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Category Archives: Fort Scott
Ocotober Tiger Newsletter
–by Pam Hutchison
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Fall Means Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
Fall has arrived and that means it is time for Pioneer Harvest Fiesta.
A parade on Thursday evening, October 5 at 6 p.m., starts the busy weekend.
Come join us at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds with activities for all ages. Groups of school children will be there on Friday to see how their ancestors had to work hard to harvest their crops, saw the wood, crush rocks and more. Demonstrations will be throughout the show, October 6, 7, and 8.
Live music and a Sunday morning service will be in the entertainment tent.
The quilt show will be in the Myers Building. Quilts can be brought for display on Thursday, October 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The quilt show will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday during Pioneer Harvest Fiesta and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Please call Jackie Warren for more information 620-224-8161.
A car show is being added to Pioneer Harvest Fiesta!
The 25-year-old or older vehicles will be on exhibit Saturday, October 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., parked at the north end of the fairgrounds.
For more information, please call President Craig Shikles, 417-425-4552 or Vice President Larry Richard, 620-249-4385.
If you would like to be a vendor, call Delphine Parks, 262-416-6720.
Proposed Evergy Settlement Agreement If Approved: Approximately $5 More Per Month for Kansas Central Customers
A Proposed Settlement Agreement Has Been Filed in the
Evergy Rate Case, Now It’s Up to Commissioners to Decide
TOPEKA – This afternoon, the parties in the Evergy rate case filed a unanimous settlement agreement with the Kansas Corporation Commission covering all issues in the case. The parties include KCC staff, Evergy, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, and a variety of groups representing industrial, commercial, educational, and environmental interests. The Commission still needs to evaluate the proposed settlement, and may approve, reject, or modify the agreement.
The Commission will conduct its hearing on the settlement agreement on Monday, October 9, 2023 at its Topeka office. The hearing will be livestreamed on the Commission’s YouTube channel. Limited public seating will also be available in the hearing room. At the hearing, Commissioners will have an opportunity to hear from parties’ witnesses and ask questions before deciding whether or not to approve the agreement. A Commission order is due by December 21, 2023.
In its Application, Evergy sought a net revenue increase of $204 million (9.77% increase) for Evergy Kansas Central (formerly Westar) and a net revenue increase of $14 million (1.95% increase) for Evergy Kansas Metro (formerly KCP&L). Under the settlement agreement, Evergy Kansas Central would receive a net revenue increase of $74 million (3.54% increase), and Evergy Kansas Metro would receive a net revenue decrease of $32.9 million (4.53% decrease). If the settlement agreement is approved, the average monthly impact to residential customers will be an increase of $4.64 per month for Evergy Kansas Central customers and a decrease of $6.07 per month for Evergy Metro customers.
A link to the proposed settlement agreement is available here .
What’s Happening in Fort Scott
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Flood of ’86 Remembered: Author John Freed at Hedgehog INK on Oct. 3
John Freed was a graphic arts and photography instructor at Fort Scott Community College in October 1986, when the levy on Mill Creek burst.
Mill Creek feeds into the Marmaton River in the current Riverfront Park area.
On October 3, 1986, after nearly 20 inches of rain in 3 days, the Marmaton River crested at 52.5 feet, breaking the previous record set in 1915, according to information on the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce website.
The Fort Scott Cattle Sales Company released 250 head of cattle from their pens, according to the website. These cattle swam in the water, and three ended up on the roof of a home in Belltown, the area east of the cattle sales company.
The area between the Marmaton River Bridge on North National Avenue and U.S. Highway 54 was covered with several feet of fast-moving water.
Freed started taking photos of the historic event on the afternoon of October 3.
This was the beginning of his publication of the book, which is mostly a photo album with stories and poems from residents about the historic event, entitled the ’86 Flood. We Booked It Just For You.
He sponsored a photo contest for the book and over 1,500 photos were submitted by community members.
The stories of the flood were from local Fort Scott students and a few adults.
“Kids wrote the stories,” Freed said. “The superintendent of the schools made it mandatory that elementary, middle, and high school kids had to write an article for the book. The Catholic school students contributed as well. Fort Scott Community College students sent a few articles.”
“A few Panamanian students attending FSCC saw a bunch of Kansas National Guard helicopters that brought flood victims to the college because it was higher ground,” he said. “They thought America was being invaded. They wrote some stories. Theirs are written in Spanish, translated by the college Spanish instructor.”
“I resigned from FSCC and started my print shop a short time after the flood,” he said. The print shop was located on Main Street, in a space now occupied by Papa Don’s Pizza.
The book was a long-term project.
“I designed it, put it together,” he said. “It took weeks and I had considerable help from volunteers,” Freed said.
Freed judged the photos, and local English teachers judged the stories, and prizes were awarded to students for their contributions to the book.
The book was published in 1987.
In commemoration of the flood stories, he is promoting the book again at an author’s event at Hedgehog INK Bookstore at 16 S. Main Street on Oct. 3 from 2-4 p.m. There will be copies of the book for sale for $8.95, the original cost of the book in 1987, the year it was published.
“I want to encourage people that wrote in the book, to come a get a copy, if they don’t have one,” Freed said.
FSHS Homecoming Candidates 2023
Ryker Felt and Connor Ball
2nd Row
Carsen Allen, Raveyn Kegler, MaKenzie Robertson, Jersee Wood, Keegan Yarick
Back Row
Jasper Allison, Cal Cosens, Cody Geiger, Casey Gomez, and Jericho Jones. Submitted photo.
Fall Homecoming Candidates at Fort Scott High School is next week
We will be crowning the King and Queen before our Football game with the Chanute Blue Comets and the Fort Scott High School Tigers at 6:30 PM
New Boutique Comes to Downtown Fort Scott
Susan Townley has been in the boutique business in the Overland Park and Olathe area near Kansas City for over five years.
She and her husband, Ed, own the former Country Cupboard Store at 12 N. Main, which they purchased from the Renard family.
They are been making the space their own since purchasing the building in December 2021 with sanding, painting, new lights, and some new carpet in areas. The antique wooden floors and ceiling tiles are features, along with some glass showcases.
Ed and Susan have done all the work themselves.
The name of the boutique is Be The Light.
“The name Be The Light is based on suicide awareness and on the Bible verse Matthew 5:14-16 which states – 14 ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,'” Susan said.
Her specialty is Tyler Candles, from Tyler, Texas, her hometown. But they also repurpose furniture and have lots of collectibles and vintage finds for sale.
“Going to Canton, Texas when young, the boutique world is not like anywhere else,” she said. “I wanted to bring it up here.”
“We see Fort Scott being a destination point, and believe the city is heading toward growth,” Susan said.
“We’ve collected three to four years for this move,” she said. They will also sell seasonal items and a little clothing.
“I’m from Texas and we make trips to Texas for markets looking for ideas and inspirations,” she said.
Be The Light will have its’ grand opening on November 2.
Then they will be a part of the Fort Scott Holiday Open House Shopping Event on November 9-11.
Following the Christmas Parade on November 30, they will have a spot for children to visit Santa in the store.
That parade starts the Christmas on the Bricks event weekend, Dec. 1-2.
The boutique will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The Townleys also own 11 N. Main, across the street, that they have rented out.
Be The Light has a Facebook page and an Instagram page.
The phone number is 913.406.2998.
Fundraiser Dinner: Rebuilding Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church
Rock Creek and Lake Fort Scott Valves Are Closed
As of right now the Rock Creek and Lake Fort Scott valves have been closed.
This is thanks to not only the weekend rains but also to the citizens of Fort Scott doing their part in conserving water. Thank you!
We will have to continue monitoring the river levels and will open the valves if needed. We will communicate this.
Please continue watching unneeded water usage.
We are still under a Water Warning.
Submitted by Brad Matkin, City Manager, City of Fort Scott
620-223-0550 ext. 210
FS Downtown Meet and Greet: Oct. 2 at City State Bank
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2023 GORDON PARKS CELEBRATION Schedule of Events
2023 GORDON PARKS CELEBRATION
Schedule of Events
Thursday, October 5th
PHOTO EXHIBIT in the Gordon Parks Museum and Lunt Lobby of the Fine Arts Center.
- The Merl Humphrey Photography-sponsored photo contest will be on display with the theme of “Family, Home, and Roots” Winners will be announced at the Chamber Coffee.
- The Collection and Works of Yvonne Palkowitsh, fine arts photographer born and raised in Fort Scott, KS.
- The Back to Fort Scott, Now reimaged photos and I Need Paris photos in the Lunt Lobby of the Fine Arts Center. Supported in part by Evergy and Millers Professional Imaging.
POEM EXHIBIT in the Gordon Parks Museum and Lunt Lobby of the Fine Arts Center. The Helen Townsend, Poet and Trabar & Associates – sponsored poem contest will be on display. Winners will be announced at the Chamber Coffee, but presented at the Open Mic event on Saturday, Oct 7, 2023.
SIGN DISPLAY & MURAL DISPLAY Visit the Lowell Milken Center Unsung Heroes Park, 1 S. Main St. Gordon Parks is one of the featured signs. View also the mural of Gordon Parks at Riverfront Park, 400 N. National.
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. — Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee at the Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. — Showing of the Leadbelly film. In the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Registration open outside of Museum.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. — (Lunch and Learn) “Learning From Gordon Parks” Ann Dean, Freelance Photographer and Artist will talk about Gordon Parks documentation of American life and culture. Born in Fort Scott, Kansas, in 1912, he is one of the most esteemed image makers of all time. In this presentation Ann discusses the impact and inspiration found in Parks’ books: The Learning Tree, A Choice of Weapons, and Half Past Autumn. These books help illustrate Parks’ mother’s teachings centered in love, dignity, and hard work, and provide a starting point to talk about his struggles, choices, and triumphs – all great life lessons for those searching to find their way in this complicated world. Our program is brought to us by Humanities Kansas. The Lunch and Learn is free to attend, but the sandwich wrap lunches are only available by pre-purchase for $10 each by Wed, Oct. 4. Those planning to purchase the lunches may go online at https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events or by phone or check by mail. or bring your own lunch and join us. Dessert and drinks also available in the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE to attend, except for lunch.
1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. — “The Super Fly Trilogy”, Fifty years after the premiere of this Soul Cinema masterpiece, L.Roi Boyd, III, Professor of Theatre & Speech at Virginia State University; Co-Founding Artistic Director Cultural Libations, will provide a presentation on his new book The Super Fly Trilogy. Boyd will share the backstory behind the film taking it all the way to its beginnings in Cleveland, Ohio and its parallels with real gangsters and racketeers. Discussion will also center on the events that led to the production and presentation of the Super Fly films from the 1972 film Super Fly – directed by Gordon Parks, Jr. to 2018. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE.
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott & The Learning Tree Film Scene Locations. Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history. Fee: $8. https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events or by phone or mail.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Showing of the film Moments Without Proper Names in FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.
Friday, October 6th
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Registration open outside of Museum.
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. — “Parks and Muhammad Ali” Professor John Edwin Mason, Associated Professor, University of Virginia Department of History will explore the special friendship between Gordon Parks and Muhammad Ali. Gordon photographed the heavy weight champion on two separate photo-essays for LIFE magazine. During that time, a great bond was created between both Parks and Ali. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. — “A Conversation with Choice of Weapon Honorees.” The 2023 “Choice of Weapons Award” honorees, Tommy Dodson, Mario Sprouse, and Deborah Willis. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. — (Lunch and Learn Event) “Harlem Renaissance and the Renaissance Man” with Randal Jelks, Professor of African and African American Studies and American Studies at University of Kansas. This presentation will share the history, journey, and connection of two titans of the early 20th century — Langston Hughes, a poet and playwright, and Gordon Parks, a photographer. This presentation will reveal their shared legacy through an exhibit panel display that celebrates their lives and careers. This will also be the official launch opening with ribbon cutting of the exhibit. Our program is brought to us by Humanities Kansas. The Lunch and Learn is free to attend, but the sack lunches are only available by pre-purchase for $10 each by Thur, Oct. 4. Those planning to purchase the lunches may go online at https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events or by phone or check by mail or bring your own lunch and join us. Dessert and drinks also available in the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE to attend, except for lunch.
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. — (Lunch and Learn Event) “Back to Fort Scott, Now” and “I Needed Paris Update” with Michael Cheers, Associate Professor, Photojournalism, School of Journalism and Mass Communications, San Jose State University, Shreepad Joglekar, Department of Art & Associate Professor, Kansas State University and Jason Miccolo Johnson, former Professor in the Journalism and Mass Communications Department at Savannah State University. The presentation of the “Back to Fort Scott, Now” project, is the reimaging and tribute of Gordon Parks photos that he had taken in Fort Scott, KS, in 1950. Parks was on assignment for LIFE magazine to do a story on segregated schools and to follow up with his classmates that he graduated with from the segregated Plaza School in Fort Scott. Cheers & Joglekar will share project research and discuss the October photo exhibition. Professors Cheers and Johnson, will also provide an update and share photos of the “I Needed Paris” project that took a group of African American photographers through Paris, traversing the same streets and neighborhoods as Gordon Parks, when he worked in the Paris bureau of Life magazine in the early 1950s. This session reimagines Gordon’s iconic fashion, portrait and documentary photo essay work. Our program is brought to us by Evergy. The Lunch and Learn is free to attend, but the sack lunches are only available by pre-purchase for $10 each by Thursday, Oct. 5. Those planning to purchase the lunches may go online at https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events or by phone or check by mail or bring your own lunch and join us. Dessert and drinks also available in the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE to attend, except for lunch.
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. — “The Collections and Works of Yvonne Palkowitsh” Yvonne, a self-taught fine arts photographer born and raised in Fort Scott, KS, delves into the depths of storytelling through her work. She will be showcasing a collection of her pieces, which will be on display during her presentation. Through her use of painterly techniques, Yvonne transforms traditional photographs into imaginative and soulful tales. Her inspiration stems from the power and vulnerability found within dark and ambiguous locations, infused with rich colors. Yvonne’s creative process begins with carefully planned scenes, followed by the use of detailed digital composite techniques, resulting in surreal and thought-provoking narratives that tell unique stories of her subjects. Supported in part by Bourbon County Arts Council. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE.
4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. — “Free To Serve” (Mural Unveiling) Join us for the unveiling of the new mural display featuring the “1st Kansas Colored Infantry.” This is in honor and tribute of their sacrifice and willingness to serve. The mural will be on display at the north downtown building located at 9 South Main St, near Skubitz Plaza. FREE.
7:30 p.m. – “Celebration Dance Party” featuring, Kansas City All Stars. Celebrate and dance the night away to the Premier Dance Party Band in Kansas City. This KC Band will perform some of the best R&B and Dance hits for all generations. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cash bar available. The River Room, 3 W. Oak St. All seats reserved. Fee: $25.00 each or $30 at the door. Tickets available online https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events, by phone or by mail. Supported in part by The Bourbon County Arts Council, and Peerless Products, Inc. in Fort Scott, KS.
Saturday, October 7th
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. — Registration open outside of Museum.
8:50 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. — “Open Mic Poetry” This open mic is for any poets, rappers, musicians, or artists of all ages to read their work. Bring your friends, your poetry, your instruments, your beats, your inspirations, your creativity, and your talent! No sign-up necessary, just hop on the mic when you’re ready! Hosted by poet, Barbara L. Eikner. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum. Coffee, water, juice, and light refreshments will be available. FREE.
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. — “Back to Fort Scott, Plaza School Classmates and Descendants” Katherine Karlin, Professor, Emerita, English Department, Kansas State University and Natassja Norwood, Undergraduate Student at Kansas State University will introduce and share findings from their research about Gordon Parks classmates and their decedents from the segregated Plaza School in Fort Scott. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE.
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — (Lunch and Learn Event) “History of the Hawkins/Plaza School and All-School Reunion” This presentation and event will explore the history of the (1884 – 1956) segregated Hawkins/Plaza School that Gordon Parks attended. We will also honor former students that attended either school throughout the years. Join us as we take a journey through time to learn about the school(s). We encourage former students that attended the school to share their experience, stories and more during their time at the segregated school. There will also be a group photo of the former students that attended Hawkins/Plaza School. FREE “BBQ by the Patio”. Join us for some great barbeque, potato salad, chips, desserts, drinks. Sponsored by Dunks BBQ. (Visitors may bring their own lunch.) Drinks will be provided. There is no cost for the lunch, but registration for the BBQ is required either online https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events, by phone or by mail by Fri, Oct. 6. Donations are certainly appreciated.
FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE.
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Showing of the Criterion Collection film The Learning Tree in FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.
3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott & The Learning Tree Film Scene Locations. Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history. Fee: $8. https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events at phone or by mail.
7:00 p.m. – “Celebration Tribute Dinner” (Social Hour starts at 6:00 p.m.) Join us for an evening of celebration and dinner, music performance and tribute to past honorees and Gordon Parks. The evening will be highlighted by the presentation of the 2023 “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” to Tommy Dodson, Mario Sprouse, and Deborah Willis. There will also be a presentation of the inaugural “Gordon Parks Learning Tree Award” to Jill Warford. This event will be held at the Liberty Theater. 113 S. Main St. All seats reserved. Fee: $35.00. Tickets available online at https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events, by phone or by mail. (Reserve by Wed, Oct. 4).
Sunday, October 8th
9:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Crooner’s Lounge. Enjoy a breakfast buffet at one of Fort Scott’s finest! Located at 117 S. Main Street, Downtown Fort Scott. You’re sure to find something on the buffet to please. Check it out at: fscrooners.com. (No ticket required-everyone pays for their own).
TICKET PURCHASE FOR THE 2023 CELEBRATION:
Friday, October 6th Celebration Dance Party – Purchase and reserve online, phone, or at the door.
Saturday, October 7th BBQ by the Patio –Reservation. FREE. Please reserve by Friday, October 6. FREE.
Saturday, October 7th Tribute Dinner-Reservation Only. Please reserve by Wednesday, October 4.
- (Lunch and Learn) “Learning From Gordon Parks”: I would like to purchase _______ lunch tickets at $10 each for a total of $ ________. Please select any dietary options: Vegan: Qty ______ Vegetarian: Qty ________
- (Lunch and Learn Event) “Harlem Renaissance and the Renaissance Man”: I would like to purchase _______ tickets at $10 each for a total of $ ________. Please select any dietary options: Vegan: Qty ______ Vegetarian: Qty ________
- (Lunch and Learn Event): “Back to Fort Scott Now and I Needed Paris Update”: I would like to purchase _______ tickets at $10 each for a total of $ ________. Please select any dietary options: Vegan: Qty ______ Vegetarian: Qty ________
- Celebration Dance Party: I would like to purchase _______ tickets at $25 each for a total of $ ________.
- BBQ on the Patio: I would like to reserve_______ tickets FREE. Please select any dietary options: Vegan: Qty ______ Vegetarian: Qty ________
- Celebration Tribute Dinner: I would like to purchase _______ tickets at $35 each for a total of $ ________. Please select any dietary options: Vegan: Qty______ Vegetarian: Qty ________
Total Registration Cost…………………………………………………………………$________.
Name, Address: __________________________________________________________________________
Phone # & Email: _________________________________________________________________________
__________CHECK ENCLOSED payable to the Gordon Parks Museum
Gordon Parks Museum
2108 S. Horton St. Fort Scott, KS 66701
Or register online at www.gordonparkscenter.org
Questions? Call us at 620-223-2700, ext. 5850 or email: [email protected]
Celebration attendees can receive a 10% off “Gordon Parks” hotel rate for at the Sleep Inn Hotel and Suites 302 E. Wall St. Call 620-223-2555 to reserve and ask for the Celebration discount or go online by using the reservation link below. Check out visitfortscott.com for more hotel and lodging options.
http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/ArrivalInfo?hotel=KS190&srp=LGPARK&pu=no
This 20th annual celebration was supported in part by Bourbon County Arts Council, Evergy, Fort Scott Community College Greyhound Foundation, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Humanities Kansas and Peerless Products.