Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott

Gunn Park Invites Community Members and Events

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With the arrival of spring and even warmer months to come, the city of Fort Scott encourages residents and visitors to take advantage of the amenities provided at Gunn Park.

“What an awesome park we have here,” City Manager Dave Martin said during the Chamber Coffee Thursday morning, when codes enforcement manager Rhonda Dunn spoke of the history of the park.

Dunn said she has heard that Gunn Park is the largest, city-owned park in the state of Kansas, with 155 acres that include two lakes, seven shelter houses, a number of playgrounds, a disc golf course, dog park, trails and the Marmatton River.

In the early 1900s, Gunn Park was privately owned land and only Fern Lake existed, with a wooden pavilion building and the remainder of the current park property being used as farmland. According to records, the park was frequently used by the community who came for swimming, diving, boat rentals and five cent trolley rides.

William Gunn, who found success in real estate and invested greatly in Fort Scott in the early 1900s, purchased the land and gave it to the city, with records quoting him as saying he believed the park should belong to the city and should always be free to visitors.

“We are the benefactors of an incredible gift,” Dunn said of Gunn’s gift more than a century ago.

Since accepting that gift, the city has maintained the park as well as made a number of changes. Dunn encourages businesses and residents to consider Gunn Park when planning for events such as parties or family reunions, adding she would like to see the community present at the park more frequently.

Those interested in reserving one of the shelter houses, two of which now have heating and air, can contact city hall.

Business, Fort Scott

City Moves Forward with Redevelopment Plan for Woods Building

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During the Fort Scott City Commission meeting Tuesday evening, the commissioners agreed to create a redevelopment district at the former Woods building, allowing developers to move forward with their plans for the structure.

Economic Development Director Rachel Pruitt said she has been working to bring in a grocery store and is now working on a deal with Queen’s Price Chopper, a family business since 1974 that has five other locations.

Joel Riggs, real estate director for Associated Wholesale Grocers and part of Super Market Developers, said the groups involved are moving as quickly as possible in order to have the grocery and retail store open by November.

“This is kind of the first step in a pretty long process in moving forward to try to redevelop the property that was formerly Woods Grocery Store,” Riggs said, saying the physical redevelopment is scheduled to begin in July.

With the city’s approval, a public hearing was set for the community to be involved and voice any concerns they have in the planning process. The first public hearing is set for May 2, with another to follow on June 20.

“It is a big project,” Riggs said. “It’s important to us…We are going to do everything in our power to move this forward as quickly as we can, but following all the rules and regulations that we need to.”

Riggs said it is a complex financing plan, utilizing Tax Increment Financing bonds, a public financing method that could waive the impact of certain taxes on the zone for a period of time as an incentive. Pruitt said the city will be working with the county and Unified School District 234, as the three taxing entities must come to an agreement on the TIF Redevelopment District.

Dr. Rick Kellenberger, owner of the Dairy Queen located near the Woods building, said they are looking forward to having new neighbors invested in that area.

“It looks pretty desolate up there right now,” Kellenberger said. “So we’re looking forward to that whole area blossoming and hopefully developing and being a one-stop area with all the retail that we have there.”

Other News:

  • The city gave an update on Memorial Hall, with Pruitt saying they may be nearing a sales agreement with Last Farmhouse Films, Inc.
  • A representative from 4-State Sanitation said they will begin providing a drop-off point for recycling beginning on April 3.
  • The commission gave their approval to allow alcohol sales during the Independence Day event to be held at the LaRoche Baseball Complex this summer.
Fort Scott, Submitted

FSCC to Unveil new Library Station, Opens for Enrollment

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Submitted by Heather Browne

FSCC Library to unveil Collaboration Station

In October 2016, the Fort Scott Community College Library was awarded an Equipment Technology Grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System. Utilizing these grant funds, the FSCC Library recently installed a collaboration workstation, which will allow students, faculty, staff and community members to work together more easily and efficiently.

“Working together in a group can be difficult without the right tools. Our collaboration station will provide a unique and effective way for small groups to brainstorm and share ideas,” said Susie Arvidson, FSCC Director of Library Services. “It’s an ideal space for group projects, study groups, presentations and tutoring.”

The workstation includes a flat-screen television, five-person table and chairs, low profile desktop computer and Apple TV. A variety of cords will be available, which will allow devices, such as tablets and laptops, to connect with the station.

The FSCC Library will unveil the collaboration station during a celebration at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, at 2108 South Horton, Fort Scott, Kan. The celebration will include a live demonstration of the station. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Susie Arvidson at 620-223-2700, ext. 3441.

FSCC to host Community Children’s Fair

Fort Scott Community College will host its annual Community Children’s Fair 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 8. The free event will feature a variety of activities for children of all ages, including carnival games, minute-to-win-it games, bounce house, teddy bear clinic with the FSCC Student Nursing Organization, hair styling by the FSCC Cosmetology students, and activities with the Fort Scott Police and Fire Departments. Children are encouraged to bring a favorite stuffed animal or doll for a free check-up for the teddy bear clinic. Gizmo the Greyhound will also be in attendance.

The children’s fair will take place at the FSCC campus south parking lot. The event will coincide with the KOMB-FM Home, Sport, Farm, & Garden Show, which will be held April 7 and 8, in Arnold Arena. For more information, please call Heather Browne, FSCC Director of Public Relations, at 620-223-2700, ext. 5248.

Summer and Fall Enrollment Opens at FSCC

Enrollment is open for the summer and fall semesters at Fort Scott Community College. Summer classes will begin on June 5, and fall classes will begin on August 21.

FSCC encourages students to enroll early in order to have the best selection of courses at their preferred times. New students should first apply online at fortscott.edu/applynow before enrolling. Current and new students are encouraged to contact their campus’s advisement office in Fort Scott, Paola, or Pittsburg to schedule an enrollment appointment. Students may also enroll via phone, email or online through GIZMO, FSCC’s student portal.

To view the course schedule, please visit fortscott.edu/schedule. For more information or to receive assistance with enrollment, please call:

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, March 29

FSCC Library Collaboration Station Unveiling, 3 pm at FSCC Library

Thursday, March 30

FSCC Baseball at Allen County Community College, 1 and 4 p.m.

Friday, March 31

FSCC Softball at Hesston College, 4 and 6 p.m.

Aggie Day, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Arnold Arena

Saturday, April 1

FSCC Baseball vs. Allen County Community College, 1 and 4 p.m. at Lions Club Field

FSCC Softball at Hutchinson Community College, 1 and 3 p.m.

Tuesday, April 4

FSCC Softball at Coffeyville Community College, 2 and 4 p.m.

FSCC Baseball at Baker University, 2:30 and 5 p.m.

Wednesday, April 5

FSCC Phi Theta Kappa Induction, 2 p.m. at Miami County Campus of FSCC

Thursday, April 6

FSCC Junior/Senior Day, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

FSCC Baseball vs. Neosho County Community College 1 and 4 p.m. at Lions Club Field

FSCC Softball at Johnson County Community College, 1 and 3 p.m.

Friday, April 7

FSCC Phi Theta Kappa Induction, 3 p.m. at Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

Saturday, April 8

FSCC Community Children’s Fair, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at FSCC campus south parking lot

FSCC Baseball at Neosho County Community College, 1 and 4 p.m.

 

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Kansas State Extension: Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Program

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Submitted by Joy Miller

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, a Strength Building Program

Improve your health and independence through strength building exercises.

Starting April 3rd, you can join the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy class at Buck Run Community Center. This class will meet for one hour twice a week on Monday and Friday, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Registration forms are available at the Extension office (210 S. National located in the courthouse) or online at southwind.kus.edu. To learn more, please call Joy Miller at 620-223- 3720 or visit the website.

The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program is based on simple, strength-building exercises that will improve balance, health and state of mind. No, it’s not strenuous weight lifting. You’ll start at a level that’s right for you. No one is too inactive to participate. Building strength promotes quality of life and independence, especially for adults over age 60.

K-State Research and Extension instructors lead this evidence-based program. These exercises are easy to learn, safe and effective. Cost is $20 per participant for this 8-week program. Don’t delay, class size is limited.

Fort Scott, Submitted

FSHS Students to Perform Dinner Theatre, Return from NYC Trip

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Submitted by Angela Bin

FSHS Thespians to Perform Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

“Who dunnit?” is the question to answer in Fort Scott High School Thespian’s production of “Wedding Song” at 7 p.m. on April 7 and 8, at the Beaux Arts Centre, in Fort Scott.

FSHS Thespians are excited to undertake the unique endeavor of a murder mystery dinner theatre.

“Our auditorium is currently under construction, so we have been looking for unique ways to produce theatre beyond the walls of our school,” said Thespian Director Angie Bin. “The Beaux Arts Centre offered us the opportunity to try a new kind of theatre that students are having so much fun with and will involve lots of audience interaction.”

Author David Moberg says, “The action begins with Sonny (senior Briant Martin) and Jenna (sophomore Daniela Belcuore) enthusiastically welcoming the guests (the audience) to their wedding. One by one, Sonny’s wealthy family and friends arrive… and not one has ever seen or met Jenna before… particularly Sonny’s domineering mother (freshman Kaitlyn Hanks)! Mistaken identities, secret plans, unexpected surprises abound as the characters plot and pry to keep Sonny from “marrying away” the family fortune! And of course… this IS a murder mystery… someone has to die! And the audience HAS to help the clueless detective (senior Hunter Parker) find the murderer!”

Seating is limited for each production, so audience members are encouraged to buy tickets soon.  Adults are $19.50 and children 12 and under are $14.50.  Tickets must be purchased by April 2, and are available at Beaux Arts Centre, 102 S. National, and Country Cupboard, 12 N. Main, in Fort Scott.  Admission includes dinner by Chef Tim Harloff featuring Pasta Baronesa (pasta with a butter/cream based sauce with chicken, prosciutto, veggies, and cheese) and Crazy Caprese Salad (fresh mozzarella pearls, grape tomatoes, fresh basil, red onion, and a balsamic glaze drizzle). There is a vegetarian pasta alternative too. Wedding desserts are provided by local baker Bree Spurgeon.

Contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 or visit the “Fort Scott High School Thespians” Facebook page for more information.

Fort Scott High School Takes on Broadway and the Big Apple

Ten Fort Scott High School students studied theatre on Broadway and explored New York City this spring break. Leaving on March 17, the group spent five days sightseeing with Pro Musica Tours and staying at the Watson Hotel in Manhattan, N.Y.

Students traveling included freshmen Levi Bin, Kaitlyn Hanks and Hevyn Loden; sophomores Hunter Adamson, Mary Gladbach, Audra McFarland and Alyx Brooks; and seniors Briant Martin, Hunter Parker and Alexis Loden.  FSHS Thespian Director Angie Bin sponsored the tour.

“I loved experiencing different cultures and races as well as watching people getting along and making the best out of all conditions in New York,” said Hanks.

Highlights of the experience included a nighttime trip to the Empire State Building, a tour of NBC Studios (including Jimmy Fallon’s and Saturday Night Live’s studios), the stage door tour of Radio City Music Hall where the group interviewed a Rockette, Rockefeller Plaza, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Wall Street, 9/11 Memorial and One World Tower, Central Park, Lincoln Center and Julliard, Times Square, Chinatown, Little Italy, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity Cathedral, and Grand Central Station.

Parker said, “We got the chance to see how interesting and diverse NYC is and watched some amazing shows such as ‘Dear Evan Hansen.’”

A brand new musical, “Dear Evan Hansen,” starring Ben Platt (“Pitch Perfect”), was the pinnacle of the trip for many of the students. They also saw “School of Rock” and were pr

ivileged to have a talk-back session with the members of the cast after the show. They learned that the children in the show are from all over the country and play their own instruments in the production.  They also met the star of the Broadway show, Eric Petersen.

Professional actor Malachi Nimmons equipped students with improvisational acting techniques and actor David DeBesse taught the students in a stage combat workshop. Students also took in a production of the spectacular “Lion King.” On the group’s final day in NYC, an episode of “Law and Order SVU” was filmed in their hotel lobby.  Students were able to see all the behind the scenes technical aspects of filming for television and witnessed live actors shooting scenes.

Professional actress Marci Reid served as tour guide in NYC. Levi Bin said she and the other actors taught him, “that by hard work and determination you can reach whatever goal you set out to reach.”

Fort Scott

FSCC to Host Screening, Discussion of WWI Film

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Fort Scott Community College will host a preview screening of the PBS American Experience film, “The Great War,” and a panel discussion April 10, 2-4 p.m., at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center.

The screening and discussion will follow the topic of “The War for Democracy: America’s New Foreign Policy,” looking into President Woodrow Wilson’s decision to move from neutrality to becoming a part of World War I.

Panel members will include Pastor James Collins, retired army chaplain; Jan Elder (Baldwin), an emigrant from England whose grandfather served in World War I; and an FSCC faculty member who will be named later.

See the press release below for details on the film that will air on PBS in April.

(BOSTON, MA) — Scheduled in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into the war on April 6, 1917, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “The Great War,” a three-part, six-hour documentary, will premiere Monday, April 10, through Wednesday, April 12, 9-11 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS. Featuring the voices of Campbell Scott, Blythe Danner, Courtney Vance and others, “The Great War” is executive produced by Mark Samels and directed by award-winning filmmakers Stephen Ives, Amanda Pollak and Rob Rapley.

Drawing on the latest scholarship, including unpublished diaries, memoirs and letters, “The Great War” tells the rich and complex story of World War I through the voices of nurses, journalists, aviators and the American troops who came to be known as “doughboys.” The series explores the experiences of African-American and Latino soldiers, suffragists, Native-American “code talkers” and others whose participation in the war to “make the world safe for democracy” has been largely forgotten. “The Great War” also explores how a brilliant PR man bolstered support for the war in a country hesitant to put lives on the line for a foreign conflict; how President Woodrow Wilson steered the nation through almost three years of neutrality, only to reluctantly lead America into the bloodiest conflict the world had ever seen, thereby transforming the United States into a dominant player on the international stage; and how the ardent patriotism and determination to support America’s crusade for liberty abroad led to one of the most oppressive crackdowns on civil liberties at home in American history.

It is also a story of little known heroism and sacrifice (including the deadliest battle in American history) that would leave more than 53,000 men dead on the battlefield and more than 60,000 dead from disease. American fatalities would come at a critical time in the war, but they would be dwarfed by a cataclysm of violence that would ultimately claim 15 million lives.

“World War I was the soil from which so many things today really grew, starting with America’s place in the world,” said AMERICAN EXPERIENCE Executive Producer Mark Samels. “Before the war, America was isolated and uninvolved in world affairs. After the war, America stepped onto the world stage, and that continues today with our troops becoming involved in conflicts around the world. The current debate on the balance between national security and civil liberties also began with World War I. The debate over immigration reached its apex during World War I. The film is not only about what happened 100 years ago, but how what happened then transformed our nation and the world in ways still being felt today.”

The broadcast of “The Great War” will be accompanied by a series of screening events and discussions hosted by universities, museums and public television stations around the country.

“The Great War” will be available on DVD from PBS Distribution and can be purchased at ShopPBS.org. Online viewing begins April 11, at PBS.org.

“The Great War”

Episode One

Written and Directed by Stephen Ives

Produced by Amanda Pollak

Narrated by Oliver Platt

Edited by Jon Neuberger and Merril Stern

Episode Two

Produced and Directed by Amanda Pollak

Written by Stephen Ives

Narrated by Oliver Platt

Edited by Seth Bomse

Episode Three

Written and Directed by Rob Rapley

Narrated by Oliver Platt

Edited by R. A. Fedde

Series Producers Stephen Ives

Amanda Pollak

Original Music by Peter Rundquist

Tom Phillips

Co-Producer Gene Tempest

Archival Producer Lizzy McGlynn

Coordinating Producer Nazenet Habtezghi

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE is a production of WGBH Boston

Senior Producer Susan Bellows

Executive Producer Mark Samels

The Voices of “The Great War”

Edith Wharton            Blythe Danner

Eugene Bullard           Brandon Dirden

Eddie Rickenbacker    Christopher Gorham

Ralph John/Alan Seeger          Josh Hamilton

Mary Borden               Jennifer Andrews Lee

Victor Chapman          Eric Loscheider

John Barkley               Jacob Pitts

Jose de la luz Saenz                Armando Riesco

Richard Harding Davis           Campbell Scott

James Europe              David St. Louis

Noble Sissle                Courtney B. Vance

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Businesses Face Repairs after Storms

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Area businesses continue to recover after recent storms brought high winds and even hail in the past month.

Stores located near Highway 69 off 12th Street suffered from damages as the roof blew off the building shared by Five Corners Mini Mart, Libation Station, State Farm insurance agent Kale Nelson’s office and The Shop car repair garage.

Nelson is temporarily conducting his services from the second floor of Landmark National Bank while repairs are made to his office. The Five Corners gas station has remained open, but the Libation Station will close while repairs are made to the floors and ceiling.

Briggs Auto Group is also providing discounts on vehicles as each of the cars on their lots received hail damage.

Fort Scott

Local Debate Coach Earns Recognition

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Fort Scott High School debate coach Amber Toth received national recognition recently for her efforts to help her students develop skills in speech and debate, finding success in regional and state competitions in recent years.

The National Speech and Debate Association announced this year’s recipients of the Diamond Coach Award in recent weeks, with 21 speech and debate coaches across the nation receiving those awards for their excellence and longevity in that field with their students.

Toth was awarded the Second Diamond level of the award. Coaches with 1,500 points are given the first diamond, 3,000 points the second diamond, and coaches with 6,000 points are awarded the third diamond. Points are awarded based on team participation, achievement, public service and leadership work.

Toth was the only coach from Kansas awarded. Other states represented included South Dakota, Ohio, California, Florida, Idaho, Texas, Minnesota and others.

The coaches are to be recognized at the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Birmingham, Al., in June, which is attended annually by more than 7,000 students, coaches and parents.

Fort Scott

BRCC Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

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Families had an opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Buck Run Community Center Saturday morning, participating in a number of crafts and other themed activities.

The facility provides a number of events celebrating holidays throughout the year. The next event will be held in honor of Easter on April 15, and will feature crafts, face-painting and snacks. Pre-registration is encouraged so sufficient materials can be provided.

Fort Scott

Press Release: Unloaded Gun Brought to Eugene Ware

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Fort Scott Police Department Press Release

On March 15, 2017, at approximately 07:47 hours, the Fort Scott School Resource Officer responded to 900 E. 3rd (Eugene Ware Elementary) to meet with school administration. Upon arrival it was discovered a 10-year-old boy had brought an unloaded handgun to school. After a subsequent investigation, officers learned that no adults or students had been threatened with the gun and two juveniles were taken into custody.

This case is still under investigation and all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.

Business, Fort Scott

Tri-Valley Prepares for Bi-Annual Auction

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Tri-Valley Developmental Services will hold their bi-annual Gardener’s Christmas Auction Saturday, March 25, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. and the auction closing at noon.

The silent auction will benefit the Horticulture Therapy program, which began more than a decade ago and is used to serve those with intellectual disabilities as well as impact the community by providing plants that are used to decorate downtown and Gunn Park or are provided for fundraising events.

“Our clients do get a lot out of that,” director Tim Cunningham said of the program, which gives participants an opportunity to take care of plants as well as take part in other projects.

Barbara McCord said some of the plant beds and other materials used in the greenhouse are starting to wear out and need repairs or replacements.

“The last few years have been very difficult for us,” Cunningham said, saying because of limited funds from the state, they have to raise the funds needed to provide for the horticultural program.

McCord said the silent auction often brings in about $5,000 to support the program. This year, more than 120 items are available to be bid on, and they will be accepting gently used gardening items through March 22, to be available for auction as well.

“It is a lifesaver for us,” McCord said of the event and the funds raised.

 

Fort Scott

FSCC to Host Play, Other Events

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Submitted by Heather Browne

FSCC Theatre Department to Stage “Like Father”

The Fort Scott Community College Theatre Department will stage “Like Father,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16 through Saturday, March 18.

“Like Father,” is a drama written by Chicago playwright Seth Kramer. It was performed at the American College Theatre Festival in Sioux Falls, S.D. FSCC Theatre will be the first company to produce the play.

“In 1992, I saw a production of ‘Like Father,’ and it made an impression on me. I have wanted to direct this play for as long as I can remember,” said Lawrence Alford, FSCC Theatre Director. “In my undergraduate theatre program, I was fortunate enough to play the character, Mark. It is still one of my most memorable roles.”

“Like Father,” explores family dysfunction and life choices.

“The play examines the age-old question: ‘Are we doomed to become our parents?’” said Alford. “Many times, we make choices in our lives because we have to—rather than because we want to—which can lead to feelings of being trapped in those choices.”

Performances will be held at Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. General admission tickets may be purchased at the door on the day of the show—prices are $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and free for FSCC students. This show is recommended for mature audiences only, due to adult language and content. For more information, call Lawrence Alford at 620-223-2700, ext. 3056.

FSCC Aggie Day slated for Mar. 31

The Fort Scott Community College Agriculture Department will host the 41st annual Aggie Day on Friday, March 31. Approximately 1,400 students representing more than 100 schools will compete in the contest.

“We look forward to hosting Aggie Day each year,” said Ryan Edgecomb, FSCC Agriculture Instructor. “We are anticipating another large event, which will draw schools and 4-H clubs from across the Four States.”

Students will compete in a variety of areas, including agronomy, entomology, farm management, floriculture, food science, livestock, meat evaluation, milk quality and products, nursery/landscape, poultry, speech and veterinary science.

“To meet the needs of the competitors, we added veterinary science as a new competition category this year,” said Edgecomb.

Sponsored by Purina and Purina Mills Honor Show Chow, this event is the longest running interscholastic competition in the region. “We are honored to have Purina and Honor Show Chow back as our sponsors for a second straight year, and we’re grateful for their support,” said Edgecomb.

Teams should pre-register online at fortscott.edu/aggieday before Friday, March 24. Registration for the event will begin at 7 a.m. on March 31, at Arnold Arena. For more information, please call Ryan Edgecomb at 620-223-2700, ext. 3280.

FSCC to Host Spring Junior/Senior Day

Fort Scott Community College invites high school juniors and seniors to the Spring Junior/Senior Day on Thursday, April 6. The free event will begin with registration at 8 a.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center.

During the event, students and their parents will have the opportunity to visit and experience FSCC. College faculty, staff and students will be on hand to show potential students what it’s like to be a Greyhound. The event will also include a free lunch, entertainment, and games.

“For seniors who plan to attend FSCC upon graduation, this event is a one-stop shop,” said Matt Glades, FSCC Director of Admissions. “Seniors can apply, complete the compass test, meet with financial aid, enroll and apply for scholarships.”

Seniors who complete all of the items on the admissions checklist will receive a scholarship for the fall 2017 semester.

Juniors and seniors who have not yet decided where they will attend college will have the opportunity to tour the FSCC campus and visit information booths to learn about the variety of programs and activities that the college offers.

Students may preregister at fortscott.edu/juniorseniorday. For more information, please contact Matt Glades at 620-223-2700, ext. 3520.