Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Schools

Eugene Ware nominates students to district choir

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The Eugene Ware Elementary School Choir Trio L-R: Izzy Martin, Madi Ross, Braley Harrington. Submitted photo.

Fifth graders Braley Harrington, Izzy Martin, and Madi Ross were nominated to perform with the Southeast Kansas Music Educator’s Association Elementary Honor Choir for the 2021-2022 school year.

Students have eight rehearsals outside of the school day to prepare and memorize five pieces of music. They will perform with
the best 5th and 6th-grade singers from Southeast Kansas in Chanute on January 15th.

Eugene Ware Elementary School Quartet L-R: Madi Ross, Izzy Martin, Braley Harrington, MJ Harper. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Christmas In One Week: Jingle Bell Holiday Mart this Saturday

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Products of Desert Bloom’s booth. Submitted photo.
When Leanne Leatherman heard that the  Bourbon County Historical Preservation Association was not having its annual Stocking Stuffer Christmas event, she asked a fellow Bourbon County Fair Association member, Sue Reineke, about hosting a craft show and sale.
“She thought it would be a good idea, so the Jingle Bell Holiday Mart came to be,” Leatherman said. “This is our first year, but I hope it is the first of many. We may try to schedule it a little earlier in the month for next year.”
The two are also having conversations about having a swap meet or show once a month to allow local merchants a place to meet and sell their wares.
Leatherman and Reinecke are both vendors. Leatherman sells hand-crafted items, Reinecke sells goat milk soap and lotions from her farm.
Products of the vendor, Auntie Em’s. Submitted photo.
The sale will be Saturday, Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds 4-H Building on South Horton Street.
“It is a heated facility, with plenty of parking,” she said.
The Bourbon County 4-H Building on South Horton, across from Fort Scott Community College. Submitted photo.
“We are full this year with vendors,” Leatherman said.
Some of Lori Craig’s products. Submitted photo.
The following are the vendors who will be selling their wares on Dec. 18:
Locust Hill Lamancha’s Goat milk products
Sue Reinecke’s goat milk skin products. Submitted photo.
Paula’s This and That: hand made quilts, Young Living products
Products from Paula’s This and That booth. Submitted photo.
Auntie Em’s Closet: key chains, car freshies, hand warmers
Quill Fire Farm: crochet, mouse repellent bags, homemade play dough
A rural Hiattville youth, Mayla Foster, will have her first show, featuring ‘sensory handmade playdough. Look for her at the Quill Fire Farm booth. Submitted photo.
Flying P Ranch: jewelry
Happy little  Candle Factory
Hunter’s Fashion: Paparazzi Jewelry
Desert Bloom Boutique:  apparel, candles, car freshies
Tessie Tucker: Color Street Nails
CBF Candles
Blue Dog Winery
Miki Kraft: lots of hand-sewn items
Bathhouse Trading: soaps, bath bombs, etc.
Maid in Marmaton: jams
AKA Crafts and Design: apparel
Some of AKA’s products. Submitted photo.Courtney Lanham: tumblers

Courtney Lanham: tumblers

Michelle Lisica: laser-cut ornaments and items
Elk Creek Outpost: soaps, air fresheners, bath bombs, etc.
Some of Elk Creek’s products. Submitted photo.

For more information contact Leatherman at 620.224.6423.

Business, Fort Scott

Rusty Spur Energy and Nutrition Opens at 9 E. Wall

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Submitted photo.
The Rusty Spur Energy & Nutrition opened at 9 E. Wall on Dec. 14.
The owners are Kelly Perry and Chris Ames who is also the  operator.
“We offer one-on-one health assessments for weight loss or muscle gain with our products,” Perry said. “Our products include vitamin-packed energy and calorie-burning teas that taste more like fruit drinks!  We also provide complete meal replacement shakes full of protein and vitamins and minerals in over 60 flavors!
 “We have had a team of other entrepreneurs; Haven, Ashtyn, and Greg, in Ft. Scott (at a different location) since August 2020 helping customers with healthy shakes and teas,” Kelly said. “Previous health coaches have moved from the area and we felt passionate about keeping such a niche business alive and well in Fort Scott!  We hated to see it close when the others moved.”
Their passion stems from losing weight using the drinks they sell.
Both women have followed a number of fad diets and even resorted to surgical weight loss methods such as gastric bypass.  Short term, they had a tremendous amount of success but eventually, the weight came back, Perry said.
Kelly Perry. Submitted photos.
During the 2020 pandemic, Perry had gained over 80 pounds of her surgical weight loss back when she walked into the Fort Scott nutrition shop desperate to lose the 80 pounds, she said.
 She started the meal replacement shakes and within five months from December 2020 to May 2021, Perry lost all 80 pound swith shakes alone, she said.
 Perry has maintained her weight loss and coached others to do the same, she said.
Chris Ames has had a very similar story.
Chris Ames. Submitted photo.
“After (weight-loss) surgery, her weight loss was not significant and she continued to be stagnant in weight loss,” Perry said. “She started on the protein meal replacement shakes and the rest is history.  She is now a size smaller than she was in high school.  She too is working to help others to be the best that they can be and fully embrace health and nutrition rather than think of it as yet another diet.”
“We’re passionate about helping people and we really like this job,” Perry said.
“Each of our energy drinks is all custom-made for exactly what you need as an individual,  no two drinks are alike,” she said.  “You won’t find one main price because all teas have customization to them.”
“We hope that by being downtown in such a beautiful area we will be able to reach more people and help them with their health goals,” Perry said.
They have products for children as well, she said.
“We also provide probiotics and added hydration for all ages, so if you have a child that is dehydrated or has bloating, cramping or even backed up in the bathroom, we have items that we can add to their drink to help their tummy,” she said.
The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM and Saturday, 9 AM to 2 PM, Sunday after church from noon to 3 p.m.
The Rusty Spur, 9 E. Wall. The former dental office of Dr. Brown. Submitted photo.
The business can be contacted via Facebook Messenger, or Instagram  or email [email protected]
Fort Scott, Government

City of Fort Scott Admin Offices Closed Dec. 24-27

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The City of Fort Scott Administrative Offices will be closed on Friday, December 24th and Monday, December 27th, 2021 in observance of the Christmas Holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, December 28th, 2021.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, December 25th, 2021 for the Christmas holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, December 28th, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Press Release for Dec. 13

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Fort Scott Middle School, 2019.

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, December 13, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.

President James Wood opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – November 19, 2021 – $1,470,719.34

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity fund accounts­­­­­­

F.     Donation of wrestling mats

G.    High School Swim Team fundraising applications

H.    Increase in adult meal prices for breakfast and lunch

 

Jamie Armstrong, outgoing board member, was recognized for her years of service.  There were no comments in the public forum section.  Brenda Hill, Fort Scott KNEA President, shared information with the board.  Principals from each building shared written reports.  Ted Hessong, Superintendent, gave a report.  In addition, Superintendent Hessong gave an ESSER III update.

Andrea Scott, Fort Scott Preschool Center Principal, gave a presentation on the Fort Scott Preschool Center.  Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.   The board approved the following employment items:

A.    Resignation of Kaytelynd Keller, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective November 16, 2021

B.    Retirement of Alvin Metcalf, Sr., middle school teacher aide and middle school coach, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

C.    Resignation of Lacey Graham, bus driver, effective November 3, 2021

D.    Retirement of Pamela Milton, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

E.     Resignation of Alexandra VanSickle, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, effective December 16, 2021

F.     Resignation of Maggie Johnston, high school paraprofessional, effective November 23, 2021

G.    Resignation of Annyssa Davenport, high school paraprofessional, effective December 16, 2021

H.    Resignation of Gregg Sweet, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective December 10, 2021

I.      Leave of absence request from Caitlin Shrewsbury, Eugene Ware third grade teacher

J.      Change in work agreement for Wendy Budd, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, from a 7.5-hour day to an 8-hour day for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

K.    Employment of Judith Davis as a high school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

L.     Employment of Adrianne Wisdom as a high school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

M.   Employment of Charlie Hensley as a high school auto tech teacher aide for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

N.    Employment of Jennifer Herring as a Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year; Employment of Jennifer Herring as a 2-hour bus driver for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

O.    Employment of Shaunn Pytlowany as a four-hour bus driver for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

P.     Resignation of Tyler Bell, high school assistant wrestling coach, for the 2021-22 school year; resignation of Abigail Duffy, high school JV volleyball coach, effective November 8, 2021; resignation of Kelli Davis, high school freshman volleyball coach, effective November 8, 2021

Q.    Employment of Brendon Blackburn as a high school assistant wrestling coach for the 2021-22 school year

R.    Employment of Tyler Ericson as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

 

The board adjourned.

 

Fort Scott, Housing

Sleeping Pods Are Planned For Fort Scott’s Homeless

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The Warming Hearts in Fort Scott Sleeping Pods will look similar to this one. Submitted photo.

A recent city commission meeting decision prompted action by a group of residents to help the community’s homeless population during the winter months.

Following the Fort Scott City Commission passing an ordinance to allow basic tents in designated camping areas for homeless people, the group of concerned citizens began conversations about helping the homeless in the wintertime.

The core group of Warming Hearts in Fort Scott, the name proposed for the group, is Tonya Cliffman, Anne Dare, and Sarah Maike.

“Our goal is to assist in winter with temporary shelter, clothing, basic essentials, and nutrition,” Tonya Cliffman, one of the organizers of the project, said. “We want to build relationships to provide basic needs in hopes we can move them into more traditional housing in the future.”.

Tonya Cliffman from her Facebook page.

To that end, work has begun on two sleeping pods which are four-foot by five-foot by eight-foot wooden structures. These are being constructed by a small group of men who are donating their skills for the project, she said.

“(Those sleeping in the pods) can sit up, but not stand up, that way their body heat will keep them warm,” she said. “It has no heat or water, just a wooden insulated structure.”

“They are $1,000 each,” she said. “We are building the first one now.”

They will complete two pods by the first of the year and as soon as they have an individual to utilize the pod, that person will use it for the whole winter, she said.

The group reached out to the owner of a vacant lot, a former mobile home park, Patrick Wood, who permitted use of the lot for the project pending approval by the City of Fort Scott. That approval came at the Dec. 7 commission meetings.

The area is located at 19th and Horton Streets, just north of Community Christian Church (CCC).

CCC already has programs in place to provide showers and basic hygiene needs, plus food and some clothing, she said.

“CCC is my home church,” Cliffman said. “This is not a CCC project but they are supporting us.”

The group set up a fund at CCC for receiving the donations to the project, she said. “This is for transparency, accountability, and stewardship. We felt that is a great partnership.”

Once the pods are in place, the individuals who will be using the sleeping pods will have portable latrines and trash service provided, she said, and be told of the regulations to sleep in the pods.

This initial part of the project will provide the sleeping pods until March 31, Cliffman said.

Cliffman was able to visit with 15 out of the 18 residents that are on the block where permission was given for the sleeping pods, she said.

“I know the Lord’s hand is on this,” Cliffman said. “Doors are opening: we’ve been blessed with a location and some donations to get started. I’m following the gifts the good Lord gave me to do this.”

Facebook page to follow along on progress:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1758963627644201

A link to donate to the cause:  https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsquare.link%2Fu%2FvlWqsupK%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0MJZ72StGpxT2LUFEBHazoIC-yFIsUeNLx_aGckz1307kcXabEmFTmyxw&h=AT3rALx3zY7_yxqjlM-EsM2Ev8UEbz2qsgSRXrAIxZv57vdTPe9gwKxIzFcm11BOXEeXj7aESOwn_A3VYXsYdsoVGKd3XAskyGHRrLIVAeXhjWUgREYtJlWBMlHVqm5K_gCk&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT0eZ_iOSWcNYAEGcJuoJuQ8KZz2CFqTEig36EFyTBI025cbPswq7KfMGW3AcYQXYsYXmJ-SzeajqZPxwBbF_P-XEiO6YD4W56OMFPllDu3Eq62zcD3fdup2rhA42XOZmHSTz5oAehpwZlDsTuzX-k1ftjVyi-8rj4Af2l8At9iKwPGznq2xzV2-4h_1StsBC7-9EJsZyhXp_MZvxuI

 

 

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Holiday Youth Programs at the Public Library Are Offered

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Fort Scott Public Library, National Avenue at 2nd Street.
Submitted by Valetta Cannon
Fort Scott Public Library
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
 
 
 
For Kids: 
Teen party in 2019 at the library. Submitted photo.
Party: Meet Miss Val to pick up a holiday party-in-a-bag on December 17, 20, or 21. Miss Val will hand out bags to kids ages birth-5th grade from Noon to 5 pm on December 17 & 21 and from Noon to 4 pm on December 20. Come to the downstairs desk and ask for Miss Val! While supplies last; items are subject to availability. While there is no minimum age limit, the bags are designed primarily for kids ages 3-11. Each bag will contain:

Holiday Activities, Games, Gifts, and Treats. Kids can choose between a Cozy and a Chic party bag.

Letters to Santa: While picking up your holiday bag, write a letter to Santa and send it to the North Pole through the library’s Magic Mailbox.
Dec Our Walks: The library’s sidewalks (aside from the painted front walk) are bare. Bring them to life for the holidays! Ask for a chalk bucket at the downstairs desk and Dec the Walks. A laminated sheet of design ideas will be provided, and adult supervision is required.
Activities for ALL AGES: 
Go on a Candy Cane Hunt in the library! Now through the end of December, you may hunt for candy canes every day the library is open. Here’s how it works: Find a paper candy cane in a book from the children’s or young adult sections. Bring it to the front desk, along with the book so our staff can record which title was found. Get a real candy cane in exchange for the paper one! Limit 1 per day per person. No age limit.
 
Candy Guessing Contest:How many pieces of candy do you think are in this year’s Holiday Candy Jar? If your guess is the nearest to the correct number, you will win the whole jar! Share it with your loved ones or enjoy it all by yourself. In the event of a tie, the candy will be split evenly (as possible) between contestants. The contest will be open for entries from November 15 – December 15, 2021. Winner(s) will be notified within 2 days of the contest’s end. Entries missing critical information or made after the contest end date (Dec. 15 @ 11:59 pm) will be disqualified. Limit 1 entry per person. Must be able to pick up at the Fort Scott Public Library after the contest ends. Library staff and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate. Fill out this form to enter: https://forms.gle/4RgkLSZ32Ki9jM6VA
For 6th – 12th Graders: Our first indoor, in-person event at the library since March, 2020 will be this year’s Holiday Teen Party for middle and high school students!  The party will take place in the upstairs main room of the library on December 20, 4-5 pm. Pre-Registration is REQUIRED for all attendees. Go here to register: https://forms.gle/ms84YVtHAJLJMhAQ9 Due to covid concerns, we need to keep the crowd small, so registration will be capped at 25 people. Parents are encouraged to drop their teens off and pick them up at the end of the party, rather than stay in the party area for the whole event. MASKS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Activities:

Saran Wrap Ball Game
Gift Exchange Game (we provide the gifts)
Scavenger Hunt
Handmade Gift Wrap Craft
Pin the Nose on Rudolph
Enjoy free treats

Other Youth Services the Library Continues to Offer:
Book Bags:Miss Val compiles book bags on popular topics for easy curbside checkout. Each bag contains ten books, plus some stickers and/or a bookmark. The drawstring bag, bookmarks, and stickers are free for the patron to keep, while books check out for three weeks. You must be a card-holder in SeknFind with an unrestricted account in order to check out a book bag. There is no limit on how many bags you may check out at one time. Order your bag using this form: https://forms.gle/58aynMG1meWxH6dq5, ask for one at our downstairs desk, or call the library. 
Current topics: 
For ages Birth – 1st Grade: Boys’ General Interest, Girls’ General Interest, Christmas, Construction, Cozy Books, Early Readers Level 1, Early Readers Level 2, Farm, Mystery, Silly Stories, Snow, and Winter
For Grades 2nd – 5th: Early Readers Level 3
 
Maker Kits: Make something cool with Miss Val!

To order & participate:
1. Choose which maker kit you’d like. Currently you may select from:
Kit #1: Paper Weaving (Easy/Preschool)
Kit #2: Yarn Bowls (Intermediate/Elementary)
Kit #3: Paper Cup Towers (Easy STEM)
Kit #4: Straw Structures (Intermediate STEM)
Kit #5: Pipe Cleaner Challenge (Intermediate STEM)
Kit #6: Garden in a Cup (Easy/Preschool)

Kit #7: Recyclables Challenge (Intermediate STEM)
2. Contact the library to order yours by calling (620) 223-2882, filling out this form, or emailing [email protected].
3. You may order 1 kit PER CHILD at a time. Once you have finished with the kit, order the same one again or a different one. Available while supplies last. Caution: Some kit items are not safe for young children. Parental supervision is strongly advised for children ages 3 and under.
4. Go to the Maker Kits Playlist on YouTubeto watch the accompanying video so your child can use the items in their kits right along with Miss Val.

 
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: The Library offers a free early literacy program called 1,000 Books Before Kindergartenfor children from birth through kindergarten. Each complete reading of a book that the child hears counts toward their 1,000 books, and participants receive rewards for reaching each 100-book milestone. You may choose to track your child’s readingthrough the 1,000 Booksor the Reader Zone app (contact us for the code), on regular paper, or whatever works for you. Email Miss Val or message the library on Facebook with each 100-book milestone you reach, along with a photo of your child holding a printed or handwritten sign showing the milestone and/or a book, for the library to share your child’s success on their Facebook page (optional). If you choose the photo option, we will post it in our program’s Facebook album and print a photo for you to keep. Either way, we will also give them the sticker for that milestone and a free book of choice from a reward book list (you may get them through our curbside or in-library pickup). We do allow children below kindergarten age to continue on beyond 1,000 books for additional rewards. Visit this link: 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Signup Form to sign your child up online, or email Miss Val at [email protected].
 
Storytime: Order your bags for the remainder of December, and then join Miss Val online each week for another themed storytime! Watch the videos weekly on your schedule while enjoying the snack, and then create the accompanying craft with instructions from Miss Val. Current & upcoming themes: Holiday Music, Star Bright & Winter Lights, and New Year’s. To order, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/eGp6fLqStaCYL3Fd8  Near the end of each month, we distribute the bags for the following month, so keep an eye on the library’s Facebook page or other social media for updates.
 
6-12th Grade Group: The self-named Dragon’s Nest Teen Group meets on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm. Most meetings are held online via Google Meet, but this week will be a hybrid Book Discussion meeting, held both in person at the Keyhole AND online on Google Meet. To register for December meeting bags, fill out this form. If your middle or high schooler would like to join the in-person meeting, they may show up at the Keyhole at 4:30, Wed., December 15 ready to discuss books. Next week’s (online only) activities will be Word Games and Creative Writing/Drawing, and the following week, we will create our own versions of “Wreck This Journal” for the new year. Necessary supplies are provided in the bags. ear the end of each month, we distribute the bags for the following month, so keep an eye on the library’s Facebook page or other social media for our new month’s registration form.