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Category Archives: Fort Scott
First Production of Community Theatre Group: An Immersive Murder Mystery
A group of like-minded Fort Scottians have banded together to do theatre in Bourbon County.
It all started with a social media suggestion.
“Bourbon Co Community Theatre came about based on a suggestion on Facebook for a community theatre in Fort Scott,'” said Angie Bin, who is the public relations person for the group. “Melissa Guns took that suggestion and ran with it, creating a list of interested individuals who met for the first time last summer.”
The group set about organizing.
They created a list of bylaws and a board and established its non-profit status. The current officers are President: Matthew Wells, Secretary: Sandy Abati, Treasurer: Danette Popp, Public Relations: Angie Bin, Production Coordinator: Katie Wells, and At-Large Board Members: Barbara Woodward, Eric Popp, and Regen Wells.
The first production is called Holy Mother of Bingo! by Patrick Walsh and will be at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2 and 3 in the lobby of the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. 2108 S. Horton.
“The immersive murder mystery allows audience members to play five full rounds of Bingo with prizes donated by local businesses,” according to a press release from Bin.
“Pioneer Drama describes the show this way, “’An innocent bingo fundraiser at the Our Mother of Mercy church goes awry when parishioners mysteriously drop dead!” according to the press release. “‘The evidence suggests well-calculated murders, but who is to blame? Tensions rise as everyone begins identifying suspects. Past feuds rear their heads as the members of the parish try to state their innocence one by one. Who could be behind the elaborate spree? The disgruntled choir director? The magician turned youth minister? The ex-convict that has recently turned to the power of prayer? It couldn’t be one of the Cookie Cadets selling their beloved cookies! Everyone’s a suspect… even the audience in the zany comedy that takes interactive theatre to a whole new level!'”
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and Senior Citizens. A purchase of an entire table of 7 or 8 gives audience members a discount of $2 on each adult ticket. Tickets are at bcct.ludus.com, at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, or at the door, but seating is limited and advance purchase is suggested.
More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page. BBCO Community Theatre, LLC is a non-profit community organization formed last year whose mission is to bring education, community, and culture to southeast Kansas through theatre.
The production is directed by Angie Bin along with Assistant Director Mark Bergmann. Bin is the drama teacher at Fort Scott High School.
“We wanted our first actual production to be a fun family-friendly show that would generate a lot of interest in the community, but also be a show that our very limited budget could afford,” Bin said.
They formed a committee to select their first production.
“We had a script-reading committee that read many murder mystery-themed plays and decided on Holy Mother of Bingo! as the best choice. It is a brand new play that just recently won the 2024 Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwriting Contest. We have cast members ranging from elementary school to senior citizens.”
Bin praises the cast.
“Even though we have several adults who are in their very first production ever, this has been a stellar cast to work with,” she said. “Everyone has been so energetic and willing to help out the production of the show in so many ways.”
A live Bingo game will weave through the play.
“Cast members have been very proactive about meeting with local businesses to request donations for prizes for the live Bingo games that take place during the show and we have so many tremendous prizes from a very large number of local businesses,” Bin said.
Notable roles include the character of Father Ron Culpepper played by Ben Self, Sister Helen played by Katie Wells, Marabelle Manson portrayed by Regen Wells, and Detective Quinn played by Bradley Whitehead, she said.
Museum of Creativity Will Close For One Month
The Museum of Creativity is about to get even better! We are closing from August 4th to September 5th so that we can update and add attractions.
If you haven’t been in lately, I highly recommend visiting this month to see the new Morphing Mini Golf attraction. We built 3 holes and have many obstacles that you can change to create a new challenge each time you putt.
Our prices have remained low @ $1-$2/ visit for the past 3 years as we’ve been making changes here and there and adding things slowly. After this closure we will be opening up for a $5 entrance fee.
We will be initiating memberships and if you visit once a week they definitely reflect our old price more than the new one. Stay tuned for more information!
Along with this revamp of the museum we are also having a fundraiser. An opportunity for you to become a permanent part of the museum. We are building a picket fence at the museum and you can get your name, a grandchild’s, a business or even a pet’s name put onto a picket. We are asking for a $50 donation for up to 20 characters (including spaces). Our goal is to get at least 100 of these sold by the end of July. You can purchase them here:
You can use this link:
museumofcreativity.ludus.com
to subscribe to our email list and donate to a specific project, improvement or just in general. We are dedicated to using your money wisely to improve the museum for all to enjoy. Now is the time that you can make a huge difference!
We appreciate any and all help this next month as we prepare for this huge update. If you would like to donate time or labor, we would love to include you in our plans. Just reply to this email or shoot us a text. We have never paid employees to manage or improve the museum. Everything we do is through volunteer service. Any and all help is very much appreciated. Here is a list of some of the different projects we are hoping to tackle as part of this revamp:
We hope you will come visit us this month and that you will join us for our grand opening event in September to see all the new changes! (flyers attached below)
As always, please help us spread the word!
Thank you for your support!
Lorina Bowman
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Museum of Creativity
209-204-9743
102 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
20 N. Main is Renovated and Ready For Tenants
A business space in Historic Downtown Fort Scott is available to rent.
In 2021, Sandra Davis and her husband Donald purchased the former J&W Sport Shop at 20 North Main and were there briefly before moving their businesses to the former Bartlesmeyer Jewelry Store at 1519 S. National in 2022.
“Once we moved into 20 N. Main we realized that we were going to have to renovate quicker than anticipated,” she said. They moved their businesses to another location while renovating.
“We originally were renting 1519 S. National when we first moved in it, but we liked the building so much we purchased it and decided to make it our business location.”
The 20 N. Main location, in historic downtown Fort Scott, is now ready for new tenants, following renovations.
“The bottom floor is completely renovated and is ready for tenants,” she said. ” We intend to start on the upper floor soon by turning it into an apartment. It will be an Airbnb or possibly a long-term rental.”
About the businesses
The Davis’s have their two businesses under one roof.
“I’m Davis Accounting Inc. and his business is Donald D. Davis CPA PA.,” she said. “We jointly own Professional Property Investors LLC which legally owns the buildings.”
Davis Accounting provides full-service bookkeeping and tax return preparation. She started in Arkansas in 2000 and moved to Fort Scott in 2004. Donald’s business formed in 1995.
“Between our two companies, we offer all aspects of bookkeeping; A/P, payroll, payroll taxation and reporting, Bank reconciliations and preparation of financial statements and tax returns,” she said.
Davis can be reached at 620.223.9777 or
New Teachers in USD 234: Wilcoxen, Hastings
This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 22 new teachers and two new administrators in the district.
School starts for students on August 16.
There are five campuses in the district:
- Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
- Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-graderade students)
- Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
- Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
- Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)
The district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members, according to its website.
Travis Wilcoxen, 31, is a new 7th Grade Special Education Teacher, at Fort Scott Middle School.
He has a bachelor’s degree from Ozark Christian College and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Special Education.
This is his first year teaching.
“My family and I are active members of Community Christian Church, where I currently serve on the Mission’s Committee. I also serve on the board for the Bourbon County Coalition.”
His wife, Jenni, and he have been married for nine years and have two children. Jude, 6, and Nora, almost 4 years old. They also have a Golden Retriever dog, Charles (Charlie) Barkley.
What is the best thing about being an educator?
“I don’t know yet. I can tell you that I am most excited to work with the students, their parents, and the other 7th-grade teachers. My goal is that my students come to school excited and ready to work hard.”
What is a challenge?
“I have no teaching experience to pull from. I know that this year will be full of learning for me as well. Balancing teaching, studying for my master’s, and still being a present husband and father will not be easy. Even so, bring it on!”
Nicky Hastings is the new Fort Scott High School Special Education Teacher.
She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University and also a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Pittsburg State University.
She has 23 years experience in education.
“I have been married to Don for 34 years and have two daughters and a son and have eight grandchildren.
“The best thing about being an educator is watching the success of my students in life,” she said.
“My challenge is always trying to find the most useful way to connect to my students so I can help them in the best way so they will succeed.”
Winfield Scott Elementary School Rummage Sale July 18 and 19
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Bourbon County Fairgrounds Assn. on July 18
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The Friday Free Concert: The Hemphill Family Band
This Friday evening, July 19, at 7 p.m. the Hemphill Family Band will perform for the Chamber of Commerce concert series.
The band plays a variety of music and will highlight music of some specific country performers such as Bob Wills and Merle Haggard. Performing in the band will be Jack Hemphill on keyboard, Sandy Hemphill on fiddle and keyboard, Brad Hemphill on guitar, and Kristen Hemphill Weeks playing percussion.
In addition, Floyd Feezell will perform a song accompanied by Ralph Carlson. The hour-long program will occur at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main Street in Fort Scott.
Ralph Carlson, Event Coordinator, suggests that because of limited seating, audience members bring a lawn chair.
Agenda for the FS City Commission on July 16
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
July 16, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
Tim VanHoecke, Matthew Wells, Dyllon Olson, Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
- Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1364-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of June 26, 2024 – July 9, 2024 – $449,829.79
- Approval of Minutes for July 2, 2024
- June Financials
VII. Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VIII. Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting
you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.
- Unfinished Business
- Consideration of Change Order Request for Electrical Requirements – Grit Removal System at WWTP – Estimate #1019 by KTK Electric LLC – $17,681.30 – Tabled from July 2, 2024 – J. Dickman to check initial project estimate from Ray Lindsey – J. Dickman and S. Flater
- New Business
Action Items:
- Consideration to Eliminate Employee Council Ordinance and Replace with an Employee Safety and Culture Team Policy – P. Coyan
- Consideration of Bids for 2-Inch Water Main and Sewer Line Renewal – B. Lemke
- Consideration of Letter of Interest submitted by Michael Hoyt for Land Bank Vacancy – Land Bank meeting July 15, 2024 – M. Wyatt
- Consideration of Approval Certificate of Appropriateness – Submitted by T.E. Freeman Studio LLC/The Artificers – 25 ft. North of 8 N. National Ave. – Recommended by Design Review Board on July 1, 2024 – M. Wyatt
- Consideration of Proposals for Repairs to Memorial Hall Facade – Wyatt
- Consideration of Letter of Interest submitted by Daniel Wilson for Parks Advisory Board Vacancy – Parks Advisory Board meeting July 11, 2024
- Consideration of Change Addendum No. 1 – WWTP Change in Infrastructure Permit EEI File: 23-306 – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Original Contract $7,500.00 – Additional Service Fees $5,000.00 – J. Dickman
- Reports and Comments
- City Manager Comments
- Engineering Comments
- Commissioners Comments
- City Attorney Comments
XII. Executive Session
XIII. Adjourn
FS City Commission Minutes of July 2
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of July 2, 2024 Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held July 2, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. (Time stamps according to YouTube recording of meeting on the City of Fort Scott Channel).
ROLL CALL
Meeting called to order at 6:00PM. Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tim VanHoecke, Dyllon Olson and Kathryn Salsbury were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.
Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Scott Flater/Public Utility Director, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly, Jason Silvers/Fort Scott Tribune, Cory Bryars, Teresa Davenport, Leah Lewis, Kathy Clark, Greg Scott, Rubin Long and Michael Hoyt.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION
- Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and T. VanHoecke said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA (Time stamp 0:17)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda with the change made prior to the meeting regarding 110 W. Oak Street. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
CONSENT AGENDA (Time stamp 0:50)
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1363-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates June 12, 2024 – June 25, 2024 – $1,907,395.59
– Approval of Minutes for June 18, 2024
– Request to Pay – Hofer, Hofer & Associates, Inc. – Application No. 4 – Gunn Park Restroom & Shower House – $2,250.00
– Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice #17366 – Project No. 22-656 PS – (6) Additional Lake Lots – Lake Fort Scott Boundary Survey – $5,760.00
MOTION: D. Olson moved to approve the Consent Agenda and resolve some of the line item concerns at the next meeting. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. D. Olson, T. VanHoecke, K. Salsbury and T. Dancer voted yes. M. Wells voted no.
MOTION PASSED BY 4-1 VOTE.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Teresa Davenport and Cory Bryars/Care to Share (Time stamp 6:03) – addressed the Commission regarding thank everyone for the success of the Mardi Gras event where they raised $3,000.00. They also announced that they were awarded a Capital Grant in the amount of $70,000.00 from Timken of Canton for the use of purchasing a portable stage to be used by the community.
APPEARANCES
Travis Sawyer – Temporary Street Closure – Heylman between 6th & 7th – July 4, 2024 – 3:30PM – 11:00PM – (Time stamp 13:17) – Applicant did not appear.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to approve the request for temporary street closure as stated on the application. K. Salsbury seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Jason Marbery – RHID – (Time stamp 14:20)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to table the appearance until July 16, 2024.
- Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes. MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
OLD BUSINESS
Consideration of Resolution No. 12-2024 –RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE KNOWN AS [110 W. OAK], FORT SCOTT, KS 66701 – Tabled from April 2, 2024. Owner to return with requested information for the Commission – Removed from April 16, 2024, agenda. May 7, 2024 Owner appeared and motion approved to extend time to July 2, 2024, with conditions. Item was removed from the July 2, 2024, agenda prior to the meeting with notification to Leroy Kruger/Codes Inspector that the owner decided to have the structures removed with his own contractor. The owner appeared before the Commission and confirmed and thanked them for the extended time to try to salvage the structures. – (Time stamp 15:40)
NEW BUSINESS
Consideration of Change Order Request for Electrical Requirements – Grit Removal System at WWTP – Estimate #1019 by KTK Electric LLC – $17,681.30 (Time stamp 16:27)
- Flater appeared to explain the purpose of the change order in order to complete the project. The Commission wishes to confirm that this work was not included in the original proposal when the bid was awarded. J. Dickman asked for time to review.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to table the payment until July 16, 2024, when the City Engineer has a chance to review the RFQ as he requested. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes. MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
MOTION: D. Olson moved to amend the agenda to allow the appearance of Jason Marbury for his RHID presentation. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes. MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Jason Marbery – RHID (Time stamp 25:07) – appeared before the Commission to present his plan for enrolling his property in the RHID program.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to include this in the RHID. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes. MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Lake Lot Discussion Continued – Requested by D. Olson – (Time stamp 27:56) – Discussion was had about moving a work session to address encroachments on City property regarding the (6) lots that have been surveyed by the City Engineer and consideration of the current infrastructure issues.
ACTION: B. Matkin was directed to organize a work session on July 29, 2024, for the City Commission to travel to Fort Scott Lake and look at the (6) surveyed lots and possibly return to City Hall for discussion.
Public Safety Communication Discussion – B. Matkin – (Time stamp 50:15) – Discussion was had regarding raising the amount the City asks the County to pay for Public Safety Communication services. B. Matkin asked that it be put on the next agenda for a decision in time for budget planning.
ACTION: B. Matkin was directed to have a conversation with the County on this topic.
Consideration of Approval of License to Sell Retail Cereal Malt Beverages For Consumption on the Premises (New License) – OUTPOST 13 WEST – 13 W. Oak, Fort Scott, Bourbon County, KS 66701 – (Time stamp 57:40)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the license as presented. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes. MOTION APPROVED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Revenue Neutral Notice – (Time stamp 59:45) – J. Oliphant presented for consideration the option to approve the intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to accept the intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate for 2025. K. Salsbury seconded the motion. T. VanHoecke, K. Salsbury and T. Dancer voted yes. M. Wells and D. Olson voted no. MOTION PASSED BY 3-2 VOTE.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
City Manager B. Matkin (Time stamp 1:07:00)
City Engineer J. Dickman (Time stamp 1:19:37)
Commissioner D. Olson (Time Stamp 1:21:40)
Commissioner K. Salsbury (Time Stamp 1:21:51)
Commissioner M. Wells (Time Stamp 1:22:06)
Commissioner T. VanHoecke (Time Stamp 1:33:26)
Commissioner T. Dancer (Time Stamp 1:35:00)
Recognition given by Mayor Dancer for SRO Michael Trim – Retiring after 20 years of service with the Fort Scott Police Department.
ACTION: B. Matkin will bring regulations for shipping containers and Codes update on other municipalities who use them.
City Attorney B. Farmer (Time Stamp 1:39:02)
ADJOURN
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:39PM. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
JULY 2, 2024, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:39PM.
UPCOMING
– 2025 Budget Work Session – July 23, 2024 – 6:00PM – City Hall
– City Commission Work Session – Lake Lots – July 29, 2024 – Lake Fort Scott
– 2025 Budget Hearing – September 3, 2024 – 6:00PM – City Hall
_______________________________________________________________________
Submitted by:
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Tri-Valley Receives Donation From Fort Scott Public Library
On June 27th, the Fort Scott Public Library donated 108 audio books to Tri-Valley Developmental Services.
Jennifer Gum-Fowler, Library Director, recently weeded items from the library shelves and wanted to send the items back into the community. She stated “The idea is to get a new book in someone else’s hands.” She thought that Tri-Valley would benefit from the audio books. Grace Kramer, Employment Coordinator stated “We are very appreciative of the director thinking about us and the books will be put to a good use; everyone will be able to enjoy them.”
Patio Concert at the Liberty Theater on July 20
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