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Category Archives: Fort Scott
Children’s Book On Sale at Hedgehog.Ink
July Special
Children’s Books
Buy two get one free
(same price or less)
Hedgehog.INK! Gently Used Books and So Much More…
Under the Bright Blue Awning – 16 S. Main downtown
Historic Fort Scott
Hours: Sunday & Monday 1:00-5:00
Tuesday thru Saturday 10:00-5:30
620-670-2752 [email protected] www.hedgesbookstore.com
A Community of Books for the Community
Storytime At Hedghog Ink This Saturday
SECOND SATURDAY STORYTIME
SATURDAY July 13
10:30 a.m.
With Storyteller
Shari Magee
16 S. Main Fort Scott, KS
620-670-2752 [email protected] www.hedgesbookstore.com
A Community of Books for the Community
Meet and Greet: Lots of Activity in Fort Scott
Community members interested in downtown Fort Scott meet throughout the year to talk about downtown issues at the Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet.
On July 2, the meet and greet was hosted by La Hacienda Restaurant and sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, with the City of Fort personnel and attendees giving updates on happenings.
Mirna and Jose Santana, owners of La Hacienda, thanked the attendees for supporting the restaurant for the nine years they have been in Fort Scott.
“We try to do our best,” Mirna said.
Chamber Executive Director Lindsay Madison led the meeting.
Madison talked about the First Impressions program that Kansas State Research and Extension provides to improve a community’s image and quality of life for its’ citizens.
Fort Scott was visited this last winter by a K-State First Impressions visitation team and presented the public with a “snapshot of what they observed,” Madison said, which she had copies of and handed out to attendees.
She highlighted some of the findings.
“Go out and look at the front of your business,” Madison said. “Are the windows clean? What types of things are in the window? Make sure they are welcoming and inviting.”
“Offer something to make you stand out,” she encouraged the business owners.
The findings discouraged using detering signs such as “no public restroom'” “don’t touch”, etc., she said.
Cross marketing each other was encouraged.
“When they ask if you have something, say ‘no, but so and so down the street has it,'” Madison said.
Another issue is vacant buildings noticed by the K-State group.
“We’ve made huge progress in the last few years, but we still have some vacant buildings,” Madison said and invited sharing of ideas for potential businesses be given to her.
Market assistance is offered by the Chamber, one on one, Madison said. She encouraged a web presence, Google business listings ,a free Google website, and a good business profile on fortscott.com.
Other happenings:
- Marmaton Massacre Mountain Bike Championship is July 13-14 at Gunn Park and businesses are encourage to get their items by July 9 to the Chamber of Commerce for the 100 swag bags that will be distributed to participants. Volunteers are needed with no race experience necessary. There will be a public concert in a “beautiful setting,” Madison said.
- August 2-4 there will be a sales tax holiday by some of the local businesses.
- July 17 a workshop “Get Productive with Google’s Digital Tools” from 11 a.m. to noon at the Lowell Milken Center. Sign up on fortscott.com.
- Grants are available for painting facades of downtown businesses, for up to $500 from Steve Buerge.
- July 19 will be a downtown movie night on Skubitz Plaza, featuring Sgt. Stubby, August 16 the movie featured will be Beauty and the Beast.
- Hedgehog INK, a local bookstore, is hosting a writing festival on October 19.
- The second Art in the Yard Festival will be Sept. 14 with more vendors and is free. Contact Bobbie Kemna at 224-7480.
- Fort Scott Paws and Claws Animal Shelter sells pet food and pet supplies and is located downtown. There will be fundraiserfor Paws and Claws at the Boiler Room Brewhaus July 27 at 7 p.m. featuring the Wayward Bettys, with $10 tickets available at the Chamber office, the animal shelter and Kate Sweetser.
- Bid and Dibs owner, Angie Simon, asked for ideas for increasing sales for retailers in June. “June is terrible for retailers,” Simon said.
- The Union Block renovation is underway and will produce 25 market value apartments when complete.
- The Stout Building demolition started on July 1.
- Mid-Continental Restoration is restoring the storefront at Wall Street and National Avenue.
- Lori Lovelace is opening a laundry mat business on National Avenue which will include clothes alterations and a clothing pantry.
- Peerless Products is opening a warehouse space in Nevada, MO, “But it won’t impact Fort Scott at all,” Fort Scott Economic Director Rachel Pruitt, told attendees.
- Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas will build a health care facility on six acres on Horton, west of the present Mercy Building, Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin said.
- Via Christi is looking at the land on the east side of the property of the former Mercy Hospital for a future emergency department option, Martin said.
- The city and Bourbon County’s public works departments are beginning to “work with each other,” Martin said.
- July 26 at Crooner’s Lounge, Flagship Romance will be performing.
- July 4 at the Fort Scott National Historic Site there will be a full day of activities including an ice cream social by the Friends of the Fort at noon.
- The annual naturalizaiton ceremony will be Sept. 20 at the Fort.
- Riverfront Park Authority has purchased and will be installing lighting for the trail soon.
- July 4, there will be a Burke Street Parade with refreshments following at Nate and Bailey Lyons home on Burke Street and Shane Walker providing hot dogs.
- Fort Scott Street Department employee Chad Brown is working on a plan to repair brick streets in the city, Martin said.
- The city has a group working on National Avenue renovation, Martin said.
- Westar Energy is completing a merger with Kansas City Power and Light and will become Evergy in October 2019.
- Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative will begin fiber optic installation on Fort Scott’s east side next year.
- The tiny houses project north of Hwy. 54, has all the monthly rentals rented and are currently working on the Airbnb segment.
- Mark Calvin, a new New York Life Insurance Company agent, introduced himself to attendees.
Help Needed to Place Flags On July 4
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July 4. VFW Post 1165 Incoming Commander Deb Lust and fellow Legionnaire asked us at last night’s Post 25 general membership meeting for assistance in placing flags along Fort Scott’s parade of Flags on July 4th.
Flag placement starts at 7 am at both:
- National and East National
- Margrave and East National
This can be a family and friends event and for Legionnaires, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion counts towards the Legion’s Americanism programs.
Family and friends of Veterans are also welcome to participate.
Flag retrieval starts at 4 pm.
Also on July 4. American Legion 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.
Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter
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FSNHS: Public Response Brings Extra Week of Trailblazer Program
Second Week of Trailblazer Program Announced at Fort Scott NHS this Summer!
FORT SCOTT, Kansas: Due to the popularity of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Trailblazer Program, we are pleased to announce that the program will be repeated for a second week from August 12-16, 2019. It will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m. each day. The workshop will be the same as the one held the previous week, except that 12 additional children will be able to participate in the program.
Registration is underway. To sign-up, contact Fort Scott National Historic Site at (620) 223-0310 or email [email protected] with your name and phone number. Participants must be between ages 9-12 as of the beginning day of camp. Participants will be sent an informational packet after registration is complete. There is no charge for the day camp. Since space is limited to 12 participants, priority will be given to youth who have not attended before.
During this workshop, children will be introduced to the National Park Service mission of caring for the Nation’s natural and cultural heritage. They will search for treasure in a mock archaeological dig, explore the prairie, and discover methods used to preserve the buildings and artifacts of the fort. The students will engage in living history, be fielded in flag protocol, and will work on a play that they will present at the end of the week. Also, there will be green activities that will teach children how to use our resources wisely.
Fort Scott National Historic Site is a fee free park that offers a glimpse into the growth of our nation. A walk through the fort reveals the significant role it played in the opening of the West, as well as, the Civil War and the strife in the State of Kansas that preceded it. For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site, please call the park at 620-223-0310, visit us at www.nps.gov/fosc, on Facebook www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS, Twitter www.twitter.com/FortScottNPS, and Instagram www.instagram.com/fortscottnps
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.
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Thespians Perform at ITF
FSHS Thespians Perform at International Thespian Festival
A group of Fort Scott High School Thespians spent last week immersed in theatre performance and education at the International Thespian Festival (ITF) at the University of Nebraska Lincoln.
Eleven students attended the festival June 24 through 30 with Thespian Troupe Director Angie Bin and parent sponsor Amy Labbe.
Recent FSHS graduate Hunter Adamson performed a monologue as an individual event and received a Superior medal for her highly ranked performance. Adamson qualified for ITF by receiving a Superior rating at the KS Thespian Festival in January.
Mesa Jones, who will be a senior, performed for an audience of 4,500 in the KS All-State Musical “Bring It On!” Jones auditioned for the show last summer and performed at the KS Thespian Festival in January. The musical then qualified to perform at ITF and Jones traveled to Kansas City on June 21 for brush-up rehearsals and a performance in preparation for the ITF performance last Tuesday. Jones also qualified at state to perform her musical solo as an individual event at ITF last week.
Addy Labbe, also an upcoming senior, and Jones auditioned for theatre programs in colleges all across the United States by performing a 90-second musical solo selection. Jones also participated in a college dance audition. Both students received call-backs from many colleges and spent several days interviewing with theatre program representatives from a variety of schools.
Throughout the week, students attended numerous workshops on a wide variety of subjects. Some favorites included classes on clowning, character development, juggling, playwrighting, costuming and set design, and stage combat.
Many of the workshops were taught by professional Broadway and television actors and designers and professional playwrights.
Three FSHS students participated in a special Leadership workshop including Adamson, a 2018 State Thespian Officer; Jones, a current State Thespian Officer; and upcoming junior Ashanti Green, a State Thespian Representative.
The thespians also watched multiple productions each day including musicals, plays, one-act plays, and individual events. Some highlights included seeing multiple shows from Kansas schools with actors that the FSHS students have become friends with over the years. In all, KS Thespians performed three mainstage shows, an opening show number, and had two students who served as International Thespian Officers this year, and two KS Thespians elected as international officers for next year.
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Minnis Buys Brown’s Dental Practice
Dr. Daniel Minnis is no stranger to Fort Scott.
Dr. Minnis managed Dr. Gary Brown’s dental practice for the last 14 years and when Brown wanted to retire, a buyer was sought.
” We diligently looked for a buyer without success and rather than close down the practice I decided to purchase … so patients would have access to care,” Minnis said.
Accent Dental LLC now has a new office at 204 State Street and is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care for the residents of Bourbon County, Minnis said.
The hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and the office can be reached at 620-223-0130.
The following questions were part of an interview with Minnis:
Education: University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry
Experience: 30 Years, since 1988
Community involvement:
“Founded the Community Health Center of SEK Dental Clinic and serves as Chairman of the Board of the Community Health Center of SEK. I have worked as a volunteer for CHC/SEK for the last 14 years to help bring affordable Medical, Dental, and Mental Health Care to Southeast Kansas.”
What services do you provide to our community?
“All aspects of General Dentistry.”
Why did you pursue your career?
“I have desired to be a healthcare professional since the age of 14.”
Freedom 5K Race July 4
The First Annual Freedom 5K race on July 4 will begin from the entrance of Gunn Park at 8 a.m., with the 5k
looping around the park twice.
The 1-mile kid’s run will begin at the same point, turn back at the second pond and make a small loop around in front of Shelter 1 before heading back to the entrance of the park.
Parking for the event is available at FSCC’s Burke Street Campus parking lot.
Pre-register at Smallville Crossfit on North National Avenue or call 620-719-9602.
City Office and Tree and Brush Dump Closed July 4
The City of Fort Scott Administration Offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4th, 2019 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Friday, July 5th, 2019.
The City’s tree and brush dump will also be closed on Thursday, July 4th, 2019. It will reopen on Saturday, July 6th, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Fort Scott Commission Meeting Minutes of June 18
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of June 18, 2019 Regular Meeting #11
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 18th, 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 Steve Cole, First United Methodist 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, Bob Duncan, Travis Shelton, Lyle Brittain, Adam Harrison, Randy Ballweber, Janet Braun, Veneita Ballweber, Steve Cole, Pete Allen, Clint Roberts, Larry Gazaway, Tracy Dancer, Jacob May, Clint Lawrence, Pat Wood, Stuart Gulager, Clayton Miller, Kevin Allen, Jason Gorman, Brian Allen, Dave Bruner, and representing the press, Jason Silvers of the Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
Recognition of Dave Bruner, Certified Fire Protection Specialist – Mayor Parker recognized Dave Bruner as having recently received the certification of Certified Fire Protection Specialist. This credential was created in 1971 for the purpose of documenting competency and offering professional recognition for individuals involved in curtailing fire loss, both physical and financial.
Introduction of Adam Harrison, Codes Enforcement Supervisor – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director/Codes Director, introduced Adam Harrison to the Commission. He is the new Codes Enforcement Supervisor.
Introduction of Lyle Brittain, Codes Enforcement Officer – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director/Codes Director, introduced Lyle Brittain to the Commission. He is the temporary Codes Technician.
Recognition of Randy Ballweber, Codes Enforcement Officer – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director/Codes Director, recognized Randy Ballweber with an outstanding achievement certificate for going above and beyond in running the Codes Department by himself for a period of time.
Recognition of Fort Scott Fire Department Firefighters – Dave Bruner, Deputy Fire Marshal, recognized Clint Roberts, Jacob May, and Clint Lawrence who put together the 5th Annual Fire Department Benefit Ride with proceeds going towards the Stephanie Lockwood family. They raised over $6,400 through the ride, raffle ticket selling, and the sale of t-shirts. Stephanie Lockwood just returned home yesterday after being hospitalized many months with cancer.
The Commission thanked them for their fundraising efforts for this family.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 4th, 2019.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1240-A totaling $538,657.58.
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Certificate of Appropriateness – 118 E. Wall Street
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Certificate of Appropriateness – 120-122 E. Wall Street
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Fireworks Waiver – July 4th, 2019
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Parade Permit – Burke Street Parade – July 4th, 2019
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
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APPEARANCE: None
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) –
Bob Duncan – Mr. Duncan said that this is not about a code footprint. This is about honesty. Many individuals and businesses like Woods, Mercy, Price Chopper and other stores and ventures have left Fort Scott in recent times out of frustration. These entrepreneurial spirits aren’t bought but they have success with their freedom to exist, nonetheless than by governments. I present irrefutable proof that City staff mislead this Commission in order to gain support against Denise and I. Look up the term gas-lighting some time. Look around town. I see we love our troops and banners showing names and faces. At Beaux Arts Center, in the spring of 2017, I met two combat veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom. I asked, “How did you feel when you got back home?” One replied, “They say thank you for your service but they don’t mean it.” In the spring of 1969, I was rewarded with R & R and went to Hawaii. While walking along a crowded sidewalk, I noticed a young woman approaching from the opposite direction. I moved over to avoid her, but she moved to maintain an intersect course with mine. When face to face, she said, “Good afternoon, God. Baby killer.” Now that’s gas lighting too. I silently stepped around her, not guilty, I just wanted to go back to Danang. I could hardly remember my life in the U.S.A. at that time. Now at the Tigress River in 2005, American men working under my direction became casualties during an attack that was meant for me. Later Samere, a local boy that helped me, was decapitated for having a job with me. Now in Afghanistan in 2010, I received commendation and a medal for significant combat service. Some in Fort Scott have said, “Thank you for your service.” This City Commission and some City staff certainly don’t mean it. Some say there’s no use in voting. They’ll just do what they want anyway. But remember, many have paid with more than service alone for your freedom to vote for change. Thank you.
Pete Allen – Mr. Allen said that he comes tonight as a concerned citizen. He has some questions to ask of the Commission. His first question is: Do you as a Commission think that the City streets in Fort Scott are in good shape? The second question is: We had at the last meeting, or one before, a consideration for the 2019 Asphalt Program that was not advertised. There was never an agenda posted that said that the Asphalt Program was going to be voted on or even presented. He wondered why. He wonders why we waited until June to get the 2019 Street Program going. He wonders why also that we have a total amount of the 2019 street program is $263,553.80 when in the budget that was presented to the citizens, including me, the budget for Street Program was $777,000. My question is what are we doing with the other $500,000 plus dollars? Can we not use that for street improvements in 2019? If not, why not? He has talked to Chad and wanted to tell Chad that he likes him. He has put forth a lot of effort but he’s not an engineer. He is a supervisor. I think a lot of him. I question the intention of the Commission to put the burden of the entire city of Fort Scott and all the citizens of Fort Scott, the burden of making a decision on what we’re going to do on the Street Program into one man’s hands. He presented that, and then you as a Commission, with no questions, no discussions, nothing, just signed off on it at one meeting. Thank you.
City Manager said that he and Chad have a meeting scheduled with Mr. Allen regarding his concerns.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
CONSIDERATION:
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Consideration of Bids – Electric Vault Building – Airport – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the construction of an electric vault building at the Airport. There was only one bid received from Strukel Electric of Girard, Kansas. It was in the amount of $304,398.50. The engineer’s estimate was $332,085.00. This bid was approved by the F.A.A. also. Approval to accept the bid from Strukel Electric of Girard, Kansas was recommended. This project is funded with K.I.P. funds.
Parker moved to approve the bid from Strukel Electric of Girard, Kansas in the amount of $304,398.50. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED BID FROM STRUKEL ELECTRIC OF GIRARD, KANSAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $304,398.50 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ELECTRIC VAULT BUILDING AT THE FORT SCOTT AIRPORT.
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Consideration of amendment to Tobacco Ordinance – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that the Minor in Possession of Tobacco ordinance needed updated due to the electronic cigarettes that teenagers are now using. This ordinance repeals Chapter 9.40 to include any form of electronic cigarettes in addition to regular cigarettes.
Adamson moved to approve Ordinance No. 3548. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3548 REPEALING CHAPTER 9.40 – TOBACCO PRODUCTS – IN THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCLUDE ANY FORM OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES.
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Discussion of Golden Arrow Property – Greg Schick – Rhonda Dunn, Finance Director, informed the Commission that this is a three year floor fill permit which expires on July 1st, 2019. He is making progress on this property. She recommended a 60 day extension on this flood fill permit from the City. This will allow the State to give him a 60 day extension also. He did ask for a year for this property at 510 and 520 E. Wall, but she does not recommend that.
Nichols moved to recommend a 60 day extension flood fill permit for the property at 510 and 520 E. Wall Street for Golden Arrow property. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO RECOMMEND A 60 DAY EXTENSION FOR THE FLOOD FILL PERMIT FOR THE PROPERTY AT 510 AND 520 E. WALL STREET FOR GOLDEN ARROW PROPERTY.
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Consideration of street closure for Flicks on the Bricks – Skubitz on Main Street and all traffic south of Main to Wall – Larry Gazaway, Tourism Director, informed the Commission that the CVB is hosting a movie night this Friday night, June 21st, 2019. He asked for approval to shut down Skubitz Plaza at 6:45 p.m. and then it will reopen after the event. A police car and the fire truck will be there for the children to look at. He estimates between 150 to 175 people will be present.
Mitchell moved to approve the street closure on Skubitz Plaza on Main Street on Friday, June 21st, 2019 at 6:45 p.m. and then reopening after the event. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE STREET CLOSURE AT SKUBITZ PLAZA ON MAIN STREET ON FRIDAY, JUNE 21ST, 2019 AT 6:45 P.M. FOR THE FLICKS ON THE BRICKS MOVIE NIGHT EVENT.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
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Director Updates: Dave Bruner – EMS Update – Dave gave the Commission an update on EMS activity. Robert Leisure, Director, gave him a breakdown of the calls for the previous months.
In March there were 218 calls for service with 90 transfers and 51% going to Via Christi in Pittsburg.
In April there were 184 calls for service with 82 transfers and 56% going to Via Christi. 147 total transports and 37 dry runs which include medical alarms, non-injury accidents and fire standbys.
In May there were 229 calls for service with 93 transfers and 63% going to Via Christi. 181 total transports and 48 dry runs.
As of June 10th, 2019, 64 calls for service with 48 transfers and 15 dry runs.
Total calls of service since March 1st is 695 calls with 292 being transfers.
Estimated projections based on current trends would be 2,500 calls for service with an estimated 1800-2000 transports.
Comparison numbers from Mercy in 2017 were 1,968 requests for service with 1,295 transports. Total transfers 308.
Their number one project they are working on is vehicle maintenance. EMS 5 is now in service.
City Manager said that Via Christi is looking at observation beds in the future.
Rachel Pruitt – Rachel informed the Commission that Ally Turvey, Larry Gazaway, and herself had attended the Rural and Independent Innovators Conference today at Pittsburg State University, sponsored by Block 22. This lets people know about funding sources. We were there to promote Fort Scott. She learned about federal level funding programs and made a contact with Wichita State University.
Rachel said that she is working with Price Chopper to fill this building and getting a lot of national chain interest due to the location on Highway 69.
Downtown development is moving right along.
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City Commission:
Adamson – She thanked the firefighters for their fundraising efforts.
Nichols – He also thanked the firefighters for their efforts. He said he appreciated the comments that were made tonight.
Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.
Mitchell – Nothing to report.
Parker – Informed the board that she met the Lowell Milken Center Fellows today at City Hall as they were welcomed to the City and given a certificate and a key to the City. She thanked the Center for having them here. She also thanked the firefighters and the Codes personnel.
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City Manager:
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Administrative Changes: City Manager said that effective this week Robert Uhler will be overseeing Codes. Rhonda will be strictly over the Finance Department.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:34 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:34 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on July 2nd, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
DIANE K. CLAY