Local author, Tanya Glessner, has written her second book Stand Up Eight.
“The book has personal testimonies of everyday people who have experienced a personal relationship with God through trials of adversity,” she said. “Their stories offer hope, encouragement, and inspiration to all believers.”
The book title was taken from a Bible verse: Proverbs 24:16 “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,” she said.
“No matter how many times we fall, we always get back up again.”
The Wall Street and National Avenue southwest lot is the new building site that will house the local Kansas Department Of Children and Families office.
A new building is being built at the corner of Wall Street and National Avenue for a local Kansas Department of Children and Families office, with a completion date in mid-summer 2024, according to the developer.
The building will be 13,649 square feet and will have the capacity for 40 employees, said the real estate developer Kendall Schoenrock. Schoenrock purchased the building in the summer of 2023.
The State of Kansas released a Request for Proposal for the project and “I answered that request and proposed the downtown site,” he said.” I proposed the site during the RFP process. That location was part of my bid and was selected by the state. We won the bid after proposing the site.”
“This project is very important for the State of Kansas, to retain jobs in Fort Scott,” Schoenrock said. “They could have moved the DCF to another community.”
This is a multi-million dollar investment into downtown Fort Scott, he said.
In addition, it will spur money for retail and restaurants in the downtown area.
“This project will get many people for downtown businesses,” he said. “They will eat downtown, shop downtown, etc.”
The demolition is being done by Skitch’s Hauling and Excavating, Inc.
After demolition, Schoenrock’s team will get to work, putting the building on the south side of the lot, with parking on the north.
“I have rented a house in Fort Scott and will live there for a year,” he said. “I am bringing in my team.”
“Many (local) people helped make this happen,” he said. “Bailey Lyons with Lyons Realty Group, Rob Harrington with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, and Brad Matkin and Matthew Wells, with the city. And Arnold Scholfield with the Fort Scott Design Review Board provided good, solid feedback for the project.”
“They should be praised,” he said. “Fort Scott has been very supportive. I couldn’t have asked for more support from the city. That’s what is needed to spur development.”
“I have been impressed working with all these people- it’s a team effort,” he said. “They are appreciative of outside money coming to town. I always tried to be a good partner.”
Silverrock Venture is his family business and is based in Junction City. He is a commercial real estate developer.
Recently, he developed and now owns the Flint Hills Medical Home, a 12,375-square-foot medical facility located in Junction City, for the Department of Defense, according to his website.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee Thursday, January 25th at 8 a.m. hosted by Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.
At Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, they believe experience matters. Our compassionate team members have experience. They are professionals who are experts in their field and have deep ties to the community of Fort Scott, Kansas. They are here to make sure our residents enjoy great service and can live life on their own terms. Whether you are looking to put away the lawnmower and enjoy the active lifestyle of a friendly senior living community, or you need that little bit of extra help with day-to-day tasks that community living can provide, Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is here for you.
Any business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2024 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].
Jeff Armstrong obtained his real estate license in the fall of 2021. and he joined Front Door Real Estate in August of 2022.
“I look forward to assisting sellers/buyers through the quagmire of home real estate,” he said. “Besides children, home ownership is one of the largest and possibly most stressful financial responsibilities for adults. My purpose as a real estate agent is to work alongside the client to facilitate transactions, clarify areas of uncertainty, listen and identify the client’s needs/wants, and create an atmosphere of trust.”
“There are many high-quality realtors in Fort Scott, so I am constantly reading, listening, and learning to provide the exceptional service clients deserve,” he said.
“My original purpose of getting my license revolved around owning and managing a piece of commercial real estate in town, however, like many short-term goals, I pivoted,” he said.
“I run and operate a pressure washing business (Armstrong Pressure Washing) out of Fort Scott and did some work for Jared (Leek) back in early 2022,” he said. “We were just talking and I mentioned I recently earned my real estate license and he graciously asked if I would have interest in joining Front Door.”
“The wealth of knowledge and expertise at Front Door Real Estate made the decision simple,” he said. “I am spoiled to be a part of such an amazing group of professionals. Real estate transactions do demand a certain level of knowledge and problem-solving, but can be wasted without trust, integrity, and communication. Much like any service profession, real estate is fueled by relationships.”
“Housing markets go up and down, but how we work for our clients supersedes those events and smooths out the rough times and enhances the joyous moments.”
When asked what his community involvement/hobbies/interests are:
“As each day passes, I find that my faith in Jesus Christ becomes more and more important to me and all that I do should be done to glorify His holy name. With kids in middle school and high school, most of my extra time revolves around them and their engagements. I also own and operate my pressure washing business during the spring/summer/fall months.”
“I am supported and encouraged by my gorgeous wife Jamie and blessed with my two children, Kendal and Jax,” he said. “My parents, Steve and Janet, provide me wisdom and encouragement even as an adult.”
Contact Info: 620-224-3036, [email protected], Facebook @jeffarmstrong-realtor, 113 S. Main Street
Unsung Hero James Reese Europe and Black History Month
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes received a $300 grant from Humanities Kansas to celebrate the life and accomplishments of one of the founders of Ragtime and Jazz and a true Unsung Hero – James Reese Europe.
The grant will support a special presentation by Internationally renowned musician and historian Lem Sheppard.
Lem Sheppard. Submitted photo.
Sheppard will present “African American Musicians in Kansas 1860-1920. Particular attention will be paid to music and musicians in historic Fort Scott!
Also included are a soup lunch, music by the Fort Scott High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Justin Robinson, and a cakewalk just like 100 years ago!
The event will take place at the Ellis Center at FSCC on Thursday, February 15th, at 11:00 am.
The event is free, and all are welcome!
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. The Center also works to educate the local community on its past, present, and future.
About the Gordon Parks Museum: The Mission of the Gordon Parks Museum is to honor the life and work of Gordon Parks, an internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician; and to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives.
Last year, Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery opened preview subscriptions to a small group of people to test recipes, practice new techniques, and develop a menu, she said.
“We tested a new recipe each week, and our subscribers were able to give invaluable feedback to help us dial in our menu,” said Hamilton.
This year will be a few adjustments.
“Beginning in February, we’ll be testing new recipes each week, and offering a few different subscription choices. You can choose Sweet or Savory, or both! They’ll still be available at weekly porch pick-ups, and we’d still love to get your feedback!” Hamilton said.
“We will be offering our Spring Sweet and Savory Subscriptions, with the first pick-up beginning February 3rd. Find all the details here. Be sure to browse around our new website and pre-order online to secure your spot!”
“Our Sweet Subscription will be a new treat every week. This is a subscription for those with a sweet tooth! Chocolate, berries, cream, and a decadent treat called ‘Bread is Gold’. We’ll be offering some treats that can’t be sold at the Farmer’s Market, so many of these will only be available here.”
“Our Savory Subscription will be a little more hearty and a little more health conscious. We’re excited to try new flours like rye and whole wheat as well as inclusions such as grains and seeds.”
You can also subscribe for both.
“Double Subscriptions are just that and will include both the sweet and savory offerings. So both dinner and dessert are covered!”
“Mini Subscriptions will have the same great taste in a more manageable size. We will offer mini versions of each of our weekly savory loaves, and just one or two servings of our sweet treats. You can choose Mini versions of each of our subscriptions: Mini Sweet, Mini Savory, or Mini Double.”
This year she will be offering baking parties for groups of 4-6 people, available February through April.
“These will be offered on a date that works for you and your group, here at our home/bakery OR at your home. Bread takes time, so plan on 3-4 hours here with your friends. You’ll get hands-on practice with making a loaf of your choice, we’ll bake a loaf to munch on, and you’ll leave with your own loaf to bake at home. These will be $35 per person, and will fill up fast, so contact us at [email protected] to get on the calendar!”
Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 23-005B – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation – Payment Application No. 4 (Final) – $40,964.70 – Substantial Completion Certificate to come from J. Dickman after walk through
Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Application for Payment No. 4 – $29,468.65.
Request to Pay – Environmental Process Equipment Company (EPEC) – Invoice #01162401 – UV Upgrade at WWTP – Final Payment – (remaining 10% of $318,378.00) – $31,837.80.
December Financials
VII. 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.
VIII. Old Business:
Consideration to combine Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals – tabled from January 9, 2024, for legal counsel.
Consideration of Resolution No. 3-2024 – EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A – tabled from January 9, 2024, B. Hart suggests additional information.
Discussion of City Commission Representative to the Fort Scott Public Library
Appearances:
Michael Hoyt: Charter Ordinance 31
New Business:
Public Hearings:
Consideration of Case No. 1042 – Vacation of E. 21st Street – Marvin A.Lewis – Not recommended by Planning Commission January 10, 2024. Alternative plan was offered for Commission to consider – L. Kruger/Codes
Consideration of Case No. 1044 – Zoning Change and Special UsePermit – 1601 E. Wall – Travis Sawyer – Recommended by PlanningCommission January 10, 2024.
Action Items:
Consideration of permission to search for replacement staff vehicle that was allocated in 2023 Capital Improvement Plan – Bruner
Discussion of Streets Advisory Board Ordinance Changes
Consideration of Letter of Interest – Streets – Robert Hassig
Consideration of 2024 REDI Contract
Approval of Cost Plus Net Fee Agreement for (Preliminary) Engineering Services – Project No. 06-KA-6898-01 – KDOT CCLIP-US 54 Project Phase I and II – Dickman
Discussion of Work Session – Contractors’ Advisory Board
The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott. 2019 photo.
The Beacon Director Dave Gillen and Assistant Director Ashley Heathman have compiled the 2023 statistics for the local helping organization.
Dave Gillen, director, of The Beacon Food Pantry of Bourbon County in this 2021 photo which was submitted..
“In 2023 we had a total of 145 new families totaling 322 new individuals between adults and children,” Heathman said. “Our new families were a mixture of new residents and current residents facing hard times due to the rising cost of living and facing job insecurity.”
Ashley Heathman. Submitted photo.
The last few years of statistics that the Beacon keeps show an increase in the number of new families needing help.
In 2020, there were 102 new clients totalling 235 individuals, in
In 2021 there were 83 new clients totaling 147 individuals, in
2022 there were 147 new clients totalling 302 individuals and in
2023 there were 145 new clients totalling 322 individuals, Heathman noted.
“The Beacon helps Bourbon Country residents facing food insecurity, along with this we offer financial assistance for prescriptions, rent, and utility payments thanks to the Hack Foundation and Bourbon County Coalition.”
The Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition is a charitable organization that helps facilitate a working relationship between organizations.
“The Hack Foundation was a trust fund set up for the Presbyterian women to take care of Fort Scott citizens to help during certain financial situations,” Heathman said. “Hack comes from two sisters whose family used to own a greenhouse in Fort Scott.”
“All financial requests that come through our door are paid out by Bourbon County Coalition and the Hack Foundation,” Heathman said.
“We could not do what we do without our amazing donors and volunteers,” she said. ” David and I express sincere gratitude to everyone, all our donors and volunteers, as they continue to help us help others.”
During the 2023 calendar year, The Beacon also helped several local organizations and causes.
“The Beacon helped disperse 202 shoe vouchers for Community Christian Church to our clients for school shoes for their children,” according to the press release.
They donated food items to the Elks Club organization to help them disperse holiday meals to 103 homes; totaling 123 individuals.
They teamed up with the community to help provide Christmas presents and holiday meal boxes to 77 families; totaling 410 individuals.
“Throughout the year the Beacon donates to the Fort Scott School District food pantry, ” according to the press release. “We try to donate food items to Feeding Families In His Name (Wednesday evening community free meal) when we can.”
The organization assisted with family swim passes thanks to the Bourbon County Coalition, and helped donate hats and gloves to the Share the Warmth cause for Bourbon County.
The Beacon, which has a food bank, dispersed food for 3,241 families in 2023 serving a total of 4,305 adults and 2,955 children.
“We are looking forward to being able to assist Bourbon County residents again this year,” Heathman said. “According to Kansas Food Bank, we are the second largest food bank in Southeast Kansas. Thank You!”
“We would like to thank everyone for their generous donations whether that is monetary donations, their time, or food donations. We could not do what we do without you!” Heathman said.
Additionally, the Beacon is grateful for the donated 699 volunteer hours to the organization for 2023, she said.
“The Beacon also provides (to those who need them) hygiene necessities, formula, and diapers depending on availability as well,” according to a press release from the Beacon. “Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays we receive food donations from our local Wal-Mart that set out inside for anybody in need from 10 am to close.”
“A big thank you to Fort Scott Fire Department, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Scott FFA, and Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas for helping us unload the truck every month.”
“Last but not least we would love to thank our local churches, individuals, and civic organizations for helping us help others,” she said. “We truly reside in a very generous community, it would take us days to name every single person or group that helps our cause; please know we thank each one of you from the bottom of our hearts for blessing us with the ability to help others.”
