The Fort Scott Housing Authority has available or will be coming available shortly apartments listed below.
1 – efficiency
7 – one-bedroom units
3 – two-bedroom units
4 – three-bedroom units
If you know of anyone needing affordable housing please feel free to give them my contact information. We have an application process and we can mail them out or it may be picked up at our office location.
WICHITA, Kan. — Fort Scott Presbyterian Village was recognized with an Emerald Award Level One from PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America) for reaching goals in fiscal year 2019, July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019.
The recognition came through PMMA’s Emerald Awards Program, designed to encourage its 16 locations and two hospices to achieve high levels of resident and employee satisfaction, meet financial goals, build philanthropic support for the organization’s mission and meet marketing goals. There are 11 areas measured for the Emerald Awards.
To receive an emerald, a community has to meet its goals in all 11 areas. This is Fort Scott Presbyterian Village’s second consecutive Emerald Award Level One. Team members from the community attended PMMA’s annual Emerald Award Banquet November 13 at the Broadview Hotel in Wichita to accept the award.
“We are pleased to present Fort Scott Presbyterian Village with its second Emerald Award. This recognition is a visible sign of the Fort Scott team’s commitment to the mission of PMMA of providing quality senior services guided by Christian values,” said Bruce Shogren, chief executive officer for PMMA.
PMMA has been providing quality senior services guided by Christian values in Kansas and Missouri for more 70 years.
For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, contact Marketing Director Becky Kellum at 620-223-5550 or [email protected].
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Fort Scott Presbyterian Village has been offering independent and assisted living apartments for seniors from southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri since 1994. Learn more at FortScottPresbyterianVillage.org. PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with 16 locations and 2 hospices in Kansas and Missouri, and a new campus under development in Colorado Springs. Learn more at PMMA.org.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition General Membership Meeting Minutes, submitted by Chairwoman Billie Jo Drake.
December 4, 2019
Welcome and Board update: Twenty-three members representing twenty-one agencies attended. Billie Jo announced that Nancy Van Etten will be filling the vacancy on the Coalition Board; Nancy will be replacing DeAnn Cambers who has relocated to Crawford County.
Member introductions and announcements:
Billie Jo shared information provided by Kerry Pommier, Eugene Ware Counselor, regarding the Community Conversation on the effects of childhood trauma to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, at Fort Scott High School. Guest speaker will be Monica Murnan, a member of the Kansas Legislature and Director of Student Support Services at Greenbush. For more information, call 620-223-3380 or email [email protected] .
Michelle Stevenson, Fort Scott Pre-School Program, shared that the finance simulation organized by Lewis Dunkeson, FSHS, went very well.
Shannon Stancer, TFI Family Services, announced that they are in need of drivers.
Jean Tucker, Feeding Families, stated that the program is continuing to feed 135 – 200 meals every Wednesday evening.
Allen Schellack, Salvation Army, still needs volunteers to ring bells during the Christmas season. Last year over $7,000 was raised for use in Bourbon County; this year’s goal is $10,000.
Gary Murrell, Beacon, shared changes in Beacon hours for the holiday season: December 24 hours will be changed from the usual evening hours to 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Beacon will be closed on December 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, and January 1. Beacon will reopen with regular hours on January 2. Gary also reminded members that Beacon clients must be signed up in order to receive food in January. The only date left for sign-up is December 10 during the evening hours.
Caleb Smith, Kansas Appleseed, announced that he is planning a Hunger Action Summit on January 17 at the Pittsburg Library.
Steve Jameson, SEK-CAP, noted that he is working on guidelines to help adults with mental health issues.
Nancy Van Etten, American Red Cross, provided information on the upcoming blood drive: December 17 and 18 at Buck Run Community Center. They still need volunteers to help with escorting; call 215-9749 if you could help.
Jennifer Graber and Christine Abbott, Kansas Works, shared that the Annual Job Fair (all ages) and Youth Summit (16-24 year olds) will be April 2 at the Pittsburg Memorial Hall. Christine also shared copies of their new flyer.
Michelle Lyon, DCF, reminded members that LIEAP applications will be open January 21, the day after Martin Luther King Day, and will be open until March 31. She encouraged those that receive a denial to follow-up and provide what was missing in the original application. Many times making the corrections will result in an approval.
Sandra Haggard, RSVP, stated that she will be doing another Opioid Safety Seminar in the spring. Currently, Sandy has senior volunteers helping at the Beacon and with the veterans activities.
Robin Griffin, Thrive Allen County, is working on bike share programs, bicycle trail systems, and opioid prevention.
Barbara Longhofer, Kansas Guardianship Program, provided brochures about her program; she now has four volunteers working in the Fort Scott area.
Program: Gary Miller, Angels Home Care Health. Angels Care Home Health provides services to seniors who are fifty-five (55) and older. Gary shared flyers listing all the services they can provide. He noted that they are beginning to see three generational homes and seniors who need assistance with rent and utilities. They do work closely with CHC; their program is covered 100% by Medicare. For those seniors who do not qualify for Medicare, Angels Care will work with their insurance or assist to find another home health facility that is affordable to the client. Further information can be found at angelscarehealth.com or 620-232-2922.
February program will be presented by MeagThe han Russell, USD 235. Meaghan will tell us about their Teammates program. Barbara Longhofer, Kansas Guardianship Program, will present the March program.
Open Forum: Billie Jo reminded members that there will be no General Membership meeting in January due to the first Wednesday being January 1.
Adjournment: Next meeting will be February 5, 2020.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition general membership meets each first Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 123 Scott. There will be no January 2020 meeting.
The meeting agenda for December 4, 2019
Welcome and Board update by Billie Jo Drake, chairwoman:
Member introductions and announcements:
Program: Gary Miller, Angels Home Care Health
February program will be presented by Meaghan Russell, USD 235. Meaghan will tell us about their Teammates program.
Open Forum:
Adjournment: Next meeting will be February 5, 2020.
The residential development at 1st and Main Street is now on track for a summer 2020 opening. This is a 2018 photo.
Though there has been no activity for months on the building at First and Main Street, that will change soon, said the developer.
“As happens from time to time, we are in the process of switching general contractors,” Tony Krsnich, president and CEO of Flint Hills Holding, 2315 W. 65th, Mission Hills, KS. said.
“We are getting ready to start construction back up in 30 days,” He said.
The three-story building is being converted into 25 “high-end” apartments, he said. “They are for the general public and rent will be based on income.”
“It will be historically preserved,” Krsnich said. “It will pretty much look like it did when built.”
What was known as the Stout Building, adjacent to the west at First and National Avenue was torn down.
“The old Stout Building was endangered and needed to be razed,” he said. “It will be used as green space and a parking area for downtown.”
“The project is fully financed and construction is expected to resume within the next few weeks,” Rachel Pruitt, Fort Scott Economic Director said. “The City looks forward to seeing the construction restarting and is thankful for the additional investment from Flint Hills Holdings. ”
The First and Main building as seen from National Avenue on Nov. 4. The Stout Building was razed on this space and will be made into a green space and parking lot for downtown Fort Scott.
“Inspiration for the site came from Ryan Sparks in Iola,” he said. “He has www.growiola.com. However, there have been many people involved with the development of the (GrowFortScott) project. Local landlords and business owners have contributed. And most importantly Isaac Robinson, formally from Uniontown, facilitated the website construction. YouAreNowOnline.com.”
“I am the main developer of the site functionality and concept. I have spent many hours making sure that all of the functions were “User-Friendly” before launching the platform to the community,” he said.
There are three core components to the service: rentals and renters, local businesses and local job openings.
“We have been developing relationships with local landlords and businesses to find out what some of their needs and wants would be,” he said. “We identified the biggest needs and have developed around them.”
When fully functional, the website www.GrowFortScott.com will consolidate rental properties, from multiple landlords, that are available now.
“You can search for rent, bedrooms, bathrooms and if it is pet-friendly,” he said. “View multiple photos and read the description of the rental. All from the comfort of wherever you may be. Then once you have determined what rental you would like to inquire about, you fill out an on-line application to the landlord. They will receive it, review it and respond to you. You will then be able to schedule a time to meet at the rental and finalize the renting of the property.”
“Access to local businesses and local jobs just fit as an intricate part of the community,” Adamson said. “We have made it simple for the local businesses to join and provide simple access to their business location, basic information, and potential job openings they may have.”
Frank and his wife, Cheryl Adamson are the owners of the Courtland Hotel and Spa.
The interior of the Stutesman’s Action Realty Fort Scott office space’s common area features tin ceilings and exposed walls.
Stutesman’s Action Realty has extended its reach in Fort Scott.
“We’ve grown the last two years,” said Amanda Bourassa, a broker for the real estate business, said. “We needed more space to continue to serve our clients.”
Amanda Bourassa, Real Estate Broker for Stuteman’s Action Realty, at the 120 E. Wall, Fort Scott location. Pictured is the conference room.
She loves the location of the new space.
“It’s downtown, in the center of everything and it has a view of the Fort (Scott National Historic Site),” she said.
“We wanted to show a permanent presence here in Fort Scott and Bourbon County,” she said. “To show we are committed to not only our clients who are buying and selling but also our community.”
The realty signed a 10-year lease with Pat and Stacy Wood for the space and began a remodel in June, she said.
“We all have our own homes and investment properties,” she said. “We believe this will help with serving our clients.”
The new office is located at 120 E. Wall and officially opened its doors on Sept. 3.
Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Stutesman’s Action Realty, 120 E. Wall is the white building in the photo.
The 1,600 square-foot space has been completely remodeled by her husband, Tim, with Stutesman’s Action Realty paying for the reno.
There are now five agents working for the agency: Bourassa is the broker; agents are Stacy Wood, who joined in December 2018; Kaci Kurtz who joined in November 2018, along with Bailey Lyons and Scott Theis.
Stutesman’s Action Realty, 120 E. Wall.
In addition to the realty business, the Bourassa’s finished out two additional offices in the new space, that are available for lease.
The business will host a Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee and ribbon cutting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12.
In addition, on Wednesday, October 2, the business will have a Celebration of Success Open House from 3-6 p.m.
“This is open to the public for people to see the reno and meet with agents if they want to do so,” Bourassa said.
For more information, the toll-free number is 833-286-8400 or www.actionsold.com.
Bourassa can be reached at 417-684-5681.
The original office of the realty is still located in Nevada, MO.
Flexbuild has demolition containers in front of the Union Block Building on North Main Street in Fort Scott’s Historic District.
There will be lots of activity at the corner of First and Main Streets in the next few weeks, according to Paul Wagner, Co-Founder of Flexbuild, Merriam. Flexbuild is the general contractor for the demolition of the Stout Building and the renewing of the Union Block Building in downtown historic Fort Scott.
The Union Block building, three storefronts at 18, 20 and 22 South Main are in the “build-back” phase, now, following demolition phase, Wagner said. The project is slated for completion for the end of 2019, he said.
“The buildings have been gutted by Skitch’s Hauling, Excavation, and Demolition,” Wagner said. “He has done a great job.”
These buildings will be transformed into 25 market-rate apartments ranging from 750 to 1,100 square feet in size. In addition, there will be a community room, exercise room, and an office area.
“The community rooms will be in the front, where the glass is,” Wagner said. “Everything else will be apartments. These are nice accommodations. In the back of the north building, there will be a courtyard for residents.”
“Just recently we got the building permit (from the city),” Wagner said. “Westar (Energy) is moving the electrical lines out of the way, to keep us safe. And we got the state fire marshall approval, which is a big step.”
Flexbuild is moving from demolition to reconstructing on the Union Block Building and is currently working with a local quarry to fill the crawlspace under the buildings, he said.
Tony Kresnich, Flint Hills Holdings, holds the contract for the project, Wagner said. Neil Sommers, Louisburg, is the architect.
“We are trying to do as many local subs as possible,” he said. “Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, masonry, painting and carpentry. Between subs and my workers, there will be 15-20 workers.”
The Stout Building, National Avenue and First Street will be demolished in the next two weeks, according to the general contractor for the project.
The Stout Building, at National Avenue and First Street, will be completely demolished and a parking lot/park rebuilt on the spot, Wagner said.
The Union Block buildings were built in the 1880-90s, Wagner was told.
Lyle Brittain, Fort Scott Codes Enforcement Officer.
Living in cities and towns has both benefits and responsibilities.
A property owner is responsible for keeping his/her property in a habitable condition, grass at a reasonable height and free of debris, among city codes.
The Fort Scott Codes Department provides information and assistance regarding permits, zoning, and Fort Scott codes and regulations, according to the city’s website.
Lyle Brittain, 25, was introduced at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Weekly Coffee on May 30 as a new codes officer for the city.
Brittain earned an associates degree in business from Fort Scott Community College in 2014, and has owned a landscape business for 12 years he said.
His duties in the codes officer position are to inspect properties for compliance of grass height, proper electrical and gas systems, and additionally, issuing building permits, he said.
“We drive up and down streets,” Brittain said. “We will take complaints (about properties) and they will be addressed as soon as we can.”
The codes department can be reached by calling the city office at 223-0550. The hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“We are allowed on private property unless the owner tells us to leave,” Brittain said.
“We don’t want to make people mad,” he said. “We introduce ourselves and let them know if they don’t get the codes violation done, there will be a legal letter coming.”
“The letter will give a certain amount of days to get the issue resolved, say for instance grass getting too high (on a property),” Brittain said. “If the city has to use its’ resources of manpower and machine to resolve the issue, it’s $300.”
A code the public may not know about concerns properties that are deemed uninhabitable.
“You can’t live in a house without electricity or water or sewer services,” Brittain said. “That’s considered an uninhabitable condition.”
The Fort Scott Codes Department is located in the basement of Memorial Hall at 1 E. Third.The door the City of Fort Scott Codes Department at Memorial Hall, 1 E. Third.
Rhonda Dunn is the Fort Scott Director of Finance and Codes, and Adam Harrison is the newly created codes supervisor.
Lyle is married to Liz Brittain and the son of Bill and Michelle Brittain.
Presbyterian Village thankful for volunteers, bidders who raised more than $28,000 for community seniors
By Presbyterian Village Executive Director Ginger Nance
While I drove to work this morning reflecting on the many people who helped to make this event possible, my mind quickly went to a story in the Bible (paraphrased to my own understanding) of the three men who were each given a financial gift/s (a talent) and were told to use it to their best ability. After some time, their master returned and asked them what they had done to multiply the gifts (talents and resources) they were given. The story goes on to explain that the men who had used his money and resources to multiply and help the most number of others were blessed beyond measure.
I feel like, in reflection, that is what our community came together to do. We all had small amounts of different gifts & talents that we had been given and we worked together as a community to multiply those small things and we turned them into something great that will help many in need!
A huge thank you goes to the dozens and dozens of volunteers who donated their time baking, boxing and serving delicious cakes, the many who helped set up and be ready for the auction, those who sold tickets, who were live on the radio to tell their story, who donated water, pop, the vacation and items for the auction, those who sponsored, who shared our posts with friends and hung fliers to help with advertising, who boxed dinners, who ran their legs off during the event to get more than 565 meals where they needed to be in the drive-through and lobby spaces, those who auctioneered and caught bids, who directed the flow of traffic and parking, who purchased tickets and bought items at the auction, and the list goes on and on…. without you the success to help our seniors in need would not be possible!
Each task (talent) of those who helped with the Good Samaritan fundraising event, though they may have individually viewed at the time as small and insignificant, made a great impact to our seniors and your gift will multiply beyond what you can see.
Everything seemed to align perfectly for the event. The rain finally broke a few days prior and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect for a nice evening to come together.
A record number of meals were served this year, along with ticket sales for the seven-day vacation to beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico.
More than $28,000 was raised and will remain in this community to help “bridge the gap” of a financial need that exists today among some of our seniors who reside at the Presbyterian Village.
“Thank you” are not sufficient words to express the deep gratitude felt by the outpouring of love and support we witnessed at this event at the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village. Being a part of this community is a blessing that I could only hope others in our world could experience. What an amazing town we live and work in! Thank you to all of you, who together worked to multiply small portions (talents) into something powerful to help others in need.
The annual Fort Scott Presbyterian Village benefit dinner, auction and vacation raffle is May 15.
The fundraiser is for tenants of the assisted living facility who outlive their funds stored for retirement years.
Ginger Nance, executive director of Fort Scott Presbyterian Village answered the following interview questions.
Who will it benefit from this fundraiser?
“We are a Christian mission, not for profit, independent and assisted senior living community. As people age, they usually put back money for ‘old age’ thinking it will surely be enough to meet their needs, knowing they will retire and not be able to continue working at some point.
“Life continues and sometimes seniors are faced with the reality that they never dreamed they’d live as old as they may currently be.”
“For example, we had a tenant once who lived in our assisted living who lived to be 104 years old. She told us, ‘I never dreamed I’d live to be older than 90!’ A decade later, she was still able to enjoy life and do many of the things she enjoyed so much, such as gardening, but she was not physically able to return to the workforce to earn money for that 14 years that she had not planned for. Who could?!
“In our Christian mission, we are dedicated to making sure that our seniors needs are met as long as they can continue to physically live in assisted living at the Presbyterian Village, regardless of whether they can afford their care or not. This is only possible through generous donors who believe in our program and see the wonderful quality of life that their tax-deductible donations can provide. ”
“We accept donations all year-long to support this charitable program, but once a year we hold a live auction and dinner to boost the money raised in order to cover the deficit that some of our seniors have. For this reason, on May 15th, we will hold our annual Good Samaritan Auction and Dinner and hope to bring in more than $30,000 to cover that need.”
“For the event, we are selling tickets for a 3 piece Chicken Mary’s dinner which includes two sides, a homemade desert (made by many wonderful local bakers), and a bottle of water. Ticket prices are $9.00 each in advance, or $12.00 at the door. The dinners will serve from 4:30-6:30pm. We will also have a drive through service available if you are not able to stay for the live auction that will be held, but would like to simply pick up dinner to take home. Be sure to get your tickets early though, we usually sell out by the morning of the event and we don’t want anyone to go without a dinner.”
What will be going on that evening?
“A live auction will be held in the parking garages on the back side of the building, held by Nance Auction Service. Come see all the great items we have to offer! Everything from a Chevy Malibu car, tools, antiques, collectibles, household furniture, outdoor and hobby items, to knic knacs will be offered. There is truly something for everyone! The auctioneers engage the crowd and the fun begins among buyers and spectators. Most everything will be inside the garages so there will be cover in case of rain.”
“A few premier silent auction items will be inside near the cashiers table, as well.”
“Additionally, we will have a ‘Buy It Now’ area set up at one end of the garage for those who would rather purchase and go.
“If you are not able to attend the auction but would like to leave a bid on an item that you are interested in, please contact Ginger Nance in advance to leave a bid. We will also have people at the auction to assist if you are nervous about raising your hand to bid, or would simply prefer to have someone else bid for you.
“Last but not least, we are also selling tickets for one lucky person to win a seven-day trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The winner will stay at the beautiful Las Brisas condo which is appointed with all the luxuries of the Southwest that one could want while on vacation from your busy life. The condo is large enough for a family, yet intimate for a romantic get-away and is located within walking distance of the downtown attractions and dining. Tickets for the opportunity to win are $5.00 each, or 3 tickets for $10.00. The drawing will take place at the end of the auction and the winner does not have to be present to win.”
“All money raised remains local here at the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village to directly impact the lives of seniors with a financial need,” states Nance. “The program is confidential, otherwise we would ask a recipient of the program to give their testimony.”
“However, I have been the Executive Director at the Village for 17 years and I can attest that those who are utilizing the program often don’t even realize they are and their life continues unchanged and they continue to live the way they want to live, without interruption or worry.”
“The program is a dignified, loving gift of kindness from supporters, like you and I, and every dollar makes a direct impact on our senior’s lives,” states Nance.
“Join us for a great evening together! We are located at the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Tickets are available at the Presbyterian Village, or at the Chamber of Commerce in Fort Scott.
For more information contact Ginger Nance, Executive Director at (620) 223-5550 or email [email protected].
To view a partial listing of the auction items visit www.nanceauctionservice.com or come by to preview early on sale day.
Items are being added daily, so there are sure to be surprises on auction day.”
The location and directions to get there?
“Directions: Take Highway 69 south on the bypass of Fort Scott, KS. Turn west at 23rd street (at McDonald’s intersection light), then turn south on Horton Street. We are located directly across the street from the Fort Scott Public Golf Course.
In case of rain, if it’s too wet to park in the grass, we will have people assisting with parking and a shuttle service will run between the Village and the Fort Scott Community College parking lot from 4:30-7:00 p.m.”
