Category Archives: Fort Scott

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Burke Street July 4th Americana: Parade and Food

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Burke Street Parade organizer Margaret Humphrey in the white, participates in a parade in years past. Submitted photo.

The community of Fort Scott is once again invited to the Burke Street Parade on July 4, to commemorate Independence Day in the U.S.

The parade is organized by people who live along the street on the city’s west side.

“We invite everyone,” Margaret Humphrey, one of the event’s organizers said. “This was started 37 years ago by myself, Susan Foster and Jill Gorman. Then Theresa Bahr helped with organizing after it became a bigger event. It was small and fun and we just continued every year. The crowd size varies depending on what day the 4th is on. We have walked in rain with small crowds–but if it is lightening we cancel.”

“It is always on the 4th of July at 10 a.m. unless it falls on a Sunday,” she said

“The little kids that were in the parade initially, have their children in it,” Humphrey said. “Phil Hammons and Jill Gorman lead with patriotic songs. We started singing after the  (Twin Towers during the terrorist strike in New York) fell–to promote patriotism.”

Frank Halsey is the traffic controller.

“This year Nate and Bailey Lyons will host the refreshments,” she said. “After the parade, we meet for cookies and drinks. We ask everyone to donate cookies.”

In 2018, Deb and Frank Halsey hosted the cookies and drinks under a tent on their lawn.
Burke Street residents offer food following the parade.

Humphrey finds someone to host with refreshments at their home each year and makes the informational fliers.

“Barb Albright now helps with distributing information,” Humphrey said.

“The best part of the event is seeing the children who have so much fun going up and down the street in their bikes, wagons, lawn mowers, with animals,” she said.

“People have asked about trucks, etc.(being in the parade) but our parade route is short and once the parade starts,  in seconds children are everywhere. It is a disorganized, organized parade.”

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Garden Club Adds Beauty to Fort Scott

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The Bourbon County Garden Club 2019. Front, from left: Leah Lewis, Barb McCord, Cheryl Bloomfield, Deb Lust, Sharon Campbell; back row: Priscilla Sellers, Ronda Hassig, Judy Wallis, Clara Scholfield, Karen Billiard, Jan Hedges and Rita Emmerson.

The Bourbon County Garden Club beautifies the town of Fort Scott.

“We do the flower baskets downtown,” Deb Lust, spokesperson for the group told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee attendees on June 20. “The city pays for them and we provide the labor.”

“We also do the three flower beds at the swimming pool and the planter in front of the city office,” she said.

“Barb McCord is the landscape architect,” Lust said.

There are several Kansas Master Gardeners in the club who are available to answer gardening questions from the public, she said.

Also available for questions is Krista Harding with the K-State Southwind Horticulture Agent, she said.

In years past, the club has organized The Secret Garden, a showcase for area gardeners.

“We need gardens for that,” Lust said, noting that task has become increasingly difficult.

The club meets the fourth Thursday of each month, except in the winter months.

“We encourage men and women to join us,” she said.

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 Scuttlebutt

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Due to a Fort Scott Post 25 baseball game on July 1, July’s general meeting is moved to Tuesday, July 2 at 7 pm. Come to Laroche Field and support your Post 25 baseball team.

 

The new Legion year begins July 1. You will be receiving renewal notices in the mail. Your support for the American Legion and it’s programs are very important to our Veterans. The American Legion has been instrumental in pushing two congressional bills relating to Agent Orange and Blue Water Navy and the Legion Act to make all Veterans who served since December 7, 1941 eligible to join the American Legion.  Without your membership, the American Legion would not have had the legislative clout necessary to have these bills heard in Congress.

 

Your support for the Fort Scott American Legion baseball team is needed. This is our 1st Legion baseball team in several years and we are literally starting from scratch on equipment. Myra and I will match $1.00 for every $10.00 donation. Our fundraising goal is $3,000. Registration, insurance, baseballs and other incidentals are expensive.

 

Our goal in Fort Scott is to build an American Legion baseball program based on integrity and develop young men of character for our community. and our nation.

 

Please mail your donation for the Fort Scott American Legion baseball team to

 

American Legion Post 25

PO Box 25

Fort Scott, Ks. 66701

 

You can make a donation at https://www.gofundme.com/fort-scott-american-legion-baseball/donate/?upsell=cpgn_share.

 

Call me at 620-215-1688 to arrange local pick up of your donation.

 

 Upcoming Events

 

June 26 @ 6 pm.  American Legion Post 25 baseball team versus Columbus at LaRoche Complex.

 

June 28. Graveside services with military honors for Post 25 Legionnaire David Dwight Bishard will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 28th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott. Friends and family will meet at the cemetery. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

 

July 1 @ 6 pm.  American Legion Post 25 baseball team versus Pittsburg at LaRoche Complex.

July 2. 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.

 

July 2. 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. Tonight’s meeting will include the installation of Post Officers for the 2019 – 20 Legion year. 2nd District Commander Marri Krupco will conduct the installation.

 

July 4. Post 25 Hot Dog giveaway at Fort Scott Wal-Mart from 11 am – 2pm or the dogs run out.  Stop by for a free hot dog, bag of chips and a drink.

 

July 8 @ 6 pm.  American Legion Post 25 baseball team versus Iola at Iola.

July 11. 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.

 

July 15 @ 6 pm.  American Legion Post 25 baseball team versus Iola at LaRoche Complex.

July 19 – 21. American Legion Zone Tournament. Location to TBA.

July 31 – August 4. American Legion State Tournament. Location to TBA.

 

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

VA Shuttle July Schedule

 

Mondays. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat. The shuttle will make stops in Pleasanton, Louisburg and Ottawa to pick up scheduled riders

 

Tuesdays. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat. The shuttle will make stops in Pleasanton, Louisburg and Ottawa to pick up scheduled riders

 

Wednesdays. Fort Scott/Kansas City VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat. The shuttle will make stops in Pleasanton, and Louisburg  to pick up scheduled riders

 

The shuttle will make stops in Pleasanton, Louisburg and Ottawa to pick up scheduled riders.

 

Carl Jowers. Commander

Fort Scott American Legion Post 25

Telephone: 620.215.1688

Email: [email protected]

Entertainment, Fort Scott

LibraryCon Coming July 20: Creative People Needed

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“Fort Scott Public Library seeks creative people and fans of all sorts to appear as guests at our first LibraryCon Community Event,” said Valetta Cannon, Fort Scott Public Library Youth Librarian, and Assistant Director.

“We are hoping to have a few people give talks or workshops on such things as costume design, DIY props, speaking in an accent or getting into character, or the like,” she said. ” Also welcome are book talks on favorite books within one or more genres, readings from original works, and displays of art or writings by a local artist or author.

“Love books or a favorite show, movie, series, or entertainment genre? Lead a trivia session covering your area(s) of expertise.”
Family-friendly ideas, decorations, costumes, and other contributions are welcome!
The free event will take place on July 20, 10 am – 2 pm, all throughout the library, and is for all ages.
Volunteers are welcome to stay for as little as a half hour or as much as the whole four hours, depending on their activity, availability, and preference.
Letters stating hours served will be provided upon request.
Contact Valetta Cannon at (620)223-2882, email her at [email protected], or visit in person at the library if interested in being part of this event.
Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Friday Night Free Concert: Mound City Trio

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The Friday Night Free Concert is at 7 p.m. each Friday evening at Heritage Park, First and Main Streets.

“This week’s show will feature a trio from Mound City,” Ralph Carlson, event organizer, said. “The trio features Tammie Snyder assistant pastor of the Mound City Christian Church. Tammie is the lead singer, Rob Hunt is vocal and keyboard, and Jamie Miller  is percussion.”

“The group plays regularly at the Mound City Christian Church and other venues,” Carlson said.  “Their music includesGospell, hymns, traditional music and classic rock. The group does most of their own special arrangements. I have heard their recording and am particularly impressed by the musical talent, the arrangements and the sincerity of their musical presentations.”

In the event of foul weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Grounds Coffee Shop.

“Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited,” he said.

Fort Scott, Schools

Martin Altieri: New Winfield Scott Assistant Principal

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Martin Altieri, 38, is the  Winfield Scott Elementary School Assistant Principal, starting July 22.

 

“My duties will be assisting (Principal) Ms. McGhee, who will be back in full capacity,” Altieri said.  “I will assist with school operations, providing support to staff and students in order to meet their social, emotional, and educational needs, and helping to implement district curriculum and technology initiatives.”

Altieri has seven years teaching middle school social studies in the Shawnee Mission School District and served nine years in the U.S. Army.

He earned a Bachelors in Secondary Education from Emporia State University and a  Masters of Science in School Leadership from Baker University.

Altieri’s hometown is Prairie Village, KS.

He has three children Morgan, 9; Marilyn 6; and Calvin, 4.
His parents are Michael and Joan, and he has two brothers – Matthew and Daniel.

Altieri has been involved in his community as a volunteer at Veteran’s of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Salvation Army. Additionally, he has coached baseball and soccer.

How did you become an educator?

“I have always enjoyed teaching and coaching and viewed education as a way to give back to the community and share my experiences and love of history with others.”

Did someone inspire you to teach?

“My mother, Joan. She went to college to become a teacher but opted not to enter the education field. She always said it was one of her biggest regrets.”

 

What is the best part of teaching for you?

“Developing relationships with students and parents. Seeing students excited to learn and looking forward to going to school. Watching students grow as young people and develop lifelong skills.”

What are the greatest challenges?

“Meeting the needs of students and ensuring learning is taking place for all students. Helping students deal with challenges outside of school.”

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet July 2

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Join the Chamber of Commerce
for the
Quarterly Downtown
Meet & Greet
Tuesday, July 2nd
Quarterly Downtown
Meet & Greet
Tuesday, July 2nd from 8:30-9:30am
La Hacienda Restaurant, 24 N. Main St.
The Chamber of Commerce hosts Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet at a different location for Downtown business owners or representatives, or anyone in the community with an interest in Downtown to attend and share thoughts and ideas related to Downtown, and to stay current on new happenings.
For more information,
call 620-223-3566
or visit the Chamber’s website
by clicking HERE.
Art, Fort Scott

Premier of Chamber Music Series June 27

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REMINDER:
The Fort Scott
Chamber Music Series’
first of three concerts
this Thursday,June 27th
Pianist
Baolong Zhang
Soprano
Vanessa Thomas
Kathleen and Ben Clinesmith
Creators of the Fort Scott Chamber Music Series
Last summer, and again at Christmastime, friends of Ben and Kathleen Clinesmith joined them in presenting two classical chamber music concerts at Fort Scott’s Presbyterian Church; support for both events was enthusiastic. From those concerts grew the idea of creating an annual chamber music concert series that could take place with area musicians, as well as musician friends from around the country.
With the generous support of individuals, local foundations, Key Charitable Trust, and the Bourbon County Arts Council, the newly launched
Fort Scott Chamber Music Series
debuts this year with three concerts: the first this Thursday, June 27th, the second on July 7th, and a third sometime in the fall.
This first concert, on June 27th, at 7pm will feature the newly restored Steinway piano at Fort Scott High School, played by competition winning pianist, Baolong Zhang.
The second concert, on July 7th at 7pm will take place in the Presbyterian Church sanctuary and will include flute, harp, cello, bass, and voice.  The Kansas City Symphony featured soprano Vanessa Thomas (who will appear on this concert) last December during their series of holiday concerts.
Fort Scott has a rich musical heritage; music has been valued and supported in our community.
With this history to build on, a chamber music series will add to the life, education, and culture for all area residents.
To read about the individual performers for the upcoming summer concerts, click HERE
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Express Employment Professionals: Help With Recruiting Employees

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Kai Runnells, Express Employment Professionals Business Developer in her office at 119 S. Main, June 2019.

All across America, unemployment is low.

Nationally, total nonfarm payroll employment went up in May 2019 with approximately 75,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdfon June 9. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services and in health care.

 

In Bourbon County, the unemployment rate is 4.1 percent, according to the website https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Map%20April%202019%20LAUS.jpg

 

A recent business opened an office in Fort Scott to help other businesses find suitable employees in this era where job seekers have diminished.

 

In April 2019, Express Employment Professionals opened an office in Fort Scott at 119 S. Main.  The franchise is based out of Independence,  since 2004.

The location of Express Employment Professionals, in between Fort Scott City Hall and  Crooner’s Lounge on Main Street.

“The staff and company provide businesses with their workforce needs,” Kai Rannells, business developer with EEP and the local representative, said. Rannells can be reached at 620-644-5050.

“There is a small fee for businesses,” she said. “This covers payroll burden liability. (The fee) varies on types of jobs.”

Because of the low employment rate, candidates without jobs need more coaching, Rannells said.

“Businesses are afraid of what it could cost to train and then retain employees,” she said. “That cost will fall on us. When a company brings in a new employee it costs a fair amount of money and if the employee doesn’t end up lasting, they are out that amount.”

EEP provides temporary or contract staff and do temporary to hire staffing.

“That’s where they start out temporary, and after probation is met, the company is able to hire them as a permanent employee,” Rannells said. “A lot of companies do that to make sure it’s a good fit for their team. We also do direct hires and professional searches.”

“We like to focus on helping people find the right candidate and job seekers find good careers,” she said.

“If someone is looking for a job, we do interviews to see what company would be a good fit of those hiring and we try to place them,” Rannells said. “It is a free service for job seekers.”

For more information about the services and EEP: https://www.expresspros.com/