Category Archives: Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! January 26th Weekly Newsletter

Photograph by L. Wright on July 28th, 2013. Click here to purchase!

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Currently closed Wednesdays & Thursdays

until futher notice.

Visit your National Park!

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

1/27 ~ Care to Share “The Sharing Bucket” Pool Tournament at Holmtown Pub, $40/per team, lots of great raffles and auction items, 10am-3pm, click here for more information!

1/27 ~ Bracelet Bar Extravaganza: Taylor Swift Tribute Concert Edition at Better in Bourbon, 1-3pm, click here for more information.

1/27 ~ Paint & Pizza at Papa Don’s, “Winter Friends”, $5 to reserve your spot and $20 due at class, 11am-2pm, click here for more information and to sign up!

1/27 ~ RED – Taylor Swift Tribute LIVE at Memorial Hall, 7pm, click here for tickets!

1/31 ~ Bourbon County Conservation District 78th Annual Meeting at Clover Leaf 4-H Building on the Bourbon County Fair Grounds, 5:30pm, see flyer below for more information.

1/31 ~ STOP! Sex Trafficking Project sponsored by E3 Ranch Foundation and Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 Horton, no children please, for questions or concerns contact 620.215.2681.

1/31 ~ Bourbon County Community Outlook Event at Bourbon County REDI, gain valuable insights on the economic future of Bourbon County from speak Jeremy Hill, 8am-10am, click here for more information and to register.

2/1 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Chamber Champion member Riggs Chiropractic, 304 E. 23rd, 8am

2/1 ~ Rep. Jake LaTurner’s mobile office hours at the Chamber, 11:30am-12:30pm, open to the public, click here for info.

2/1 ~ CRP Land Management Workshop in Bronson, 6:30pm, call the Bourbon County Conservation District at 620.223.1880 to reserve your spot.

2/2 ~ Artist Reception at The Artificers featuring Sally Brandon and Kate Freeman, refreshments/artist talks/new art, 6-9pm, click here for more information!

2/3 ~ 2024 Coyote Calling Contest (Care to Share Benefit), three man team, $75 per team, pre-registration required by Jan. 31st, click here for more information and to register.

2/3 ~ Cooking Tips and Tricks at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team with Twigs and Berries, cooking on a budget/eliminating food waste and using leftovers/meal planning made easy/including kids in the kitchen, free event to the public, 10am-12pm, click here for more info!

2/3 ~ Fort Scott Youth Basketball Tournament, 3 games, boys and girls 3rd-6th grades, click here for more information.

2/4 ~ Botox and Brows at Blissful Aesthetics & Wellness with The Beauty Lounge Girls, special event pricing, deposit required, contact 620.215.0305 to register, 12-3pm, click here for more information.

2/6 ~ Southeast Kansas Day on the Hill in Topeka, breakfast and networking with Chambers across SEK, State Legislators, SEK businesses, and State Officials, 7:30am.

2/7 ~ Community Connection Panelist Event sponsored by Fort Scott Chamber, free event but registration is requested in order to plan seating, box lunches are available for $10 and need pre-ordered by 2/5, 11:45am-1:00pm, click here for more information and to register.

2/8 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by SparkWheel at Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. 12th St., 8am

2/8 ~ Dustin Treiber LIVE at Brickstreet BBQ, 6-8pm, click here for more information.

2/9-10 ~ Prairie Troubadour Catholic Symposium, click here for more information and a full schedule of events.

2/10 ~ Cupid’s Corner Holiday Craft at Buck Run Community Center, ages pre-k – 5th grade, $1/per person, 9-10:30am.

2/10 ~ Timber Hills Lake Ranch Valentine’s Day Special, overnight stay including cabin AND food for two for only $175, visit www.timberhillslakeranch.com to view more or see flyer below!

2/10 ~ Legislative Update/Outlook from our legislators hosted by the Chamber, 10am, location TBA.

2/10 ~ Love Local Chocolate Crawl Shopping event hosted by Fort Scott Chamber, enjoy sweet deals and yummy treats, downtown and around.

SAVE THE DATE!

2/12-17 ~ Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class at The Artificers, 2 hours of wheel throwing as a couple/heavy appetizers catered by Crooners/guaranteed laughs & entertainment, $175 per couple, 6-9pm, see flyer below for more information!

2/17 ~ Care to Share – Evening with Elvis at River Room Events, happy hour and a silent auction at 5:30pm followed with a fantastic dinner and desserts with Twigs and Berries, $25/per person/$50 per couple/and $200 for a table of 8, click here for more information.

2/17 ~ Scouts Pinewood Derby at Memorial Hall, 6pm, click here for more details.

2/22 ~ Bourbon County Job Fair hosted by KansasWorks, 2:30pm-5:30pm at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., see flyer below for more information.

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SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Care to Share “The Sharing Bucket” – Pool Tournament, January 27th!

Cooking Tips and Tricks at HBCAT featuring

Twigs and Berries!

Botox and Brows at Blissful Aesthetics with

The Beauty Lounge!

Timber Hills Lake Valentine’s Day

Sweetheart Special!

Care to Share hosts Evening with Elvis at

The River Room! Tickets on sale @ the Chamber!

Bourbon County Job Fair at Woodland Hills. Businesses are able to scan the QR below to sign up!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

Bowman Purchases Geneva and Son Monument

The Bowman family. Submitted. Left to right: Miles Bowman, Dan Bowman Leah Bowman holding Blair Selvey, Emily Selvey and Colten Selvey.

Dan Bowman purchased the Geneva and Son Monument business in August 2023, from Kenny and RoAnn Blake, who owned the business for 24 years.

The new business is now called Bowman Monument Co. and Bowman has two employees, Emily Selvey, his daughter, and Colten Selvey, his son-in-law.

These monuments are just a small selection that the business offers. Submitted photo.

The products provided by this business are urns (for funeral cremation) memorials (headstones), grave markers,  monuments, and benches. The services offered are installation, resetting, and cleaning of headstones.

They recently created a bronze plaque that will be placed on the First Colored Infantry  Memorial Mural in downtown Fort Scott.

The bronze plaque will be placed on the historic mural in downtown Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

The location remains the same at 111 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott.  The phone number is 620.223.3350, the email address is [email protected].

Business hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday by appointment.

The business site of Bowman Monuments and also D and J Glass Company at 111 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

 

They are currently putting the final touches on a website, Bowman Monuments.com.

 

D and J Glass Company

These windows are custom to needs for housing, the door is a commercial storefront door. Submitted photo.

In addition, Bowman has housed his other business, D and J Glass at the 111 Scott Avenue site. Formerly the business was on State Street. He has been in the glass business for about eight years, he said.

“I sell new windows and do glass replacement for home and auto, and commercial,” Bowman said.

D and J Glass Company’s phone number is 620.223.1220.

 

Local Author Tanya Glessner Completes Second Book

Tanya Glessner. Submitted photo.
Local author, Tanya Glessner, has written her second book Stand Up Eight.
“The book has personal testimonies of everyday people who have experienced a personal relationship with God through trials of adversity,” she said. “Their stories offer hope, encouragement, and inspiration to all believers.”
The book title was taken from a Bible verse:  Proverbs 24:16 “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,” she said.
“No matter how many times we fall, we always get back up again.”
One may purchase Stand Up Eight on Amazon:
in paperback for $10 and on Kindle for $7.99.
Here is the link to purchase the book:
To view a prior story on Glessner:
*I plan on taking some books to Hedgehog Ink bookstore … mmid-February” she said. “I  also want to mention that Stephen Toal did the cover art.”
The book cover of Stand Up Eight by Tanya Glessner. Submitted graphic.
About the author:
Tanya Glessner was born in Kansas City.
She operates  Crooked Cactus Coffee Roasting Company with her husband from their home in Fort Scott.
She volunteers her time mentoring recovering addicts and men and women imprisoned.
Tanya says she finds joy in serving the Lord and also spending time with her grandchildren.

KS Department of Children and Families Office Building is Being Built at Wall and National Avenue

 

The Wall Street and National Avenue southwest lot is the new building site that will house the local Kansas Department Of Children and Families office.

A new building is being built at the corner of Wall Street and National Avenue for a local Kansas Department of Children and Families office, with a completion date in mid-summer 2024, according to the developer.

The building will be 13,649 square feet and will have the capacity for 40 employees, said the real estate developer Kendall Schoenrock. Schoenrock purchased the building in the summer of 2023.

The State of Kansas released a Request for Proposal for the project and “I answered that request and proposed the downtown site,” he said.” I proposed the site during the RFP process. That location was part of my bid and was selected by the state. We won the bid after proposing the site.”

“This project is very important for the State of Kansas, to retain jobs in Fort Scott,” Schoenrock said. “They could have moved the DCF to another community.”

This is a multi-million dollar investment into downtown Fort Scott, he said.

In addition, it will spur money for retail and restaurants in the downtown area.

“This project will get many people for downtown businesses,” he said. “They will eat downtown, shop downtown, etc.”

The demolition is being done by Skitch’s Hauling and Excavating, Inc.

After demolition, Schoenrock’s team will get to work,  putting the building on the south side of the lot, with parking on the north.

“I have rented a house in Fort Scott and will live there for a year,” he said. “I am bringing in my team.”

“Many (local) people helped make this happen,” he said. “Bailey Lyons with Lyons Realty Group, Rob Harrington with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, and Brad Matkin and Matthew Wells, with the city.  And Arnold Scholfield with the Fort Scott Design Review Board provided good, solid feedback for the project.”

“They should be praised,” he said. “Fort Scott has been very supportive. I couldn’t have asked for more support from the city. That’s what is needed to spur development.”

“I have been impressed working with all these people- it’s a team effort,” he said. “They are appreciative of outside money coming to town. I always tried to be a good partner.”

Silverrock Venture is his family business and is based in Junction City. He is a commercial real estate developer.

Recently, he developed and now owns the Flint Hills Medical Home,  a 12,375-square-foot medical facility located in Junction City,  for the Department of Defense, according to his website.

More can be learned about the owner at his website: kendallschoenrock.com.

 

The old Downtowner Restaurant is currently being demolished to build a building that will house the local Kansas Department of Children and Families.

 

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Presbyterian Village on January 25

Join us for a Chamber Coffee hosted by

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village

Thursday, January 25th

8:00 am

2401 South Horton

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee Thursday, January 25th at 8 a.m. hosted by Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.

 

At Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, they believe experience matters. Our compassionate team members have experience. They are professionals who are experts in their field and have deep ties to the community of Fort Scott, Kansas. They are here to make sure our residents enjoy great service and can live life on their own terms. Whether you are looking to put away the lawnmower and enjoy the active lifestyle of a friendly senior living community, or you need that little bit of extra help with day-to-day tasks that community living can provide, Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is here for you.

Any business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2024 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].

Click here for their Facebook page!

We hope to see you there!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Facebook  Twitter
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Elvis Tribute Artist Coming to Fort Scott February 17

Featuring

530 – Happy Hour with Cash Bar with background music

Charcuterie Cup appetizers

Elvis-Themed Silent Auction


630 – Dinner with background music

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Breast & Herb Crusted Lemon Pepper Pork Tenderloin

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans Almondine

Rolls with butter (thank you Connie Conroy!)


730 – Dessert with background music

Elvis-favorites

-Peanut Butter & Banana Dessert Cups

-Pineapple Upside Down Cake Cups

-Donut Wall (Elvis LOVED Donuts)

Jeff Armstrong: New Realtor in Fort Scott

 

Jeff Armstrong. Submitted photo.

Jeff Armstrong obtained his real estate license in the fall of 2021. and he joined  Front Door Real Estate in August of 2022.

“I look forward to assisting sellers/buyers through the quagmire of home real estate,” he said.  “Besides children, home ownership is one of the largest and possibly most stressful financial responsibilities for adults.  My purpose as a real estate agent is to work alongside the client to facilitate transactions, clarify areas of uncertainty, listen and identify the client’s needs/wants, and create an atmosphere of trust.”

“There are many high-quality realtors in Fort Scott, so I am constantly reading, listening, and learning to provide the exceptional service clients deserve,” he said.

My original purpose of getting my license revolved around owning and managing a piece of commercial real estate in town, however, like many short-term goals, I pivoted,” he said.
 “I run and operate a pressure washing business (Armstrong Pressure Washing) out of Fort Scott and did some work for Jared (Leek) back in early 2022,” he said.  “We were just talking and I mentioned I recently earned my real estate license and he graciously asked if I would have interest in joining Front Door.”
 “The wealth of knowledge and expertise at Front Door Real Estate made the decision simple,” he said.  “I am spoiled to be a part of such an amazing group of professionals.  Real estate transactions do demand a certain level of knowledge and problem-solving, but can be wasted without trust, integrity, and communication.  Much like any service profession, real estate is fueled by relationships.”
“Housing markets go up and down, but how we work for our clients supersedes those events and smooths out the rough times and enhances the joyous moments.”
When asked what his community involvement/hobbies/interests are:
As each day passes, I find that my faith in Jesus Christ becomes more and more important to me and all that I do should be done to glorify His holy name.  With kids in middle school and high school, most of my extra time revolves around them and their engagements.  I also own and operate my pressure washing business during the spring/summer/fall months.”
“I am supported and encouraged by my gorgeous wife Jamie and blessed with my two children, Kendal and Jax,” he said.  “My parents, Steve and Janet, provide me wisdom and encouragement even as an adult.”
Contact Info: 620-224-3036, [email protected], Facebook @jeffarmstrong-realtor, 113 S. Main Street

Celebrating Unsung Hero James Reese Europe

James Reese Europe. Submitted photo.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Announces

a Grant from Humanities Kansas to Celebrate 

Unsung Hero James Reese Europe and Black History Month

 

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung  Heroes received a $300 grant from Humanities Kansas to celebrate the life and accomplishments of one of the founders of Ragtime and Jazz and a true Unsung Hero – James Reese Europe.

The grant will support a special presentation by Internationally renowned musician and historian Lem Sheppard.

Lem Sheppard. Submitted photo.

Sheppard will present “African American Musicians in Kansas 1860-1920. Particular attention will be paid to music and musicians in historic Fort Scott!

Also included are a soup lunch, music by the Fort Scott High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Justin Robinson, and a cakewalk just like 100 years ago!

The event will take place at the Ellis Center at FSCC on Thursday, February 15th, at 11:00 am.

 

The event is free, and all are welcome!

 

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

 

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. The Center also works to educate the local community on its past, present, and future.

 

About the Gordon Parks Museum: The Mission of the Gordon Parks Museum is to honor the life and work of Gordon Parks, an internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician; and to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives.

Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery New Offerings 2024

In 2020, Teri and Michael Hamilton moved from the Kansas City area to Fort Scott.

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

In 2022, Teri opened a new business, Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery.

To view  a prior story:New Bakery in Town: Hamilton’s Bakery

Last year, Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery opened preview subscriptions to a small group of people to test recipes, practice new techniques, and develop a menu, she said.
“We tested a new recipe each week, and our subscribers were able to give invaluable feedback to help us dial in our menu,” said Hamilton.
This year will be a few adjustments.
“Beginning in February, we’ll be testing new recipes each week, and offering a few different subscription choices. You can choose Sweet or Savory, or both!  They’ll still be available at weekly porch pick-ups, and we’d still love to get your feedback!” Hamilton said.
“We will be offering our Spring Sweet and Savory Subscriptions, with the first pick-up beginning February 3rd. Find all the details here. Be sure to browse around our new website and pre-order online to secure your spot!”
“Our Sweet Subscription will be a new treat every week. This is a subscription for those with a sweet tooth! Chocolate, berries, cream, and a decadent treat called ‘Bread is Gold’. We’ll be offering some treats that can’t be sold at the Farmer’s Market, so many of these will only be available here.”
“Our Savory Subscription will be a little more hearty and a little more health conscious. We’re excited to try new flours like rye and whole wheat as well as inclusions such as grains and seeds.”
You can also subscribe for both.
“Double Subscriptions are just that and will include both the sweet and savory offerings. So both dinner and dessert are covered!”
“Mini Subscriptions will have the same great taste in a more manageable size. We will offer mini versions of each of our weekly savory loaves, and just one or two servings of our sweet treats. You can choose Mini versions of each of our subscriptions: Mini Sweet, Mini Savory, or Mini Double.”
This year she will be offering baking parties for groups of 4-6 people, available February through April.
“These will be offered on a date that works for you and your group, here at our home/bakery OR at your home. Bread takes time, so plan on 3-4 hours here with your friends. You’ll get hands-on practice with making a loaf of your choice, we’ll bake a loaf to munch on, and you’ll leave with your own loaf to bake at home. These will be $35 per person, and will fill up fast, so contact us at [email protected] to get on the calendar!”
Teri Hamilton can be contacted at (816) 491-7884

FS City Agenda for January 23

  

WORK SESSION:  Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 5:00PM – Contractors board discussion

CITY COMMISSION MEETING:  Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM

                                     

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

January 23, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.   Call to Order
  2.   Roll CallQuorum = 3

III.    Pledge of Allegiance – T. Dancer

  1. Invocation – B. Matkin
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Proclamation
  4. Consent Agenda:
  5. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 19, 2023, and January 9, 2024
  6. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1352-A – $1,136,092.65
  7. Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. –Project No. 23-005B – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation – Payment Application No. 3 — $104,165.51.
  8. Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 23-005B – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation – Payment Application No. 4 (Final) – $40,964.70 – Substantial Completion Certificate to come from J. Dickman after walk through
  9. Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Application for Payment No. 4 – $29,468.65.
  10. Request to Pay – Environmental Process Equipment Company (EPEC) – Invoice #01162401 – UV Upgrade at WWTP – Final Payment – (remaining 10% of $318,378.00) – $31,837.80.
  11. December Financials

 

VII.  Public Comment:   Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda

and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

 

  VIII.  Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration to combine Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals – tabled from January 9, 2024, for legal counsel.

 

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 3-2024 – EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A – tabled from January 9, 2024, B. Hart suggests additional information.

 

  1. Discussion of City Commission Representative to the Fort Scott Public Library

 

  1.  Appearances: 
  2. Michael Hoyt: Charter Ordinance 31
  3. New Business:
  4. Public Hearings:
  5.   Consideration of Case No. 1042 – Vacation of E. 21st Street – Marvin A.  Lewis – Not recommended by Planning Commission January 10, 2024.                       Alternative plan was offered for Commission to consider L. Kruger/Codes
  6.   Consideration of Case No. 1044 – Zoning Change and Special Use  Permit – 1601 E. Wall – Travis Sawyer – Recommended by Planning                                  Commission January 10, 2024.
  7. Action Items:

 

  1. Consideration of permission to search for replacement staff vehicle that was allocated in 2023 Capital Improvement Plan – Bruner
  2. Discussion of Streets Advisory Board Ordinance Changes
  3. Consideration of Letter of Interest – Streets – Robert Hassig
  4. Consideration of 2024 REDI Contract
  5. Approval of Cost Plus Net Fee Agreement for (Preliminary) Engineering Services – Project No. 06-KA-6898-01 – KDOT CCLIP-US 54 Project Phase I and II – Dickman
  6. Discussion of Work Session – Contractors’ Advisory Board

 

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:

         – M. Guns

– M. Wells

– T. VanHoecke

– D. Olson

– T. Dancer

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

XII.     Adjourn: