Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Agenda for Nov. 19

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AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

NOVEMBER 19, 2019

6 p.m.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 5th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1250-A totaling $295,043.24.

  1. Christmas Parade Permit Form- December 3rd, 2019.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – 3 W. Oak Signage

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – 24 N. National – Addition to building

  1. Resolution No. 25-2019 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 510 S Heylman Street – Public Hearing Date – 1/7/2020 at 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution No. 27-2019 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 501 S. Osbun Street – Public Hearing Date – 1/7/2020 at 6:15 p.m.

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Seth Needham

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. Lake Sewer District Sewer Increase Public Hearing

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 26-2019 authorizing for sale of General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2019-1, of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas – River Intake Project

  1. Approval of financials

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Allyson Turvey

Robert Uhler

  1. Commission:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

American Legion Riders Charter Nov. 16

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American Legion Post 25 has reached 102.63% in membership.  The 2020 goal was 76 members. Today’s Department membership report has Post 25 at 78 members, including nine new members.
This is the 4th consecutive year for reaching 100% membership.
American Legion Riders Chapter will be chartered Saturday, November 16 at 10 am in Memorial Hall.
Riders membership is open to any American Legion family member who owns a motorcycle of at least 250 c’s.
A spouse of a motorcycle owner can also join the American Legion Riders, provided they are also a member of the Legion, Auxiliary or Sons.
Carl Jowers can sign up any eligible Legion family members tomorrow before the chartering ceremony. Plan on arriving early to complete the membership application.
Please share the word about the Riders Chapter chartering ceremony tomorrow.
Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.
Fort Scott, Government

Design Review Board Meets Nov. 18

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The Design Review Board will meet on Monday, November 18th, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at the City Hall Commission Meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to discuss a Certificate of Appropriateness for a sign at 3 West Oak Street and a Certificate of Appropriateness for an addition at 24 North National and any others matters to be brought before the Board. This meeting is open to the public.

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter November/December 2019

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Programs and information for Adults

Coloring for Adults will be on Tuesday instead of Wednesday the week of Thanksgiving (November 26th instead of the 27th).

Coloring for Adults
Wednesdays at the Library from 2:00-4:00

We supply coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. You’re welcome to bring your own supplies and projects, if you prefer.

Ongoing Book Sale
We have a shelf and 2 carts of books for sale downstairs ALL the time!
Paperback     $0.25
Hardback     $0.50
Other Items   $1.00 (or as marked)

Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. All you need is your library card login and a valid email address. Ask us if you need assistance.

Download ebooks and audiobooks. All you need is your library card login. Ask us if you need assistance.

 
 
 
Download ebooks and audiobooks from the State Library of Kansas. All you need is a Kansas Library eCard. Ask us if you need assistance.

5th Annual Family Holiday Party
Join us for a family holiday party! Enjoy holiday stories, songs, games, snacks, crafts, prizes, and gifts. Be sure to invite your friends or share on your timeline, too! Children 2nd grade and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Activities include cookie decorating, candy cane hunt, “snowball fight,” teen games, and crafts. All children and teens will receive at least one gift and a free book!
 
We are looking for volunteers to help supervise the activities and groups, and donors to help provide food. Please pass the word along and let Miss Val know at [email protected] or by calling 223-2882 if you want to help.

For Kids

Storytime
Join Miss Val for Storytime on Tues. or Wed. at 10 am weekly for a themed children’s program! Storytime features stories, crafts, snacks, singing, and sometimes, special guests, all centered around seasonal themes or ideas from attendees. The program is free and open to all ages! Each event also features a play and coloring table, which families with energetic little ones or special needs children find especially helpful. Join us and see for yourself! Upcoming themes: Firefighters & Fire Trucks (with a special appearance by our Fort Scott Fire Dept. on Nov. 19!), Thanksgiving, Royalty, Dragons & Fantasy Creatures, and the Holidays.
Tell us your child’s theme ideas here.
 
Miss Val is always seeking volunteers to help with programs and prep. Interested? Contact her at [email protected].

 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Join our free early literacy program and steer your baby or preschooler toward academic success! Studies show that children who are read to from an early age develop better vocabulary, make more connections in their brains, and form the needed skills to read by themselves much quicker than their average peers who are not read to. Sign up by stopping in at the library for your first reading log, welcome letter, and other paperwork. Take a look at our awesome readers here.
           

For Families

 
                               Come to Holidays Maker Monday!
December 9, 4 – 5 pm
Create holiday gifts, cards, ornaments, and decorations with Miss Val! Enjoy snacks & water and work as a family at this free program. Kids 2nd grade and below must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
 
Marvelous Monday
November 18, 2 – 3 pm
Go on an Autumn and Digital Walking Scavenger Hunt down Main Street at our Marvelous Mondays program for homeschool families and friends! Each participant may try to fill in our BINGO hunt cards and earn a free book for each BINGO. After our walk, we will share treats and crafts in the event room, and complete a brief survey to share tips with fellow homeschool families. In case of inclement weather, we will have an indoor library scavenger hunt. 

FIGHTERS for Teens & Tweens

Middle & High School Students, come on Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. for a free program just for you! Join our ongoing reading challenge, which will run through the end of next May. Reading prizes and books will be awarded for every 500 pages of reading. FIGHTERS stands for Familiar Inviting Group Helping Those Entities Recover from School. The name was chosen and voted on by our members.
November & December meetings will run as follows:
November 20, 4:15 – 5 pm: Steampunk-Themed Games & Snacks Night
November 27: NO MEETING DUE TO THANKSGIVING
December 4, 4:15 – 5 pm: Community Service: Decorate the library for the Holidays & Winter

December 11, 4:15 – 5 pm: Holiday craft night
December 18, 4 – 6 pm: Teen & Tween Holiday Party Games Night
NO Meetings on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1 due to Christmas & New Year’s.
Need a ride from public school to FIGHTERS? Parents or guardians, call Joe Allen at 223-0800 to arrange bus transportation for your student.

New books–Adult Fiction

A book of bones
by John Connolly

Three murders in different regions of England reveal the work of a sinister killer who is sacrificing victims for an evil agenda, compelling Charlie Parker’s gripping search for clues in multiple countries.

A keeper : a novel
by Graham Norton

Returning to Ireland after her mother’s death, Elizabeth Keane is focused only on saying goodbye to that part of her life until, while she is going through her mother’s belongings, she discovers a small stash of letters that reveal a startling truth.
…
Business, Fort Scott

New Tree Removal Business: Jason Lewis

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Jason Lewis, owner of Timber! Trees A to Z. Submitted photos.
Jason Lewis, 46, started a new business in May 2019 that provides tree removal services and more in Fort Scott.
The Fort Scott native, who graduated in 1991, spent the following 26 years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2017.
“I started this business so I could have a more flexible schedule,” Lewis said.
The name of Lewis’s business is Timber! Trees A to Z and also includes stump grinding, pasture clearing, debris removal, and residential dump truck services.
A part of Jason Lewis’s line of equipment. Submitted photos.
Timber! Trees A to Z address is 1082 205th St., Fort Scott.
Lewis can be reached at 620-215-6784 or
His community involvement includes serving as senior vice president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Club.

Lewis is married to Lori Lewis and has a daughter, Ainslee Lewis and three stepsons, Jacob, Hunter,  and Peyton Zubieta.

Jason Lewis works on a tree with some of his equipment. Submitted photos.

 

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

Fort Scott’s Holiday Open House Tonight Nov. 14 from 5-8 p.m.

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The annual Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce holiday shopping event is this evening.

From 5-8 p.m. Nov. 14,  stores in the downtown area will welcome shoppers with new displays and perhaps a snack.

Also Bartlesmeyer Jewelry, 1519 S. National; Sekan Occasion Shops, 2210 S. Main and the Lavender Patch, 2376 Locust, will be open late for shopping convenience.

New this year, Kenny Felt Photography will be offering $10 professional photos to make Christmas cards, with 10 percent of the sales going to local organization Care to Share. He will be a part of the Sekan Occasion Shops happenings.

Dolley the Trolley will be going store to store for those whose feet get tired going from store to store.

In addition to snacks to enjoy while shopping, many stores will be offering special drawings, including $50 in Chamber Bucks.

Santa sits on a bench in front of The Ironstar and gets a second look from Ernestine Eden at a past Holiday Open House.

Stores participating in the holiday event are Bids and Dibs, Books and Crannies, Country Cupboard, Courtland Hotel and Spa, Empress Event Center-Marketplace Vendors, Front Door Christmas Store,  Hedgehog.INK Book Store, Here We Go Again Upholstery and More,  Iron Star Antiques and Such, J&W Sports Shop, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Main Street Gallery and Gifts, Mayco Ace Hardware, Ruddick’s Furniture, Sekan Occasion Shop, Sunshine Boutique, the Lavender Patch, Trader Dave’s, Treasure Hunt Flea Market.

 

Lora Holdridge shows off a Christmas treasure she found at the Holiday Open House.
Business, Fort Scott

Gordman’s Opens at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving

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For those who love to get a head start on great holiday finds, Gordmans’ EPIC deals will begin on Thanksgiving.

Doors open on Thanksgiving Day at 3 p.m., and again on Black FriYAY starting at 6 a.m. As a holiday headquarters, Gordmans has all the perfect gifts for way less than department store prices.

 

Sneak Peek at a Few of the Deals

Smart Move: 50” 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart TV for $179.99

Stay Cool: Pelican™ Elite 30-Quart Cooler for $89.99

Get Up to Speed: Realtree® Ride-On Toy Truck with MP3, AUX and USB Capabilities for $89.99

 

It’s Worth Getting There Early…Line Up for Fun!

On Thursday and Friday, the first 75 guests…

  • get a scratch-off card — it could be a $100 Gordmans gift card or a $5 shopping card;
  • can enter a drawing to win a giant FAO Schwarz® teddy bear, replica of the cuddly Bella Bear from Gordmans’ BEARS that CARE partnership with St. Jude.

Black FriYAY-only awesomeness: the first 75 guests at each store receive a free, festive reusable holiday tote bag.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Ring A Bell to Assist Local Families

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Allen Schellack

It’s that time of year when shoppers notice the red kettles at stores, with smiling bell ringers waiting for donations.

The Salvation Army annual fundraiser starts the day after Thanksgiving in Bourbon County and bell ringers are needed.

There are flexible hours and days for volunteers to schedule a time of bell ringing.

“It’s great for individuals, families, churches and community service organizations,” Allen Schellack, who is the local contact for the Salvation Army, said.

“The Salvation Army has someone in each county to represent them,” he said. “Called a service extension unit and disaster relief.”

“Your donation will stay local, helping your Bourbon County neighbors in need,” he said. “With such help as utility assistance, some  temporary lodging, dental, prescription and glasses, it’s a wide range of things.”

“The last big flood we had, I gave someone a room until the water receded,” Schellack said. “I work case-by-case.”

“This year, $7,789 in assistance was provided 213 times to local families,” Schellack said.

For more information or to set up an appointment, contact Schellack at 620.223.2212.

Compassion Ministries, of which Schellack is the director, is located on the second floor at 26 N. Main. The ministry serves the underprivileged in Bourbon County.

Schellack is also the coordinator for Care Portal, which works with foster families.

To volunteer online go to https://registertoring.com

 

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee: Integrity Home Care and Hospice Nov. 14

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WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER!
JOIN US FOR
THE CHAMBER COFFEE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH, 2019 @ 8 AM
Hosted by: Integrity Home Care & Hospice
A Representative of the VFW will be presenting flags to three (3) Veterans: Daniel Longfellow of Fort Scott, Ward Wools of Fort Scott and James Quirk of Prescott.
These flags will be honored in the Veteran’s names and flown over our State Capital.
We start with Coffee, Great Company & Conversation
Located: 902 S. Horton St. Please use the Main Entrance off Horton Street. Next to the VA Clinic on the main floor.
Chamber Members and guests are encourages to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about hosting business or organization.
***Members may pay $1 to make announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
  • uUPCOMING COFFEES
  • November 21th – Sunshine Boutique
  • November 28th – No Chamber Coffee
  • December 5th – FSNHS (Fort) “Candlelight Tours”
  • December 12th – FSCC-EFAC – Santa’s Workshop
  • December 19th – City of Fort Scott
  • December 26th – No Coffee – Merry Christmas break!”
Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Minutes of Nov. 11

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Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met on Monday November I l, 2019, at
the Board of Education office for their regular monthly me€ting.
President David Stewart opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda.
The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

A. Minutes

B. Bills and Claims

C. Payroll, October I8, 2019: 51,407,823 .37

D. Financial Report

E. Bond Proceeds Reconciliation

F. Activity Fund Accounts

G. Parent/Teacher Conference statistics

H. Extended Trip request

Stephanie George reported on the Tenth Annual VIP Fall Extravaganza that will be held
on Monday, November 25, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School Gymnasium
and Commons Area.

Board members heard the following reports:

o Audit report from Terry Sercer with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton

o KNEA report from Stephanie George, KNEA President

o School report – Mike Trim, SRO Officer

o Administrators’ reports

Superintendent Ted Hessong welcomed the newly-elected board members who were in
attendance and then provided information on the following items:

Bus safety meeting

o Framework for Growth for Southeast Kansas workshop

o Special Education update .

Early Release activities

o Community Foundation awards that were given to USD 234 teachers and students o Kansas Recognition Program o Academic calendar

o District website
Gina Shelton, Business Manager, discussed the audits, gym equipment bids, open
enrollment sign-up, and benefits language.

Board members approved a roof payment, the purchase of high school gym bleachers,
and the 2020 audit contract with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton.
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss
personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.

The board approved the following employment items:

A. Early retirement request from Russ Gordon, Winfield Scott art teacher, effective
June l, 2020

B. Leave of absence request from Andi Heckman, preschool teacher

C. Leave of absence request from Glenda Cooper, Winfield Scott cook

D. Leave of absence request from Angela Christy, Winfield Scott paraprofessional

E. Employment of Michelle Johnson as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the 2019-20
school year

F. Employment of Mary Chapman as a middle school paraprofessional for the 2019-20
school year

G. Employment of Erica Clark as high school assistant cheer sponsor for the 2019-20
school year

H. Employment of Lane Bohlken as high school assistant softball coach for the 2019-20
school year

I. Adjustment in a work agreement for Moriah Dillow, Winfield Scott paraprofessional,
from a five-hour workday to a six-hour workday for the remainder of the 2019-20
school year

J. Employment of two additional high school team leaders for the 2019-20 school year

The board adjourned.

Business, Fort Scott

BBQ Is Coming to Old Buffalo Grill Restaurant

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The Buffalo Grill restaurant, at 3 W. Oak, is being repurposed.

After closing almost a decade ago, it has been used for special events.

But if all the plans fall into place, Dave Lipe said the restaurant will change to an upscale barbeque place in December.

Lipe and Luther Salisberry will be the restaurant owners and have just signed a five-year lease from building owner Al Niece which includes the River Room Event Center on the second floor.

Luther’s BBQ is the name of the new restaurant.

“We are shooting for Dec. 1 (opening date),” Lipe said. “I’ve got to have a lot of things put in place (before then). There is not much to do in the restaurant. We need to get a liquor license and some equipment and we will be ready to go.”

The new restaurant will seat about 150 people, while the River Room Event Center about 500, Lipe said.

“Our specialty will be burnt ends with specials during the week,” he said. “Pretty much everything will be made from scratch with price ranging from average to up.”

Also available will be pork chops, ribs, steaks, smoked brisket, and pulled pork, he said.

“It will be a gourmet, upper-end-style barbeque, mirrored after Q39 and Stack Jack Restaurants in the Kansas City area,” Lipe said.

From left is Alex Hudson/general manager, Luther Saulsberry/owner, David Lipe/owner. Submitted photo.

The business will be hiring approximately 20-40 people.

“Some part-time,” Lipe said.  “During busier times of the year, we’ll have a bigger staff. We’ll start interviewing in late November.”

Things are looking good for the business.

“I’ve already booked four weddings for next year,” he said. “The cost will vary, there are several packages available  and full-service catering.”

For the River Room Event Center outside catering will be allowed, he said.

 

 

Dave Lipe on the lift arm takes down the Buffalo Grill sign on the building at Oat St. and National Avenue on November 4. The lift equipment was loaned by Jason Lewis, lower left in photo, who owns a tree cutting business. The new restaurant will be Luther’s BBQ.