Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones, right, and FS Water Distribution Supervisor Bill Lemke discuss the splash pad project on April 19 at the site on North National Ave. Jones is one of the initiators of the splash pad project, as well.
Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones was on the site of the future splash pad and sensory park on April 19. Jones is also one of the organizers of the project.
Dirt work has begun on the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park looking southwest towards National Avenue.The Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Committee from it’s Facebook page. On the committee: Bailey Lyons, Kelly Barr, Katie Hueston, Meredith Tucker and Josh Jones.
“It has started,” Jones said. “You’ll start seeing water lines and concrete, the above ground (part) in three to five weeks.”
The crews will be working around the annual Good `Ol Days events, the first weekend in June, he said.
Looking south from the Lunette Blair Blockhouse on Skubitz Plaza. This is the proposed site of the sensory park.
The splash pad will be a 50 by 50 foot multiple feature water site and the sensory park will be two pads, roughly 24 by 24 foot for children’s equipment that is easily accessed, with no physical barriers.
Looking north from the Lunette Blair Blockhouse to the splash pad site.
The splash pad and sensory park will be located on Skubitz Plaza at the north end of downtown Fort Scott, on North National Avenue.
Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park rendition from their Facebook page.Poster explaining the sensory park from the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Facebook page.
For students who want a career in construction trades such as welding, masonry, carpentry or heating and air conditioning, which are high demand and high paying jobs, there is a short cut to do that.
Junior or senior year students in Fort Scott High School and Uniontown High School have the opportunity to get a head start on these jobs, said Kris Mengarelli, Fort Scott Community College’s Director of the Career and Technology Center, CTEC.
“CTE courses prepare students with the technical, academic, and employment skills needed for life after high school,” from CTEC’s Facebook page. “The courses hone critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills—all valuable tools needed to succeed in today’s workforce.”
“Starting in the fall of 2023, we are….offering carpentry basics, OSHA 10 (certification training) and introduction to craft skills for high school and college,” he said. “This is typically for juniors and seniors. It’s a two-year program to get a certificate.”
“The teacher will be Michael Casner, a Fort Scott High School teacher,” he said. “He’ll be teaching dual credit classes for those three classes at the high school. Uniontown will be able to send students over to attend those classes as well. The schools will coordinate what works best.”
The target student is any interested in the trades for a career.
The State of Kansas is offering an Excel in CTE Initiative, for high school juniors and seniors for free college tuition on approved technical courses offered at Kansas technical schools and community colleges.
“The state looks at where there is a lacking workforce,” he said.
“There are some small fees that fall back on the student, but not significant,” Mengarelli said.
Following the classes for dual high school and college credit, students will have a nationally recognized certificate,” he said. “Students who want to go into construction, this makes them employable just out of high school.”
CTEC is located in Crawford County.
Destry Brown, Fort Scott’s Superintendent of USD 234 was a “key player in getting CTEC started in Crawford County,” Mengarelli said.
Brown was formerly a superintendent of schools in Pittsburg, in Crawford County and is currently superintendent of schools for Fort Scott.
Patrick MacDonald stands in the newly repurposed room of the Gamerz Lodge.
Patrick MacDonald, also known as PatMac, has purchased the building at 16 Scott Avenue and has been working to make the place into a family fun venue with the name of Gamerz Lodge.
“The community asked for a family fun entertainment space and that’s what I’m doing here,” he said. “Roughly 10,000 square feet of fun!”
Patrick moved here from Kansas City last year to invest in Pizza Republic after owning a few pizza businesses over the last 30 years. “I love this community,” he said. “I saw this as a way to give back to the community and invest in Fort Scott. Down here I can make a difference.”
The first floor will be his first focus to show what Gamerz Lodge is about.
“We’ll have a few TVs, arcade games, air hockey, shuffleboard, and pool tables,” MacDonald said. “We’re also introducing a ‘leveled up’ concession stand. Some of your favorites with a ‘PatMac’ twist. There will also be ice cream!”
It will be an events center for small concerts and a place for birthday parties as well.
“People can really use this space for creative classes, meetings, comedy shows, and gatherings,” he said. “It has so much potential.”
The renovation of the building, which most recently housed Darlene’s Collectibles, is a huge undertaking. “It’s a lot to take on for one guy but I’m definitely up for the challenge,” he said. “If there’s an investor out there give me a holler!” he said.
The second floor has a large ballroom and two 30 feet x30 feet rooms. The ballroom held meetings and dances from the days of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, whose emblem is on the outside of the 1924-era building. Some memorabilia still lines the walls.
“The second floor will grow with the business,” he said. “I see cornhole tournaments, VR space, and potentially a putt-putt golf.”
MacDonald also sees the opportunity to create a wedding venue or an Airbnb on this level.
“I see a whole baseball team from LaRoche Stadium could stay here,” he said. “Games, food, and family. What else do you need?”
Patrick McDonald stands in front of the building he purchased at 16 Scott Avenue.
The outside of the building that Patrick MacDonald purchased has the emblem of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the date of the building’s erection, 1924.One of many plaques on the walls of the large room on the second floor of the building that MacDonald purchased.
The Easter Bunny poses with some fans at the Fort Scott Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt on April 1 at Gunn Park. Submitted photo.
On April 1, the Fort Scott Kiwanis Club sponsored their annual Easter Egg Hunt in Gunn Park.
Egg hunters begin their search at the Fort Scott Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt, April 1, 2023. Submitted photos.
Kiwanis members distributed over 1,500 eggs filled with candy, prizes, and coupons from area merchants into the park in areas designated by age groups. Approximately 75 children participated in the event.
Submitted photo.
The Kiwanis sponsors who donated either money, or coupon’s from their place of business are as follows:
Cassidy Lutz K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Science Agent Southwind District 211 W. Butler Yates Center, KS 66783 620-625-8620
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Many people recognize this quote from Dr. Seuss’s book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”. March is designated as National Reading Month to celebrate the birthday of this famous author and his impact on creative storytelling. This national celebration was established as a way to promote reading to individuals of all ages.
Reading is a crucial part of every individual’s life, regardless of age. For children, it is a large component of education while for adults, it is part of professional development. Reading is also a leisure time activity that has many immediate and long-lasting health benefits. Studies have found increased cognitive function, memory, vocabulary, empathy, and decreased levels of stress in individuals that read regularly. When done before bedtime, it has the potential to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Reading even has the power to strengthen relationships through shared learning.
There are several ways you can celebrate this national holiday all month long. One of the simplest would be to visit a library or read the books you already have on hand. Libraries provide great environments for young children where they can access books for free while being immersed in a learning atmosphere. Another easy way to celebrate is to read with a family member or friend. Studies indicate that when parents read to their children, it helps with bonding and attachment. Read aloud even if it’s for a short period. Reading aloud develops fundamental skills, promotes social interaction, and improves vocabulary, word recognition, listening comprehension, and cognitive development.
Submitted photo.
The importance of reading extends far beyond educational development. Pick up a book and enjoy all the benefits of reading during National Reading Month. You might even create a positive habit that lasts throughout your whole life! For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.
Conventional wisdom accepts that Star Wars and the Super Bowl attract an audience of millions. What’s less well known is that arecent surveyindicates almost 50 million people attend one of more than 37,000 school theatre performances annuallyin the United States.
The Theatre in Our Schools (TIOS)Month in March, is an opportunity to inform them, and millions more, that the pleasure they get from seeing a show on stage is just oneof many benefits that school theatre brings to all involved—from overcoming fears of public speaking to the development of collaboration and teamwork. TIOS is timely in that its March celebration occurs the same month as Music in Our Schools and Youth ArtMonth.
TIOS provides an opportunity for all of us here inFort Scott—students, parents, school boards and elected officials—the entire community—to become familiar with the benefits of school theatre participation. Thespian troupe#7365 is planning a numberof events tocelebrate this month. On March2, they travel to Topeka to meet with legislators about the importance of supporting theatre education. March 6, troupe president Kinsley Davis presentsto theUSD 234 Boardof Education about the way theatre education is impacting our own school district. On Thursdays in March, Thespians will wear theatre–related t–shirts to school. March 24 is the annual FSHS Talent Show and Miss(ter) FSHS Pageant at7 p.m. in the FSHS Auditorium. Admission is $5 at the door. Thespians travel to the Music Hall in Kansas City to see the Broadway Touring production of Hamilton on March 28.
You can follow FSHS Thespians through the followingsocial media links: Facebook–FortScott High School Thespians, Instagram–FSHSThespians, Snapchat–FSHSThespians, Tiktok–fshsthespian, Twitter–FSHS_Thespians.Share your school theatre thoughts withus using#TheatreInOurSchools.
From L to R, Dawne Burchett, SEKMHC PR and Promotion and Prevention Specialist Lead; Sharla Miller, 13 Reasons to Fly SEK; and Megan Hageman, SEKMHC Promotion and Prevention Specialist. Submitted photo.
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is working to reach out to area students with nearly 3,200 reminders that help is available when they are experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.
Partnering with Sharla Miller, with 13 Reasons to Fly SEK, SEKMHC created stickers themed to share information about 988, the national suicide and crisis hotline. They will be distributing nearly 3,200 of them to students in 13 high schools in their six-county catchment area.
“Even if we help just one student – that’s one life that might be saved,” commented Miller. “We need to get better at letting kids know it’s ok to not be ok. We need to encourage those conversations.”
Miller, a strong mental health advocate in the community, started the SEK chapter of 13 Reasons to Fly after her son died by suicide nearly four years ago.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24 in Kansas. Kids are reporting feelings of depression and anxiety at higher rates than ever before. Teachers are observing alarming mental health challenges experienced by their students daily. It’s undeniable that children need help.
“We hope to see lots of stickers on laptops, water bottles, and other student belongings soon!” explained Megan Hageman, SEKMHC prevention and promotion specialist. “Getting this information to the youth in the area can make a huge difference. Showing kids that they have support, no matter what, is essential!”
988 (similar to 911) is the national hotline designated to provide support for individuals who are experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis. Callers may call confidentially and speak with mental health professionals who can help them through their crises and provide referrals for additional mental health resources.
13 Reasons to Fly, a non-profit organization, works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness while still spreading hope to those who are struggling. The foundation advocates for continual mental health care reform so that recovery can be equitable and accessible to all people. The SEK chapter, serving Allen County and surrounding communities, incorporates education, shared stories, and perspectives of teens to dismantle the stigma of mental health.
The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services, and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the quality of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho, and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination, and 24/7 crisis intervention services.
There are some fun activities coming up at the Museum of Creativity that you won’t want to miss!
Next week we celebrate Barbie’s birthday!
Thursday, March 2nd we will be having a special birthday bash dinner from 6pm – 8pm. Each child will get a new Barbie, a commemorative tote bag and the opportunity to make some cool crafts. Dinner and dessert will be served.
$20/child
$10/adult
Pre-registration required – limited space available
Friday, March 3rd we will have a family dance! Theme is 50’s Sock Hop. Prize if you come in costume. Crafts and activities will be available as well as an ice cream bar (with Braum’s ice cream!). Come and go anytime between 5pm and 10pm.
$10/person – pre registered
$12/person at door
discount available for more than 5 people (inquire with museum)
$4/ Pre order hotdog combo (hotdog, bun, chips and soda)
On Saturday, March 25th we will be having a unique fundraiser.
The day will start out as a Cute Cake Contest with 3 categories; cake, cupcakes and cookies. Entries will be delivered before 9:00am. Judging begins at 9:15am. with prizes (Sponsored by SeKan’s Occasion Shops) awarded at 10:00am.
$15/entry – fill out attached form and send it to us
At 11:00am we start more fun with a Cakewalk Adventure (because walking in a circle is too boring for us). We will do a new adventure group each half hour until 3:30pm. We will limit each group to 20 people. We recommend you reserve ahead to get your preferred time. Those in each group that don’t win a cake will get to choose a cupcake or cookie so everyone will be a winner! We will have other spring activities and crafts available also.
$5/ticket (May send a proxy person if you can’t be there)
There will be a lot of fun activities to do downtown that day (Easter egg hunt, shopping promotions in lots of stores, etc). You can have a whole day of fun!
For more information, I have attached a FB link to all events and attached flyers and the form to register for the contest.
Email us back or text 209-204-9743 and let us know what you want to register for. We can send you a payment link or you can make an appointment to come and pay in person.
Save the date: May 5th and 6th will be our annual indoor yard sale. As you are doing spring cleaning, consider donating items you no longer need to the museum before that weekend. And then make sure to come shop for new treasures!
Just a reminder:
Lego Club – every Thursday 4-6pm – ALL AGES -build what you want or complete a challenge.
$2/person
Craft Night – every Thursday 6-8pm – ALL AGES – you can always bring your own project or use our supplies. Also check Facebook for special workshops we host on Thursday nights.
$2/person – material fees may apply
Game Night – every Friday 5pm -10pm – ALL AGES – bring the family or a date or meet up with friends and choose from our selection of board games.
$2/person
Open play hours:
Friday 9am – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm
$2/child
$1/adult
ANNOUNCEMENT:
We have built a new party room that is a bit bigger than the old one. Book your party soon. Packages starting at $100.
Our old party room will become a dedicated Maker Space. Our supplies will be easily accessible so anyone can craft anytime.
Thank you for ALL your support! We appreciate all donations of time or money. All funds help with necessary improvements to the Museum.
Bourbon County CASA PO Box 146 Fort Scott, KS 66701 620–215–2769 February 22, 2023
CASAworthvolunteering for I follow where my heart leads meand my heart lead me to CASA 25 years ago.
I began this journey as aCASA volunteer in 1998. I heard a friend talk about this organization she was volunteering forthat involved workingthrough thecourt system with abused and neglected children. I had never heard of CASA, but when I heard thewords“children”,“abused”,“advocate”and“court”I knew this organization was meant for me.
Andall these years later, I continue to become more and more excited about the impact of CASA volunteers in our community.I would say becoming a CASA is one of the best choices I’ve made.I’ve beentheProgram Director of Bourbon County CASA for 19 years now andhave been blessed towork with some of the most amazingvolunteersto be found.
As a CASA volunteer I would spend anywhere from two to10 hours a month on a wide variety of self– directed tasks,including visiting my assigned foster child, attending court hearings, interviewing families and service providers, connecting parties to each other, and writing reportsto the Court. I am the advocate–thevoice–forthe child;this means getting to know the child, but also getting to know their family’s case deeply sothatI can speak with confidence about what I believe best for the child’s long– term health and happiness.
Becausemypositionas a volunteer is appointed by the court, I am a direct conduit to the judge on the case and my informed opinion carries significant weight when decisions are made. Because I am a volunteer and do not have a large case load (yes, I am the Program Director but outside of my job Istillserve as aCASA volunteer), Ican become the expert on the needs and situation of each family.
And because I have access to nearly unlimited training and support, I can help connect dots and solve issues that could cripple the case (and the child’s wellbeing) otherwise. My very favorite part of this work is when my actions directly dissolve barriers to the progress of the case, helping the child and easing the stress and difficulty ofeveryone involved. I love seeing anxiety leave faces and peace come in its place.
Considerbecominga CASA if you love children. Or, even,if you’re not particularly drawn to children, you love furthering justice and peace. Orifyou simply want to challenge yourself and broaden your understanding of your community. You don’t have to be retired (many CASAs have full–time jobs) or have anybackgroundin legal matters. All you have tohave is willingness to step in, to learn, and to act.
Spring training begins in April. Call Bourbon CountyCASA at 620–215–2769 or emailbbcocas[email protected] to learn more aboutbecominga CASA volunteer.
Fort Scott High School Freshmen students will get to practice financial “adulting” on March 8 at the high school and local volunteers are needed to help with the event, FuntureNow: Finance, to that end.
Lewis Dunkeson.
“It is a fun and tangible way to aid students in preparing for their financial futures,” according to Lewis Dunkeson, Communities in School’s Student Support Coordinator at FSHS.
FutureNow:Finance, is an event that helps students understand some of the realities involved in preparing for future adulthood.
At the event, students will receive an adult scenario based on a survey they have completed prior to the event, according to information provided by Dunkeson.
The scenario includes: marital status, number of children, career field, and net monthly income, which is based on choice of career field and current grade point average.
At the FutureNow: Finance event, students will visit a variety of booths to purchase food, housing, transportation, communication services, child care, utilities, insurance, etc.
They can also save money, give to charity and learn about unexpected things that affect daily life such as accidents, unexpected visitors or flat tires. The event is Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 8 – 11 a.m. in Fort Scott High School’s Auxiliary Gym.
The Fort Scott High School gym. Submitted photo.
Volunteers should plan to report at 8 a.m. and must check-in to the school at the front office. Breakfast and lunch will be provided
Volunteers help the students make wise financial choices regarding the necessities and luxuries they imagine as part of their adult lifestyle, according to information provided by Dunkeson.
Volunteers are provided with detailed information and price sheets for their specific booth allowing them to help the students decide how best to spend their money.
Volunteer need only bring their personal experiences.
To volunteer for the event, contact: Lewis Dunkeson Student Support Coordinator, Fort Scott HS [email protected] 402-212-9826
Congratulations to the FSHS Scholars Bowl team on finishing as Regional Runner-Up tonight at the Fort Scott Regional Tournament! They qualify for the 4A State Tournament next Saturday at Circle High School.
Pictured are the Uniontown High School 2023 Homecoming Candidates: front row, left to right: Destiny Lucas, Emiley Greenway, Genesis Walker. Back row, left to right: Kane Shepard, Rylan Lee, Jett Harvey.
The Uniontown Eagles will host Chetopa High School on Friday, January 27 for the Winter Homecoming basketball games. The UHS King and Queen Coronation will take place prior to the boys’ varsity competition.
