Category Archives: Fort Scott

Candidate Forum July 23

Save the Date: Community members are invited to an Election Candidate Forum co-hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals League of Bourbon County. The event will take place on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center at 2108 S. Horton. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for a meet & greet with the candidates and the forum will begin at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

There will be two races on the Primary Election ballot which will be included in this forum:

  • The first is USD-234 Position 3. There are 5 candidates for 1 position; this race will be narrowed to 2 candidates after the primary election. Candidates include Kellye Barrows, Joe Foulk Sr., Michael Hoyt, Josh Jones, and Aaron Judy.
  • The second is Fort Scott City Commission. There are 14 candidates for 3 positions; this race will be narrowed to 6 candidates after the primary election. Candidates include Cheryl Adamson, Harold (Pete) Allen, Kevin (Skitch) Allen, Cindy Bartelsmeyer, Casey Bolden, Tracy Dancer, Bobby Duncan, Bob Farmer, Josh Jones, Deb McCoy, Diana Morriss, Jeanie Parker, Lindsey Watts, and Matthew Wells.

Questions for the candidates may be submitted to the Chamber by July 22nd by email at [email protected] or mailed or dropped off in person. Candidates are asked to RSVP to the Chamber prior to the forum by phone or email.

For more information please contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566.

Cason: Via Christi Beginning to Explore Facility Options

Randy Cason, Ascension Via Christi Hospital President speaks at the grand opening of the Fort Scott Emergency Department on Feb. 28.

Ascension Via Christ came to Fort Scott to fill in the void of emergency care, following the closure of Mercy Hospital.

The following is an update on the facility options for the Fort Scott Emergency Department, from Randy Cason, president of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. Ascension Via Christ opened the local emergency department on Feb. 28, 2019.
“Ascension Via Christi stepped forward to meet the Fort Scott community’s immediate need for close-to-home emergency, laboratory and diagnostic imaging and we continue to explore and discuss options beyond our two-year lease agreement,” Cason said in a press release. “Our goal is to establish a sustainable model of care that best meets the needs of all the patients and families we serve in Ft. Scott and Southeast Kansas. However, we are still in the beginning stages of the exploration process of potential facility options.”
The door to the Emergency Department in Fort Scott.
The facility is operating out of the former Mercy Hospital building currently, which is located at 405 Woodland Hills on Fort Scott’s south side, just off Hwy. 69. The emergency department faces the south side of the building.
Ascension Via Christi took over operations of the emergency department in February 2019, following the closing of Mercy the end of December 2018.
From left: Tawny Sandifer, Ascension Via Christi Chief Nursing Officer; Naomi Powers, Director of the Emergency Department in Fort Scott and Pittsburg; Jessica Cobb, RN Nursing Manager, Fort Scott and Pittsburg; Kayla Stewart, RN Coordinator Clinical Program. The photo was taken during the opening of the emergency department in February 2019.
People who are interested in working with Ascension Via Christ can visit www.viachristi.org/jobs

Friday Night Concert: First Southern Baptist Church

The Friday Night Free Concert in the Park series is sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
The concert this Friday will be moved to the First Southern Baptist Church on South Main Street at 7 p.m.
Featured musicians are The Hemphill Family Band, The Prairie Sunflower Strings and Ryan and Amber Goodbody.
“I am particularly happy to have this lineup of talent,” said Ralph Carlson, event coordinator. “This is a special performance that you should not miss.”

The International Music Day 2019 is a celebration of music all over the world, Carlson said.
“Celebrated yearly on this day, it is a time to enjoy music of all kinds and a chance for community to come together with a common love for music,” he said.  “This is our First Annual International Music Day Concert event.

Fort Scott Commission Minutes of June 4

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of June 4, 2019 Regular Meeting #10

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 4th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

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

INVOCATION: Pastor Norman Tillotson, First Baptist Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Rhonda Dunn, Robert Uhler, Rachel Pruitt, Darrell Parker, Deb Needleman, Norman Tillotson, Deb McCoy, Dianna Morris, Brian Allen, James Wood, and representing the press, Jason Silvers of the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None were present.

Introduction of Tiana McElroy, City Prosecutor

Introduction of Adam Harrison, Codes Enforcement Supervisor

Introduction of Lyle Brittain, Codes Enforcement Officer

Recognition of Randy Ballweber, Codes Enforcement Officer

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 21st, 2019 and special meeting of May 28th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1239-A totaling $273,183.61.

Mitchell moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: James Wood – Closure of alley for events at Holmtown Pub – Mr. Wood thanked JoLynne Mitchell, Dave Martin, Mike Embry, Michael Mix, and Chad Brown. They had an issue behind their building last week and they reacted very quickly and found a solution. They have two upcoming events the next two weekends. They are fundraisers. They would like to utilize the north side of their building weather permitting. He asked to close Pine Street from National to the alley to utilize this area for the events. He asked for it to be closed from 12:00 noon on June 8th through the evening and also on June 15th.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to close Pine Street from National to the alley on June 8th and June 15th, 2019 for their two upcoming events. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CLOSE PINE STREET FROM NATIONAL TO THE ALLEY ON JUNE 8TH AND JUNE 15TH, 2019 FOR TWO UPCOMING EVENTS FOR HOLMTOWN PUB.

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

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. City Surplus Auction Update – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, gave the Commission an update on the City’s surplus auction that was held on May 10th, 2019. The total of the auction was $14,738.50. The auctioneer, Lance Anderson’s commission was 15% which totaled $2,210.78, advertising was $437.16; amounting to a net proceed of $12,090.56. Part of this went to the general fund and then a part of it went to the Police forfeiture fund as there was a vehicle that was seized and sold from the Police Department. She thanked Chad Brown and Tom Coffman and all the departments for their hard work.

  1. Consideration to approve extension of the Flood Fill Permit for Golden Arrow Corporation – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that she has a request from Golden Arrow Corporation, which is Greg Schick, for the property at 520 E. Wall. He has requested from the State and now from the City for a one year extension of his permit. Rhonda told him that she would not make a recommendation for a one year extension. We need to find a timeline to complete this project. We have waited three years. He is working on it. The property has changed and some of the building materials are gone. He is working with AG Engineering on compacting the fill. He is raising the property 12” from the flood plain. The permit expires on July 1st, 2019. The Commission can condemn this after this date if so desired. She has asked him to come up with a plan on this property.

Commissioner Adamson asked about the vehicles that are being placed there.

Rhonda said that she has spoken with him about the vehicles. He does own the old Red Barn property also. She has talked with the State and he does not have any kind of permit to place the vehicles there. He is asking the County for a permit to move materials west of the Red Barn. He prepares these vehicles for the scrap yard and brings a big truck in and hauls them off.

Rhonda asked them to look at this property in the next two weeks.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt appeared on behalf of Lindsay Madison, Chamber of Commerce, regarding the First Impressions invitation. You are all invited to hear the results tomorrow night at the Empress at 6:00 p.m. The group was here a year ago and will present their thoughts at this event.

  1. City Commission:

Adamson – Remarked that all the changes for Good Ol’ Days were good – the crowds were great.

Nichols Thanked all involved in the Good Ol’ Days for their hard work.

Bartelsmeyer Thanked all the City staff for their hard work this past weekend for Good Ol’ Days.

Mitchell Said she heard positive feedback on the weekend’s events.

Parker – Thanked all the staff for their efforts and hard work to put on this event.

  1. City Manager: Nothing to report.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:21 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:21 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on June 18th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DEB NEEDLEMAN

HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR

Fort Scott Commission Agenda for June 18

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

JUNE 18, 2019

6 p.m.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor Steve Cole, First United Methodist Church

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

Recognition of Dave Bruner, Certified Fire Protection Specialist

Introduction of Adam Harrison, Codes Enforcement Supervisor

Introduction of Lyle Brittain, Codes Enforcement Officer

Recognition of Randy Ballweber, Codes Enforcement Officer

Recognition of Fort Scott Fire Department firefighters

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 4th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1240-A totaling $538,657.58.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – 118 E. Wall Street

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – 120-122 E. Wall Street

  1. Fireworks Waiver – July 4th, 2019

  1. Parade Permit – Burke Street Parade – July 4th, 2019

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

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

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Bids – Electric Vault Building – Airport
  1. Consideration of amendment to Tobacco Ordinance
  1. Discussion of Golden Arrow Property – Greg Schick
  1. Consideration of street closure for Flicks on the Bricks – Skubitz on Main Street and all traffic south of Main to Wall

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Dave Bruner – EMS Update
  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

Meet The Author: Ronda Hassig, June 25

Join Hedgehog.INK!

for an Author-talk and Book-signing

with Ronda Hassig

June 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in her home at 512 S. Judson,

(former home of Ken and Charolette Lunt)

Ronda Hassig is a retired middle school librarian and author.  She is a 5th generation Kansan born and raised in Lawrence. She has always loved history and she and her husband Rob have traveled the world collecting artifacts from the Civil War, Civil Rights, World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the Cold War.  

Ronda has a passion for primary sources and uses them in all of her books.

Ronda and her husband have recently moved to Fort Scott.

The Greatest Test of Courage follows Edward Mack during World War II. Stationed in the Philippines, his life changed forever on December 7, 1941.

Learn about Edward Mack’s story and how his ring found in California in 2007, prompted the writing of his story.

National History Day 2019: FSMS

Fort Scott Middle School students attended the National History Day competition June 9-13th in College Park, Maryland.

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Katelyn Dancer. Submitted photo.

Participating for the first time were Kaitlyn Leavell, Kaitlin Hardwick and Adelynn Nolan.

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From left to right. Kaitlin Hardwick, Adelyn Nolan, Katelyn Dancer, Kaitlyn Leavell.

The group competed in the junior group performance category with a project titled “We will not be silent: the triumph through tragedy of the White Rose Resistance Group”.

 

Katelyn Dancer competed for her second year at National History Day as a junior individual performance with her project “Radium Girls: triumph despite tragedy”. Dancer received the top junior project award for the Kansas delegation, and finished fourth in the nation in junior individual performance. Both projects were well received by their judges and received high marks.

“After all the hard work, extra practices and numerous revisions of both script and annotated bibliographies, all four girls can’t wait to try again with next year’s theme, ‘Breaking through Barriers’,” Angie Kemmerer said.

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State parade of competitors before the National History Day awards ceremony in Maryland. Submitted photo.

Lavender Patch Fest II June 15

Devin and Betsy Reichard, owners of the Lavender Patch. Submitted photo.
This year,  Lavender Fest II is this Saturday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $5, with children five-years-old and under free.
Activities include live music from Bob Pavey Lovett and Red Letter Edition, a bluegrass/gospel band that has played at Silver Dollar City.
They are back by popular demand, Betsy said.
There will be a demonstration from Martha Scott on making lavender wands/bottles and little lavender baskets.
Betsy Reichard and Martha Scott, right, discuss the lavender bottles that Scott will be making for the festival.
“You also have the opportunity to make your own or buy one from her,” Betsy said.
Betsy Reichard will be giving demonstrations on making lavender wreaths and present “I have lavender, now what do I do?” she said.
Tours of the lavender fields, as well as info on how to plant lavender, will also be given.
“In addition, we will have lavender plants available to plant,” Reichard said.  “For those who would like to take a bundle home, we will once again have you-pick lavender bundles for $5.”
There will be outdoor games, picture taking opportunities, and the chance to sit, relax, and enjoy time with friends and family. she said.
Lavender plants.
A sign welcomes to the Lavender Patch, 2376 Locust Rd.
What is the Lavender Patch?
“The Lavender Patch is a small family owned lavender farm located just east of Ft. Scott city limits on Locust Rd,” Reichard said. ” We have over a thousand lavender plants and 20 varieties. Our farm is a Kansas agritourism farm and we welcome visitors to walk through the fields, take pictures, pick a lavender bundle and visit our gift shop our hours of operation which is 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday in June and in July it will change to 9  to noon. Thursday through Saturday, people may also call and an appointment can be made for other days and times.”
The Lavender Patch gift shop sells all things lavender.
When did it start?
We decided to start our lavender farm in 2009 and spent the year researching, connecting with other lavender farms, and making plans. In 2010 we planted our first few plants to see if this is what we wanted to do. In 2011 we moved so did not do anything addition with the lavender but in 2012 we started planting in mass with lots of help from family and friends. Through the years we have had our struggles and just to get plants to live was our goal! However, in 2016 we switched to a new area on our farm and are having much more success!”
Why a lavender farm?
“We bought this property in 2008 since we had always wanted to live in the country. In 2009 we went to California to see Davin’s brother Daryl, his wife Erlinda and their family.  Erlinda had visited a lavender farm in California and thought it would be a neat thing to do. Knowing that we had bought this property and that they (Daryl and Erlinda) planned to move back to Kansas, Erlinda had the idea this was something we could do together as a family. While in California, we all visited the same lavender farm Erlinda had gone to previously. We talked to the owners, toured their farm, and then started our research. While on that trip, we decided on the name The Lavender Patch although Erlinda was the one who originally came up with it. “
 
New this season? 
We have added more plants and replaced many that died this winter from winter kill. Lavender doesn’t like to have ‘wet feet’ so this rain we have had has been a challenge. We have had some of our plants that have struggled and others didn’t make it. We do have some new products in our gift shop, including some lavender scone, bread, and cookie mixes.”
 

Betsy Reichard can be reached at620-223-1364

Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 Scuttlebutt

 

 

Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 continues to lead the Department of Kansas in membership at 153% with 78 members.

 

Post 25 Legionnaire David Bishard has transferred to Post Everlasting. Additional information on funeral services will be provided at a later date.

 

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.  If you use GoFundMe, they ask for a platform “service” fee. It is up to you to adjust the “recommended” fee by selecting other.

 

You can also call  me at 620-215-1688 to arrange a local pick up of your donation. No donation too small.

 

 

 

 Upcoming Events

 

June 13. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 meets in Memorial Hall at 6 pm this evening.  Tonight’s meeting is a “meet and greet” and will be the last one before the Auxiliary Unit is chartered in July. All eligible female family members of veterans are invited to attend.

 

June 13. 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.

 

June 14. Flag retirement at The Fort NHS at 7 pm. Unserviceable American flags will be honorably retired during the ceremony. This event is open to the public.

 

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

 

VA Shuttle June 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.

 

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.

 

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, Louisburg and Ottawa to pick up scheduled riders.

 

Carl Jowers. Commander

Fort Scott American Legion Post 25

Telephone: 620.215.1688

Email: [email protected]

Ultra High Speed Internet Now Available Through Craw-Kan

A map of the Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative coverage ability for the Fort Scott area. Submitted photo.
Craw-KanTelephone Cooperative, Girard,  is offering ultra high-speed internet, high definition television and unlimited telephone service over 100% buried fiber optic FTTH network to residences and businesses inside the city limits of Fort Scott, mostly on the west side of town.
“Our first customers inside the city limits of Fort Scott we installed in early 2018,” Zach Adams,  Craw-Kan Marketing Manager said.  “We will attempt to complete the rest of the city limits of Fort Scott in 2020.”
Craw-Kan conducted a  business  study prior to coming to Fort Scott.
“After extensive study, it was determined that the demand for a new Internet Service Provider in the City of Fort Scott was adequate to make a successful business model,” Adams said.   “Partnership’s with Bourbon County and the City of Fort Scott proved helpful in making it easier for Craw-Kan to expand into Fort Scott. “
A landline purchase is not required.
“Customer’s in Fort Scott are not members of the cooperative and thus are not required to have landline telephone service and do not receive the benefits of cooperative membership,” Adams said. “It is required however that a customer subscribes to the internet if they wish to subscribe to our cable tv or telephone line.”
What are the costs involved?
“No installation for internet, cable tv (up to 3 TVs), no equipment rental fees and we provide remote management of our gateway router free of charge,” Adams said. ” Customer only pays for monthly service charges.  All internet and telephone is unlimited usage – we do not bill overages or long distance.”
Residential internet service ranges from approximately $50 to $70 per month, cable TV service approximately $40 – $100 per month, plus extra for movie packages, according to the Craw-Kan website:
Call 620-724-4542 for more information or to place an order.