Category Archives: Fort Scott

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Travel Service Agency in Fort Scott: AnchorBay Travel Shoppe

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Judy Cassidy, owner of AnchorBay Travel Service. Submitted photo.

 

Judy Cassidy is the owner of AnchorBay Travel Shoppe.

She describes the business as a family-owned, faith-based full-service travel agency specializing in cruises, groups, and all-inclusive vacations.

“I operate out of my home office so I mostly do free consultations over the phone if anyone is interested in making travel arrangements,” Cassidy said. “Or (we can) meet in a public place for coffee/tea.”

Cassidy attended Fort Scott High School, got married and moved away, then moved back to Fort Scott in October 2021.

She pursued a hospitality career and lived in Nashville, Denver, and Kansas City in those years away.

The idea of the business started years ago in a church she was attending.

“My original passion for this agency started when I was very involved in my church in Denver,” according to a press release.  “I already had the travel bug and wanderlust appetite for travel but I wanted to do something fun and eventful for church groups.”

She then began planning cruise groups for churches: for their singles groups, women’s/men’s retreats, and for trips to the Holy Land.

She began her diverse career in travel and hospitality after having gained an unexpected jumpstart into the industry when she found herself managing a hotel at the age of 18, she said.

She then worked as a human resources generalist for one of the largest travel agencies at the time in Kansas City.

“Completely passionately in love with traveling, (I) continued expanding my career in upper-management and consultative roles in information technology, hotel/resort operations, sales, marketing and revenue management along with managing (my) travel agency,” according to the press release. “The travel agency was kept at a manageable part-time level while (I) continued with my hospitality career.”

Cassidy is now full-time in Fort Scott, since October 2021, with her agency AnchorBay Travel Shoppe.

The logo for AnchorBay Travel Shoppe. Taken from Facebook.

She has been partnering with a travel agency to get re-certified and help with re-branding, Cassidy said.

“We haven’t officially launched, we are getting ready to do that at the end of January 2022,” she said. “But I am available to do some travel arrangements now.”

“I am the main person in the business, I have a couple of travel advisors that work by commission,” she said.

Her mission is to “passionately inspire, educate, and fulfill dreams – one client, one destination, one travel experience at a time,” according to the press release.

She believes traveling is the gateway to a broader understanding of vast cultures and destinations yet to be explored.

“We are a full-service agency with a special niche for groups,” according to the press release.  “Whether it be faith-based cruises, business/incentive seminars at sea, or annual affinity groups. We look forward to crafting the vacation experience of your dreams.”

“And because Covid also changed the dynamics of traveling, and continues to change daily, we have the tools to stay on top of the latest news, rules and protocols,” she said.

“If something goes wrong on your trip, we work on your behalf and will go to bat for you– no matter who is at fault — and try to get your vacation back on track.”

“We have access to a variety of tools that the average consumer is not able to use or doesn’t know about,” she said. “We can sometimes get you a better seat on an airplane, add amenities at hotels, room upgrades, event tickets, and plan activities for you.”

Contact information: 620.644.9696  or https://anchorbaytravel.com/

 
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Jobs

Are You Hiring?

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is working on our January 2022 Help Wanted flyer. If you have a position(s) open that you would like us to list,
please email Suzette by Monday, January 3rd
at [email protected] with any details.
The flyer is distributed to various locations around town, posted on our website & social media, and available for pickup at the Chamber office.
Click here for a past Help Wanted flyer as an example.
Thank you!
KANSASWORKS ALSO HAS A SURVEY THEY WOULD LIKE EMPLOYERS TO COMPLETE – SEE LINK BELOW
You are invited to participate in a survey of Kansas businesses and employers. This survey is being conducted on behalf of the KANSASWORKS State Board, in conjunction with the local boards. The KANSASWORKS mission is to deliver a qualified workforce through training and matching services available to Kansans supporting businesses, growing regional economies and improving the prosperity of all.
(Click to complete the survey: Employer Survey)
Through this survey the Board hopes to gain insight into the needs of businesses so that we can adapt our services to meet your changing needs.
We have partnered with the Public Policy & Management Center at Wichita State University to conduct this survey. Your submission is anonymous, and you will not be contacted again for any reason without your explicit consent.
The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. We ask that you take the time to share how the KANSASWORKS Workforce Centers could assist you, even if you have never used our services before.
If you have any questions, please contact Dulcinea Rakestraw ([email protected] or 316.978.3126).
Thank you for your participation.
Thank you to the Chamber Booster Members below for their premium support of the Chamber & Community!
Fort Scott, Government

FS City Offices Close For New Year Holiday Jan. 3

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The City of Fort Scott Administrative offices will be closed on Monday, January 3rd, 2022 in observance of the New Year’s Day Holiday. The regular offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, January 1st, 2022 for the New Year’s holiday. It will be open again on Thursday, January 6th, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

Splash Pad is being Planned For Gunn Park

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A similar splash pad to this image is being planned for Gunn Park. Submitted photo.

A small group of Fort Scott residents, most of whom have young children,  have a vision for a splash pad in Gunn Park.

A splash pad is a water recreational play area, which in other cities, is often in a public area.

“A splash pad will benefit all ages,” Josh Jones, one of the organizers said.  “It’s a great way for people of all ages to stay active during hot summer days.”

columbiasc.momcollective.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/splash-pad-2.jpg Taken from Facebook.

“A small group of us started this right before COVID  (the disease pandemic) hit and it’s been on hold till recently,” he said.

The group is comprised of Kristin Bishop, Will Bishop, Seth Needham, Bailey Lyons, and Jones.

“The planned location for the splash pad will be right down from the caretaker’s house, on the east side of the road, as you start to exit Gunn Park, across from shelter house #1 (the big rock shelter house),” he said.

Fundraising will begin January 2022 and the plan is for the splash pad to be operational by summer 2023, Jones said.

“We have a couple of fundraisers lined up that we will announce in the next month or so,” he said.

Donations are being accepted at Lyons Realty Group, Bourbon County Cars, or Venmo at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Female Entrepreneurs Dare to Dream

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The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is sponsoring a Dare to Dream seminar on January 5, starting at 104 N. National Avenue for women entrepreneurs. It starts at 5 p.m.
“Our goal is to connect up-and-coming female entrepreneurs with local women who can mentor them,” HBCAT CEO Jody Hoener said. “We want to inspire these ladies to take on their dreams to become business owners themselves!  The HBCAT wants to provide opportunities to help our community build wealth and income, to come out of poverty, and to take control of their destiny.”
Jody Hoener. Submitted photo.
“This has been a series of four events that have been incredibly well attended and successful,” she said.  “Women are coming and asking questions of the panel and speakers.  They are talking to each other at their tables, networking, and building each other up”.
A dinner, catered by Drywood Creek Cafe,  and a networking time will begin the evening from 5-5:30 p.m.
The Keynote Speaker will be Kristi Banwart.
Kristi Banwart. Submitted photo.
Banwart will speak about how her hobby of making little girl hair bows for her daughter turned into a multi-million-dollar business in 15 years, Hoener said.  “Not only did she build regional and national relationships–but international relationships to help her business grow.”
The agenda also includes a  short panel speaker session which will include Rebecca Williams with The Butcher Block, Angela Simon with Bids and Dibs, and Katie Casper with Union State Bank.

 “They will each discuss a component of business relationships with its supplier, customer, or professional relationships–they are all instrumental in helping build any business,” Hoener said.

 

Rebecca Williams. Submitted photo.
Angie Simon. Submitted photo.
Katie Casper. Submitted photo.
“We will then have open question and answer so the attendees can ask questions to the speakers,  The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce staff, HBCAT staff, or Pittsburg State University’s Small Business Development Center staff,” Hoener said.
There is free childcare available if registered prior to the event.
The support for the seminar is grant funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas.
Art, Business, Fort Scott

Kids Art Camp Offered Next Week

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Judy Earp. Submitted photo.

Judy Earp lived 40 years in California and moved to Fort Scott in December 2019 because she fell in love with a Victorian home here.

She originally was from Lamar, MO, and looked there and in Nevada for just the right home to accommodate all of her Victorian furniture in her decision to return to the Mid-West.

When Earp found the house at 702 S. National Avenue, she found a space for an art studio.

“My art studio is in the basement,” she said.

During her California years, in her free time (she was a computer programmer and also sold real estate), she took art classes of all sorts, at Monterrey Peninsula Community College.

“The labs and all the equipment were fantastic (for all the art classes she took),” she said.

She started offering painting classes in Fort Scott in 2020 and found that the play area just outside her studio was perfect for the kid’s art classes she wanted to instruct.

The children need breaks sometimes, she said, and the space is perfect for that.

Next week she is offering a Winter Art Party for children ages five and up.

“Our next camp is from December 27 through December 31,” she said. “It has a winter theme. The cost is $125 for the entire week. I also offer two art parties for the kids on No School Days, one for USD 234 and one for St. Mary’s. These take place at my studio at 702 S. National. The cost is $25.”

No School Days are when students are not in class for one day, for teacher in-service, etc.

“My main goal is to share the joy of creating art with people of all ages and that we should all have fun while doing so,” Earp said.

“I offer different art events geared for different age groups,” she said. “During the summer and winter and spring breaks, I offer an art camp that is a week-long and we create five  different paintings, all with a common theme.”

She also provides private art parties.

“Paint and Sip Parties are adult, also private parties,” she said. “I do women’s church groups.”

This past summer Earp offered a beach week, a red, white, and blue week and a farm week.

Judy Earp’s students during beach week in 2021. Submitted photo.

“I offer family-friendly art parties also, with paintings that are suitable for all ages,” she said. “We just had one at Papa Don’s this past Saturday. The cost is also $25.”

Students of the Family Paint and Pizza Art Party on Dec. 18, at Papa Don’s Pizza. Submitted photo.

“I also offer Paint & Sip Parties,” she said. “I will have two in January at Dry Wood Creek Cafe. We will be painting a Highland Cow. Both parties sold out within a few hours.”

Submitted photo.

“All parties include everything you need to complete and take home a painting,” she said.  “I draw the picture on the canvas for you, supply the paint, brushes, easels and aprons. I also guide the artists every step of the way.”

Judy Howser and a friend show their art from a Fall Pathway Art Party in September. Submitted photo.

The best way for people to know immediately when a new class, camp or party is offered is to Like and follow Happy Snappy Art on Facebook, she said.

Fort Scott

Laugh Olympics Registration

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce on behalf of
Chamber members Fort Scott Recreation Commission
and the City of Fort Scott
Fort Scott Recreation Commission presents the “Splash Pad” project
Laugh Olympics… calling teams to register and participate!
Featuring the following categories:
Texas Hold’em * Pool * Trivia
Pickleball * Disc Golf * Corn Hole
Swim Relays/Belly Flop Diving
Volleyball * 2-man Scramble Golf
All proceeds collected will go
towards the Splash Pad project.
See all the details below!
Gather your co-workers, friends, & family & register by January 5th.
Dear Fort Scott Corporations/Businesses/Community Leaders:
The Fort Scott Recreation Commission/City of Fort Scott is hosting the 2022 “Splash Pad” Laugh Olympics and would like to encourage you to participate. The Olympics is set to be held beginning in January and running into September. 9 Events, in 9 months, one Saturday per month. The cost to enter is $100 per team, and each individual will also be asked to donate $5 per event toward the cause. All proceeds collected will go toward the “Splash Pad” project.
Splash Pad Laugh Olympics generates an enjoyable spirit through competition, but most of all promote unity and provides fun & entertainment for everyone while raising money for a wonderful project that will allow another amenity in our great community!
Below are general guidelines, a description of events, and a link for registration forms and participation waiver forms.
General Guidelines
-Team Captian or Coach
It is important for you to have a team captain or coach. The transmission of information between the organizers and your team will be much easier using this format.
-Registration Information
Team Entry Fee – $100 per team Event fees – $5 per person per event
All proceeds will go toward the “Splash Pad” project
Deadline
Participant waivers, as well as team registration forms, are due byJanuary 5th, 2022
Please click here for Team Registration and Waiver Forms
Please call 620-223-0386 or
email [email protected] for additional information
Volunteers
Volunteers are welcome as a part of the Splash Pad Olympics to aid us in the organization and coordination of the event. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer with a particular event, call Buck Run Community Center at 620-223-0386.
Thank you to the Chamber Booster Members below for their premium support of the Chamber & Community!
Fort Scott, Government

Updated Agenda for FS Commission Meeting Dec. 21

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
DECEMBER 21, 2021
6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
I. Roll Call:
K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols T. Van Hoecke J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: Bill Downey, Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department
IV. Approval of Agenda:
V. Proclamations/Recognitions: None
VI. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of December 7th, 2021 and special meeting minutes of December 7th, 2021, and December 14th, 2021.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1302-A totaling $417,420.09.
C. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – November legal fees – $3,269.00
D. Request to Pay – Pay Estimate #5 – $18,750.85 – Triangle Builders, LLC – Mayco
Ace Project
E. Change Request #3 – Mayco Ace Project – Decrease of $25,277.00
F. Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion for Mayco Ace Project
G. Approval of Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission administrative fee –
$4,000.00
H. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – River Intake Project – $6,238.87
I. Request to Pay – K & G Striping – $6,932.00 – Restriping on Wall Street
$6,000.00 – Restriping Double Yellow on Wall
(Credit) ($6,214.08) – Work not completed on National
J. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc. – $4,000.00 – City Engineer (Nov invoice)
$4,000.00 – City Engineer (Dec invoice)
$ 278.50 – Building Inspection (Nov)
$2,742.75 – Building Inspection (Dec)
$8,640.00 – 17th & Eddy Drainage (Nov)
$5,760.00 – 17th & Eddy Drainage (Dec)
$9,900.00 – Ft Scott WWTP (Nov)
$2,000.00 – Ft Scott WWTP (Dec)
$1,650.00 – Re-Route Old Faithful (Nov)
$1,650.00 – Re-Route Old Faithful (Dec)
K. November financials
L. Approval of Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses and Public Dance (originals on file in the
Clerk’s office)
2022 Package Sales:
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #20 – 998 N. National
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #27 – 605 S. National
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #14 – 1902 S. Main
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #28 – 1138 E. Wall
Hill’s Service, Inc. – 308 N. National
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. #39 – 2500 S. Main
Walgreen Company – 2229 S. Main
Casey’s General Store #3399 – 2216 S. Main
G & W 2, L.L.C., 911 E. 6th Street
Consumption on the Premises:
Debra Cagle DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 Humboldt
Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton
2022 Public Dance License:
Elks Lodge #579 – 111 W. 19th
Sharky’s Pub & Grub – 16 N. National
Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main
Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National
Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott
Memorial Auditorium – 1 E. Third Street
VII. Appearances: Fort Scott High School Speech & Communication students
VIII. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
IX. Old Business:
a. Consideration to repeal Ordinance 2563 – Section 12.12.070 – Pavement – Approval of Ordinance No. 3587
Excavation-Procedure, Section 12-12-080 – Unimproved Street – Procedure
Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3588
Section 12.12.110 – Replacement of Materials – Exception – Approval of
Ordinance No. 3589
Replacing with Clay Brick Pavers, Pavement Replacement, and Trench and
Backfill for Utilities sections
b. Discussion of Lake Fort Scott Improvements – Doug Guns
c. Discussion of the structure located at 619 S. Ransom – Bill Downey
d. Discussion of School Resource Officer
e. Discussion of Landfill
f. Discussion of ARPA funds
g. Selling of Lake Property
III. Public Hearing None
IV. New Business:
a. Ordinance adopting the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and designating a Revitalization Area in the City of Fort Scott, Kansas and approval of
Ordinance No. 3600 and approval of Interlocal Agreement – Rob Harrington
b. Discussion of Tourism – Rob Harrington
c. Consideration of Land Bank Ordinance No. 3599 – Amending Board of
Trustees and appointments – Rob Harrington
d. Land Bank discussion – Rob Harrington
e. Change Order #1 – Union Lofts Alley Project – $25,955.00 – Rogers & Sons
f. Consideration to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – Port-a-Potties – November – $3,210.00
g. Consideration of IT Shared Services with Bourbon County and approval of Memorandum of Understanding -Mark McCoy
h. Discussion of Brick Street and Alley policy – Pete Allen
i. Discussion of demolition of structures – Tim Van Hoecke
j. Discussion of the update to Codes procedures and policies – Bill Downey
k. Discussion of Airport Land Lease
XI. Reports and Comments:
A. Interim City Manager Comments:
B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow the script in all motions for
Executive Sessions)
XIII. Adjournment:

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Fink’s Pool Company: All Things Swimming Pool

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Submitted photo. Brady, Emily, and Wesley Fink.
Brady and Emily Fink started a new business, Fink’s Pool Company, last month to provide swimming pool service, cleaning, and maintenance for Fort Scott and the surrounding communities.

The business also provides new construction of swimming pools.

“We realized there is a large demand for this business in our area and even further,” Emily said.
“We are currently the only two (employees) as we don’t have employees yet,” she said. “Brady and I will be tag-teaming most stuff in the field (service and new construction) while I also do most of the communication with customers and anything on the phone or social media.”
“Brady was a helicopter mechanic for four years when he served in the U.S. Navy at North Island Naval Base (California),” Emily said. “He then was a plumber for three years and for the past year he has been working and learning under The Pool Guy out of Nevada (MO).”
He is a 2012 graduate of Fort Scott High School.
Even though winter is not usually the season when people think about their swimming pools, the Fink’s wanted to get the word out for people to start planning.
They will be offering service, repair, and new construction in the southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri areas starting in 2022.
For more information call or text 620.215.0306.
A new pool cover that the  Fink’s placed on a property this fall., which requires drilling concrete and placement. Submitted photo.