Category Archives: Fort Scott

YAT Receives Check From Gunn Park Trails

December 22, 2017 Loretta George Leave a comment

YAT members receive a check from Gunn Park Trail members at the site of the multi-sensory play area in Ellis Park Wednesday afternoon. From left: front is Frank Halsey, Gunn Park Trails organizer; Diana Mitchell, YAT member; and Penny Pollack-Barnes, Tri-Yak-Athon Race coordinator. In back from left are Tom Robertson, Eric Bailey and Larry Fink, all YAT members.

Slow but sure progress is being made on a playground for children in the community.

Youth Activity Team members met at the future site of a multi-sensory playground at Ellis Park in Fort Scott Wednesday to receive a $2,500 check from representatives of Gunn Park Trails to add to the fundraising efforts to build the playground.

Frank Halsey, who has blazed trails at Gunn Park for about a decade and in the last five years initiated the annual Tri-Yak-Athon contest, was there with the check.

The Tri-Yak-Athon is a race for bikers, runners and kayakers, which this year was turned over to Penny Pollack-Barnes to help coordinate. Gunn Park Trails members host the Tri-Yak-Athon.

Barnes presented the check, which was proceeds from the Tri-Yak-Athon in October, to the YAT.

The YAT members present to receive the check were Eric Bailey, Larry Fink, Diana Mitchell, and Tom Robertson.

Halsey said this is the first money raised for a cause by the Tri-Yak-Athon.

“We appreciate what you’ve done,” Mitchell told Halsey.

The goal for the playground is $180,000 and with this check, $39,000 has been raised, Mitchell said.

The playground equipment will eventually be at the south end of Ellis Park, west of the basketball court and near the UMB Pavillion.

“We have a lot more fundraising to do,” she said.

The YAT have a list of fundraisers they have sponsored through the years.

In 2007 the YAT initiated a Miles of Pennies community fundraiser for the Guinness Book of Records; in 2008 they sponsored a Jason Aldean concert for the city; in 2009 they sponsored a Luke Bryan concert, Mitchell said.

Then the group took a few years off.

In 2011 both Aldean and Bryan and the Duck Dynasty family came for the last concert.

The planned multi-sensory playground will be located in Ellis Park at the south end.

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

Carnival Cruise of Mexican Riviera

December 21, 2017 Loretta George Leave a comment

It’s not too late to say “Bon Voyage” to the winter blues

and join friends on a cruise of the Mexican Riviera!

Departing from Long Beach, CA and sailing to

Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta.

Departing Kansas City for Los Angeles February 23rd

and returning March 3rd. Bus from Fort Scott to airport and back.

Space on this trip is becoming limited book now so you don’t miss out! This would make a great getaway present for the New Year!

For brochures contact Don Miller at 223-6423

For information and booking call Karen Keen 913-499-1331

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

New Physical Therapist Joins Mercy

December 21, 2017 Loretta George Leave a comment

When opportunity knocks, listen.

For David Shank, DPT, the chance to use his physical therapy expertise to help patients near his hometown came sooner than expected. But, he knew the opportunity was something he couldn’t let slip by.

The community where he spent many years as a young adult had an appeal he couldn’t resist.

“I feel Fort Scott is a gem and I like the small-town atmosphere,” said Shank.

“I had been working as a traveling physical therapist since graduating from Kansas University Medical School in May 2017. My plan was to continue this for a few years. When the job opportunity came available at Mercy Health for Life, my plans were put on fast forward.”

Shank, a 2009 Uniontown High School graduate, attended Fort Scott Community College where he played football for two years. He then transferred to Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology in 2013. He began doctorate work in physical therapy later that year.

Life experiences have helped Shank appreciate and understand the importance of physical therapy. From personal football injuries to the physically demanding work as a welder, Shank has lived it.

“My interest in rehabilitating an injury progressed more as I dove deeper into the profession. I learned that physical therapy is about more that the human body; it’s about the whole person – physical, mental, spiritual – and helping to make a positive impact on someone’s life.”

“I know I’ve made the right career choice when my patients are able to walk again, say they are able to get out of bed without pain or they’ve been able to avoid surgery and yet feel 100 percent.”

Shank will care for physical therapy patients in the inpatient and outpatient setting as well as the occupational health environment.

“I hope to be a good resource for companies in our area because not only do I have the medical training in worksite occupational health, but I have the personal experience that can be beneficial in treatment, too.”

Shank joins a veteran Mercy Health for Life therapy team that includes physical therapists Denny Gillard and Janet Smith; occupational therapist Hugo Dahlstrom; speech therapist Afton Hyer; and physical therapy assistants Lisa Proctor and Rebecca Zimmerman.

For more information about Mercy Therapy Services, call 620-223-7073.

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

FSCC Adult Education and GED Program Orientation Slated for January 10

December 21, 2017 Loretta George Leave a comment

Fort Scott Community College will hold the next orientation for the Adult Education and GED Program on Wednesday, January 10. The program is eight weeks long, and students may choose from three sessions: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 to 4 p.m., or 4 to 7 p.m.

“Through the program, students will work to complete GED modules including math, reading, science, and social studies,” said Aubrey Duft, FSCC Adult Basic Education Instructor. “The classes also focus on college readiness, career readiness, and technology.”

Adult education classes are open to students ages 16 and older. Students who are under 18 must have a Parental Waiver for Compulsory Attendance to attend class; the form can be obtained from the last school district the student attended.

The cost for the class is $30 and includes the ACCUPLACER college entrance exam, Northstar Digital Literacy Certification, WorkKeys Employment Skills Test, TABE assessment, and one GED Ready Practice Test. GED testing fees are not included.

The classes will take place in the FSCC Student Success Center, located in Bailey Hall, 2108 South Horton, Fort Scott. To enroll, please contact Aubrey Duft, FSCC Adult Basic Education Instructor, at 620-223-2700, ext. 4400.

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

Holiday Hours at Mercy Convenient Care and Mercy Clinics

December 21, 2017 Loretta George Leave a comment

Mercy Convenient Care at 1624 S. National in Fort Scott will close at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24, and remain closed on Monday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day.

Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

For emergencies on the holiday, please visit Mercy Emergency Department located in Mercy Hospital Fort Scott.

Mercy Clinic Fort Scott, Mercy Clinic Family Medicine Arma and Mercy Clinic Family Medicine Linn County will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. All locations will resume regular hours on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

The physicians and staff at Mercy Clinic wish you a safe a happy holiday.

###

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Hartman Spine And Joint: Two Focuses of Medicine

December 21, 2017 Loretta George Leave a comment

Husband and wife chiropractors, Dr. Heather Davis and Dr. Grant Hartman with their billing employee, Jenny Guilfoyle and receptionist, Joy Fleming.

Hartman Spine and Joint is a team of husband and wife, both chiropractic doctors, but who focused on different areas of chiropractic service.

Grant Hartman’s diploma from Logan University hangs on the wall of his practice.

Both graduated from Logan University, St. Louis, Mo.

Dr. Grant Hartman treats musculoskeletal conditions.

Following sport injury issues at Fort Scott High School, Hartman received help through chiropractic medicine. He graduated in 2008.

“I had back problems in high school in football and track,” Hartman said. “A chiropractic doctor was able to help.”

Additionally, his grandfather Ron Billiard had extensive back problems.

“I always said if I could help only one person so they wouldn’t have to go through what he went through,” Hartman said. “That’s what motivated me.”

Conditions that Dr. Grant Hartman treats.

Dr. Heather Davis, a 2006 graduate of FSHS, focused on different issues.

“I was a bodybuilder and did well,” Davis said. “But my health was devastated. I started seeing a functional medicine doctor.”

After six months of seeing improvement in her health, she changed her focus at Logan University to functional medicine.

Dr. Heather Davis’ diploma hangs on the wall of her office. She graduated magna cum laude.

A sign in the doctor’s office explains functional medicine.

The office has two employees, Joy Fleming and Jenny Guilfoyle.

Receptionist Joy Fleming schedules appointments, takes patient payments and coordinates referrals to other doctors as part of her duties at Hartman Spine and Joint.

Jenny Guilfoyle works on billing for Hartman Spine and Joint which includes insurance, billing, statements, and helping patients understand their insurance coverage.

Treatments available at Hartman Spine and Joint.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Trailer Park Sold, Property Will Be Developed

December 20, 2017 Loretta George Leave a comment

Fort Scott Estates trailer park is being cleared. The property is located on Horton, across from Fort Scott Community College.

Two Dogs Barking Real Estate, owned by Patrick Wood and Jake Gross, recently purchased Fort Scott Estates trailer park at 2170 S. Horton.

Demolition on the property was by Johnny Walker, who was hired by the previous owner, Ted Shadid.

The house that is on the property will be moved to another location, Wood said.

“Originally we purchased the property to build apartments,” Wood said. “But since then some other things are in the works that are bigger.”

Wood and Gross also own the Garrison Apartments, at 1731 S. Horton, across from Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

Almost all the trailers were out of the Fort Scott Estates park on Dec. 11 in this photo.

Kevin Asbury works on his mobile home Dec. 11 in preparation for moving it from Fort Scott Estates trailer park on Horton.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Court Hears From Mental Health Professionals in Banker Case

December 20, 2017 Loretta George 3 Comments

On December 8 in the District Court of Bourbon County, KS, the State of Kansas VS Joseph Banker, the court heard from a doctor and a counselor who have both evaluated Banker.

Both had submitted reports to the court after evaluating Banker who has plead No Contest to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

The offenses occurred in 2009 when Banker was on the staff of a church in Fort Scott.

The report from the doctor states that Banker does not meet the definition of a sexual offender and would not recommend additional sexual offender treatment.

The defendant voluntarily entered therapy, the report said.

In the report, it is stated that Banker has been married for 13 years and has children 11, 9 and 6 years of age. He is currently working in construction and his wife has employment also.

Banker stated to the doctor that “the circumstances of these offenses were situational and he had no previous or subsequent behaviors related to sexual offending,” the report said.

“Banker expressed concern and extreme remorse and guilt for the incidents in question and takes full responsibility for these incidents”, according to the report.

Banker told the doctor that he was molested in childhood.

Banker has no history of criminal involvement or prior arrests.

The doctors summary and recommendation states that Banker “is a bright individual able to benefit from mental health counseling and is in mental health counseling which includes treatment for his sexually inappropriate behaviors in 2009, as well as current mental health percussions.”

“He exhibits insight…and making progress…related to his offenses and related poor judgment and limited impulse control,” which in the doctor’s opinion lead to the offense.

The doctor recommends probation for Banker.

Also submitted to the court was a document from the Christian counselor treating Banker.

“The two main areas addressed in counseling is the sexual trauma in childhood and anxiety about the recent litigation,” the counselor’s report states. “I have observed (Banker) to be a person of healthy self-introspection with compassion towards those involved in the litigation, saying nothing to defame any character during our sessions.”

Banker will be sentenced at 3:30 p.m. February 2, 2018, before the Honorable Amy Harth.

For a prior report on this case, Banker Pleads No Contest

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Sign Up Today: Sunshine Boutique $95 Gift Basket

December 18, 2017 Loretta George 1 Comment

Sunshine Boutique owner Georgia Brown, left, with friend, Rita Emmerson.

Walk into the Sunshine Boutique, 18 E. Wall, and the aroma of coffee is noticed first.

“I have coffee on all the time,” owner Georgia Brown said. “And we offer samples of hot chocolate or tea.”

“I want people to come in and feel comfortable shopping,” she said.

Sunshine Boutique offers tuxedo rental, decorating for weddings, and wedding cakes.

In addition, “All kinds of cakes, cookies, and pies,” Brown said.

But the business is most known for its’ shop full of boutique items.

See the photos below for some of the items that can be purchased in Sunshine Boutique.

Many people may not know that Brown does corporate giftings where she picks out, wraps and delivers gifts to the business. The wrap and delivery are free to customers.

Starting today, The Sunshine Boutique is offering a special give away to subscribers of FortScott.Biz. Georgia Brown is offering a gift basket valued at $95.

The winner will be chosen from among subscribers to FortScott.Biz who sign up by Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. See more details below the photos.

Georgia’s husband, Donnie, prepares to deliver corporate gifts to a local business. Gift wrapping and delivery is a free service of Sunshine Boutique.

Brown likes to do business with companies that help others. Those businesses include some of the dips, coffees, teas, and boutique items she sells, she said.

Angels, Christmas stockings, candles and Christmas decorations are sold at Sunshine Boutique.

Shoppers can find wall decor and table decor at the store.

Purchase Fiesta ware and Christmas decorations at Sunshine Boutique.

Unique dips and mixes can be purchased at the store.

Shelves of handmade unbreakable nativity figurines by Fontanini are featured.

One of the Fontanini nativity scenes that Brown sells at the shop.

Many specialty loose leaf teas are offered at Sunshine Boutique.

Georgia Brown grinds coffee beans for the gift basket giveaway.

Many varieties of coffee beans can be purchased and the beans ground by owner Georgia Brown, in the store.

The Sunshine Boutique is offering a special give away to subscribers of FortScott.Biz. The owner is offering a gift basket valued at $95.

The winner will be chosen from among subscribers to FortScott.Biz

So make sure you signup by CLICKING HERE if you don’t already get our emails.

We’ll draw a winner on Dec. 20 at 10 a.m.

Be sure to watch your emails because you’ll have 24 hours to respond before we select a new winner.

Some details about entering the contest:

You have to be subscribed to the list to enter. That means you’ll need to type in your email address and then confirm the subscription.
You can enter from this link or use the form on the right-hand side of the page.
You’ll need to come to Fort Scott to claim the prize. If you live in Alaska, this might not be cost effective for you.
The winner will be announced and have their picture posted to the site. This probably isn’t a good contest for people in the witness protection program.
If you are under 18, you’ll need a guardian to accept it on your behalf.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Mother to Mother Ministry Open House Dec. 19 And 20

December 15, 2017 Loretta George Leave a comment

Amanda Gilmore, assistant and community relations representative of Mother to Mother Ministry, and Wilma Leach, director, show an information board they take when telling others about the ministry.

Mother to Mother Ministry, 728 Heylman, is hosting a public open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. December 19 and 20.

The open house is to showcase what Mother to Mother Ministry (MTMM) does in the community, Amanda Gilmore, assistant and community relations representative for the ministry, said.

“Stop in for some coffee, tea, and refreshments,” Gilmore said. “It’s a come and go meeting.”

Wilma Leach has been the director of the ministry since the 1990s and her comforting friendship has helped many mothers of children.

Gatherings of mothers of children and caregivers will begin January 9 and are scheduled for the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Topics of the meetings will be related to the family, said Gilmore.

Some of the services MTMM provides is parenting classes, friendship and support and “anything related to mothering and household management,” Gilmore said.

The ministry provides donated clothing for children.

All MTMM services are free.

New contact numbers for MTMM are 620-224-0809 and 620-215-0924.

The facility is located behind, and just north of Fort Scott Manor Nursing Home on Heylman.

MTMM is a United Way of Bourbon County agency and also has local supporters.

Information is posted on the door of Mother to Mother Ministry.

Business, Fort Scott

New “Tiny” Houses In Production

December 14, 2017 Loretta George 2 Comments

New construction is going on at the corner of 6th and Lowman Streets.

Business owner Mike Rogers is hoping his new venture is good for the community.

The venture is building four small rental houses at the corner of 6th and Lowman Streets.

The houses might not be considered tiny, but with each at 782 square feet, they are small.

People just starting out or people at the other end of the spectrum, ” Those looking for a more efficient lifestyle,” Rory Chaplin, the coordinator with 3RK, said.

“They are not big,” Rogers said. “They are the size of an apartment. They’ll have 36-inch doors, so they are wheelchair accessible. They have no steps.”

There will be 18 feet between houses, which allows for a small yard with a privacy fence. Each house will have two designated parking spaces.

Construction began about a month ago on the project. The summer of 2018 is the expected availability dates for the rentals.

Rogers new business, 3RK, is building and managing rental houses.

He also owns R2 Concrete, which is doing all the concrete work for the project. In addition, he is sub-contracting parts of the project to Geiger Plumbing, Jeff Allen Electric, and Casper Enterprises, Rogers said.

“We may have other businesses involved, as well,” Chaplin said.

The amount of rent to be charged per unit is undetermined at this time, he said.