Tag Archives: featured

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, K-State Extension

Buying Gifts In The Community Is Beneficial to the Community

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Graphic from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
This year Small Business Saturday falls on November 25th and is a day when shoppers are encouraged to buy from local, small businesses for the good of the community they live in.
Supporting local small businesses is beneficial to both the buyer and the business. Savings on gas fill-ups and time are some of the benefits to buyers for buying local, and then there are the benefits to those businesses they buy from.
“What a difference a few dollars spent per shopper can make! ” said Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lindsay Madison said. And the Chamber has been working to encourage local shoppers.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is registered as a Neighborhood Champion for Shop Small, Small Business Saturday, a program initiated by American Express, according to Madison.

Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.

Neighborhood Champions work to rally the community to shop at local small businesses.

The Chamber has put together a Shop Small Passport that shoppers may pick up from local retailers this Friday and Saturday, she said.  “If shoppers earn three or more stamps by purchasing $5 or more, they turn in the passport at their 3rd store for an entry to win $50 in Chamber Bucks.  The drawing will take place on Tuesday, November 28th.  Chamber Bucks can be used like cash at over 60 Chamber member businesses and restaurants.”

“If you don’t already, we ask you to Like and Follow the Chamber’s Facebook page, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce,” she said.  “We have been posting a social campaign over the last couple of weeks to illustrate the importance of shopping local and what a difference a few dollars spent per shopper can make!  Some of those social posts have included the following messaging:

  • “Per score.org, for every $1 you spend at a small business, 67 cents stays in the local community. Forty-four cents goes to the small business owner and employee’s wages and benefits and 23 cents gets reinvested in other local businesses,” she said.
  • “Your $20 spent locally does more than purchase goods, it weaves a community tapestry, where every thread strengthens the whole. That same $20 circulates.  You eat at a local restaurant and tip the wait staff, the wait staff then goes and gets a haircut, the stylist then goes and buys a cup of coffee, the barista then buys a candle at a gift shop, and so on.  When you spend $20 online, that $20 is gone out of our community.
  • “Ten dollars spent at a local store can have a sizable impact. It’s estimated that over $9.3 billion would be returned to our U.S. economy if every family spent just $10 a month at a local business. That’s not even one meal’s worth of spending a month! It’s only a few cups of coffee or a glass of wine a month. What a tremendous impact we could have if everyone could commit to that.”

“As you Shop Small over the weekend, be sure to pick up your Passport,” Madison said.  “Have some fun and earn a chance to win while you’re supporting our local businesses are hit up year-round to sponsor events, support school fundraisers, and more.  It’s our turn to give back to them.”

The Chamber received a limited amount of promotional products from American Express that is being distributed to locally owned Chamber member small businesses to use during Small Business Season, said Madison.

Check out our Chamber member businesses and links to their websites here! https://fortscott.com/members/
#fortscottchamber
#smallbusinessseason
#shoplocal
#supportsmall
#shopsmall
Amanda Classen. Submitted photo.
From Amanda Clasen, Kansas State Extension Community Vitality Agent’s, weekly column:

“In 2010, American Express started the Small Business Saturday effort to help direct consumer’s dollars to local businesses. The nationwide holiday is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Some ideas to help you shop locally this holiday season may include:

  • Use a local print shop to see if they offer greeting cards or other unique gifts.
  • Support local flower shops by sending unique holiday arrangements that can be displayed throughout the holiday season.
  • Shop at local craft shows that showcase youth and Local Entrepreneurs. If your recipient likes to cook, buy a cookbook from a local fundraiser and attach dry ingredients to a new recipe.
  • Purchase from local grocery stores or farmer’s markets for ingredients in your holiday meals.
  • Purchase gift cards to local businesses, restaurants, and businesses of interest.
  • Recognize your own talents that you may have as well to provide a heartfelt gift that may not necessarily be bought at a big box store.

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

FSACF Match Day: Grant Will Double A Contribution to a Local Cause

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Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is hosting its 1st Annual Match Day Event to double the benefit to local causes.

“We are promoting a match day on Tuesday, November 28 during National Day of Giving where up to $25,000 will be available to match gifts that are given to our Fort Scott Area Community Foundation funds on that day,” said Becky Tourtillott, FSACF Vice President. “Those matching funds are being made available through a grant from the Patterson Family Foundation.”

Becky Tourtillott from the FSACF website.

The FSACF has a unique opportunity, through the grant from the Patterson Family Foundation, to match up to $25,000 for contributions made to eligible funds, according to a press release.

Care to Share, Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation, and Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation are three local organizations that have recently added an endowed fund with the FSACF, according to Tourtillott.

Those new funds in conjunction with the foundation’s existing funds offer a diverse range of efforts that community members can support, she said.

“Donors will have the ability to specify which specific fund they want to support, including the general foundation fund if they prefer,” Tourtillott said.

A website — https://www.fortscottgives.org/  has been established specifically for this event.

Craig Campbell is the president of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation this year.

“We are very excited for our inaugural Match Day, and the opportunity to grow these endowments and provide ongoing support for our charitable partners,” said FSACF Chairman Craig Campbell. “We invite the community to give together during Match Day because the local organizations and the services they provide are important to Bourbon County and make a true difference.”

The funds are invested to produce present and future income, which organizations can use for operations, programs, or special projects, according to the press release.

The $25,000 match pool will be divided among the participating organizations’ endowments in proportion to their share of community contributions, subject to a 20% limit, according to the press release. The full 100% of each donation will be placed in the organization’s endowed fund, and the match amount will be made available to the organization immediately.

Donations for Match Day can be made in three different ways, according to the press release:

  • Online at FortScottGives.org or
  • In-person, delivered to Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall, on or before Tuesday, November 28 or
  • By check, mailed to FSACF, P.O. Box 901, Fort Scott, KS 66701 with a postmark date no later than November 29, 2023. Please make checks payable to: the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation

Here’s a  synopsis of what those funds support:

About the FSACF Funds

Anna Faye and Robert Gordon Steele Memorial Funds: provides financial support to Fort Scott Community College Endowment Association, Fort Scott High School Scholarship Fund and Uniontown High School Scholarship Fund-all three for scholarships, Mount Orum Baptist Church of Redfield, Uniontown Methodist Church, Fort Scott Public Library, Old Fort Genealogy Society, The Beacon, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, Paralyzed Veterans Association, Evergreen Cemetery Association, Buck Run Community Center, Senior Citizens Center of Fort Scott, Redfield Ruritan Club, and the American Heart Association.

Care to Share Cancer Support Endowed Fund: provides support to members of the community impacted by cancer with financial/emotional/and transportation support to individuals.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Fort Scott Endowment:  supports worthwhile endeavors in Fort Scott and Bourbon County through annual granting.

Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation Fund:  supports programs such as Downtown Historic District enhancements and events, community advancement projects, educational and leadership programs, and youth scholarships.

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation General Endowment Fund: provides annual funding for competitive grants in Fort Scott and Bourbon County. Since its inception in 2009, FSACF has awarded over $386,000 in competitive grants.

Fort Scott Area Public Parks Endowment: supports the Riverfront Authority, which promotes the preservation and protection of the Marmaton River for the enjoyment and education of residents and visitors.

Dr. Pratt & Pauline Irby Endowment: benefits the charitable causes that the Irbys supported during their lifetimes.

John Valentine & Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund: supports grants to organizations addressing healthcare needs in Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

Shepherd Family Endowment Fund: supports the FSACFC’s annual granting, benefiting the residents of Fort Scott and Bourbon County in memory of Ray and Mary Shepherd.

Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation: provides support for the Fort Scott Paws and Claws Animal Shelter.

Members of the FSACF board: Campbell, Tourtillott, Lindsay Madison, Deana Endicott, Sheryl Bloomfield, Janet Braun, Michelle Bruner, Steve Buerge, Jess Ervin, Carla Farmer, Ronda Hassig, Bailey Lyons, Linda Noll, Kirk Sharp, Travis Shelton, David Shepherd, and Jordan Witt.

 

 

***

 

Food, Fort Scott

Schwalm Family Thanksgiving Dinner For the Community: Perhaps the Last

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Two of the Schwalm family members Margery and her, son David. Submitted photo.

The Margery Schwalm family has been providing free Thanksgiving dinners to the Fort Scott community for 28 years.

The Schwalm family poses following the community Thanksgiving dinner during the pandemic. Submitted photo.

“It takes a good week out of my life to do this,” Margery said. “I would like to fix Thanksgiving dinner for my family next year.”

The best part for her is “talking to all the people that call and are so thankful for the meals,” she said. “I get lots of thank you’s from lots of people.”

“But I am tired,” she said. “I would love to have anyone pick it up.”

But for this year,  she and about 25 family members along with some others, will be cooking, packaging, and giving away turkey with all the fixings.

There is a drive-through pickup and also a delivery service for those who can’t get out, but no sit-down meal.

The event is this Thursday, November 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. People can call Schwalm at 620.224.6769 to order the meals.

The City of Fort Scott supplies the orange cones that help direct the traffic the day of the dinner at the Elks, and her son David helps with the distribution of the dinners to those who pick up.

Schwalm is a lifelong member of the Elks and gets the use of the facility for free, she said.

Elks Club members Bill Brittain and Pat Bishop gather the turkeys and slow roast them, a few days before the dinner.

“We buy the turkeys from G & W Grocery Store,” she said. “Last year I paid about $700 for the turkeys. G & W donates the carryout bags.”

“Then I round up most of my family and a few friends and will debone them,” she said.

“Cindy Ziegler Schwalm makes sure everything in the kitchen is taken care of, she has several people that help her,” Schwalm said. “She has some big strong guys to help whip up those potatoes.”

Cindy Ziegler Schwalm, facing center right, with the kitchen help at the Schwalm family community Thanksgiving dinner. Submitted photo.

Community Christian Church donates 50 pies and 15 cakes for the event.

“They do a wonderful job with the desserts,” she said.

Parkway Church of God donates money for the dinner rolls.

“The rest of the stuff I buy,” she said. “The carryout plates, seasonings, all the extra fixings to pull it all together.”

A free-will offering is accepted to help with the cost of the meal.

“Freewill donations generally pay for what I am out,” she said.

“We will be out there Thursday in the morning,” she said. “The helpers, the cookers, the handlers who pack up the meals.”

“Once I get everything taken care of,  I will be in the background overseeing,” she said.

Aria and Charlee Davis help with desserts and taking meals to the drive-through. Submitted photo.
The packaging of the Schwalm family Thanksgiving dinner. It is an assembly line. Submitted photo.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business

Another Solar Farm Is In Initial Stage in Bourbon County

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Courtesy of NextEra Energy Resources.

Another solar energy facility for Bourbon County is in the initial stages.

Earlier this year Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative put up solar arrays at 135th and Range Roads in the northern part of the county.

To view that story: Heartland Creates Solar Farm To Generate Energy For Local Members

 

The Devon Solar Farm, rural Bourbon County. Behind the fence are rows of solar energy collectors which help provide electricity for Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative members in the area.

On November 13,  during the Bourbon County Commission meeting, Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks presented the commissioners with four contracts with NextEra Energy to be signed for solar energy production in the southwest part of the county.

NextEra Energy is the world’s largest utility company, according to its website.

“For more than 20 years, NextEra Energy Resources has been investing in Kansas and is committed to continued renewable energy development,” said Laura Gies, NextEra Energy Resources Communication Specialist.

“Hinton Creek Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, is a proposed photovoltaic solar energy facility for Bourbon County,” she said.  “The proposed project will have the capacity to generate approximately 400 megawatts of solar energy that is able to power about 50,000 homes.”

“The electric grid is made up of power generation assets, transmission lines, and distribution centers,” she said. “The grid constantly balances the supply and demand for the energy that powers everything from industry to household appliances. Essentially, the power generated from the Hinton Creek Solar site will be delivered to the electric grid and go where it’s needed. While the power goes where it’s needed, the benefits of Hinton Creek Solar always stay local.”
The development of the facility is a long process.

“Developing a solar project is a multi-year process, which includes assessing existing transmission infrastructure, landowner and county officials’ interest, as well as conducting environmental surveys among other considerations to determine whether this community is right for a renewable energy project,” she said. “Hinton Creek Solar is in the initial stages.”

“Renewable energy projects, like the proposed solar project, are attractive to local communities, as they provide numerous economic benefits, including good jobs and the potential for millions of dollars in additional tax revenue, which can be used to enhance schools, roads, and essential services,” she said.

“Hinton Creek Solar will create hundreds of construction jobs, and our goal is to hire as many qualified workers as possible from the local area,” she said.

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.(REDI) has been working on this project with NextEra, Commissioner Jim Harris said during the November 13 commissioners’ meeting.

“We’re thrilled to announce an $800 Million Solar Development coming to our region,” Bourbon County REDI Director Rob Harrington said. “REDI played a crucial role in making this happen. Construction is set to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.”
Harrington thanked Hinton Creek Solar LLC. for selecting
Bourbon County for this monumental project, he said.
“This is the largest single development project that Bourbon County has ever received, and we are delighted they chose to bring this large development to our community,” Harrington said.

 

The site will be in the southwest part of the county, with 27 community members agreeing to put a portion of the solar facility on their properties.

The following are the signed agreements as provided on the county’s website:

Development-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(2)

Contribution-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(2)

Road-Use-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(3)

Decommissioning-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(2)

Here is a brief look at parts of two of the agreements:

 Development Agreement

The development agreement document signed is made between the Board of County Commissioners for Bourbon County and Hinton Creek Solar, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, whose address is 700 Universe Boulevard, Juno Beach, FL 33408, according to the document provided by the county.

The developer, NextEra Energy, intends to construct one or more project companies or phases and operate a solar project, commonly referred to as the Hinton Creek Solar Project, to be located on privately-owned land within the county and includes photovoltaic solar panels, battery storage, inverters, solar monitoring equipment, substations, collection lines, access roads, temporary construction areas, operation and maintenance facilities, and other infrastructures relating to the solar project, according to the document.

The developer has or will enter into lease agreements, easement agreements, and forms of landowner consent documents with the participating landowners within the solar project area.

The county intends to consider the orderly development, construction, operation, and maintenance of the solar project.

The county acknowledges and agrees that all permits and approvals required for the solar project have been granted and substantial amounts of work have been completed, according to the signed agreement.

Contributions Agreement

According to Kansas law, property used to produce and generate electricity using renewable energy resources (including solar) is exempt from all property or ad valorem taxation for ten taxable years immediately following the taxable year in which construction or installation of such property is completed and upon the filing of such application for exemption, according to the contributions document provided by the county.

The developer shall make the following contributions to the county:

One initial payment of $1,000 per megawatt of installed photovoltaic capacity of the project made within 30 days after the start of construction. If the project is constructed in more than one phase, each phase shall make separate initial payment.

An annual contribution of $1,500 per megawatt of installed photovoltaic capacity of the project by January 15 of each year…and continuing through the 9th anniversary of the initial contribution date, for a total of 10 annual contributions. If the project is constructed in more than one phase, each phase shall make separate annual contributions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Clothing

Key Clothing Sale Starts November 18

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Some of the merchandise that is for sale at the upcoming warehouse sale.

Key Apparel has been a local business for over a hundred years.

“Key has been in business in Fort Scott since 1908 and was founded on bib overalls,” said Brenda Brown with sales support and merchandising for the business.

Key Industries, Inc. in Fort Scott is having its 15th Annual Warehouse Sale from Saturday, November 18 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., then from Monday through Wednesday, November 20-22 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The sale continues on Friday, November 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., then Saturday, November 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We have first quality products,” Angie Carr, Key’s Operation Project Coordinator, said. “We also use the sale to sell discontinued styles or colors, and irregulars-say for instance where a stitch is not completed and didn’t pass inspection but we can go ahead and closeout. That will be noted  to the customer, we will specify why it is irregular.”

The sale this year is at a new location at 2400 S. Main St. Suite 200,  between Hibbets and T-Mobile in the strip mall.

The annual Key Warehouse Sale has moved to the space between Hibbets and T-Mobile in the strip mall on Fort Scott’s south side.

“Previously, we were at the former Gordman’s Store space under a short-term lease,” said  Carr.”We have the same amount of merchandise (in the new space) as in previous years.”

Key Apparel is an official clothing sponsor of the Kansas State Fair and to commemorate that designation, Ike, the Bison, a collectible toy, will be sold.

“They make ideal stocking stuffers,” Carr said.

Ike the Bison will be sold at the annual Key Warehouse Sale.

Payment of cash, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover will be accepted during the sale.

 

To shop year round:www.keyapparel.com

Art, Bourbon County

BCAC Presents Bad Art by Good People 2023 on November 16

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Marty Read conducting the 2016 Bad Art by Good People Art Auction.

Several local people are donating their artwork, and supporting the local arts council in fundraising.

The Bourbon County Arts Council invites the public to join them in celebrating creativity in our community at this year’s “Bad Art by Good People” Fundraising Event and Auction.

The event is Thursday, November 16, at 7 p.m. at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 Horton Street on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College.

People look over the artwork at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee before the Bad Art by  Good People auction in 2018.

The first “Bad Art by Good People” Event was in 2013. This is where local people try their hand at art and then offer that art to be sold to benefit the Bourbon County Arts Council.

This year’s auction will be the 6th year, with 23 artists participating.

“Since that first auction, 120 community members have donated their time and creative energy (with a bit of humility) to this project, where individuals are given a canvas and asked to create an original piece of art,” Deb Halsey, BCAC President said.

The BCAC Mentoring Workshops provide inspiration and technical advice to those who are creating the art,  with the help of local artists.

This year’s artists include Caroline Barnes, Kelly Barr, Nedra Barr, Donna Bowman, Dave Brezik, Rilie Creollo, Kathy Dancer, Kate Freeman, Trent Freeman, Rachel French, Stewart Gulager, Rob Harrington, Ronda Hassig, Krysta Hulbert, Bobbi Kemna, Megan Malone, David Martin, Madelyn Martin, Matt Park, Carrie Southwell, Joy Self, Diane Striler, and Billy Webster.

Artificers Gallery owners, Kate and Trent Freeman, have also donated a series of “Pendulum Paintings” that were created during their 2023 Kids Camp. Proceeds from the auction of these paintings will be donated to Bourbon County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

At 7 p.m., the event will begin with art viewing and voting for this year’s “Best Bad Artist”.

The winner of this award will receive a certificate for $50 in Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Bucks, which can be spent at any of over 60 local retailers.

Local auctioneer Marty Reed will conduct the art sale at 7:30 p.m. and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

“Bad Art by Good People is one way that the BCAC attempts to fulfill its mission to ‘foster, promote and increase the knowledge, appreciation, and practice of the arts’ in our community,” said Halsey. “The BCAC also supports local students, by donating annually to Project Art at Fort Scott Middle School and providing scholarships to high school seniors in Bourbon County who will be pursuing art-related majors in college.”

Deb Halsey and Elaine Buerge man the reception booth at the event in 2018.

“This year, the BCAC has also made contributions to the Gordon Parks Celebration, as well as the First Kansas Colored Infantry Mural,” she said. “They have also hosted two Patio Concerts at Crooner’s Restuarant and are scheduled to host a Membership Drive Concert and Dinner in February 2024, headlining the musical group “Wednesdays at Herman’s” which features singer Summer Buerge Timperley, daughter of local artist Elaine Buerge, and Steve Buerge.”

The Bourbon County Arts Council is comprised of the following members: Deb Halsey, President; Breann Eden, Vice-President; Terri Floyd, Treasurer; and Steve Floyd, Secretary; as well as Elaine Buerge, Trent Freeman, Justin Meeks, Kelly Nelson, Robin Whitlock, Chris Woods, and Vicki Wright. Deb Anderson graciously served as board president for 23 years, Halsey said.

“Come out and enjoy an evening of original art, and cast your vote for this year’s ‘Best Bad Artist’,” she said.

Linda Jackson’s painting from the event in 2018. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

Bigfoot Is Coming To Town

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From left, Thug 1, Doctor Virus, Thug 2, News Announcer, Mrs. Claus, Santa, Bigfoot, Ben II, Jordan, Grace and Ben I. Submitted photo.

“I love the anticipation of Christmas,” AllenTwitchell, Fort Scott Community College’s Theatre Director said in a press release. “Tis indeed the season for memories, for family, for giving, for the promise of snow and a new year, and it is my pleasure to celebrate it with the community on Nov. 16 this year.”

“The gift we present at 7 p.m. that day in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is called “Santa ‘Claws’ Is Coming to Town,” the second installment of a three-part trilogy featuring Bigfoot as a central character and written by me because at my previous academic place of employment, the costume closet contained an idle Bigfoot costume,” he said.

“And, for the fifth year, Walmart of Fort Scott is graciously supplying Christmas candy to be distributed by the cast in the lobby following the show,” he said.

“I believe in the power of the arts to bring us together,” Twitchell said. “The theater also provides a palatable platform from which to confront social issues and hopefully inspire positive change. Also, the community supports us with their tax dollars and we want to give back in the form of inexpensive (free) entertainment options.”
About the play

“In part one of the trilogy, “A Very Hairy Christmas,” Bigfoot is pursued by the dreaded Darth Hunter and his henchmen, Dim and Dimmer, but with the aid of three youngsters (Ben, Jordan and Grace) and an ace reporter (Ben’s dad), he escapes the clutches of the evil villain and learns the story of Christmas and then everybody sings.”

“In this year’s offering, Darth Hunter’s demented brother, Doctor Virus, plots to kill Christmas by addicting Santa Claus to a video game and forcing him to miss the midnight deadline for delivering the first present to a select family in Fort Scott, thereby activating the “Santa Clause” and canceling Christmas…as negotiated by the reindeer union during its most-recent contract talks,” he said. “Again, Bigfoot and the kids endeavor to come to the rescue and chaos ensues…along with more singing.”

“Part three, All I Want for Christmas is Bigfoot’s Teeth, performed at FSCC on two prior occasions, unites the two previous “bad guys” with their even-more-sinister sister, Noella DeVile, intent on capturing Bigfoot and extracting his teeth for their magical properties, which include keeping her young and beautiful,” Twitchel said. “Spoiler alert: She is unsuccessful and everybody sings.”

The cast: Clint LaFollette, Will Holliday, Braxton Ferrell, Gia Dickey, Heidi Clevenger, Josh Smith, Nick Shelton, Isaiah Subbert, Ivy Swearingen and Christina King. The singing director is Chris Goddard. Joshua Ramsey and Zach Loper provide tech support. “And, of course, Santa makes an appearance,” he said.

“If this doesn’t sound like fun to you, just come for the candy,” he said.

“In any event, let us be the first to wish you, “Merry Christmas – and a Happy Thanksgiving,” he said.

Allen Twitchell. Submitted photo. 2023
Twitchel is in his seventh year as FSCC’s theater instructor.
“Sharing my passion for live theater with students and young people is my motivation, as well as doing what I can to ensure they leave here not only as better students but as better people,” he said.
Upcoming events on the FSCC Campus:

FSCC cheer and dance squad is sponsoring a Little Greyhounds Cheer Clinic for youngsters in kindergarten -eighth grade from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 19 in Arnold Arena. The cost for the clinic is $25. Contact Allee Morillo, head cheer and dance coach, at (913) 230-8869 to register or for answers to questions.

The FSCC Library Book Club meets next Wednesday (Nov. 15) in the library commons area. The featured topic is Women in Science and Diversity and the select book is “Lessons in Chemistry.” Contact Susie Arvidson at [email protected] for more information.

Spring and summer enrollment is open at FSCC.

 

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment

KISS is Coming to Fort Scott, Almost

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Almost Kiss. Submitted photo.

For those who love American Hard Rock Music, there is a show for you this weekend in Fort Scott.

KISS, the original group formed in the 1970s is known for such hits as  “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Black Diamond,” according to its website.

A group considered talented enough to be endorsed by Gene Simmons, one of the original KISS members, Almost KISS will be performing this Saturday, November 18,  at 7 p.m. at  Fort Scott’s  Memorial Hall, Third Street and National Avenue.

To order tickets: https://advanceboco.ticketspice.com/almost-kiss-tribute-band

Memorial Hall at Third and National Avenue.

Almost KISS are four devoted KISS fans and they choose to pay homage to the famous band in their shows, according to their website.

This entertainment event and others throughout the year have been organized by Advance Bourbon County.

Cory Bryars, Brad Matkin, and Josh Jones were having a conversation earlier in the year.

“Brad mentioned this tribute band, Almost Kiss,” Jones, spokesman for the Advance Bourbon County group, said. “Then he started reminiscing about his old rock and roll days. I have even talked Brad into having full Kiss makeup on during this event. So that itself is worth the admission fee.”

“With ABC, I have no set agenda on acts or events that I prefer,” he said. “Our main thing early on is to try as many different types of events as possible and see which ones gather the most attention. Then as we move into 2024 we will be more selective on which events we bring in. It’s just a way of giving back to a community that we love being part of. We have a beautiful venue and the most wonderful people around and it’s our hope we can now start drawing in outside people to our community to see what we can offer.”

Josh Jones.

Advance Bourbon County is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit foundation whose purpose is to make Bourbon County a better place through events and fundraising opportunities, according to its website.

“We will be announcing our upcoming events for 2024. We plan on doing about 6-8 events in 2024,” Josh Jones said.

The ABC recently organized a renovation of the waiting room in Memorial Hall, which is used by entertainers when they are offstage.

Aaron Judy with H2 Painting, Jeff Allen Electric, Fort Scott Fire Department, Flowers by Leanna, and Stoughton’s Plumbing helped with the project.
The work was done with volunteer work and some donated materials.
“Memorial Hall is such a big asset to our community and Advance Bourbon County is excited to play a part in helping fix it up,” Jones said.

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools, Sports, Youth

2023 Fall Extravaganza is November 20: Shopping To Support the Swim Team

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Fort Scott Middle School.

The annual 2023 Fall Extravaganza is Monday,  November 20 from 5-8 p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School. The event began in 2009.

“Fort Scott High School Swimming is sponsoring the event,” said Madeline Martin, the swim coach for both boys and girls teams.
“The purpose of the event is to help our swimmers raise money to attend the 2024 Summer Olympic Swim Trials as well as bring an opportunity to town to support local businesses.”

“We have 56 booth spaces this year, a few more than last year in addition to several new vendors,” Martin said.

On  Facebook: https://fb.me/e/NkwvKmyf

Below is a list of vendors for the event:

About FSHS Swim Teams

“We have 11 boys coming out this year through our cooperative agreement with Frontenac and Pittsburg (school districts),” Martin said. “This girl’s season I am planning on 15+ girls from our COOP with Pittsburg, Frontenac, Arma, Colgan, and Humboldt ( school districts).”

The swim team practices from Monday-Friday in Pittsburg at the YMCA.

“Boys swimming has been active in Fort Scott since the winter of 2019 and then girl’s season began the spring of ’20 but was cut short due to COVID,” she said. “Angie Kemmerer began coaching the team and this will be my third year as swim coach.”

The money raised from booths at the Fall Extravaganza will allow the student-athletes to go to the Summer Olympics in Indianapolis, Indiana in June 2024.

“We are going to be spectators at the Summer Olympics,” she said. “The kids are excited to go watch some of their favorite athletes in person and watch a high-level competition in person.”

 

 

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Annual Holiday Shopping Open House Begins This Evening

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Santa sits on a bench in front of The Ironstar and gets a second look from Ernestine Eden.

If people haven’t been out and about in Fort Scott lately, they might be pleasantly surprised at the number of quality boutiques, art galleries, and other storefronts that the city has to offer, according to Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

“Nearly every building is occupied and we are so grateful for the investment that building and business owners have made in our community,” she said.

The chamber recently announced the Annual Holiday Open House Shopping event, Downtown & Around in Fort Scott.

The main event will take place this evening,  Thursday, November 9 from 5-8 p.m. with refreshments, drawings, and deals to enjoy and get you in the holiday spirit!

On Thursday the trolley will be going from store to store from 5-8 p.m. for shoppers to ride to each site.

The multi-day event will continue on Friday and Saturday, November 10-11.

Nearly 20 participating retailers are involved,  including 110 South Main, Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses, Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, Better in Bourbon, Be the Light Boutique, Bids & Dibs, Flint + Fray, Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Laree + Co, Long Creek Outfitters, Papa Don’s Vendors, Ruddick’s Furniture, Sekan’s Occasion Shop, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, The Artificers, and The Beauty Lounge.

One can enter their name at each store for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks.

Visit fortscott.com or the Chamber’s Facebook page for more details.

The trolley in a Christmas parade in 2016.

History of the Event:
“Iron Star Antiques & Such initially started the Holiday Open House concept 20 years ago this month when Barbara Trimbur and Cindy Bowman, who were both booth vendors in the store at the time, came up with the idea,” said Madison. “Then Barbara took over ownership of the store that following January. I started leading the Chamber as President and CEO in the Fall of 2010 and that may have been the first year all of the businesses formally came together for an organized event.”

 

Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.

“I feel the Chamber and the retailers together have a strong relationship and communicate and work well together to plan these types of events and promotions throughout the year such as Spring Fling, Sidewalk Sales, Fall Fest, Holiday Open House, and more,” she said.

Bourbon County

Veterans to Be Honored in Bourbon County

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Veterans Day Ceremony, 2015, at Fort Scott National Cemetery.
Giving recognition to area veterans is happening starting tomorrow and continuing through the weekend in Bourbon County.

Fort Scott and Uniontown’s School Districts and other entities have planned several events to honor local vets.

USD 234  would like to invite and recognize veterans during the following events:

Winfield Scott is having a Veterans Day assembly at 7:45 a.m. on November 10,  Eugene Ware is having one at 2:30 p.m., and Middle School is having theirs at 2:45 p.m., according to USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown.

“Motorcycle riders will be going by all of the schools beginning at the preschool at 9 a.m., he said.  “All schools will have the kids out on the route in honor of the veterans.”
All veterans interested in attending the middle school assembly, please contact the FSMS front office at 620-223-3262. The following information will be needed; your name, contact number, area of service, and one or two members you would like to bring with you (there is limited seating).
Also, if you do not plan to attend, the school administration
would still like to extend a thank you via mail.
The Uniontown High School Senior Class is looking for veterans or active duty military who would like to attend the Veterans Day assembly on Monday, November 13, according to USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden.  Please contact a Uniontown High School Senior if you know someone who would like to attend,  or by calling Destiny Walker at (620)224-6038.

On Friday night November 10, the Pizza Republic Restaurant, 17 S. Main, will celebrate the U. S. Marine Corps’ birthday. They will host an official cake-cutting ceremony starting at 7 PM. The Marines present will sing the Marine hymn and raise their glasses for a traditional toast to The Corps.

There will be flags put around the perimeter of the parade ground at  Fort Scott National Historic Site,  in commemoration of Veteran’s Day.

On November 11, a Veterans Day Program at the Fort Scott National Cemetery will be at 11 a.m., organized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

On November 11,  from 8 to 10 p.m. Outlaw Jim and The Whiskey Benders will be at Pizza Republic Restaurant, 17 S. Main, with a concert to celebrate veterans and their sacrifices made for freedom. There is a $5 cover charge.

From November 10-12, there is a Veterans Day Appreciation Special at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park,2051 130th, Mapleton. All military personnel/active or veteran/first responders can come out and ride the trails at NO CHARGE with an ID card.

Bourbon County, Elections

Bourbon County Unofficial Election Results: Slight Increase in Voter Participation

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“As of the final unofficial report with all precincts reporting we had a total of 2,382 ballots cast out of 12,309 registered voters with a turnout of 19.35% which is better than the last city/school election where there was only 14.54% of turnout,” Jennifer Hawkins, the Bourbon County Clerk said. “We had 28 workers spread throughout the seven polling sites this year.”

“The official results will not be available until after the provisional ballots are determined at canvass next week,” she said.

The following are the unofficial Bourbon County Election Results,taken from the county’s Facebook page.