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Category Archives: Fort Scott
May The Fourth Be With You: Fort Scott Public Library
Join Fort Scott Public Library’s Miss Val and fellow Star Wars® fans for a May the 4th be With You® celebration on May 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the library events room.
Make pool noodle light sabers or light saber popsicle holders or craft stick puzzles; bowl stormtroopers over with giant marshmallows; snack on chocolate Darth Vaders and Luke Skywalkers; enjoy a cup of C3P0pcorn while watching a Star Wars DVD, or try your hand at trivia to win a mask. Puzzles, block building challenges, electronic and card games, and other activities will also be provided.
Win prizes, borrow books, and have a great time celebrating the franchise during this special year of closing out the film series with a final movie.
Feel free to dress up in your favorite costume! This event is for all ages and is completely free. Visit the library you must, and May the 4th be With You®!
Community Prayer Breakfast May 2
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Fort Scott Special Events April 26-28
Dance To the Music of The 1800s April 27
THE ANNUAL CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT ON THE GROUNDS OF FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE WILL BE HELD SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, APRIL TWENTY-SEVENTH AND TWENTY EIGHTH.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS EVENT, THE FRIENDS OF FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE WILL BE HOSTING THE SECOND ANNUAL CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE.
LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN FORT SCOTT, HISTORIC MEMORIAL HALL WILL BE FILLED WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC FROM THE EIGHTEEN HUNDREDS ALONG WITH WHOOPING AND HOLLERING AND DANCING FEET AT THE CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE THE EVENING OF SATURDAY, APRIL TWENTY-SEVENTH.
PERIOD DANCES AND MUSIC ARE SURE TO ENTERTAIN PARTICIPANTS AS THEY BRING HISTORY TO LIFE.
THE CAMP DANCE IS HELD TO COINCIDE WITH THE CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT WEEKEND AT FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE.
IT GIVES THE VOLUNTEERS ATTENDING THE ENCAMPMENT AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET TOGETHER, HAVE A GOOD TIME, AND BRING HISTORY ALIVE IN A SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE.
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO COME AND JOIN IN THE DANCING OR JUST TO WATCH.
WE ENCOURAGE, BUT DON’T REQUIRE, THOSE WHO ATTEND TO COME DRESSED IN 1860S CIVIL WAR ATTIRE, OR DRESSED AS1800S WESTERN PIONEERS. IT SETS THE TONE FOR THE EVENING.
ALL AGES ARE WELCOME. COME JOIN US AS WE LEARN 1800S DANCES TO 1800S MUSIC.
THE DOORS OPEN AT SIX-THIRTY AND DANCING BEGINS AT 7:00 PM.
THE COST OF FIVE DOLLARS PER PERSON COLLECTED AT THE DOOR GOES TO THE FRIENDS OF FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE.
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO FACEBOOK AT FORT SCOTT KANSAS EIGHTEEN HUNDREDS DANCING.
Submitted by Dee Young who can be contacted at 913.557.1632 or
Riverfront Park: Lighting Is Coming
The east side of the Belltown Walking Trail in Riverfront Park is a shady place to enjoy a walk, but at times it is too dark.
“We’ve had some ladies that said at dusk, it gets pretty dark,” Jerry Witt, president of the Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority Board, said. “So we purchased 14 poles and downlights and bases.”
“The lighting will be installed in the next few weeks on the east side of the walking trail, where it is darker, it’s close to the lookout,” Witt said. “We would like for (the lighting) to go over to the Mercy Hospice Memorial part. We will add more lights later, this is what we can afford now.”
The lights will be LED downlights, he said, “that will shine on the trail.”
An electrician will install them, with the City of Fort Scott providing the concrete bases for the lights.
There was grant money left following the building of the pavilion and the overlook boardwalk which were completed last year, Witt said. This leftover grant money will fund the lighting segment.
2018 Was a Busy Year For Improvements in Riverfront Park
Two projects in the park were completed last year.
The pavilion was built near the park entrance and has electricity, with a parking lot nearby.
For more information, click below:
Riverfront Park Pavilion Nearly Ready For The Public
The wooden overlook boardwalk was built near the confluence of the Marmaton River and Mill Creek and has seating along the perimeter.
For more information, click below:
Overlook of the Marmaton River in Place at Riverfront Park
The long-range plan is a walking bridge across the river and trails south of the Marmaton River on River Road, he said.
Additionally, signage was installed in the park and other parts throughout Bourbon County. Click below for more information.
“When we can receive money to do it, we will do it,” Witt said.
The Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority Board meets whenever Witt calls a meeting, “Once a month or every six weeks.” he said.
On the board in addition to Witt are Betty Boyko, Penny Pollack Barnes, Bob Love, Danny McGee, Arnold Scholfield, Jeff Sweetser and Allen Warren.
American Legion Post 25 Reminder of Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
April 23. Bloodmobile will be at Buck Run Community Center from 1 – 7 pm. Blood donation is a national Legion program. Call 620-223-5946 to schedule an appointment.
April 24. Bloodmobile will be at Buck Run Community Center from 9 am – 1 pm. Blood donation is a national Legion program. Call 620-223-5946 to schedule an appointment.
April 27. Women’s Self-Defense class from 10 am – 12 pm at Fort Scott Middle School. Signup online at takedefense.org or by calling 620-223-1440. Ages 12 – 90. No males allowed.
April 27 – April 28. Fort Scott Civil War Encampment. Starts at 9 am both days.
April 27. American Legion Baseball Information Session for players ages 16 to 19. Players must be a student or recent graduate of Fort Scott High School or Uniontown High School. Starts at 10 am. Fort Scott Memorial Hall (Corner of National Ave. and 3rd Street) 1 E 3rd St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County students who meet the age requirements but attend a private school or are homeschooled may be eligible to play.
Email Post 25 Baseball Chair Earl Adams at [email protected] with any questions or for more information.
DATE CHANGE.
May 2. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 rechartering has been changed to May 2, 2019 at 7 pm. This milestone event will take place in Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall.
Any female who has an ancestor who served in the United States military is eligible for the American Legion Auxiliary. Additionally, female family members of Veterans and active duty military may also be eligible for the American Legion Auxiliary. Email [email protected] for more details on joining the Auxiliary.
Volunteers Needed
Ralph Carlson is seeking volunteers to help with minor home repairs for low income area residents. Volunteers with carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills. All projects are short term and can be accomplished based upon the volunteer’s availability. Some of Ralph’s most recent projects were wheelchair ramps for two disabled Veterans and repairing a kitchen floor for a senior citizen. Call Ralph at 620-644-8162 to volunteer or more for information about his program.
The Fort Scott Cancer Treatment Center relocated to Chanute. Drivers are needed to take Fort Scott patients to Chanute for chemotherapy. Drivers will use their own vehicle and there is a small stipend for gas, if requested. A driver will take the chemo patient to their appointment in Chanute and wait for treatment to be completed and bring the patient back to Fort Scott. The driver may have only a half hour wait for the patient or two – three hours. Call Donna Bauer at 620-224-7075 for more information or to volunteer.
You do not have to be a Veteran to step up for one of the volunteer opportunities. Just someone who will step up and offer a helping hand to our neighbors.
Some Changes for Good Ol’ Days 2019
Good Ol’ Days, the annual Fort Scott town-wide event, begins on Thursday, May 30 and runs through Saturday, June 1, this year.
There have been a few changes in venue for some of the events.
Rhonda Dunn, a member of the Good Ol’ Days Steering Committee, answered the following questions posed to her from fortscott.biz.
Why change of venue for the dances, from outside to inside?
“The committee wanted to move away from the street dance format because they haven’t been well attended in recent years. We did a survey after last year’s festival and people wanted it to stay downtown so we were looking for a solution. The cost of a concert quality stage was very expensive so we opted to utilize Memorial Hall so we can have great concerts without the worry of rain.”
Why the change of venue for the carnival?
“The carnival is a very popular part of the Good Old Days but has been limited by the space we can provide. By moving them to the parking lot at 3rd and Main, we can give them more space which we hope results in more rides and bigger rides.”
Anything else new?
“We are collaborating with Velocity’s Customer Appreciation event and the trolley will shuttle people between the two events making it one great festival. They are planning a BIG car show and motorcycle show and are even giving away a Harley Davidson motorcycle!
The Friday and Saturday night concerts are a big change for the festival and we hope it becomes a fixture of the festival for years to come. Friday night’s concert is the 90’s country band, Restless Heart. Saturday night will be a Beach Party in Memorial Hall with the #1 Beach Boys Tribute Band in the US, Still Surfin.”
Who is on the committee?
“The (Good Ol’ Days) Steering Committee is Shawn Obrien, Charlotte Thompson, Janet Braun, Leah Bowman, Carl Brenner, Melissa Wise, Allyson Turvey. Many other people work with the committee to make all these events happen. We are looking for volunteers to help not only with this year’s festival but work throughout the year to plan for the next year too. Volunteers can contact me by text or call at 620-224-1186.
How many vendors are expected?
“The target of booths is 150.”
Friday night concert season begins
The Friday Night Concert in the Park series will kick off Friday, April 26 with piano students performing from the Tucker Music Studio.
Due to unpredictable spring weather, the concert will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main Street. The concerts normally take place at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main Streets.
“I am really pleased to present this fine group of young ladies and gentlemen and their teacher, Carolyn Tucker, to the good people of Bourbon County and the surrounding area,” Ralph Carlson, event coordinator said.
The students scheduled to perform are Benjamin, Josiah, and Noelle Banwart, Abbigail Collins, Abigail DeLoera, Hannah Peck, Austin Sinn, and Garren and Gregg Tucker.
In addition, former students Kelcie Bailey and Breisen Keller will perform as guest pianists.
Carlson said the students range from elementary to high school in USD 234, USD 235, Fort Scott Christian Heights, and those that are homeschooled.
The concert will consist of a variety of music including classical, pop, gospel, patriotic, and folk. The evening will conclude with an instrumental wrap-up featuring Carolyn Tucker on piano and Ralph Carlson on guitar.
The concerts, which are free and open to the public, are sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
City Commission to Attend Airport Advisory Board April 24
The City Commission will gather together on Wednesday, April 24th, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. in the City Commission meeting room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas along with the Airport Advisory Board. There may be a majority of City Commissioners present but no City Commission business will be conducted. This meeting is open to the public.
New SEKCAP CEO: Jess Ervin
Jess Ervin, Uniontown, transitioned to the role of Chief Executive Officer at Southeast Kansas Community Action Program on January 1, 2019.
“I replaced Steve Lohr, who was with SEK-CAP for nearly 40 years,” Ervin said. “He had served as CEO since 1999.”
Ervin’s office is located in Girard, at the SEK-CAP Central Office facility on North Sinnet Street.
“This location houses the Agency’s administrative offices, as well as office space for our Early Childhood Services staff,” Ervin said. “Also located here is an annex facility, in which our housing services and transportation departments are located.”
Ervin is a Bourbon County resident.
“I graduated from Uniontown High School in 2002, Fort Scott Community College in 2004 and Pittsburg State University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration,” he said.
“From 2006 to 2014, I worked at Mercy Health Center Fort Scott, first as a staff accountant, then as a senior accountant,” he said. “Following that time I transitioned into the role of a senior financial analyst for Mercy of Southwest Missouri and Kansas, where I worked until January of 2017. In January of 2017, I was hired as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for SEK-CAP. I served in that capacity until the end of 2018.”
What does the future look like with Ervin as CEO?
“We will continue to serve the children, families and communities in the twelve counties in southeast Kansas,” Ervin said. “Our current services include Community Engagement, Early Childhood Services, Housing and Transportation.”
“We are currently engaged in completing a Community Needs Assessment for our service area that will combine both qualitative and quantitative data factors to determine areas of need, and to identify opportunities for change.”
SEK-CAP is active in Bourbon County.
“Right now in Bourbon County, we are active through Community Engagement, Housing Services and Early Childhood Services. Community Engagement encompasses community planning, involvement and needs assessment,” he said.
“Our housing services in Bourbon County include the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) which can be utilized for homelessness assistance. Our wait list for TBRA is currently open and is set to close April 30th for the current grant cycle.”
“Early Childhood services include both a center-based (Head Start, ages 3-5) model that is housed in a classroom of the Fort Scott Preschool building, and Home-Based Services (Early Head Start and Head Start, prenatal through age 5), which are services delivered by staff who conduct weekly visits to children in their home, and work directly with the parents to promote healthy development. SEK-CAP’s Early Childhood programs promote school readiness for children prenatally to age five for low-income families by supporting the development of the whole child. Each Early Childhood program supports families in fulfilling their roles as parents and movement towards self-sufficiency by offering comprehensive services such as education, nutrition, medical, dental, mental health, employment services, leadership development and community engagement.”
“Each program our agency offers is vitally important to the success of the families and communities we serve, and we can proudly say that the skill and passion that our over 200 staff has for helping people is a cornerstone to all programs.”
Ervin encourages people to visit the agency website at www.sek-cap.com to learn more, and also on facebook and twitter – Southeast Kansas Community Action Program/@SEKCAPINC.
The mission of SEK CAP addresses the causes and effects of poverty by uniting staff, individuals, families and community partners to provide quality comprehensive services through compassionate, respectful relationships.
Fort Scott Special Events April 18-21
