Category Archives: Fort Scott

Business, Fort Scott

It’s REALLY Cool: Tropical Joe’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice Comes to Fort Scott

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On July 6, Joe Pauly opened his  Tropical Joe’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice business in the parking lot of Family Video on South National Avenue.

“I started the company for two reasons,” Pauly told FortScott.Biz. “I loved shaved ice, it’s so good and such a fun business where you get to put smiles on faces. And reason two is I have six children, the oldest being 11. My hope is that someday this will be their summer job to teach them about work, business, communication and how to serve people.”

Pauly lives in Pittsburg and wanted to open his first store there.

“However, there is already an established shaved ice business there and my supplier said ‘Why not Fort Scott?’,” Pauly said.  “He had a shaved ice business there for years, Tad’s Shaved Ice, and said it was a great town that supported the business.”

Pauly listened to the advice and went to where the demand was.

“It’s been great,” he said. “The people of Fort Scott love their shaved ice and I am glad to be able to bring it back to them.”

Joe’s Tropical Ice employee, Mariam Mix, waits on a customer Monday afternoon.

Many people have thanked him for putting the business in Fort Scott.

“Some said they had been driving to Nevada and Pittsburg for shaved ice,” Pauly said.

Customers purchase some shaved ice Monday afternoon.

Pauly plans to remain open through September, he estimated.

The business is open seven days a week from 2 to 10  p.m. and is located at the corner of 18th Street and National Avenue in the Family Video parking lot.

The many flavors of Tropical Joe’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice.
More flavors and the pricing of the product.
Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Thespians Benefit from International Thespian Festival

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Top left to right: Dominic Cannon, Grant Coffman, Mackenzie Peoples, Kathelra Murray, Audra McFarland, Mark Bergmann. Middle: Levi Bin, Alyx Brooks, Mary Gladbach, Mesa Jones, Kaitlyn Hanks, Ivy Bailey, Angie Bin. Front: Carlee Studyvin, Addy Labbe, Katie Button, Lexi Bailey, Hunter Adamson, Karina Kantilal.

 

Nineteen Thespians from Fort Scott High School Troupe #7365 attended the International Thespian Festival at the University of Nebraska June 25-July 1.

 

The students joined 4,500 others from around the world to experience a week of intensive theatre-related workshops and classes and attend top-notch student theatre performances. This year’s festival had over 700 workshops taught by Broadway professionals, university faculty and theatre educators and over 55 performances.

 

“Going to any sort of Thespian Festival, either state or international, I’ve connected with other people and shared the love of theatre with them. We’ve seen many beautifully done shows and enjoyed being there,” said senior Karina Kantilal.

 

Seniors Alyx Brooks and Hunter Adamson joined 650 other students in auditioning for college scholarships. Over sixty colleges gave out scholarships at the festival and both seniors were called back by numerous colleges.

Thespians dressed to attend an evening formal dance. L to R: Addy Labbe, Karina Kantilal, Hunter Adamson

 

In addition, Adamson, the FSHS Thespian President and a KS State Thespian Officer and FSHS Thespian Vice President and KS State Thespian Representative Mesa Jones, a junior, attended special leadership classes throughout the week.

 

“Getting to go to the leadership workshop helped open my eyes to ways of being a helping hand and all around better leader for my troupe. I met amazing young activists and feel as though I understand the positive influence theater is for young minds more. The trip was outstanding and I loved every second,”  Adamson said.

 

FSHS Thespian Director Angie Bin, FSHS English Teacher Mark Bergmann, and Thespian parent Amy Labbe were sponsors for the event.

 

“It is truly the most amazing experience. The incredible workshops are taught by successful industry professionals and are invaluable to students seeking careers in the biz. The shows are full of the most talented young people who are the future Broadway stars of our country. It was the best week of my year!” Labbe remarked.

 

Students worked throughout the school year to fundraise the $790 registration fee for the festival. Many were able to attend last year’s festival for free due to a Send a Troupe grant won by FSHS from the Educational Theatre Association and were determined to experience the festival again.

 

Junior Kaitlyn Hanks said, “I can’t wait to come back. International Thespian Festival is truly like a second home to me, it’s the happiest place on Earth for a bunch of Thespians, from the great people to the amazing teachers and extraordinary shows.”

 

Fort Scott

Dr. Parris Retires

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Dr. Roger Parris Retires from Mercy after 37 Years

 The public is invited to a retirement reception for Roger Parris, M.D., from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 28, in the Mercy Hospital cafeteria.

Dr. Parris earned this medical degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia and completed his family medicine residency at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He specializes in family medicine and emergency medicine. Dr. Parris is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

In May, Dr. Parris was awarded the coveted 5-Star Award by ranking in PRC’s top 10 percent nationally for “excellent” responses in patient satisfaction surveys. He is also a fabulous vocalist and has performed in many musicals.

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.

Airport, Fort Scott, Government

Airport Receives Two Grants To Update

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Fort Scott Airport runway.

In June, the Fort Scott City Commission approved a Kansas Department of Transportation grant in the amount of $109,600 for the Automated Weather Observation Station upgrades at the airport with the city match of $12,118.

Fort Scott Economic Development Director Rachel Pruitt, along with Fort Scott Airport Director Kenny Howard informed the commission that the city received this and another grant from K.D.O.T.

Howard stated that the A.W.O.S. upgrade is badly needed at the Airport as the current system is about 19 years old, according to the meeting minutes.

“The A.W.O.S. is the on-field reporter of weather, visibility, etc.,” Howard said.

Fort Scott Airport Office.

The other grant received from K.D.O.T. is for lighting the runway, Howard said.

The PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicators) and REIL (Runway End Identifier Lights) Grant from KDOT is for runway lighting at the airport in the amount of $177,462. The city match for the grant is $19,718.

The commission discussed the airport 2,100-foot runway extension and how this lighting would be affected, according to the minutes.

Kenny stated that the grant can be delayed if the runway extension occurs within the next two years.

“We are waiting for more grant money for the extension,” Howard said.”The design for the runway extension is not completed yet.”

Pruitt stated that she is applying for another grant for the extension July.

The office and pilots lounge of the Fort Scott Airport.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Downtown Business Meet and Greet July 10

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Join the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce this Tuesday, July 10th
for the Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet at Papa Don’s 10 N. Main from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

The Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet is hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives and any community members to attend to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown!
Coffee, juice and light refreshments will be served.
Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 with questions
or for more information.
See you there!
Special thanks to Brita Rygmyr, Tom Rygmyr & staff for hosting!
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Burke Street Parade

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A large crowd attended the annual 4th of July Burke Street Parade.

“We had a huge crowd,” Deb Halsey, a resident on the street said.

Deb and husband Frank Halsey hosted the cookie reception that always follows the parade each year. The reception is hosted by a different family each year.

The following are submitted photos.

Uncle Sam is portrayed by Merle Humphrey in the July 4th Burke Street Parade.


A miniature white convertible is driven by Ella Walker and Olive Ellis.

Susan Foster, Margaret Humphrey, and two young girls walk Burke Street in the 4th of July Parade.
A synchronized mowing team was in the parade consisting of Ralph Hall, Chad Cosens, Tom Gorman, Jason Gorman and Frank Halsey. Together the team mowed Ralph Hall’s property.

 

 

Fort Scott

One Extraordinary Neighborhood Party

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The Burke Street residents know how to throw a good party.

Following their annual 4th of July Parade, the group offers cookies and drinks to the visitors, then later they pull together a potluck for their neighborhood and friends.

Deb Halsey, who with husband, Frank, hosted the Burke Street Parade reception, hands out drinks along with cookies from a tent set up on their front lawn.
The Frank Carlson family remain in their parade viewing seats following the parade and converse with passersby on Burke Street.
Bob Masters, left, waits for a hot dog to be served by Shane Walker, right and John Kerr, background facing away. Hot dogs and brats plus a potluck meal were served to residents and friends following the 4th of July Burke Street Parade.
Kendra and Heather Bahr give rides on their horses following the parade. The two girls were in the Burke Street 4th of July Parade.
Youngsters enjoy the empty Burke Street following the parade on July 4th.
Area News, Entertainment, Fort Scott

July 7: Family Fun at Gunn Park

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Fort Scottians are invited to join in the fun and entertainment Saturday, July 7 for a local mountain bike race, that this year includes the Kansas championship race and live music in the evening.

“The 5th Annual Marmaton Massacre Festival / Kansas State Mountain Bike Championship starts Saturday at noon with our Marathon Race, a 4-hour endurance event,” Frank Halsey, who originated the race several years ago, said. ” At about 6:30 pm, the Kid’s Race is free and open to kids 10 and under.  This race is not on the trails, rather we cut a trail out in the open field, to avoid the exposure of wooded trail riding.”

The volunteers at Gunn Park Trails, as part of the Marmaton Massacre Festival, would like to invite the public to the shade of Gunn Park on Saturday, July 7, for the evening of free entertainment, according to a press release from the volunteers.

The 10 years of age under Kid’s Mountain Bike Race will begin about 6:30 pm, followed by a  performance of balance and agility, by Ryan Braxton and Ed Schilling on their trials bike.

“A free concert will follow by Paul and Leslie from En Power & Light. They’re really good!” according to the release.

Bring your lawn chairs and coolers and take advantage of this relaxing evening in the park.

“It’s free, and we’d love to see you there!”

Fort Scott, Government

New Trucks Being Considered For Fort Scott Fire Department

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Firefighter Travis Mewhinney stands next to the ladder truck that is to be replaced in 2019 if the city commission approves it this month.

The 1993 model ladder truck the Fort Scott Fire Department has is in need of replacement.

“We have to worry about the liability of that truck,” Fire Chief Paul Ballou said. “It’s past 25 years old…The ladder truck passed its’ certification, but it’s past its’ 25 years life…We are trying to get everything out of them that we can.”

Ballou expressed concerns about getting replacement parts for vehicles that old.

Newer models have longer ladders and more seats for firefighters

“This (ladder) is 75 feet,” Firefighter Travis Mewhinney said. “The one we are looking at (for replacement) is around 100 feet.”

“It seats three firefighters and a driver,” Mewhinney said. “The new one seats five firefighters and a driver.”

The ladder truck has been used to assist with training and fires with multi-story buildings.

“Like Victorian homes,” Ballou said. “Where you can’t get a ground ladder up to the roof.”

“It was used on the downtown fire (in 2005), and has been used in Nevada and Pleasanton in mutual aid (to their firefighters),” Mehinney said.

While the ladder truck is used less, the pumper truck is used virtually every day.

“The E1 pumper truck, a 1997, is used all the time,” Mewhinney said.

Jon Garrison, Fort Scott Director of Finance gave a preliminary budget update for the 2019 budget at the city commission meeting June 19, according to the unapproved city minutes.

Garrison stated there are two big projects coming up for consideration: the River Intake Structure which will cost approximately $5,000,000 and the purchase of two fire trucks – a  ladder truck and a pumper truck which will amount to approximately $1,500,000, according to the unapproved minutes.

“A ladder truck averages close to $800,000 to $1 million,” Chief Ballou said. “A pumper truck is $305,000 to $450,000.”

Garrison desires to have a budget work session before the July 17 city commission meeting, with the 2019 budget being approved at the August 7 meeting, according to the unapproved minutes.

Fort Scott Fire Department’s E1  pumper truck, used virtually every day, is also in need of replacement.