Category Archives: Fort Scott

Church news, Food, Fort Scott

Catholic Fish Fry Continues Until March 31 to Benefit Rebuild of Mary Queen of Angels Church

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The Knights of Columbus serve a fish dinner to the community on March 10, 2023.t

The Knights of Columbus organization at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church will offer three more Friday Fish Dinners in support of the rebuilding of the church.

The church was struck by lightening in August, 2022 and and a fire ensued which destroyed the building.

March 17, March 24, and March 31 are the last three dates and will end the annual fish dinners for the year.

The dinners always precede Good Friday, which is April 7 this year.

The community is invited to the dinner, which is from 5 to 7 p.m. and is a free-will donation event.

Simpson Construction Services, Wichita, completed the demolition of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in March 2023. The church was destroyed by a fire in August 2022.
The hole where Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church once was. St. Mary’s Catholic School is in the background.
The Friday Fish Fry continues until March 31 at Kennedy Gym at 7th and Holbrook in Fort Scott.
Fort Scott

Free Trees From Kiwanis

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April 22, 2023 is Earth Day.

It is also the day that the Fort Scott Kiwanis have set aside to plant 90 trees.

The trees were purchased through a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.

This year we have flowering Redbud trees and two types of shade trees, Swamp Chestnut Oak, and Water Oak.

The Kiwanis will supply and plant the tree on 4/22/23. To request a tree, call or text Craig Campbell at 620-224-0167.

Your only obligation is to water and nurture the tree.

Fort Scott

Two Projects on Skubitz Plaza Started

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Citizens have noticed activity on Skubitz Plaza,  west and south of Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Radell Construction, Pittsburg,  is running trenches underneath Skutbitz Plaza for CrawKan Telephone, to the FSNHS, according to Jill Jaworski, Superintendent of FSNHS.

“This is to improve connectivity to the Fort,” she said.

They were hoping to get the trenching done before the Fort Scott Splash Pad project begins.

The piles of dirt are for that project.

“The dirt is to level the ground for the splash pad,” Josh Jones, who is part of the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park committee.

That project is expected to be started next week, he said.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee hosted by Briggs of Fort Scott on March 16

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Chamber Coffee hosted by Briggs of Fort Scott

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the weekly Chamber Coffee on Thursday, March 16th at 8am hosted by Briggs of Fort Scott, 1819 S. Main St. in the Ford Showroom.  Briggs will be celebrating their 7th anniversary in the community and 40th anniversary corporate-wide with additional locations in Manhattan and Topeka.  Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to door prize drawings.

The primary focus of Briggs is on building relationships with their customers and to make the car buying experience fast, easy, and hassle-free.  Brands sold out of the Fort Scott dealership include Toyota, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Wagoneer.  In addition, they offer Fiat, KIA, Nissan, and Subaru at the other locations.  Briggs also offers a variety of automotive maintenance and repair services on all the brands they sell and more.

Chamber Coffees are held each Thursday at 8am for members to network, make announcements, and learn about the host business or organization.  Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information or to inquire about available dates for hosting a Coffee.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

St. Martin’s Academy Featured at Common Ground Coffee Shop This Friday

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Common Ground Coffee Co. presents the students of Saint Martin’s Academy, 1950 Indian Road, this Friday. The concert will be a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day featuring vocal solos, duets, and ensemble numbers. The music department is under the direction of Dave Agee and Daniel Kerr.

Common Ground Coffee Shop.

The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. at 12 E. Wall Street. The show is free and open to the public.  Bring a friend and join us for an enjoyable evening of young and lively music!

Area News, Fort Scott

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of March 1

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting

 

March 1, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Twenty members representing sixteen agencies attended.  The Coalition Board will be meeting next week to finalize the applications for the swim pass program.  Applications will be available at The Beacon and Buck Run throughout the month of April.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Sandy Haggard, RSVP: Sandy sent word that the next Red Cross blood drive will be April 19 and 20; please contact her to volunteer for a two-hour shift.
  • DeeDee LeFever, Greenbush: DeeDee helps match resources with needs.
  • Dawn Cubbison, Aetna Better Health of Kansas:  She is available to share information about Medicaid redetermination which will start next month.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, Pioneer Kiwanis and CASA: both organizations need volunteers; CASA does not have enough volunteers to support the children they have been assigned.
  • Dave Gillen, The Beacon: They continue to receive produce on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; clients can shop on the back porch.  They also help with rent and utility assistance and have a limited number of taxi passes.  Beacon hours are 9:00 – 1:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
  • LeaLay Karleskint, K-State Snap Ed: She is still looking for partners to provide space for her classes which provide nutrition education.
  • Lisa Robertson, COPE and CHC: COPE works with partners to help people find resources. The COPE grant runs until December, 2023; they are now working on the extension. They have been able to help 219 individuals in less than one year.
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army:  Alan is able to do some things to help that are not the usual types of assistance.  He is working with a new program:  SSVF =  Supplemental Services for Veterans families.  This organization helps veterans find housing.
  • Christine Abbott, SEK Works: Christine works with ages 16-24 with GED, training, work experience; she can also help with resumes.  The office is located within the HBCAT office with hours Monday through Friday.
  • Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department: For the Baby and Me Tobacco Free program, Tammy comes to Fort Scott to meet wherever the mom feels comfortable.  Her pre-natal program can now do tours of the labor and delivery units at Via Christi.
  • Lindsey McNeil, KU COPE grant: The Local Health Equity Action Team has been able to provide freezers for Feeding Families and make partial  payment for windows at the Senior Citizens Center.  The team stresses homeless housing and transportation.  Meetings are every other Thursday from 6-7; contact any COPE person to become involved or Rachel Carpenter at the HBCAT office.
  • Amy Hagan, Family Support Specialist at CHC: her main function is to provide support for mothers.
  • Maggie Young, Bourbon County Community Engagement Manager for CHC will be doing canned food drives in the near future.
  • Nick Johnson, USD 234 PreSchool: Screening this month will be on March 24; the Spring Fling on April 6; Kindergarten Round-Up on April 19; PreSchool Round-Up on May 5.  The community is working to start a Childcare Coalition; please contact Nick if you wish to be involved.
  • Kelli Mengarelli, Early Childhood Block Grant: Kelli partners with childcare providers to ensure quality child care.
  • Michelle Stevenson: Her program is full right now but she will always take referrals.  Michelle works within the preschool building with children prenatal through age 6.
  • Amy Boyd: Amy is actively working on finding additional quality childcare for children aged newborn to three.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: She has a total of 190 units; right now there is a wait list for all size units, but applications, based on income, can still be made.  The Housing Authority has office hours Monday throught Friday.
  • Melanie Wiles, Gentiva Hospice: Gentiva will host a resource fair on April 7, 9-11 a.m. in Homer Cole, Pittsburg.  A Community Healthcare partner, Autumn Green, an attorney, will be talking about advance directives.

 

  1. Program: Bailey Lyons, Meredith Tucker, and Katie Hueston provided information about the first completely accessible park in Fort Scott: the Splash Pad.  Although they still have about $40,000 to raise, they plan to have the park operational by Good ‘Ol Days.  The park will be free of charge and open from dawn to dusk.  Once the Splash Pad is installed and functional, they will begin on Phase 2 which will include fencing and bathrooms.

 

  1. Open Forum:  Nothing further came before the membership.

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be April 5, at 1:00 p.m.  Carson Felt and an ensemble from the FSHS orchestra will present our program.
Fort Scott, Government

FS Streets and Parks Have Vacant Position on Advisory Boards

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STREETS ADVISORY BOARD

There are TWO (2) openings on the Fort Scott Street Advisory Board to fill vacated positions. The function of the Board is to provide suggestions to the City Commission regarding road improvement projects throughout the City of Fort Scott. When submitting your letter/email of interest, please provide any specific knowledge or training you have that would complement you being a member of this Board.  All Boards and Commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. Currently the Streets Board meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 4:00PM at City Hall.  If you would like more information please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.0550. Please submit your Letter of Interest by 4:00PM on April 12th, 2023.

 

FORT SCOTT PARKS ADVISORY BOARD:

There is ONE (1) opening on the Fort Scott Parks Advisory Board. The function of the Fort Scott Parks Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding all the parks within the City of Fort Scott. All boards and commissions of Fort Scott serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. Currently the Parks Board meets quarterly at 4:00 PM at City Hall.  If you have a desire to serve on this board, please submit a Letter of Interest to the City Clerk, Lisa Lewis, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or [email protected]. The names and letters will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission.

Please submit your letter of interest by 4:00 PM on April 3rd, 2023.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

March 10th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, something for all ages!

Click here for all the FUN activities at the

Museum of Creativity, something for all ages!

March Special at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore

Buy 2 Children’s Books, Get 1 free

Gardening Books 25% off!

3/10-12 ~ FSCC College Rodeo, March 10th starts at 7:30pm, Saturday March 11th starts at 1:30pm and 7:30pm, and Short Go at 1pm on March 12th, Admission is $12 for adults, children ages 6-12 $5 and children 5 & under get in free, FSCC students w/ID – $5. Click here for more info.

3/10 ~ Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry at Kennedy Gym 705 S. Holbrook, all donations will go to help rebuild the Catholic church, 5-7pm, click here for more info.

3/10-11 ~ The Dirty Bourbon Band at Sharky’s starting at 9pm both Friday and Saturday. Join them for food, drinks, and live music!

3/10 ~ Dangerous Doug Harper performing Indie Folk Music at Common Ground Coffee Co. 7-8pm, free admission. Click here for more info.

3/11 ~ Last chance to view the Bourbon County Arts Council Annual Fine Arts Exhibit, open to the public 9am to 1pm, Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of FSCC.

3/11 ~ March Makers Market at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds 4H Building, 10am-3pm, click here for info.

3/12 ~ Daylight Savings Time, Spring Forward!

3/12 ~ Austin Parks Benefit Dinner, FSHS Cafeteria, 11:30am-2pm or until out with an auction starting at 1pm, this is a free will donation with all proceeds going to Austin Parks Family to support him during his cancer treatment journey, click here for more info.

3/13-17 ~ Kids Spring Art and Paint Parties, 702 S. National Ave, cost is $125, $25 to reserve your child’s spot and the balance of $100 due the first day of camp, click here for more info.

3/16 ~ BINGO at Memorial Hall hosted by the American Legion, doors open 6pm, BINGO starts 7pm.

3/17 ~ Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry, Kennedy Gym, 705 S. Horton, click here for

more info.

3/17 ~ St. Patrick’s Day! Find the Golden Coins for discounts at Sunshine Boutique, 10am-6pm, contact Sunshine Boutique for more info.

3/17 ~ St. Patrick’s Day at the Elks Lodge! Reubens, Karaoke and more, starting at 6pm, click here for info.

3/17 ~ St. Patrick’s Day at Sharky’s, breakfast buffet from 9-11am, lunch/dinner special from 11am-close, live DJ from 6:30-10:30pm, join them for drink specials and live music! Click here for more info!

3/17-18 ~ SEK Spring Classic Lamb & Cattle Show, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, click here for more info.

3/17 ~ Baked Potato Bar and Pie at First United Methodist Church 301 National, free will donation, 11:30am-1:30pm, see flyer below for info.

3/23 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Big Sugar Lumber, 1005 S. Clark, 8am, celebrating 40 years in business in March!

3/24 ~ FSCC Aggie Days at Fort Scott Community College, 8am-3pm

3/24 ~ Knights of Columbus Annual Fish Fry, Kennedy Gym, 705 S. Horton, click here for

more info.

3/24 ~ Annual FSHS Talent Show & Miss(ter) Pageant, admission is $5, doors open at 6:30pm, show starts at 8pm, click here for more info.

3/24-25 ~ Spring Open House ~ Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event, Downtown & Around, shop at participating retailers for savings!, click here for more info.

3/25 ~ Visit the Easter Bunny at Bids & Dibs, they have the backdrop; you bring the camera, 12-3pm, click here for more info.

3/25 ~ Mary Queen of Angels Benefit

Golf Tournament, 4 person scramble $60 per person ($240 per team) 8:00 Registration, 9:00 Tee off, click here for more info.

3/25 ~ Unique Fundraiser at Museum of Creativity, $15/person, starts at 9am, click here for more info.

3/26 ~ DIY Wine Bottle Bouquet Class at Sunshine Boutique, 1pm, click here for info.

3/29 ~ Star Party at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, join Park Rangers and the Kansas Astronomical Observers for a deep look into space at stars, galaxies, and nebulae, dress in layers, comfortable shoes, bring a red covering for your flashlight, 7:30-9:30pm, click here for more info.

3/30 ~ Chamber Coffee-OPEN, if your business would like to host a Chamber Coffee please contact the Chamber at 620.223.3566.

3/31 and 4/1 ~ Home, Sport, Farm, & Garden Show, Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, Arnold Arena at FSCC, 2108 S. Horton St., hosted by KOMB FM 103.9 and 98.3 FM Radio

4/1 ~ Eggstravaganza @ Buck Run Community Center, pre-k – 5th Grade, pre-register by March 30th, 9-10:30am, click here for more info.

4/1 ~ Floral Easter Basket Class at Sunshine Boutique, $25/person, 10am-12pm, click here for more info.

4/1 ~ First Saturday Story Time at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, guest reader and an activity, 2:30pm, click here for more info.

4/4 ~ Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet at City State Bank 202 Scott Ave, 8:30-9:30am

Save the Date!

4/5 ~ FSHS 2023 Career Fair, Fort Scott High School Auxiliary Gym, 8am-12pm

4/13 ~ JOB FAIR hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 3-6pm, click here to register for an employer booth.

4/15 ~ America’s Got Talent Semi – Finalist Greg Morton Comedy Show, Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here for tickets!

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SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

March Into Savings at

Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore!

44th Annual Spring College Rodeo!

Austin Parks Family Benefit

Dinner and Auction!

United Women in Faith hosting a Baked Potato Bar and Pie!

Spring Open House Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event!
…
Business, Food, Fort Scott

A Commercial Kitchen/Event Space/Retail Space Coming to Downtown Fort Scott

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The Kitchen facade was being stripped of old paint in preparation for new on March 8.

A community kitchen is on the horizon for downtown Fort Scott.

Angela Simon. From her Facebook page.

Rachel French, Angela Simon, and Bailey Lyons are collaborating to open The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative, a not-for-profit business.

Bailey Lyons from Lyons Realty Group Facebook page.
Rachel French. Submitted photo.

The building will have a commercial kitchen, a small event space and a retail area, with specialty kitchen supplies.

The event space will also be available for private rentals.

In addition, cooking classes for children and adults will be offered.

The Kitchen Collection + Collaborative business recently received a $5,000 Women, Minority or Start Up Business grant from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.

The Kitchen’s mission statement:

“The Kitchen is to be an innovative collaborative that enhances the local food system, increases access to regionally made and sourced goods, and supports area culinary businesses and entrepreneurs by reducing or removing risk and barriers to success. 

Our concept is centered on merging the integral pieces required for a thriving food economy – producers, creators, marketers, and consumers. 

We will also foster connections and serve as a community gathering place, a training hub, a meeting spot, an educational center, and a social venue. 

In doing all of this, we expect The Kitchen will have a significant, multi-faceted impact on our community.

Afterall, everything happens in The Kitchen.”

Bailey and Nate Lyons own the building, located at 10 and 12 S. Main.

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, History

Looking for Your Roots?

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The Old Fort Genealogy Society office is located in the basement of Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall, at Third and National Avenue. From its Facebook page.

Want to learn more about ancestors that have lived or died in our community?

For those who would like to learn more about their roots in Bourbon County, there is a place to start: the Old Fort Genealogy Society, located in the basement of Memorial Hall, Third and National Avenue.

Recently, the staff has started a Facebook page.

“We started at the end of February, the Old Fort Genealogy and History at Fort Scott, Kansas Facebook page,” Ann Rawlins, librarian at the society said.

A recent post shows the Herrman Lumber Company at 10 State Street, Fort Scott, in the 1930s. From the Facebook page.

“We wanted to post stories and and pictures and answer questions,” she said. “We wanted a site for genealogy questions. and have an internet presence.”

People are invited to post pictures, stories, or ask questions on the Facebook page.

The Old Fort Genealogical Society researches people’s ancestors who have lived in Bourbon County.

They can be reached at 620.223.3300 or the website is ksgenweb/society/ft.scott.

Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The following is a recent humorous post on the Facebook page.

A recent post from the Facebook page.