Beginning on Monday, April 2, 2018 (weather permitting) Heckert Asphalt Company, in conjunction with LaForge and Budd Construction Company, will resume work on South Main Street beginning just south of 23rd Street and ending just north of the South National exchange.
With this work, there will be lane closures and possible flaggers at certain intersections while crews perform grinding work to the asphalt surface. During this time you may experience delays in travel and limited access to certain locations along this route. This work is expected to take one week to complete. Avoid this route if at all possible.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
JOB OF THE DAY- SEASONAL LABORER- CITY OF FORT SCOTT
The City of Fort Scott is seeking applicants for Seasonal Laborer’s to work under direct supervision of the Parks & Facilities Manager. This position maintains grounds of public property. Essential Duties include: Cutting grass, trim and edge sidewalks, prune shrubs, cleans drainage ditches and culverts, empty trash and replace liners. Performing duties require walking, lifting 25-50 lbs, and exposure to outside weather. Apply here: http://ow.ly/iZEw30j8ZyL
The Fort Scott Community College Kid’s Fair is from 9 a.m. to noon April 14 at Bailey Hall South Parking Lot.
“This event is sponsored by Fort Scott Community College Community Relations Committee, we do it twice a year for the community kids just for fun and use it as a chance to get to know the community members,” Kassie Fugate-Cate, Director of Strategic Communications and Student Activities said.
Popcorn, cookies, drinks, games, and prizes will be offered.
“And of course, our teddy bear clinic sponsored by Student Nursing Organization (SNO),” Cate said. ” The kids bring their stuffed animals or dolls and they get a check-up like on ‘Doc McStuffins’.”
The event will be held in the south parking lot of Bailey Hall.
“We plan to have John Deere, our first responders, FSCC Cosmetology, FSCC STEM club, FSCC Athletics, and FSCC President’s Ambassadors present during the event along with FSCC SNO,” Cate said.
Denise and Bobby Duncan are opening their residence located at 102 S. National Ave., to the public this evening at 6 p.m. to answer questions and concerns about their recent closure of the Beaux Art Center.
“We are hoping to have documents ready….there has been a lot of misinformation,” Denise Duncan said.
The event is “especially for people in the historic district,” Duncan said. “And people that rent historic buildings.”
Both she and husband, Bobby will be there, she said.
The Duncan’s have had several discussions about the building with city officials that have been unsatisfactory, she said.
Denise Duncan contends that because their residence is a historic building, a code footprint is not needed. Additionally, they contend that the code footprint provided to the city is incorrect, she said.
“The code footprint regulation, K.A.R. 22-1-7, defines minimum features… for an objective evaluation by uniform application of state law using minimum resources. It also makes the code footprint available to assist local fire and building officials (to) view new construction and changes in use,” according to http://firemarshal.ks.gov/division/prevention/plans-review-code-footprint.
“The State Fire Marshall verified that it (their building) is on the state historic register,” she said. “Since it is on the historic register they are giving the city power to make waivers, exceptions, and variances on such matters.”
The City of Fort Scott hired Zingre and Associates P.A. to make the code footprint.
“Zingre’s code footprint is full of errors,” Duncan said.
Among Zingre’s biggest concerns is lack of proper egress width for stairways and doors based on the calculated occupant load of the building and how this load would spread out among the building’s two exits, according to his letter to the city, which was provided by Duncan.
Egress is an exit, according to the dictionary.
The Duncan’s will explain these contentions and others this evening at the meeting they are hosting.
Denise Duncan shows how the Zingre calculation was incorrect in the measurement of the front door to the Beaux Arts Centre. Zingre did not measure the door, merely assumed it was the standard 32 inches, she said. This measurement error cuts the number of people allowed at one time in the building, which drastically affects their business, she said.The measurement of the front door is 42 inches, which would allow more people to be in the building at the same time. Duncan contends Zingre did not measure the door while at her residence to design the code footprint.Denise Duncan looks at the code footprint document designed by Zingre and Associates P.A. This stairway on the south side of the building is not listed as an exit in the footprint.This is the west staircase which leads down to the main level from the upper level and is not shown as an exit on the code footprint.This window is the exit that the code footprint shows as the only exit on this floor which has three staircases that lead down, Duncan said. It is a window on the main level of the building.This is the first page of a three-page letter that accompanied the code footprint design sent to the city in January 2018 by Zingre and Associates, P.A, provided by Duncan. The fourth paragraph states the biggest concern of the architects.The second page of the letter from Zingre and Associates P.A. to the City of Fort Scott. Listed are other points that need to be addressed by the Duncan’s in regard to their building.The third page from Zingre to the city.Following is the code footprint produced by Zingre and Associates P.A. for the city, dated Jan. 17, 2018.This is the lower level of the Beaux Art Center as shown in the code footprint.The main level of the Beaux Arts Centre.The upper level of the Beaux Arts Centre. This level has three stairway exits that are not designated as exits on the code footprint, a point of contention with the Duncans. The small triangle at the bottom of the design, notes the only exit listed on this floor, a window.The code footprint legend of the Beaux Arts Centres.A letter from Fort Scott Community Development Director Rhonda Dunn, which stated that a copy of the completed plan was sent to the state fire marshal. Denise Duncan said they should have had the report to look over and discuss with the city before it was sent.This is Duncan’s response to Dunn’s letter, saying there were many error and omissions in the code footprint. The letter tells the city of Duncan’s intent to close the business, the Beaux Arts Centre.Page 2 of the Duncan letter to the city.Denise Duncan highlighted the parts of this Kansas Municipality and Code Officials Brochure, which lists groups of buildings that must provide a code footprint. She contends that none of these apply to the Duncan building.
Maria Whitson plays with her children Asher, Judah, and Malachi in Gunn Park last week.
The thought of a classroom without walls intrigued Maria Whitson.
Whitson, from Garland, first found out about an organization called Tinkergarten when a friend from Kansas City referred her saying she would be a good leader.
“When I went to their website, I lit up,” Whitson said. ” Being outdoors with a group of parents and children. Playing and educating, growing together, all of it caught my attention.”
Founded in 2012, Tinkergarten is a nationwide play-based, outdoor learning class designed for children ages 18 months to 8 years, and their parents.
According to recent statistics, children’s free play time is declining, and it’s diminishing the chances to develop critical life skills, she said.
Free spring trial classes will be offered at 10 a.m. March 29 and 31 at Gunn Park.
Then classes will be held each Thursday, April 12 through May 31
from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
In a 5-part class each week Whitson will facilitate an expert-designed play scenario, allowing children of various ages and needs to explore, problem solve, communicate, collaborate, and create together, according to the Tinkergarten.com website. Parents and caregivers learn, too, and share insights into a child’s development.
To register go to Tinkergarten.com.
The cost is $140 per studentfor 8 sessions. An installment plan is available. There is a 30% discount for each additional sibling.
Some benefits of Tinkergarten provided by Whitson are:
● Spending time outdoors provides children with a wide range of health benefits including social and emotional well-being. Research shows that time outdoors supports improved relationship skills, and reduces stress, anger, and aggression.
80 percent of brain development occurs before the age of five. Children build foundational skills in their first five years that will affect the rest of their learning and life.
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, parents need to balance the screen time with outdoor time to raise healthy, well-adjusted kids.
“I’m bringing this incredible early-childhood education program to Fort Scott, to help children develop critical capabilities such as self-reliance, creativity, persistence and problem-solving skills, all proven benefits of play-based, outdoor learning, ” she said.
“I became a leader because I want to get my children outdoors more and be intentional about creating learning experiences with them. The opportunity for me to lead a Tinkergarten class was exactly the motivation and training that I was looking for. I am thrilled that I get to not only have that opportunity for my children and myself but also for other families. I am so excited to be in a classroom without walls.”
Kansas Department of Corrections personnel delivered Narcan, an antidote that will stop an opioid overdose, to area law enforcement agencies Tuesday at the new Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center.
KDOC Administrator Liz Rice along with Andrew Lucht, corrections manager, hand-delivered the boxes of Narcan to several Kansas first responders on stops throughout the eastern portion of the state.
Allen County Undersheriff Roy Smith, KDOC Administrator Liz Rice, Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin and Fort Scott Police Captain Shaun West pause for a photo of one of the boxes of Narcan delivered to the drop-off site.Sheriff Bill Martin looks over the boxes of the drug Narcan before they were distributed to the law enforcement officers.
Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin, Fort Scott Police Department Captain Shaun West, and Allen County Undersheriff Roy Smith came to the new law enforcement center to pick up the boxes.
Liz Rice provided a news release she wrote that explains the reason for the delivery:
“In Governor Colyer’s March 1st announcement of EXECUTIVE ORDER 18-09: Task Force to Address Substance Use Disorders he shared with us that ‘The crisis of substance use disorder, particularly addiction to opioids, heroin and methamphetamine, has truly become an epidemic in our state and our country’ in that order the Governor called for greater cooperation and collaboration of state agencies, organizations, professionals, emergency response personnel, and others with policymaking authority to address substance use disorders,” according to the news release.
“We are seeing the results of that call to action today with the delivery of the Opioid reversal agent Naloxone to first responders across our great state. Opioid reversal medications are not just for addicts, we need to have them available for accidental exposure as well.”
“First responders are there when an accidental overdose occurs in a home setting or they may have accidental exposure themselves while investigating criminal activity. We want Naloxone available in all situations of Opioid overdose.”
Rice said through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) $1.3M was given to The University of Kansas Health System to provide treatment, prevent opioid-related deaths and educate Kansans and health care providers about the Opioid Epidemic.
“The University of Kansas Health System leveraged pharmacy relationships to use grant funds to obtain NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) at the lowest available price for mass distribution to first responders across the state of Kansas.” according to the press release.
“NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray was chosen for its ease of use in delivering Naloxone in a nasal spray for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose.”
Rice said she and Lucht had delivered the drug to law enforcement entities in Labette, Cherokee, and Osage Counties this route and were on their way to Miami and Franklin Counties.
KDOC Administrator Liz Rice shows the dosage units of Narcan, a nasal spray, which only sprays one dose, she said. Each dose is worth approximately $25, Lucht said.
“We bought enough to get you started, ” Rice said. “This will get it out on the streets where needed. I would put a box in each (law enforcement) car.”
A training video to go along with the drug is provided, she said.
Captain West said the FSPD will provide training for each of their first responders and will put the Narcan in both marked and unmarked vehicles for emergency use.
Sheriff Martin also asked for some to be provided to the Bourbon County Rural Fire Departments, and Rice complied with that request.
Captain West said Narcan “only stops an opioid overdose, it has no effect other than stopping a high.”
Community members are served during the Knights of Columbus Fish Fry on March 16.
The Knights of Columbus Fish Fry organizers have been offering fish during Lent for approximately 25 years at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
This Friday, March 23 is the last evening for the fish fry in 2018.
The fish fry is an observance of Lent in the Catholic Church.
Lent is the period preceding Easter that in the Christian Church is devoted to fasting, abstinence, and penitence in commemoration of Christ’s fasting in the wilderness, according to an online dictionary. It runs from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday and so includes forty weekdays.
“Catholics adhere to no meat on Fridays, as abstaining from meat is a part of Lent,” Mark McCoy, Knights of Columbus member said. “Christ gave his life for us, we are making a small gift back to Him.”
The proceeds from the fish fry go to helping agencies in Fort Scott such as the Beacon, Mother to Mother Ministry and Birthline, McCoy said. “A percentage goes to other helping agencies.”
“We have a great time doing it,” McCoy said. “And there is good food, fun, and fellowship.”
The women of the church bake desserts for the event.
“A lot of people get their dessert first,” McCoy said.
The Kennedy Gym at St. Mary’s Catholic Church was full of people Friday, March 16 for the Lenten Fish Fry.Men from the Catholic Church serve fish, potatoes, spaghetti, green beans, coleslaw and grilled cheese sandwiches for the community Lenten dinner each Friday evening before Easter. Women of the church provide desserts. Pictured from left Paul Milks, Larry Martin and Jim Bambick who served March 16.
The Airport Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday, March 28th, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at the Airport, 1862 Indian Road, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting is open to the public.
The “Old Spoiled Brat building” on East Wall will be getting a new purpose.
The Hole in the Wall Liquor Store is moving.
The store, currently at 13 W. Oak will be moving to 124 E. Wall soon.
“Hopefully we will be able to start work in the next month,” Jody Hoener who along with husband Roy own the liquor store. ” We meet with our contractor this week to get our timeline nailed down.”
They have hired Hofer and Hofer of Humboldt to do the work of renovating what is known locally as the “Old Spoiled Brat Building” at the corner of Wall and Scott streets.
“Mike Hofer is a great contractor and an upstanding individual,” Hoener said. “I look forward to working with him and his crew.’
On March 6 Hoener was on the Fort Scott City Commission Agenda for consideration of bids and Community Development Block Grant approval for renovation of the property at 124 E. Wall.
Susan Galemore, a grant administrator for Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission, informed the Commission that this project was recently rebid a second time, according to the city minutes.
The second round of bids produced three bids, with the low bid from Hofer and Hofer in the amount of $150,084. This amount is still about $50,000 over the projected budget for the project as the grant amount is $95,000, according to the city minutes.
City Finance Director Jon Garrison prepared a spreadsheet reflecting the grant in the amount of $95,000, the City of Fort Scott contribution of $30,000, and the Economic Development Grant in the amount of $3,000. The Hoener’s contribution is $49,759. The total project is $177,759, according to the minutes.
” (City Manager) Dave Martin and Jon Garrison at the City have made this project smooth and have been involved since inception,” Hoener said. “We all have the same goal to move our city and it’s economic growth forward. It’s amazing what can happen when everyone is working towards that same vision.”
The Hoener’s will also be adding housing opportunities to the community.
“Our plan is to move Hole in the Wall Liquor to the new building with apartments in the upstairs,” she said. ” In the back, the empty lot is ours too, we will create a patio space for tasting events.”
“We do not own the building at the location we are at now and wanted to make an investment in our community,” Hoener said. “This building (on Wall Street) is an eyesore to the gateway of our downtown and has been for half a decade. It needed to be fixed and what better way than to use our resources and business to work towards our downtown revitalization. (It’s a)Great location. ”
