Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Board Vacancy

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Please see below the above opening for the Fort Scott Planning Commission:

  • One opening (City resident) on the Fort Scott Planning Commission.

The function of the Planning Commission is to review and adopt (as well as update) the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Fort Scott, to establish zoning districts and allowable uses, to review zoning regulations within the City and to review requests for special permits or conditional uses within certain zoning districts in the City. Also reviews site plans for planned areas and is responsible for zoning within the 3-mile limit of the City of Fort Scott. Their recommendations are given to the City Commission for final approval. They meet on an “as needed” basis.

If you have a desire to serve on this Board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. She will then submit your letter of interest for consideration by the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on any of these boards, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by March 26th, 2021.

Fort Scott

Local Author Marti Wells-Smith Releases Book

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The cover of Marti Wells-Smith’s new book. Submitted photos.

 

Marti Wells-Smith is not a stranger to pain and loss.

Her only child died an unexpected death in 2019.

A Fort Scottian for 18 years,  Wells-Smith has written a book that relays her innermost thoughts and emotions concerning her son’s death.

 

She hopes it will help someone else with loss.

 

“Lamentations of the Heart – Mingled with Peace and Joy, was recently published through MSI Press, and soulfully combines contemporary poetry with nonfictional prose to reach out to others who have experienced similar pain and loss,” she said in a press release.

 

Written from a Christian perspective, it is a book that provides comfort and hope in the healing process, she said.

 

 The book has true stories of people she has met both in Fort Scott and in other communities where she grew up and lived.

Wells-smith has a bachelor of arts degree in English and sociology from Pittsburg State University and has worked as a writer and in varied positions in radio, authoring numerous human interest stories, articles, and poems over the years, she said.

 

She has also worked in social services, and served on a variety of boards, including Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation and Mother to Mother Ministries.

She assisted with crisis services, providing resources and support for individuals and families in need through Southeast Kansas Mental Health.

She continues to raise funds for Paws and Claws with a booth at the Treasure Hunt Flea Market in downtown Fort Scott.

The book is available locally and online.

Lamentations of the Heart is available at Hedgehog INK!, also in downtown Fort Scott, with a book signing to be announced in the near future.

The book is also available through MSI Press, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

The author can be reached at her website: martiwellssmith.com.

A poem from her book:

SADNESS, LEAVING
by Marti Wells-Smith
Grief, in time,
is but a gentle missing;
a breath of want
for those gone on,
for those held dear–
a fond desire to bring them closer;
a wish to draw them near.
Sadness transforms,
making way for tomorrow,
as we each choose what will follow
in the aftermath of sorrow.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Marti Wells-Smith. Submitted photos.

 

Bourbon County, Church news, COVID-19, Food, Fort Scott

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry Is A Drive-Through This Year Through March 19

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The men of Knights of Columbus Council #796 serve the Lenten meal in February 2020.

 

New this year because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the annual Knights of Columbus Fish Fry planned a drive-through pickup of the food served.

There are only two dates left for the event, both on Fridays from 5-6:30 p.m. March 12, and March 19.

Because of the pandemic, all the workers will be wearing masks and gloves to serve the meals.

But as in the past, it will be at 702 Holbrook,  at Kennedy Gym, which is a part of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

 

The fish fry in 2016.

 

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men’s organization, that has a “great tradition of fish fry’s nationwide,” Mark McCoy, spokesman for the group said.

 

The meal had to be simplified this year because it is a drive-through, McCoy said.

 

“Meal #1 will be catfish, french fries and coleslaw, Meal #2 is catfish, cod, fries, and coleslaw and Meal #3 is baked cod with fries and coleslaw,” McCoy said.

 

There will be no home-made desserts this year that have been provided by the ladies of the parish in past Lenten fish fry meals.

A row of homemade desserts lines tables at the Knights of Columbus  Lenten Fish Fry in February 2020 at Kennedy Gym.

Logistically, it would not work, McCoy said, since the drive-through was new this year.

The annual Lenten fish fry is also a community event where lots of conversations happen between attendees, McCoy said.

“We look forward to going back to sit down dining” in the future, he said.

 

Art, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

March 19: Lollipop Hop and Shop, Plus Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest

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Chamber Announces LOLLIPOP HOP & SHOP + SIDEWALK CHALK ART CONTEST!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Lollipop Hop & Shop + Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest will take place Friday, March 19th through Sunday, March 21st. Most stores in the Downtown Historic District and several additional locations will be participating in the fun.

All ages are encouraged to take part in the Chalk Art Contest by making a display in the Downtown Historic District or at another participating store and post the art creation to the Chamber Facebook page “Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce” with the hashtag #fortscottshopart to be included in judging.

Customers are invited to shop local while viewing the chalk art. Most retailers will be offering complimentary lollipops, and many will also be offering drawings and promotions. Locations included in the event will have a Lollipop Hop & Shop poster and pink & blue balloons displayed at their entrance.

The Chamber encourages the community to shop local, express yourself through art for all ages, and join the Lollipop Hop & Shop + Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest starting Friday, March 19th thru Sunday, March 21st. A list of participating retailers will soon be posted on fortscott.com.


Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FS Thespians Will Entertain Young and Old On March 6

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Freshman Cadence Tuck portrays a step-sister in “Cinderella” from “Snow White Gets Her Say.” Submitted photo.

Due to the frigid temperatures in late February, the Fort  Scott High School Thespians will host their Third Annual Royal-Tea Party and Revue on March 6 at the high school auditorium.

“We began offering the Royal-Tea Party as a way for the community and especially children to interact with the princesses and princes they grew up loving from fairy tales,” Angela Bin, director, said. ” It offers an immersive theatre experience where the audience can actually talk with the characters and take pictures. Many audience members also dress in period attire and become part of the fairy tale realm.”

Performances begin at 5 and 7:30 p.m. with an immersive theatre experience to follow where audience members can interact with nearly 20 other characters and take home a goodie bag.

Tickets are $6 for children and $8 for adults.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschooltheatre.ludus.com.

Tickets may be available at the door but are not guaranteed.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, masks and social distancing are required.

All children must stay with and be accompanied by an adult as they enjoy the festivities and attendees are encouraged to join us in dressing as royalty.

Doors will open 15 minutes early.

Sophomore Izzy Carreno portrays King Arthur in a monologue from “Camelot.” Submitted photos.

Some of childhood’s favorite princesses and princes, queens, and kings will sing, dance, and perform for the audience.

Children may have their photos with their favorite characters and take home special crafts and treats as momentos.

 

The Revue includes performances by junior Jenna Stockstill; sophomores Israel Carreno, Jordyn McGhee, and Karen Primeaux; and freshmen Rex Wells, Silvia Moreno, and Cadence Tuck.

 

The musical is directed by FS Theatre Director Angie Bin, FS Music Director Mary Jo Harper, assistant music director Taylor Qualls, and choreographer Delynn Abati.

 

For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

The cast performs “Knights of the Round Table” from “Spamalot.” Submitted photo.
Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott High School FCCLA Officers Medal at Districts

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picture: From left: Carley Horton and Emma Scott. Submitted photo.
 

FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) officers Emma Scott and Carley Horton competed in the annual District H STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Event competitions on February 24th. Students from across southeast Kansas came together virtually to be recognized for their hard work and accomplishments this school year. 


Emma Scott competed in the Career Investigation Event and received Gold! Her project covered an extensive research project that encouraged her to explore a career in education.  Scott says, “I learned a lot researching elementary education.  I have found that I am also interested in Family and Consumer Science education. I can see myself pursuing either career.”

Carley Horton competed in the Nutrition and Wellness Event and received Silver! She researched healthy lifestyle choices and created a nutrition and wellness plan based on her personal needs.  “I learned communication skills,” Horton says.

About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has more than 182,000 members and 5,253 chapters from 48 state associations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

 
About STAR Events
STAR Events are competitive events in which members are recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. STAR Events allow students to compete individually or as a team. There are more than 30 STAR Events students can choose to compete in, all which recognize participants who demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to actively identify an issue concerning families, careers, or communities, research the topic, and develop and implement a project to advocate for positive change.


Fort Scott, Government

Updated FS Commission Special Meeting March 4

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(Updated) The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 4th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to interview candidates for the City Attorney position. They will also meet to discuss accepting RFQ’s for City Engineering services.

This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.

Business, Fort Scott

New Downtown Business: Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market

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Rosemary Harris is the owner of the new business on Main Street. Submitted photo.

Rosemary Harris, 52, is the owner of a new downtown business at 18 N. Main, Suite A, Barbed Wire, and Roses Vintage Market.

 

Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market is located in the northern storefront of what used to be a part of Country Cupboard Store, a decades-long mainstay of downtown Fort Scott.
The store hours are currently Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

She began her business journey helping a friend that owned a store, then opened her own flea market on January 30, 2021, she said.

 

“We have a variety of items ranging from vintage to antique to customized and repurposed,” Harris said.   “Our vendors bring their own unique style to the store and each booth has its own special charm.”

“We have unique furniture pieces, vintage items, and collectibles.  We love to help you find items you are looking for in your collections.  We also will be looking to buy estates soon.”

 

“I started this business because I love seeing vintage and antique items find new life and purpose,” she said.   “I enjoy the stories and pictures people share of their collections and why they started collecting.   I’m so glad to be a part of the downtown business district.”

Rosemary Harris in her flea market on Main Street. Submitted photo.

Harris can be contacted at 620-224-7764 or find the business on Facebook.