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 members mingle for the social time before the announcements at Thursday’s coffee at Woodland Hills Golf Course.
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.
Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin tells the history of the Woodland Hills Golf Course at the Chamber Coffee Thursday morning.
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.
Courtesy photo. Representatives for The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team received the prestigious Community Health Champion award in Salina, Kansas, on Wednesday. Pictured left to right: Missty Lechner, Alliance for Wellness advocacy project director; Jody Hoener, Mercy Clinic Quality Liaison; Allyson Turney, Administrative Assistant; Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director; Sherise Beckham, Mercy Fort Scott dietician; Dave Martin, Fort Scott city manager; and Dr. Elizabeth Ablah, associate professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita and WorkWell KS presenter.
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 aremaking 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 associateson 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.
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.
Julie McClellan of Main Street Gallery and Gifts. Julie and son, Josh, are the owners.
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.
Julie shows Josh’s “The Frame Up” shop located on the first floor of Main Street Gallery. He can do custom framing and matting.Julie gets information from a customer about an upholstery project at Gene’s Upholstery, in the back of the store.A homebrew supply shop is located in Main Street Gallery.Essential oils, supplements, and gluten-free bread are also available at Main Street Gallery.A flea market with several booths is in the basement of Main Street Gallery.A booth in the flea market at Main Street Gallery.
Fort Scott Public Library, at the corner of National Avenue and Second Street.
The Fort Scott Public Library’s 2018 Summer Reading Program theme is Libraries Rock! and this year’s program will include activities and challenges for all library patrons ages 0 – adult.
The family kick-off party is from 10 a.m. to noon May 30 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College on South Horton Street.
Early registration is now open. Any summer reading registrations turned in before May 30 will receive a prize for each child or teen. Forms are available at the library circulation desks and have been sent home through all Bourbon County schools.
If you are able to volunteer or donate, please email Miss Val at [email protected] or call 620-223-2882.
“We still need more donors for weekly snacks,” Youth Librarian Valeta Cannon, ” said. “And more volunteers to help with regular program weeks. All volunteers will receive a letter for their resume or college application upon request.’
2018 Summer Reading Performers Schedule:
Musician Alan Cunningham – June 13 at 10 a.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center(FSCC)
Musician Aaron Fowler with a service dog, Bella – June 19 at 1 p.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center (FSCC)
Storyteller & Puppeteer Priscilla Howe – July 11 at 10 a.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center (FSCC)
Other Events Scheduled:
Rock Star Kick-Off Family Party – May 30 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center (FSCC)
Just Dance & Guitar Hero Teen Kick-Off Party – June 4 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Keyhole
Regular Weekly Programs (Kids 0 – 5th grade) – Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10 a.m., June 5 – August 1 at Fort Scott Public Library. NO regular meeting on June 12, July 4, or 10, due to performances and Independence Day. Events will begin in our event room and the computer room, located downstairs, and finish upstairs for awards, registration, and book browsing.
Regular Weekly Programs (Teens, 6th – 12th grade) – Wednesdays at 4:15 pm, June 6 – August 1 at the library and once monthly at Common Ground Coffee Co. NO Meeting on July 4 (July 3 instead). Teens are also encouraged to volunteer at children’s meetings.
Rock-Painting Party with Julie and Kallie Norris – Date TBD at Fort Scott Public Library
Mercy’s Application Process for Donation/Sponsorship Requests
FORT SCOTT, Kan. (May 9, 2018) – Mercy is committed to supporting charitable organizations and activities consistent with our mission to improve the health and quality of life in the communities we serve. Just one way that Mercy does so is by donating money to sponsor a multitude of annual events or organization’s efforts to promote health and wellness.
In order to better serve the organizations which submit sponsorship/donation requests, Mercy has introduced a new online sponsorship application system.
To be considered for funding from Mercy between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019, all organizations seeking charitable support are asked to complete the online application at www.mercy.net/sponsorships.
The deadline to apply is June 1, 2018. Recipients will be notified by email after July 1, 2018.
To create your organization’s online proposal, you will first need to create an account by logging on to www.mercy.net/sponsorships. Note that the application will require a W-9, and Federal Tax ID number or a Social Security number to submit.
“The application review committee looks forward to receiving proposals and learning more about your organization’s plans to use funds to further our mission among the people you serve,” said Tina Rockhold, Community Relations Manager, and Philanthropy Director.
“We strongly encourage your organization’s members to think ahead for the next 13 months and submit applications for programs they foresee having funding needs through June of 2019.”
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.
Buck Run Community Center is located at 735 Scott Avenue.
Thinking of activities for the kids to do this summer?
The first of May marked the first day of registration for all summer programs at Buck Run Community Center.
“Parents, don’t wait to sign up,” Tom Robertson, director of the center, said. “We do have limits on some programs.”
Tom Robertson is the director of Buck Run Community Center.
Programs such as youth baseball/softball, adult slow-pitch softball, adult racquetball, pickleball, and co-ed kickball are offered.
In addition, cooking and craft classes for youth, cheerleading, dance, basic tumbling, youth fitness, Little Athletics Camp, Sports Camp, Tot Lot Day Camp and Adventure Class require pre-registration beginning May 1.
Also offered are basketball camp, drama performance camp, volleyball camp and football camp, junior golf camp, youth tennis program and swim lessons.
At the aquatic center at 7th and Main streets- infant aquatics, water fitness, and swim teacher certification are taught. The center opens May 28, Memorial Day.
The Fort Scott Hurricanes is a competitive swim team open to swimmers 18 years old and younger, who can swim at least one length of the pool.
Adults are not left out of activities.
For adults there are fitness classes, dance lessons and Tae Kwon Do classes.
Shelter house rentals and camping sites are available in Gunn Park on Park Avenue.
The big rock shelter house at Gunn Park.
In addition there is Lake Fort Scott located off Indian Road, south of the city, Lincoln School Walking Trail located at West 18th Street, the Betty Run Willard Fields/Ty Cullor Field located at 2108 S. Horton, Ellis Park located at 12the and Williams streets, Third Street Park located at Third and Hill streets, Nelson Park located at the corner of Grant and Elm streets, Woodland Hills Golf Course at 2414 S. Horton and the James Tedesco Memorial Skate Park at Fourth and Scott streets.
For more information contact Buck Run Community Center at 620-223-0386, check out its Facebook page or click here
The Fort Scott Police Department daily reports can best be viewed on a computer. The department is located at
1604 S. National, Fort Scott, KS 66701 and can be reached at
620-223-1700.
Nurse Mary Bickerdyke, interpreted by Tiffiny Durham and Dr. Ben Thayer, interpreted by Mason Lumpkins, portray a scene during the Civil War.Students raise hands to answer questions during the presentation.
Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area awarded the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes an Interpretive Grant in the amount of $2145 for the project honoring Unsung Hero Mary Bickerdyke.
On May 7, visitors learned more about Unsung Hero Mother Mary Bickerdyke because of that grant.
Bickerdyke was a Civil War nurse who built 300 field hospitals with the help of the U.S. Sanitary Commission and created new standards in soldier care. Her zeal in her profession earned her the name “Cyclone In Calico.”
Tiffiny Durham interprets Mary Bickerdyke to students at Lowell Milken Center May 7.Mason Lumpkins interprets Civil War Doctor Ben Thayer to the group of students.
The Lowell Milken Center collaborated with the Fort Scott National Historic site in presenting the story to over 140 students from Fort Scott.
Tiffiny Durham, FSNHS Museum Technician interpreted Bickerdyke to the visitors at the center, while Mason Lumpkin, Excelsior Springs, Mo. interpreted Dr. Ben Thayer for the group.
The group consisted of the fifth-grade students at Eugene Ware Elementary School and first and second-grade students at Christian Learning Center.
This photo is of the students watching a short video on the Unsung Hero project about Bickerdyke which was produced by a then-student, Theresa Schafer.
The presentation not only taught each attendee about the past but information about the Red Cross, local blood drives and ways to volunteer was included.
Megan Felt, right, the program director at the center, introduces Ruth Waring, the American Red Cross drive local coordinator to the group.Following the presentation, students were given a tour of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. Here, Eugene Ware fifth-grade students of Abby Dixson look at the project about the “Little Rock Nine” project at the center.Christian Learning Center first and second-grade students of Kelly Love get a hands-on demonstration from Dr. Ben Thayer on how a broken arm was treated during the Civil War.
About Freedom’s Frontier
The Freedom’s Frontier Interpretive Grant program was started in 2012, according to information provided.
Since then, more than 97 projects have been awarded grant funding, according to information provided. Grant projects have been completed on both sides of the Missouri-Kansas border, in the 41-county region that comprises the heritage area.
Projects awarded grant funding must interpret local history, and connect to one or more of the three major themes of the heritage area: the shaping of the frontier, the Missouri-Kansas Border War, and the enduring struggle for freedom.
Grants range in amount from under $1,500 to $5,000. All awards over $1,500 require that the grant recipient show a local match of half the amount of the award. This match can be in the form of cash, or in-kind donations and staff and volunteer time.
Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area is one of 49 heritage areas in the U.S. Heritage areas are nonprofit affiliates of the National Park Service (NPS). They act as coordinating entities between the local organizations telling nationally significant stories and the NPS.
Freedom’s Frontier was established as a heritage area on October 12, 2006, when signed into law by President George Bush. The heritage area’s management plan was approved by the Department of the
