Category Archives: Fort Scott

Business, Fort Scott

Gordmans Store Expansion Celebration Aug. 10

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GORDMANS: GROWING AND BETTER THAN EVER!

COMMUNITY INVITED TO STORE EXPANSION CELEBRATION AND FOOD DRIVE AUGUST 10

Gordmans to Provide Donation to The Keyhole

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (Aug. 1, 2019) – Gordmans in Fort Scott will be expanding its merchandise beyond its home décor and toys assortment to include popular name brand apparel, footwear, beauty products and accessories at the lowest possible prices compared to department stores. Gordmans, located at 2400 South Main Street, will celebrate its expansion during an in-store event Saturday, Aug. 10 beginning at 10 a.m.

As part of the celebration, Gordmans is giving back to the community by supporting The Keyhole with a food drive and $500 donation. The Keyhole is an organization that provides meal and afterschool programs to children in the Fort Scott community. The food drive is being held in conjunction with Gordmans’ back-to-school campaign to raise awareness and funds for No Kid Hungry, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood hunger.

In addition to the food drive, Gordmans will have giveaways and special offers for guests.

  • Free Gifts Plus Shopping Cards: The first 100 guests to visit Gordmans when it opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10 will receive a free gift and have an opportunity to win a $50 gift card or a $5 shopping card. In addition, $25 gift cards will be given away every half hour from 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Rewards Galore: Gordmans guests who enroll in the Style Circle rewards program will enjoy incredible payback rewards, a birthday gift and more.
  • Gordmans Credit Card Savings: Gordmans’ guests who apply and are approved for a Gordmans credit card will receive 20 percent off their first day’s purchases.

“At Gordmans, we have put the fun back into shopping by creating an exciting store where terrific deals and popular name brands are at every turn. Fresh new merchandise deliveries arrive weekly in our stores, creating the thrill of a great find,” said Michael Glazer, President and CEO of Stage. “We are excited to invite our loyal guests and newcomers to join us as we celebrate Gordmans’ expansion in Fort Scott and support The Keyhole.”

Below are suggested kid-friendly food items that the Keyhole will be accepting at Gordmans on Aug. 10.

  • Juice boxes
  • Fruit cups
  • Granola bars
  • Trail mix
  • Peanut butter
  • Jelly
  • Applesauce
  • Bottled water
  • Other nutritious snacks
  • Guests also have the opportunity to support No Kid Hungry by purchasing food-themed lunch totes, water bottles and drawstring packs online at gordmans.com/nokidhungry. Items feature unique characters and fun sayings kids will love and parents will approve. Gordmans will donate 50% percent of the retail sales price of each item to No Kid Hungry. 

    Gordmans is part of the Stage community of stores. Stage has opened 74 Gordmans this year, including the store in Fort Scott. By the end of 2019, there will be over 150 Gordmans stores across the country.

  • About Stage Stores
  • Stage Stores, Inc. is a leading retailer of trend-right, name-brand values for apparel, accessories, cosmetics, footwear and home goods. The Company operates in 42 states through 645 BEALLS, GOODY’S, PALAIS ROYAL, PEEBLES, and STAGE specialty department stores and 141 GORDMANS off-price stores, as well as an e-commerce website at www.stage.com.
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

It’s My Very Own Bags of Love Provides Personal Care In Bourbon County

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Submitted photos by Janet Tucker.

“It’s My Very Own” Bags of Love, a ministry to provide children from birth-17 years old some “comfort” and immediate personal care items of their very own, after being removed from their home through the Department of Children and Family Services.

The ministry started in February 2016.

A group of volunteer women donate their time to come to the church and each one has a preference of what they do to help.

“Some sew the comforters, iron the fabric, cut the fabric, make duffle bags, tie the finished comforter or sew on labels or buttons,” said Janet Tucker, organizer of the ministry.

The meeting times are Monday evenings at the Seventh-day Adventist Church at 2308 East Jayhawk Road from 4-8 pm.
Call Janet Tucker, Chapter President at  620-768-9356 to check if the group is meeting that week.
Funding is provided by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.
FSACF serves to fulfill the philanthropic goals that benefit the common good and improve quality of life by providing leadership and programming that is responsive to the interest and needs of the residents of the Fort Scott area.
“Also the Bourbon County Community has been so good to donate from clubs, organizations, to individual’s,” Tucker said.  “This mission has been so blessed by a community of giving people.”
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 Scuttlebutt

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American Legion Post 25 Colorguard. Submitted photos.

 

The new Legion year has begun. The Legion calendar runs from July 1 – June 30 each year.  Please consider renewing your Legion membership at this time. By doing so, you keep your mailbox from being cluttered with requests to renew from Legion National and you save the Legion printing and mailing costs that can be used for programs to support our Veterans and their families.

 

You can mail in the renewal notification you received in the mail. However, the quickest way to renew your membership is to go online to www.legion.org. Just follow the prompts to renew.  We’ll be notified of your renewal and will mail you your new Legion card.

 

Online renewals are safe, easy and are quicker than writing a check, finding a stamp and mailing your renewal in.

 

You can also pay your 2020 dues at our August 5 meeting as well.

 

There is a Department membership contest for Posts that reach 75% by mid-September. We are very close to achieving that goal. We’ve been the Number 1 Kansas Post for two consecutive years.  Let’s continue to set the bar high for other Posts.

 

The Legion Act has passed both houses of Congress. As soon as President Trump signs this bill into law, any honorably discharged Veteran who has served since December 7, 1941 can join the American Legion. There are many Bourbon County Veterans who can now join the American Legion and Post 25, in particular.  Invite them to our next meeting or contact me for membership applications.

American Legion Post 25 Colorguard in the opening game at LaRoche Stadium, Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

 

The Post 25 baseball team finished 4th in the zone playoffs in Humboldt. This was the 1st Fort Scott American Legion team in several years. Our players did an outstanding job competing against nearby powerhouses such as Pittsburg and Iola. Kudos to Legionnaire and Vice Commander Earl Adams who pulled together a Legion baseball team and guided it to zone playoffs. Also, we also thank our many corporate and individual donors who helped the team fund its season.

Earl Adams, American Legion Post 25 baseball organizer. Submitted photo.

 

Next year, Post 25 will get an early start on the Legion’s baseball season and through community and Post 25 support, we hope to recruit and field a Fort Scott Legion baseball team by March, 2020.  The American Legion baseball program is based on integrity and develops young men of character for our community and our nation. Our young men never gave up in a game. They played their hearts out until the last inning, even when it was obvious that the “W” was out of reach in a game.

 

A Past Post Commander of Columbus Post 3 commented how crisp and professional looking the Post 25 Color Guard is. He was very impressed with them and commented how long it’s been since he has observed an American Legion Color Guard presenting colors at an athletic event.

 

I have attached a copy of the July Department eNewsletter and the quarterly Sunflower. As a cost cutting measure, these publications are now only sent to registered  to       http://myLegion.org members.

 

 

 

To stay informed about National and Kansas Legion activities and events, go to myLegion.org and set up your own personal myLegion.org account. It’s easy to do and your information is never sold to any third party.

For more information, click below:

Sunflower july sept 2019

Kansas Legion E-Newsletter . July 2019. Carl Revised Final

 

Sick and Distressed Members

 

Legionnaires Marvin Taylor and Raymond Kalm are home recovering after being admitted to area hospitals for health issues. Let’s keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. If you are aware of a Legionnaire or a Legion family member in sickness or distress, please let me know so I can inform our Post Chaplain.

 

 

 Upcoming Events

 

August 5. Post 25 meet and greet at 6:30 pm in Memorial Hall. Come and enjoy the fellowship of other Veterans. Bring an eligible Veteran to visit our Post.

 

August 5. Post 25 general membership meeting at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. Our membership meetings are open to all. SAL members are strongly encouraged to attend.

 

August 8. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 meets in Memorial Hall at 6 pm this month. All eligible female family members of veterans are invited to attend.

 

August 8. American Legion Post 25 Color Guard meets in Memorial Hall at 7 pm this month. The Post 25 Color Guard is open to all Post 25 Legionnaires and SAL members.

 

August17. Homecoming event at Shawnee American Legion Post 327 for Department Commander, Department Auxiliary President and Department SAL Commander. See below flyer for more details.

 

Remember to check out Post 25 on Facebook. It contains current information pertaining to Veterans and their families.

 

 

 

NEW VA Shuttle August Schedule

 

VA Shuttle Service between Fort Scott and Topeka/Kansas City VA facilities is now available Mondays – Thursdays.

 

The VA shuttle departs Fort Scott and depending upon the destination, riders can be picked up in Pleasanton, Louisburg and Ottawa. A rider must be at one the designated pickup locations.

 

The shuttle will go to either Topeka or Kansas City, but not both cities on the same day. The city destination is based upon the 1st Rider who calls to schedule a seat for either Topeka or Kansas City.

 

Shuttle seating is limited. Riders must schedule a seat by calling 785-925-0261 and leaving a message with their appointment day and time and a call back telephone number.

 

Veterans needing a caregiver to ride with them must let the scheduler know. Shuttle seating is limited so only authorized caregivers can accompany the Veteran.

 

Appointments can also be scheduled by email through [email protected].

 

Appointments must be between 9 am and 1 pm.

 

Contact shuttle coordinator Carl Jowers at 785-925-0261 or [email protected] with any questions you might have regarding the shuttle usage or for more information.

 

Carl Jowers. Commander

Fort Scott American Legion Post 25

Telephone: 620.215.1688

Email: [email protected]

Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Young Entrepreneur: Hannah Vann

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Hannah Vann, owner of Quick & Clean Auto Detail. Photos Submitted by Erin Vann.

This is part of a series that features area entrepreneurs under 30 years of age.

If you know of someone deserving this publicity, email  [email protected] with your name, why you are nominating the entrepreneur, their name and email/phone number.

 

Hannah Vann of Fort Scott, 16, was nominated to be featured as a young entrepreneur by her aunt, Trisha Newton.
In May 2018 Vann started her business, Quick & Clean Auto Detail, working from her home.

“Last year when trying to work while being involved in sports and school she was finding it hard to find a job that worked well with her schedule,” Newton said. “So she decided to start detailing cars during her spare time.”

Hannah said the original reason for learning to detail cars was an argument with her mom.

“I started my business after my mother and I got into an argument over me being sassy,” Vann said. “As a punishment she made me clean our Suburban.”

“She and my aunt always said it would be nice to have a good clean, rather than a $100 detail, of their cars,” Vann said. “I realized I had an amazing opportunity to start a successful business, that also worked around all of my sports and school activities.”

Hannah is the daughter of Tarrell and Erin Vann.

“The unique part about her detailing is that she is not charging a ton like a normal detail costs, instead making it an affordable, quick clean,” Newton said.  “Your basic vacuum/wipe down etc. for those busy people on the go and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg!”

The service includes an interior vacuum,  and cleaning of windows, floor mats, dash, console, doors, door and seat trim.

“I charge $35 for cars and trucks and SUV’s start at $45,”  Vann said.

“She has kept very busy all summer and continues to work hard for her customers,” Newton said.

“I have approximately 40 costumers,” Vann said.

Van can be reached at 620-224-8555.

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

Cherry Jammers Perform at Friday Night Free Concert

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The Friday Night Free Concert at Heritage Park this week will feature the Cherry Jammers music ensemble from the Cherry Grove Baptist Church.

It is held at 7 p.m. at the corner of Main and First Street in downtown Fort Scott.

“This group is one of our favorites who have performed for us for many years,” Ralph Carlson, event organizer for the Chamber of Commerce, said. “The group sings hymns and gospel classics. The group combines vocal and various musical instruments.”

Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.

In the event of bad weather the event will move to The Common Grounds Coffee Shop on Main Street.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

LEGION Act signed into law The American Legion July 30

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In a significant legislative victory for The American Legion, President Trump signed a bill July 30 that declares the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941.
The American Legion sought the declaration as a way to honor approximately 1,600 U.S. service members who were killed or wounded during previously undeclared periods of war.

The LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act) also opens the door for approximately 6 million veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.
“Recognizing the service of these wartime veterans is the right thing do and it is long overdue,” National Commander Brett Reistad said. “The families of those who were killed or wounded during these wartime acts should take pride in knowing that we recognize their sacrifice and service. Moreover, we are proud to welcome any of the six million living veterans from the previously unrecognized periods into our organization and call them ‘Legionnaires.’”

Now that the legislation has been signed, The American Legion’s eligibility criteria immediately changes from seven war eras to two: April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941 to a time later determined by the federal government. No other restrictions to American Legion membership are changed.

The law’s journey began on Feb. 14 when Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., introduced S. 504, along with Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. A companion measure, H.R. 1641, was introduced in the House by Reps. Lou Correa, D-Calif., and Ben Cline, R-Va.
Reistad expressed gratitude to the bipartisan members of Congress for passing the legislation.
“We are grateful that President Trump fully acknowledges the importance of The American Legion by signing the LEGION Act in the White House today – just one week after it passed the House of Representatives,” Reistad said. “In an era of partisan gridlock, Republicans and Democrats in Congress overwhelmingly recognized the importance of allowing thousands of honorable but previously ineligible veterans the right to join the largest and most influential veterans organization in the country.”

Reistad pointed out that existing American Legion membership applications are in the process of being updated but can still be used. “In the meantime, I recommend that prospective Legionnaires and recruiters write ‘LEGION Act’ in the eligibility date section of American Legion membership applications if they fall outside the previous war eras,” Reistad said. “The larger pool of veterans now eligible for The American Legion will also open their family members to eligibility in the Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary as well.”

Any Veteran who has served one day on active duty and was honorably discharged can now join the American Legion.

We have quite a few Bourbon County Veterans who can now join the Fort Scott American Legion.  I already have four area Veterans ready to join our Post.  Reach out to Veterans you know and ask them to join us.  

Contact me for membership applications OR invite them to our next meeting on Monday, August 5 at 7 pm. All they need in order to join our Post is proof of honorable service and their first year’s dues of $40

Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.

620-215-1688.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 BOE Special Meeting Minutes of July 30

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Members of the USD 234 Board of education met on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, for a special noon meeting at the Fort Scott Middle School Community Room.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

Gina Shelton, Board Clerk, presented 2019-20 budget information.

Board members approved an Early Retirement and 4030) Employer Match Plan

Provisions and Groups for licensed employees and Match Plan

Provisions and Groups for classified employees for the 2019-20 school year.

In addition, the board approved a revised
2019-20 school calendar and ratified the 2019-20 negotiated agreement.

There were no sealed bids received for the sale of the property at 21 3 Scott Avenue.

The board went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel, returned to open meeting, and approved the following employment matters:

A. Resignation of Curt Toll, high school teacher aide, effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year

B. Resignation of Debra Baimi, middle school paraprofessional, effective August 16,
2019

C. Resignation of Gary Floyd, high school paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year

D. Resignation of Alyssa Park, high school cook, effective July 24, 2019

E. Transfer of Brenda Hill, Eugene Ware instructional coach, to elementary instructional coach for the 20 1 9-20 school year

F. Contract extension for Josh Messer, high school counselor, for the 20 I 9-20 school year

G. Appointment of Robyn Kelso as the high school attendance officer for the 2019-20 school year

H. Employment of Emily Elliott for high school vocal presentations and musical music director/middle school vocal presentations for the 2019-20 school year

I. Employment ofDelynn Abati as high school play assistant for the 2019-20 school year

J. Employment of Taylor Qualls as high school play assistant for the 2019-20 school year

K. Resignation of Stewart Guss, Eugene Ware custodian/bus driver, from his bus driver duties only, for the 2019-20 school year

L. Employment of Amy Harper as high school sophomore sponsor for the 201 9-20 school year

M. Resignation of Stacey Dawson, high school custodian, effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year

The board approved a 5% raise for administrative and classified employees for the 2019-20 school year.

The board adjourned.

Church news, Fort Scott, Schools

Bingo To Benefit School Shoe Program for Local Youth

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Come for a night of fun for a great cause!

The public is invited to Shoe Voucher Bingo from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on July 31 at Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton.

With  a $10 donation participants will received a 10 game packet with three cards on each game. That’s 30 chances, yes 30, to win some great prizes from local businesses.

Prizes will be listed as they are donated on the event’s Facebook Page. Click here to view:

https://www.facebook.com/events/883633282004426/

All proceeds from this event go directly to the Shoe Voucher Program.

The Shoe Voucher Program is a local program assisting area students/families with shoe purchases for the upcoming school year.

Light Concessions will be available.

This is for anyone in the community.

Please share and invite friends. Kids can play as long as they are old enough to manage their cards.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Tax Holiday This Weekend

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Fort Scott’s
Sales Tax Holiday
Weekend
This weekend,
August 2nd, 3rd & 4th
No Sales Tax Holiday Weekend
August 2nd, 3rd & 4th
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce an opportunity for shoppers to save money
August 2nd through the 4th.
Select retailers will be offering a
Sales Tax Holiday by volunteering to pay the sales tax for shoppers.
Enjoy a 9.4% discount this weekend at these participating merchants:
Bids & Dibs
Books & Grannies
The Electronic Store
Fort Scott Gun & Pawn
Hedgehog.INK
J & W Sports
Papa Don’s Pizza
Ruddick’s Furniture
Sekan’s Occasion Shops
Sunshine Boutique
These stores offer a variety of merchandise including apparel, home décor both new and repurposed, school supplies and much more.
There is no need to cross the border during this No Sales Tax Holiday Weekend.
Save money,
Shop local,
Shop Fort Scott!
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Beacon Receives Grant From SEK Foundation

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Beacon Director Gary Murrell with Receptionist Patty Mowen. Photo by Carol MacArthur.

The Beacon, a local helping agency,  recently received a grant for an equipment upgrade for the frozen meat products it distributes to qualified clientele.

The $2,300 dollar grant was received from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas for another cooler for the agency,  said Board Chairwoman Carol MacArthur.

The grant is for freezer space to serve existing and expanding clientele because more space is needed, she said.
“The products come from Kansas Food Bank, Feeding America, and many generous donations by Bourbon County citizens and organizations,” Director Gary Murrell said.
“More freezer space is needed so that when opportunities arise to buy larger amounts more cheaply, we can do that,” Foord Service Manager Dave Gillen said. “Too, when we alert Kansas Food Bank that we have more freezer space, they will consider that in allocating larger amounts to the Beacon.”
The Beacon is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, with two exceptions:  the second and fourth  Tuesdays when the agency is open 4:30-7 p.m. and not in the daytime.
The Beacon provides food services and financial assistance, which could include assistance with prescriptions, travel to work or to a medical facility, rent, utilities, and much more.

Murrell is the director, Gillen is the foodservice manager and receptionist is Patty Mowen.

“The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds, created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community.  Grants from the funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and many charities beyond Kansas. Call the Foundation, 620 231 8897 with questions about the Community Foundation and its many services available for donors.”

Dave Gillen is the food service director for the Beacon. Photo by Carol MacArthur.
Business, Fort Scott

LaRoche Building Renovation Ongoing

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The LaRoche Buildings at the corner of Wall Street and National Avenue.
The buildings at the corner of Wall Street and National Avenue are getting a major renovation, as many who drive past the prominent corner have noticed.
The work is being done by Jennifer LaRoche.
 LaRoche is the sole owner of the buildings and has been acting as the general contractor of the renovation.
“It is coming along and it has been a fun process so far,” LaRoche said.
When completed one of the storefronts will be the Common Grounds Coffee Shop, currently located at 116 S. Main.
“The coffee shop will be the storefront that is closest to the alley,”  on Wall Street, LaRoche said.
What the building next door will house when completed, is uncertain.
“We have a lot of ideas but time will tell,” LaRoche said. “I am just working on getting it closed-up to the weather right now.”
LaRoche purchased the buildings in January 2018.
“As a Fort Scott native, I felt that I needed to do my part in caring for the history of our downtown,” she said. “It has been a joy to work with the historical society and the National Parks and Recreation Services. The city of Fort Scott has been supportive and a big part of making our downtown great again.”
“There is not one part of it that has not been overturned,” LaRoche said. “We have opened up and exposed as much of the history of the building as we could.”
Research has been done on the history of the two buildings and will be displayed throughout the buildings when the project is complete, she said.
Storefronts are on the north and the east sides of the LaRoche buildings in historic downtown Fort Scott.

Mid-Continental Restoration, with offices in Fort Scott; Parkston, North Dakota; Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; and Kansas City, is repairing and replacing the masonry on the buildings.

Mid-Continental Restoration has a work truck inside the cordoned-off area on the north side of the LaRoche Buildings on July 24.

A three-man crew is repairing and anchoring the bricks as needed, Chris Fountain, foreman, said.

They began the process in November 2018, and “expect to be on it through the rest of this year,” Fountain said.

He currently is having difficulty finding a match for the brick facade, he said.

“The ‘bones’ are solid,” he said. “The facade is what needs to be repaired.”

One of the building’s roof has been repaired and the other is not yet completed.

“There are trees up there three-feet tall,” Fountain said.

Architects and engineers have been involved in the renovation also and currently carpenters are working inside, he said.