Category Archives: Fort Scott

New FS City Manager Starts Feb. 1: Jeremy Frazier

Jeremy Frazier. Submitted photo.

Jeremy  Frazier was selected by the Fort Scott City Commission in a unanimous vote to become the next city manager in January 2021.

 

He starts in that position next Monday, February 1.

 

He replaces Dave Martin, who retired in October 2020.

 

Frazier will bring new vision and ideas to the city, according to a January 21 Fort Scott City Commission press release.

To view the city’s press release:

Jeremy Frazier To Begin As Fort Scott City Manager on Feb. 1

 

“Jeremy brings to this position over a decade of public sector experience,” according to the press release.

 

Frazier has managed cities of various size towns of from 1,800 people to his most recent in El Reno, Oklahoma, population approximately 20,000 people, according to the release.

 

He will earn $115,000 per year plus benefits as the new city manager.

To view the entire contract:

FedEx Scan 2021-01-20_14-12-31(1)

 

The following is from an email interview with Frazier.

Why did you pursue your career? Was there someone who inspired you?

I chose to pursue city management as a career because after graduating from college and landing a position with a great company, I found myself financially secure but unfulfilled and lacking passion within my organization.”
“So I put serious thought into what I enjoy, how I could serve others, and how I could create lasting changes in the lives of others. I knew that I felt a calling to public service but was unsure as to how best to execute it. After all, I knew very few public servants at the time.”
“Fortunately, I met some great public servants through the Oklahoma Municipal League such as Missy Dean and the City Management Association of Oklahoma which include Tim Rundel, Eric Benson, Jason Orr, and many others.”
“While the opportunity that I desired did not materialize immediately, I stayed close to the industry and received encouragement from various industry professionals for which I had great respect and admiration.”
“Finally,  a few years later, I was offered an opportunity to serve in a small community of 1,800. There the city manager felt it important that I learn every position and task from code enforcement to billing and collections and public works. At the time I did not appreciate these lessons as I thought I was hired to be more of an administrator, in my mind.”
“In hindsight, this was the best learning experience that I could have ever asked for and I’ve been hooked on public service every since, building upon my knowledge and skills with each community that I’ve served.”
“Now I look forward to bringing my passion for public service, skills, and knowledge to serve the community and residents of Fort Scott.”
What affiliations/community involvement interests you outside of your employment?
“I have served as a board of trustees appointee to a local university, worked closely with local volunteer organizations to perform community projects, served as a member of local civic organizations such as Toastmaster’s International and the Lions Club, and was active with local government organizations such as the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) and the City Management Association of Oklahoma (CMAO).”
“I hope to be active in similar organizations in the state of Kansas. I might also find interest in local home building or restoration non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity and others.”
Frazier said he has been married “nearly 15 years to a wonderful woman and mother and I have two young boys.”

Local Author Brian Allen: Book Idea Originated In History Club

Brian Allen works as a teacher’s aide in an automotive technology class at Fort Scott High School. Because of a special interest in history, Allen sponsors the high school history club that meets monthly.

He is also president of the Bourbon County Historical Preservation Association.

 

Because of this love of history and wanting to create interest in the students, he started telling stories of local murders during a period of the late 1800s in Bourbon County.

 

 

“I started researching stories for the high school kids in history club (at the school) and found that they liked a good murder mystery or story,” Allen said. ” I did 30 years’ worth of short stories and asked Fred Campbell (a  local historian) to proof-read it for me. When he finished he insisted that I have it published.”

 

 

“The name of the book is Murder and Mayhem, and covers Bourbon County murders that occurred between 1868 and 1898,” he said.

 

 

 

“I never thought about doing it, but (Campbell’s) enthusiasm pushed me to go ahead and look into it,” he said. “This is the first book I have had published, but I do have three more manuscripts completed and am working on a fourth.”

 

 

“It was published in December of 2020 and was printed by SeKan printing here in Fort Scott,” he said. “Don Banwart designed the cover, and I included a photo of the original courthouse on it. It took me about a year to write it as it was never my original intention to publish it. It is available at the Hedgehog Ink as well as the (Fort Scott) Chamber of Commerce.”

 

Hedgehog INK is a bookstore at 16 S. Main and the chamber is located at 231 E. Wall.

 

“My future books will be about World War 1, a second murder book, and other crime and punishment stories in Bourbon County,” he said.

 

 

Allen also volunteers as a member of the Fort Scott Street Advisory Committee.

 

 

He graduated from FSHS in 1985 and graduated from Fort Scott Community College.

 

Allen is married and has three children and four grandchildren.

 

 

 

Chamber Coffee at 306 E. 23rd on January 28

Join us for our weekly Chamber Coffee hosted by
Stutesman’s Action Realty
NOTE THE LOCATION
will be @ one of their commercial listings:
306 E. 23rd St.
Thursday, January 28th, 8 am
Masks are strongly encouraged and masks will be available for those without one.
Click HEREfor their website.
Click HEREfor their Facebook page.
Jennifer Yarsulik, Broker/Owner of Stutesman’s Action Realty, founded the business in 1992. Stutesman’s Action Realty was established on honesty, professionalism, treating all people fairly, and providing the absolute best service in the area.
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 to the Chamber about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or any other specials!
Call the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce 620.223.3566
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule
  • February 4th “OPEN” Call the Chamber to schedule
  • February 11th hosted by Sunshine Boutique
  • February 18th “OPEN” Call the Chamber to schedule
  • February 25th hosted by Ascension Via Christi ER Dept. celebrating 2nd yr in FS, Drive-Thru Chamber Coffee
  • March 4th “OPEN” Call the Chamber to schedule
  • March 11th “OPEN” Call the Chamber to schedule
  • March 18th hosted by Briggs Auto of FS – Celebrating Birthday week Anniversary (6 years)
  • March 25th hosted by NRMC – location TBA

Starlite FCE Minutes of Jan. 21

The January meeting of Starlite FCE was held on January 21st at the Yeager building at the Fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Eleven members and one guest were in attendance.  The members reported seven hours of volunteer work and that they had recycled three hundred and eighty pounds of paper.  The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

 

Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’ report and reminded us to bring in our Best Choice labels.   Glenda Miller reported that the County Council had cancelled the Spring Tea for this year due to Covid.  She also went over the information presented in the FCE newsletter.

 

Old business consisted of the Valentines for the Tri-Valley clients.  Cards were signed by members and placed in treat bags.  Letha Johnson moved that the person in charge of event be given authority to purchase items for said event and receive reimbursement out of the club account.  Del Parks seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

It was announced that Lois Williams a longtime previous member had passed as well as Del Parks brother.  Megan Brillhart announced that Presbyterian Village residents have received their first round of Covid shots and that they should be able to start getting out in about six weeks.

 

Glenda Miller presented members with unity valentines and a trivia quiz on Kansas in celebration of Kansas Day January 29th.

 

Joy Miller presented the lesson to the club of “Taking a new look at Fermented Foods.”  Fermented foods include sauerkraut, wine, kimchi, sour dough bread and yogurt, to name a few.  Joy also passed out troubleshooting guide on fermentation, Information about the upcoming Aging with Attitude Regional expo and Dining with Diabetes online classes.

 

Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Jackie Warren seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.  After the meeting the members enjoyed cupcakes, cookies, M&M and water provided by Jackie Warren and Deb Woods.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Tedena Tucker Retires From Edward Jones Financial Services

Tedena Tucker Announces Retirement

Tedena Tucker, a senior branch office administrator in the Fort Scott office of the financial services firm Edward Jones, recently announced her retirement after thirty years of service with the firm.

Tucker’s retirement becomes effective February 26th, 2021. Don Savage will replace Tucker.

“When I joined this firm thirty years ago, I knew I was making the right decision,” said Tucker. “Now I can say that I truly enjoyed working with the people of this community in helping Jamie Armstrong serve their financial needs.”

A branch office administrator is responsible for the daily operation of an Edward Jones office. This includes providing top-notch client service, supporting marketing activities for the office and staying updated on technological advances.

“Tedena has been my right arm,” Armstrong said. “Not only has she been responsible for the daily operation of our branch, but she has worked closely with our clients.”

To celebrate Tedena’s contribution to the clients served by Armstrong’s branch office, the branch is hosting a “card shower.” Clients, friends and colleagues are invited to send a retirement card to Tedena at the branch, located at 1713 S National, Fort Scott, KS 66701 between February 1 – February 25th, 2021.

Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, provides financial services in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm’s business, from the investments offered to the location of branch offices, caters to individual investors. The firm’s 19,000-plus financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients with a total of $1.5 trillion in client assets under care. Visit edwardjones.com or the recruiting website at careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

New Administration in City of Fort Scott, New Collaboration

Josh Jones. Submitted photo.

 

There is a new mayor and president, and city manager for the City of Fort Scott in the past week.

 

Josh Jones was selected to replace JoLynne Mitchell on the Fort Scott City Commission on December 1, 2020.

 

Jones became the mayor on January 7, 2021, with Kevin Allen selected to be president, according to the City of Fort Scott commission minutes. Allen was sworn in on Jan. 2020 to the commission.

 

The other city commissioners are Randy Nichols, Pete Allen, and Lindsay Watts.

 

New to the community is Jeremy Frazier, who was selected as the new city manager late last week.

 

The City of Fort Scott has operated under a city commission/city manager form of government since 1975, according to City Commission | Fort Scott, KS (fscity.org) . The city commission consists of a mayor, president of the commission, and three city commissioners. All members of the city commission are elected at-large on a non-partisan basis by the citizens of Fort Scott. The mayor, the president of the commission, and the city commissioners all serve without any compensation.

 

The Fort Scott City Commission elects the mayor and president of the board annually at their first meeting in January, according to the website.

 

The mayor, who has the same authority as the other commissioners, presides over the commission meetings, provides the official signature on documents, and represents the city at official and ceremonial functions. In the absence of the mayor, the president of the commission fulfills the duties of the mayor, according to the website.

 

The duties of the commission are to pass city ordinances and resolutions, establish policies for the city, approve the annual budget, appoint members to city boards and appoint a city manager.

 

 

A little about Jones

Jones owns rental houses in Fort Scott and also manages Bourbon County Cars, a local used-car dealership. He is a life-long resident of Fort Scott.

 

He has been married to his wife, Karen, for 20 years and has twin daughters, Madison and Taylor, who are 20 years old, and one son, David, 15.

 

 

A little about Allen

Kevin “Skitch” Allen was selected last week to be the president.

Allen has had a local construction company for 27 years in Fort Scott.

“Everything from construction dirt work to trash roll-off services and porta-potties,” he said. “I also own several buildings and homes in the community that I rent out.”

He is a 1988 Fort Scott High School graduate. He then attended Fort Scott Community College for two years and then earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Pittsburg State University.

He has two daughters, Maddie Thorpe and  Jocie Allen, and two granddaughters and a grandson on the way, he said.

 

 

The commission hired a new manager last week.

 

“The commission unanimously selected Jeremy Frazier to be hired as city manager of Fort Scott,” Jones said.  “All five commissioners believe Jeremy is the best fit for Fort Scott and we are very excited to utilize Jeremy’s vision and ideas to move Fort Scott forward.”

Jeremy Frazier. Submitted photo.

 

 

“Jeremy will start February 1st and (Interim Manager)Jeff Hancock will leave February 3,” Jones said. “Jeff’s leadership and knowledge have been very valuable in the short time he has been here.”

 

To view a bio of Frazier:

https://fortscott.biz/news/jeremy-frazier-t…manager-on-feb-1

A new collaboration

 

Also new is the sharing of business services with the Bourbon County Commission.

 

“With the new makeup of the city commission and the county commission we feel like now we have the opportunities to save taxpayers money by sharing services,” Jones said.

 

“This will be a case by case basis, so we can evaluate each item and come up with what we believe will save the most money for taxpayers. By joining into an agreement with the county on the Finance/Business Manager need, it will save the city roughly $40,000 per year.”

 

The City of Fort Scott Finance Director Susan Bancroft was hired by the Bourbon County Commission last week to be its’ business manager, part-time.

 

 

 

The City of Fort Scott meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month in the city commission meeting room at 123 S. Main.

Agendas are available prior to the meetings.

Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

 

Contaminants Possible in Buck Run Creek:Don’t Enter

Stream Advisory Issued for Buck Run Creek, located East of Scott Avenue and West of 69 Highway in Fort Scott, Kansas
Residents and animals should not enter the Creek at this time

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for the Buck Run Creek, along the area East of Scott Avenue and West of 69 Highway in Fort Scott, Kansas.

The stream advisory is a result of a manhole overflow due to heavy rainfall. The city of Fort Scott has repaired the problem and the overflow has ceased as of Monday afternoon.

The advisory has been issued because potential elevated bacteria and contaminants may be present in Buck Run Creek as it flows northward through residential areas to the Marmaton River. If you live or have activities near this stream, do not enter the stream or allow children or pets to enter the stream.

Kansas Department of Health & Environment will rescind the advisory once flows recede and subsequent bacteria testing indicates secondary (wading) contact has been deemed safe.

For further information, please contact at the city of Fort Scott, Michael Mix at 620.215.6319.

###

New Esthetics Business Opened

 

Esthetician Hallie Grillot holds a gift certificate for her facial services. Submitted photos.

 

Esthetician Hallie Grillot, 20,  opened a new business in September 2020.

 

An esthetician is a worker skilled in giving beauty treatments, according to the Free Dictionary.

 

Her business, Pure Skin Esthetics, is located inside Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage and Salon, at 117 E. National Avenue.

 

“I always had a passion for beauty and wellness so i wanted a career which incorporated that,” Grillot said. “I knew in my heart esthetics would be a great fit for me! It’s a very emotionally rewarding profession. Making people look good also makes them feel good; which in turn, makes me feel good. I love what I do, and it shows through my work. I am lucky to have found a career that I love so much.

 

Grillot graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2019, then attended Bellus Academy, Manhattan,  for esthetics. Her parents are Dale and Vonnie Rickerson.

 

 In addition, she is a full-time student at Fort Scott Community College, working towards obtaining a business degree.

 

“I perform cosmetic skin treatments, facials ranging from $30- $75- such as hydro, aromatherapy, anti-aging, acne treatment, chemical peels. I also offer body treatments, and waxing.”

For Valentine’s Day, Grillot is offering a “love your skin special.”

“It’s 20% off discount code through the whole month of February – Use the code “LOVE” when book your appointment online!

Go to the  website

Additionally,  there is a “book now” big button on the business  Facebook page.

Contact info: 1(620)-215-5790

 

Pure Skin Esthetics, 117 E. National. Submitted photos.

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Jan. 22

What’s Happening
in Fort Scott
January 22nd
Weekly Edition
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
GUIDED TOURS OF THE FORT DAILY, 10 AM & 1 PMThe Fort Scott National Historic Site is open daily 8 am-5 pm for touring on your own, but arrive at 10 am or 1 pm on any day and take advantage of a guided tour with a park ranger! The guided tour lasts approx. 1 hour.
1/23 – Pickleball from 8-10 am at Buck Run, open to anyone wanting to play! Always check the FB Group page here for any location changes or cancelations. Tuesday, Thursday & Saturdays
1/22-23 – Livestock sale at the Fort Scott Livestock Market, both Friday & Saturday, click here for their FB page.
1/22 – Karaoke Friday Nights at The Boiler Room Brewhaus! Experience or beginners, it does not matter! Let’s have some fun with music & drinks! Click here for their FB page.
1/24 – Kansas City Chiefs play at 5:40 pm, watch the game, or order carryout from a local restaurant! See below for Luther’s BBQ Tailgate Package! Holmtown Pub, Sharky’s, Luther’s & other restaurants will be open for the game, click here for our restaurant member listing.
1/26-28 – KANSASWORKS Virtual Job Fair, click here for flyer.
1/28 – Chamber Coffee, 8am, to be hosted by Stutesman’s Action Realty at one of their commercial listings, 306 E. 23rd St.
1/29 – National Kansas Day, Local retailers and restaurants will be participating in this celebration by giving a 10% Discount off your purchase for shopping or dining by wearing any Kansas or Sunflower attire! Look for the Participating Flyer.
1/30 – Real Estate & Personal Property Auction of the Roxine Poznich Trust, 10am, 1519 E. Pine St. by Chamber member Anderson Auction Service. Click here for all the info.
Radio Auction by KOMB FM 103.9 every Thursday & Friday through February at 2 pm! Get your bid # and view the items on their website here. In addition to calling in your bid, you can also bid online this year and even “Buy it Now” ~ or bid by text to 620-724-7962.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options are available…
  • SPIN classes now offered by Smallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tues & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
  • Total Body Fitnesswith Karen Reinbolt at Buck Run Community Center, Mon & Wed 8:15 am $20 for 8-week session.
  • Zumba with Monalynn Decker at Buck Run, Mon, Wed, Fri 6 pm, $40 for a 12-week session.
  • Indoor Fitness/Gyms at I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Downtown Fort Scott is booming!
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
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.
LUTHER’S BBQ TAILGATE PACKAGE
FOR THIS SUNDAY’S BIG GAME!
LUTHER’S BBQ TAILGATE PACKAGE SPECIALS
FOR THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS GAME
THIS SUNDAY 1/24, GAME TIME 5:40 PM!
Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate Package:
$44.95, serves 4.
1 lb Burnt ends, 1 lb Pulled Pork and a Slab of Ribs w/ 2 sides
Available Chiefs Gameday only ends at halftime. Dine-in or Carryout.
Also, bringing back the Tomahawk BBQ Chop Sandwich. Chiefs Gameday, all day. Dine-in or Carry Out.
CALL 620-644-9880
GO CHIEFS!
FORT CINEMA SHOWTIMES!
GIVE A TOAST TO THE SUNFLOWER STATE ON KANSAS DAY! #ToTheStarsKS
UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT BUCK RUN
2-DAY JOB FAIR TO BE HOSTED BY TIMKEN!
JOB SEEKING IN THE FORT SCOTT AREA
YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW
LOOKING FOR A JOB IN FORT SCOTT?
Give a Like to our Fort Scott Jobs FB page!
Clickherefor link.
Visit the Jobs posted by Chamber members
on our website fortscott.com!
Click here to view jobs.
See additional Job Seeker resources below!
JOB SEEKER RESOURCES
FOR CAREER SEARCHING IN THE FORT SCOTT AREA
The Chamber posts a “JOB OF THE DAY” posting on our Social Media accounts as requested by area employers or as we notice them in the newspaper and various employment websites.
           Chamber Social Media accounts
where jobs are posted:
Facebook:
o  Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce @fortscottchamber
o  Fort Scott Jobs – Fort Scott, Kansas @fortscottjobs
Instagram:
o  Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce @fortscottchamber
Twitter:
o  Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce @FSChamber
LinkedIn:
Chamber Website, fortscott.com – Jobs are posted under the Jobs/Housing tab:
·        The Chamber issues a monthly “Help Wanted” flyer which is available on our website and in hard copy at the Chamber office.
·        Fortscott.com/jobs also includes positions posted directly to our website by Chamber member employers.
KANSASWORKS – the State of Kansas employ

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Susan Bancroft Assumes Duties as Bourbon County Business Manager

The Bourbon County Courthouse.

In an effort to consolidate some business services in government, a business manager has signed on for the county, in addition to her duties at the City of Fort Scott.

 

Susan Bancroft started January 19, 2021, as the part-time Bourbon County Business Manager.

Susan Bancroft. Submitted photo.

 

She is currently the City of Fort Scott Finance Director.

Fort Scott City Hall.

 

“For many years, the city and county have had interlocal agreements in the area of public safety,” Bancroft said. “This has been a long positive relationship meeting the needs of both city and county residents.”

 

“A couple of years ago a task force was formed and has been researching ways to save taxpayer dollars through shared services between the city and county,” she said.  “Recently, the county commission determined there was a need for a part-time business director and approached the city to see if this could be a shared service opportunity.”

 

 

To view a prior story on the movement to consolidate government services:  https://fortscott.biz/news/bedco

 

 

In order for the relationship to work, Bancroft agreed to work her regular hours with the City of Fort Scott and an additional 20 hours for Bourbon County.

 

 

“My current position is based on a 40-hour workweek so this would be an additional 20 hours per week,” Bancroft said.

 

 

The Bourbon County Business Director will initially be responsible for assisting the commission in the development and analysis of budgets and reporting, human-resource-related issues and policy,  and also accounts payable and receivable for public works, she said. Additionally, she will be the interdepartmental liaison to build relationships and oversight. Additional duties are expected to be added over time.

 

 

Bancroft will be paid $115,000 per year by the city. The county will pay $60,000 to the city for Bancroft’s services, according to the agreement between the two.

 

The memorandum of understanding between the city and county ends Dec. 31, 2021, with possible renewal.

 

To view the agreement between the city and county:

DOC011421-01142021165840

 

 

 

“Some may look at this as additional dollars being spent at the county level,” she said. “However, some of the assigned duties will replace expenses already being incurred by the county through contractual services.”

 

 

 

“In addition, the City of Fort Scott will realize approximately $34,000 in savings due to the partnership,” Bancroft said.

 

 

Bancroft worked for the City of Fort Scott from 2005-2012 as the finance director and spent two of those years as the assistant city manager/finance director.

 

 

From 2012-2015 she worked for USD 234 as the business manager/clerk. In 2015, she took a position with NPC International as their human capital management director until 2019 when she returned to the City of Fort Scott once again, as the finance director.

“HCM  encompasses human resources, benefits, payroll, and compliance,” she said. “NPC employed 40,000 employees at the time of my employment.”

 

 

“The four years I was in the private sector I missed actively serving the community in which I lived,” she said.  “I am excited to use the knowledge I have gained over the past 20 years to evaluate processes, budgets, improve transparency and build relationships between the City and County and its constituents.”

 

 

“I strive to see the glass half full rather than half empty, always looking for opportunities to improve,” she said.  “One of my favorite quotes by Henry Ford is ‘Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.’  I believe the city and county leaders are working towards this collaboration and look forward to many more opportunities to share services to reduce the burden on taxpayers.”

 

 

Bancroft will have offices at both entities.

 

“The (county) commission is currently working on finding a small space for me,” she said.  “I am fortunate to also have the ability to work remotely.”

Bourbon County Local News