Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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RADIO AUCTION – KOMB All Hit 103.9 FM – Starts Jan. 16 through first week of March, every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Listen for details!
Moran Manor Skilled Nursing by Americare has openings for CNA’s – see flyer below
Care to Share (“The Sharing Bucket”) will be hosting the 5th Annual “TaTa” Ride on June 15th, 2019 and an “AR-15 Gun Raffle”. Raffle tickets are $5 each and on sale now! ATF Regulations apply. Contact Stacey Wright for tickets or more info. (See flyer below)
18-19
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
18
Eat Smart, Live Strong class – Fort Scott Professional Building (formerly Newman Young Clinic), each Friday in January, 10:30am-12:00pm

Enjoy fun and lively activities with other older adults! Talk about easy ways to make smart food choices and exercise more

Contact Malynda Payne, K-State Research and Extension Nutrition Assistant, [email protected], or call (620)768-9459 for more information
18 Friendship Soup Lunch hosted by First United Methodist Church – Fellowship Hall, 301 S. National, lower level, 11:30am-1pm

Chili, a variety of soups, desserts, and a drink will be served for a free will donation. All are welcome!
19 4th Annual Care to Share Pool Tournament at Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National Ave., Fort Scott

Jack and Jill Scottish doubles. Double elimination, race to 3 on the winners’ side, race to 2 on the losers’ side. 16 team limit. Register at the pub. $40 pre-registration. Player auction will begin at 11am, with play to begin immediately after
19 Artist of the Month, Al Letner of Chicopee Pottery, will be at Hedgehog.INK, 16 S. Main St., 3pm

Mr. Letner will give a presentation and share techniques
21 Martin Luther King Day (Federal Holiday)
21
Martin Luther King Day “Lunch and Learn” – FSCC Gordon Parks Museum in Ellis Fine Arts Center – 2108 S. Horton St.

Bring your lunch – drinks and dessert provided
21 Community Book Club meeting – location to be determined, 7pm

Book: Where The Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens. E-mail [email protected] for more info
22-23 Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library,                        201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
22 T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
22 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12-1pm (Hedges Administrative Building)
22 Chamber Board Meeting – Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main St., 12pm-1pm
23 Breakfast Bingo at BRCC – 735 Scott Ave., 9-10am, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month

Come drink some coffee and play some bingo at Buck Run. Staff will provide bingo cards, the caller, and the coffee. Prizes provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission
23 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,                   308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
23
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm

Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
23
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm

Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month. Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
24
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Sharky’s Pub & Grub

Location: 16 N. National Ave.
24
Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm
24 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm. Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
25-26
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
25
Eat Smart, Live Strong class – Fort Scott Professional Building (formerly Newman Young Clinic), each Friday in January, 10:30am-12:00pm

Enjoy fun and lively activities with other older adults! Talk about easy ways to make smart food choices and exercise more

Contact Malynda Payne, K-State Research and Extension Nutrition Assistant, [email protected], or call (620)768-9459 for more information
25
Meet the Author Elana A. Mugdan at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main St., 4pm
Hedgehog.INK’s 1st ever in-store author event!

Meet and greet author Elana A. Mugdan. Her book, “Dragon Speaker” is Book 1 of The Shadow War Saga, and is available for purchase at the store

There will be an author talk, Q & A and book signing. Light refreshments provided (See flyer below)
26
Care to Share Fundraiser Auction @ 4-H Building, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd., Fort Scott

Wonderful items have been donated for this fundraiser auction. Please plan to come! One day sale – will go quick! Lunch will be served: pulled pork, chips, drinks, pies
29-30 Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library,                        201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
29 T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
29 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12-1pm (Hedges Administrative Building)
30 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,                   308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
30
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm

Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
30
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm

Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month. Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
31
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Southwind Extension District

Location: 100 S. Main St.
31 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm
31 Learning to Navigate Your Smartphone and Tablet for Seniors – Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, 2:30-3:30pm

Class will cover the basics: sending emails, downloading attachments, sharing photos and searching Google. Also addressed: how to use maps, and which apps to download to make your life easier. Attendees names will be placed in a drawing for a $50 gift card

Class is FREE, but space is limited. RSVP by Jan. 28th to Becky Kellum at [email protected] or call
620-223-5550
31 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm. Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
Save the Date:
– February 2 & 3 – Youth Basketball Tournament
– February 3 – Superbowl Sunday
– February 5 – Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet
– February 9 – Rotary’s 2019 Dancing With Our Stars
– February 10 – 3rd Annual Farm Toy Show & Sales
Click here for full events listing on our website.
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools

USD 234: Redesigning Future Education?

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USD 234 Superintendent Ted Hessong addressing the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee attendees at Fort Scott High School Thursday morning.

USD 234 Superintendent Ted Hessong spoke to the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Thursday, during the weekly coffee, about the need to match what is needed in a society with what schools actually teach.

To get the community involved in the school district’s education redesign, USD 234 is sponsoring what is being called Community Conversations.

Community Conversations dates and locations:

• January 22 –Fort Scott High School

• January 24 –Eugene Ware Elementary

• January 29 –Fort Scott Middle School

• January 30 –Winfield Scott Elementary

All times starting at 6:00 PM.

“Businesses need skilled talent and those are the hardest jobs to fill,” he said.

“We need to make education fit us,” Hessong said. “We need to make changes in education, do something we’ve never done.”

From statistics Hessong presented to the attendees, the top skills that high school graduates lack are: work ethic-professionalism, teamwork-collaboration, verbal communication, ethics-social responsibility, critical thinking-problem solving,  and information technology application, among others.

Some of the school redesign principles that Hessong presented were:

  • an integrated approach to develop student socio-emotional learning.
  • teachers support students to have a choice over their time, place, pace and path.
  • family, business and community partnerships based on mutually beneficial relationships and collaboration.
  • project-based learning, internships, and civic engagement to make learning relevant.

At the Community Conversations, USD 234 is seeking feedback from parents, guardians, business, and community members in these areas:

• Emergency Operations Plan

• USD 234 Mission and Vision

• USD 234 School Board’s Areas of Focus

• What is the role of USD 234’s Preschool –12th-grade educational system in developing an independent, responsible, and productive adults?

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Al Letner: Featured Artist Jan. 19 at Hedgehog.Ink

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January featured artist

Al Letner, pottery

Presentation:

January 19, 3:00 p.m.

Al Letner’s artwork is on display at Hedgehog.INK! during the month of January. He will give a presentation, open to the public, on January 19 at 3:00 p.m. During this time, he will share about his artwork and the techniques he uses.

“As an artist I find most of my inspiration in the natural world. I have always thought of myself as an organic artist, utilizing natural color and pattern in my abstract work.”

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Baton Is Passed at Union State Bank

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Kenny Holt is retiring as President and CEO of Union State Bank, after 25 years.

Bryan Holt became the president and Chief Executive Officer of Union State Bank on Jan. 1, 2019.

“I’ll be the fifth generation of the Holt family to hold this position,” Bryan Holt said.  “It is a great honor for me.”

Union State Bank has been family-owned and operated since 1901.

“My great-grandfather, L.E. “Emett” Holt began, then grand-dad Curtis Holt, then my dad, Kent Holt,” Kenny Holt said.

Kenny Holt held the president and CEO position from 1993 to December 31, 2018.

“We (he and his wife, Nancy) are slowing down and doing things we want to do,” Kenny Holt said.

Kenny will work in the transition period to mentor Bryan and Chad Holt, his younger son, who will be taking over some duties as well, he said.

Bryan Holt has been preparing for leadership through education and career experience.

He has an associates degree from Fort Scott Community College and a Bachelors in Business Administration with a major in Finance from Pittsburg State University Additionally, he completed the Graduate School of Banking in 2012.

“I have worked at the (Union State) bank twice now,” Bryan Holt said. “Part-time as a teller from 1990 – 1993.  I returned to the bank in 2005 as the Business Development Officer and Information Security Officer, moving from McKinney, Texas. In a bank our size, all of the officers have been exposed to all parts of the business and that’s true of me.”

“My duties will be evolving to include overseeing overall operations of the bank, including strategic direction,” he said.  “Of course, I’ll still be working in lending and business development, but learning this new role will become a large part of my daily activities.”

Technology has been changed the culture in America and the world, and the banking sector is no different.

“The rapid advance of technology will continue to disrupt the traditional banking model,” Bryan Holt said.  “Our customers will rely less and less on coming into the branch, preferring to do business via mobile methods.  We are working to balance the personalized service that we’ve been providing for nearly 120 years with the convenience of banking from your mobile device.”

“Technology has allowed us to do a lot of things,” Kenny Holt said.

A negative change in banking in the last 25 years is the “regulatory burden put on us,” Kenny Holt said. “The regulation doesn’t apply to us (small banks), but we still have to abide.”

USB  stated purpose is to provide affordable, high-quality financial products and services that enhance the customers’ financial well-being and strengthen the communities they serve.  The mission is to be the bank of choice in the communities served.

Union State Bank has two locations: on the  Uniontown square and can be reached at 620-756-4305 and Fort Scott at 1009 S. Clark, 620-223-0066.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Health Care

Fort Scott to Topeka Veterans Administration Shuttle Begins Feb. 5

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From left: Darrell Spencer, Army; Stephen Dean. Army; Myra Jowers. Air Force, all vets themselves will be shuttle drivers. Not pictured Carl Jowers.

The Fort Scott to Topeka VA shuttle service will have its inaugural run to the Topeka VA Medical Center on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.

Many thanks to Patricia Neeland, Social Worker at the Fort Scott VA Medical Clinic and local Veterans Stephen Dean, Carl Jowers, Myra Jowers and Darrell Spencer for working together to make the Fort Scott – Topeka VA shuttle service a reality.

There is no cost to the veteran to ride the shuttle.

The VA shuttle holds five passengers and riders must preregister for a seat. Seats on the shuttle are open to any area veteran on a first come, first served basis.

At this time, the shuttle is operating only on Tuesdays. As more drivers are cleared by the Topeka VA Medical Center, the shuttle service will expand service to other days.

The shuttle will depart from First Southern Baptist Church parking lot (on South Main Street, near Pizza Hut) at 6:15 am and will return to Fort Scott after the last rider has completed their appointment in Topeka.

The rider must be at the designated departure point by 6:10 am or risk losing their seat to a standby.

The shuttle does not accommodate wheelchairs or pets. Only certified service dogs are permitted on the shuttle. Oxygen tanks are not permitted on the shuttle. Oxygen concentrators are allowed.

Family members may not ride with the veteran on the shuttle. Those veterans who need a caregiver to accompany them must have a signed note from their doctor attesting that the veteran requires a caregiver to accompany them to and from their appointment.

To register for a shuttle seat, the veteran must

·         Have an appointment at the Topeka VA Medical Center between 9 am and 1 pm for the day they schedule their shuttle seat.

·         Call 785-925-0261 to schedule their seat. All seat reservations must be scheduled by 5 pm, the day prior to their appointment in Topeka.

 

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools

Chamber Coffee Jan. 17 at Fort Scott High School

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WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER
Join us for Chamber Coffee
 
Hosted by:

USD 234
 
Location:

Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main St.
Thursday, January 17, 2019


Click here for USD 234’s website.


Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
January 24 – Sharky’s Pub & Grub
January 31 – Southwind Extension District
February 7 – City State Bank
February 14 – Visage Skin Care
Business, Fort Scott

New Owners of Public Transportation

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Jackie Sellers stands in front of the two vans that were purchased by Old Fort Transportation LLC to provide public transportation to the community. Sellers and her husband, James are the new owners of the business. Fort Scott National Historic Site is in the background. The business is located at the very north end of Main Street, housed in the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center.

Old Fort Transportation, LLC, owned by Jacqueline and James Sellers, took over public transportation from Pitt-Taxi on  Jan. 1, 2019.

Sellers is no stranger to public transportation in Fort Scott.

“In 2003, I started working as the coordinator for Bourbon County Senior Citizen,” Sellers said.  “One of my responsibilities was to work with transportation, so I did some of the dispatching and the driving.”

Through the years, Sellers got to know those that used the service.

“Little did I know how much happiness and sorrow was to come,” she said.” I got to meet many of my fellow citizens, and as I grew to know them, I celebrated with them and I have mourned with them. I have taken some to job interviews and then taken them to work. Then had to say ‘see you later’ as they bought their car and were able to drive themselves to work.”

During that period of time public transportation was providing over a thousand rides a month, she said.

“Then in 2014, SEK-CAP  (South East Kansas-Community Action Program) took over transportation,” Sellers said. “It was with a heavy heart I watched as many of my transportation family were suffering from the 24-hour notice (SEK-CAP requirement) for transportation and the ridership dwindled. Bourbon County Senior Citizens, then took an active look at better transportation for the city. Pitt-Taxi took over in 2016, and I was asked once again to manage transportation. I have been able to watch transportation grow again.”

In late 2018, the owners of Pitt-Taxi made a decision to retire.

“When the owners of Pitt-Taxi decided to retire, I had to make a decision, and with the support of my husband, James, we decided to take over the transportation here in Fort Scott,” Sellers said.  “Thanks to the help of Bourbon County Senior Citizens and the support of the City (of Fort Scott), Old Fort Transportation will continue to provide the needed transportation for our hometown families.”

The business primarily provides transportation in Fort Scott, and when possible, the surrounding areas, she said.

 

Old Fort Transportation LLC is located at 26 N. Main, in the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center.

Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main.

“You can’t miss the vehicles (two vans) parked on Old Fort Blvd., she said.

The phone number is still the same (620)249-1440.

Regular hours of operation are Mon. through Sat. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The full cost of a ride is $6.

“There is a discounted rate of $4 for senior citizens and those who have a commodity card or a Beacon card,” she said.

The public transportation business provides an average of 900 rides a month.

Sellers compiled a list of where she takes passengers:

Shopping – G &W Grocery Store, Walmart, Dollar General, Tractor Supply, Price Chopper Grocery Store, and downtown shops.

Medical appointments – Mercy, Urgent Care, Dr. Kellenburger, Baker Clinic, eye doctors, dentists, WIC, Mental Health clinic, and I Am Rehab.

Work – restaurants and fast food places, Walmart, G and W, Price Chopper, Extrusions, Peerless, Timken, First Source, Valu Merchandise, Nursing homes,  and individual homes.

Other- banks, post office, library, Fort Scott Community College, Bourbon County Court House, jail, Fort Scott City Hall, cable office, bill pay centers, automotive repair, nursing home to visit, restaurants and fast food places to eat.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Paws and Claws Needs New Facility

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All photos courtesy of Front Door Real Estate. The current Lee’s Paws and Claws Animal Shelter property features numerous dog kennels, quarantine kennels, cat rooms, cat yard, dog play yards, reception area, office and restroom facilities on 19.8 Acres. Contact Jared Leek, Owner/Broker of Front Door Real Estate, Inc., for more information at (620) 224-9787.

The local animal shelter is seeking a new facility and selling the old one located southeast of Fort Scott.

The following is an interview with Treasurer Kathy Dancer and Corresponding Secretary Kate Sweetser, two members of the board of directors of Lee’s Paw and Claws Animal Shelter:

Why the move?

“The current shelter, which was built and then expanded thanks to a generous gift from Lee Weast, is fantastic but has presented two challenges.

One is that fundraising has not provided the income required to run a 4,000 square foot facility.

The other is that the location on a gravel road seven miles from town has made it harder to attract both volunteers and potential adopters.”

“Lee’s Paws and Claws Animal Shelter is owned and operated by the Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation. The foundation’s board of directors has made the decision to transition to a more sustainable business model.”

“Part of this transition involves rightsizing to a smaller, more affordable facility located in the city. Our organization relies on adopters, volunteers, and donors. Being located in Fort Scott will help meet the needs of the humans involved. ”

“Another key part of the transition to a sustainable business model is the implementation of a foster care program for dogs. Dogs who have been in foster care are better socialized and therefore more easily adopted.

Our goal is to have a smaller facility that will serve as a cat shelter, an office, and an intake and adoption area.”

Who made the decision?

“The time and expense associated with maintaining our current facility has been an issue for several years. The current executive board has been exploring options for about a year now. The first decision to offer the current facility for sale was made a few months ago and the board agreed unanimously to sell the current building and acreage.

The second decision was to transition to a foster model and relocate closer to town while the current facility is on the market. Some board members wanted to stay at our current location until it sells and others wanted to transition as soon as possible. The decision was a difficult one and involved lengthy discussions and number-crunching, but in November of 2018, the board voted to begin the downsizing process and transition to a foster program in early 2019.”

“The current executive board consists of Randy Shannon, chair; Matt Messer, vice-chair; Kathy Dancer, treasurer; Rhonda Dunn, recording secretary; and Kate Emmett-Sweetser, corresponding secretary. The general board of directors includes the executive board members as well as Marianne Crane, Barb Ritter, and Rob Shaw. Ann Gillmore-Hoffman is board member emeritus.”

Where is the current facility located?

“We are currently located at 721 240thStreet, between Fort Scott and Garland. The 4,000 square foot facility  (which is for sale) is situated on 19.8 acres which includes a pond and a tornado shelter. “

What are you looking for in town?

“We are looking for 1000-1500 square feet which could house an office, intake room, adoption area, and a few cat suites.  We want a location which is affordable to maintain and easy for volunteers and potential adopters to access.  We have a few potential rental and purchase options which we will discuss at our next executive board session.”

Tell about the animal foster program.

“Our goal is to develop a network of foster homes for dogs waiting for adoption.  A foster home is a better temporary situation for dogs than a shelter because the animals live in a home where they receive more attention and are socialized with family members, both humans and other pets.

The state requires that we inspect and license all animal foster homes, so the process can take several weeks. Once a foster home is approved, they are licensed for a year. When placing a dog in foster care, our organization will have the dog spayed or neutered and vaccinated. The foster family will provide for the daily needs of the dog and coordinate with shelter personnel to give potential adopters opportunities to meet the foster dog. We plan to host adoption events on a regular basis at our new location. Foster applications are available on our website at www.LeesPawsAndClawsShelter.org/fostering.html.”

Business, Fort Scott

DISCOVER LOCAL Magazine Coming To Fort Scott

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Discover Local Magazine Publisher Gary Palmer with Editor Rebekah Houser, who is holding a prototype of the magazine.

Inspired by other area magazines, businessman Gary Palmer is launching a magazine called Discover Local.

The target audience will be primarily tourists, he said. “With an emphasis on local services and retailers.”

“The idea came from other magazines like 417 Magazine, which covers all those in the (telephone) area code 417 (in southwest Missouri),” he said. “It talks about the goings-on in the region with a strong emphasis on entertainment and food and what people can enjoy.”

A view of the prototype of Discover Local Magazine.

“It ties those who would be visiting to those locally that are providing services and opportunities to enjoy. It seems there is a void for something like this.”

“The whole idea behind this,” Palmer said. “I want this magazine to be beneficial to all parties involved. I personally feel that our community has an enormous amount of resources and a willingness to help others. This is just a visual way to pair our resources with those seeking to enjoy our community.”

There will be several local authors contributing to the magazine: Larry Gazzaway, Martha Scott, Jody Hoener and others he said.

And why not publish a magazine? Palmer is the owner of Captured Images, a photography business, and owns his own printer that will be publishing the magazine.

“We will be publishing this right here on Main Street,” Palmer said.

The magazine will have no subscription costs for readers but would be paid for by the advertisements that local businesses purchase.

“There may be a small postage charge if people would like us to mail it to them,” he said.

“The subscriptions for advertisers would be billed quarterly and range from $150 up,” Palmer said. “What is very unique about the magazine is we will be asking our advertisers to subscribe annually.

“An annual subscription will include a feature about the advertiser,” Palmer said. “If Capture Images buys one-half page for the year, for example, it would get a full page article at some point, featuring the business.”

There will be four publications annually.

The magazine would be placed in local hotels and the Tourism/Chamber of Commerce Office.

Captured Images Press is located at 118 S. Main and can be contacted at 223-5375.

“Our community needs something positive,” he said. “I hope this builds momentum.”

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

City Offices Will Close Jan. 21 For Holiday

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The City of Fort Scott City Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, January 21st, 2019 in observance of the Martin Luther King Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, January 19th, 2019 for the Martin Luther King Day holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Church news, Fort Scott

First Southern Baptist Church Happenings

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The First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, is planning to build a gymnasium to be used for youth programs, meetings, dinners and as a safe shelter for the surrounding area.

There will be a fundraiser in support of this building program  Saturday, Feb. 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

It is the First Annual All You Can Eat Pancake Meal with a serving of ground hog (sausage).

Adult tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Children under 7-years-old are free.

The church is hosting a study on the book of Revelation on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m.

“We will be going through it verse by verse, chapter by chapter,” said Leeta Walker, a church member. “It’s in our fellowship hall at the north end of the church.

For more information:

620-223-2986 or fortscottfsbc.com

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes from Dec. 18, 2018

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of December 18, 2018 Regular Meeting #24

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 18th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Nichols, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding.

INVOCATION: Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Darrell Parker, Larry Gazaway, Deb Needleman, Michael Mix, Rachel Pruitt, Chad Brown, Robert Uhler, Jackie Sellers, Kevin Wagner, Rachel Wagner, Cole Wagner, Dave Elliott, Maggie Brenner, Carl Brenner, Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Kevin Wagner, Wreaths Across America – City Manager recognized Kevin Wagner, organizer for the Wreaths Across America annual event for the National Cemetery #1. This year there were 5,960 wreaths placed at the cemetery – one on every grave. He thanked him for his tireless efforts in fundraising for the wreaths. He also thanked all the volunteers who helped place the wreaths. What a wonderful memorial for the Veterans.

Kevin Wagner said that there are many, many people who assist with this event. He named several other local cities who assisted with fundraising this year. He also thanked C.F.I. who trucked the wreaths to Fort Scott.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of December 4th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1229-A totaling $337,877.49.

C. 2019 Cereal Malt Beverage/Public Dance Licenses: (originals in Clerk’s office)

Package Sales:

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #20 – 998 N. National

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #27 – 605 S. National

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #14 – 1902 S. Main

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #28 – 1138 E. Wall

Hill’s Service, Inc. – 308 N. National

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. #39 – 2500 S. Main

Walgreen Company – 2229 S. Main

Casey’s General Store #3399 – 2216 S. Main

Queen’s Price Chopper – 2322 S. Main

Consumption on the Premises:

Debra Cagle DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 Humboldt

NPC International, Inc. DBA Pizza Hut #2423 – 1810 S. Main

Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton

Public Dance License:

Elks Lodge #579 – 111 W. 19th

Sharky’s Pub & Grub – 16 N. National

Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main

Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National

Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott

River Room Event Center – 3 West Oak

Memorial Auditorium – 1 E. Third Street

Parker moved the Consent Agenda. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

6:00 p.m. – Budget Amendment Hearing (Need to cancel) – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this public hearing needs to be cancelled. It will be conducted in 2019. She does not believe that an amendment needs to be held on the 2018 budget.

Mitchell moved to cancel the budget amendment hearing that was scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CANCEL BUDGET AMENDMENT HEARING SCHEDULED FOR 6:00 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Change of January 1st, 2019 meeting date – City Manager informed the Commission that the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting would be January 1st, 2019 which is a holiday. He met with Staff who recommended canceling the first meeting in January and just having one meeting on January 15th, 2019.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to cancel the meeting on January 1st, 2019 and just have one meeting in January on January 15th, 2019. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CANCEL THE MEETING ON JANUARY 1ST, 2019 AND JUST HAVE ONE MEETING IN JANUARY ON JANUARY 15TH, 2019.

  1. Consideration of Water Treatment Plant selection of engineering firm and proposal for evaluation of City’s drinking water – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that he came before them a couple of meetings ago to request permission to seek Request for Qualifications to evaluate the City’s drinking water from engineering firms. There were four RFQ’s submitted and an evaluation team consisting of Dr. Randy Nichols, Scott Flater, and himself who reviewed the engineering firms. A scoring system was created and Burns & McDonnell Engineering Firm received the highest score. He recommended the approval of Burns & McDonnell to evaluate the City’s drinking water and enter into a contract with them. The contract proposal is for $50,000 for 2018 and $100,000 for 2019 which is budgeted.

Nichols moved to approve the engineering firm of Burns & McDonnell and approve the contract of $150,000 to evaluate the City’s drinking water. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE ENGINEERING FIRM OF BURNS AND MCDONNELL TO EVALUATE THE CITY’S DRINKING WATER AND THE CONTRACT OF $150,000 FOR SERVICES.

  1. Consideration of updated Standards and Specifications regarding Water, Wastewater and Storm Water infrastructure – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that the City was in need of updating their Standards and Specifications for our City owned utilities. When developers are building, standards are needed to ensure that these buildings are built to our standards. K.D.H.E. informed the City that the last standards they had on record were from 1985. Allgeier Martin & Associates created an updated Standards and Specifications for the City of Fort Scott. He asked the Commission to approve and adopt these new standards.

Parker moved to approve and adopt the Standards and Specifications for the City of Fort Scott. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT.

  1. Discussion of Old Fort Transportation/Pitt Taxi Transition – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that she was representing the Bourbon County Senior Citizens as she is the Treasurer for this Board. They have been instrumental in providing transportation in this community for years. Pitt Taxi came here a few years ago and were a huge asset for our community. The owners of Pitt Taxi have decided to retire at the end of 2018. They have offered to transfer the three vehicles, computer and phones to Old Fort Transportation for $5,000. The owners of Fort Scott Transportation is Jackie and James Sellers. She asked the Commission for $5,000 for Old Fort Transportation to subsidize the costs of taking over this transportation service. There are currently about 300 to 350 riders which distribute people to 25 different places of employment throughout the City.

Dave Elliott, Peerless Products, was present and informed the Commission that this transportation service helps bring many of their employees to work every morning.

Mitchell moved to approve to allocate $5,000 towards Old Fort Transportation to subsidize the transportation program in our community. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ALLOCATE $5,000 TOWARDS OLD FORT TRANSPORTATION TO SUBSIDIZE THE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM IN OUR COMMUNITY.

  1. Consideration of Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3545 – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that the water rate increase is before them. This is for a 5% increase which is less than the budgeted 8% increase. The increase was for the payments for the debt on the river intake structure. The project is not as far along so financing costs will be less than projected in the budget. Approval for the 5% increase is recommended.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Ordinance No. 3545 increasing the water rates by 5% for 2019. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3545 SETTING NEW WATER RATES AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3525 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.04.030.

  1. Consideration of Wastewater Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3546 – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this Ordinance increases the sewer rate by 3%.

Parker moved to approve Ordinance No. 3546 increasing the sewer rates by 3% for 2019. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3546 INCREASING THE BASIC MONTHLY CHARGE FOR SANITARY SEWER RATES IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT BY AMENDING CHAPTER 13.24.110 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3526.

  1. Consideration of Storm Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3547 – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this Ordinance increases the storm water rate by 3% for 2019.

Parker moved to approve Ordinance No. 3547 increasing the storm water rate by 3% for 2019. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3547 AMENDING THE FORT SCOTT STORMWATER USER CHARGE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3527 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.24.121.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt – Rachel informed the Commission that in October a contest was held for “If I Was Mayor”. This was open for 7th graders throughout the State of Kansas. This is sponsored by the League of Kansas Municipalities. If selected, the student and the teacher would go to Topeka to be recognized. She would like to see the student be recognized on a local level also. She is getting packets ready for the City Commission to review and select a winner who will have “Lunch with the Mayor”.

Health Care Update – Robert Uhler – Robert reminded the Commission of the three main priorities: EMS, Primary Care, and Emergency Room. At the December 4th meeting, you heard from Dave Bruner regarding the EMS/Ambulance partnership between the City and the County. Both entities have signed contracts with one final step for the County to complete with Mercy which was completed this week with the donation of the assets to the County. He thanked Dave Martin for stepping up in this sensitive time. He also thanked Christi Keating for her direction. He also thanked the County, Mercy and the group from the City that worked together. We are one community with one goal – to have the best healthcare in our community. Our community will have convenient care and primary care provided by CHCSEK. What an impressive organization to have serve us in Fort Scott and Bourbon County. The final priority of our task force is to secure Emergency Room services. We continue to anxiously await a decision by Via Christi but remain optimistic about the future. He thanked the City Commission for their support as we continue on this journey.

B. City Commission:

Nichols – Wished all a Merry Christmas!

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Parker – Nothing to report.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Mitchell – Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Bob Farmer, City Attorney, informed the Commission he was contacted by Kevin Mitchelson, attorney for Ward-Kraft, regarding some old IRB’s the City had with Ward-Kraft back in 1985, 1989 and 1992. These bond issues have all been closed but the City still had their name on the title of their property. He asked the Commission to approve the Quit Claim Deed, a Bill of Sale, and a Release of Lease with the adoption of Resolution No. 48-2018.

Mitchell moved to approve Resolution No. 48-2018 releasing the bonds on the Ward-Kraft property. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 48-2018 OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AUTHORIZING THE SALE AND CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY TO WARD-KRAFT, INC. – APPROVED QUIT CLAIM DEED, BILL OF SALE, AND RELEASE OF LEASE.

  1. City Manager:

  1. 120 N. National – City Manager said that he was approached by a business owner to purchase the City lot at 120 N. National. The City has no reason to keep this property. He has met with the business owner and negotiated some terms of this property. This will be on the January 15th, 2019 City Commission agenda for approval.

  1. Chamber Coffee – City Manager informed the Commission that the Chamber Coffee will be held at City Hall this Thursday, December 20th, 2018 at 8:00 a.m.

  1. City Manager gave a 2018 highlight of all the departments of the City and their accomplishments.

  1. Certified Public Manager – City Manager informed the Commission that Chad Brown and Larry Gazaway just finished their CPM class and graduated in December. Robert Uhler and Michael Mix will attend this program in 2019.

  1. Health Care 2020 – City Manager said that he is very appreciative of the task force. He will be glad when an Emergency Room is here.

  1. Thank you card – City Manager read a thank you card from Todd & Karin Rogers who had camped at Gunn Park recently. The card stated that they have traveled this country from east to west and they both agreed that the camp ground at Gunn Park was by far a wonderful experience. They thanked Norman Mackley and Diane Clay for their assistance and kindness.

Diane Clay, City Clerk, explained they had to leave their camper at Gunn Park as they had a daughter who gave birth to a baby and needed to return home. Norman took good care and watched over their camper for them until they were able to come back and get it.

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:47 p.m. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:47 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on January 15th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK