If you happen to pass near the old Walgreens parking lot, you may be greeted by a voice coming from the sky saying, “You are trespassing! Please leave the area. This area is under video surveillance, and you have been recorded.”
While you look up to identify the celestial speaker in the heavens, you will instead find an aerial bullhorn complete with multiple video cameras and flashing blue lights.
According to the Fort Scott police department, they aren’t owned by law enforcement but are installed by property owners. The devices, made by Live View Technologies, are marketed as a solar-powered way to prevent theft and vandalism.
The devices gained attention in 2023 when they were placed outside an operational Walgreens across the street from a Ronald McDonald house. There, they loudly announced their oration every half hour to the annoyance of families trying to sleep across the street. The innkeeper was unhappy about “Robocop” waking his guests. While those devices seemed to be launching their repetitive discourse on a timer, the LVT website indicates they usually respond to motion.
Randy Zimmerman, left, and Ron Bolin pose with trophies in a race competition. Submitted photos
Two Fort Scottians will be honored on Feb. 1 by the Ozarks Area Racers in Springfield, MO.
In the fall, the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation announced its 2025 Hall of Fame class, according to a press release.
The 37th annual Ozarks Area Racers Reunion and Hall of Fame Induction will be held Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex in Springfield, MO.
Inductees are selected in two categories: Legends (for driving accomplishments) and Pioneers (off-track contributions such as car owners, mechanics, sponsors or media members).
The two honorees from Fort Scott are being inducted for stock-car racing accomplishments.
Ron Bolin
Ron Bolin. Submitted photo.
Ron Bolin died in 2021 and was the second generation in his family to race stock cars. His uncle by marriage, Rick Sharp of Fort Scott, was the first in their family that raced. X was on his vehicle. “It’s considered a number even though it’s a letter,” said Ron’s son, Brian, the third-generation stock car racer.
“I don’t know what got Rick into racing, but from then on, we went to races on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.”
“X JR became his number,” Brian said. “People see it on the side of the car.” The next generation of Bolins then put X in their number, as did the fourth generation.
Ron got his racing start in 1972 and compiled over 400 career victories while winning 20-plus track championships on Ozarks-area and regional speedways, according to a press release.
Randy Zimmerman
Submitted photo. Randy Zimmerman in Amarillo, Texas at the Dirt Track Speedway. It was his biggest win ever, September 1994, winning $20,000 from left is Amanda Portwood, Billy Portwood, Rhonda Dunn, Leland Zimmerman, Maxine Zimmerman, Doug Potter, Ryan Forester, Donnie Marsh, Melba Marsh, Clara Dunn, Mike Dunn. Kneeling in Front – Marnie Zimmerman & Randy Zimmerman
Randy Zimmerman, 62, of Fort Scott, said he always wanted to race.
“I had a (motorized) mini-bike when I was 9 or 10, then a couple of motorcycles, then got a Camaro and started hot-rodding around town. When I was 13 I started watching others (at the race car track) and ended up helping Ronnie Bolin a little (with his race car) before I got mine.”
“My Dad had a lathe around and helped me build parts for the race car,” he said.
“We have been blessed to have support with our race program from family, friends, and sponsors,” said Marnie, his wife. “We could not have done any of this without them.”
Zimmerman works at Ward Kraft in research and development, building equipment.
Randy Zimmerman from the U.S. Racing Association website.
He has won championships in many area tracks, including Monett, Lucas Oil Speedway, Springfield Raceway, West Plains Motor Speedway, North Fork Speedway, and Joplin 66. Randy began racing in 1980 and remains active in the sport with feature wins at 31 different tracks in seven states, according to the press release.
Induction Ceremony
Zimmerman and Bolin will be honored at the induction ceremony on Feb. 1 at the fairgrounds in Springfield, MO.
In addition to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, racing memorabilia and race cars from different eras will be on display inside the E-Plex, according to a press release. Promoters from area speedways also will be invited to introduce their track champions from the 2024 season in a “Salute to Champions” prior to the Hall of Fame program.
Zimmerman and Bolin will have their names engraved on a monument in black marble at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
FORT SCOTT, Kan. – In preparation for the much-anticipated opening of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., a job fair will be held in early February.
Scheduled from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, the fair will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the future hospital’s location, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
It’s an opportunity for Freeman to recruit and for individuals to explore what job opportunities are available. There are currently 60-plus openings for the new Freeman hospital. These positions include:
RN – Acute Care
RN – Emergency Department
Social Worker
Respiratory Therapist
Nurse Tech – Acute Care
Nurse Tech – Emergency Department
Network Engineer
Desktop Support Specialist
Administrative Assistant
Courier
Supply Chain Technician
Admissions Representative Specialist
Monitor Tech
Medical Technologist
Medical Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Medical Assistant
X-Ray/C-T Technologist
Vascular Sonographer
Pharmacist in Charge
Pharmacy Tech
Hiring managers will be available during the job fair and will have additional information about various openings.
Freeman Health System, the region’s largest provider of healthcare services, is in the process of seeking licensure to open and operate a 10-bed hospital and 24-hour emergency department with licensed physicians and trained nursing staff. 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.
Mercy Hosptial Building is now owned by Kansas Renewal Institute. Freeman Fort Scott Hospital will soon be housed in the facility.
The emergency room operations has been assumed by Freeman Health Systems.
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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. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Jaidyn Crumby is a senior at Fort Scott High School and has turned a passion into a business.
“I’m currently taking floriculture classes and fell in love with the art of floral design,” she said. “So I decided to try and start my own little operation.”
“I started taking a floriculture class through the high school’s FFA chapter last year and loved it,” she said. “Sydney Cullison is my teacher and without her, this whole thing would not be possible. She taught me that it’s ok to mess up because you can always fix it.”
“Floral design is an art and it takes patience. Ms. Cullison taught me that it is all trial and error and that you can’t get frustrated if something doesn’t work the first time you try.”
“I have been making arrangements for my friends and family just for birthdays or holidays for a while and my dad saw the passion I had and helped me start my business. I love creating something for someone that will just instantly put a smile on their face.”
“My Dad is Zac Crumby, my mom is Stephanie Weddle, and my stepmom is Amanda Crumby.”
She makes all of the arrangements from her home and orders flowers in bulk online.
“Valentine’s Day will be my first preorder so I will use it as a test run to hopefully better my business in the future.”
After high school, she plans to attend college and major in agriculture business, specifically crop and soil management, and minor in plant and soil science.
“After attaining my bachelor’s degree I plan to attend Cleveland University in Kansas City to get my doctorate degree in Chiropractics.”
Submitted photo. One of Crumby’s creations.
How To Order
“I currently have a pre-order posted on Facebook with a link attached to order a dozen or a half a dozen roses for Valentine’s Day. Roses will be red, possibly pink also depending on the demand.”
Customers have the opportunity to leave a custom message for whoever may be receiving the arrangement.
Customers also have the choice of pick up or delivery (Fort Scott area). Delivery doesn’t have a $5 service charge.
The full dozen arrangements are $50 and the half a dozen arrangements are $25. Each arrangement will come in a vase with a bow. The roses will be arranged with baby’s breath and greenery.
There will be three payment options including, cash, check, and Venmo. Orders will close on February 2nd to ensure plenty of time to get flowers ordered.
Residents in a portion of Bourbon County have been issued a boil water advisory by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
The boil order is for people in northwest Bourbon County, from west of 95th Road to the Allen County line and north of Highway 54 to the Linn County line, according to Jack Ripper, the Water Operator for Rural Water District #4.
“The tower pressure got too low at Soldier Street and 60th,” Ripper said.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued a boil water advisory for the Bourbon County Rural District #4 public water supply system located in Bourbon County on January 20, according to a press release.
Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
The advisory took effect on January 20 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure due to an equipment malfunction at the water treatment plant. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.
Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 620-224-8095, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785-564-6767.
Dr. Ethan Couch, 23, is a new associate doctor with Dr. Kaylee Clifton. He began duties on January 14.
Couch graduated from Nevada High School in 2019, received his associate’s degree from Crowder College, Nevada, and then went to Cleaveland University in Kansas City, earning a bachelor’s degree in human biology. He then enrolled in the school’s Doctor of Chiropractic program in 2020 and graduated in December 2024.
“I did a year of training with the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in K.C. with the clerkship program,” he said. “I got to meet with doctors- neurosurgeons, pharmacists, occupational therapists and orthosurgeons- and ask questions to have a better understanding of multi-disciplinary treatment options.”
“I knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but wanted to provide conservative treatment for musculoskeletal conditions,” he said.
“Conservative treatment is non-invasive therapeutic exercise or adjustments, anything that doesn’t stretch into injections, surgery or medications.”
So far, the best part of the job is “Getting to know the patients and providing quality care that helps with day-to-day life.”
Couch and his wife live in Nevada, MO are expecting their first child, a son, on April 1.
Dr. Kaylee Clifton is returning in February, following maternity leave.
On February 1, Couch’s hours will be from Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday from one Saturday a month from 9 a.m. to noon.
The Clifton Chiropractic office is located at 203 E. Third, Fort Scott and can be reached at 620.644.5000.
Sara Sutton from the Fort Scott Community College website.
The Fort Scott Community College administration used the community forums that they initiated last spring to tell interested community members about the upcoming reaffirmation visit this fall for the college’s accreditation, give departmental updates, and have open conversations, said FSCC Interim President Sara Sutton.
“During the open conversation, we gathered that the community would like the college to look into new career technical education programs and athletic programs and they voiced their appreciation for the communication we have been giving over the college as a whole. We plan on continuing these for the spring semester and dates will be released soon,” she said.
Classes Begin On January 21
The campus opened on Monday, January 6, but students won’t return in full force for the spring semester until classes start on Tuesday, January 21. After classes begin, the school will get a full count of the students, Sutton said. There are currently 25 teachers at the community college.
“Due to game schedules, many student-athletes, including men’s and women’s basketball and indoor track students, are back on campus already,” Sutton said.
Trustees and Admin Winter Retreat and Inservice
The FSCC Board of Trustees and the Executive team held a winter board retreat on Monday, January 13, to review the college’s strategic plan, set goals and objectives, and discuss board etiquette and higher education funding training opportunities.
“The board had their retreat yesterday,” Sutton said. “The strategic plan was reviewed, and nothing was changed or modified. We discussed the process for reviewing and revising when that time comes.”
Five objectives listed in the strategic plan are 1) foster relationships with the communities they serve, 2) cultivate quality enhancements for education and learning, 3) promote student success, 4) develop fiscal responsibility, and 5) promote strategies for employee success.
“An in-service was held today, January 14th. Various topics were on the agenda, including leadership updates, accreditation training/conversation, ALICE training, CPR training, AI workshop, staff evaluation workshop, and other pertinent updates. FSCC has a reaffirmation visit for our accreditation in October of this year, and employees have been working diligently on this to prepare for our peer review visit.”
Leaders
The leadership team at FSCC is: Sonia Gugnani – Vice President of Academic Affairs, Missy Scott – Vice President of Finance and Operations, Vanessa Poyner – Dean of Students, Juley McDaniel – Human Resource Director, Liza Erwin – Athletic Director
Members of the trustee board: Bryan Holt (Chair), Doug Ropp (Vice Chair), John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Ronda Bailey, and Chad McKinnis.
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.”
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.
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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
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.
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Becky Cowlishaw. Submitted photo.
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
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.
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 185th 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 185th 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.”
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.
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.
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.
While you look up to identify the celestial speaker in the heavens, you will instead find an aerial bullhorn complete with multiple video cameras and flashing blue lights.
