Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott Public Library

_MG_5882The public library system may well be one of the most underutilized resources we have in our country. The Fort Scott public library is no different, providing a wide array of resources for the general public.

Lisa Walther, the library’s director, while not particularly fond of photos, provided information about the library. You can visit their website here: www.fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org

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The library just finished up their summer kids reading program, titled “Fix, Boom, Read.” The program targeted youngsters to encourage a love towards learning and reading. “The local PTO lent a great service in volunteering during the kids program. They also has access to local grants with helped in funding the craft projects and books the children were able to take home,” said Children’s Librarian, Julie Townsend. There were over 90 signed up and registered with an average of 50 in attendance at each event. During the school year, children’s events are scaled back, but there is still “Storytime” every Tuesday morning for the 3-5 year olds.

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The Fort Scott Library is part of a network of 40 libraries which participate in resource sharing. You can view the resources you can check out and manage your account at a new web address: www.seknfind.org. There is also current information on their facebook page: www.facebook.com/fortscottpubliclibrary

Fort Scott Public Library Address:

201 S. National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
(620)223-2882

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm; Saturday 9:00am – 2:00pm

Lake Fort Scott

You may only have a couple of weekend left of good camping weather! Of course, living in Kansas, you may have a couple months of good camping weather left.

Fort Scott and the surrounding area have numerous camping options, one overlooked space is Lake Fort Scott. Lake Fort Scott may not be the best camping area, but there is a great expanse for free day use activities. Fishing and picnicking would most likely be on the top of the list.

Lake Fort Scott has a surface area of 360 acres and is owned and maintained by the City of Fort Scott. It’s located about 2 miles South and 3 miles West of Fort Scott. As you are heading West on Indian Road, there are two entrances. The second entrance will give you access to the majority of the public areas. Much of the lake’s shoreline is developed for housing, but there are plenty of areas to drop a line in.

Lake Fort Scott is mostly known for it’s fishing, especially large flathead and channel catfish. Lake Fort Scott participate in the Community Fisheries Assistance Program. You can learn more about the program by clicking here. What it really means for you is great fishing and no local/city fishing permits. Although you still need a state fishing license.

The day use areas are found on the NorthWest side of the lake. This is also where primitive camping is available for $5 self pay, per night. The view is nice, but don’t expect much anything else at these very primitive sites.

Overall, it’s certainly worth the day trip to visit Lake Fort Scott which is within about 20 minutes of anyone in town!

City of Fort Scott: 620.223.0550

Any news stories you think we maybe interested in? Let us know: [email protected]

5K Fun Run and Walk hosted by Mercy Health Foundation

Fort Scott – On Saturday, September 13th, Mercy Hospital partnered with local area agencies to remember our fallen soldiers who have given their lives for the ‘war on terror.’ Mercy hosted a 5K fun run and 1 mile walk for those interested in joining in the activities of the day. The race course started near the Fort and concluded on Main Street, where participants could hear the names of those being remembered being read aloud.

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A total of 71 participated in the Symbols of Sacrifice Memorial 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk on Saturday, Sept. 13. The event was co-hosted by Mercy Hospital and the Friends of the Fort. “We want to thank our corporate sponsors and Mercy volunteers for their support in making the event successful and safe for our participants,” said Reta Baker, President of Mercy Hospital Fort Scott.

Proceeds from the event will assist the Symbols of Sacrifice committee with the purchase of a track chair for a local veteran as well as a health care project funded by the Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott.

Race sponsors included: All Hit 103.9, Cancer Center of Kansas, Cheney Witt Chapel, City of Fort Scott, Colbalt MedPlans, Fort Scott Community College, Mercy Clinic, Medicalodges of Fort Scott, Nitro Promo and Pepsi.

For more information on Mercy Foundation and keep up on the latest events, check out their Facebook by clicking here!

Media Contact:
Tina Rockhold
[email protected]
Phone: 620-223-8094
Cell: 620-224-8842
Fax: 620-223-5327

Fort Scott Farmer’s Market

Fort Scott, KS Love fresh, home-grown vegetables? Have you come out to Fort Scott’s Farmer’s Market? The FS Famer’s Market ramped up for the first time this year in May, according to their Facebook page. Farmer’s Markets are becoming increasingly popular across the country, for many reasons. Locally grown products and supporting local farmers and business tops the list.

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The FS Farmer’s Market is farmer organized and run and designed for a place local famer’s can come together to create a marketplace for local foods. For the first year, the operation is going well. I would love to see more vendors filling up the whole Skubitz Plaza every Saturday morning and Tuesday evening.

Last Saturday, there were even free muffins being given away. Of course, I cannot promise they will be there every time the market is open, but I will say you missed out if you weren’t able to try them! The mission of the Farmer’s Market is to provide a safe friendly venue for the sale of the freshest local produce possible for the citizens of Fort Scott Kansas, with an emphasis on building a strong community.

I would say they are well on their way, but they can’t do it alone! I hope you are able to come out and support the hard working folks who are making this possible.  If you want the latest information on what is going on with the market, you can check out their Facebook page by clicking here. I’m sure they are always looking for more vendors.

Skubitz Plaza ( In Front Of The Historic Fort)
Saturday Mornings 8:00am to Noon
Tuesday Evenings 4:00 to 6:00 pm
From The First Weekend in May to The Last Weekend in October

Mail:
Fort Scott Farmers’ Market Association
P.O. Box 1011, Fort Scott KS, 66701
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (620) 857-4190 (ask for Mary Corpstein)

If you have a story you think we would be interested in covering, send us an email: [email protected]

Symbols of Sacrifice Event at Fort Scott

Ft Scott – Hundreds gathered for the culmination of events on Saturday, September 12th, to pay tribute and remember the fallen heroes who gave their lives in the “war on terror.’ Each life represented by a flag on the parade grounds at Fort Scott, during the “Symbols of Sacrifice” event.

The parade grounds and flags will remain up until September 17th. The event is co-sponsored with Fort Scott National Historic Site (FSNHS, Friends of FSNHS, Mercy Hospital, and the Symbols of Sacrifice Committee. The scheduled kicked off at 7am with the reading of the Roll of the Honored Dead, highlighted with a Remembrance Ceremony at noon, concluding with an American Military Sacrifices through the Years timeline. US Army (Retired) Lt Colonel Peter Schifferle, PhD, Professor of History at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, provided keynote remarks.

Members of the Kansas City St. Andrew’s Pipes and Drums ushered the observers to the parade field at the conclusion of the ceremony, playing Amazing Grace.

For the complete schedule you can view it here. Visitor Information 620-223-0310

If you know of a story you think we would be interested in covering, shoot us an email: [email protected]

FSCC Christians on Campus Host “God’s Not Dead”

Fort Scott Community College –  Last Thursday evening, students along with community members gathered in the FSCC Ellis Family Fine Arts Center for a showing of “God’s Not Dead.”  The showing was hosted by Christians on Campus (CoC) and was free to students and the public.

Larry Shead, the CoC faculty sponsor estimated there were approximately 350 people who were in attendance.  The film was originally released March 24, 2014 on only 780 screens nationwide. The movie did so well opening weekend, the number of theaters showing the film was expanded. CoC is considering another showing in the Spring.

CoC will meet next Thursday at it’s normal meeting time to discuss theme and questions brought up in the film. All college students are welcome to attend. Contact sponsor Larry Shead for details.

Larry Shead
Computer Science
620-223-2700 ext. 3220
[email protected]

Common Ground Coffee Co.

I like coffee just as much as the next guy, maybe a little more, so it was a real treat to connect with Common Ground Coffee Company on Main Street. I was able to spend a little time with Dav Mohler, store manager, and here about all that is going on. If you haven’t been, it’s high time you stop in for a coffee or the Sandwich of the Day.

Common Ground Coffee Company has been on Main Street for a year and a half. The java joint was an idea brewed up by the leadership at Church of the Nazarene, Fort Scott. “It was designed as a way to give back to the community,” Mr Mohler said. “Not only do we have great coffee and a place for high school and college students to hang out, but we are creating jobs and skills students can take with them.” Currently, two former baristas who have moved away to further their education, continue to work in coffee shops.

Common Ground also hosts a number of different events. Just a few events coming up include a FSCC Video Game Tournament FINALS, September 12th @ 6pm. September 13th, Matt Harper will be performing live music starting at 7pm. Throughout the year, they will host a number of different performing artists and open mic. If you are a performer or know any musicians who are looking for an outlet, Dav would love to talk with you. (Call him at the number below).

The vibrant, warm atmosphere is a great place to work, study or socialize. Of course, there is free wi-fi and ample room for lunch meetings or classes. There is a calendar of events that offer various classes on occasions, such as knitting or learning essential oils.

Dav also said many volunteers really help keep the shop in great working order. From baking pies to making grocery runs, he is always on the lookout for folks who can come and spend some time working to keep the vision alive.

Hopefully, you will be downtown this weekend with all the events going on at the Fort. Make sure you stop in, grab a coffee and say hello to Dav and meet the other baristas. Keep up with currents events on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fortjava OR you can text “commonground” to 41411 for specials, coupons and event announcements.

Common Ground Coffee Company
116 S Main Street, Fort Scott
620.223.2499
[email protected]

Hours:

Mon, Tues, Thurs 7a-9p
Wed 7 – 6:30
Fri 7-10
Sat 8-10

Think you have a story we maybe interested in? Let us know: [email protected]

Buck Run Community Center

Buck Run Community Center has way too much going on to include in one small article. BRCC has numerous programs and activities that benefit people of all ages. If you have lived any length of time in Fort Scott, you most likely have visited BRCC.

Buck Run is owned and operated by the City of Fort Scott and serves as a fitness center, houses the Recreation Commission and a multi-use facility, that includes gyms and meeting rooms. The fitness area requires a membership to help maintain equipment and supplies. However, the gym is open and free to anyone to walk or shoot baskets!

In case you haven’t been in a while, here are a few of the awesome things going on right now. For a complete list, you can visit their website. A couple of the big events getting ready to start is “Weight Loss Challenge.” You can go at it with a team or as an individual, however, you need to act fast – weigh in is September 11th.

Also, “Music on the Prairie,” a music and movement classes are being offered,  started September 8th, running through December 12th. The classes are focused specifically for children ages birth – 7 years old. These classes allow children to participate and learn music at their own pace.

Fitness Classes:

Tae Kwon Do Classes
HIP HOP HUSTLE
Turbo Kick
Full Body Workout
PiYo
Insanity

Community Programs Coming up:

Community Dances (lessons before each dance) Call for more info
Thursday Card Players, 6-9pm FREE
Breakfast Bingo, 9-10am, 2nd and 4th Wednesday FREE
Senior Exercise Classes, 9am, Tuesday and Friday FREE

BRCC also has plenty of space you can rent out for very reasonable rates.

For a complete listing of activities and schedules, visit their website: www.buckruncommunitycenter.org

735 Scott Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
620.223.0386

If you have a news story you think we would be interested in covering, let us know! [email protected]

Symbols of Sacrifice – September 13th

September 13, 2014 is a date you should have on your calendar for the Symbols of Sacrifice event. Fort Scott will be honoring our nation’s heroes from the War on Terror. The event will be hosted at the historic Fort with many activities scheduled throughout the day. The Fort is partnering with the Friends of FSNHS, Mercy Hospital and the Symbols of Sacrifice Committee to host this event.

Since the United States started the ‘War on Terror,’ nearly 7,000 Americans have sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom. On September 13, each of these soldiers will be honored throughout the day. On the Parade Ground, an American Flag will be placed in memory of each soldier who gave their life. Starting at 7am, the reading of the names of those soldiers will commence. Here is a brief schedule of events that day:

7am Reading of the names of Military Heroes lost since 9/11

9am Mercy / SOS Fun Run

10:45am American Military Sacrifices Through the Years

11:30am Musical Prelude

12:00pm Opening Ceremony

The “Field of Honor” will be open all week following the opening ceremony. Visitors are welcome to come a visit during daylight hours. All the activities are free to attend. Also, on Saturday, the farmer’s market will be open.

To see a more detailed order of events, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/fosc/planyourvisit/symbolsofsacrifice.htm

Also, if you are interested in signing up for the 5K fun run, you can click here: http://www.mercy.net/fort-scott-foundation-events-0

In case you didn’t know: the Fort was established in 1842 and was in place to maintain peace on the ‘Western Frontier.’ The Fort has a rich history and we encourage you to spend some time learning about the history of Fort Scott.

Upcoming Events at the Fort:

Symbols of Sacrifice – September 11-17
Citizen Ceremony – September 26
Discussion of the film “Slavery by Another Name – October 2-4
Shared Stories of the Civil War – October 25; 2pm
Candlelight Tour – December 4 & 5

Contact info:
620.223.0310
Email: [email protected]

 

 

Free Community Showing: God’s Not Dead

Christians on Campus to present God’s Not Dead

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Fort Scott, Kansas – Join Christians on Campus, Thursday, September 11, for a presentation of the film God’s Not Dead. The showing will begin at 7 p.m. in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the Fort Scott Community College campus. The film is free and open to the public.

The film follows Josh Wheaton’s defense of his rights and beliefs after he enrolls in a philosophy class taught by Professor Jeffery Raddison. All students in Professor Raddison’s course are required to write “God is dead” on a paper, and turn it in, in order to earn a passing grade.

The film runs 113 minutes.

Christians on Campus (CoC) is a Christ centered student organization at FSCC. The club is sponsored and helped by Larry and Vickie Shead, Ryan and Jentry Page and Steve Kramer. CoC meets every Thursday evening in Bailey Hall at 7 p.m. – unless otherwise announced.

For additional information about CoC or the film, God’s Not Dead, contact Larry Shead at

[email protected].