for printable entry form.

Click here to enter online.

Following the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree, children may visit with Santa in Papa Don’s Restaurant, 10 N. Main. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras to take photos of their kids with Santa.

While waiting to visit with Santa, Fort Scott High School Pride Club students will be providing crafts that children can make.

The Chamber is booking for its annual Christmas Light Trolley Tours from Dec. 10 to Dec. 23 at 5:45 and 7 p.m. each evening.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for kids and includes hot cocoa and cookies and a festive glow necklace. Pre-paid reservations are required.

For more information contact the Chamber office at 620.223.3566.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Children’s Christmas Play, Dec. 2

November 29, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Fort Scott, Government

Watts Resigns As City Commissioner:Van Hoecke Appointed to Replace Her

November 29, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Unofficial minutes of CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of November 24^th, 2021 Special Meeting #27

Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 24^th, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsey Watts were present with Mayor Josh Jones presiding.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Tim Van Hoecke, Margie Brown, Rachel Thompson, Brad Matkin, and Mark McCoy. Matthew Wells and the City Manager candidate were connected via conference call.

CONSIDERATION:

Accept resignation of City Commissioner – Lindsey Watts read a resignation letter stating that since you have to be live in the City limits to be a City Commissioner, and she has recently moved to the County, she is resigning as a Fort Scott City Commissioner effective November 24^th, 2021. She thanked each and every citizen that voted for her and trusted her to make the right decisions at each meeting. She said that the last two years have been filled with turmoil and challenges, and that we need to make sure and move the City forward together. She stated that she hoped the Commission would take the top vote getter in the latest election and appoint him to take her position effective tonight. She thanked City staff for their work and the Interim City Manager for his efforts in moving the City forward.

The Commissioners all thanked her for her time on the City Commission and all she has contributed.

J. Jones moved to accept the resignation from Lindsey Watts as a City Commissioner effective November 24^th, 2021. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ACCEPT LINDSEY WATTS’ RESIGNATION AS A CITY COMMISSIONER EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 24^TH, 2021.

J. Jones moved to appoint Tim Van Hoecke to fill her position as a City Commissioner effective November 24^th, 2021. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO APPOINT TIM VAN HOECKE AS CITY COMMISSIONER EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 24^TH, 2021.

City Clerk, Diane Clay, administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Van Hoecke.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 6:18 p.m. seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, Interim City Manager, Human Resource Director, Lindsey Watts, and Matthew Wells.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 6:18 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 6:33 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, Interim City Manager, Human Resource Director, and Matthew Wells.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 6:33 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 6:43 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, Interim City Manager, Human Resource Director, and Matthew Wells.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 6:43 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNMENT:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 6:44 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:44 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.,

City Clerk

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government

City/County Commission Meet Together Nov. 30

November 29, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Fort Scott City and Bourbon County Commissioners will hold a work session on Tuesday, November 30^th, 2021 at the Empress Event Center, 7 North Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas at 12:00 p.m. Even though a majority of City Commissioners will be present, no City business will be conducted.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

40th Annual Historic Candlelight Tour: Finding Peace On The Frontier

November 26, 2021 Loretta George Leave a comment

For forty years the Fort Scott National Historic Site has had re-enactors portray people on the prairie in the 1840s era, just before Christmas, called The Candlelight Tour. This year the tours are Dec. 3-4, Friday and Saturday evenings.

“The purpose of the tour is to provide a deeper understanding of this region’s history, that helped shape this nation, and specifically how the fort was involved in that,” Carl Brenner, FSNHS Program Manager, Interpretation and Resource Manager, said. “Instead of just telling the story, we are trying to help people become immersed in that story.”

Fort Scott National Historic Site glows during the annual candlelight tour event.

Tickets are $8, children five and under are free. To purchase call 620.223.0310

Friday evening, tours start at 6:30 p.m. and the last one is 9 p.m. On Saturday, the first tours are at 5 p.m., and the last start at 8:45 p.m.

Please arrive 10 minutes early to park, present a ticket, and acclimate yourself.

This year there are five vignettes, or re-enacted portrayals, circa 1842-1851. Forty volunteers and 10 staff will be involved in the tour this year.

The theme is Finding Peace on the Prairie.

The vignettes include:

Soldiers arriving at the fort, who are acting as peacekeepers between the Native Americans and the Anglo-European settlers.
Soldiers protecting trade goods along the Santa Fe Trail, keeping the peace. Fort Scott High School drama students helped write the script for this portrayal.
Soldiers returning from the Mexican-American War, celebrating the Peace Treaty of 1848.
Keeping peace along the Arkansas River by escorting people heading to the California Gold Rush, looking for fortune.
A traveling minister came through the fort in 1851, providing a message of peace on earth to the soldiers.

Brenner said there are approximately 25 tickets left and the later tours, after 8:15 p.m., there are some available for families or groups.

Tours will be all outside, so visitors should dress to stay warm.

“Masks are required in all federal buildings, including the visitor center and restrooms,” Brenner said.

Tours are handicapped accessible.

“We are asking people to show up 10 minutes early and meet at the west (left) side of the visitor center building, between the two buildings, on the sidewalk,” he said.

Photo Credit: Fort Scott National Historic Site. Re-enactors in the 2017 Candlelight Tour.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE

November 26, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the annual Christmas Parade will be held Tuesday, December 7, 2021 in Downtown Fort Scott starting at 6pm.

The Chamber is excited to announce a new and longer parade route to allow for more distancing and more parade time.

The parade route will start at Wall & National, go south to 3rd St., turn left to Main St., then north on Main to Skubitz Plaza where the parade will end at the Mayor’s Christmas Tree.

The parade theme this year will be “March Into Christmas!”

The Chamber is calling all participants including businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals to enter the parade.

There is no cost to register a float, golf cart, foot unit, band, horse unit, car, or other entry.

The parade is being sponsored by Briggs Auto and cash prizes will be awarded for overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place entries.

Entries may be made online at fortscott.com under the events tab, or by picking up a form at the Chamber office, 231 E. Wall Street.

Entry deadline is Monday, December 6th at 1pm.

Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES CHRISTMAS LIGHT TROLLEY TOURS

November 26, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that reservations are now being taken for the 2021 Dolly Hollyday Christmas Light Trolley Tours. The 50-minute tour is a fun outing for families, friends, or co-workers to see the most festive Christmas lights in Fort Scott.

Tours will run nightly from Friday, December 10th through Thursday, December 23rd, except for no tours on Saturday, December 11th or 18th as those dates the trolley will be used for the Christmas in Gunn Park event.

There will be two tours each evening at 5:45 and 7 pm.

The cost of tour is $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under or the whole trolley may be booked for $125, seating up to twenty-two passengers.

Those taking the tour are invited to arrive at the Chamber early for complimentary cookies, hot cocoa, and glow necklaces for the ride.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Has Opening on the Airport Advisory Board

November 24, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Fort Scott City Commission has an opening on the Airport Advisory Board

The function of the Airport Advisory Board is to advise the City Manager and City Commissioners on matters pertaining to the continued growth and improvement of the airport. Their recommendations are given to the City Commission for final approval.

If you have a desire to serve on this Board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. She will then submit your letter of interest for consideration by the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on any boards, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by December 10^th, 2021.

Church news, Food, Fort Scott

Jean Tucker Retires From Feeding Families In His Name

November 24, 2021 Loretta George Leave a comment

After ten and one-half years and coordinating 107,000 meals, Jean Tucker is stepping down from Feeding Families In His Name.

The ministry provides food to anyone on Wednesday evenings at the First United Methodist Church, Third Street and National Avenue, and Tucker has been the coordinator since its beginning.

The meal is provided for free to all who would like it.

“It’s for anybody,” Tucker said. “We’ve had new families drive through every week. It’s a free meal for the community.”

“Recently we have had caregivers who are worn down, and this (meal) is such a relief,” she said. “It’s for anyone who wants a warm home-cooked meal.”

The last meal that Tucker will coordinate is December 8.

That is 80th Tucker’s birthday.

“I am giving myself a birthday present,” she said. “That doesn’t mean I won’t have anything to do with the meal, I just won’t be responsible.”

“I ask that if you have any questions or contributions for Feeding Families In His Name that you contact the church office at 620.223.1950,” Tucker said. “The church secretary will direct your call to the appropriate person.”

Pastor Christopher Eshelman, Tom Braker and Bonnie Milburn have agreed to coordinate after Dec. 8, Tucker said.

Joey Beerbower will be in charge of the paper goods and Tom Coyan will be in charge of the kitchen and the commodities.

Over ten years ago Braker, along with Doug Altic saw a need to help families stretch their food budgets, she said. “Koyle Link, Don Tucker, Deborah Wood, Tom Braker and myself were on the original committee.”

“They went to the pastor at the time, Paul Babcock, then they called an emergency meeting and the administration board voted and approved unanimously to start the program,” Tucker said. “They were the impetus.”

“This has been God’s doing,” Tucker said. “We provide this meal because of God’s love.”

The first meal served 45 people, including the volunteer helpers, now 300 to 350 people being served on Wednesday evenings.

“We started to-go meals in March 2020 because of the pandemic and the numbers increased,” she said. “We don’t think we could go back to getting that many in our church basement.”

Several organizations cook for the meals.

The first Wednesday of each month, the St. Martin’s Academy students cook; on the second Wednesday, Community Christian Church and First United Methodist alternate cooking; on the third week, a Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene small group cook; on the fourth week, the Presbyterian Church cooks and on any fifth Wednesday, the Pioneer Kiwanis Club cooks. Fulton United Methodist Church cooks to fill in when others can’t, she said.

“Every week 15-20 people bake desserts for us,” she said.

Tucker said she is retiring because she is weary of the weekly repsoniblity, but is confident the ministry will continue.

Feeding Families in His Name offers a meal to Fort Scottians each Wednesday evening.

First United Methodist Church at Third Street and National Avenue, Fort Scott.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commissioner To Resign Nov. 24

November 23, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24^th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to accept the resignation of a City Commissioner and then go into Executive Session to discuss non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1).

This meeting is open to the public, but the Executive Session is not.