Tag Archives: featured

Fort Scott

New Welcome Arch Starts This Week

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An artist’s rendition of the new welcome arch that has started this week and will be completed in a month. The project was a partnership with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, the Fort Scott area Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Fort Scott. Submitted graphic.

The new downtown welcome arch is slated for concrete work this week, then arch installation after that, followed by stonework and the replacement of the sidewalk and curb.

Words displayed on the metal arch are Welcome to Fort Scott Downtown Historic District.

The metal arch being built by T. L. Steel, Burrton, KS. Submitted photos.

Marbery Concrete, Fort Scott,  did the demolition of the sidewalk and curb of the site which is in front of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce office, 231 E. Wall.

The site in front of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce where the arch will be installed. Sub-contractors Great Plains Drilling, K.C. MO are putting the rock anchors for the arch sign footing in today.

This week, a four-man crew will be making the concrete footings, installing the anchors, and installing the 18 shear lugs into bedrock, to keep the sign secure, according to Jason Marbery, president of  Marbery Concrete.

The metal arch sign, itself, will be coming either next week or the week after.

T.L. Steel, Burrton, KS, will be sending a crew of one crane operator, two welders, a rigger (someone who hooks up hoisting equipment), and the project manager, Levi Robillard, to install the arch sign, Robillard said.

“Install will take three days,” Robillard said. “And another day to paint the sign matte black.”

“Then we will come in and complete stonework,” Jess Milburn, JCM Restore LLC, Fort Scott, said.

The new sidewalk and curb will then be poured, Marbery said.

The timeline for completion of the project is one month, Rachel Carpenter, Health Bourbon County Action Team Executive Director said. The HBCAT along with the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Fort Scott facilitated the project.

The total cost of the arch is $120,000.

“It was a creative placemaking project, through the Patterson Foundation. We also received grant funds from Blue Cross and Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas,” Carpenter said. “We went through surveys and meetings, public input, which was very important for this project.”

‘An arch of this type has been a vision of the Chamber for several years to welcome locals and visitors to our community and establish the Downtown Historic District as a destination,’ Lindsey Madison, executive director of the chamber, said. “We believe the arch will provide signage to let visitors know they have “arrived” and that the Downtown area lies just ahead.”

“It is amazing how many visitors we have come into the Chamber & Visitor Center to get information and don’t know all of the assets we have within walking distance and around Fort Scott and Bourbon County,” she said. “This will help entice them to explore the area. We were ecstatic that the opportunity came about for the arch to be a placemaking project through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways grant spearheaded by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.”

“Several public meetings were held to gather community input on the design, culminating with approval from the Design Review Board of the City. The esthetics of the arch will compliment nearby historic structures including the beautiful Bandera limestone from right here in Bourbon County. This has truly been a group effort by all of the entities involved and we are excited to see it come to fruition,” Madison said.

 

Bourbon County, Health Care

Bourbon County Community Health Workers: Addressing Health Inequalities

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Left to right: Lindsey McNeil, Community Health Worker, and Lisa Robertson, Community Health Worker. Submitted photo.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) contracted with Kansas University Medical Center to implement the  Communities Organizing to Promote Equity, (COPE Grant) program and hired Community Health Workers.

One of the workers, Lindsey McNeil,  was hired in partnership with KU Medical Center, and one, Lisa Robertson,  in partnership with the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. They are housed in the HBCAT office, on 104 North National Avenue in Fort Scott. They are also part of a coalition, Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), that helps develop strategies to address health inequities in our area.

“Equity looks different for us all,” said Robertson. “We serve others without judgment and want better for them and for them to live their best life.”

“We have been able to help about 400 clients with their specific needs,” said McNeil.  “We have helped house over 40 people, including nine of our chronically homeless individuals. Through our LHEAT we have been able to bring FREE public transportation to the county (BB-Go), we have partnered with two different local laundry mats to bring FREE laundry programs to the county, and we have helped fund multiple other things with partner organizations like CORE, First United Methodist Church, etc.

McNeil has been a Bourbon County Community Health Worker,  serving residents, since October 2022.

She is paid by KU Medical Center, through the COPE Grant, which is a grant through the Center for Disease Control (U.S. Government) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Robertson has been a social worker for 29 years and employed through the grant, since March 2022.

“We link individuals to needed services in the community such as Kansas Works for a job, local housing resources, medical and mental health providers, transportation providers the Department of Children’s and Families for SNAP Benefit or application for Medicaid,” Robertson said. “We help them get access to clothing, blankets, utility resources, food pantries and hot meals through Feeding Families in HIS Name.”

“I truly have a passion for doing this work,”  Robertson said. “It is not an 8-5 job that you just walk away from. You think of things in the middle of the night that may help someone so you make yourself a note or text your co-worker so you don’t forget to run an idea by them. It takes teamwork. I go to garage sales or thrift stores and buy something because I know someone can use it.”

“We have amazing Community Partners that without them we could not do our jobs,” Robertson said. “Our partners help us when we need help or resources. We are blessed to live in a community that works together for the benefit of others.”

The following are excerpts from two testimonials by people helped through this program: 

“They helped me find a place to live when I was facing homelessness again and connected me with resources such as SNAP, the Beacon and HCBS services.​

“They have walked alongside me and supported me in my sobriety journey and have helped connect me to other people who are fighting the same battles as me.​” ~Kelly

” I suffered a brain aneurysm and was put into a coma for my safety. By the grace of God, I survived. I woke up to a divorce, no home, and I had to start over. ​

“I had to relearn to read, write and try to make it…. I had nowhere to go, no job and no means of transportation. I found a hotel that worked with me and my service dog… I was able to find a job at Walmart. I still had no transportation, so I walked everywhere.” ​

“God put those CHWs in my life…They helped me look for a place, took me to doctor appointments and gave me rides wherever needed, and they have been huge supports in my life. With their help, I am back on my feet with a place to live and I am currently working on getting a vehicle. I appreciate them for all they do!” ​     ~ T.

“The COPE grant was established in 2021 and was meant to only be around for 2 years,”  McNeil said. “It was originally supposed to end in June of 2023. However, the grant was able to be extended until May of this year. Our grant officially ends on May 31st, 2024, so we are desperately seeking ways to continue funding the CHW positions in Bourbon County.”

To contact

Lindsey McNeil,

Cell: (620)952-3966

[email protected]\

 

Lisa Robertson

[email protected]

(620) 687-2782

Left to right: Lindsey McNeil, Community Health Worker, Rachel Carpenter, Executive Director of Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and LHEAT Lead and Lisa Robertson, Community Health worker. Submitted photo.

 

 

Bourbon County, Elections

Presidential Preference and Tax for Health Care Question Elections Coming in the Next Two Months

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A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse in November 2021.

Two elections will take place this spring, a presidential preference one on March 19 and one on April 16, for a question on whether a one-quarter cent sales tax would be imposed locally to partially fund health care services, including emergency (ambulance) services.

The following is provided by Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins.

March 2024 election

This is a Presidential Preference Primary.

“A presidential preference primary takes an act by the Kansas legislature to be conducted. The enactment takes the responsibility from the two-state parties (Republican and Democrat) in Kansas from conducting a caucus, and instead, having the state of Kansas conduct a primary election. It is a “preference” primary because it is an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters select the party candidate. This year, the state legislature decided to resurrect the state-run presidential preference primary, which had only been used in Kansas in 1980 and 1992,” according to the Kansas Secretary of State website.

Early voting will take place at the courthouse and begin on March 12 and run until Monday, March 18 at noon.

Residents will be able to vote at their normal polling place from 7:00 am-7:00 pm on March 19.

The list of candidates is located below.

The Democrat-filed candidates are:

Dean Phillips
Jason Michael Palmer
Joseph R Biden Jr.
Marianne Williamson

The Republican-filed candidates are:

Donald J. Trump
Nikki R. Haley
Ron DeSantis
Ryan L. Binkley

April 2024 election

The sales tax question will be the only thing on the ballot in April, Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said.

The one-quarter cent sales tax would be imposed to partially fund health care services, including emergency (ambulance) services.

“Right now, the question is still being drafted with the two attached questions being submitted by County Counselor Justin Meeks at the last commission meeting as possible options and are drafts that are subject to change,” she said.

The election will be held on April 16 with early voting beginning on April 9.

 

This is a draft of the tax question, subject to change:

Business, Fort Scott

Global Print Brokers Opens Business

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A business that provides personalized print services opened an office in August 2023  at 201 E. National, Fort Scott.

Global Print Brokers. Submitted photo.
Darrin Gauthier. Submitted photo.

Global Print Brokers owner is James Stewart Gulager and there are two other employees: Darrin Gauthier and Paul Studyvin.

Stewart Gulager, from his Facebook page.

“We specialize in a variety of products, including stock products for forms, labels, and more promotional,” Darrin Gauthier said. “Our goal is to offer our clients the best of the best when it comes to print solutions, and we have the expertise to provide the best cost evaluations to ensure that your business operates smoothly. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive.”

Paul Studyvin. Submitted photo.

“The business was started to help the end user find a better product and save them money in the process,” Gauthier said.

“We provide all kinds of custom printed forms and labels,” Gauthier said.  “Along with supplying stock forms and labels. We also help out on promotional and plastic items.”

 

Forms they provide with some examples:

Pressure Seal

Integrated Labels

Joined Webs

NCR products

Cutsheets

Multi-Part forms

Medical / Lab / Pharmacy Forms

Letterhead

Envelopes

Business/Appointment Cards

Custom printed

Stock

Many more products

 

Labels:

Shipping Labels

Roll labels

Static cling label

Decal

Stickers

 

Tire

Industrial Labels

Window Labels

Water bottle labels

Asset tags

Many other items

Plastics:

Gift Cards

Loyalty cards

Mailers

Key tags / any other combination

Etc

Promotional items:

Pens

Signs

Rugs

Tents

Banners

Posters

Mugs

etc.

 

 

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The business phone is 913-285-5774

To reach the staff: Stewart Gulager – 620-215-4464; Darrin Gauthier – 620-215-6298; and Paul Studyvin –  620-215-2523.

 

Business, Fort Scott

Barbed Wire and Roses Celebrates Three Years in Business

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Barbed Wire and Rose Vintage Market owner Rosemary Harris. Submitted photo.

Rosemary Harris opened  Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market, 18 N. Main Ste. A on January 30, 2021.

The Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market, 18 N. Main, Suite A.. Submitted photo.

“Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market was started because I love vintage, antique, and collectible items and through the store, they can find new life and purpose and can go back out into the world,” Harris said. “I love when someone finds an item in the store that they have been looking for and share their story about it.  I also felt that our historic downtown area was the perfect location for opening a vintage/antique store.”

The shop provides Fort Scott and the surrounding areas a place to go for furniture, home décor, collectibles, and fun and unique items.  “We also have people coming into the store looking for specific items and we try to help people locate those items whenever we can,” she said.  “Our vendors and consignment items bring a variety of products into the store for our customers and friends to choose from.”

A variety of one-of-a-kind articles are found in Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market. Submitted photo.

Conversations are started over some items.

“Toys and home décor bring back lots of fond memories,” she said.  “Many customers enjoy reminiscing over items in the store their grandparents or other family members had when they were growing up and visiting their homes.  We love when our shoppers share their stories and memories about cherished collections or mementos they have.”

” We hope to keep providing Fort Scott and the surrounding area with a fun place to shop and continue to be a part of our downtown shopping district,” Harris said.  “We are excited to be celebrating our third year in business.  We are celebrating our 3-year anniversary with sales throughout the store and treats for the month of February.”

Some merchandise in the shop. Submitted photo.

Contact information: the store number is 620-224-7764 and it can be found on Facebook at Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market

Bourbon County, Government

New Northwest Bourbon County Reservoir Project Introduced in Kansas Legislature

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The map is of northwest Bourbon County. This is the possible site of the Pike Reservoir Project. Taken from the county’s website. According to the bill that was introduced on February 9, 2024, the site will be: beginning at the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 65; east along Highway 65 to 95th Street; north along 95th Street to the Linn county line; west along the Linn county line to Highway 3; south along Highway 3 to the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 65.
The red rectangle shows the area being proposed, based on the description.

A bill was introduced on February 9 in the Kansas Legislature that could impact Bourbon County, especially those living in the northwest part of the county.

Senate Bill 497 reads that it is an act concerning economic development; establishing the Pike Reservoir Project District Act; providing for the construction of a dam and a lake in Bourbon County, residential and commercial property development, and water resource development; authorizing the establishment of a governing board for the project and the establishment of real property tax and sales tax increment financing districts to finance the project costs; creating the Pike Reservoir District sales tax fund and the Pike Reservoir District sales tax refund fund; authorizing the creation of a special district fund to pay project costs; authorize the issuance of special obligation bonds and pay-as-you-go financing to pay project costs.

To view the entire bill:

sb497_00_0000

On February 12, the bill was referred to the Kansas Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Senator Robert Olson, who worked with the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs on the project, spoke with fortscott.biz about the project.

Senator Robert Olson’s photo was taken from the Kansas Legislature website.

“It was just introduced and is a long process,” Olson said. “This is the very first step. To build that reservoir takes five to 10 years.”

State and county leaders met to discuss the matter several years ago, Olson said.

“Lynn Oharah, who was a Bourbon County Commissioner at the time was pitching that,” Olson said. Senator Tim Shallenberger introduced the bill and others were a part of the discussion, he said.

“I like the concept, especially in smaller counties,” Olson said. “We need the water for agriculture and public consumption. Your (Bourbon County) water situation was pretty bad (because of drought).”

“This will improve your water supply,” Olson said.

The project proposes an approximately eight-mile lake in northwest Bourbon County, with a 68-foot-long dam.

The location is described as beginning at the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 65; east along Highway 65 to 95th Street; north along 95th Street to the Linn county line; west along the Linn county line to Highway 3; south along Highway 3 to the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 65.

Olson envisions it will be like Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, he said.

“People living in big weekend homes, and if houses are built it can bring lower property taxes (for Bourbon County property owners),” he said.

One part of the long process of the project is public comment, he said.

The reservoir is named after Lieutenant Zebulon Pike who went through the area in the early 1800s.

 

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Youth

Scout Pinewood Derby is February 17: Come and Cheer Them On

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Robert Needham shows his race car. Submitted photo.
The Fort Scott Scout Pinewood Derby event is on February 17, at 6 p.m. at Memorial Hall, 1 East Third.

The schedule for February 17  is as follows:

5 to 6 p.m. Check-in and registration.

6 to 6:30 Scout races.
6:30 to 7 Scout awards.
7:30 to 8 Corporate Races.
8 to whenever… Grudge Races.
“The Pinewood Derby has been an annual event for many years for scouts, and it’s one of the highlights of their year,” said Scoutmaster Seth Needham. “Three years ago, we decided to make it a community event and invite local businesses and organizations to attend. It’s been a huge success, and it’s a lot of fun.”
James Gooderl won the Sportsmanship Award last year, and also the Grand Champion for a faster car. Submitted photo.
The purpose of the event is twofold, Needham said.
“First, more people come to our derby. The scouts work hard on their cars, so this allows more people to come and cheer them on, the kids love it…and a chance to see what scouts is about. Local business people show up, as well as the Police Department, Fire Department, and the Sheriff’s Office. The kids look up to those guys, so it’s a big deal for the scouts to see them come cheer them on.”
Petyon Golden helps set up flags for Flag Day at the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Submitted photo.
“Second, it’s a fundraiser for us,” Needham said. “Companies pay $25 to enter the race, which gets them a pinewood derby car kit and gets them entered for the race. We use that money for a variety of things, but it mostly goes to trophies and the cost of putting on the derby. Any extra money we raise helps cover membership dues.”
“When I first started doing this, I talked to a lot of people in the community about participating,” he said. “Over and over, I heard the same thing;  ‘I still have my trophy from pinewood derby from when I was in scouts’. It’s something that they held onto for years. Our pack used to do much smaller trophies due to the cost, but with the addition of the corporate derby, we can hand out nice trophies that the scouts will keep for a long time”.
“We give out trophies for 1st place for each Den, as well as Grand Champion and Reserve Champion,” Needham said. “My favorite trophy is the Sportsmanship Trophy… it goes to the scout who shows the best sportsmanship throughout the event…Factors in deciding who wins this trophy…(are) helping your fellow scouts build their cars, cheering on your friend (even when you’re competing against them), helping set up, building their car versus buying one online, and much more. It’s my absolute favorite trophy for the night. And honestly, we probably couldn’t have afforded to add this trophy without the addition of the corporate derby.
John Pommier won first place in the Lion’s Division (KIndergartners), the first year for scouts) last year. “I LOVE this photo because he is SO happy to win,” Needham said.
“The grudge races are a new addition,” he said. “After the main races, the teams can go to the pit area and make modifications to their cars and then challenge other racers to a race. So if the sheriff and the police department want to see who has the fastest car, they can settle the dispute on the track. Each race costs $5, and the challenger pays the entry fee.”
James Gooderl, left, being presented with the Sportsmanship Award from Seth Needham. Camren Lamb is also pictured. Camren won Reserve Champion last year. Submitted photo.

After the races, there is a lock-in at Presbyterian Church for the kids..an overnight race-themed evening of games, crafts, and movies.

The Scouts meet on Tuesdays at the First Presbyterian Church. Once the weather gets nicer, they usually meet at Riverfront Park. “It’s a good park to meet at because there is a lot of open space for the kids to explore, and the gazebo to do our lessons,” he said.

“The Scout program is open to any child in grades kindergarten through 5th grade. After 5th grade, they move up to the Troop, which is the older kids.”

Needham has been the Cubmaster for three years.
“I love it. I enjoy seeing the kids learn the importance of helping other people, doing their best no matter what, and being creative,” he said. “My favorite part of Scouts is our community events, whether that is the Pinewood Derby, or taking the kids for a walk downtown to pick up trash. We also help with flags at the Old Fort on Flag Day, participate in parades, and usually try to spend at least one day a year doing a project at a local park. Oh, and we also go camping and go on hikes.”
Upcoming Events
The Blue and Gold banquet is in May, where awards for the year are received. Each Den has adventure requirements throughout the year, as well as electives they can participate in.
At the banquet, they receive belt buckles for these activities. There is also a “Cross-Over” for 5th-grade students choosing to continue in the Scout program by joining the Troop.
“We have a wooden bridge that we set up, and they walk across it to symbolize they are crossing over into the troop,” Needham said. “I don’t know how old the bridge is, but it’s been around for many years and has signatures of previous scouts who crossed over. There are a lot of names on that bridge from people in our area.”

For the first time a, Soapbox Derby race will be held on June 1.

“I’m excited,” Needham said. It will be a fundraiser, with money raised to send Scouts to Camp Arrowhead, in Missouri, this summer. “It’s a wonderful camp, and it should be a lot of fun.”
Other summer outdoor activities: include a scout swim at Fort Scott Aquatic Center for one night; a  Beach Bash at Fort Scott Lake which is one of the kids’ favorite activities;  and also hikes and camping.
Business, Clothing, Fort Scott

Celebrate Better in Bourbon’s Anniversary This Evening: Drinks and Sweet Treats

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Photo from online
Better in Bourbon, a boutique clothing store at 13 N. Main in Historic Downtown Fort Scott, is celebrating its second anniversary this evening.
Rachel Pruitt opened the business in December 2021.

“Better in Bourbon started as a pop-up concept, but thanks to the incredible support received, a permanent location was established in late 2021,” she said.

“We sell women’s and ‘tween girl clothing and accessories. We also offer permanent jewelry,” Pruitt said.

Some of the merchandise is in Better in Bourbon. Submitted photo.

“In the Fall of 2023, I experienced the loss of my father following a determined battle with cancer,” Pruitt said. “Tragically, my mother also fell unexpectedly ill and passed away. Facing the loss of both parents within such a short period, I found myself in desperate need of support.”

She turned to her friend Denise Beaman who helped her in the shop when Pruitt couldn’t be there.
“Without Denise’s timely assistance, Better in Bourbon wouldn’t have reached its current standing,” Pruitt said. “Denise is in charge of merchandising and is my only employee.”
Rachel said she and Denise are grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and are excited about their expansion plans on the horizon.
Rachel Pruitt, left, and Denise Beaman. Submitted photo.
Rachel and Denise bring their wealth of experience from both the retail and wholesale industries to offer expert styling services, according to a press release from Pruitt. Their boutique is renowned for its size-inclusive range, offering everything from wardrobe essentials to one-of-a-kind pieces.
Tonight, February 9, the two will be having a special ladies’ night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the store.
“Enjoy permanent jewelry specials as our way of saying thank you for your support over the years,” Pruitt said. “Sip on delicious drinks and enjoy Crooners Cakery treats while you shop our latest collections.”
Merchandise in the Better in Bourbon Boutique at 13 N. Main. Submitted photo.
Church news, Fort Scott

New Pastor at First Presbyterian Church: Reverend Sarah Gengler

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The First Presbyterian Church is located at 308 S. Crawford Street, Fort Scott.

As of February 1, the Fort Scott Presbyterian Church has a new pastor, Reverend Sarah Gengler.

Gengler didn’t start immediately in her current career.

While working at one career, she started volunteering at a Presbyterian Church.

Gengler graduated from  Adrian High School (Minnesota) in May 2001 and attended South Dakota State University from Sept. 2001 to Dec. 2004  earning a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science.

She began attending a Presbyterian Church in the community she was living in, while working as an education reporter for a daily newspaper.

“The work did not allow me to get to know people, as it had while working for a weekly newspaper, and my boss at the time seemed to thrive off the staff being unhappy,” she said. “I told the youth director I volunteered for at my church that I would love to do what she did, but I did not have the degree and could not afford to go back to school at that time. She told me that sometimes churches didn’t require youth directors to have a formal degree, so I left my journalism career and jumped into ministry with both feet.”

“After only a few months I knew I wanted to further my education in religious studies,” she said. “I began to take seminary classes online, for two years and felt God calling me to fully ordained ministry. I had just missed the cutoff for the fall of 2010 so I continued to work until I could enter seminary full time the summer of 2011.”

Gengler graduated from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in May 2014 with a Master of Divinity which focused on small rural ministry.

She was ordained in 2014 and has served Presbyterian churches in Indiana and Nebraska, and the last six months as a contracted pastor to an Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Minnesota.

“Some of my passions in ministry include preaching, pastoral care/visiting, mission and community work, and mailing greeting cards,” she said.” In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and two dogs (Max and Daisy), reading/listening to audiobooks, cooking, baking, quilting, and anything crafty. I seem to always be busy and truly enjoy helping others.”

Sarah Gengler was born and raised on a dairy farm near Adrian, Minnesota in the southwest corner of the state, as the third of six children.

“They still run the dairy farm with my two younger brothers and milk approximately 400 cows,” she said in a press release. “People are always stunned when I tell them there are 29 people, including me, in my immediate family.”

Pastor Sarah’s hours are Sunday from 9 a.m. – noon; Monday – Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. – noon; and afternoon times by appointment.

Contact info: Church – 620-223-3180; Email – [email protected]

Address of the church: 308 S. Crawford (at the corner of 3rd and Crawford Streets)

Service time: Faith Formation classes begin at 9:30 a.m. during the school year. Worship is at 10:30 a.m. Children are welcomed in worship or childcare is available.

 

 

Art, Business, Fort Scott

The Artificers Celebrate One Year in Business

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Trent and Kate Freeman. Submitted photos.
Trent and Kate Freeman purchased the building at 8 N. National Ave from Phil Hammons in October of 2020, after a full remodel of the building they hosted the grand opening of their art business on January 28th, 2023.

“In the first year, The Artificers (the name of their art gallery) hosted artists from Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, North Carolina, California, and Georgia,” Kate said.  “These Master artists have also taught classes in their medium and brought their talents to share in Fort Scott.”

“The Artificers provide a wide range of fine arts and fine crafts for purchase in our gallery,” she said. “The teaching studio provides a space to learn everything from ceramics, watercolor, weaving, printmaking, fluid art, pen & ink, and more. We also run our studios out of the space and are available for commissioned work.”
“The first year was a year of learning,” she said. “We tried to watch what people loved about our business, doing more of that. We took away things that didn’t seem to be a good fit for the community and listened to our clientele to provide classes and items that they wanted. One of our goals was to fill a gap in art education, as well as give confidence to people who want to experience making art but haven’t had the opportunity to be encouraged in their creativity.”
“We are very excited to expand our offerings in our Bourbon County Clay LLC line,” she said. ” This is a line of limited edition items made from clay that we pull from the ground in Northwest Bourbon County.  All items are stamped with our logo and numbered.”
“We are also developing a line of online classes that will be available to purchase through subscription,” she said.
Trent Freeman. Submitted photo.
About The Artists

Trent works to create art in mixed media: clay, glass, wood, and metal; Kate works in clay and acrylic painting.

“We had our studio in Kansas City for 22 years,” Trent said in a prior interview. “I’ve been a professional for 28 years. We’ve done everything from gallery to commission to art festivals all over the country. Most of our work is commission now.”

Trent said when Kansas City shut down businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic, they began coming to their farm, west of Fort Scott.

Trent’s parents, Ed and Jackie Freeman built a house near Bronson and retired there, and so Trent and Kate have been coming here for 20 years, he said. “And we loved the town.”

Eventually, the Freeman’s purchased the building at 8 North National Avenue, on October 2, 2020.

Continue reading The Artificers Celebrate One Year in Business →

Bourbon County, Exercise, Schools

Renovated, Wider Walking Trail On The Horizon for Uniontown

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The Uniontown Hiking Trail looking north on 75th Street.

The Uniontown Walking Trail is utilized daily by walkers in the small, western Bourbon County town and is slated for renovation this spring.

“Students use the trail at times and we have a significant number of patrons who use it very consistently,” said USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden.  “In its current condition, some use is limited by the cracks and condition of the asphalt.  We anticipate greater use by all parties after reconstruction. ”

Vance Eden, superintendent for USD 235. Photo from the school district’s website.

“The district was awarded a grant from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks- Recreational Trails Program to pay for the majority of the project,” Eden said.  “The remaining cost will be completed by the district and community members or paid from our Capital Outlay Fund.”

“The Department of Wildlife and Parks contribution will be $218,800 with the total project estimated at $321,300,” he said. “The district can self-perform or solicit donations to cover its portion and will do so to the greatest extent possible.”

“The contractor, Tristate Building, will start work later this spring,” he said. “We are anticipating mid-April to be warm and hopefully dry enough to make progress on the work. It is estimated to take around six weeks to complete.”

“The vast majority of the old trail will be completely removed and replaced with an American Disability Act compliance with a concrete trail that is 5 feet in width,” he said. “The trail is approximately 1.3 miles in length.”

The original walking trail was funded also through a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks grant.

He said the original trail was during the early years of former Superintendent Randy Rockhold’s time with the district.

Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Bo Co Commission Signs an Memorandum of Understanding with Amberwell Health

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Since the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department shut down operations in December 2023, there has been behind-the-scenes work with another healthcare entity to provide the needed services.

On January 23,  at the Bourbon County Commission meeting, Commissioner Clifton Beth moved to allow Chairman Jim Harris to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bourbon County government and Amberwell Health Incorporated, according to the commission minutes.

Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.

Beth read the first paragraph of the MOU which states: The county is committed to ensuring the provision of quality emergency health services which includes an operating emergency room for a one year period to its residents; and Amberwell Health possesses expertise and resources to enhance and optimize the emergency health services within Bourbon County, according to the minutes.

The MOU states there could be a funding agreement that is mutually agreed upon by both parties, and  additionally that Amberwell Health has to get the needed licenses, according to the minutes.

Beth stated “This is by no means ensuring an emergency room in any way shape or form, this is an MOU with Amberwell so they can continue to move in the process of trying to get us an emergency room.”

Commissioner Nelson Blythe seconded the motion and all approved it, according to the minutes.

Amberwell Health is a rural healthcare system in northeast Kansas with two complete care locations in Atchison and Hiawatha and five additional clinic locations. Amberwell Health is an innovative healthcare system with a mission to sustain and strengthen rural healthcare organizations, according to its website https://amberwellhealth.org/

To view the Memorandum of Understanding:

Signed Amberwell MOU

Sales Tax To Fund Healthcare Is In the Works

Beth made a motion at the January 23 commission meeting to start working on a ballot for a half-cent sales tax to be put on the ballot in order to operate an emergency room and any additional health services.  It would no longer be in effect if an REH is obtained, according to the minutes. Beth said this would give the county approximately $1.5 million that could go towards healthcare. Beth said the commission will let the public decide whether they want it. Blythe seconded the motion and all approved.

Rural emergency hospital (REH) is a new Medicare provider designation established by Congress through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, according to https://www.ncsl.org/health/rural-emergency-hospitals  . REHs are meant to reinforce access to outpatient medical services and reduce health disparities in areas that may not be able to sustain a full-service hospital. Starting in January 2023, Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and small rural hospitals with no more than 50 beds were allowed to apply for REH designation and receive Medicare payment for providing emergency services.