Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin came up with an idea to create a community dance party in the town’s Memorial Hall, 1 East Third Street several times in 2025.
“I thought having a quarterly dance party with a disc jockey playing music would be a good idea to give our citizens and others from out of Bourbon County, the opportunity to come dance, listen to music, visit with friends, meet new friends, while eating/drinking from our local flavors.”
“We will be changing the type of music that will be played each quarter ranging from Disco to Country, to Rock and Roll,” he said. “We are planning on giving people the opportunity to dress up to the era of the music being played (an example would be dressing in 70’s Disco outfits or Rock and Roll outfits). The cover charge will be $5 per person.”
The first 2025 community dance is on Saturday, January 18 from 7 to 10 p.m.
This dance will be from every music era and genre.
Local restaurant, Aunt Toadies, will provide food and drinks for sale during the dance.
At the recent USD234, Fort Scott School District Board of Education meeting, an agreement was signed with Kingbird Solar Energy LLC that will benefit the district for years.
Kingbird Solar Energy LLC is a Delaware limited liability company.
Kingbird Solar Energy approached the district regarding the agreement, Terry Mayfield, Assistant Superintendent said.
“Kingbird Solar intends to construct and operate a solar energy project in Bourbon County,” Mayfield said. “According to Kansas Statute, property used to produce and generate electricity using renewable energy resources (including solar) is exempt from all property or ad valorem taxation for a period of 10 years. The developer, as a new member of the local business community, wishes to demonstrate good citizenship by providing financial contributions to the district during the 10-year exemption.”
Terry Mayfield. Submitted photo.
“The financial contribution begins with the commencement of construction by the developer,” Mayfield said. “There will be one initial payment of $300 per megawatt AC upon commencement of construction and for the following 9 years there will be an annual contribution of $450 per megawatt AC.”
“It is estimated that the contribution could be as much as $135,000 per year,” Mayfield said.
“It’s my understanding that for the 10-year exemption period that no taxes will be assessed on these solar farms, however, the developers still wish to make a financial contribution. Once that exemption period is over, the solar farms then become taxable and local entities would then receive tax revenue for any solar farms that are located within that entity’s boundaries (county, school district, etc.”
“The district is agreeing to accept the financial contribution from them,” Mayfield said. “By accepting this contribution, the district does not express support for or opposition to the establishment of solar farms in Bourbon County. The district remains neutral on this matter. By remaining neutral, the district can avoid taking a side in a debate that might involve conflicting viewpoints.”
Teresa Davenport, president of Care to Share and Cory Bryars, vice president hold the organization’s banner in front of the front desk area of the former Mercy Hospital- that they moved into last December. This month they are moving into a new office for the organization at 9 E. Wall in downtown Fort Scott.
“Care to Share is moving!” said Corey Bryars, vice president of the cancer fighter support group. “With Freeman (Hospital and Emergency Department) coming soon (to the former Mercy Hospital building) and Kansas Renewal Institute growing, it became time to find a place we could call our own.”
“It all happened fast, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with our move into 9 East Wall Street,” he said. “Come see us as of Dec. 16th.”
9 East Wall Street is the new home of Care To Share.
It is a former dental office with 1,200 square feet of space.
“Some of the extra rooms might be sublet to complementary startup local small businesses…stay tuned,” he said.
“Thanks to a few special Sharing Angels, Care to Share now has a walk-in office, gift shop, and more, all in beautiful and vibrant downtown Fort Scott,” he said.
“We want to thank Holmtown Pub for pledging $100 per month for 2025 to help offset the costs of having our own space. If you are interested in donating, please contact us.”
“We will continue walk-in hours of Monday-Wednesday-Friday 11-2. If you or someone you know is fighting cancer, please get them in touch with Care to Share at the office, at facebook.com/CareToShareSEK, or 620-644-9090.”
“Stay tuned for more details and upcoming Care to Share Community Events. As a 100% volunteer organization, we have always prided ourselves on having little or no overhead. While this office isn’t free, it sets the stage for us to be able to offer more and more support for SEK Cancer Fighters.”
“Thank you Fort Scott and all of SEK for Caring and Sharing,” Bryars said.
About Care to Share
Care to Share Sharing Bucket is a grassroots volunteer organization providing support to members of the community impacted by cancer with financial or emotional support and even driving individuals to and from doctor appointments out of town.
The original founders of the organization that began in 2007 were Teresa Davenport, Joy O’Neal and Lavetta Simmons.
Lavetta Simmons, Teresa Davenport and Joy O’Neal started Care to Share in 2007. Submitted photo.
Contact Teresa Davenport, President by phone:(620) 238-0902.
The Fort Scott Preschool will be relocated to a building at Ninth and Horton Streets.
Plans are progressing for the Fort Scott Preschool move to the former Mercy Clinic building at 9th and Horton Street. The preschool is currently is located at 409 S. Judson.
The Fort Scott Preschool, at 409 S. Judson.
Planning has been in the works for a couple of years.
“The project is taking longer than expected primarily due to the time required for proper planning, bidding, contractor selection, and budget management,” said Terry Mayfield Assistant Superintendent of Fort Scott USD 234. “While this process is taking longer than initially anticipated, it is essential to ensure that the building is safe, functional, and ready to house the preschool program as intended.”
Terry Mayfield. Submitted photo.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of the current situation that Mayfield provided:
“Delayed Possession of the Building: The district was able to take possession of the building in September, but this was later than expected because the previous tenants did not vacate the property until then. This delay in occupancy pushed back the initial timeline for starting renovations.
Demolition and Fire Sprinkler System Installation: The first phase of the project involves significant work, including the demolition of the first floor and the installation of a fire sprinkler system. To move forward with this, the district is working with Crossland Construction, which is responsible for managing the bidding and contractor selection process. This phase is taking time because:
Bid Development: Developing comprehensive and detailed bid specifications is a complex task, as the district needs to ensure that all demolition and safety requirements are thoroughly defined.
Advertising and Contractor Selection: The district must go through the formal process of advertising the bids, reviewing proposals, and selecting qualified contractors. This process ensures that the contractors meet all the necessary requirements and can complete the work within the budget and timeline.
Renovation Phase: Once the demolition and fire sprinkler installation are completed, the next phase of the project will involve the renovation of the first floor to create classrooms and office spaces for the preschool program. Like the demolition phase, this will require issuing new bids, selecting contractors, and ensuring that all construction meets safety and educational standards. This phase, too, will take time to execute properly.
Funding and Budgeting Considerations: The project is being financed through the district’s capital outlay budget. This requires careful planning and allocation of funds to ensure that sufficient resources are available for each phase of the project. Additionally, capital outlay funds must be managed responsibly to cover not only construction costs but also unexpected expenses that may arise during the project.
Revised Timeline: Due to the delays in obtaining possession of the building and the time needed for proper bid preparation and contractor selection, the project timeline has shifted. The district now anticipates that the facility will be ready for use at some point during the 25-26 school year. Work will continue throughout the 24-25 school year, with the goal of completing the facility’s construction and renovation in time for the preschool program’s operation in the 2025-2026 academic year.”
“The district met recently with Crossland Construction on the next phase for the preschool building to move forward with plans at the building on Horton Street,” Mayfield said. “Drainage issues do not seem to be a concern, so our next steps will be to move forward with demolition of the interior of the first floor and to install the fire sprinkler system.”
“Once the construction management agreement is in place, they can then begin to put cost estimates on the demo and fire sprinkler system.”
” Crossland Construction will be putting out requests for bids for the demolition and for the fire sprinkler system. They plan to get the demolition started soon after the first of the year. They will be taking interested contractors through the building prior to the bid dates. Once we know these costs, we can then plan to move forward with this phase and then plan for and budget and get cost estimates on the next phase of renovation.”
The current wait list for becoming a student at Fort Scott Preschool is three children.
The current enrollment at the school is 111, Mayfield said. “We are expecting approximately 18 more students to transition to preschool before the end of the school year.”
Currently, there are four early childhood special education classroom teachers, one intervention teacher and 11 paraprofessionals, Mayfield said.
Several downtown Fort Scott businesses have opened recently on Mondays to serve their community.
Bartelsmeyer Jewelry
Krista and Wyatt Hulbert. Submitted photo.
Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, 22 No. Main Street, is now open Mondays until Christmas, during the store’s normal business hours of 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturdays, they are open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Owners Wyatt and Krista Hulbert have several pieces on sale and there is a coupon on the back of the current sales flyer for a sterling silver and diamond necklace that will go to someone whose name is drawn.
Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, 22 N. Main Street.
Brickstreet BBQ
Brickstreet BBQ is at the corner of National Avenue and Oak Street just northwest of downtown Fort Scott.
Brickstreet BBQ, 3 W. Oak, has recently started opening its doors on Mondays as well.
“We are starting to open on Mondays to see how it goes,” said Trisha Query, a shift leader at the restaurant.
The owners are Carissa and Alex Bowman.
Hours of the business are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the winter.
Outpost 13 West
John, Cindy, Carissa and Alex Bowman, stand in front of the new business they recently started, Outpost 13 West.
Outpost 13 West, 13 W. Oak Street, is a build-your-own burrito-bowl-taco restaurant just west of Brickstreet BBQ that this month started to have Monday hours of operations.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday.
Owners are John and Cindy Bowman, son, Alex Bowman, and his wife, Carissa.
The choose-your-own ingredients bar at Outpost 13 West.
The 4th Annual Bourbon County Fair Association’s Jingle Bell Mart is this Saturday, December 14th from 9 am to 4 pm inside the Cloverleaf Event Center on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd.
This event is a fundraiser for them to help maintain the fairgrounds including the barns, show ring, and rodeo arena, according to Emeila Whiteaker, event organizer.
This year there are 16 vendors including returning and new participants.
This year includes:
Blessed B Creations – Machine Embroidery items
The Market Lady – 3D printed creations
Uppa Creek Ranch – Honey
Blue Dog Wine Co.
Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery
Sally Kraft – Home Sewn items
Happy Little Candle Factory
Locust Hill Lamanch Goat Milk Products
Scentsy
Flying P Ranch – Western apparel and accessories
Gyp and Jo – Dog items
WriteOn – decorative pens
Osage Jewelry
Donna Jo Beerbower – Fudge
Tessie’s Nails – Color Street
Mmm Flavor Shop
“The Southwind Canine Club, the local 4-H dog project group will have breakfast and lunch for sale,” she said. “This fundraiser is to help them replace old/broken equipment and new equipment that is required to move to the next level. The club has three members who have completed at the Kansas State Fair and placed in the top 10 for two years.”
“Many of our vendors have items that are under $15 and make wonderful stocking Stuffers. These vendors are also long time supporters of the Bourbon County Fair Association, taking part in not only past Jingle Bell Mart but also during the Bourbon County Fair which is the third week in July.”
Representation from each district is desired for the redistricting. Map taken from the Bourbon County website.
At the December 12 Bourbon County Commission meeting Commissioner Clifton Beth asked resident Michael Hoyt to assemble a citizens group to oversee the redistricting process that was approved in the November 2024 election.
Letters of Interest to participate in the redistricting process of Bourbon County expanding the County Commission from 3 to 5 persons are needed for the process.
“In my opinion, I feel that each current commissioner district should be represented to oversee this process,” Hoyt said in an email to fortscott.biz. “… I am seeking letters of interest from anyone who would like to participate; any Bourbon County elector and must be able to meet from 9 am to 5 pm since we will need the ability to communicate with state officials and county employees elected and non-elected. Letters can be sent to my address: P.O. Box 1009, Fort Scott, KS 66701. “
“You must be available for the meeting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. since I expect the committee will be working with state and county officials both elected and non-elected,” Hoyt said.
“Time is short to meet the required deadline, so your interest must be received by December 20, 2024, and I would anticipate working through the holiday period”
Representation from all 3 current districts is the expectation, he said.
“All letters will receive a confirmation of receipt and be presented for selection by the Commission..or send it to me in an email at [email protected]. The first meeting will be held immediately following the Commission meeting on December 19, 2024.”
The rink named Glide is located at the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue.
The new outdoor skating rink in Fort Scott had approximately 365 people skate the opening weekend during the Christmas on the Bricks Festival on December 6-8.
The Glide is a synthetic ice skating rink that is located at the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue.
“Everyone that has visited the rink seems to be enjoying it,” Diane Striler, the event organizer said. “One of the best things we overheard was a little girl who told her mom that now they don’t have to go up to Kansas City to skate.”
Diane Striler and her husband Dean at last year’s Christmas on the Bricks. Submitted photo.
Free tickets to skate now available
“We have three groups that have purchased tickets so kids can skate for free.
1. anonymous donor – 100 tickets
2. Farmer Philanthropy/Carla Farmer – 100 tickets
3. Fort Scott Kiwanis – 50 tickets
Kiwanis Pioneers- 50 tickets
“Skate aides are available for $2 per skater-free for those with disabilities,” Striler said.
Tickets can be picked up at the Fort Scott Chamber – 231 E Wall St- 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“All workers at the rink are coordinated through The Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation,” she said.
Appreciation For Those Who Helped Bring Rink To Fruition
“We would like to recognize the donors of the rink,” said Striler. “We especially wanted to thank Al and Luanna Niece for their amazing contribution of $25,000.”
Skating rink donors are listed on the skate storage/payment room at the rink site.
“The ones below the Nieces donated $5,000 and down to $500,” Striler said.
“The graphic (below) is all the individuals that donated their time toward the contruction for the rink and set up,” she said.
The list of those who helped with getting the set up completed at the skating rink.
Donors graphic submitted.
“The list (above) includes everyone that monetarily donated at all levels toward the rink, helped with fundraisers and we also wanted to thank the bakers that helped with the Pumpkin Roll Fundraiser – Taira Williams, Jamie Beckham, Joyce Davenport and Jolynne Mitchell and Fort Scott Broadcasting for helping us get out all the information. We want to thank these people and everyone that contributed in any way,” Striler said.
Uniontown Cemetery is east of the town on Maple Road.
At 1 p.m. Friday, December 13 a holiday wreath presentation ceremony will take place at the Uniontown Cemetery, east of the town on Maple Road, to honor the veterans buried there.
The Uniontown Ruritan has organized the ceremony, which will include a speaker and patriotic songs by the Uniontown High Band and the Uniontown High School Choir.
The names of every veteran buried in this cemetery will be read while the wreaths are placed on the graves.
“This is not affiliated with the Wreaths Across America program,” Mary Pemberton, Ruritan member said. “Because Uniontown Cemetery is not a national cemetery, we do not receive a price break on wreaths like the Fort Scott National Cemetery does. In consideration of citizen donations and cost-effectiveness, we decided to purchase decorated manufactured wreaths that can be reused for several years, rather than purchasing through the WAA program, which are live, one-time-use wreaths.”
“Matt Crystal from the Veterans of Foreign Wars will be the speaker,” said Mark Warren, a Ruritan member who is organizing the event. “The UHS band, choir, basketball, and National Honor Society will be assisting the Uniontown Ruritan in doing this.”
The fire on Dec. 8-9 on North Hill Street from the Fort Scott Fire Department’s Facebook page.
Fort Scott Firefighters worked for several days on an old bridge fire near the city’s dog pound on North Hill Street. The fire was located on the north edge of Fort Scott.
The department received a call on December 8 at 12:46 p.m. of a fire on the 400 block of North Hill Street.
The cause of the fire was determined to be illegal burning, according to FSFD Chief Dave Bruner.
The property involved in the fire was the bridge as well as a large debris pile under the bridge.
“We cleared the scene at 3:42 p.m. but spent the evening and next morning monitoring and extinguishing hot spots,” Bruner said.
The access to the fire and terrain around it made it difficult to get in close proximity to the fire, he said.
The initial call involved the Fort Scott Fire Department with five personnel, the Fort Scott Police Department, the Scott Township Fire Department- with four personnel, and the Garland Fire Department with two personnel assisting,
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Director Lindsay Madison takes a photo of Kate and Trent Freeman accepting an award from Kansas Tourism on December 9. Taken from the Chamber’s Facebook page.
Kansas Tourism Department Director Bridgett Jobe handed over two grants today in Fort Scott.
“You can see that Fort Scott is going through a renaissance,” Jobe told attendees at the Artificers reception for the award presentation.
The Artificers
Kate and Trent Freeman were awarded the $25,000 grant designed to help local businesses develop new attractions.
“They have had an instrumental role in rehabilitating our downtown area….with an innovative approach to enhance the beauty of this community for years to come,” Bourbon County Economic Development Director Rob Harrington said.
Jobe told reception attendees that the Freeman’s “passion for the community really came through.”
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
Taken from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Kansas Tourism presented the LMC with a check to expand attractions.
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes also received a $6,300 check from Kansas Tourism Director Bridgett Jobe today.
The grant is to help expand attractions that draw tourists to the community.
The center will use the funds to create a new history panel on an unsung hero in Ukraine who saved 100’s of children from starvation in her Ukrainian town, said Ronda Hassig, spokesperson for LMC.
“The Lowell Milken Center is a treasure,” Jobe, said. “Coming here inspires me to be a better person. It inspires me that it’s here in Kansas.”
Danea Esslinger is the new Uniontown City Clerk, as of December 5.
Esslinger has been on the Uniontown City Council for 13 years and lived in Uniontown for 29 years. Both of her children, Breanna and Brenton, graduated from Uniontown High School. She is the daughter of David DeWayne and Deana Fuhrman of Bronson.
Danae Esslinger. Submitted photo.
She graduated from Garnett High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, with an emphasis in management from Pittsburg State University.
Recently, the council has had difficulty finding a new clerk to replace Sally Johnson who wants to retire from that position.
That’s when Esslinger decided to apply for the job.
At last month’s Uniontown City Council Special meeting, she resigned from her council position and applied for the job.
“I am wanting to do some things that make the city even better,” Esslinger said.
Duties of the Clerk
From a prior interview with Sally Johnson, retiring city clerk, she told of the duties of the Uniontown City Clerk.
“The Clerk position entails performing all duties as defined by Kansas State Statute and City Ordinances: receive and disperse monetary funds and maintain financial records; complete various administrative reports; grant applications & administration; prepare, mail and apply payments of monthly customer utility billing; assist residents via phone or walk-in; attend and record minutes of all city council meetings, write monthly community newsletter; maintain city website; other duties as required.”
New Treasurer
Sally Johnson is retiring as Uniontown’s City Clerk.
Sally Johnson is the new treasurer of the council, following the resignation of Charlene Bolinger, which was effective Nov. 13.
This part-time job is to “do bank reconciliation and make sure the clerk is getting things done correctly,” Johnson said.
