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Category Archives: Fort Scott
Local Author Cathy Werling Signs Newest Book in Series
Local author, Cathy Werling, will be signing and reading from her latest book, “Why Did Sergeant Stubby Go to War?” in the Fort Scott Public Library event room on Monday, May 21, from 4 – 5 p.m.
Her picture book follows the life of heroic dog Stubby, who served alongside his soldier master in World War I. Be inspired by the true re-telling of this canine hero’s story. This is a treat for the whole family! Stop in anytime during this hour-long event.
Cathy is a retired educator, formerly teaching at Eugene Ware Elementary and Winfield Scott Elementary.
She has been an inspiration and leader for our community’s youth for many years and continues to do so today by creating picture books about real-life unsung heroes at the Lowell Milken Center as writing specialist. Find out more at www.lowellmilkencenter.org.
Fort Scott Munitions Gives Customer Appreciation Day June 2
Good Ol’ Days weekend, May 31 -June 2 Fort Scott Munitions is celebrating BIG.
“We are involved in Good Ol’ Days, plus we have our Customer Appreciation Day,” Robbie Forrester, president of Fort Scott Munitions said.
A car show, free hamburgers, raffles, giveaways and in addition the whole store will have discounted items ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent off the regular price.
Fort Scott Munitions is a United States distributor of lead-free rifle and handgun ammunition and the store is located at 523 E. Wall, just off the Hwy. 69 ramp.
The Second Annual Car and Bike Show will be June 2 at 9 a.m., with the doors opening at 8 a.m. It is a family-friendly, alcohol-free environment, according to Forrester. Registration is free.
There is a limit of 200 bikes and 200 cars for the show.
Preregistration is available in store and online at www.fortscottmunitions.com
There will be Best of Show cash prizes for both car and bike categories. The prizes are: 1st place $500, 2nd $250, 3rd $100. Winners will be announced at 2:30 p.m.
There will be 1000 Platinum Beef Burgers cooked for customer appreciation day, provided by KW Beef, a local Registered Angus Ranch. The hamburgers will be cooked by representatives of Traeger’s Grills.
A charity 50/50 Raffle for Jordan Karleskint and Carter Collier will be available with the winner announced following the car and bike show winners announcement.
The items in the store are discounted between 10%-50%.
“Everything in the store will be at least 10 percent off,” Forrester said. “There will be a special on Springfield Guns that day.”
“New items we are just coming out with, 357 sig rounds, will be discounted in the store that day,” Dustin Doherty, marketing manager for Fort Scott Munitions said. Also 9 mm nickel-plated and 9 mm TPD plated ammunitions are for sale that day.
There will be giveaways throughout the day, as well.
Special Guests include:
Sheriff David Clarke (ret.), President of David A. Clarke Enterprises and Spokesman for America First Action;
Kris “Tanto” Pronto and Dave “Boon” Benton, two of the survivor soldiers of Benghazi;
Blue Line Bears (non-profit) – Megan O’Grady;
Got Your Six Coffee Company – Eric Hadley;
Thin Red Line K-9 – Amy and Ted Donaldson.
In the Good Ol’ Days parade on Thursday evening, there will be Hummers, a race car, and trucks provided by Fort Scott Munitions, and will also include some of their special guests.
Store hours change
As of May 1, store hours have changed at Fort Scott Munitions.
“Most gun stores are closed Monday and Tuesday,” Forrester said. “We’ve expanded hours Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If customers need something Monday and Tuesday, they can call us.”
To contact the store call 620-223-1277.
FSHS Thespians Perform 1920s Attire Fashion Show at Medicalodge
Fort Scott High School Thespians performed a 1920s style fashion show for the ladies at Medicalodge Fort Scot Monday afternoon.
Courtesty photos by Angela Bin.
Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission May 1
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of May 1, 2018 Regular Meeting #9
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 1st, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Nichols, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding.
INVOCATION: Pastor James Collins, First Southern Baptist Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the city and all government and city officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Abbie Houston, Shawn Pritchett, Dave Bruner, Linda Houston, Patience Richwine, Makyn Wade, Taylor Jones, Marissa Allen, Xavier Watkins, Tabitha Harris, Lindsay Madison, Amber Toth, Rita Clary, Julie Saker, David Saker, Dr. Stewart Reeves, Jerald Mitchell, James Collins, Justin Fisher, Amy Fisher, Josie Fisher, Jean Fisher, Deb Needleman, Matt Witt, Cherie Witt, Janet Braun, Denton Wescoat, Darrell Parker, Larry Gazaway, Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Clayton Miller, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
National Nursing Home Week – May 13-19, 2018 – Mayor Mitchell read a Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 13-19, 2018 as National Nursing Home Week in the City of Fort Scott and urged all citizens to support quality of life in nursing facilities by visiting the residents.
Recognition of Employee – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, recognized Justin Fisher, Police Officer who is back to work after being deployed to Iraq back in March 2017. He returned to work on April 4th. She also recognized his wife and two daughters and thanked him for serving our country.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 17th, 2018.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1214-A totaling $411,857.94.
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Resolution 24-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 211 N. Lincoln Street – Public Hearing Date – 6/19/2018 at 6:15 p.m.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
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APPEARANCE:
Matt & Cherie Witt – Autism Awareness (video presentation) – Matt Witt appeared before the Commission and shared a video with them on Autism Awareness. They have a son who is 7 ½ years old who is autistic. He urged the public to be aware of autism and the individuals who have this.
Amber Toth – Fort Scott Project – Ms. Toth thanked the Commission for letting her two groups present before them. She informed the Commission that all of the groups present their projects and they are voted on and filtered down to the top two groups which get to present to the City Commission.
The first group consisted of Tabitha Harris, Patience Richwine, and Makyn Wade. Braden was absent due to baseball. They presented a project called Fort Scott Street Light Project. Their idea consisted of changing all the street lights in the City to LED lighting which would save the City money.
The second group consisted of Abbie Houston, Taylor Jones, Marissa Allen and Xavier Watkins. Alec Michaud was absent due to baseball. They presented a project called the 12th Street Catwalk Project. Their idea consisted of installing a catwalk at 12th Street which would improve safety in crossing at this location.
The Commission thanked them for their great ideas and hard work.
First Impressions Project – Lindsay Madison & Carla Nemecek – Lindsay Madison informed the Commission that Carla Nemecek was unable to attend the meeting tonight. She asked for the Commission to approve for the Mayor to sign the First Impressions Community Application form to allow the Chamber to organize a three member team to visit and evaluate another community. That community, in turn, would evaluate Fort Scott. Evaluations would include entrances to the City, government, health care, faith culture to name a few. They would then send a final report and photos to the City with recommendations for improvements if needed. The three member team will include Reta Baker, Darcy Smith and the last member is to be determined still. This was done in 2007 and 2012.
Parker moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the First Impressions application. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED MAYOR TO SIGN THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS APPLICATION.
6:00 p.m. Notification of Intent to File Application for Financial Assistance with USDA Rural Development for improvements to the City’s water system – Jon Garrison, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that the City has talked about this project for the last two to three years. He contacted U.S.D.A. for a low interest loan. Rita Clary, Kansas Rural Water District, has assisted him in filling out the application to U.S.D.A. He said that there is not sufficient revenue in the water utility fund to pay for this project. This project will be done in two phases with phase one being the intake structure and phase two being the dam repair.
Rita Clary, Kansas Rural Water District, informed the Commission that the City needs to apply for funding with U.S.D.A. They have filed an application for financial assistance to improve the City’s water system. This is a $5,038,000 project to be completed in two phases. She believes the interest rate could be 3.75%. U.S.D.A. will give the cheapest rate either at the beginning of the loan or the end of it. Temporary bonds will need to be put in place. She asked for approval for four documents to be signed by the Mayor so the application can be filed.
Jon Garrison said that he has talked to the City’s financial advisor to coordinate temporary notes. The City Commission will have the final approval on all documents and loans. There will be a rate increase in water rates to subsidize this project.
Approval of the following documents is needed:
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Approval of the Legal Services Agreement which has been approved by the City Attorney.
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Identifying and Reporting USDA Rural Development Assistance to USDA Rural Development Employees, Relatives and Associates which states no one is related to anyone with USDA.
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Organization Opinion which states all the City Commissioners and Mayor’s names
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City Application which states all the pertinent information for the City such as tax identification number, assessed valuation, total City mill levy, City debt, Sewer and Water Debt, and water information.
Nichols moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the above stated documents. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN ALL THE USDA FORMS FOR THE RIVER INTAKE STRUCTURE PROJECT APPLICATION PROCESS FOR U.S.D.A.
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – Dr. Stewart Reeves – Dr. Reeves appeared and showed photos of the worse street in Fort Scott. It is 11th Street between National and Judson. The water runs into the street and under the bricks and the street has terrible ruts in it.
City Manager said that he and Chad Brown will get with him on this issue.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:18 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. Motion carried.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:18 P.M.
6:15 p.m. Resolution 22-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1602 E. Oak Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this structure is the old Midway Independent Missionary Baptist Church. It was an old school house that was brought into the City from Missouri many years ago. There is no local historic relevance to this structure. Half of the roof was repaired several years ago but no other repairs have been made. Both of the owners are now deceased. She asked for 30 days to either repair or remove this structure.
Commissioners discussed between them if they had to give 30 days or it could be less.
Parker made a motion to allow 10 days for the owner to either repair or remove the structure at 1602 E. Oak. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 22-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1602 E. OAK STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY MAY 15th, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
6:15 p.m. Resolution 23-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 504 S. Judson Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this house is owned by a brother and a sister. The brother is headed to prison and the sister just made contact with her. The sister is coming to Fort Scott this coming weekend to clean out the house. The house is open to the elements. She recommended delaying this for 30 days to allow the owner to remove the contents and see if possibly a neighbor might purchase it.
Bartelsmeyer moved to delay any action on this structure for 30 days. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO DELAY ANY ACTION ON THE STRUCTURE AT 504 S. JUDSON STREET FOR 30 DAYS.
6:15 p.m. Resolution 25-2018 – Resolution directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 523 S. Main Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that since this was brought before the Commission last month, the owners have started to make some repairs. She showed photos of windows they had covered. They have a list of required repairs that are needed as well as removal of weeds and painting. She recommended delaying this for 30 days to allow them more time to make the necessary repairs.
Adamson moved to delay this 30 more days to allow the owner to make the necessary repairs to 523 S. Main. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO DELAY ANY ACTION ON THE STRUCTURE AT 523 S. MAIN STREET FOR 30 DAYS.
6:15 p.m. Resolution 15-2018 – Resolution directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 1601 E. Wall Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this structure had a fire in it several months ago. The owner has told her that he has sold the kitchen equipment and has a bid to demolish the structure. It will be six weeks before the kitchen equipment is moved out of the structure. She recommended giving the owner 60 days to either repair or remove the structure.
Commissioners discussed and decided on a definite time frame to have the structure removed as of July 31st. 2018.
Bartelsmeyer moved to give the owner until July 31st, 2018 to have the kitchen equipment removed and the structure demolished. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 15-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1601 E. WALL STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY JULY 31st, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
Mitchell moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:28 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:28 P.M.
CONSIDERATION:
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Installation of speed bumps on Old Fort Boulevard – City Manager informed the Commission that the installation of speed bumps at Old Fort Boulevard was discussed at the last meeting. The speed bumps can be purchased at $1,000 each if they desire to do this.
Mitchell moved to install four speed bumps on Old Fort Boulevard. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO INSTALL FOUR SPEED BUMPS AT OLD FORT BOULEVARD.
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Consideration of updated Employee Handbook and approval of Ordinance adopting changes – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that the Employee Handbook was rewrote in 2015 and several revisions have been made since then. She has made it more reader friendly and put all the revisions into this new handbook. She recommended approval of the Employee Handbook and the Ordinance authorizing the changes.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3533 REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 3457, ADOPTING EMPLOYEE MANUAL, REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 3475, ADOPTING RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS, REPLACING ORDINANCE NO 3479, ADOPTING WEAPONS IN THE WORKPLACE, ORDINANCE NO. 3492, COMPUTER EQUIPMENT POLICY, AND ORDINANCE NO 3493, SHARED LEAVE POLICY AND ADDING SECTION 13:5 – PHYSICAL ACTIVITY POLICY AND ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 3533 – UPDATED EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK.
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Consideration of Drug Dog – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that that the Police Department has recognized the need for a Police K-9 dog to be purchased and owned by the City of Fort Scott. Drug arrests are up this year and we feel a narcotics detection dog will assist officers in locating illegal narcotics in our community. He asked the Commission to approve the purchase of a fully trained narcotics detection Police dog, training for the Police Officer and the dog, a kennel to house the dog, an insert for the police car to transport the dog, and a heat alarm system for the Police vehicle. The purchase of these items will be made with drug seizure funds from K-9 Working Dogs International, LLC of Longford, Kansas. This is estimated to cost around $14,000 total. Shawn Pritchett will be the Police Officer with the dog handler as he has had training.
Parker moved to authorize the purchase of the K-9 dog and accessories for the Police Department up to $14,000. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO PURCHASE A K-9 DOG FROM K-9 WORKING DOGS INERNATIONAL LLC OF LONGFORD, KANSAS, TRAINING FOR THE OFFICER AND DOG, A KENNEL FOR THE DOG, AN INSERT FOR THE POLICE VEHICLE, AND A HEAT ALARM SYSTEM FOR THE VEHICLE.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
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Director Updates: None
B. City Commission:
Adamson – Remarked that it was wonderful to see the community support when the combat veteran warriors came to town last week.
Informed the Commission since she serves on the Fort Scott Housing Authority Board, she has discovered that they have a Residents Committee. This committee raises money and has donated $250.00 for pool passes for children and donated money for 40 wreaths for the Wreaths Across America event in December. She also recognized Dan Meara for serving on this board for over 25 years as he has recently resigned as he moved away.
Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.
Nichols – Nothing to report.
Parker – Nothing to report.
Mitchell – Nothing to report.
C. City Attorney: Not present.
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Director of Finance: Nothing to report.
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City Manager:
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Beaux Arts Center – City Manager said that Larry Gazaway, Paul Ballou, Rhonda Dunn, Dr. Randy Nichols, Rick Zingre’ and himself met with Mr. & Mrs. Duncan and some individuals they wanted there. They informed them that the City did not shut their building down. It is the City’s responsibility to make sure that historic buildings are safe. They never could get past the code foot print issue. Dave said that he closed the meeting and thanked them for their time and they left. They tried to reach a consensus but could not.
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Convention and Visitors Bureau – City Manager said that the renovation to the CVB will start tomorrow. This building is a CVB and the City is willing to partner with the Chamber. Lindsay does a great job with the Chamber and this takes a joint effort.
ADJOURNMENT:
Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:27 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on May 15th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
____________________
DIANE K. CLAY
Agenda for Fort Scott City Commission May 15
The agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission 6 p.m. May 15 at City Hall.
I. ROLL CALL:
ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL
II. FLAG SALUTE
III. INVOCATION: Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
Recognition of New City Employees
Buddy Poppy Day Proclamation – May 25, 2018
Kiwanis Pioneer Club 30th Anniversary Proclamation – May 2018
Recognition of Healthy Bourbon County Action Team who helped with the installation of the bicycle racks for the non-motorized transportation plan:
Shane Walker with Bourbon County
Kyle Parks with Fort Scott High School FFA and AG Dept.
Coby Jones with Peerless
Robby Sharman with Peerless
Frank Halsey with Mid-Continental
Todd Farrell with the City of Fort Scott
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 1st, 2018.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1215-A totaling $339,530.18.
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Good Ol’ Days Parade Request Form
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Cereal Malt Beverage Beer Garden Application – Bourbon County Shrine Club – June 1st & 2nd, 2018 – Skubitz Plaza location
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Certificate of Appropriateness – Alterations to building at 16 N. National
VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
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APPEARANCE:
Frank Halsey – Marmaton Massacre Festival & Update on new trails
Tina Rockhold – Street Closure – Wine Stroll
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)
- PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:
6:15 p.m. Resolution 26-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1306 E. Wall Street
VIII. CONSIDERATION:
- Presentation of 2017 Audit – Terry Sercer
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Approval of Resolution 25-2018 approving the form of Supplemental Trust Indenture No. 2 to a certain Trust Indenture entered into by the City in connection with the issuance by the City of its Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2014 (Sleep Inn and Suites Hotel Project)
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Resolution 27-2018 adopting and providing for standards for procurement, bidding and contract awards – USDA Rural Development – River Intake Project
- Consideration of Hay Bid – Fort Scott Municipal Airport
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Approval of proposal for generator maintenance from Generator Services of Independence, Missouri
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Consideration of minor alteration for Chamber building – 231 E. Wall
IX. COMMENTS:
- Director Updates:
- Commission:
- City Attorney:
- Director of Finance:
- 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:
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Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
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Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
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Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency
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Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
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Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports May 9-13
The Fort Scott Police Department daily reports can best be viewed on a computer.
The department is located at 1604 S. National and can be reached at 620-223-1700.
Click here then, click on the image to enlarge:
A Work In Progress
As one drives by the house on South National Avenue, several dumpsters sit in the driveway, and a new banister on the front porch indicate there is construction going on.
The house at 1311 S. National was purchased by the local Youth Activities Team to be rehabilitated, then it will be sold as a fundraiser to help provide a multi-sensory playground for the community at Ellis Park.
Work has been ongoing since last year when the house was purchased.
Diana Mitchell is spearheading this Youth Activities Team (YAT) project.
“We are still tearing down some ceilings, and rearranging some rooms,” Tom Robertson, a member of the YAT said. “We have contractors lined up for when demolition is done.”
“It’s taking longer than we thought,” Robertson said.
Anyone wanting to volunteer to help with this project may contact Mitchell at 620-224-3633 or Robertson at 620-224-7707.
Chamber Coffee Updates
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee is hosted by members at a different location each week of the year, except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
This week it was held at the Woodland Hills Golf Course on South Horton Street, hosted by the City of Fort Scott, who is the owner of the course.
At Chamber coffees, members may tell of events in their respective businesses and organizations and share a cup of coffee beforehand.
The host of the coffee then tells about the business/organization.
The highlights of this week’s coffee:
- Lead Bourbon County, a leadership exploration and development program, finished the nine-month-long classes Thursday, Deb Needleman, co-facilitator said. The class project is creating modules for mentors to use with high school students in time together. A new class will be starting in September and runs until May. Contact Needleman or Robert Uhler for more information.
- This Saturday, May 12, the U.S. Post Office employees are initiating a food drive with residents leaving bags of non-perishable food by their mailboxes, according to Sue Emmons. Emmons is director of The Beacon, a helping agency, and recipient of the food drive. Fort Scott FFA and Michele Lyon are helping with the drive, she said.
- Next week is National Nursing Home Week and Medicalodge Fort Scott will celebrate with residents, Lynnette Emmerson said. They will be celebrating the 1920s on Monday, 30s on Tuesday, 40s on Wednesday, 50s on Thursday and 60s on Friday, she said.
- Jerry Witt, with the Riverfront Authority Board, said there will be a ribbon cutting for the new pavilion May 17 following the Chamber coffee at 8:45 a.m. At 6 p.m. that evening there will be free hot dogs, chips, dessert, and watermelon, Allen Warren, another member of the authority, said. At 6:30 Jason Richison and Kinley Rice and a country-western band from Oklahoma will perform. In case of inclement weather, the performance will be moved to Memorial Hall.
- Warren also told the group that Friday and Saturday the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta is having a swap meet at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. There will be concessions available.
- Maps are available for the town-wide garage sale this weekend from the Chamber website, Executive Director Lindsay Madison said.
- Briggs Auto has a car sale going on and has positions open as well, Carol Lydic said.
- Jackie Warren, co-superintendent of the open class at the Bourbon County Fair, said there will once again be a hay bale contest and King Arthur Baking contest and two new categories in the quilt department: a coaster and “quilt on a stick.”
- On May 18 the Carson Barnes Circus will have two shows, one at 4:30 p.m. and one at 7:30 p.m. at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, Madison said. The event is sponsored by the Chamber. At 11 a.m. there will be an educational session about the circus and 3 p.m. there will be an elephant wash with the Fort Scott Fire Department performing the duties. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber for $14 adults, $6 child. At the door, the costs are $20 adult and $12 child.
- Bill Drury’s A Passion For Service Seminar will be offered May 22 in the a.m. and p.m. at the Empress Event Center, Madison said.
City Manager Dave Martin gave a background of Woodland Hills Golf Course: The city bought the property in 2011 “at a good price”, hired Jon Kindelsparger, took five years to see a difference in the course, (but) revenues have steadily increased.
Clubhouse manager for three years, Shannon O’Neil, said he is “continuing our forward progress, and currently there is a golf course cart building under construction.” He said last year 10,000 people played golf at the course, and “interest is continuing to grow.”
Upcoming events at the course:
Kiwanis Tournament, May 18, to raise money for scholarships; Memorial Day weekend, there will be a three-man scramble; June 9 at Mercy Hospital Scramble to buy new equipment for the hospital.
Local Organization Earns Award at Statewide Health Conference
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Earns Award
at Kansas State of Wellness Symposium
Bourbon County was recognized on Wednesday in Salina at the Kansas State of Wellness Symposium for earning the prestigious Community Health Champion award.
Bourbon County and The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team realized that prevalence of diabetes in the county is over 25% higher than the national rate and decided to change that. Led by Jody Hoener, Mercy Clinic Quality Liaison, the team worked hard to engage community members and organizations in their planning efforts with much success.
Since the inception of The Healthy Bourbon County Action team, they have assisted with creating additional trails for biking and walking, installed bike racks and shared bicycles around Fort Scott, installed water bottle filling stations at a school and are getting healthy, locally grown foods in restaurants. Through building partnerships, they have cultivated a community culture that is more supportive of healthy lifestyles.
A representative from the team was onsite at the fourth annual Kansas State of Wellness Symposium to receive the award.
“I was so proud to be a part of the Bourbon County Action Team that traveled to Salina to receive the Community Champion Award for our great ‘City,’” said Dave Martin, Fort Scott city manager. “People were amazed at all that the hard work and progress that we are making and Jody Hoener did a great job representing us on a success panel. It is wonderful that Peerless was highlighted in their work with their associates on controlling diabetes. A healthy community is a happy community.”
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Blue of Kansas, Kansas Alliance for Wellness and WorkWell Kansas have provided support to businesses, health organizations and communities as they work to improve health and wellness across the state. The symposium allowed organizations to collaborate and work together toward a common purpose of greater health outcomes.
“It’s a privilege to recognize organizations across the state that are working hard to improve health,” said Missty Lechner, Advocacy Project Director, Kansas Alliance for Wellness. “Each of the awardees has taken on various challenges to impact and improve health in very different ways. Regardless of the type of organization or the struggles they have encountered, each has been able to achieve meaningful progress over the past few years.”
Awards were also presented to USD 465 in Winfield, KS, which received the Organization Health Champion award, and Orion Education & Training in Clearwater, KS, which received the Worksite Health Champion award.
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott is an acute care hospital with 46 licensed beds, offering comprehensive medical, surgical, OB/GYN, pediatric, home care and hospice services. Inpatient care is provided with 24/7 physician coverage. In 2017, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott received The Leapfrog Group’s prestigious A rating. Mercy Clinic Fort Scott is located on hospital grounds as well as Mercy rural health clinics in Arma and Pleasanton.
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
Town-Wide Garage Sale Map
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Town-Wide Garage Sale is Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12. Below is the physical map and additionally the list of sale sites.
Main Street Gallery: Six Businesses
Julie McClellan joined forces with her son Josh McClellan in 2000 to open a retail shop in Fort Scott.
The shop has moved from 8 N. Main to National Avenue across from the post office then to 24 N. Main. It was at this location they renamed the shop from Spice of Life to Main Street Gallery and Gifts.
“After 10 years at this location, we outgrew the space and bought the old J.C.Penney building at 23 S. Main,” Julie said.
Through the years they added more offerings for their customers.
Today they have gifts, home decor, custom and antique furniture, gluten-free products, a homebrew supply shop, herbs, essential oils and supplements in addition to an upholstery shop, picture frame and mat shop and additionally they rent out space to the Spoiled Brat Salon next door at 19 S. Main.
In the lower level of Main Street Gallery and Gifts is a flea market with many vendors.
“Josh’s wife, Rechelle, and my husband, Gene, and granddaughter Shelby help out in this multifaceted business,” Julie said.
