Category Archives: Uncategorized
BRICKSTREET BBQ TO BE FEATURED ON AMERICA’S BEST RESTAURANTS
FORT SCOTT: – Local restaurant Brickstreet BBQ will be hosting a visit from America’s Best Restaurants (ABR) in early July 2024.
America’s Best Restaurants, a national media and marketing company focusing on bringing attention to local, independently-owned restaurants, will bring its ABR Roadshow to the restaurant on July 1st. Popular dishes will be highlighted, along with an extensive on-camera interview with owners Alex and Carissa Bowman about the restaurant’s special place in the community. The episode will be aired extensively on social media channels at a later date.
The Bowmans opened Brickstreet BBQ in 2023, offering hickory-smoked meats, sides, salads and sandwiches in a welcoming, unique environment.
The idea for offering barbecue to the Fort Scott community stemmed not only from a lack of that particular cuisine in the area, but also a desire to “do something” with the historic building it is located in.
Known as the H.L. Stout building and built in 1911, the brick building with a two-story vestibule has been the home of everything from a patent medicine manufacturer to car dealerships to a cafeteria, with a skating rink on the second floor and a bowling alley in the basement, according to a 2009 article in the Fort Scott Tribune.
“It was kind of like – we need to do something with that building,” Carissa says. “It really was just kind of a gut feeling. We didn’t even know we wanted to do barbecue at that time. We just knew something needed to happen here.”
Popular menu items that may be featured on the episode include the burnt ends (“They are to die for” notes Carissa), ribs, and the Brickstreet tacos, a choice of meat topped with fiesta corn, pico di gallo and apple slaw.
“They’re a good one that everybody loves because it’s just a lot of different flavors that are very unique but work together,” explains Carissa.
One aspect of running the business that the Bowmans are most proud of is the family that they’ve created within the four walls.
“We’ve been really working hard, coaching our staff and employees on just encouraging them to be their best selves,” Alex notes, adding that they want their employees to network, gain skills, and connect with customers. “This isn’t just a job. This is an opportunity to grow.”
America’s Best Restaurants will be filming on location on Monday July 1st from 9 am to noon CST. The press is invited to attend. The restaurant’s finished episode premiere date will be announced on their Facebook page and will be featured on America’s Best Restaurants’ website.
Restaurants featured on the ABR Roadshow are selected based on their customer reviews, menu items, social media presence, and level of involvement with their community. They are found through customer nominations, internal vetting or by a restaurant applying to be featured at www.americasbestrestaurants.
About Brickstreet BBQ: Open Tuesday through Sunday, Brickstreet BBQ is located at 3 W Oak St, Fort Scott KS 66701. Telephone is (620) 224-2425. For more information visit ‘Brickstreet BBQ’ on Facebook.
About ABR: With offices in Florence, KY and Las Vegas, America’s Best Restaurants is a national media and restaurant marketing company that travels the country telling the stories and highlighting the unique food of locally owned independent restaurants as part of their ABR Roadshow. Restaurants are featured not only on ABR’s Restaurant Network of social media channels and website, but also each individual establishment’s Facebook page. With over 1300 episodes filmed, America’s Best Restaurants is the premier marketing agency for restaurant owners and operators to have their story broadcast coast-to-coast. Visit AmericasBestRestaurants.com to learn more and to view the episodes and profiles of hundreds of America’s Best Restaurants!
American Revolutionary War Exhibit at Memorial Hall until June 15
The local Daughters of the Revolution, Molly Foster Berry Chapter, has set up a traveling exhibit on the American Revolutionary War at Memorial Hall, Third and National Avenue. There is no admission.
Until June 15, the exhibit can be viewed by entering the south door, across the street from the Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.It is a self-guided tour. The Chapter members are sitting in shifts at the exhibit.
“Our chapter is about promoting patriotism,” Barbara Ritter, spokeswoman for the group said.
The American Revolution Experience Exhibit comprises 12 roll-up, graphic banners, each measuring 7’ high by 3’ wide, and three kiosks, comprised of IPads and stands, according to its website.
The American Revolution Experience will travel across the U.S. introducing visitors to a cast of historical characters with diverse experiences throughout the conflict and the places they visited on their journey, according to http://www.battlefields.org/american-revolution-experience-traveling-exhibit-tour
About the Local Chapter
The Molly Foster Berry chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized on October 19, 1911. The chapter is named after its first regent, Miss Frances Hall’s Revolutionary War ancestor, Samuel Berry’s wife. Members, called Daughters, are direct descendants of a Revolutionary War Patriot.
This chapter, along with the American Legion, was instrumental in raising funds for the Memorial Hall. Because of this fundraising, a special suite in the hall was given for their use forever.
“D.A.R members are active women passionate about community service, preserving American History, educating children as well as honoring and supporting those who serve our nation,” Ritter said.
The Daughters of the American Revolution will celebrate nation-wide the 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War in 2026.
“We would like to get together with other civic organizations to plan out activities for this event,” Ritter said. “The nation celebrated in 1976 with many activities.
If anyone is interested in more information, contact her at [email protected], or 913.636.4892
Highlights of what this chapter has done since its inception:
They started a Red Cross Chapter Unit in which they knitted socks and over 130 sweaters to donate to the men in service, donated
money and goods to be distributed to newly arriving immigrants on Ellis Island, were charged with the care of the Block House, which is now part of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, recognized Bourbon County good citizens, planted trees, donated bedding, beds and food to the Goodlander Home, distributed American Flags and donated books to the library.
“And more recently a Vietnam Veteran Ceremony, recognizing our Bourbon County Vietnam Veterans with a certificate, lapel pin and dinner,” Ritter said.
Currently, the group has 26 members, two associate members and two awaiting documentation.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 13
Davis recognized as Governor’s Scholars Awards recipient
At the invitation of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Nickelson Lee Davis of Fort Scott High School, son of Jason and Nicole Davis, was selected to attend the 41st Annual Governor’s Scholars Awards Program on May 5, 2024, in Topeka.
The recognition ceremony honors the top academic one-percent of Kansas high school seniors. Scholars are selected from accredited public and private schools in the state.
“These high school seniors have shown dedication in their studies and a commitment to learning. They’ve earned this honor, and I want to congratulate them on this achievement,” Kelly said. “We also should recognize their families, teachers and mentors for helping these outstanding students achieve their academic goals.”
This program is coordinated for the governor by the Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force, which was formed 41 years ago to strengthen confidence in public education. The following organizations are members of the task force: American Association of University Women, Kansas State Board of Education, Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas Congress of Parents and Teachers, Kansas State Department of Education, Kansas State High School Activities Association, Kansas National Education Association, Kansas League of Women Voters and United School Administrators of Kansas.
As a distinguished Kansas Governor’s Scholar, Davis was given the opportunity to recognize an exceptional educator in his life with a Teacher of Influence certificate. Davis chose to recognize FSHS math teacher, Morgan Felt.
Davis is a 2024 graduate at FSHS and is attending the University of Kansas, School of Engineering in August of 2024.
Letter To The Editor: Citizens For ER Thanks Bourbon County
From Citizens for the ER to the people who compaigned for and the voters who overwhelmingly passed the ER tax: Thank You.
Your messages are clear. The message to providers that you want and will financially support an ER. The message to business, industry and individuals that Bourbon County is relevant and working to meet your needs. And most importantly, the message that you care for each other. Well Done!
While we don’t yet have an ER, this tax opens the door so when opportunity knocks Bourbon County can say come in. Without it we had no chance.
Again, Thank You
Citizens for the ER
The Vital Roles of a Newcomer
In small towns and rural areas, new folks bring big changes that matter a lot. When people move to different states or areas, they have all sorts of reasons for choosing those locations. Understanding these reasons is key to knowing how newcomers help places grow.
Newcomers aren’t just faces in a crowd—they’re the ones who bring new energy and ideas to small towns. Experts have studied and seen that, when fresh faces show up, it can be like a breath of fresh air for communities.
You might wonder why someone chooses to move to a specific town or state. Some come for jobs or better work opportunities, while others might move for the beautiful landscapes or a slower pace of life. Some pick a place because of family ties or friends already living there. Understanding these reasons helps communities see what makes them attractive to new folks.
When newcomers arrive, they’re like a boost for small towns. They often bring new skills, different perspectives, and lots of enthusiasm. They bring a bit of their own spice to the mix, making things more interesting. And it’s not just about them moving in; it’s about what they do when they get there.
Some newcomers dive right in—they join clubs, volunteer, start businesses, and get involved in making decisions for their community. This isn’t just good for the town; it’s good for everyone. They bring fresh ideas, help businesses grow, and make the place feel more connected; others may need a bit more of a “pull” from others in the community to come out of their shell.
Understanding what makes newcomers feel at home is vitally important. Maybe it’s about creating more job opportunities, inventing fun events, improving schools. Knowing these things helps make the place more welcoming and helps keep these new faces around.
A few ways your community can become more welcoming for newcomers:
- Start by listening: Both newcomers and longtime residents can feel alienated by change and unwelcome in their community.
- Create “Do It Together” opportunities: Bring residents together through common projects. It’s an opportunity to bring people together through the arts, sports, volunteering, or myriad other ways that provide a chance for neighbors to find common ground.
- Build a community-wide Welcoming agenda: Communities can create their own welcoming plan and bring together different sectors—government, business, community, faith, etc. Remember, when new people come in, they bring fresh perspectives and ideas. And when they feel welcomed and understood, they stick about and help make things better for everyone.
In the end, newcomers can be the secret ingredient that makes small towns better. They bring new ideas and energy, making these places feel like home for everyone. When new people come in, they bring fresh perspectives and ideas, but when they feel welcomed and understood, they stick around and help make things better for everyone.
For More information, contact Community Vitality Agent, Amanda Clasen at [email protected] or at 620-244-3826.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 4
Walk Kansas Event At Riverfront Park on April 13, Register By March 31
Southwind Extension District Walk Kansas Connection Event to Be Held in Fort Scott
Spring is officially here, which means it is almost time for Walk Kansas!
This year, the Southwind Extension District will be hosting their Walk Kansas Connection Event at the Belltown Trail in Riverfront Park (400 N. National Ave.) in Fort Scott on April 13th at 9 AM.
Get outside, get moving, and get connected with other Walk Kansas participants as they walk this scenic trail together!
Everyone who attends the event will be entered to win a Walk Kansas prize package including a Walk Kansas travel mug, tote bag, and keychain, as well as a copy of a book which goes along with this year’s Walk Kansas theme of “making healthy habits stick.”
There is no extra cost to participate in this event, but you must be registered for Walk Kansas to attend so be sure to visit WalkKansas.org to get signed up before the eight-week program kicks off on March 31st.
If you would prefer to complete a paper registration form, call the Southwind Extension District at 620-365-2242 to request one or stop by their office in the Bourbon County Courthouse to pick one up.
For more information, contact Clara Misenhelter with the Southwind Extension District at (620) 365-2242 or [email protected].
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K – State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Bo Co Courthouse Closed, Commission Meeting Rescheduled for January 23
Due to the icy road conditions the courthouse will be closed today, so tonight’s meeting has been rescheduled for tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. Attached is the agenda for the Bourbon County Commission Meeting for Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
Submitted by
Jennifer Hawkins
Bourbon County Clerk
210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800 Ext. 191
Fax: 620-223-5832
Outcasts and Misfits by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
My earliest memory of feeling sorry and sad for someone who was considered a misfit was hearing the song “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Music has always deeply affected me. The specific lyrics I’m referring to are: “All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names. They wouldn’t let poor Rudolph play in any reindeer games.“ My little child heart was tender and compassionate and the thought of Rudolph being treated as a misfit, just because he was different, really hurt me.
I think that the manner in which this Christmas song affected me as a young child is partially what Jesus was referring to in these scriptures: “Jesus called a little child to Him and put the child among them. Then He said, ’I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven‘“ (Matthew 18:2-4.) Jesus taught that all believers must be childlike (innocent, trusting, tender). He is not condoning a childish (immature) lifestyle; there’s a ton of difference between childlike and childish.
Jesus said, “…I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts” (Matthew 9:13 TEV.) If you don’t feel like you fit in, be comforted in knowing that Jesus came for you too. You’re not left out — you’re wanted and included. Jesus loves you enough that He was willing to die for you so you could have an overflowing life of God’s goodness. The Prince of Peace came to piece together the broken lives of outcasts, misfits, and sinners. Jesus makes it clear that all are sinners who need to come to Him for salvation. However, those who think they’re already on the right path will reject Jesus’ invitation to a restored life. Jesus’ unmerited mercy transforms everyone who comes to Him for salvation.
If friends have thrown you under the bus, Jesus will reach under it and pull you out. If family have rejected you and made you feel like you don’t fit in, Jesus will accept you. If life has slammed you to the floor, Jesus will pick you up and walk with you all the way to heaven. If you think Jesus’ true-blue promise of restoration is too good to be true, just ask Him and find out for yourself. “…I [Jesus] came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10 RSV.)
Whether you’re an outcast, misfit, sinner, or the nicest person in the whole world, Jesus came for you. His own mother, the virgin Mary, was ostracized when the news broke out that she was with child and unmarried. Although she and Joseph knew that the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit, society rejected the truth of this supernatural birth. Nevertheless, Mary praised the Lord, realized she was blessed, and delivered the Messiah according to God’s perfect plan of redemption.
Jesus loves you without exception and He will accept you as you are. You don’t have to try to be righteous first; simply accept His invitation and come to Him in honest confession and repentance. The Savior is an expert at taking the broken pieces of outcasts, misfits, and sinners and making them whole and holy.
The Key: Jesus can make a misfit fit perfectly on earth and in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Governor Kelly’s Disaster Declaration Temporarily Lifts Certain Commercial Vehicle Regulations
TOPEKA – As severe winter weather conditions continue impacting Kansas roadways, Governor Kelly announced today that her recent disaster declaration temporarily lifts certain hours of service regulations typically imposed on commercial motor vehicles.
In accordance with 49 C.F.R. 390.23(b), the disaster declaration made on January 8, 2024, temporarily lifts the hours of service regulations found in 49 C.F.R. 395.3-5 for motor carriers or drivers operating commercial motor vehicles so long as the motor carriers or drivers are providing direct assistance during the emergency.
The temporary lifting of the regulations lasts until the emergency ends or 14 days from the date of the disaster declaration, whichever is less.
“Temporarily lifting these regulations ensures necessary supplies and relief from the extreme winter weather can reach communities as quickly as possible,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I encourage all Kansans to use caution over the coming days, including reconsidering travel, to be safe and warm.”
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