Julie McClellan of Main Street Gallery and Gifts. Julie and son, Josh, are the owners.
Julie McClellan joined forces with her son Josh McClellan in 2000 to open a retail shop in Fort Scott.
The shop has moved from 8 N. Main to National Avenue across from the post office then to 24 N. Main. It was at this location they renamed the shop from Spice of Life to Main Street Gallery and Gifts.
“After 10 years at this location, we outgrew the space and bought the old J.C.Penney building at 23 S. Main,” Julie said.
Through the years they added more offerings for their customers.
Today they have gifts, home decor, custom and antique furniture, gluten-free products, a homebrew supply shop, herbs, essential oils and supplements in addition to an upholstery shop, picture frame and mat shop and additionally they rent out space to the Spoiled Brat Salon next door at 19 S. Main.
In the lower level of Main Street Gallery and Gifts is a flea market with many vendors.
“Josh’s wife, Rechelle, and my husband, Gene, and granddaughter Shelby help out in this multifaceted business,” Julie said.
Julie shows Josh’s “The Frame Up” shop located on the first floor of Main Street Gallery. He can do custom framing and matting.Julie gets information from a customer about an upholstery project at Gene’s Upholstery, in the back of the store.A homebrew supply shop is located in Main Street Gallery.Essential oils, supplements, and gluten-free bread are also available at Main Street Gallery.A flea market with several booths is in the basement of Main Street Gallery.A booth in the flea market at Main Street Gallery.
Buck Run Community Center is located at 735 Scott Avenue.
Thinking of activities for the kids to do this summer?
The first of May marked the first day of registration for all summer programs at Buck Run Community Center.
“Parents, don’t wait to sign up,” Tom Robertson, director of the center, said. “We do have limits on some programs.”
Tom Robertson is the director of Buck Run Community Center.
Programs such as youth baseball/softball, adult slow-pitch softball, adult racquetball, pickleball, and co-ed kickball are offered.
In addition, cooking and craft classes for youth, cheerleading, dance, basic tumbling, youth fitness, Little Athletics Camp, Sports Camp, Tot Lot Day Camp and Adventure Class require pre-registration beginning May 1.
Also offered are basketball camp, drama performance camp, volleyball camp and football camp, junior golf camp, youth tennis program and swim lessons.
At the aquatic center at 7th and Main streets- infant aquatics, water fitness, and swim teacher certification are taught. The center opens May 28, Memorial Day.
The Fort Scott Hurricanes is a competitive swim team open to swimmers 18 years old and younger, who can swim at least one length of the pool.
Adults are not left out of activities.
For adults there are fitness classes, dance lessons and Tae Kwon Do classes.
Shelter house rentals and camping sites are available in Gunn Park on Park Avenue.
The big rock shelter house at Gunn Park.
In addition there is Lake Fort Scott located off Indian Road, south of the city, Lincoln School Walking Trail located at West 18th Street, the Betty Run Willard Fields/Ty Cullor Field located at 2108 S. Horton, Ellis Park located at 12the and Williams streets, Third Street Park located at Third and Hill streets, Nelson Park located at the corner of Grant and Elm streets, Woodland Hills Golf Course at 2414 S. Horton and the James Tedesco Memorial Skate Park at Fourth and Scott streets.
For more information contact Buck Run Community Center at 620-223-0386, check out its Facebook page or click here
Ad: Ward/Kraft, Inc, located in Fort Scott (KS), is currently looking for the following:
Web Developer
Graphic Designer
Production Member
Sales/Business Development Representative
(Scroll down for details of each position.)
“WE HIRE THE PERSON NOT THE POSITION”
Ward/Kraft, Inc, located in Fort Scott (KS), is currently looking for a Production Member. Ward Kraft is an industry leader while being one of the most innovative print manufacturers in the Print Industry.
Ward/Kraft is a family owned company that started over 40 years ago with customer service and good business values as a number one priority.
Ward/Kraft offers a competitive salary and a substantial benefit package to their members
Ward/Kraft want members to believe working at WK is a career and not “just a job”; this is shown with over 35% of current members having 10 or more years of service within the company.
If you have an interest any of these positions, please contact Brad Matkin, Director of Corporate Recruiting, at 1-877-281-2485 Applicants may apply online at www.wardkraft.com under the employment tab or in person at our campus located at 2401 Cooper Street in Fort Scott, Kansas.
Job Posting: Web Developer
Position Summary: Ward/Kraft is seeking a person who is highly motivated, energetic, and who is career focused to work as our companies Web Developer.
Job Responsibilities:
Write code to generate web pages, access databases, and business logic servers
Work with designers and content writers
Test and document software for web sites
Write, modify, and debug software for web sites
Key Qualifications:
Detail Oriented
Ability to work in a fast paced multi-project environment
Dependable, ambitious, energetic, and enthusiastic
Works well in a team environment
Minimum of two years experience with CSS Framework would be a plus (Bootstrap, Foundation, Materialize)
Minimum of two years experience with Source Control System would be a plus (GIT)
JavaScript, jQuery, Node.JS, React.JS, Vue.JS, HTML, SQL, ASP.NET CORE, EF CORE 2.0, Word Press, and Web design security
Problem solver and good communicator
Schedule and Compensation:
Weekdays 8am to 5pm (some weekday meetings at 7:30am)
Some overtime hours (before/after hours and weekend work)
Six month performance reviews (90 day probation period)
Job Posting: Graphic Designer
Position Summary: Ward/Kraft is seeking a person who is highly motivated, energetic, and who is career focused to work as a Graphic Designer within our company and subsidiary companies.
Prepares work to be accomplished by gathering information and materials
Plans concept by studying information and materials
Illustrates concept by designing rough layout of art and copy regarding arrangement, size, type size and style, and related aesthetic concepts.
Obtains approval of concept by submitting a rough layout
Prepares finished copy and art by operating typesetting and printing
Prepares final layout by proofing finished copy and art
Completes projects in a timely fashion
Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed
Position Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or similar area of focus
Excellent design skills
Ability to quickly produce top quality designs
Mac proficient
Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office proficient
HTML and CSS knowledge is a plus
Photography experience would be a plus
Videography and video editing would be a plus
Schedule and Compensation:
Weekdays 8am to 5pm
Some weekend and before/after hours overtime available
Six month performance reviews (90 day probation period)
Some overnight travel may be required
Job Posting: Production Member
Position Summary: Ward/Kraft is seeking a person who is highly motivated, energetic, and who is career focused to work on our production teams. This position is responsible for operating production machinery, producing superior quality products, and performing routine machine maintenance. This position is also responsible for maintaining quality standards, facilitating turn times and achieving top production goals.
Key Qualifications:
Good mechanical ability
Superior trouble shooting skills
Quick learner-Problem solver
Self starter
Detail Oriented
Basic math skills needed (decimals, fractions, addition, subtraction, measurements)
Ability to work in a fast paced environment
Dependable, ambitious, energetic, and enthusiastic
Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential
Printing knowledge is a plus but will train the right candidate
Schedule and Compensation:
Three rotating shifts – every four weeks (shift premium is paid for “off-shift” workers)
Possible Saturday overtime
Six month performance reviews (90 day probation period)
Job Posting: Sales/Business Development Representative
Position Summary: Ward/Kraft is seeking a highly motivated; career focused Sales/Business Development Representative with a strong desire to succeed and to be part of a top notch team. In this role you will help Ward Kraft continue to build our dynamic and expanding company through research, prospecting for new business, setting up appointments, meeting in person with decision makers, identifying, and pursuing businesses for specific markets and products, closing, building and maintaining distributor relationships. If you have drive, determination, a wiliness to learn, are dependable with the desire to grow, and a high degree of integrity and commitment we want to talk to you.
Position Qualifications:
Inside/outside sales experience is a plus
Excellent communication skills-strong and persuasive
Enthusiasm and flexibility
Works well alone as well as with a team
Ability to cold call customers (proper phone etiquette)
Presentation skills
Basic computer skills
Self-confident and self-motivated
Competitive and results-driven
Previous experience in the printing industry is a plus
Nurse Mary Bickerdyke, interpreted by Tiffiny Durham and Dr. Ben Thayer, interpreted by Mason Lumpkins, portray a scene during the Civil War.Students raise hands to answer questions during the presentation.
Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area awarded the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes an Interpretive Grant in the amount of $2145 for the project honoring Unsung Hero Mary Bickerdyke.
On May 7, visitors learned more about Unsung Hero Mother Mary Bickerdyke because of that grant.
Bickerdyke was a Civil War nurse who built 300 field hospitals with the help of the U.S. Sanitary Commission and created new standards in soldier care. Her zeal in her profession earned her the name “Cyclone In Calico.”
Tiffiny Durham interprets Mary Bickerdyke to students at Lowell Milken Center May 7.Mason Lumpkins interprets Civil War Doctor Ben Thayer to the group of students.
The Lowell Milken Center collaborated with the Fort Scott National Historic site in presenting the story to over 140 students from Fort Scott.
Tiffiny Durham, FSNHS Museum Technician interpreted Bickerdyke to the visitors at the center, while Mason Lumpkin, Excelsior Springs, Mo. interpreted Dr. Ben Thayer for the group.
The group consisted of the fifth-grade students at Eugene Ware Elementary School and first and second-grade students at Christian Learning Center.
This photo is of the students watching a short video on the Unsung Hero project about Bickerdyke which was produced by a then-student, Theresa Schafer.
The presentation not only taught each attendee about the past but information about the Red Cross, local blood drives and ways to volunteer was included.
Megan Felt, right, the program director at the center, introduces Ruth Waring, the American Red Cross drive local coordinator to the group.Following the presentation, students were given a tour of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. Here, Eugene Ware fifth-grade students of Abby Dixson look at the project about the “Little Rock Nine” project at the center.Christian Learning Center first and second-grade students of Kelly Love get a hands-on demonstration from Dr. Ben Thayer on how a broken arm was treated during the Civil War.
About Freedom’s Frontier
The Freedom’s Frontier Interpretive Grant program was started in 2012, according to information provided.
Since then, more than 97 projects have been awarded grant funding, according to information provided. Grant projects have been completed on both sides of the Missouri-Kansas border, in the 41-county region that comprises the heritage area.
Projects awarded grant funding must interpret local history, and connect to one or more of the three major themes of the heritage area: the shaping of the frontier, the Missouri-Kansas Border War, and the enduring struggle for freedom.
Grants range in amount from under $1,500 to $5,000. All awards over $1,500 require that the grant recipient show a local match of half the amount of the award. This match can be in the form of cash, or in-kind donations and staff and volunteer time.
Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area is one of 49 heritage areas in the U.S. Heritage areas are nonprofit affiliates of the National Park Service (NPS). They act as coordinating entities between the local organizations telling nationally significant stories and the NPS.
Freedom’s Frontier was established as a heritage area on October 12, 2006, when signed into law by President George Bush. The heritage area’s management plan was approved by the Department of the
Bryan Holt, a member of Live Local Bourbon County speaks to attendees of The Buy and Eat/Meet and Greet Thursday evening.
Small shifts in spending habits can have big results on a community’s economy.
So said Live Local Bourbon County member and spokesman Bryan Holt to attendees of Thursday evening’s Buy and Eat/Meet and Greet public meeting at Memorial Hall.
The event was sponsored by Blue Cross/ Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas.
“A 10 percent shift in spending at local restaurants would mean an additional $400,000 plus to our local economy on an annual basis,” Holt said. “If I spend $200 eating out every month and say I took $20 of that and moved it from Taco Bell to Papa Don’s or Sharkey’s or LaHacienda that’s going to make a big impact in our economy.”
“When you do business locally…it also helps to strengthen the social fabric of our community,” Holt said.
An example Holt gave was Norris Heating and Air Conditioning.
“They are in their third generation of local ownership,” Holt said. “Every year they do a very large donation to The Sharing Bucket, a locally owned business who is supporting cancer (survivors).”
Making purposeful efforts will stimulate our economy and its social fabric, Holt said.
Nat Bjerke-Harvey, a first generation young farmer was another guest speaker at the meet and greet.
Nat Bjerke-Harvey, a food producer from Manhattan, speaks to the Meet and Greet attendees Thursday evening at Memorial Hall. Facilitator of the event is Jody Hoener, seated in background.
Harvey started an approximately one-acre farm outside Manhattan five years ago with his wife and has started a wholesale business working with local retailers and restaurants off of his farm, he said.
“After two to three years of production, we decided we were going to add another farmers market or diversify into a (selling produce to a) restaurant (business), Harvey said.
They chose the restaurant route and worked out a plan.
Each week Harvey sends out emails to restaurants telling them of the food products that are available from his farm.
Harvey then takes orders from the restaurants on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday he harvests the produce and delivers it on Thursdays. On Fridays, he harvests for the Downtown Manhattan Farmers Market.
“I think there is a great opportunity in Kansas for growing synergy (collaboration)between farmers and restaurants,” he said.
Demand for local food and food safety and liability issues were part of a panel discussion involving Harvey, Kathy McEwan, Krista Harding and Ann Stark.
Nat Bjerke-Harvey, Kathy McEwan, Krista Harding and Ann Stark listen intently as facilitator Jody Hoener poses questions to the panel.
“There is a trend towards people who want to know who is growing their food and food that provides the most nutrient load,” McEwan, a K-State Extension Family, and Consumer Science Agent said.
Krista Harding, K-State Extension Horticulture Agent said: “It’s our responsibility to grow food safely.”
To have a plan for the safety of food produced locally, Harding recommended Food Safety Training classes in Olathe May 17 and May 23 which are $20 per person.
The 2015 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) will have an impact on food production in the near future, McEwan said.
If a food producer makes $25,000 or less on his produce per year there is an exemption in FSMA, McEwan said.
Stark, a local insurance agent recommended talking to one’s property insurance agent to add an incidental insurance policy “so you can be covered correctly.”
“The cost will vary, some are based on gross receipts,” Stark said.
David Goodyear received a Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Implementation Grant May 3 from Blue Cross/Blue Shield in the amount of $20,000 at the Meet and Greet. Presenting the check is Virginia Barnes.from BCBS and Hoener.
David Goodyear, representing Pathways AgPath, was presented a check for $20,000, for purchasing equipment to help at-risk individuals in the community to produce food together.
“Each year we have a community project,”Hoener said. “This year our focus is on healthy food. The Pathway AgPath (Goodyear is a coordinator for) was a perfect fit with our focus to promote locally produced food in the community. There is a natural connection between it and Common Ground, but David is also seeking out connections with G&W food and the Beacon.”
The names are confusing because the giver of the grant is Pathways to a Healthy Kansas and the recipient is PathwayAgPath, a piece of a local ministry of Pathway.
Pathway is a ministry of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene with a board that is multi-denominational and collaborates with Next Steps, a program to combat cycles of poverty in Fort Scott.
A future feature will tell the story behind this ministry and what they are doing in the community.
The National Day of Prayer Breakfast drew a crowd Thursday morning at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College.
“The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman,” according to its website. “In 1988, the law was unanimously amended by both the House and the Senate and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on Thursday, May 5, 1988, designating the first Thursday of May as a day of national prayer. Every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.”
For more information about the National Day of Prayer click below:
The prayer breakfast was sponsored locally by Cheney Witt Chapel, Pioneer Kiwanis, Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance, and Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.
Kelley Collins, president of Pioneer Kiwanis welcomed the crowd.
Kelley Collins, president of Pioneer Kiwanis welcomes the crowd to the National Day of Prayer breakfast Thursday morning at the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
Pastor Norman Tillotson, who pastors the First Baptist Church and Cherry Grove Baptist Church gave both the invocation and benediction.
The presentation of the flags was by Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W.
Attendees of the National Prayer Breakfast sing “God Bless America”.
Music was provided by Ronda Bailey, FSCC English instructor.
“Unity” was the topic by Pastor Danny Brown of Christian Gospel Chapel, based on Ephesians 4:3 “Making every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.”
Danny Brown spoke on unity, the theme of the 2018 National Day of Prayer.
Because this month the Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers is celebrating 30 years of serving the community, they served cupcakes to attendees as they were leaving the breakfast.
Jared Leek leads the Good Ol Days parade in a prior year.
The Good Ol Days Parade is just one month away, so speak to your employees, organizations or friends to put on “thinking caps” for a creative entry in it.
The parade theme this year is “Fins, Feathers, & Furs” Celebrating the Great Outdoors. Categories are float, golf cart, foot unit, horse unit, classic car, antique car, tractor and other (no prize is awarded for this).
Tractors are one category in the Good Ol Days annual parade.
The parade will be Friday, June 1, at 6 p.m. beginning at 7th and Main.
Entries without registration entry form completed will not be allowed in the parade.
The place registration number must be attached to the right side of the parade entry.
Information on placement in the parade will be available prior to the line-up at 5 p.m. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, 321 E. Wall.
Absolutely NO candy, gum or goodies can be thrown to the crowd from your float. For the safety of children, it must be handed out by someone on foot.
A float in a prior year’s Good Ol Days parade.
The deadline to enter is Wednesday, May 30, 2018.
Deliver or mail entry to Chamber of Commerce, 231 E Wall, Fort Scott, KS 66701
OR fax entry to (620) 223.3574, or email to [email protected]
First place prizes will be awarded and mailed to the winners in each category.
Courtesy photo. New bikes stand at the Bike Share spot at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce office.
Bike Share is coming soon to Fort Scott, in fact, the bikes are here!
“It all started with a group of us visiting Thrive Allen County’s Bike Share program and deciding the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce would take it on under their wing,” Jody Hoener, Mercy Hospital Clinic Quality and Community Benefit Liaison, said.
” Lindsay Madison (Executive Director of the Chamber) has done an exceptional job coordinating it all.”
The bikes are made possible through a grant from Blue Cross/Blue Shield Kansas Insurance.
For more information about this $500,000 grant awarded to the Bourbon County Action Team click here:
Allen County Bike Share is a free program that allows people to borrow bikes to explore the streets and trails of our communities, according to its website.
To learn more about the Thrive Allen County Bike Share, click here:
The bikes in Fort Scott will be available at spots around the city.
The bike pick-up spots will be the Chamber office, 321 E. Wall and Peerless Products Inc., 2403 S. Main.
“Then we need to decide the other spots,” Hoener said. “There were several community members who are also part of Gunn Park Volunteers who joined us originally.”
Courtesy photo. Frank Halsey backs up a bike into his company trailer to bring all the newly purchased bikes to Fort Scott Tuesday. Halsey is an avid mountain biker and is president of Mid-Continental Restoration Co. Fort Scott.
Frank Halsey, who has spearheaded creating new bike trails in the community with others in the Gunn Park Volunteers, has been a part of the effort.
Courtesy photo. Frank Halsey, Gunn Park Volunteers, Jody Hoener, and Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.
Hoener, Madison, and Halsey picked up the bikes May 1 from Velo+ Bicycle Shop in Iola.
Courtesy photo. Lindsay Madison, Frank Halsey, and Jody Hoener packing the bikes in the trailer for transport from Iola to Fort Scott.
“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team participated in bringing the bike share program here and paid for 10 bikes,” Hoener said. “Peerless is going to take two of them at that end of town!”
Members of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team are:
Reta Baker, Sherise Beckham, Craig Campbell, Alice Maffet, Rachel Pruitt, David Martin, Alysia Johnston, Madison, Joy Miller, Kathy McEwan, Mark McCoy, Rhonda Hoener, Pam Brown, Janet Braun, Rhonda Dunn, Dr. Randy Nichols, and Hoener.
The Good Samaritan Auction and Dinner is today, Wednesday, May 2.
The annual event is to benefit senior citizens who have outlived their resources at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village.
Chicken Mary’s dinners are served from 4:30-6:30 p.m. along with homemade desserts and the auction begins at 5:00.
The village is located at 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott, KS. Call (620) 223-5550 or stop by for meal tickets. Meal tickets were $8.50 in advance and $12 today. Carry out is available.
“We started this specific fundraising event in 2003 doing an auction and dinner, however, we have had a Good Samaritan fund ever since the first Presbyterian Manor opened,” Ginger Nance, executive director of the local assisted living facility, said. “Each year our fundraising event gains momentum as people learn more about the mission of our organization and how the funds are used. Every dollar raised is used to help seniors who have a financial need to pay for the care that they need if they should outlive their resources, through no fault of their own. All money stays local in Fort Scott. We have never asked someone to move out due to lack of resources. This is a commitment we make to people when they move in.”
All money donated to the Good Samaritan program is tax-deductible.
The Presbyterian Village is a not-for-profit, Christian mission organization.
Nance is asking the community to get involved.
“An event of this caliber cannot happen without the help of hundreds of volunteers who donate their time, talents and resources,” Nance said. “Our community understands that a program like this is only sustainable through the commitment of supporters… who reach out to help. One never knows when it might be them who needs the help in return one day. ”
This year there will be a drawing to win a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Drawing tickets are $5 each or three for $10. One need not be present to enter this drawing.
The New Mexico adventure is into the beauty of 7,000-foot Rocky Mountain vistas of Santa Fe. Ancient native culture mixed with modern arts and legendary cuisine is part of the visit, according to information provided by Nance.
There are many attractions… numerous art galleries, historic sites, museums, shops, and plenty of places to hike, cycle or climb nearby, and winter skiing at the Santa Fe Ski Basin.
“The donor of the trip is a local person who has supported the mission of the Village for many years,” Nance said. ” He and many others have seen firsthand the benefits that the Village can provide family members in their time of need.”
The auction, at 5 p.m. May 2, is a large one.
“We have many super great items for the auction,” Nance said. ” We have started lining things up but we are a long way from done.”
Pictured are a few of the auction items:
Items are still being accepted for the auction.
“If people have things they are no longer using, or simply don’t need, we’d love to have them donated to the auction,” Nance said. “Sometimes people have a boat just sitting around that they haven’t used, maybe a motorcycle, a vehicle, a piece of furniture, golf cart, tractors, you name it, we can use it! We can provide a receipt to the donor and it is a tax-deductible contribution for them. Everyone wins in this situation. The person who donates their items, the person who buys a nice item they would love to own, and the seniors who benefit from this awesome fund.”
“More than anything, I hope people can understand that each person can make a positive difference in the lives of seniors in need Nance said. ” Every meal sold, every item donated, every ticket purchased, every item bought at the auction, every smile and word of encouragement means the world. Come out and see what a great time it is!”
Woodland Hills Golf Course is located at 2414 S. Horton.
The city’s Woodland Hills Golf Course is getting some improvement.
A new golf cart shed is being built east of the clubhouse that will house 40 golf carts.
The build began about 10 days ago and is expected to be complete in a few weeks, according to Shannon O’Neil, head golf professional and clubhouse manager.
J.T. Construction, Fort Scott, is the contractor for the shed.
“It’s built to store 30 golf carts that the city owns (for public use),” O’Neil said. “It will have room to hold up to 40 carts.
The cart shed is beneficial for both security and convenience, O’Neil said.
The cost of the build is approximately $65,000, which is funded basically through donations, City Manager Dave Martin said.
Woodland Hills new addition, a golf cart shed, as seen from the course, at right is the back of the clubhouse.
The golf course is hosting a junior golf camp in June and July on Wednesday mornings taught by O’Neil, who is a Professional Golf Association professional. Registration begins today, May 1.
Jared Witt, coordinator for the 2nd Story Festival of Arts and Ideas speaks to attendees of the finale event at Nate’s Place at the Lyons Twin Mansions Saturday evening.
Jared Witt spoke to a group of young artists and community members Saturday evening of the importance of doing and trying artistic activities, “not just doing it in your head.”
This describes the concept of the 2nd Story Festival of Art and Ideas which took place in venues in Fort Scott Friday through Sunday afternoon.
The evening finale included hors-d’oeuvres, drinks and an art display of the Young Visual Artists Art Show.
Art vendors were invited to sell their art as well.
Witt, who was the coordinator for the festival, addressed the group and thanked the contributors
The festival was to support creative endeavors in the community, Witt said.
The festival event was hosted by the Bourbon County Arts Council with grant funding provided by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.
Encompassing the weekend were art, comedy improvisation and literary workshops plus crafted beer tastings.
Marc Willson, a retail strategist from Virginia who focuses on small to medium size towns, spoke at two sessions on Saturday. One topic was Art As A Business and the other Creative Placemaking: Building the Artist Community in Fort Scott.
Sponsors of the weekend event: Boiler Room Brewhaus, Bourbon County Arts Council, Charles and Martha Jane Gentry, The City of Fort Scott, Common Ground Coffee Co., The Empress Event Center, Kate and Jeff Sweetser, First Presbyterian Church, Fort Scott Public Library, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, Lowell Milken Center of Unsung Heroes, Nate’s Place at the Lyons Twin Mansions and Sleep Inn and Suites Hotel.
“Our mission is to promote Fort Scott as a regional hub for arts and innovation, as well as an attractive place for artists, creators, and innovators to live,” Witt said.
The annual festival is part of an initiative to improve the appeal of Fort Scott to those considering relocating and to improve the quality of life for those who live in Southeast Kansas. Fort Scott has resources in the areas of arts and innovation. The festival aims to inspire and encourage entrepreneurship in the region.
Laura Agee and Bre Martin, recognize each of the young artists who participated in the Young Visual Artist Art Show Saturday evening at Nate’s Place at the Lyons Twin Mansions.
Young artists were encouraged this year by a grant funded by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.
Coordinators for the Young Visual Artists Art Show were Laura Agee and Bre Martin.
“There were 60 participants with 80 pieces of art submitted from six area schools,” Martin said.
The top winners of the art show attended the finale with their parents at Nate’s Place of the Lyons Twin Mansions.
Each winner received a $5 gift certificate from Common Grounds Coffee Co. and each school that participated received $25 for their art program.
Jacey Bowen, an art student of Chris Woods at Uniontown High School, received first place in three categories and took home $175.
The Uniontown High School Art Program received $100 as a result of the win of Bowen in three categories.
“We will buy something for the students that we haven’t tried before,” Woods said following the presentation.
Additionally, there were three workshops on Saturday for children offered in mediums of clay, metal, and fabric.
Martin said approximately 23 children combined, participated in the three workshops.
Elias Baker won $50 for his Winner’s Choice submission to the Young Artists Visual Art Show as part of the 2nd Story Festival of Arts and Ideas, Saturday. He is from Bryan Elementary School, Nevado, Mo.Emilea Leonard, 8 years old, was one of the young artists recognized at the 2nd Story Festival of Arts and Ideas Saturday. She is from Benton Elementary School, Nevada, Mo.Anna Fisher, a 2nd-grade student from Benton Elementary School, Nevada, Mo. stands in from of her submission to the art show, a weaving. She was one of the artists recognized Saturday at the 2nd Story Festival of Arts and Ideas finale.Jacey Bowan, Uniontown, won the most money for her entries into the Young Visual Artists Art Show. She is pictured with two of her three submissions. Bowen won $175 for herself and $100 for her school Uniontown High School. Each school that sent artists to the contest received $25. The art was on display at the finale event of the art festival at Nate’s Place, a local eatery.
Pictured below are some of the first and second place winners who were honored at the art show.
Breann Martin places names of artists on the artwork for viewing at Nate’s Place during the finale of the 2nd Story Festival of Arts and Ideas.Attendees of the finale of the art festival look over the young visual artist’s work on display at Nate’s Place Saturday evening.Lindsay Madison, Kate and Jeff Sweetser and Rhonda Dunn enjoy the warm evening with hors-d’oeuvres and drinks on the porch of Nate’s Place Saturday at the fundraiser and art show.Local artist Kenzie Curran, Farlington, was an art vendor with art for sale at the finale of the festival weekend.Art festival finale attendees converse during the fundraiser at Nate’s Place eatery Saturday evening. From left: Larry Nuss, Lindsay Madison, Brian Bowen, Beth Nuss, Chris Woods and Bre Martin.
Local gardeners and sellers of food will soon have a chance to meet and begin partnerships.
On Thursday, May 3 there will be a ” Buy and Eat-Meet and Greet” event hosted byThe Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and Live Local BB.
It will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall, 1 East First.
The purpose of this meeting is to introduce buyers and sellers of food and start a directory to benefit both, according to Jody Hoener, chair of The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
Consumers, retailers, restaurants, businesses, and food service providers can have access to locally grown food, and also strengthen the communities local food system and economy, Hoener said.
The meeting is open to the public and is free.
Specifically, the following are listed by Hoener as people who might benefit from the “Buy and Eat-Meet and Greet,” Hoener said.
A food service director, chef, restaurant owner or other professional willing to learn/ share expertise with peers and implement best practices to buy and use local foods.
A local grower interested in selling to restaurants, institutions, food retail and other producers.
A caterer or restaurant owner, to showcase a food item from a menu item, which includes locally produced food in its ingredients.
An insurance provider willing to provide information to help protect our local farmers and producers to sell and buy local produce.
About the meet and greet hosts:
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team has a vision of a community where people feel safe, earn a living wage, find healthy food, have access to sidewalks, ride safe bike routes and have opportunities for recreation, among other opportunities.
Live Local BB is a group of locally owned businesses that want to bring awareness to the importance of buying locally in the community where we live.
