Category Archives: Fort Scott

Area News, Fort Scott

Beacon Will Provide Evening Hours

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From left: Gary Murrell, Director and David Gillen, Food Packaging Specialist at the Beacon, 525 E. Sixth.

The Beacon has a multi-decade history in Fort Scott as a helping agency to those with limited resources.

“The Beacon has just completed 33 years as a food pantry,” said Carol MacArthur, president of the Beacon Board of Directors. “We are working toward making Beacon’s services more available to clients, and this includes trying some methods not done previously.”

This includes the agency becoming more consumer-friendly by adding evening hours on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, starting March 12.

“On March 12, The Beacon will adapt its hours in order to become more “user-friendly” to Bourbon County residents,” MacArthur said.

“Since a number of individuals have expressed a need for evening hours, the Beacon staff will open for full service twice a month between 4:30 and 7 p.m.,” she said.

“We’ll be closed the Tuesday we are open in the evening,” said Garry Murrell, the director of the Beacon.

Murrell will be available to provide service and assistance as he does during day-time hours.

The Beacon provides a food pantry for the community.

“Basic needs for the family,” Murrell said. “Canned goods, rice, beans, potatoes, (the food) varies.”

“We have a limited amount of meat, which we give until we don’t have anymore,” he said.

Individuals, churches, businesses and others donate food throughout the year.

“We have a lot of food drives to help us,” Murrell said.

From left: David Gillen, Food Packaging Specialist and Sharon Farmer, Front Desk Receptionist at the Beacon.

The Beacon also provides financial assistance, if the person qualifies, for utility bills, and occasionally rent and prescription assistance.

“If we have the funds, we can help,” Murrell said. “If we don’t we can’t.”

The new evening hours will be offered on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.

March 12th and 26th

April 9th and 23rd

May 14th and 28th.

To contact the Beacon, please call 223-6869.

Business, Fort Scott

New Fort Scott Business: Ad Astra Roasters

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Patrick and Kristi Whalen  have started a new coffee bean roasting business: Ad Astra Roasters.
Patrick Whalen and his wife, Kristi, and moved to Fort Scott in 2017. Patrick Whalen helped found and serves as the headmaster for St. Martin’s Academy, a new boy’s Catholic boarding school.
An interest in good tasting coffee turned into a  coffee roasting business for the couple, called Ad Astra Roasters.
“As far as I can tell we are the only roasters in Fort Scott,” Whalen said. “We just obtained our license from the state and are excited to be doing business with a couple local coffee shops, Common Ground in Fort Scott and Root in Pittsburg.”
“I had served on active duty as a Marine for about a decade and both my wife Kristi, and I had done a lot of traveling where we developed a taste for geographically specific coffees and an interest in coffee cultures from around the world,”  Whalen said.
“As a result of how hard it is to find excellent coffee, I have been roasting coffee for my own family for several years,”  Whalen said.
“When we moved to Fort Scott and decided to settle down, we thought we’d share our beans with friends and colleagues etc.,” he said. ” We received great feedback and in 2018 thought we’d try to sell a little bit on the side.”
“We worked with some close friends to build bigger roasters and with the support of the Boiler Room Brewhaus (another local business) and the Common Ground Coffee Shop, were soon selling directly to folks in the community.”
Currently, Ad Astra Roasters is based out of the Whalen home on Main Street in Fort Scott.
“We have turned a section of our basement into the roastery and have our food processing and wholesale license,” he said.
Their beans are from a variety of different bean importing companies around the country who have a reputation for ethical sourcing and business practices, he said.
“Many of our offerings are organic and fair trade certified, and frequently we can tell you the name of the specific farm or cooperative from which the beans come,” Whalen said.  “Most of the coffee we roast is what’s called a single origin, meaning that it is not a blend from all over the world, but represents the specific geography and climate of where it was farmed.”
The Whalens currently sell bags of coffee at Common Ground, The Boiler Room Brewhaus, and at Root Coffeehouse in Pittsburg or online through their website www.adastraroasters.com.
“Both Root and Common Ground serve our coffee by the cup, and we’re always happy to provide data on the coffee and brewing tips to make it the best possible cup of joe,” he said.
The Whalen’s can be contacted at 949-331-5506 or at [email protected].
Fort Scott, Government

Updated Agenda For Tonight’s Fort Scott City Commission Meeting

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The agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission meeting at city hall, 123 S. Main, February 19 at 6 p.m.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 5th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1232-A totaling $505,644.58.

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

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

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. Final Closeout Public Hearing – 124 E Wall – CDBG Grant – Approval for Mayor to sign closing documents

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Discussion on Fire Trucks

  1. Consideration to solicit RFP’s for new life insurance benefit offering

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:

Ambulance Update: Dave Bruner

Consideration of Bids – 16 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

Health Care Update: Dave Martin

Finance Update: Rhonda Dunn

Legislative Update: Robert Uhler

  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  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

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Commission Meeting Minutes Feb. 2

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of February 5, 2019 Regular Meeting #2

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held February 5th, 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: Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Darrell Parker, Jerry Witt, Billy Keith, Bill Lemke, Michael Mix, Garth Hermann, Paul Ballou, Deb Needleman, Rachel Pruitt, Randy Ballweber, Venieta Ballweber, Alpha Money, Lindsay Madison, Chad Brown, and Clayton Miller

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognition of Alpha Money and Randy Ballweber – Codes Certification – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, recognized her Codes Enforcement officers, Alpha Money and Randy Ballweber for successfully completing the Kansas Code Enforcement Officer courses offered by the Kansas Association of Code Enforcement.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of January 15th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1231-A totaling $589,319.33.

  1. Approval of 2019 Cereal Malt Beverage License – Package Sales – GW2 DBA Cash Saver, 911 E. 6th Street

Mitchell moved the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Jerry Witt, Riverfront Lighting – Jerry Witt, Chairperson of the Riverfront Committee, appeared before the Commission and informed them that three years ago the Riverfront Committee received a grant from Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to construct a pavilion and an overlook. Both of these have been constructed and there are still some funds available. He contacted the State to see if lighting could be included under this grant and the State said it could be. He has visited with the Fort Scott National Historic Site and the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHIPO) regarding the lighting. He also talked to K.D.O.T. who informed him that all materials have to be American made. It took him about two months, but he finally located a company with all American made lighting. He is working with Max Fanning who will be installing the lighting. They will have 14 lights at an estimated cost of $18,000. This lighting will be on the north side of the river. The City has stated they are willing to dig a ditch to lay the electrical. He asked for approval to install the lights at the north side of Riverfront Park.

Nichols moved to approve the lighting at Riverfront Park. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LIGHTING ON THE NORTH SIDE OF RIVERFRONT PARK TO BE PAID WITH REMAINING KDWP GRANT FUNDS.

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

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Resolution 4-2019 declaring it necessary to acquire Fire Fighting Equipment for use by the Fire Department of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas and to issue General Obligation Bonds of said City to pay the costs thereof; and providing for the giving of notice of intention to acquire said equipment and to issue said General Obligation Bonds – Garth Hermann, Gilmore & Bell, informed the Commission that this is the first step to secure funding for the two fire trucks the City needs to purchase. A public Notice of Intent will be published in the February 9th and February 16th newspaper notifying the public that the governing body has declared it necessary to acquire firefighting equipment at an estimated cost of $1,751,748.72. The costs of the equipment, interest on interim financing and associated financing costs will be paid from the proceeds of General Obligation Bonds of the City in an amount not to exceed $1,915,000 to be issued by the City. This notice shall be published for two consecutive weeks and if, within 60 days following the date of the last publication, a petition signed by not less than 5% of the qualified electors of the City is filed with the City Clerk, no such bonds shall be issued until the issuance shall have been approved by a majority of the qualified electors of the City voting on the question. If no petition is timely filed, the governing body of the City will proceed with the acquisition of the equipment and issuance of the bonds.

Paul Ballou, Fire Chief, updated the Commission on the age of the two fire trucks and the issues they have been causing. Parts are getting very hard to find due to their age.

Parker moved to approve Resolution 4-2019. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

Approved Resolution 4-2019 declaring it necessary to acquire Fire Fighting Equipment for use by the Fire Department of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas and to issue General Obligation Bonds of said City to pay the costs thereof; and providing for the giving of notice of intention to acquire said equipment and to issue said General Obligation Bonds.

  1. Consideration of appointments to Golf Course Advisory Board – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that the Golf Course Advisory Board met on January 17th, 2019 at the Golf Course Clubhouse. It was discovered due to the inactivity of meeting, that their terms had all expired. All the board members were willing to be reappointed. She asked for the reappointment of John Leek, Kenneth Holt, Mitch Quick, Steve Harry, and Jeffrey Sweetser for a two year term respectively expiring on December 31, 2021.

Nichols moved to approve the reappointment of the Golf Course Advisory Board members. Adams seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RE-APPOINTMENTS TO THE GOLF COURSE ADVISORY BOARD FOR JOHN LEEK, KENNETH HOLT, MITCH QUICK, STEVE HARRY, AND JEFFREY SWEETSER EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2021.

  1. Approval of 2019 ADM Contract – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that after some minor changes, A.D.M. has finally signed the contract for purchasing reused water from our Wastewater Treatment Plant and paying for the treatment of the wastewater they haul to our lagoons. Approval is recommended.

Adamson moved to approve the 2019 ADM contract. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED 2019 A.D.M. CONTRACT.

  1. Approval to purchase sewer push camera – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that he has received a proposal for a sewer push camera. This camera will enable the City to inspect sewer lines that are small or hard to reach. The main camera is limited to 8” or larger and also required good access to the manhole with our large camera van. This push camera is extremely light weight and portable. It will greatly increase our efficiency with sewer visual inspections. This camera is from Key Equipment in Kansas City and costs $10,995.00. This is a budgeted item.

Mitchell moved to approve to purchase the sewer push camera in the amount of $10,995.00 from Key Equipment. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO PURCHASE THE SEWER PUSH CAMERA IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,995.00 FROM KEY EQUIPMENT OF KANSAS CITY.

  1. Approval to solicit bids for water leak correlator – Bill Lemke, Water Distribution Supervisor, informed the Commission he is requesting permission to solicit bids for the purchase of a leak correlator which is equipment that uses sensors to deter noise transmitted in the wall of the pipe and through water. Items such as meters, valves, and fire hydrants are used as access points to precisely pinpoint leaks between two points. He asked for permission to solicit bids for a leak correlator that will have the capabilities for both metallic and pvc pipe style piping. The estimated cost is $25,000. This is a budgeted item.

Mitchell moved to approve to solicit bids for the water leak correlator. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR THE WATER LEAK CORRELATOR.

City Manager commended Bill Lemke and his crew for working the water leaks during all times of the night.

  1. Consideration of new life insurance benefit offering – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that there is a new life insurance option to our benefit offerings. This life insurance product would be one the employee could take with them when they leave City employment without conversion to a higher premium rate. There is also the option for a paid up at 65 policy.

Discussion was held regarding giving other life insurance vendors an opportunity to submit this same type of benefit to the City.

City Manager suggested tabling this item until the February 19th, 2019 meeting.

Bartelsmeyer moved to table this item until the February 19th, 2019 meeting. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

TABLED THIS ITEM UNTIL THE FEBRUARY 19TH, 2019 MEETING.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Ambulance Update: Paul Ballou, Fire Chief, informed the Commission that EMS has been very busy. In January there were 202 requests for service. Of those requests, there were 153 transports and 49 dry runs, which means an ambulance was called but did not transport a patient. As of February 5th, there were 25 requests already for service with five (5) of those being transports. Transports have been to Via Christi in Pittsburg, Girard, Allen County, and Nevada Regional Hospital. There are currently three ambulances and also the ambulance housed at the Fire Department. He thanked Tom Coffman, City Mechanic, for working on a fuel pump on an ambulance recently. It was out of rotation less than 24 hours which is great.

B. City Commission:

Nichols – He thanked the ambulance crews for the great job they are doing.

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Mitchell – Nothing to report.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Parker – She stated that she received a nice letter from a lady who visited Fort Scott recently. She said she had a great time but did mention she was concerned with a couple of areas where there was a lot of trash and debris. She asked the City Manager about how to address the trash issue.

City Manager said that the City will need to get tougher with people and the trash violations.

C. City Attorney: Not present.

  1. City Manager:

Health Care Update: City Manager said that last week was a good week for health care. He said that on October 1st our world fell out from beneath us with the announcement of the closure of Mercy Hospital. A task force was formed with three goals: Secure primary care; Ambulance service; and Emergency Room. He asked the public to be patient as the new Community Health Care Walk-In clinics are transitioned.

Meet and Greet: City Manager said that he attended this morning’s Meet and Greet in downtown Fort Scott. Parking downtown seems to be a big frustration to business owners. This is a good problem with all the development going on in downtown, but a frustration to others. It is public parking and business owners don’t own the parking in front of their store fronts. He asked them to be patient as this is public parking.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Parker moved to move into Executive Session for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel to include City Commission, City Manager, and Human Resource Director. There is no action anticipated. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:10 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on February 19th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Agenda Feb. 19

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AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

FEBRUARY 19, 2019

6 p.m.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 5th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1232-A totaling $505,644.58.

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

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

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. Final Closeout Public Hearing – 124 E Wall – CDBG Grant – Approval for Mayor to sign closing documents

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration to solicit RFP’s for new life insurance benefit offering

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:

Ambulance Update: Dave Bruner or Paul Ballou

Health Care Update: Dave Martin

Finance Update: Rhonda Dunn

Legislative Update: Robert Uhler

  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  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

Business, Fort Scott

Scott Teenor: The Fixer

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Scott Teenor, Briggs Automall Fort Scott’s new general manager.

Scott Teenor is the new general manager at Briggs Automall of Fort Scott, since February 1. Briggs is located at 1819 S. Main, on Hwy 69.

“I’m the guy who fixes things,” Teenor said.

Teenor has worked for Russ Briggs for 24 years he said.

“I’ve managed every one of his stores in Manhatten, Topeka and Lawrence,” Teenor said.

Briggs purchased Shepherd Auto about three years ago.

“Russ Briggs desire is to satisfy the customer,” Teenor said. “He is involved in so many different ways.”

Teenor has two simple rules, he said.

“Be on time and treat people the way you want to be treated.”

Teenor wants to refute a recent rumor he heard that is circulating.

“There seems to be a rumor we are closing,” he said. “We are not closing.”

“One thing that we have been doing is ‘right-sizing’ inventory and staff, for what the current market bears,” he said.

Currently, Briggs has 250 vehicles on the lot: Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Buick and Chevrolet.

“But we have access to inventory in all the other locations,” Teenor said. “So 2,000 additional new and used vehicles.”

Teenor can be reached at 620-223-0900 or his cell 785-344-3599.

He lives in Lawrence and commutes every day, he said.

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Visage Organic Spa: Good For Your Face

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Nancy Johnson is a licensed esthetician offering services and products to pamper, at her business Visage Organics Skincare Spa.

Nancy Johnson moved to Fort Scott in September and saw an opportunity for a business, she said.

She graduated from the Euro Institute in 2007 and is a licensed esthetician.

Her business, Visage Organics Skincare Spa, offers facials, waxing, lash/brow tinting, and sugaring facials at her place of business, 117 E. National.

Visage is located inside 117 E. National.

She can be reached at 620-224-6455.

Call for an appointment Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Johnson sells Niko Organic, Organic Express, and Blinc products in her business.

She also offers ear candling, a service which pulls all the sediments out of ears, she said.

Johnson hosted the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee on Feb. 14.

Also offered at Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage and Salon are haircuts, shampoo/sets, perms, colors and highlights, waxing, nails and massage services.

Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage and Salon booth renters are from left: Stacy Racy- owner, Sherri Northcutt, Kimberly Skaggs, and Nancy Johnson. Not pictured is Brooke Bolin.

Stacy Racy is the massage therapist, Kimberly Skaggs, Brooke Bolin and Sherri Northcutt are cosmetologists. They can be reached at 620-223-3117.

Fort Scott

Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 Scuttlebutt

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February 14. Post 25 Color Guard meets at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. All Post members including SAL members are invited to join our growing Color Guard.

 

February 16. District 2 oratorical contest at Post 153 in Olathe starts at 10 am. All Post 25 members are invited to attend and support our Post 25 oratorical competition winner.

 

February 19. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 615 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.

 

February 23. A tentative meeting for the formation of a Post 25 American Legion Riders (ALR) Chapter will be held at Memorial Hall. A time has not been set as the Area Director still works and the meeting time will be set once he knows his schedule.

 

To join the ALR, you must be a current member of the Legion, Auxiliary or Sal at any Post and own a motorcycle. Past ALR members without motorcycles can be grandfathered in, provided they gave up riding due to heath issues. Contact Post Commander Jowers at [email protected] if interested.

 

February26. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 615 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.

 

March 4. 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.

 

March 4. 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.

 

April 1. 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.

 

April 1. 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.

 

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

Post 25 Legionnaire Russell Vann has transferred to Post Everlasting. Russell was an Air Force Vet and a 20-year member of the American Legion.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

 

I am proud to announce that once again Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 leads the Department of Kansas in membership this week. Our 2019 goal was 51 members. Our current membership is at 135% and 69 members. We are 18 members over our goal. By way of comparison, Sterling Post 128 in District 7, is in 2nd place for membership at 115%. Thanks to all members who have made Fort Scott Post 25 a highly visible and active Legion Post in the Department of Kansas.

 

Post 25 received the “Special Certificate of Distinguished Service” at the Legion’s recent Midwinter Forum. The Special Certificate is awarded for “exceeding the Post’s previous year’s final membership by Veterans Day.” Post Commander Jowers’ received the “Post Commander Achievement Award” for “meeting the Post’s previous year’s final membership by Veterans Day.” Commander Jowers noted that without the Post’s membership stepping up and renewing their memberships or recruiting new members, neither award would have possible.

 

Post Service Officer Myra Jowers will no longer hold office hours on Tuesdays at Memorial Hall. She will meet with anyone, by appointment, who has questions about filing VA claims, who need a second set of eyes to review their claims or help understand VA documents they have received in the mail. Her service is free and is for anyone, Veteran or family member, who wish to file a claim or appeal a denied claim. She can be reached at [email protected] or 620.215.1286 to schedule an appointment.

 

The District Oratorical competition at American Legion Post 153 in Olathe on February 16th at 10 am. Madison Toth, Post 25 Oratorical winner, will represent Post in the District competition. All Post members are encouraged to attend and support our candidate.

 

Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle is now in operation. Currently, the shuttle is only operating on Tuesdays. As more drivers are cleared by the VA, additional days will be added to the schedule.

 

Any area Vet needing a ride for a medical appointment should call 785-925-0261 for more information or to reserve a seat. All Vets riding the shuttle must have medical appointments between 9 am and 1 pm and call by 5 pm Monday to schedule their ride.

 

Nominations for Post 25 Officers for the 2019 – 2020 Legion year will begin at our March meeting. Any Post 25 Legionnaire who is current on their dues can be nominated for any office. Please give thought to stepping up and being nominated for an office or encourage other members to step up and help guide Post 25’s growth for another year.

 

The American Legion Department of Kansas new member recruitment incentive is now in operation. Recruit a new member and both you and the new member will be entered into a drawing to win $500 each, plus your Post will also receive $500.  If you need recruiting brochures or membership applications, please contact me. I’ll will make arrangements to deliver them to you. A copy of the membership drive rules is attached.

 

The February State Adjutant’s Newsletter is attached.

 

Shuttle driver’s meeting at Memorial Hall on Monday, February 11 at 6 pm. The meeting is to review program guidelines and set the shuttle’s operating schedule. The meeting is also open to area residents who would like to learn more about the shuttle program. You do not have to be a Veteran to become a shuttle driver.

 

Legion merchandise can be ordered through Emblem Sales: https://emblem.legion.org/.  Contact me if ordering a Legion cap to insure your cap has the correct lettering.

 

 

Carl Jowers. Commander

Fort Scott American Legion Post 25

Telephone: 620.215.1688

Email: [email protected]

 

Fort Scott, Government

City of Fort Scott Closed For President’s Day

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The City of Fort Scott City Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, February 18th, 2019 in observance of the President’s Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, February 19th, 2019.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, February 16th, 2019 for the President’s Day holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Fort Scott

Westar Help With LIEAP Applications on Feb. 13 in Fort Scott

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Westar Energy specialists assist with energy fund applications

Community visits help low income families access federal program

Topeka, Kan., Jan. 17, 2019 – Westar Energy customer advisors are assisting Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) applicants over the upcoming weeks throughout the communities we serve.

Since 2010, Westar Energy customer advisers have partnered with community service organizations to provide on-site support for more than 3,500 households applying for LIEAP funds. Applications are being accepted through March 29, 2019 at 5 p.m.

A schedule to receive assistance is included, but dates sometimes change. A current schedule is posted at WestarEnergy.com. Applicants will need utility account numbers, proof of income and Social Security numbers for all members of their household.

“Thousands of LIEAP applications are rejected each year because of avoidable errors,” Jeff Beasley, vice president, customer care, said. “Our customer advisors understand the application, required documentation and are here to help throughout the process.”

LIEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. To learn more about eligibility requirements or fill out a LIEAP application, visit the Kansas Department for Children and Families website or call 1-800-432-0043.

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About KCP&L and Westar Energy:

Serving approximately 1.5 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCP&L), KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company and Westar Energy are the electric utilities of Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG). Together we generate nearly half the power we provide to homes and businesses with emission-free sources. We support our local communities where we live and work, and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings and innovative solutions.

Media Contact:

Gina Penzig

Media Relations Manager

Phone: 785-575-8089

[email protected]

Media line: 888-613-000

2019 LIEAP Community Outreach Schedule

Dates are subject to change. View the current schedule here.

Location

Date

Time

Agency/Address
Atchison February 4 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Catholic Charities

502 Kansas Ave
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army

926 Commercial St
Arkansas City January 31 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Angels in the Attic

109 S Summit
Caney February 15 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Chaney Chamber of Commerce

320 W 4th Ave
El Dorado January 23 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Salvation Army

207 W 1st Ave
Emporia January 31 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army

327 Constitution
Fort Scott February 13 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

231 E Wall St
Hiawatha February 12 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. NEK-CAP

1260 220th St
Hutchinson January 29 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army

700 N Walnut
February 19 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Interfaith Housing

1326 E Ave A
Independence January 30 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Community Access Center

307 ½ W Pecan
Junction City February 5 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Workforce Center

1012 W 6th St A
Lawrence January 24 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Douglas County Housing Authority

1600 Haskell Ave #187
February 1 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Just Food

1000 E 11th St
February 11 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Douglas County Senior Service Center

745 Vermont St
Leavenworth January 29 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Catholic Charities

716 N 5th St
Manhattan January 22 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Shepherd’s Crossing

621 Humboldt St
February 6 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Workforce Center

205 S 4th St K
Olathe February 7 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Catholic Charities

333 E Poplar St A
Parsons February 5 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Labette County Assistance

301 N 30th St
Pittsburg February 4 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Salvation Army

307 E 5th St
Salina January 23 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Salina Food Bank

255 S Chicago St
Topeka January 25 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army

1320 SE 6th St
January 28 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Catholic Charities

234 S Kansas Ave
January 30 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Community Resource Council

455 SE Golf Park Blvd
Wichita January 22 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Center of Hope

400 N Emporia
January 24 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Oaklawn Senior Center

2937 Oaklawn Dr
January 25 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Dear Neighbor

1329 S Bluffview
January 28 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Colvin Community Resource Center

2820 S Roosevelt
February 1 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Northeast Senior Center

2121 E 21st N
February 6 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Salvation Army (Citadel)

1739 S Elpyco
February 7 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Shady Way Plaza

1421 N Spruce Ave
February 8 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. His Helping Hands

1441 E 37th St N
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Meet and Greet: Good Things Are Happening

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Bryan Ritter, brewmaster for the Boiler Room Brewhaus, speaks to the Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet attendees on Tuesday morning. Bryan and Barbara Ritter, owners of the business, hosted the event.

The Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet meets several times a year to allow people interested in downtown Fort Scott to share ideas/events.

Bryan Ritter, who along with wife, Barbara, own the Boiler Room Brewhaus, hosted the Meet and Greet on Tuesday on Feb. 5.

The business sold 2,000 gallons of beer last year, he said.

“We do specialty beers, named after our animals on the farm,” Ritter told the group. “We ended the year in the black!”

Besides making and selling beer, they host events.

“We do birthday parties, music events, hosted charitable events,” he said. “Any civic organization that raises funds, we’d  be happy to help.”

Their contact information: 913-636-4892 or 620-644-5032 or [email protected].

Others who spoke at the meet and greet:

Dick Horton, Southeast Kansas Community Action Program Director of Community Engagement, invited the attendees to give input to its regional assessment. To complete the community assessment:   http://www.sek-cap.com/index.php/about.us/community-assessment

To complete its online survey link:http://www.sek-cap.com/

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison said Project 17 has a user-friendly Wix platform available to businesses who have under $1 million in revenue.

Madison also said the Chamber is finalizing its Business Locator Map Pinpoints and Ads, with a focus on shop, dine, play and stay businesses.

She said there is ad space on the Skubitz Plaza Downtown Directory Sign, for $100 a year.

Madison said the KOMB 103.9 Home, Sport, Farm and Garden Show is April 5-6.

Ally Turvey, from the Fort Scott Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the bureau is continuing to sponsor the downtown family movie nights. This year the entertainment evenings will move to Skubitz Plaza and one of the four films featured is about Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero.

The City State Bank Ribbon Cutting begins at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7.

Hedgehog.INK will have a book signing featuring author Gerri Hilger. (Editors note: the book signing will be rescheduled from Feb.7, due to weather.)There will also be a story time Saturday featuring author Joyce Love, reading her rendition of “The Three Little Pigs.” In addition, local artist Jean Solomonson will lead the children in card making.

Madison informed the attendees of the Google live stream”Give Your Website a Refresh” on Wednesday, March 6 from 11 a.m to noon at the Lowell Milken Center. Attendees will learn about search engine optimization and best practices for creating a search-friendly site.

Also, there will be a Bill Drury Seminar, May 7 from 8 a.m. to noon, with a focus on “Effective Leadership For First Line Managers and Supervisors,” Madison said.

There are grants available for downtown businesses to refresh a facade, see Rachel Pruitt with the City of Fort Scott for more information.

Carl Brenner, Fort Scott National Historic Site, said there are student position openings at the fort this summer.

Martha Scott, Friends of the Fort, said subscriptions are continuing for installing flags at residences/businesses in celebration of national holidays. The group charges $35 a year and will install and take down the flags.

Business owner, Jared Leek, said Valentines Day has been sold out at Crooner’s Lounge, but days before and after are available for reservations. He said on Feb. 16 Elton Dan, an Elton John impersonator will perform at the Liberty Theater. Leek also said that the Bourbon County Arts Council has six events coming this year downtown, the first one is March 9.

Pat Lyons, Lyons Twin Mansions, said they and the Courtland Hotel are part of a “Most Romantic Weekend In Kansas” promotion on Valentine weekend.

Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin gave updates on healthcare, the Craw-Kan Cooperative broadband project, Mark McCoy’s group to unify the city/county governments, and parking issues downtown.

Fort Scott Economic Development Director Rachel Pruitt said Fort Scott Lofts, formerly  Western Senior Living, now only require 20 percent of residents to be 55 years old and older.

Pruitt also said the Warrior Convoy parade through town, in connection with Adam LaRoche’s Wounded Warrior Hunt, will be May 1 this year.

Fort Scott Codes Director Rhonda Dunn said a possible U.S. Cellular cell phone tower downtown is in the design phase and stated it is a process that the public will be allowed input on.

Lee’s Paws and Claws Animal Shelter is having an online Facebook auction that includes several large appliances: computer, refrigerator, freezer. The auction closes today, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m.