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Fort Scott

Bike Share Coming To Fort Scott

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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.
Business, Fort Scott

Good Samaritan Auction and Dinner Today

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Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

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!”

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Golf Course Improvement

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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.

Contact O’Neil at 620-223-5060.

Fort Scott

Art Festival Closes By Encouraging Artists

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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.

For more information:    www.2ndstoryartfestival.com

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.

 

 

 

Area News, Business, Submitted

Buy and Eat-Meet and Greet May 3

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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.

 

Fort Scott

Fort Scott Comes Out To Honor Combat Vets

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City of Fort Scott Water Distribution Department employees Brady Coffman and Kyle Adams ready a flag in their truck Wednesday on Wall Street to welcome the veterans to town.

In spite of the rain, the people of Fort Scott lined the route from the airport through downtown Fort Scott, then east to the Adam and Jennifer LaRoche ranch Wednesday afternoon.

The route and patriotic welcome were for the combat veterans that the LaRoche’s will be hosting a turkey hunt in the next few days.

E3 Foundation, founded by Adam and Jennifer LaRoche, is partnering with Combat Warriors Inc. to host the turkey hunt for the military heroes.

The LaRoche’s asked the town to rally behind the entry into Fort Scott of the veterans,  to honor them.

On  Wednesday, April 25 at approximately 1:30 p.m. the veterans landed at Fort Scott Airport then headed to the LaRoche Ranch.

Cloudy skies and light rain prevailed, and some bystanders were downtown on the route by 1 p.m.  Temperatures were in the 50s.

Just before the convoy arrived downtown, the rain steadily increased.

That did not stop the bystanders from waiting to show their support for the veterans.

The Fort Scott Tourism Center and additionally, Stewart Realty had handed out American flags, while Captured Images Photography handed out patriotic posters to the community to hold in welcome to the veterans.

All of these added to the color to the welcome, in spite of the cloudy skies.

If you have a great photo you’d like to share of the convoy, please add it with a description of what is happening in the photo on the FortScott.Biz Facebook page.

Angela McKenney, Hilary Berry, Amari Berry, Roland Mills and little Jaeston Grant wait in the rain at Wall and Main streets to honor the veterans.
Julie Wright, Cathy Wuerdeman, Megan Felt, Bailey Lyons and the Shane Walker family line Wall Street to welcome the vets to town.
Rhuey Eden and her mom, Rachel Eden wait patiently for the veterans convoy to drive down Wall Street.
These Fort Scott Civil War re-enactors donned uniforms and horses to welcome the veterans to town Wednesday. From left Wyatt Keyes, Brett Dawson and Aaron Phillips.
Fort Scott National Historic Site employees wait for the veterans convoy to pass by on Wall Street. From left: Paul Goodman, Barry Geersten, Summer Porter,  Betty Boyko and Tiffany Durham. Behind them are the re-enactors on horses.
Fort Scott Police and Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office personnel signaled with flashing lights the beginning of the convoy.

The end of the convoy heads east on Wall Street to the E3 Ranch.

 

Bourbon County

Mother to Mother Ministry: Mentoring and Support

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Amanda Gilmore, community liaison, and Wilma Leach, director of Mother to Mother Ministry show an information board they take when telling others about the ministry.

Fort Scott.Biz is showcasing United Way of Bourbon County agencies that have received a grant.

Mother to Mother Ministry, 728 S. Heylman, is one of those agencies. The phone contact numbers are  224-0809 or 215-0924.

The ministry is open Monday-Thursday from  10 a.m. to noon with some classes and groups meeting in the evening.

Wilma Leach is the ministry director,  Alison Leach helps with planning, Amanda Gilmore is community outreach and assistant, Adin Leach does records and maintenance and Shanna McClure is a special assistant.

What services do you provide the community?

“We offer mentoring programs with friendship and support either one-on-one or in group settings for moms, dads, and families. We have classes, guest speakers, and parenting programs. We have a library and reading room for personal study. We network with Bourbon County Coalition and are advocates for victims of domestic violence.”

We have a baby and children’s clothing closet as well as some adult clothing.

We provide baby supplies, diapers, hygiene and cleaning supplies.
We collect and give away some household furniture when possible.

We provide baby supplies, diapers, hygiene and cleaning supplies.
We collect and give away some household furniture when possible.

Current needs of the ministry?

“Currently we are accepting shoe donations and are looking for volunteer mentors for men and women to provide encouragement and support.

Other opportunities for volunteers include clothing and cleaning assistance.”

M2M is currently in need of the following appliances and miscellaneous items including a refrigerator, washer and dryer, curtains, area rugs, a large bookshelf, storage shelves, sturdy 8′ folding tables and folding chairs, clothing racks, and large plastic storage tubs with lids.”

Anything new for the ministry this year?

“Our newest group forming is for adoptive families on the second Thursday of each month at 7 pm.”

How much of your budget is provided by United Way of Bourbon County?

“Thankfully about 30 percent of our budget is supplied by United Way. Other gifts from churches, organizations and individual citizens are greatly appreciated as well.”

 

 

Area News

Salute To Combat Warriors Wednesday

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Montana, Adam, Jennifer and Drake LaRoche. Submitted photo.

E3 Foundation, founded by Adam and Jennifer LaRoche, is partnering with Combat Warriors Inc. to host a turkey hunt for military heroes.

The community is rallying behind the event to honor the combat veterans.

On  Wednesday, April 25 at approximately 1:30 p.m. the veterans will land at Fort Scott Airport then head to the LaRoche Ranch.

Fort Scottians will be lining the route to show the vets honor for their service.

Beginning at 1 pm this Wednesday, the Fort Scott Regional Tourism Center at 231 E. Wall will distribute 500 American Flags to wave while these heroes pass by.

“The Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott High School, Winfield Scott Elementary, Eugene Ware Elementary, and St. Mary’s Catholic school are all coming out to wave, hold flags and signs to say ‘Thank you’ to the soldiers for there service and sacrifice,” Jennifer LaRoche said. “Businesses, along the convoy route, are allowing their employees to step out during the work day to show their support as well. The estimated convoy time is 1:30 pm but that could be sooner or later due to flight times so we will post on the E3 Foundation Facebook page the most current convoy departure time. So people need to be checking that throughout the morning and early afternoon.”

The route of the convoy of veterans:

These military service people will travel through Fort Scott following a route of east on Indian Road (AKA Lake Fort Scott Road), north on HWY. 69, then turn north onto National Avenue to Wall Street, and then Wall  Street, east out of town.

The Mission Statement of the E3 Foundation:
The family of the E3 Foundation is committed to putting God’s love into action as we use our gifts to be good stewards, to serve, to help those in need and to ultimately introduce others to Christ.

 

Following is the post on the E3Foundation Facebook page:

Business, Fort Scott

City State Bank To Be Remodeled

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City State Bank, downtown Fort Scott is slated for a remodel.
An artist’s depiction of the future facade of City State Bank, following the remodel.

City State Bank is remodeling its downtown branch at 202 Scott Ave.

“The building was built in 1957,” John Hill, bank president said.”We are sticking with mid-century design.”

The canopy over the drive-in window will be replaced and a new ATM island will be installed in the drive-through, Hill said.

“It will be wider for easier access for automobile traffic,” he said.

This canopy will be replaced and the drive-through made wider, in addition, the ATM will be more accessible.

The remodel includes a new metal fascia system, new fabric awning, new wrap around awning, new stone entrance, new stone veneer and wall in the front of the building. Additionally, there will be a new sign.

Fifty-percent of drive-through transactions occur at the downtown branch, Hill said.

From 1957 to 2001, the downtown branch was the main facility.

Then a new facility was built at 1012 Hwy. 69, just south of Walmart.

“We’ve been here 18 years,” Hill said from his office at the Hwy. 69 address.

Work on the remodel will begin within 90 days and construction will take about 90 days.

“It should be completed by September 30,” he said.

Advertisements

Ward Kraft Job Openings

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Ad: Ward/Kraft, Inc, located in Fort Scott (KS), is currently looking for the following:

  • Production Member
  • Web Developer

(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, Subversion, Mercurial)
  • JavaScript, jQuery, Perl, HTML, Photoshop, Illustrator, 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: 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)
Bourbon County, Sheriff's Office

Law Enforcement Center Readying For Inmates

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The new Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center is being readied for inmates, likely in the next two weeks, according to Sheriff Bill Martin.

The Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center is nearly ready for inmates, Sheriff Bill Martin said Thursday.

The new center is located at 293 E. 20th Street, just east of Briggs Auto  Dealership on Hwy. 69.

“Hopefully within a couple of weeks we’ll be moving in,” Martin said. “Some electrical issues are being addressed, which should fall under warranty work.”

The sheriff gave a tour of the new facility:

Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin works at his desk Thursday morning at the new law enforcement center.
Shane Walker, the Bourbon County Information Technology Director brings in more supplies to the law enforcement center Thursday morning.
Some of the BCSO staff are getting trained on the new software at the center.
Deputy Zach Ross works on a report at the center.
Lesley Herrin, administrative secretary mans the front office.
BCSO Major Bobby Reed addresses billing issues Thursday morning in his office.
Sheriff Martin demonstrates how the evidence locker works.
The sheriff arranges the furniture in one of the interview rooms at the facility.
Pictured is the interview room where a judge at the Bourbon County Courthouse can talk to individuals about their charges. The technology was purchased through a JAG grant of $20,000, Sheriff Martin said.
The sheriff demonstrates how all the cells can be viewed from the control room in a direct line of sight, something that couldn’t happen at the old jail, he said.
One of the inmate cell pods.
Inside one of the inmate cells, a spartan bunk bed with toilet and shower.
The activity room for inmates, ventilated with fresh air by a big vent to the outside. By law, inmates are required to get fresh air daily.
Unused space for possible future cell pods for inmates.
This space is reserved for honor inmates as a result of good behavior. They also get extra privileges, such as getting outside the facility to do community service work.
Inmates will be doing the laundry of the facility because the laundry room is secure, unlike the old jail.
The refrigeration systems are installed and following the state fire marshall’s approval, meals can start being cooked.
The medical area for inmates.
The booking area of the facility.
The lockdown cell, for inmates who haven’t followed the rules of the facility.
Framed art in the sheriff’s office space entitled “Sheriff-America’s Peacekeeper” by artist Doug Lindauer. Sheriff Bill Martin’s shadow can be seen reflected from the windows.
A piece of artwork on the wall at the law enforcement center given the sheriff by his wife, Wendy, which he donated to the sheriff’s office.

 

 

 

Area News, Government

New Tourism Sign Coming To Downtown Fort Scott

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Fort Scott Community Development Director Rhonda Dunn shows the deterioration of the planters on Skubitz Plaza that will be demolished and a new tourism sign installed.

An unsightly part of Skubitz Plaza is being redeveloped by the City of Fort Scott to showcase a sign that depicts the city’s history.

The plans were approved by the city commissioners Tuesday evening.

Plans are for all parts to be completed by the Good Ol Days annual celebration, the end of May this year.

Two brick planters on Old Fort Boulevard at the north end of Main Street have been repeatedly hit by vehicles turning right.

The planters that will be taken down are the closest to the camera. They are located on Skubitz Plaza at the north end of Main Street in downtown Fort Scott. The new tourism panel will be placed to the east of the planter on the left.

“We’ve repaired it a number of times,” Rhonda Dunn, the city’s community development director said.

“This has been a long-term project for several years,” she said.

Serendipitously, a proposal for a new sign for tourism came along, she said.

“There is no downside to this,” Dunn said. “The broken planter will be gone and a new by-ways sign will go up.”

The new Frontier Military Historic  Byway sign panels will depict the history of Fort Scott and some tourism highlights as well.

Dunn shows the spot where the new tourism sign will be installed, out of the way of traffic.

The place where the western planter is currently will be an open space, the eastern planter will be removed also, then the by-ways sign installed, just slightly to the east.

City workers will remove and salvage brick that can be reused, Dunn said.

To view click on the links below, then click on the image to enlarge:

DOC041818-04182018084306

DOC041818-04182018084318

DOC041818-04182018084443

The Bourbon County Master Gardeners tend to the planters in Fort Scott’s downtown area as a community project.

“The master gardeners will remove plants from the planters, ” Dunn said.