Tag Archives: featured

Young Entrepreneur: Dancer Kenna Miles

January 10, 2025 Loretta George Leave a comment

This is part of series on young entrepreneurs in our community.

If you would like fortscott.biz to feature a young business person you know, please send name and contact info to [email protected]

Kenna Miles is a 17-year-old Fort Scott High School student and Fort Scott native.

She is offering dance classes on Sundays starting on January 12 at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

For more information call 620.644.8050.

More details are given on Kenna’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571544970552

She and, Leslie Godden, her momanager, are offering drop-in classes, to remove the commitment of a monthly class.

“We know life is crazy, kids do many events and sports so we can’t always make every class time,” Godden said. “This way you can decide which class you can attend and miss out on those other full fees and obligations. Kenna is also a wrestler and is busy with wrestling season. This is also why for now we are choosing Sunday classes.”

Class️es are for girls and boys ages 2 to teen and are $20 each.

“We do NOT believe in an age defining your athlete’s ability,” Godden said. “Every dancer grows, develops, and learns at their own rate. For now, we are going to have three classes: Tinys are 2-6-year-olds, then 7-12 years, and also 13 years and up. You are not required to be in any of these classes just because you are the age of the class. If you are able to move classes due to skill – you will be moved. The key to learning is pushing yourself and getting out of your comfort zone.”

” Anyone and EVERYONE is welcome,” Godden said. If a child has a disability “we probably need to know a little about the disability so we can help figure out a way to be able to help the student without singling them out or causing a distraction to the rest of the students. We would also offer a short private possibly to see how they do and if it’s something they’d be comfortable with. Then we would be better equipped to see how we can make their experience the best possible!”

“We will offer a sibling discount if more than 1 child wants to dance,” Godden said.

“Kenna has danced since age 4 competitively around the U.S.,” said her mother Godden. “I could tell when she was little she would dance around all the time. I would say she is gifted, it always came naturally to her.”

Kenna said she started dancing because of her mom’s friend, Brenna Stewart. “She only had boys and she put me in a dance class. After she passed away, I did it for her. I wouldn’t be where I am with dancing, if not for her.”

Kenna interviewed and was on TV’s Nickelodeon show at age 10, and this was her first dancing job.

At age 12 she was involved in Abby Lee Miller’s dance competition TV show, at 14 she danced at a Kansas City Chief’s half-time game with their cheerleaders, after training for six months.

This past summer she created choreography for the Northeast High School Vikings dance team, creating four dances for them to use throughout the year.

Her plans for the future:

“I am going to try to get into a Division 1 College for a dance team or try out for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders,” Kenna said. “I eventually was to travel and dance with music artists and later to open a dance studio and continue teaching.”

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Health Care, Mercy Hospital

Freeman Waiting For State Authorization For Hospital and Emergency Department in Fort Scott

January 8, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

In June 2024, Freeman Health Systems CEO Paula Baker announced that Freeman will build a 10-bed hospital and emergency department in the former Mercy Hospital Fort Scott building. They are “optimistic” for a spring 2025 opening.

Quickly Taking Shape

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Plans Under Review by State Officials

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – There’s been plenty of positive movement and momentum surrounding Freeman Fort Scott Hospital since it was first proposed to 100-plus cheering residents last June.

Freeman Health System, the region’s largest provider of healthcare services, is in the process of seeking licensure to open and operate an acute care hospital. Upon obtaining licensure, the proposed 10-bed general medical unit and 24-hour emergency department will operate within the city’s former hospital site located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. Freeman will lease the space from Kansas Renewal Institute, which recently purchased the former hospital building.

According to Freeman Neosho Hospital Chief Operation Officer Renee Denton, the all-important planning for required renovations and the design phase has been completed. The requested renderings have been submitted to state officials, and once approved, renovations will begin. Denton offered one example of minor renovations that would be required – the need for some of the bathrooms to undergo minor renovation to assure they meet current Americans with Disabilities Act compliance standards.

“We submitted those plans to the state and are waiting for their authorization,” Denton said. “Once plans are approved, we will immediately send the plans out for bid to have the required renovations completed.”

There’s plenty of “quiet” work currently underway at the former hospital building, she continued: Evaluating infrastructure capabilities that will be needed to support the overall computer system, operability and building the electronic medical record; evaluating and sorting through discarded equipment to determine what is operable; and identifying all new laboratory, radiology and pharmacy equipment needed to support the new hospital and emergency department.

“Representatives at Kansas Department of Health and Environment have been very helpful to work closely with us,” Denton said. “They have been very willing to help in whatever way they can. They, too, are supportive of the effort we’re trying to bring to fruition in Fort Scott.”

A community of roughly 7,600 residents and the county seat of Bourbon County, Fort Scott has been without a hospital since 2018. The hospital’s emergency department stayed open until it, too, closed in December 2023, forcing residents to seek medical treatment 30 minutes away in Pittsburg or across the state line in Nevada, Missouri.

The emergency department will consist of six bays, with 365-day, 24/7 coverage, by licensed physicians and trained nursing staff who will be well prepared to provide emergency care. Support for the emergency department includes laboratory, radiology, computerized tomography and an inpatient pharmacy. Opportunities to have outpatient lab, radiology and CT services will also be available to the community from the hospital.

The specific opening date for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital in 2025 will crystallize as state officials review Freeman’s submitted plans and required renovations are completed. Freeman Fort Scott Hospital will be prepared to undergo the state facility survey followed by the hospital licensure survey.

“We are optimistic that we can be open in the Spring of 2025, and what we continue to work toward right now,” Denton said. “There is no community that should be without emergency services, and we are committed to work as quickly as possible to bring these life-saving services to the Fort Scott community.

###

About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2024, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. A

Bourbon County, Clothing, Food, Fort Scott

Clothing and Food Donations Accepted by Bethsada Christian Church For Those In Need

January 6, 2025 Loretta George Leave a comment

The west porch of Bethsada Christian Church, at 101 S. Judson, has donated items that are free to those in need at any time. Submitted photo.

Becky Cowlishaw purchased the former Christian Church at 101 S. Judson in 2016 and renamed it Bethsada Christian Church.

“About 7 years ago, in 2017, I saw an idea a friend of mine had shared on Facebook that I wanted to replicate. I started taking donations to give away winter coats, gloves, hats, and scarves,” Cowlishaw said.

That idea soon turned into giving away donated clothing of all kinds as well as bric-brac and other household items, Cowlishaw said.

She knows there is a clothing need in the community and asks those wishing to donate clothing to do the following:

“1. I would prefer a message or text letting me know an approximate time frame, if at all possible, as to when the donations will be dropped off. This allows me to get the donations taken inside where I can separate and hang items if needed. If bags are left on the porch without my knowledge many times I will find the bags ripped and items scattered.

“2. Do not donate dirty items, junk, trash, etc. That should go without saying but you would be surprised /shocked by what I have come across while going through bags and boxes.

“3. I ask that any items taken are for you or family members to personally use. I have had reports of items being taken with the purpose of selling those items.

“4. The donation box in the alley is not associated with the church. I did ask for the box to be put there so that I could forward non-wanted items to another organization. Just know, if you put your bags of donations in the box in the alley, those donations are not staying local. It’s the donor’s choice, but wanted to clear up any possible confusion.”

Clothing donations to stay local are left on the west porch on Judson Street.

Food Is Available Also

The Blessing Box has nonperishable food for those in need. Submitted photo.

“I also have a food Blessing Box on the west side of the building,” she said. “Should anyone have donations of non-perishable food items feel free to put your items in the box, no prior arrangements are necessary.”

“My intent and prayer is for the truly needy ( single mothers, folk with low income, the unemployed, the homeless ) to possibly come across items that they or their family can use,” she said.

“I understand how much of a blessing it is to have my family’s needs met when I didn’t have the finances to meet those needs. I want others to be blessed too.”

Donors can contact her through Messenger on Facebook pages at

Becky Caldwell Cowlishaw

Bethesda Christian Church

Email addresses:

[email protected]

Cell phone:

620-215-3158

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Government, Kansas

Stream Advisory Issued For Unnamed Tributary near 185th and Quail in Bourbon County

January 3, 2025 Loretta George Leave a comment

In mid-December, a Pittsburg company was cited in northeast Bourbon County for not complying with Kansas laws on solid waste disposal. In 2024, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued five stream advisories in the State of Kansas.

“Radell Underground, Inc. was issued a Notice of Non-Compliance by KDHE, citing violation of K.S.A. 65-3409(a)(1) Disposal of solid waste by open dumping, on Dec. 13, for dumping the bore tailings and bore gel compound (containing bentonite and silica) as a slurry into the waterways shown on the attached map,” according to Jill Bronaugh, KDHE Communications Director in an email.

Radell bore dumping site in northeast Bourbon County. Submitted map.

“We do telecommunication (fiber optic cable) for CrawKan (Telephone Cooperative). One of our guys dumped mud where he wasn’t supposed to,” said Anthony McNeely a manager with Radell.

Organically modified bentonites effectively reduce the consumption of drilling fluids, conserve resources, and lessen environmental effects, according to https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10707903/

Industrial sand and gravel, often called “silica,” “silica sand,” and “quartz sand,” include sands and gravels with high silicon dioxide (SiO₂) content. These sands are used in glassmaking; for foundry, abrasive, and hydraulic fracturing (frac) applications; and for many other industrial uses, according to https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/silica-statistics-and-information

Radell Underground Inc. is a utility contractor that specializes in horizontal directional drilling, also known as boring. Their clients include AT&T, Evergy, CrawKan, and many more, according to their website.

“We met with Radell representatives to discuss the clean-up of the dumping sites and established a date of Jan. 10, to obtain the proper permits and approvals from the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who have jurisdiction over waterways. The clean-up is required to be completed by Jan. 20; at which time, the stream advisory will be rescinded,” Bronaugh said.

The following was posted on: December 13, 2024, on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1385

Stream Advisory Issued for an Unnamed Tributary North of Fort Scott, Kansas

“Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for the unnamed tributary near 185^th Street and Quail Road North of Fort Scott, Kansas.

The stream advisory is a result of multiple disposal sites from a boring operation that contained silica, bentonite, and a gel polymer near 185^th Street and Quail Road North of Fort Scott, Kansas.

The advisory has been issued because of potential sediment and unknown contaminants being present in the unnamed tributary. If you live or have activities near this area, do not enter the stream or allow children or pets to enter the stream.

KDHE will rescind the advisory once secondary (wading) contact has been deemed safe.”

Exercise, Fort Scott

New 2025 Programs From Fort Scott Recreation

January 2, 2025 Loretta George Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Recreation offers events throughout the year to help individuals stay physically fit.

This month, January 2025, the following classes are offered: yoga/pilates, Get Fit Stay Fit, Soul Fusion, Stretch Class, youth indoor soccer, Tiger Kids Cheer, Taekwondo, and The Biggest Loser Competition.

To view the current program calendar:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mxTZvzJEhnGPh9epiPGl4uaMrowKiA9e/view

Lucas Kelley is the Buck Run Community Center Recreation Director. Submitted photo.

Recreation Director Lucas Kelley provided a list of all the new programs coming this year:

Youth Track (starts in March) Pre-K-6th Grade
Stretch Class: January 13th – February 28th 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Yoga/Pilates January 13th – February 28th 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
All-Star Weekend Challenge: Contestants pick winners for the three National Basketball Association All-Star Events.

BRCC hours are Monday through Friday from 5 A.M. – 9 P.M.
Saturday 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. May through September, and
Sunday from noon to 5 P.M.
Recreation office hours are 8 A.M. – 5 P.M

For successful programs, it is critical for
participants to sign up by the deadline, according to the website.

Classes may be canceled if there are not enough
registrants and the decision to cancel programs will
be made shortly after the deadline.

There are fee assistance and scholarship programs available for those who need them.

“Everyone should be able to enjoy our programs! according to the website. “Based on the needs of the individual or family size,
collected from the information that is provided,
scholarships may be available. Just ask our staff
for additional information.”

“Our policy is to provide customer satisfaction and to
refund payment for services which do not meet
customer’s expectations. If by the second program
day, you are not happy with a program or have
conflicts, a credit will be issued,” according to the website.

“In the case of inclement weather and program
cancellations, register for Textcaster, listen to
KOMB FM (103.9), visit our website at
brcc.recdesk.com or call (620)-223-0386.

Managers will be notified if games are canceled, according to the website.

Lucas Kelley is the Recreation Director, Dave Fly is the Program Supervisor and Katie Chipman is the Office Manager at Buck Run Community Center, 735 S, Scott Avenue, Fort Scott.

Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

The Mission of the Fort Scott Recreation Commission (FSRC) is to promote the development of a healthy and productive life for the citizens who reside in the USD #234 School District through broad-based recreational opportunities, according to its website.

This is done by:

Providing a positive atmosphere for people and children that is fun and enjoyable.
Encouraging participation, not the winning and losing aspect of activities.
Providing a variety of programs for all ages, stages and abilities.
Remaining cooperative and open to all community input for additional recreational programming.
Recognizing the valuable contributions of community volunteerism.
Offering training to coaches and officials so that they are better prepared.
Encouraging positive reinforcement from coaches, officials, parents and to all that participate.

The Fort Scott Recreation Commission is comprised of Tammy Hill, Susan Marbery, Stewart Gulager, Adam Lancaster, and Dillon Duffy.

The following opportunities are provided to the community:

Buck Run Community Center/ Fisher Park , Located at 735 Scott Ave.

Which has the following: Fitness Rooms, Gymnasium, Kitchen, Indoor Basketball Court, Shuffle Board, Baseball Fields, Softball Fields, Tennis Courts, Outdoor Basketball Court, Swimming, Facility Rentals for Meetings, Parties, etc., Bathrooms and Playground Area. For Information Contact Buck Run at 620-223-0386.

Gunn Park

Located at Park Avenue 2

Lakes, Fishing, Shelter Houses, Tent & RV Camping, Bathrooms, Picnic Tables, Disc Golf and Playground Area. For Rental Information Contact City Hall at 620-223– 0550.

Lake Fort Scott

Located at Rt. 5 South of Fort Scott

Boating, Fishing, Swimming, Shelter Houses, Picnic Tables. For Information contact City Hall at 620-223-0550.

Bridal Veil Park

Located at West 2nd Street

Shelter House, Picnic Tables, Soccer Field, and Playground Area.

Lions Park

Located at West 18th Street

Baseball Field and Bathrooms.

Lincoln School Walking Trail

Located at West 18th Street

Walking, Running, Fishing, Picnic Tables.

Kiwanis Soccer Field

Located at 2108 Horton

Soccer Fields.

Betty Ruth Willard Fields/Ty Cullor Field

Located at 2108 Horton

Softball Fields, Baseball Field, Bathrooms, Picnic Tables and Playground Area.

Fort Scott Community College

Located at 2108 Horton
Gymnasium, Indoor Basketball, Tennis Courts, Volleyball, and Racquetball Court.

Ellis Park

Located at 12th & Williams

Softball Fields, Baseball Fields, Soccer Fields, Sand Volleyball, Basketball Court, Walking Trail, Shelter House, Picnic Tables, and Bathrooms.

3rd Street Park

Located at 3rd & Hill

Softball & Baseball Field, Shelter House, Bathrooms, Picnic Tables, Outdoor Basketball Court and Playground Area.

Nelson Park

Located at the corner of Grant & Elm Street
Playground Area and Walking Trail.

James Tedesco Memorial Skate Park

Located at 4th & Scott Street Skate Park

The park is for public use by skateboarders, rollerblades, scooters and more. Helmets are not required but suggested and benches and trashcans are provided for anyone who would like to enjoy watching the skaters perform.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Core Community Fundraiser: REZA LIVE on Feburary 8

December 23, 2024 Loretta George Leave a comment

Bourbon County Core Community exists to help with solving poverty in Bourbon County.

“We are a donor-supported 501(c)3 organization that offers an effective, data-backed program that walks people who are struggling in poverty through a 22-week course that helps them learn the mindset of poverty, the mindset of middle-class, and the steps it takes for them to move from one to the other,” said Deana Betts, the community liaison for the organization.

Bourbon County Core Community is hosting a fundraising event called Reza Live! on February 8th at 7 p.m. at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

About REZA

“More than a magic show, Reza infuses stage of the art production elements, masterful comedic timing, and numerous interactive & inspirational moments, allowing the audience to experience the magic first hand, according to a press release fron Core Community. Perhaps Reza’s greatest secret is his uncanny ability to communicate his performance art on such a personal level.”

Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.

Tickets are on sale now and available at rezalive.com.

“All proceeds will be used to fund our efforts to help people of Bourbon County move out of poverty,” Betts said.

About the program

“We meet every Tuesday night, begin with a donor-provided meal, and eat together as families. The children then move onto their programming while the adults work through class content, set goals met with their Core Friends (volunteers from the middle-class who help them and encourage them), etc.” she said.

Volunteers with Core Community provide meals, childcare, speak on specific topics, and be Core Friends.

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Deana Betts 785-488-8411.

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, Health Care, Kansas, Mercy Hospital, Youth

Kansas Renewal Institute Now Owns the Former Mercy Hospital.

December 20, 2024 Loretta George Leave a comment

Mercy Hosptial Building is now owned by Kansas Renewal Institute.

Kansas Renewal Institute now owns the former Mercy Hospital.

Shanda Stewart, spokesperson for KRI, said that as of December 19, 2024, KRI purchased the building from Legacy Health and is its new owner.

“We look forward to Freeman Health System coming to Bourbon County and working closely with them,” she said. “We are currently serving 54 children all from the state of Kansas and have 110 employees.”

About KRI

Kansas Renewal Institute is dedicated to helping young people renew their lives and regain power over their mental health issues, according to their website. We understand that struggling does not equate to weakness or moral failing, and we are determined to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to heal and grow. Our behavioral health treatment center in Fort Scott, Kansas, offers comprehensive and personalized services for mental health treatment. To learn more about Kansas Renewal Institute, call us at 888.306.4718 today. We believe everyone deserves care and respect, and we are here to guide our clients on their path toward healing.

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Quarterly Community Dance Party’s Are Coming in 2025 to Fort Scott

December 20, 2024 Loretta George 3 Comments

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.

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Signs Agreement With a Solar Energy Company

December 19, 2024 Loretta George 3 Comments

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

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.”

“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.”

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Care To Share Has Moved To Downtown Fort Scott

December 18, 2024 Loretta George Leave a comment

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.

Fort Scott, Schools

Preschool Move Is On The Horizon For 2025-26 School Year

December 17, 2024 Loretta George Leave a comment

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.”

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.

Nick Johnson is the principal of the preschool.

To view the prior story:

Fort Scott Preschool Will Get Bigger Facility in 2025

Business, Fort Scott

Businesses That Are Now Opening on Mondays

December 16, 2024 Loretta George Leave a comment

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, 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

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.

Fort Scott Biz