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Elections

Presidential Preference Primary Coming to Kansas in March

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The vote here sign sits in front of the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National.

Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins spoke to the commissioners on January 23 about the upcoming Presidential Preference Primary election on March 19.

Hawkins stated the last day to register to vote will be February 19th. Early voting will begin at the courthouse on March 11 and run until noon on March 18. On March 19 residents will be able to vote at their normal polling place.

Unaffiliated voters will not be able to vote in this election, Hawkins said. “They would have to register to be a Democrat or Republican, but they can affiliate up until election day. They can re-register as an independent after the election.”

Commissioner Clifton Beth asked who will be paying for this election and Hawkins said the State will be reimbursing the County for what they consider hard-costs such as ballots, building rent, and personnel costs.

Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.

The following is from the Kansas Secretary of State’s website about the election:

What 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 selected the party candidate.

What is the History of Presidential Preference Primary in Kansas?

In Kansas, it is a function of the state political parties to allocate delegates to presidential candidates at each party’s national convention to select each party’s presidential nominee. Such delegates are chosen via caucus or convention by the political parties. 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.

When is the Election?

The Republican and Democratic parties can have a state-run primary election on March 19, 2024. However, either party may opt out of participating in the primary by notifying the Secretary of State on or before December 1, 2023.

Who is on the Ballot?

Presidential candidates must file their candidacy with the Secretary of State 60 days before the election (12:00 p.m. January 19, 2024). Candidates must either pay a $10,000 filing fee or present a petition with 5,000 signatures of registered Kansas voters of the applicable political party.

What Voters Can Participate?

Each political party must notify the Secretary of State in writing on or before January 16, 2024, as to who may vote in the party’s primary election.

Where is my Polling Location?

Like other elections, the county election office will determine where the voting locations are held. Advance voting by mail and advance voting in person are also an option. You will vote at your regular polling place unless you receive a notification by mail from your county election office. You may also verify your polling location on the VoterView website.

 

Eight Candidates File for the Kansas Presidential Preference Primary

Friday, January 19, 2024

TOPEKA – Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced that eight candidates, four Democrats and four Republicans, met today’s filing deadline for the state’s Presidential Preference Primary. The preference primary will be held on March 19. Candidates were required to pay a $10,000 filing fee and submit notarized paperwork with the Kansas Secretary of State’s office.

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

“I am pleased to have four candidates from each major political party file with our office,” Schwab said. “I encourage Kansans to get out and vote in this historic election.”

As a reminder, the deadline to register or update voter registration is February 20 to participate in the preference primary.

In accordance with K.S.A. 25-4503(d), the Secretary of State’s office conducted the random selection of the ballot order for both political parties on January 22, at the Memorial Hall Auditorium in Topeka.

In addition to the ballot order selected by the Office, each ballot will have four candidate names, as well as a “none of the names shown” option. To learn more about this one-time Presidential Preference Primary visit VoteKansas.gov.

 

To view the Kansas bill on this subject:

summary_hb_2053_2023(1)

 

 

Bourbon County, Business

Amy Sawyer: New Small Business Advisor

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Amy Sawyer from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Facebook page.

Amy Sawyer is the new  Small Business Advisor at Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center

The services she will be providing to the Fort Scott community:

  • Start Up – LLC & EIN registration
  • Loan & Grant Prep – Business Plan & Cash flow
  • Accounting – Quickbooks, Wave Accounting, Etc.
  • Sales Tax – Registering & Paying
  • Marketing & Sales
  • HR/Employees
  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Protection
  • Government Contracting
  • Exit Planning

“I started with the Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University in October,” Sawyer said. “I have spent the last three months alongside Dacia Clark learning my job duties, as well as learning about Fort Scott and what is important to Fort Scott. There are a lot of exciting things going on here, and I am so happy to be a part of it!”

“The best part of my new job at SBDC is that I get to help people all day long!” she said. ” I get to help people make their dreams come true. There are many services that we offer at the SBDC, and most of them are at no charge to the client. So, please reach out and see if we can help you, in any way. I am happy to visit with you at your business, as well! I look forward to meeting you!”

Her contact info: [email protected] 620-235-4921 or call the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is located at 104 N. National Avenue, Fort Scott.

Hours available in Fort Scott are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 am-4 pm.

Originally from Winfield, which has the same namesake as Ft. Scott, she noted, Pittsburg has been her home for over 20 years.

“I developed a love for downtown and community service while in high school,” she said in a press release. “Winfield was a Main Street town, and I had the opportunity to work on a project for the organization. My Mother has always been involved in the chamber and business community, so it was natural for me to make those things an important part of my professional career.”

She attended Pittsburg State University and majored in Communications and minored in Business Administration.

After college, she started a career with Names and Numbers telephone directories and worked there for 13 years.

“I had the opportunity to gain experience and grow as a leader,” she said. “I started as a Graphic Designer (I was not the best), but I quickly developed an interest in operations. I was blessed with leaders who saw my fire and intrigue, and they were gracious enough to invest in me. Ultimately, I was named Director of Production at Names and Numbers, and I really enjoyed the big picture and strategic side of the business, as well as the opportunity to grow other leaders.”

“For the last two years, I worked for the United States Senate. In that role, I did community outreach for an 11-county area in Southeast Kansas. This role allowed me to work with business and community leaders across the SEK region.”

She has been an active member of the Pittsburg Area Young Professionals for 10 years and was a past president; served on the Salvation Army Board of Advisors, Pittsburg Downtown Advisory Board (Past Chair), as well as Pittsburg Sunrise Rotary.

In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and spending time at Table Rock Lake.

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Bowman Purchases Geneva and Son Monument

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The Bowman family. Submitted. Left to right: Miles Bowman, Dan Bowman Leah Bowman holding Blair Selvey, Emily Selvey and Colten Selvey.

Dan Bowman purchased the Geneva and Son Monument business in August 2023, from Kenny and RoAnn Blake, who owned the business for 24 years.

The new business is now called Bowman Monument Co. and Bowman has two employees, Emily Selvey, his daughter, and Colten Selvey, his son-in-law.

These monuments are just a small selection that the business offers. Submitted photo.

The products provided by this business are urns (for funeral cremation) memorials (headstones), grave markers,  monuments, and benches. The services offered are installation, resetting, and cleaning of headstones.

They recently created a bronze plaque that will be placed on the First Colored Infantry  Memorial Mural in downtown Fort Scott.

The bronze plaque will be placed on the historic mural in downtown Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

The location remains the same at 111 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott.  The phone number is 620.223.3350, the email address is [email protected].

Business hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday by appointment.

The business site of Bowman Monuments and also D and J Glass Company at 111 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

 

They are currently putting the final touches on a website, Bowman Monuments.com.

 

D and J Glass Company

These windows are custom to needs for housing, the door is a commercial storefront door. Submitted photo.

In addition, Bowman has housed his other business, D and J Glass at the 111 Scott Avenue site. Formerly the business was on State Street. He has been in the glass business for about eight years, he said.

“I sell new windows and do glass replacement for home and auto, and commercial,” Bowman said.

D and J Glass Company’s phone number is 620.223.1220.

 

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Community Conversation: Cuts Will Need To Be Made

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Fort Scott Community College’s Dr. Jason Kegler led a conversation with approximately 85 interested community members about the state of the college on January 24 in the Ellis Fine Art Center on the campus.

He began by explaining that last year they saw that FSCC would have depleted all but $300,000 of its savings by November of 2023.  They made drastic cuts to spending to prevent needing to lay anyone off in 2023. FSCC’s payroll is approximately $800,000 per month.

Kegler said that the primary driver of the spending was the scholarship program that gives around $1,000,000 per year in academic scholarships. Toward the end of the year, the college made a change to limit academic scholarships to in-state students because those students would result in payments from the state. The administration is also going to make some changes to limit the number of scholarships to a budgeted amount to make planning easier.

Audience member Larry  Shead asked if the college has significant debt it is making payments on. Dr. Kegler answered that the college has bond payments that total $1.4 to $1.5 million per year and they have been making payments. He said that the school is carrying too much debt and that they should be at about half of that. The current market isn’t a good time to refinance, and recent events have probably impacted the college’s credit standing.

Audience member Anne Dare asked how the college is navigating the salaries for faculty and staff. Dr. Kegler said there is a study every year that shows the salaries for other community colleges and FSCC has salaries at the lower end of the range. He said they need to get the salaries up, but the way to do that is to bring in more students. The college has lost 27% of the student population since 2018. The current numbers for this spring are 5.9% lower than it was a year ago, but with late start classes, he hoped they could get that to 3%.

The FSCC Nursing Program was previously one of the top ones in this area, but it is now on conditional approval which means that no new nursing students can be accepted. Dr. Kegler said that nursing is one of the top five career paths in the world.

He went on to talk about how the college is trying to make sure they are funding activities that will keep students engaged and enjoying their time here so other students will want to come.

Audience member Chad Cosens asked what the impact of the current situation was on athletics and if the college is looking at adding any new athletics programs. Dr. Kegler said 76% of the current athletes are from out of state and on scholarships. Therefore the majority of athletes are not students who are bringing in state funds. He said he wants strong athletics teams, but FSCC can’t keep the doors open through sports. He pointed out that when a coach leaves, the athletes that are from out of state don’t have ties to the local area and leave.

Cosens said he doesn’t see how a community college can get students without sports because the local draw of higher education isn’t very strong without it.

Dr. Kegler said that while he recognizes the role of athletics and doesn’t want to cut sports, he does want to be sustainable. He said that the school is doing things in the name of sports that don’t have a return on investment and the college can’t continue doing that.

He pointed out that the college has an athletic facility across town (that students can only get to if they have a car), but the school can’t find a building for technical education. He said that the return on investment in athletics is flat at a minimum.

An audience member suggested adding some current professional football players to the FSCC Hall of Fame to generate some good positive attention.

Attendee Katy Casper said that as a community member, she’d like to see an analysis of what programs bring people from out of state, to stay here in town and pay over $100,000 in property taxes a year. She pointed out that there are celebrities who have come here in the past, but we have people who came for rodeo and have stayed here in the community.

Dr. Kegler said it would appear that FSCC is a very athletic college based on past budgets. He said athletic programs have been the primary place where the college has spent money over the years.

Audience member Steve Williams said the community colleges cut their own throat by focusing on bringing in athletes from out of state.

The decision to move the conference that FSCC participates in, into Division 2, hurt programs like FSCC according to Dr. Kegler. With Division 2, they were only competing against other schools that could scholarship tuition and books whereas Division 1 could also pay for room and board and other expenses. He said more schools are recognizing that Division 1 isn’t sustainable for Kansas community colleges.

Audience member Jerry Witt said that the FSCC football alumni are looking for ways to get the college back on its feet, but that was the focus before looking for ways to bring football back.

Attendee Lindsey Madison said this afternoon a future student was looking for housing this summer and wondered what the occupancy was like on the FSCC housing. Kegler said the college has vacancies in the on-campus housing, but the on-campus students don’t have a way for students to cook for themselves other than the off-campus housing options. He said they are not planning to add any new housing at this time.

An audience member asked if the county and state money is going to give the college what it needs through 2024. Kegler said  no it is not. The college is anticipating a deficit in April where they will not be able to make payroll. The college did receive a gift from the foundation to help, but even with the money that is coming in, FSCC will need to make cuts.

Business, Fort Scott, Government

KS Department of Children and Families Office Building is Being Built at Wall and National Avenue

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The Wall Street and National Avenue southwest lot is the new building site that will house the local Kansas Department Of Children and Families office.

A new building is being built at the corner of Wall Street and National Avenue for a local Kansas Department of Children and Families office, with a completion date in mid-summer 2024, according to the developer.

The building will be 13,649 square feet and will have the capacity for 40 employees, said the real estate developer Kendall Schoenrock. Schoenrock purchased the building in the summer of 2023.

The State of Kansas released a Request for Proposal for the project and “I answered that request and proposed the downtown site,” he said.” I proposed the site during the RFP process. That location was part of my bid and was selected by the state. We won the bid after proposing the site.”

“This project is very important for the State of Kansas, to retain jobs in Fort Scott,” Schoenrock said. “They could have moved the DCF to another community.”

This is a multi-million dollar investment into downtown Fort Scott, he said.

In addition, it will spur money for retail and restaurants in the downtown area.

“This project will get many people for downtown businesses,” he said. “They will eat downtown, shop downtown, etc.”

The demolition is being done by Skitch’s Hauling and Excavating, Inc.

After demolition, Schoenrock’s team will get to work,  putting the building on the south side of the lot, with parking on the north.

“I have rented a house in Fort Scott and will live there for a year,” he said. “I am bringing in my team.”

“Many (local) people helped make this happen,” he said. “Bailey Lyons with Lyons Realty Group, Rob Harrington with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, and Brad Matkin and Matthew Wells, with the city.  And Arnold Scholfield with the Fort Scott Design Review Board provided good, solid feedback for the project.”

“They should be praised,” he said. “Fort Scott has been very supportive. I couldn’t have asked for more support from the city. That’s what is needed to spur development.”

“I have been impressed working with all these people- it’s a team effort,” he said. “They are appreciative of outside money coming to town. I always tried to be a good partner.”

Silverrock Venture is his family business and is based in Junction City. He is a commercial real estate developer.

Recently, he developed and now owns the Flint Hills Medical Home,  a 12,375-square-foot medical facility located in Junction City,  for the Department of Defense, according to his website.

More can be learned about the owner at his website: kendallschoenrock.com.

 

The old Downtowner Restaurant is currently being demolished to build a building that will house the local Kansas Department of Children and Families.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Housing

Jeff Armstrong: New Realtor in Fort Scott

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Jeff Armstrong. Submitted photo.

Jeff Armstrong obtained his real estate license in the fall of 2021. and he joined  Front Door Real Estate in August of 2022.

“I look forward to assisting sellers/buyers through the quagmire of home real estate,” he said.  “Besides children, home ownership is one of the largest and possibly most stressful financial responsibilities for adults.  My purpose as a real estate agent is to work alongside the client to facilitate transactions, clarify areas of uncertainty, listen and identify the client’s needs/wants, and create an atmosphere of trust.”

“There are many high-quality realtors in Fort Scott, so I am constantly reading, listening, and learning to provide the exceptional service clients deserve,” he said.

“My original purpose of getting my license revolved around owning and managing a piece of commercial real estate in town, however, like many short-term goals, I pivoted,” he said.
 “I run and operate a pressure washing business (Armstrong Pressure Washing) out of Fort Scott and did some work for Jared (Leek) back in early 2022,” he said.  “We were just talking and I mentioned I recently earned my real estate license and he graciously asked if I would have interest in joining Front Door.”
 “The wealth of knowledge and expertise at Front Door Real Estate made the decision simple,” he said.  “I am spoiled to be a part of such an amazing group of professionals.  Real estate transactions do demand a certain level of knowledge and problem-solving, but can be wasted without trust, integrity, and communication.  Much like any service profession, real estate is fueled by relationships.”
“Housing markets go up and down, but how we work for our clients supersedes those events and smooths out the rough times and enhances the joyous moments.”
When asked what his community involvement/hobbies/interests are:
“As each day passes, I find that my faith in Jesus Christ becomes more and more important to me and all that I do should be done to glorify His holy name.  With kids in middle school and high school, most of my extra time revolves around them and their engagements.  I also own and operate my pressure washing business during the spring/summer/fall months.”
“I am supported and encouraged by my gorgeous wife Jamie and blessed with my two children, Kendal and Jax,” he said.  “My parents, Steve and Janet, provide me wisdom and encouragement even as an adult.”
Contact Info: 620-224-3036, [email protected], Facebook @jeffarmstrong-realtor, 113 S. Main Street
Business, Fair, Fort Scott

Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery New Offerings 2024

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In 2020, Teri and Michael Hamilton moved from the Kansas City area to Fort Scott.

They had friends in the Fort Scott area and fell in love with Fort Scott, she said.

In 2022, Teri opened a new business, Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery.

To view  a prior story:New Bakery in Town: Hamilton’s Bakery

Last year, Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery opened preview subscriptions to a small group of people to test recipes, practice new techniques, and develop a menu, she said.
“We tested a new recipe each week, and our subscribers were able to give invaluable feedback to help us dial in our menu,” said Hamilton.
This year will be a few adjustments.
“Beginning in February, we’ll be testing new recipes each week, and offering a few different subscription choices. You can choose Sweet or Savory, or both!  They’ll still be available at weekly porch pick-ups, and we’d still love to get your feedback!” Hamilton said.
“We will be offering our Spring Sweet and Savory Subscriptions, with the first pick-up beginning February 3rd. Find all the details here. Be sure to browse around our new website and pre-order online to secure your spot!”
“Our Sweet Subscription will be a new treat every week. This is a subscription for those with a sweet tooth! Chocolate, berries, cream, and a decadent treat called ‘Bread is Gold’. We’ll be offering some treats that can’t be sold at the Farmer’s Market, so many of these will only be available here.”
“Our Savory Subscription will be a little more hearty and a little more health conscious. We’re excited to try new flours like rye and whole wheat as well as inclusions such as grains and seeds.”
You can also subscribe for both.
“Double Subscriptions are just that and will include both the sweet and savory offerings. So both dinner and dessert are covered!”
“Mini Subscriptions will have the same great taste in a more manageable size. We will offer mini versions of each of our weekly savory loaves, and just one or two servings of our sweet treats. You can choose Mini versions of each of our subscriptions: Mini Sweet, Mini Savory, or Mini Double.”
This year she will be offering baking parties for groups of 4-6 people, available February through April.
“These will be offered on a date that works for you and your group, here at our home/bakery OR at your home. Bread takes time, so plan on 3-4 hours here with your friends. You’ll get hands-on practice with making a loaf of your choice, we’ll bake a loaf to munch on, and you’ll leave with your own loaf to bake at home. These will be $35 per person, and will fill up fast, so contact us at [email protected] to get on the calendar!”
Teri Hamilton can be contacted at (816) 491-7884
Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

The Beacon Year in Review: Helping Those In Need With Help From the Community

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The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott. 2019 photo.

The Beacon Director Dave Gillen and Assistant Director Ashley Heathman have compiled the 2023 statistics for the local helping organization.

Dave Gillen, director, of The Beacon Food Pantry of Bourbon County in this 2021 photo which was submitted..

“In 2023 we had a total of 145 new families totaling 322 new individuals between adults and children,” Heathman said. “Our new families were a mixture of new residents and current residents facing hard times due to the rising cost of living and facing job insecurity.”

Ashley Heathman. Submitted photo.

The last few years of statistics that the Beacon keeps show an increase in the number of new families needing help.

In 2020, there were 102 new clients totalling 235 individuals, in
In 2021 there were  83 new clients totaling 147 individuals, in
2022 there were 147 new clients totalling 302 individuals and in
2023 there were 145 new clients totalling 322 individuals, Heathman noted.

“The Beacon helps Bourbon Country residents facing food insecurity, along with this we offer financial assistance for prescriptions, rent, and utility payments thanks to the Hack Foundation and Bourbon County Coalition.”

The Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition is a charitable organization that helps facilitate a working relationship between organizations.

“The Hack Foundation was a trust fund set up for the Presbyterian women to take care of Fort Scott citizens to help during certain financial situations,” Heathman said. “Hack comes from two sisters whose family used to own a greenhouse in Fort Scott.”

“All financial requests that come through our door are paid out by Bourbon County Coalition and the Hack Foundation,” Heathman said.

“We could not do what we do without our amazing donors and volunteers,” she said. ” David and I express sincere gratitude to everyone, all our donors and volunteers, as they continue to help us help others.”

During the 2023 calendar year, The Beacon also helped several local organizations and causes.

“The Beacon helped disperse 202 shoe vouchers for Community Christian Church to our clients for school shoes for their children,” according to the press release.

They donated food items to the Elks Club organization to help them disperse holiday meals to 103 homes; totaling 123 individuals.

They teamed up with the community to help provide Christmas presents and holiday meal boxes to 77 families; totaling 410 individuals.

“Throughout the year the Beacon donates to the Fort Scott School District food pantry, ” according to the press release. “We try to donate food items to Feeding Families In His Name (Wednesday evening community free meal) when we can.”

The organization assisted with family swim passes thanks to the Bourbon County Coalition, and helped donate hats and gloves to the Share the Warmth cause for Bourbon County.

The Beacon, which has a food bank,  dispersed food for 3,241 families in 2023 serving a total of 4,305 adults and 2,955 children.

“We are looking forward to being able to assist Bourbon County residents again this year,” Heathman said. “According to Kansas Food Bank, we are the second largest food bank in Southeast Kansas. Thank You!”

“We would like to thank everyone for their generous donations whether that is monetary donations, their time, or food donations. We could not do what we do without you!” Heathman said.

Additionally, the Beacon is grateful for the donated 699 volunteer hours to the organization for 2023, she said.

“The Beacon also provides (to those who need them) hygiene necessities, formula, and diapers depending on availability as well,” according to a press release from the Beacon. “Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays we receive food donations from our local Wal-Mart that set out inside for anybody in need from 10 am to close.”

“A big thank you to Fort Scott Fire Department, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Scott FFA, and Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas  for helping us unload the truck every month.”

“Last but not least we would love to thank our local churches, individuals, and civic organizations for helping us help others,” she said. “We truly reside in a very generous community, it would take us days to name every single person or group that helps our cause; please know we thank each one of you from the bottom of our hearts for blessing us with the ability to help others.”

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Allen Schellack Retires As Director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries

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Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries is located on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Center at 26 N. Main. Submitted photo.

After 11 years, Allen Schellack is retiring from Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries.

Allen Schellack, director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, sits at his desk in this 2020 photo.

“When I worked for the city of Fort Scott I saw a lot of people needed assistance,” he said. “I was part of the local ministerial alliance at the time and felt the Lord leading me to ministry.”

In 2016 the ministry became a joint effort of community leaders, and area churches and was sponsored locally by the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

The office is located on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Office at 26 N. Main.

Some of the services the outreach center provides are foster family outreach services, homeless outreach services, hygienic services, medical supplies, and fellowship.

“For about seven years we have been the designated Salvation Army Disaster Relief and Services Extension Unit for Bourbon County,” Schellack said.

Because of this partnership, Schellack could provide disaster relief assistance, prescriptions (no narcotics) temporary lodging, gasoline for work and doctor, vision help with eyeglasses, and other needs on a case-by-case basis.

Through a relationship with the Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance, physical assistance is provided to individuals or families traveling through Fort Scott who have no other resources and need help to reach their destination. The assistance is distributed by the Fort Scott Police Department.

Some of Fort Scott Compassionate Care Ministries’ outreaches are free box fans in the summer; heaters, blankets, bedding, and towels in the winter, fire disaster packs, homeless/transient assist packs, Christmas presents for teens and families, and school supplies for middle and high school students.

The ministry is a 501 C(3) not-for-profit volunteer organization with no paid staff.

This is Schellack’s last week at the ministry.

“A minister never truly retires until God calls him home,” he said. “There will always be some kind of ministry wherever I go. I am retiring from Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries.”

 

He said Anglea Handly is transitioning to take care of the Compassionate Care office and the Salvation Army duties for Bourbon County.

To contact the ministry: 620.223.2212 or [email protected]

Compassion Ministries is located in the Senior Citizens building at 26 N. Main, on the second floor.

 

 

Business, Fort Scott, Youth

New Business: Country Club Kids Daycare

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Jessie Combs. Submitted photo.
Jessie Combs, 27, opened her business, Country Club Kids Daycare in Fontana, KS in 2020. Then re-opened her business in Fort Scott when she moved here in October 2023.
She provides child daycare services for children ages six weeks to five years old, for Fort Scott families and the surrounding areas.

The business hours of operation are from 7 a.m . to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The daycare is located on South Broadway  Street in Fort Scott.

In her care currently are her three children and three daycare children (2 full-time, 1 part-time).

“I have 1 full-time and 1 part-time opening for toddlers (18 mos-5 yr),” she said.

She is the only employee and is licensed for up to 10 children.

To contact the business, email  [email protected]

Combs began the business initially to stay home with her own three children. “I enjoy being able to serve the community and working with children,” she said.

She graduated from K-State in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
Following graduation she worked in scientific research, helping to characterize pharmaceuticals to prepare them for U.S. Food and Drug Administration clinical trials, she said.
“I’m also a Certified Nurse Assistant,” she said.
“I got my daycare license in April 2020 in Miami County and in October 2023 in Bourbon County,” she said.
To earn a daycare license in Kansas contact your local Kansas Department of Health and Environment office to get started.
“There’s an online application, fingerprints, background check, health and wellness checks, a small fee, and licensing will come to inspect your daycare for compliance,” she said. “There are also classes you must take to become licensed including being Pediatric CPR and First Aid certified and child development and daycare specific classes required.”
Submitted graphic.
Business, Fort Scott

Witts Take Ownership of Hedgehog INK on February 1

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Hedgehog INk bookstore,16 S. Main, is pictured in this October 2022 photo.

With support from her husband, Jordan, and three kids, Randi Witt, Ivan, Ava, and Lydia will take ownership of the Hedgehog.INK! bookstore at 16 S. Main on February 1.

From left to right, Jordan, Ivan, Ava, Lydia, Randi Witt. Submitted photo.

The phone number will remain the same  (620) 670-2752 but the email: [email protected] is new. Both the website and Facebook page will remain the same.

“We will take over running those on Feb. 1,” Randi said.

The store was opened by Jan and  Dick Hedges in 2018, and Dick died in 2022. Jan announced in December 2023 that she was selling the bookstore.

“I heard about Jan planning to sell the store, and I knew this was the opportunity I had been waiting for,” Randi said. “Jan and Dick created a magical space that makes you feel good when you walk inside. The store has something for everyone, from books to unique items and gifts.”

The whole family enjoys bookstores.

“In college, Jordan and I would frequently visit a used bookstore in downtown Lawrence,” she said. “Now we enjoy taking our kids to bookstores. Hopefully, our bookstore can give others the same memorable experience and be a place they want to frequently visit.”

The name of the bookstore will remain the same.

“Even though I will be the new owner, I see this as a continuation of the amazing bookstore Jan and Dick brought to our community,” she said. ” I plan to put my own spin on the space and expand our offerings over time. I will continue to accept books for credit or donation. In addition to books, you can purchase journals, art supplies, candy, handmade purses, goat milk soaps, and lavender products. We definitely want to continue supporting local authors. Please follow us on social media for updates as we grow!”

“I am going to explore expanding hours of operation and will announce that on social media,” she said.

The current hours of operation will be  Monday 10 am – 2 pm and Tuesday through Saturday 10 am – 5 pm.

“I will be running the store day to day, and I will rely on help from my kids,” Randi said. “This is definitely a family venture.”

Fort Scott

Jennifer Gum-Fowler Starts As Director of Fort Scott Public Library on January 18

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Jennifer Gum-Fowler. Submitted photo.

Jennifer Gum-Fowler will start as the director of the Fort Scott Public Library on January 18.

“I have already begun to plan some programming for the coming year,” Gum-Fowler said. “I have many ideas that I want to try. I am also thinking of ways to make the community as excited about libraries as I am.”

“As the Library Director, I am responsible for the everyday running of the library, of course,” she said. “I am also responsible for the outreach and partnerships with the library. On top of that, I get to do adult programming and will curate the adult collections. I will also do the interlibrary loans.”

For her, the best part of being a library director is collaborating with the community and being able to bring all kinds of programming and partnerships to the library. “I love it when people come into the library and say, ‘I didn’t know that libraries did that.’ Libraries have gone through a real renaissance and are not what your great-grandparents would have thought of.”

” The biggest challenge is changing how people view libraries,” she said. “There is the idea that libraries are no longer relevant today, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. Libraries are vital parts of growing and healthy communities. They are not places one goes for shushing but for information, programs, and community connection. Books are just the beginning of what libraries offer communities.”

Gum Fowler received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Washburn University.

“When I started my library journey, I completed the state APPLE training for new directors in the Southeast Kansas Library System,” she said. “After finishing that, I realized I wanted to do more in libraries, so I returned to school and got my master’s in library science (MLS) from Emporia State University. While there, I was invited to join the Beta Phi Mu Honor Society, an international professional society for accomplished librarians.”

“In 2014, I got the library in Kincaid voted in as an actual library,” she said. “Since then, I have worked hard to get it as part of the national and state library organizations. ”

Under her direction, Kincaid Public Library has grown to be a part of the community, she said.

She has been a member of the Association of Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) and the Kansas Library Association (KLA) since 2017. She is a part of the Intellectual Freedom Committee for the KLA and is the Southeast Kansas Library System (SEKLS) Executive Board Vice-President.

She has been married to Chad Fowler for 28 years and has three adult children “and way too many cats,” she said.

The family was an active part of 4-H when the children were younger, she said. “I personally enjoy weaving, needle felting, and watercolors. I grew up doing pre-1840 reenacting and still love primitive camping. I am also an avid geek and love Dr. Who, Marvel, Firefly, and Star Wars. All that said, I also love reading, with high fantasy and sci-fi being my favorites.”

Currently, she is commuting to Fort Scott.

“I live around 10 miles from the Bourbon line in Anderson County,”
she said. “It is a fast and enjoyable commute to work. I will use the time to listen to some audiobooks. I can’t wait to start working in Fort Scott. It is a beautiful city.”