Category Archives: Fort Scott

Church news, Fort Scott, Jobs

New Methodist Church Administrative Executive: Kristin Bishop

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Submitted photo. Kristin Bishop

Kristin Bishop, 43, is the new First United Methodist Church Administrative Executive.

“My new role is a combination things – covering duties typical of office manager, treasurer, membership, and volunteer coordination – a little bit of everything to help the congregation live out our mission to know, grow in, serve, and share Christ,” she said.

First United Methodist Church at Third Street and National Avenue,

Bishop is a 1998 Graduate of Fort Scott High School, a 2000 graduate of Fort Scott Community College, and a 2003 Pittsburg State University graduate with a bachelor’s of science in Family and Consumer Sciences.

She has worked at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, New Generation Child Care and Preschool, BIDS & DIBS, USD 234, USD 235, and Big Sugar Lumber.

Her new job is a joy.

“I enjoy working in this environment,” she said.  “The church, the sermons, and interacting with church members and community volunteers. It is a peaceful and productive place to be.”

“It is a blessing to work in this beautiful church building,” Bishop said. “I love the way the light shines through the stained glass windows and the intricate details that went into the design of this church a century and a half ago.”

“I find Pastor Christopher’s Sunday morning sermons to be engaging and thought-provoking,” she said. “There is always a takeaway from the sermon and a melody from the beautiful music to begin each week. I also enjoy working with members of the church and community volunteers alike. They walk into the church with kindness in their hearts and a mission in mind. They selflessly share their gifts, talents, and time. It’s inspiring!”

Kristin is married to Will Bishop, and they have two sons Winston (7) and Linden (6).

She enjoys reading, road trips, good coffee, and conversation in her spare time.

About The Church

 Christopher Eshelman is the pastor of First United Methodist Church, Pat Harry is the organist and choir director, Sara Schnichels is the nursery coordinator, and Robert Wilson is the custodian.
Sunday school groups meet at 9:30 a.m. and Worship is at 10:30 a.m.
The church’s annual  Christmas Candlelight Service will feature communion and real candles again this year, at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

 

Outreach ministries of First United Methodist:
  •  Feeding Families in His Name is a free weekly meal that averages about 500 served a week, with help from other churches.
  • They provide water bottles available for homeless folks, supplied by a resident.
  • There is a Shepherd’s Center program to help encourage friendship and lifelong learning among older adults that features a variety of speakers: The 2024 schedule is coming soon!
  • Community events such as the Chuck Crain concert coming up on October 8th at 6 pm.
  • Trunk or Treat for Halloween
  • First Annual Nativity Festival, with displays of Nativities and Creche from around the world on Dec 1st and 2nd,
  • The church hosts community meetings for K-State Extension, Pioneer Kiwanis, various sewing groups, a support group for Grieving Mothers starting later this month, and CORE Community beginning in November.
  • Beginning the last Friday of October, the church will offer a soup lunch for freewill donations as a fundraiser.
For more information view its Facebook page or website www.firstumcfortscott.org!

Contact Information: info@firstumc.fortscott.org

Fort Scott, Government

Amended Agenda for FS City Commission Meeting Today

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
September 19, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: Led by M. Wells
III. Approval of Agenda:
IV. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 5, 2023
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1344-A — $469,395.66
C. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering and Inspection – $36,194.50
1. Invoice #16789 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Inspection – $23,194.50
2. Invoice #16784 – 21-303 – WWTP – System Design – Phase III – $13,000.00
D. Request to Pay – Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc. – Financial Advisory Fee – General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 – Issue Record #64784 – $12,312.50.
E. August Financials
F. Request to Approve Change Order No. 2 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Bennett, Inc. – Increase of $63,295.00
V. Public Comment: Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VI. Old Business:
A. Consideration to Accept USDA Rural Development Grant for $33,000.00 –
D. Bruner and Emily Diebolt – Storm Sirens
B. Consideration to Accept (2) Grants from Timken Foundation of Canton –
1. City of Fort Scott – Automated External Defibrillators – $13,500.00
2. Fort Scott Fire Department – UTV – $21,500.00
C. Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health In All Policies Task Force – Tabled until September 19, 2023, for response to request to have contract language amended. History: Tabled July 25, 2023, August 1, 2023, defeated motion on August 15, 2023.
D. Consideration of Resolution No. 13-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1001 W. 2 nd St.
Tabled to September 19, 2023, for extension to gather more information.
E. Consideration of Resolution No. 12-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1801 W. Wall St.
Tabled to September 19, 2023, for extension to gather information regarding owners and taxes being paid.
VII. Appearances:
A. Lake Fort Scott Residents – Potential lake improvements during low level
B. Justin Meeks – Golf Course property update
C. Robert Coon – Housing development
VIII. Public Hearing: 2023 Budget Amendment
IX. New Business:
A. Consideration of Purchase of new WILO mixer for bio basin from IPS Process
Solutions for $25,244.35 – S. Flater
B. Consideration of Contractors’ Licensing Program – N. Nation
C. Consideration of Project Inspection – Sanitary Sewer Relocation for the Infantry Substation – J. Dickman
D. Consideration of Relocation and Reimbursement Agreement – Evergy – Fort Scott Infantry Substation Project – J. Dickman – Tabled from September 5,
2023, to propose a project inspection inclusion to Evergy.
X. Reports and Comments:
A. City Manager Comments:
B. Engineering Comments:
C. Commissioners Comments:
T. VanHoecke –
K. Harrington –
E. Woellhof –
M. Guns –
M. Wells –
D. City Attorney Comments:
XI. Executive Session:
XI. Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

Design Review Advisory Board Meets on Sept. 28

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Design Review Advisory Board Meeting

When: September, 28th

Time: 4:00 pm

Location: City Hall

Topic for discussion: Certificate of Appropriateness for signage outside of 12 N. Main in Fort Scott submitted for consideration. The meeting is open to the public and the recording is available to watch on YouTube after the meeting is held.

Submitted by:

Mary Wyatt

Community Development Director

City of Fort Scott

Art, Fort Scott

Scarecrow Contest Submissions Needed by Sept. 20

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Scarecrow Contest

This contest is open to any individual or family:

Scarecrows are to be actual 3D scarecrows using found/recycled materials and a T-frame.

Scarecrows will be attached to outdoor poles down Main St, so please use sturdy materials.

Scarecrows can be frightening or fun, but please keep your creations tasteful & family appropriate.

For Businesses in Bourbon County wanting to participate:

Have your scarecrow represent your business. For example a restaurant might feature a scarecrow wearing an apron.

Feel free to make a big, bold, and bright full display!

A photograph of your outdoor business creation must be emailed to the Chamber by 5:00 PM on September 20th to be entered into the contest. Email: [email protected]​

​

Individual:

1st: $50 Gift Certificate

2nd: $30 Gift Certificate

3rd: $20 Gift Certificate

Business:

Winner receives one dozen logoed shirts and bragging rights for the entire year!

Blind judging will be done by a panel of local artists and crafters. All winners will be announced live on Facebook during the Chamber Coffee September 21st at 8:00 AM.

Deadline to enter is September 20th (submissions can be made at the gazebo at First & Main on that day between 4:00-5:00 PM).

Early submissions may be left at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce office, 321 E Wall St. If you would like your scarecrow returned, please remove it on November 1st by 3:00 PM or it will be discarded.

The Chamber is not responsible for damaged, lost or stolen items.

Click here for a printable flyer!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

The Super Step Walking Challenge

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WALK INTO BOOKS, BOURBON COUNTY!

 

Submitted by Valetta Cannon, Fort Scott Public Library Youth Librarian & Assistant Director

Log your daily steps and compete for prizes with the library’s walking program. Fort Scott Public Library & The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team invite you to virtually walk from Fort Scott to a fictional Kansas town known for its superhero origin story. This walking contest is for people of all ages & fitness levels.

  • Record your daily step counts through the Reader Zone app or browser version OR in Google Sheets
    • Connect with teammates & compete against other teams
    • Receive a pedometer & t-shirt just for signing up!
    • Each member of the winning team will earn a free book & may also win coupons or gift cards from local businesses
    • Drop-in reception after the contest ends for all participants

Register here: https://forms.gle/nYq9ireLHAFMqiSTA or fill out a paper form at the library.

The contest begins on Saturday, Sept. 25, is open to everyone, and free of charge. Registration will remain open until October 2, so invite your friends and relatives to join you! If you need help using the technology, come to the library for help or send an email to [email protected]. For persons with special needs, library staff will do their best to make accommodations. Send a message to the above email detailing your needs.

 

Click here for more information on the contest: https://fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org/walkintobooks/

Sponsors include After Affect Salon, Buck Run Community Center, and Hedgehog.INK!. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, please email Valetta Cannon at the above address.

This program is made possible in part by a dream grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System. Funding for this Story Telling Project is also being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of the library’s and the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott, Youth

New Play Equipment Installed at Third Street Park

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Third Street Park is just east of Hwy. 69 past the railroad overpass on the south side of the street. This is a view from Wilson Street looking up the hill, taken in May 2022.

A park on Third Street is in the process of new playground equipment being installed and stairs have been completed for better access.

A Building Up Our Neighborhoods Placemaking project has already repaired the bathrooms and existing structures, including the basketball goal. Last week stairs were made from the upper level of the park to the lower level.

Rachel Carpenter. Submitted photo. 2023

This week additional playground structures will be installed and mulched, Rachel Carpenter, director, of the Healthy Bourbon Action Team (HBCAT), who is spearheading the project,  said.

Bales of mulch await the final installations of playground equipment at Third Street Park on Sept. 15.

A project that was identified by the community through public forums, surveys, and a steering committee is making enhancements to Third Street Park, located just east of the train tracks on Third Street, according to  Carpenter.

“The community members were able to develop priorities that they wanted to see happen at the park, Carpenter said in a press release. Those priorities are:

  • Fixing the bathrooms
  • Fixing the existing structures
  • Fixing the basketball goal
  • Adding additional playground structures
  • Adding stairs

“Fort Scott Pioneer Kiwanis provided volunteers to fix the existing structures, the basketball goals, and paint the bathrooms,” she said. “The City of Fort Scott provided an additional $10,000 that will go towards fixing up the bathrooms, fixing the pavilion floor, and surfacing for the existing structures.”

“This week Playscapes will be installing the new playground structures and putting down the rubber mulch surfacing,” she said. “The playground structures include a Temple Trolley, a Swizzler, and two bouncers.”

Mitch Welch, of Playscapes, Yates Center, puts up caution tape on Friday afternoon, Sept. 15, to keep people off the equipment that is being installed.

Marbery Concrete just constructed the concrete stairs that will allow community members to access the playground easier from the ballpark down the hill from the play area.

Tyler Sharp, Marbery Construction, Fort Scott, lays straw to prevent erosion following the building of the concrete stairs from the upper-level playground to the lower-level ball field at Third Street Park on Sept. 15.

“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is addressing the Social Determinants of Health by building up Neighborhoods and Environment,” Carpenter said. “One tool to increase community vitality is through creative placemaking projects.”

“Through funding from Patterson Family Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, HBCAT started the Stronger Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods placemaking projects.”

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office phone number: is 620-215-2562 and is located at 104 N. National, Fort Scott.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Special Chamber Coffee at Kansas Rocks on Saturday, Sept. 30

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Join us for a SPECIAL Saturday Chamber Coffee hosted by

Kansas Rocks

Recreation Park

Saturday, September 30th

8:30am-10:00am

2051 130th St.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a special Saturday Chamber Coffee Saturday, September 30th at 8:30am to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Kansas Rocks Recreation Park (KRRP). The Coffee will be hosted by KRRP located at 2051 130th St. near Mapleton in northwest Bourbon County. Coffee and donuts will be available as well as short rides on the trails in provided vehicles with park volunteers for attendees.

Kansas Rocks Recreation Park is a 4×4 off-road park with camping facilities. KRRP now has 35 miles of trails for 4-wheel Drive Jeeps and other off-road vehicles, mountain bikes, hiking, and UTV’s. Currently the park features over 60 shared mountain bike trails and over 380 acres of trails to explore via hiking. The park sells season passes, day passes, and hosts special events throughout the year. For more information on the park, visit ksrockspark.com or follow their

Facebook page.

When traveling to the park from Fort Scott, attendees should go west on Highway 54 for 10 miles, north on 125th St. for 6 miles, west on Tomahawk Rd., and north on 130th St., following the signs to the park entrance.

For KRRP to plan refreshments and rides, attendees are asked to RSVP before September 27th, click here to register! Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

 

Click here for their Facebook page!

 

We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Facebook  Twitter
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Jobs, Schools

New U234 Board Clerk: Candace Jobe

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Candace Jobe. Submitted photo.

Candace Jobe, 37, has been the new MIS Clerk, Special Education Assistant, and U234 Board Clerk, since July 17.

“MIS and Special Education Assistant are the same thing,” she said. “I will be taking care of Paras and tracking training hours for them and helping our Special Education Teachers with various duties. Also, working in our Special Education Reporting Systems as well as assisting our Director, Tonya Barnes (she’s AMAZING) with any other tasks she has.”

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

“For Board Clerk I will be attending all board meetings, working with the Superintendent and Board President, recording minutes from board meetings, acting as custodian of records, and other duties as assigned to the clerk,” she said.

She grew up in Uniontown, school K-12, and graduated in 2005. “Being a part of a school has been my whole life with my Mom, Rolene Lowry, being West Bourbon Elementary School Secretary for 31 years and my Dad, Leon Lowry, as a Bus Driver/Custodian for 38 years,” she said.  “I had the best of both worlds, working parents and stay-at-home parents. My brother also worked for the school district for over 10 years.”

After high school, she attended college in Oklahoma City and worked at the Bank of Oklahoma as a teller and then later in bond trading.

“We moved back closer to family and I worked at West Bourbon Elementary for the past nine years,” she said.

She and her husband, Joel, have two dogs, one of whom, Molly, gets to come to work with her every day.

“We are working towards her certification as a therapy dog and will be in the middle/high school to assist students and staff in any way needed,” she said.
“Being able to combine two things that I am VERY passionate about (kids and dogs) is something I can’t believe I get to do every day!”

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to work for USD 234,” she said. “Everyone has made me feel so welcomed and appreciated already. I don’t think any of the staff will ever know how much that has meant to me.”

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Youth

Downtown Trick or Treat Sponsors Being Sought

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The Fort Scott Chamber announces the Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat Parade!

SPONSORS NEEDED!

The past couple of years the attendance has been growing for the Downtown Trick-or-Treat parade with 600+ kids in attendance! At the end of the parade, we serve a hotdog, chips, and drink to each child who is in costume. We have been very thankful for the gracious donations from you all in the past!

If your business is interested in making a donation, please contact us! Click here to email us or call the

Chamber at 620-223-3566.

We will accept monetary donations or other items such as drinks.

Saturday, October 28, 2023 @ 11:00 AM

10-11am: Walgreens will be taking pictures with a Halloween Backdrop & providing a free 4 x 6 print. The backdrop will also be available throughout the event for pictures with your own camera.

Face painting will be offered by the Fort Scott High School Pride and Thespian Clubs!

11am: Parade will start at La Hacienda, down the west side of Main Street to 2nd, then back down the east side of Main Street to Skubitz Plaza.

Following parade: Pizza and drinks will be to kids in costumes provided through the generous donation of local businesses!

__________

***Businesses along Main Street will be handing out candy during the parade, and businesses not on Main Street as well as any community organizations are welcome to set up a table along Main to pass out candy, coupons, promo items, etc.***

Please email the Chamber if your business or organization will be passing out candy so we

can plan accordingly.
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Business, Fort Scott, Health Care, Housing, Jobs

New Presbyterian Village Director: Marla Heckman

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Marla Heckman. Submitted photo.

Marla Heckman, 52, is the new Fort Scott Presbyterian Village Executive Director.

Heckman is new to Fort Scott.

“My husband, John,  was born in Fort Scott,” she said. ” We were planning on retiring and moving here someday.  There was some property that was going up for sale close to our family, so we decided to change our plans and move back sooner.”

Heckman started on September 5, 2023, as the   Executive Director, “overseeing this wonderful community.  I am so excited to work with the amazing TEAM here,” she said.

She received her education from the University of Oklahoma and is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator.

Heckman has 36 years in Healthcare-Independent Living, Assisted Living, Residential Care, Skilled Nursing, and Long-term Care.

“I served on the board for Care Providers Oklahoma, as well as, the Oklahoma State Department of Health Informal Dispute Resolution panel,” she said.

In her spare time she  “loves spending time with family and friends.”

“I have never lived anywhere but Oklahoma, so I am excited to start some new hobbies, maybe gardening and having some chickens,” she said. “I look forward to being involved in the community and helping whenever possible.”

She has four children and 13 grandchildren.

 

Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

Heckman replaces Ginger Nance as the executive director.

 

Fort Scott, Government

City Commission Agenda for Sept. 19

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
September 19, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: Led by M. Wells
III. Approval of Agenda:
IV. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 5, 2023
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1344-A — $469,395.66
C. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering and Inspection – $36,194.50
1. Invoice #16789 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Inspection – $23,194.50
2. Invoice #16784 – 21-303 – WWTP – System Design – Phase III – $13,000.00
D. Request to Pay – Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc. – Financial Advisory Fee – General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 – Issue Record #64784 – $12,312.50.
E. August Financials
F. Request to Approve Change Order No. 2 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Bennett, Inc. – Increase of $63,295.00
V. Public Comment: Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VI. Old Business:
A. Consideration to Accept USDA Rural Development Grant for $33,000.00 –
D. Bruner and Emily Diebolt – Storm Sirens
B. Consideration to Accept (2) Grants from Timken Foundation of Canton –
1. City of Fort Scott – Automated External Defibrillators – $13,500.00
2. Fort Scott Fire Department – UTV – $21,500.00
C. Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health In All Policies Task Force – Tabled until September 19, 2023, for response to request to have contract language amended. History: Tabled July 25, 2023, August 1, 2023, defeated motion on August 15, 2023.
D. Consideration of Resolution No. 13-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1001 W. 2 nd St.
Tabled to September 19, 2023, for extension to gather more information.
E. Consideration of Resolution No. 12-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1801 W. Wall St.
Tabled to September 19, 2023, for extension to gather information regarding owners and taxes being paid.
VII. Appearances:
A. Lake Fort Scott Residents – Potential lake improvements during low level
VIII. Public Hearing: 2023 Budget Amendment
IX. New Business:
A. Consideration of Purchase of new WILO mixer for bio basin from IPS Process Solutions for $25,244.35 – S. Flater
B. Consideration of Contractors’ Licensing Program – N. Nation
C. Consideration of Project Inspection – Sanitary Sewer Relocation for the Infantry Substation – J. Dickman
D. Consideration of Relocation and Reimbursement Agreement – Evergy – Fort Scott Infantry Substation Project – J. Dickman – Tabled from September 5, 2023
to propose a project inspection inclusion to Evergy.
X. Reports and Comments:
A. City Manager Comments:
B. Engineering Comments:
C. Commissioners Comments:
T. VanHoecke –
K. Harrington –
E. Woellhof –
M. Guns –
M. Wells –
D. City Attorney Comments:
XI. Adjournment: