The January meeting of Starlite FCE was held on January 21st at the Yeager building at the Fairgrounds. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Eleven members and one guest were in attendance. The members reported seven hours of volunteer work and that they had recycled three hundred and eighty pounds of paper. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’ report and reminded us to bring in our Best Choice labels. Glenda Miller reported that the County Council had cancelled the Spring Tea for this year due to Covid. She also went over the information presented in the FCE newsletter.
Old business consisted of the Valentines for the Tri-Valley clients. Cards were signed by members and placed in treat bags. Letha Johnson moved that the person in charge of event be given authority to purchase items for said event and receive reimbursement out of the club account. Del Parks seconded the motion, motion carried.
It was announced that Lois Williams a longtime previous member had passed as well as Del Parks brother. Megan Brillhart announced that Presbyterian Village residents have received their first round of Covid shots and that they should be able to start getting out in about six weeks.
Glenda Miller presented members with unity valentines and a trivia quiz on Kansas in celebration of Kansas Day January 29th.
Joy Miller presented the lesson to the club of “Taking a new look at Fermented Foods.” Fermented foods include sauerkraut, wine, kimchi, sour dough bread and yogurt, to name a few. Joy also passed out troubleshooting guide on fermentation, Information about the upcoming Aging with Attitude Regional expo and Dining with Diabetes online classes.
Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Jackie Warren seconded the motion, meeting adjourned. After the meeting the members enjoyed cupcakes, cookies, M&M and water provided by Jackie Warren and Deb Woods.
Tedena Tucker, a senior branch office administrator in the Fort Scott office of the financial services firm Edward Jones, recently announced her retirement after thirty years of service with the firm.
Tucker’s retirement becomes effective February 26th, 2021. Don Savage will replace Tucker.
“When I joined this firm thirty years ago, I knew I was making the right decision,” said Tucker. “Now I can say that I truly enjoyed working with the people of this community in helping Jamie Armstrong serve their financial needs.”
A branch office administrator is responsible for the daily operation of an Edward Jones office. This includes providing top-notch client service, supporting marketing activities for the office and staying updated on technological advances.
“Tedena has been my right arm,” Armstrong said. “Not only has she been responsible for the daily operation of our branch, but she has worked closely with our clients.”
To celebrate Tedena’s contribution to the clients served by Armstrong’s branch office, the branch is hosting a “card shower.” Clients, friends and colleagues are invited to send a retirement card to Tedena at the branch, located at 1713 S National, Fort Scott, KS 66701 between February 1 – February 25th, 2021.
Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, provides financial services in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm’s business, from the investments offered to the location of branch offices, caters to individual investors. The firm’s 19,000-plus financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients with a total of $1.5 trillion in client assets under care. Visit edwardjones.com or the recruiting website at careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.
There is a new mayor and president, and city manager for the City of Fort Scott in the past week.
Josh Jones was selected to replace JoLynne Mitchell on the Fort Scott City Commission on December 1, 2020.
Jones became the mayor on January 7, 2021, with Kevin Allen selected to be president, according to the City of Fort Scott commission minutes. Allen was sworn in on Jan. 2020 to the commission.
The other city commissioners are Randy Nichols, Pete Allen, and Lindsay Watts.
New to the community is Jeremy Frazier, who was selected as the new city manager late last week.
The City of Fort Scott has operated under a city commission/city manager form of government since 1975, according to City Commission | Fort Scott, KS (fscity.org) . The city commission consists of a mayor, president of the commission, and three city commissioners. All members of the city commission are elected at-large on a non-partisan basis by the citizens of Fort Scott. The mayor, the president of the commission, and the city commissioners all serve without any compensation.
The Fort Scott City Commission elects the mayor and president of the board annually at their first meeting in January, according to the website.
The mayor, who has the same authority as the other commissioners, presides over the commission meetings, provides the official signature on documents, and represents the city at official and ceremonial functions. In the absence of the mayor, the president of the commission fulfills the duties of the mayor, according to the website.
The duties of the commission are to pass city ordinances and resolutions, establish policies for the city, approve the annual budget, appoint members to city boards and appoint a city manager.
A little about Jones
Jones owns rental houses in Fort Scott and also manages Bourbon County Cars, a local used-car dealership. He is a life-long resident of Fort Scott.
He has been married to his wife, Karen, for 20 years and has twin daughters, Madison and Taylor, who are 20 years old, and one son, David, 15.
A little about Allen
Kevin “Skitch” Allen was selected last week to be the president.
Allen has had a local construction company for 27 years in Fort Scott.
“Everything from construction dirt work to trash roll-off services and porta-potties,” he said. “I also own several buildings and homes in the community that I rent out.”
He is a 1988 Fort Scott High School graduate. He then attended Fort Scott Community College for two years and then earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Pittsburg State University.
He has two daughters, Maddie Thorpe and Jocie Allen, and two granddaughters and a grandson on the way, he said.
The commission hired a new manager last week.
“The commission unanimously selected Jeremy Frazier to be hired as city manager of Fort Scott,” Jones said. “All five commissioners believe Jeremy is the best fit for Fort Scott and we are very excited to utilize Jeremy’s vision and ideas to move Fort Scott forward.”
Jeremy Frazier. Submitted photo.
“Jeremy will start February 1st and (Interim Manager)Jeff Hancock will leave February 3,” Jones said. “Jeff’s leadership and knowledge have been very valuable in the short time he has been here.”
Also new is the sharing of business services with the Bourbon County Commission.
“With the new makeup of the city commission and the county commission we feel like now we have the opportunities to save taxpayers money by sharing services,” Jones said.
“This will be a case by case basis, so we can evaluate each item and come up with what we believe will save the most money for taxpayers. By joining into an agreement with the county on the Finance/Business Manager need, it will save the city roughly $40,000 per year.”
The City of Fort Scott Finance Director Susan Bancroft was hired by the Bourbon County Commission last week to be its’ business manager, part-time.
The City of Fort Scott meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month in the city commission meeting room at 123 S. Main.
Stream Advisory Issued for Buck Run Creek, located East of Scott Avenue and West of 69 Highway in Fort Scott, Kansas Residents and animals should not enter the Creek at this time
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for the Buck Run Creek, along the area East of Scott Avenue and West of 69 Highway in Fort Scott, Kansas.
The stream advisory is a result of a manhole overflow due to heavy rainfall. The city of Fort Scott has repaired the problem and the overflow has ceased as of Monday afternoon.
The advisory has been issued because potential elevated bacteria and contaminants may be present in Buck Run Creek as it flows northward through residential areas to the Marmaton River. If you live or have activities near this stream, do not enter the stream or allow children or pets to enter the stream.
Kansas Department of Health & Environment will rescind the advisory once flows recede and subsequent bacteria testing indicates secondary (wading) contact has been deemed safe.
For further information, please contact at the city of Fort Scott, Michael Mix at 620.215.6319.
Esthetician Hallie Grillot holds a gift certificate for her facial services. Submitted photos.
Esthetician Hallie Grillot, 20, opened a new business in September 2020.
An esthetician is a workerskilled in givingbeautytreatments, according to the Free Dictionary.
Her business, Pure Skin Esthetics, is located inside Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage and Salon, at 117 E. National Avenue.
“I always had a passion for beauty and wellness so i wanted a career which incorporated that,” Grillot said. “I knew in my heart esthetics would be a great fit for me! It’s a very emotionally rewarding profession. Making people look good also makes them feel good; which in turn, makes me feel good. I love what I do, and it shows through my work. I am lucky to have found a career that I love so much.
Grillot graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2019, then attended Bellus Academy, Manhattan, for esthetics. Her parents are Dale and Vonnie Rickerson.
In addition, she is a full-time student at Fort Scott Community College, working towards obtaining a business degree.
“I perform cosmetic skin treatments, facials ranging from $30- $75- such as hydro, aromatherapy, anti-aging, acne treatment, chemical peels. I also offer body treatments, and waxing.”
For Valentine’s Day, Grillot is offering a “love your skin special.”
“It’s 20% off discount code through the whole month of February – Use the code “LOVE” when book your appointment online!
GUIDED TOURS OF THE FORT DAILY, 10 AM & 1 PMThe Fort Scott National Historic Site is open daily 8 am-5 pm for touring on your own, but arrive at 10 am or 1 pm on any day and take advantage of a guided tour with a park ranger! The guided tour lasts approx. 1 hour.
1/23 – Pickleball from 8-10 am at Buck Run, open to anyone wanting to play! Always check the FB Group page here for any location changes or cancelations. Tuesday, Thursday & Saturdays
1/22-23 – Livestock sale at the Fort Scott Livestock Market, both Friday & Saturday, click here for their FB page.
1/22 – Karaoke Friday Nights at The Boiler Room Brewhaus! Experience or beginners, it does not matter! Let’s have some fun with music & drinks! Click here for their FB page.
1/24 – Kansas City Chiefs play at 5:40 pm, watch the game, or order carryout from a local restaurant! See below for Luther’s BBQ Tailgate Package! Holmtown Pub, Sharky’s, Luther’s & other restaurants will be open for the game, click here for our restaurant member listing.
1/26-28 – KANSASWORKS Virtual Job Fair, click here for flyer.
1/28 – Chamber Coffee, 8am, to be hosted by Stutesman’s Action Realty at one of their commercial listings, 306 E. 23rd St.
1/29 – National Kansas Day, Local retailers and restaurants will be participating in this celebration by giving a 10% Discount off your purchase for shopping or dining by wearing any Kansas or Sunflower attire! Look for the Participating Flyer.
1/30 – Real Estate & Personal Property Auction of the Roxine Poznich Trust, 10am, 1519 E. Pine St. by Chamber member Anderson Auction Service. Click here for all the info.
Radio Auction by KOMB FM 103.9 every Thursday & Friday through February at 2 pm! Get your bid # and view the items on their website here. In addition to calling in your bid, you can also bid online this year and even “Buy it Now” ~ or bid by text to 620-724-7962.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options are available…
SPIN classes now offered by Smallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tues & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
Total Body Fitnesswith Karen Reinbolt at Buck Run Community Center, Mon & Wed 8:15 am $20 for 8-week session.
Zumba with Monalynn Decker at Buck Run, Mon, Wed, Fri 6 pm, $40 for a 12-week session.
Indoor Fitness/Gyms at I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
The Chamber posts a “JOB OF THE DAY” posting on our Social Media accounts as requested by area employers or as we notice them in the newspaper and various employment websites.
In an effort to consolidate some business services in government, a business manager has signed on for the county, in addition to her duties at the City of Fort Scott.
Susan Bancroft started January 19, 2021, as the part-time Bourbon County Business Manager.
Susan Bancroft. Submitted photo.
She is currently the City of Fort Scott Finance Director.
Fort Scott City Hall.
“For many years, the city and county have had interlocal agreements in the area of public safety,” Bancroft said. “This has been a long positive relationship meeting the needs of both city and county residents.”
“A couple of years ago a task force was formed and has been researching ways to save taxpayer dollars through shared services between the city and county,” she said. “Recently, the county commission determined there was a need for a part-time business director and approached the city to see if this could be a shared service opportunity.”
In order for the relationship to work, Bancroft agreed to work her regular hours with the City of Fort Scott and an additional 20 hours for Bourbon County.
“My current position is based on a 40-hour workweek so this would be an additional 20 hours per week,” Bancroft said.
The Bourbon County Business Director will initially be responsible for assisting the commission in the development and analysis of budgets and reporting, human-resource-related issues and policy, and also accounts payable and receivable for public works, she said. Additionally, she will be the interdepartmental liaison to build relationships and oversight. Additional duties are expected to be added over time.
Bancroft will be paid $115,000 per year by the city. The county will pay $60,000 to the city for Bancroft’s services, according to the agreement between the two.
The memorandum of understanding between the city and county ends Dec. 31, 2021, with possible renewal.
To view the agreement between the city and county:
“Some may look at this as additional dollars being spent at the county level,” she said. “However, some of the assigned duties will replace expenses already being incurred by the county through contractual services.”
“In addition, the City of Fort Scott will realize approximately $34,000 in savings due to the partnership,” Bancroft said.
Bancroft worked for the City of Fort Scott from 2005-2012 as the finance director and spent two of those years as the assistant city manager/finance director.
From 2012-2015 she worked for USD 234 as the business manager/clerk. In 2015, she took a position with NPC International as their human capital management director until 2019 when she returned to the City of Fort Scott once again, as the finance director.
“HCM encompasses human resources, benefits, payroll, and compliance,” she said. “NPC employed 40,000 employees at the time of my employment.”
“The four years I was in the private sector I missed actively serving the community in which I lived,” she said. “I am excited to use the knowledge I have gained over the past 20 years to evaluate processes, budgets, improve transparency and build relationships between the City and County and its constituents.”
“I strive to see the glass half full rather than half empty, always looking for opportunities to improve,” she said. “One of my favorite quotes by Henry Ford is ‘Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.’ I believe the city and county leaders are working towards this collaboration and look forward to many more opportunities to share services to reduce the burden on taxpayers.”
Bancroft will have offices at both entities.
“The (county) commission is currently working on finding a small space for me,” she said. “I am fortunate to also have the ability to work remotely.”
The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Tuesday, January 26th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session to discuss special assessments and engineering for wastewater projects. This meeting is open to the public.
The work session will also be available on the City’s YouTube channel.
On February 1, 2021, Jeremy Frazier will begin his service as City Manager for the City of Fort Scott.
After Interviewing multiple candidates, it was clear that Jeremy was unanimously the top choice for every commissioner.
Jeremy will bring a new vision and new ideas at a much needed time in Fort Scott. Every commissioner is excited to have Jeremy come on board and all of us have committed to give Jeremy the tools and resources he needs to be successful in moving Fort Scott forward.
Jeremy brings to this position over a decade of public sector experience. Mr. Frazier has managed cities of various sizes and demographics. From his first position as Assistant City Manager in a charming tight-knit community with a population of 1,800, to his most recent position as the City Manager of El Reno with a population of nearly 20,000, he has developed a strong passion for public service and economic development. He has led full service organizations of up to 170 employees and has managed budgets up to $58 million.
Mr. Frazier takes pride in his work with City staff and the community such as launching various programs between public safety and its residents; conducting organizational assessments and financial audits to insure financial stability and operational efficiencies; and initiating leadership development strategies for City staff with a focus on customer service excellence.
He is described as a goal-oriented, motivated, and energetic leader with demonstrated experience in building strong relationships in diverse communities. Mr. Frazier’s primary focus in Fort Scott will be to execute the vision and mission of the City Commission and to build upon the City’s strong forward momentum while capitalizing on its rich history and culture. He plans to concentrate on economic development, job opportunity expansion, business relations, and infrastructure improvement.
In his spare time, Mr. Frazier serves on various committees such as the University of Central Oklahoma’s Master of Public Administration Advisory Committee, whereby he assists the University in shaping its current and future MPA program and students. He is an active volunteer and active participant in various civic organizations such as Lion’s Club. In addition to serving as a member of the City Management Association of Oklahoma for nearly 15 years, in 2020 he was awarded the designation of Accredited City Manager and has served two past terms as a board member of that organization. He is also a past gubernatorial appointee to the Board of Trustees for a local university. Finally, Mr. Frazier served as a past Board of Trustees member for the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group, a municipal insurance provider for over 500 cities and towns throughout the state.
Mr. Frazier possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma. He has served on numerous boards and committees as he is committed to the improvement of his community and his profession. Mr. Frazier looks forward to making Fort Scott his home while serving the community and residents.
The Rennet Studio building is being renovated for new occupants. Submitted photos.
Diane and Dean Striler recently purchased the Rennet Studio building, 6 N. Main, which includes the loft above.
Diane and Dean Striler, owners of the Rennet Studio building, 6 N. Main. Submitted photos.
The building is located between Fort Scott Family Dental and Papa Don’s Restaurant.
They have begun renovating the building for three office spaces.
Renovation of the interior of the Rennet Studio building. Submitted photos.
“We started looking for a downtown building in November and closed the purchase on December 3,” she said.
“The main reason for this purchase is that Dean and I have wanted to invest in the Fort Scott community,” Diane said. “After purchasing our home at Fort Scott Lake in July of 2014, we had often discussed the idea of ending up in Fort Scott as our full-time home.”
“We are living full-time in Fort Scott but still have a home in Lenexa,” she said.
“We feel that there is a lot of potential in the downtown area and see how it is expanding and growing,” she said. “We enjoy the history of the town, the people we have met, and love the quaint atmosphere of the community. We feel that purchasing the Rennet Studio would be a great way to start investing in the community.”
After the Striler’s decided to invest in a downtown building, they looked at a few and then placed an offer on the Rennet Studio, she said.
“Although the main floor of the building had not been occupied for quite a while, we were impressed that the building was in such great shape,” Diane said. “Obviously the owners of the building, the Barnett family, had taken great care of it.”
“It also has a full finished basement that is lined with cinder blocks, had extra cement poured, and has a vinyl floor,” she said. ” We were also very excited about the loft apartment above the retail area. This part of the building really appealed to us because of the tall ceilings, old woodwork, and transom windows above the tall doors.”
Renovation of the interior of the newly purchased building is on-going. Submitted photos.
After purchase, they started working on some exterior repairs to the building.
The new roof portion of the Rennet Studio is completed. Submitted photos.
“We started with getting the front brick power washed,” Diane said. “It was amazing to see the difference in the before and after pictures. The brick on the upper portion of the building had an orange tint to it and now is redder and much brighter. We are waiting to also have some tuck work done to the brick on the upper portion.”
” We have picked out some new paint colors for the front of the building and have submitted them for approval from the City Historic Design Board,” she said. “Last week we had a new roof put on the back portion of the building. That was badly needed and we are happy to have that done.”
The Striler’s are currently renovating the main floor of the building in preparation for new occupants. Submitted photos.
New Tenet Ready To Move In
The main front area of the building will be leased to the Fort Scott Tribune Newspaper, currently at 22 N. Main.
“We have been working with them to update the area they will be in,” she said. “Everything is being painted, we’ve had some trim work to do, and new flooring is being put in. The paper is working on the transition and would like to be up and running in our building by the beginning of February. ”
Additional Office Spaces
“My husband, Dean, will also have an office in the rear of the main floor,” she said. “We were able to close off a wall so that he has a separate entrance to his office.”
“Dean is the Senior Vice President of Sales for Zephyr Ventilation, she said. “The company manufactures residential hoods to go over cooking appliances along with beverage units and wine storage units.”
“We have an additional 700 square feet of commercial/office space that we have available to rent out that will include a break room and restroom,” Diane said.
“Once we complete updating the main level, Dean and I will start working on the apartment loft above,” she said. “We are planning to keep as much of the original woodworking as possible and are going to try to refinish the original hardwood floors.”
Seller’s Market
Diane is a realtor for Front Door Real Estate, with Jared Leek as the broker.
It is a seller’s market, she said.
” I am finding that with the current conditions, I am receiving calls from all over,” she said. “People from other states are wanting to come back to the Midwest for a calmer way of life and are enquiring about the properties that I have listed.”
“Housing is one thing that Fort Scott definitely could use more of, and there is a shortage of what is for sale,” she said.
” As a result, I am trying to find additional properties that are not being occupied, and could be put to good use for a family in need,” she said. “If anyone knows of any properties like this, I would greatly appreciate it if you would reach out to me.”
Diane Striler’s contact: 620-878-3630 or
248-568-7790
Chamber Coffee & Ribbon Cutting Announced for the Star Emporium Downtown General Store
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting ceremony this Thursday, January 21st at 8 a.m. to celebrate the grand opening of the Star Emporium General Store, 17 S. Main St. Coffee, juice and light refreshments will be served.
Star Emporium is a unique grocery store offering specialty and private label products in addition to staple foods and household necessities. The store also features meat, produce, ice cream and other items made locally or within the region and offers a salad bar and deli with limited seating to dine-in or carry-out.
Business owner Bill Michaud of BAJA Investments and team are excited to provide this service to the Downtown Historic District and the community. Through an agreement with Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, the store will soon provide food storage space and delivery programs to address food insecurities.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet and recess into Executive Session to discuss non-elected personnel.
This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.
Tedena Tucker Announces Retirement
