Category Archives: Fort Scott

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Tiger Drama Camp Performs Sleeping Beauty on June 10, 11

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This year’s annual Fort Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp performs Sleeping Beauty by Kathryn Schultz Miller on June 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium.

 

Thirty three students in 1st through 9th grade spent two weeks at camp preparing for the production.

 

The character of Aurora is played by 8th grader Celia Hamilton and Morgana (the Bad Fairy) is played by freshman Isis Patton. Other notable characters include King Alfred, played by freshman Beowulf Carpenter; Lilac (the Head Good Fairy), portrayed by fifth grader Audrey McNutt; and Prince Ferdinand, played by seventh grader Adam Perry.

 

The camp and show are directed entirely by FSHS Thespians. Recent graduate Regen Wells and senior Cooper George are the Directors.

 

George said, “I have been enjoying the technical aspect and working one on one with the designers. I have loved working on set dressing and learning how to use materials for what they weren’t designed for. But overall, I have loved seeing the different personalities and energies from the kids. I truly hope the kids will see what theatre is and all the different possibilities they can find in it, and the possibility of them returning for more shows or being involved with theatre during their high school and college years.”

 

Technical staff include:  senior Mykael Lewis – Stage Manager, senior Kiara Thompson and junior Garrett Arvidson – Assistant Stage Managers, graduate Casey Gomez – Choreographer, sophomore Allie Wards – Costume Designer, graduate Natalie Woods – Sound Designer, graduate Lizzy Moore and junior Junie Fisher – Music Directors, junior Charlie Chaplin and sophomore Abby Szczepanski – Lighting Designers, junior Tobi Larrabee and senior Molly Hoyt – Arts Directors and senior Milo Donnelly – Props Master. Many other Thespians serve as acting coaches and leaders and Thespian Director Angie Bin serves as show producer.

 

During the two week camp, students learn about most technical theatre areas such as lighting, sound, costuming, stagecraft, and make-up. They also help to create the artistic set decor.

 

“We are very lucky to have an amazing group of recently graduated seniors working on this staff in the areas that they are going to be majoring in in college. They are really experiencing on the job training right now in the careers they plan to pursue in the future,” Bin said.

 

“This is my fourth time working on directing the children’s summer play through the FSHS Tiger Drama camp. I find that this program is one of the most valuable things the high school runs. This year alone, I have received so many kind words from parents about how much their children love and enjoy these shows. Because of Tiger Drama Camp, I discovered my passion for directing and Stage Management. I’m pursuing theatre as a career in college. I hope you’ll all come out to support these amazing kids and see the work they’ve put into making this show spectacular!” Wells said.

Tickets for the show are $5 for reserved seats and are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the doors. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

 

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Business, Fort Scott

Sleep Inn-Fort Scott Wins 2024 Platinum Award For Superior Service/Guest Satisfaction

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The Sleep Inn Hotel is located at 302 E. Wall, Fort Scott.

The Sleep Inn – Fort Scott Wins Prestigious 2024 Platinum Award from Choice Hotels.  

 The Sleep Inn – Fort Scott has been recognized with Choice Hotels’ prestigious 2024 Platinum Award.   The designation is awarded to the top 3% of hotels within the brand, representing a tremendous accomplishment.  As one of the top tier properties operating under the Sleep Inn flag, the hotel has demonstrated an exceptional focus on guest satisfaction and dedication to superior service. Award criteria are evaluated by Choice Hotels through its official property ranking reports.    The Sleep Inn – Fort Scott was recognized as the Sleep Inn of the Year as the best Sleep Inn hotel in the U.S. in 2017 and in 2022 received the Ring of Honor Award as among the top 1% of all Sleep Inn brand hotels.   Each other year since the hotel opened in 2014 the hotel has been awarded the Platinum Award recognizing their performance among the top 3% in the system.  The Sleep Inn – Fort Scott will celebrate its 10th anniversary in October of 2024.

“We are so proud of our team here at the Sleep Inn as we are only able to achieve this award by their hard work and consistent delivery of sincere hospitality.   Our staff drives our hospitality culture and guests frequently recognize our service and cleanliness as noticeably extraordinary.   The commitment of our entire team to maintain this culture is what has allowed us to remain in the top 3% all 10 years since we opened in 2014” said Bill Michaud, Managing Partner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Corrected Winners of the Good Ol’ Days Parade

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2024 Good Ol’ Days Parade winners.  The Chamber would like to thank everyone who entered and participated in the parade.  The Chamber would also like to thank the many volunteers who judged, marked the line-up, or otherwise assisted with the event.

Category                   Winner                                                                                 
Float                                 Tie between Fort Scott Nazarene Church and Community Christian Church

Foot Unit                         Clark Street Lights

Tractor                             N/A                                  

Horses                             Fort Scott Livestock Market

Classic Car                      Grand Marshall – Lavetta Simmons, car owned by Cory Bryars

Golf Cart                         Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic

Antique Car                    Niece Products

The Chamber organizes the Good Ol’ Days Parade, Halloween Parade and the Christmas Parade; If you have feedback or suggestions for future parades, you may contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 or email [email protected].

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Winners of the Good Ol’ Days Parade Are Announced

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2024 Good Ol’ Days Parade winners.  The Chamber would like to thank everyone who entered and participated in the parade.  The Chamber would also like to thank the many volunteers who judged, marked the line-up, or otherwise assisted with the event.

Category                   Winner                                                                                 
Float                                 Tie between Fort Scott Nazarene Church and Community Christian Church

Foot Unit                         Clark Street Lights

Tractor                             N/A                                  

Horses                             Madison Cattle Co.

Classic Car                      Grand Marshall – Lavetta Simmons

Golf Cart                         Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic

Antique Car                    Niece Products

The Chamber organizes the Good Ol’ Days Parade, Halloween Parade and the Christmas Parade; If you have feedback or suggestions for future parades, you may contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 or email [email protected].

 

Business, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Young Entrepreneur Series: The Needham Brothers

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Please nominate a Young Entrepreneur for this series, a youth under 18 years old.

The Needham brothers with their first customers of the day on May 25, Dad, Seth, is in the background middle.

Robert Needham, 10, and his brother, John, 6, with the guided help of their father, Seth, have developed homemade food products.

They started working on recipes  several weeks ago.

On May 25, they set up shop at Gunn Park, south of the first playground area, near where cars are leaving the park.

Robert and John Needham at their pop-up business in Gunn Park on May 25.

“They were open for about an hour and 45 minutes,” Seth said. “Around 2:45, I could tell they were getting worn out, so we shut down. They had been working on set-up, signs, and getting supplies loaded since about 10 AM that morning, so it was a long day for them. But they had around $75 in sales between the two of them.”

Robert

Robert is the creator of Robert’s Famous Lemonade.

The logo that Robert, with computer help from his Dad, made for his business.

Robert said he named his business “because it’s famous and also lemonade.”

Robert sells his lemonade in red Solo cup at Gunn Park at his pop-up shop.

With supervision, Robert buys the lemons, “juices them out” and then makes a simple syrup, then adds extra sugar, “because it was too sour,” he said.

“It’s super good, costs $2, and you get a red Solo cup with a straw,” Robert said. If you bring your own cup, you save 25 cents.”

Robert is saving up his money for something special.

 

John

John’s product is homemade popsicles.

John created the logo for his business with computer help from his father.

He explained how to make the product: “You take blue gelatin, sugar, a Kool-Aid packet, water and a secret ingredient, Blue Hawaiian Punch and heat it up.  You cool it. Then you pour it into popsicle molds. You put sticks in before juice. Then Dad puts it in the freezer. It takes 10 hours to freeze.”

They will be making different flavors through the summer, Seth said.

John shows his product Blue Raspberry Starburst Popsicles.

Seth said his boys always taste-test the products before selling them.

The best part of his business, for John, is “You get a bunch of money.”

Marketing Lessons

Their Dad helped them with the marketing of their product.

“We found an online design tool, and then they did all the work themselves,” Seth said. “The websites had some basic templates made up that they customized with their names, choice of colors, choice of fonts, and images.”

They have also learned how to make a marketing video, Seth said.

 

 

Food, Fort Scott

Taco Azul Will Be At Woodland Hills Golf Course June 5

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Diane Striler – Par Tee Girls…

Come join us for good food, drinks, and community fellowship! Taco Azul will be serving food while the club house will be serving the drinks!

Wednesday, June 5th

5:30-9:00pm

Street Taco – $3

Costra – $5

Street Corn – $3

3 Street Tacos and Street Corn – $11

2 Costras and Street Corn – $12

************************CASH ONLY**************************

Carry out available
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Dance, Song and Storytelling: The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers At The Fort

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Carl Brenner, Fort Scott National Historic Site, introduces the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers to the audience on the fort’s grounds on June 1. To the right is the singer/drummer for the troupe.

As part of the Good Ol’ Days event, Native American dancers entertained the audience on the grounds of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers, a professional Native American dance troupe from Norman, displayed song, dance, and storytelling on June 1 at the site.
A young audience member converses during the dance troupe performance.

The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers are a group of powwow champions that formed a professional Native American dance troupe. All the dancers are enrolled tribal members, most full-blood, representing various tribes. The dance regalia worn by each dancer is brilliantly colorful, traditional, and representative of the dancer’s tribe and dance performed, according to:  https://www.arts.ok.gov/Oklahoma_Performing_Artists/Oklahoma_Fancy_Dancers.html?

The audience is asked to join the dance troupe in a social dance.

The dance show was educational, informational, and entertaining, showcasing various traditional American Indian tribal dances and storytelling.

The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers in their dance regalia.

 

The day also included an artillery demonstration/discussion, some ranger-guided site tours, the Windy Hollow Folk Music group, and the dancers.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, of the National Park Service, has exhibit areas and a visitor center currently open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To learn more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please get in touch with the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc. 

 
Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for June 4

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

June 4, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.     Call to Order
  2.     Roll Call

Tim VanHoecke,   Matthew Wells,    Dyllon Olson,     Tracy Dancer

III.       Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1361-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates – May 15, 2024 – May 28, 2024 – $521,016.52
  2. Approval of Minutes for May 21, 2024
  3. Request to Pay – Hofer, Hofer & Associates – Application No. 2 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom – Amount Due – $20,561.40
  4. Request to Pay – Hofer, Hofer & Associates – Application No. 3 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom –Amount Due – $10,125.00
  5. Request to Pay – Earle’s Engineering & Inspection – Project No. 06 KA-6898-01 – Design Contracts – $25,947.45
  6. Request to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – Invoice #7615 – Demolition of 10 S. National Ave. – $94,396.00

 

VII.      New Business

            Action Items:

  1. Consideration of Letters of Interest for City Commissioner
  2. Oath of Office for new Commissioner
  3. Selection of President of Commission
  4. Consideration to purchase mower for the airport – Coffman
  5. Consideration to Purchase Jet-Foamer System – Wastewater Collections – Key Equipment & Supply Co. – $45,363.13 – Lemke
  6. Consideration to Purchase 2022 Ford F350 Service Truck – Water Distribution – Olathe Ford Commercial Sales Center – $65,350.00 – Lemke
  7. Consideration of bids for 2024 Hay Rights at Fort Scott Municipal Airport
  8. Certificate of Appropriateness for 124 E. Wall Street – Hole in the Wall Liquor
  9. Certificate of Appropriateness for 110 South Main LLC – 110 S. Main Street 
  10. Consideration of Request for a New City License to Serve Alcoholic Liquor and Cereal Malt Beverages for Consumption On The Premises – Mi Ranchito – 17 S. Main Street

 

VIII.    Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

  1.      Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting             

              you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.

 

  1. Amanda Lancaster/Diehl, Banwart & Bolton – Audit expectations and Single Audit vs. Regular Audit.
  2. Robert Harrington/Bourbon County REDI

– RHID – Denny Davis land

– RHID- Downtown

 

 

  1. Reports and Comments
  2. City Manager Comments – Equipment Auction
  3.  Engineering Comments
  4.   Commissioners Comments
  5.  City Attorney Comments

 

 

  1. Executive Session

 

XII.     Adjourn

Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Good Ol Days Schedule for This Weekend

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GOOD OL’ DAYS THIS WEEKEND!

Get out and enjoy the

43rd Annual Good Ol’ Days Festival

THIS WEEKEND, Friday & Saturday, May 31st & June 1st in Downtown Fort Scott!

Click here for a printable schedule,

or see schedule below.

Visit the Good Ol’ Days website for information.

Follow the Good Ol’ Days Facebook or the Chamber Facebook for updates!

The PARADE IS ON for Friday night, 6pm as planned!

If you are in the parade, the numbers that were marked on the street for the line-up have washed off from the rain, but check in at the Fisher Park concession stand at 7th & Main St. if you need assistance lining up.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND IN HISTORIC FORT SCOTT!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of FS City Commission Meeting of May 21

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of May 21, 2024                                                                      Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 21, 2024, at 6:00PM (Time stamp: 0:09) in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. (Time stamps according to YouTube recording of meeting).

 

Roll Call

Meeting called to order at 6:00PM (Time stamp: 0:22). Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and T. VanHoecke said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Leroy Kruger/Codes Inspector, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Robert Harrington/REDI, Tayton Majors/REDI, Mark McCoy/REDI, Michael Hoyt, Robert Coon, Kim Coon, and Jose Montanez.

 

Approval of Agenda (Time stamp 2:17)

  1. Olson requested that (2) items be added to the agenda: 1) Consideration to accept the resignation of Robert Coon from the Land Bank Board of Trustees/New Business/Action Items; and 2) Discussion of the barber shop on Wall Street/Appearances.

 

MOTION: D. Olson moved to approve the agenda with the requested amendments. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consent Agenda (Time stamp 3:22)

– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1360-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates – May 1, 2024 – May 14, 2024 – $488,204.78

– Approval of Minutes for May 7, 2024

– April Financials

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda.  D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Public Comment – No public comment.

 

 

 

 

Appearances

 

Shawn O’Brien (Time stamp – 4:40) – addressed the Commission for consideration of a request Temporary Street Closures for Good Ol’ Days.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to approve the temporary closures as submitted and discussed for the Good Ol’ Days.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Shawn O’Brien (Time stamp – 8:37) – addressed the Commission regarding the request for a parade permit from the Chamber of Commerce for Good Ol’ Days.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the parade permit as submitted.  M. Guns seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Patrick Wood (Time stamp – 10:22) – addressed the Commission regarding his development Broken Oak Housing Community, 1920 Huntington, by Patrick J. Wood Properties, LLC requesting that it be considered for an RHID. This current project is for 6 duplexes.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to proceed with for the “Horton Street project.”  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Robert Harrington (Time stamp 15:06) – addressed the Commission with a quarterly report of the activities of Bourbon County REDI.  T. Dancer requested a written report be submitted summarizing that was presented.   R. Harrington agreed to create a document.

 

Brad Matkin (Time stamp 23:42) – updated the Commission with graphic handouts on the WWTP in the absence of Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director.

 

Jose Montanez (Time stamp 28:43) – addressed the Commission regarding the condition of his business on Wall Street that was condemned for structural issues.

Robert Coon (Time stamp 37:49) answered questions asked of him by the Commission regarding his building which was condemned as well due to the safety issues of the adjoining barber shop.  Jason Dickman/City Engineer (Time stamp 45:00) was requested to comment on his observations of the building.  B. Farmer/City Attorney (Time stamp 47:50) stated that everything discussed is a private matter and there is no obligation to the City other than public safety which has already been addressed.  Leroy Kruger/Codes Inspector (Time stamp 50:54) was asked to comment.

 

 

 

Public Hearings:

 

314 S. Eddy – Consideration to Repair or Remove Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:17:06) T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:17PM.  M. Guns seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 16-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE(S) AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE(S) PARCEL #006-119-30-0-30-25-010-00-0 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS FORT SCOTT, LOT 8 BLK 132 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS  [314 S. EDDY],  FORT SCOTT, KS 66701

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:17:49)

 

  1. Guns returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:18:03)

 

  1. Kruger/Codes Inspector spoke about the history the Codes Department had with the structures. No one was present to speak for the hearing.

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:19:30)

 

ACTION: (Time stamp 1:19:44) – B. Matkin requested that L. Kruger submit a statement in writing from the living relative regarding the status of the ownership of 314 S. Eddy and the statement he made for no interest to repair.

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:22:53) T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:22PM.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to remove the structure and accessory structure at 314 S. Eddy.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

306 S. Lowman – Consideration to Repair or Remove Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:24:04) – T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:24PM.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 17-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE(S) AND ACCESSORY

 

STRUCTURE(S) PARCEL #006-119-30-0-30-27-002-00-0 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS FORT SCOTT, S 25’ LOT 4 BLK 130 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS [306 S. LOWMAN], FORT SCOTT, KS 66701

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Kruger/Codes Inspector spoke about the history the Codes Department had with the structures. No one was present to speak for the hearing.

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:25:29) T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:25PM.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to remove the structure and accessory structure at 306 S. Lowman.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  T. VanHoecke, M. Guns and T. Dancer voted yes.  D. Olson and M. Wells voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

Action Items

 

Consideration of Letters of Interest for Fort Scott Public Library Board (Time stamp 1:27:45) – M. Wells stated that (2) letters of interest were received for the open position.  The library board met and agreed to recommend candidate Aaron Judy.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to appoint Aaron Judy to the Library Board. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

ACTION:  M. Wells stated that the Library Director Jennifer Gum-Fowler is creating a list of Board Members and their terms to be emailed to the City Clerk.

 

Consideration to Accept the Letter of Resignation from Robert Coon and of Letters of Interest for the Land Bank Board

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:30:13) T. VanHoecke moved to accept the resignation of Robert Coon from the Land Bank board.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

The City Clerk clarified that the resignation of Robert Coon creates another vacancy on the Land Bank Board of Trustees.  The Letter of Interest to be considered is to fill an existing vacancy.

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:31:07) T. VanHoecke moved to accept the recommendation of the Land Bank for Judy Earp to be appointed to the Fort Scott Land Bank.

 

  1. Olson asked that the motion be amended to include the language of “for a 3-year term” if the ordinance is amended. T. VanHoecke agreed to the amendment. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Acceptance of Letter of Resignation from Commissioner/President M. Guns – M. Guns read her Letter of Resignation to the Commission. Her departure is due to a job relocation for her husband out of state.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:36:12)

 

Discussion was had about the date of May 31, 2024.  M. Guns agreed to amend her resignation date to May 22, 2024.

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:27:35) – T. VanHoecke moved to accept the resignation of Commissioner Melissa Guns from the Fort Scott City Commission effective as of May 22, 2024.  D. Olson seconded the motion.

 

  1. Matkin returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:38:02)

 

  1. Guns, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes. M. Wells voted no.

 

  1. Wells left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:38:28)

 

MOTION APPROVED BY 4-1 VOTE.

 

  1. Wells returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:39:38)

 

Reports and Comments

 

  1. City Manager Comments (Time stamp 1:38:57)

–  Solar Traffic Systems – signed by CM – only half payment required

–  Diehl, Banwart and Bolton on next agenda (audit)

–  Meeting with all Directors and BakerTilly for budget

–  Wind storm damage – Brush Dump will remain open

–  Working on FEMA paperwork for previous storm/flood damage

– Luau for the Splash Pad opening was a success, very well attended.                    Thank you to all City Staff who helped bring it together.

 

  1. Engineering Comments (Time stamp 1:43:36)

–  Comments back from KDHE regarding the water plant that will                                                  go to S. Flater to be completed.

–  Pre-Construction meeting with Heck & Wicker for Horton & 6th                                           Street Project – start date is July 8, 2024. Advanced warning signs                                     may go up prior for public.

 

 

  1. Commissioners Comments

     –  M. Guns (Time stamp 1:44:42)

     –  M. Wells (Time stamp 1:46:13)

     –  T. VanHoecke (Time stamp 1:47:49)

     –  D. Olson (Time stamp 1:49:19)

     –  T. Dancer (Time stamp 1:53:07)

 

ACTION:  City Clerk directed to set up a stand-alone Work Session for the discussion of Lake Lots including a site visit by the Commissioners.

 

  1. City Attorney Comments (Time stamp 1:54:10)

 

MOTION: (Time stamp 1:54:43) – M. Guns moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:54PM.       T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MAY 21, 2024, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:54PM

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Respectfully submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Area News, Art, Church news, Fort Scott

Catholic Church Reno Update: Help Needed To Fund Artifacts Restoration

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Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. May 22, 2024.

The Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church has risen from the ashes of the devasting fire that destroyed the church in August 2022.

To view the story of the fire: Fire at Fort Scott’s Catholic Church Causes Extensive Damage

People are working on the inside and the outside of the building at 705 S. Holbrook, with a target date for the church dedication of November 23, 2024, a week before Thanksgiving.

“The bricks are completed on the east (front) side,” Mark McCoy,  a building committee member, said.

“It’s a lot of intricate work, not just plain bricks,” he said. “The circle in the front will be where the stained glass window from the former church will be.”

“Over the next few weeks, subcontractors will be working inside placing drywall, and completing HVAC runs,” McCoy said. “Masonry will continue brickwork on the west side then move to the north and south.”

 

Work is being done on the exterior and interior of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. On the construction fence is an artist’s rendition of what the new church will look like.

 

The Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church priest’s residence is on Holbrook Street on the backside of the church.
“Father Yancy’s house is completed,” McCoy said.
Meanwhile in Wichita, the restoration of the religious artifacts that were damaged is continuing.

The Restoration of the Artifacts

When Robert Elliot, a Catholic from Wichita, heard of the fire at Mary Queen of Angels Church in Fort Scott, he contacted Fr. Yansey Bergis to offer help and assistance in any way he could.

Elliot is a seasoned restorer with over two decades of experience, he said.

“It was apparent that I would be of the most help in rebuilding, restoring, and refurbishing all of the damaged and destroyed Stations of the Cross and all of the Statuary of the church,” Elliott said. “The fire, water, and smoke damage was enormous. I knew this would be a long and arduous process estimating at least one year to complete.”

Some of the artifacts of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, following the fire, provided by Elliot.

“Four stations were damaged beyond repair (so one might think) as they lay in pieces on the ground,” Elliot said. “The rest were out of view and we had no idea as to their condition. The insurance company needed a price to do the repairs. Without seeing all of the stations, I provided a modest calculation of what the cost would be. It was my desire to assist the church in its time of need.”

“He wasn’t able to analyze all the depth of restoration or the artifacts at that time,” McCoy said. “We are so appreciative of the work he has taken on.”

When all of the stations and statues arrived at his studio, they were able to assess their condition and begin to comprehend the immense task they had undertaken, Elliot said.

“Over the year we used all of the money allocated to the project to cover the cost of labor, materials, studio rent, insurance, and labor,” he said.

Some of the workmen on the artifacts at Elliot’s workshop in Wichita, were provided by Elliot.

“I have been using funds from my personal retirement account to pay the workers and the expenses for this project since the first of the year,” he said. “We have made great progress on the project since we started a year ago, but we have a long way to go. At the very least, four to six months more.”

“It is impossible to illustrate the amount of time and detailed labor involved in bringing each of the twenty-one religious artifacts back to life so to speak. At present we have generated a little over $6,000 of the $65,000 we need. The deficit, I will have to bear alone,” Elliott said.

A GoFundMe account is set up: https://gofund.me/15feea23

“Our goal is to generate the additional monies needed to complete this important work to a high degree of excellence and craftsmanship it deserves,” Elliot said.

Here are the artisans currently working on the project:

Mary Francis Skinner, Kathy Faulkner, Dan Ochs, Michael and Hector Ibarra, Gabe and Matan Umbarger, John Suffield, Jane Clark, Ian Snyder and Eliot who is the coordinator, logistics, art director, restoration and repair, quality control, recasting the destroyed frames, and painting the statues and stations.

 
“We are always interested in finding skilled persons willing to offer their services,” he said.
Food, Fort Scott, Schools

Summer School and Free Food Start in June at USD 234

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USD 234 School District halls are quiet right now, but in June some students will be back for more learning.
Destry Brown. Submitted photo.
“Summer school will be held during the month of June for students from preschool through high school,” said Superintendent Destry Brown. “Part of the summer school activities is for students with Individualized Educational Programs. We call this the Extended School Year. The other part for Kindergarten through 8th grade is an enrichment summer school for any student who wants to come. The high school kids will be working on credit recovery during summer school.”
“The elementary students and all the Extended School Year students will be at Winfield Scott. Elementary School,” Brown said.  “The preschool students will be at the preschool. The middle and high school students will be at the middle school.”
Winfield Scott Elementary School, 316 W. 10th Street, Fort Scott.
“Breakfast and lunch will be served daily at Winfield Scott and the Middle School and is free to all students and any other children from birth to 18. We will also be sending food home for the weekends for any student who wants or needs it.”
“Students not attending summer school may come to Winfield Scott or the Middle School at 11 a.m.”
Winfield Scott Elementary School is located  at 316 W. 10th and Fort Scott Middle School is located at 1105 E. 12th.
Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. 12th.