Vance Eden. From the district’s online staff directory.
There is a need to upgrade some infrastructure in Uniontown’s School District, Vance Eden, associate superintendent, told a recent Community Connections Panel in Fort Scott. A bond issue is being looked at for the district possibly this year.
USD 235 has 480 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade and serves five small communities in the western rural part of Bourbon County.
“If a bond is brought to the community for a vote, we would anticipate that happening in late summer or early fall, but that will be dependent on a variety of factors,” Eden said.
The U235 District bond issue would be for upgrading pre-school, a tornado safe room, an updated fire system, security upgrades, and a hydronic lab.
The board is also looking at a grant to upgrade the walking trail that is around the school district property, which is also used by the community.
The following is an interview with Eden:
What is the need with the preschool building?
“Our current modular pre-kindergarten structure is at a point of deterioration that it no longer makes financial sense to invest funds into it. Additionally, safety and security would be increased by having a structure that is attached to West Bourbon Elementary. One other layer of consideration is that Kansas State Department of Education has expanded its funding stream to include three-year-old students. With this is mind, it makes sense that we consider adding programming for these students as well. There is still much to consider and many factors at play, but we recognize some significant needs related to pre-school programming.”
What is the need for a saferoom?
“Our current facilities do not have tornado safe rooms. Sheltering in interior classrooms and /or in locker rooms is clearly more safe than some other spaces. However, it is now widely recognized that a purpose-built facility is really the only option for ensuring maximum safety. These spaces would be designed for regular use as classrooms and/or multipurpose rooms to maximize the return of our investment. Additionally, the district has the ability to apply for FEMA Grant funds to potentially help offset some of the cost associated.”
What is the need for updated fire alarm system?
” While up to code, the current JH/HS fire alarm is in need of updating. In its current configuration it most broadly relies on pull stations near exits that then sound an audible alarm with flashing strobes. We would like to upgrade to a system that also includes smoke detectors and automatically communicates with emergency services.”
What is the need for security updates?
“It is important that we are always considering student safety as a top priority. There are some needs and opportunities for improvement have been identified, but it is critical that I’m careful as to not share our security vulnerabilities with those who may have malicious intent. These have been identified through professional assessments, our administrative team, and the bond advisory council.”
What is the hydronic lab idea?
” Instead of using a greenhouse, the district is pursuing a “container farm” as a means of providing hands on learning opportunities to students across a variety of programs in addition to providing some produce for our food service programs. We have done a tour and had some initial conversations with Leafy Green Farms of Pittsburg who has these containers. Leafy Green Farms is currently working with Pittsburg High School and several other Southeast Kansas schools to facilitate such a program.”
Also you are looking for grants to update the walking trail around the school?
“The district is waiting to hear back on a response from a Recreation Trail Program (RTP) Grant that had been applied for. We are hoping to get a response any day. Once we get word one way or the other, we will share that information. We recognize that this is a project that many are interested in.”
Connie McKee, Devlin Cole and Vicki Waldron in the ViCom Creations building on Maple Road, west of Fort Scott.
Connie McKee and her daughter, Vicki Waldron started a business together in 1996 called ViCon Creations LLC, and have done a variety of handiwork.
“We started with alterations (making clothes fit, that don’t fit), then moved into interior decorations…awnings, horse stuff,” Waldron said. “A lady asked us to manufacture bra liners for Pam’s Bra’s. We worked about 10 years on that.”
They still do alterations, as noted on their Facebook page, which is a valuable service during prom and wedding season.
She does work for J & W Sports and Twister Trailers as well.
For the last seven years, Waldron has worked at Common Ground Coffee Shop in Fort Scott.
“I decided I’m done standing on my feet,” she said. “I decided to expand my sewing business.”
In August 2022 she started to revamp her sewing business.
Vicki Waldron shows one of her women’s fishing vest creations.
She creates purses, women’s fishing vests, and does machine quilting.
“Most people will make quilt tops, but need them quilted,” she said.
This year her granddaughter Erin Camp started making t-shirt quilts.
“She is paying off her college tuition (Northwest Missouri State) by making quilts. She makes the quilt tops and I bind and quilt it,” Waldron said.
Another granddaughter, Lauren Schalk, makes jewelry: Western style earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Schalk is attending Oklahoma State University. She is working with her grandmother for this business venture.
These two granddaughters are her information technology help, she said.
Her mother, Connie McKee makes toddler girl’s clothing.
“Mom comes in when she wants to work,” she said. McKee is retired.
Vickie Waldron shows toddler girls clothing that her mother Connie McKee makes.
Vicki prepares to attach an achievement badge to a letter jacket.Vicki shows one of the purses the business makes.Connie McKee works on a leather apron for her grandson, Devlin Cole.
A grandson, Devlin Cole, has shown an interest in creating leather items, she said
On the horizon for ViCon Creations is building a new work building to replace the remodeled chicken house the current business is located in.
She would like to teach sewing to young girls in the future, and “how to cook good meals,” she said.
“If young women come out here and learn to sew, I’ll give them a job,” she said.
Kayla Greenway, Bronson resident, took this photo at 12:36 a.m. on April 5 of her back yard. There is what appears to be a funnel cloud in the background. Photo taken from her Facebook page.
A storm passed through western Bourbon County in the early morning on April 5, 2023.
“I heard a roaring outside,” resident Kayla Greenway said. “My window was open and the air was going in and out, suctioning. The wind had dust in it.”
When the storm abated she went out side and took pictures.
Bronson City Clerk Danielle Minor said there were trees toppled over, all across the small town of approximately 300 people.
“There were power poles down,” Minor said. “There was a lot of electrical issues.”
The City of Bronson purchases electricity wholesale from Evergy (an electric utility company), but runs its own utility.
“Our superintendent, John Stokes, (was) out since 12:30 a.m. trying to restore electricity,” Minor said. “The Bourbon County Public Works helped remove debris from the streets.”
“The Bourbon County #3 District Fire Department was here making sure all the electric wires were OK,” Ellen Harper, a resident said.
“Two firetrucks and a Bourbon County Sheriff’s car were going around town assessing power line damage and making sure everyone was OK,” Minor said.
In addition, there was a reported gas leak, because of the storm.
“There was a gas leak at Charles and Wright Streets,” John Stokes, maintenance superintendent for the City of Bronson said. “The Bourbon County Fire Department tried to patch it and evacuated residents around that area. They called the Kansas Gas Service and they came and fixed it.”
Bronson City Councilwoman and business owner Kelly Perry heard a sound about 1 a.m.
“I thought it was a water line burst,” she said. “We knew we had multiple power lines down and could smell the rotten egg smell outside.”
“The crews went out and made repairs on a regulator setting that was damaged by a fallen tree, due to bad weather,” Kansas Gas Service Manager of Public Relations Dawn Tripp, said.
Other residents had first hand knowledge of the storm.
“We had a tree hit the window and broke it and woke me up,” Harper said.
Resident Helen Bolling said “The wind shook our house like a cracker box.”
Greenway said before the storm, the family turned the children’s trampoline upside down and put logs on it in hopes of making it secure.
“My trampoline flew into a neighbors tree, and I don’t know where the logs went,” she said.
Kayla Greenway’s trampoline blew into her neighbors yard.From her Facebook page.
Bronson Locker had its roof torn off, Bolling said.
The Bronson Locker had the roof blown off their business. From Kayla Greenway’s Facebook page.
As of this morning, April 6, the town still has clean-up going on, Perry said.
“The street in front of City Hall and the Bronson Locker is still closed,” Perry said. “But there is good headway on the clean-up.”
John Hill, President and CEO of City State Bank, speaks, as host of the Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet. Hill said the bank has been in Fort Scott for 103 years and did a major remodel to its downtown branch in 2018.
Business owners and others interested in downtown Fort Scott met on April 4 at City State Bank to discuss upcoming events and projects.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce hosted the Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet, with President and CEO Lindsay Madison, leading.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lindsay Madison leads discussion at the Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet on April 4 at City State Bank.
Following are the highlights:
The Fort Scott National Historic Site Civil War Encampment is April 15-16: Army re-enactors portray different parts of the war with live music, an author talk, horse and sabre drills to name a few.
Visitor numbers are up this year at The Fort and there is a goal of 30,000 visitors this year to the site.
Upcoming Chamber events in the next few months are the Town Wide Garage Sale on May 5-6, the farmers market starts May 6 with the garden club plant sale.
There will be no downtown clean-up this year.
There will be a new mural to replace the one facing Skubitz Plaza at the north end of Main Street. The current one, the Star Emporium, will be replaced with a historical one: depicting the Kansas 1st Colored Infantry.
A multi-purpose pavilion, which will house the twice weekly farmer’s market, was presented to the city’ design review committee for approval but was tabled until an artists rendition could be presented.
A welcome arch will be put up on Wall Street near the Chamber of Commerce office.
The Christmas Parade will be November 30, with the theme: Candy Land Christmas.
Christmas on the Bricks will be the first weekend in December, and will include classic Christmas booths/vendors, photo backdrops for families, and later hours for downtown shops. This weekend also includes the candlelight tour at Fort Scott National Historic Site and an art sale at the Artificers. This new event will replace the Christmas in the Park event. Elevate Fort Scott is organizing the new event.
Trolley tours have started back for the season: Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A back up driver is needed to give the narrated tour. Contact the Chamber.
A Community Connection Panelist luncheon was April 5 at the Empress Event Center to help distribute government and local entities’ information.
There will be a job fair April 13 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center from 3-6 p.m.
The annual Chamber Dinner and Awards Celebration will be April 20 at the River Room Event Center.
Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship event is April 5 from 5-7 p.m. at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Office. At this office is also the Small Business Development Center.
Grants available to small businesses through the Chamber: E-Community Loan and Grow Kansas.
Riggs Chiropractic is having its ribbon cutting on May 4, at a Chamber After Hours gathering.
Open Mortgage will have its ribbon cutting on May 11 along with a ribbon cutting and open house.
110 S. Main (former Scottish Rite Temple) has doubled its retail space this week. The owners are waiting on Evergy to repair the electric service to the building to open the cafe.
The Kitchen, located in the McDonald Hall building, is nearing completion and will offer retail space, four kitchen pods for rent and an outdoor eating space in back of the building when completed.
Hedgehog INK owner Jan Hedges said a visitor “was impressed with how the businesses are working together.”
The Iron Star owner Barbara Trimbur said one of her large windows was broken during the recent wind storm.
Dacia Clark, Bradie Terry, Jody Hoener, Noah Terry, Rachel Carpenter and Lindsay Madison pause for a photo at the grant award ceremony on March 22.
Noah, 25, and Bradie Terry, 24, purchased their Bourbon County property in December 2020, after moving from Oregon.
“We were motivated to look further into the homestead lifestyle and wanted to take the knowledge we gained to pass it on to others in the community,” Bradie said. “We quickly realized the importance of knowing where your food comes from and how it is raised or grown. We both did not grow up with any background in agriculture or farming, so everything that you see us doing is learning-as-we-go and applying our time we spent studying these things to gaining hands-on knowledge.”
The name of the homestead business is The Shire, LLC.
“The name, The Shire, derives from a region in J. R. R. Tolkien’s fictional book, The Lord of the Rings,” Bradie said. “In this fictionist world, The Shire is a peaceful, fruitful, community that focuses on agriculture. Which is symbolism of the type of community that we want to build upon in Bourbon County. We are also both pretty short, so we also have the whole ‘hobbit’ thing going for us.”
Submitted photo. Cucumbers.Submitted photo. Home canned pickles.
“Currently, we have a flock of free-ranged chickens that allow us to sell delicious eggs to the community,” she said. “We are also growing cucumbers to produce pickles for a local restaurant.”
Submitted photo. A hen looks over eggs at the Shire.
The farm is located on the southeast side of Fort Scott near Ellis Park.
“We both work on the farm when time allows,” Bradie said. “Currently, my husband is in school and I work a full time job from home. Our goal is to transition one or both of us to working full time on the farm as we grow.”
They are the recipient of a Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) $10,000 Farmer/Rancher Grant.
“Our plans for the $10,000 farmer/rancher grant is to expand to our bee and dairy cow operation as well as expanding our garden for produce,” she said. “We will have bee hives and will breed our Jersey dairy cows by April of 2023, which will produce honey and raw milk by fall of 2024. The expansion of our garden operation will be done over the course of a couple of years and we hope to have a big greenhouse built by that time. The grant funds will also help us expand our chicken operation in order to have more eggs available to sell.”
One of the Shire cows. Submitted photo.
“We will jump into the world of beekeeping and milking our dairy cows within a year, which are two huge farm changes because we haven’t experience this before,” she said.
The Kress Building houses the Pizza Republic on the first floor at 17 S. Main Street. New windows were installed into the second floor, by Coon Rentals LLC. Submitted photo.
The Kress Building, an historic building at 17 S. Main St. got new windows on the second floor both front and rear of the building last week.
“When Kim and I bought the the building there were 10 new windows uninstalled,” said Robert Coon.
The Kress is owned by Robert and Kimberly Coon, Coon Rentals LLC who are continuing the effort ” to help revitalize the downtown area of Fort Scott,” Coon said.
Also helping in the installation was an Amish group of workers, and Dakota Garcia LLC, Coon said.
Robert and Kimberly Coon. Submitted photo.
Coon said a retail business will open on the second floor of the building sometime this summer.
“They were waiting for us to install the windows,” he said. “The front 2,500 feet will be retail, the back 2,500 feet will be storage for the retail space.”
The building known for years as the Kress Building was sold to Coon Rentals LLC in 2021.
The building housed a grocery store on the first floor for a brief period in the COVID 19 Pandemic and also a sushi restaurant for a brief period.
The second floor was an office for the Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center at this time frame, organized by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, which later moved to a different location.
Influx Services, which was started by Fort Scottian Jake Province last year, now offers roof, gutter, and window cleaning services, in addition to house washing and roof cleaning services.
His pressure washing and exterior cleaning service serves Fort Scott KS, Nevada MO, Miami OK, and surrounding areas
He has also been serving businesses in Fort Scott: the local Travelodge and Don’s Spirits and Wines.
“I use low pressure and algicides to clean homes more effectively, and without the risk of damaging the home by using high pressure,” Province said.
“We’ve gathered multiple five-star reviews on Google, and become one of the top-ranking pressure washing companies in the area as a result,” Province said.
Those interested in hiring Influx Services can call or text at (620) 407-3008, visit www.influx.services, email influxservicescontact@gmail.com, or message on the official Influx Services Facebook Page.
Province expressed gratitude for the fortscott.biz article published last year about his company.
“(That) support was incredibly helpful and helped us get our start in the community,” he said.
Horton Apartments before and after washing by Influx Services. Submitted photo.
This is a real stamp for an 18KT gold item. Submitted photo.
Bartelsmeyer Jewelry staff have had approximately 12 people bring in gold items to be appraised, and they are not gold, all with a similar story.
John Bartelsmeyer said he wanted to inform the public.
“I wanted to get the word out that people are getting scammed,” Bartelsmeyer said. “People have told us they are buying supposed gold at gas stations. Several local people have brought in items to be appraised in this manner since last fall.”
Bartelsmeyer did not know if they were local gas stations where the scammers were.
“They say, “This person was at a gas station and needed gas and told me they would sell me their gold ring( for money)’,” Krystal Hulbert, an employee of the jewelry store said.
The fraudulent gold pieces have included necklaces and bracelets too, but mostly gold rings.
Often they have been stamped 18KT to indicate that they are real, which can really fool people, Bartelsmeyer said.
“The gold looks nice,” Hulbert said. “But someone like John who has been working on real gold for 50 years knows it’s not real.”
Jeweler John Bartelsmeyer works on a piece of jewelry.
There is also a chemical test to provide proof that the article isn’t real, Bartselmeyer said.
“If people are wanting to help them out, that is one thing, but thinking they will get a bargain in gold, no,” Hulbert said.
Sgt. Tim Harper, Fort Scott Police Department, said there have been no people turn in a report to the department about this.
This year they created a new menu, with the La Prima (rice/chicken/cheese dip) the crowd favorite, Mirna said.
Restaurant hours are Monday-Wednesday from 11 a.m .to 8 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The phone number is 620.223.4400.
They Received A HBCAT Grant Recently
The business couple applied for and received the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team grant for restaurants in the amount of $7,000.
“We applied because the walk-in cooler was down and needed repairs,” she said. They got those repairs and are also ordering a new fryer for the restaurant, she said.
Giving Back To Their Community
The Santanas are involved in the community and have danced in the “Dancing With The Stars” fundraising event to raise funds for United Way, which distributes to many other entities, she said.
“I (also) try to help the organizations that come to us,” Mirna said. “Especially the schools.”
Mirna is originally from El Salvadore, Jose from Mexico.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time.
Two upcoming events for them is the Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday at 11 a.m. sharp at Gunn Park Shelter House #2 for area children. Children will need to bring their own basket.
The Easter bunny in the 2009 Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt at Gunn Park.
Another of the organization’s projects through the years has been to plant trees, and this year they are continuing that tradition with the help of grant funding from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.
If one looks down Fort Scott main streets, many of the trees in between the sidewalk and the street have been planted by Kiwanis members in the past.
Looking south on National Avenue, one can see the many trees placed between the street and the sidewalk, some of which were planted by Kiwanis, according to Kiwanis member Craig Campbell.
Trees are available for residents and parks throughout Bourbon County.
“A lot of the trees we have planted are for citizens who don’t have the resources to put them in,” Craig Campbell, Kiwanis member, said.
This year the group ordered flowering Redbud trees and two types of shade trees, Swamp Chestnut Oak, and Water Oak.
The Kiwanis will supply and plant the trees the latter part of April.
“The Fort Scott FFA group has volunteered to help Kiwanis members plant the trees,” Campbell said. “The city of Fort Scott will help bore the holes.”
“Tim McDonnell, with the Kansas State Forestry Service will come to town prior to help us look at drainage issues, gas and water lines, overhead lines,” Campbell said.
McDonnell drives the streets in town also to see if there is overpopulation of one tree species.
“Dutch Elm in the past and Ash Trees have been noted to have pests recently,” he said. “Bradford Pears are not hardy to our area because ice storm and wind storm damage.”
“We need to be diverse to prevent (tree populations) being wiped out by pests or disease,” Campbell said.
To request a tree, call or text Craig Campbell at 620-224-0167, by April 7.
“The only obligation is to water the tree once a week for a year to get it established,” he said.
About Kiwanis
Fort Scott Kiwanis Club meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church at Third and Crawford Street. Meals are provided.
Mike, 56, and Lori Hueston, 57, received a $10,000 grant to start up a greenhouse business from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team in the farm/ranch division.
The name of the business is Little Osage Greenhouse LLC.
“We will be growing vegetables to start and eventually fruits,” Lori said. “We will be selling in some local businesses in Bronson and Fort Scott… and be selling at farmers markets.”
The Hueston farm is located on Highway 65, outside of Mapleton in northern Bourbon County.
“We are putting up a gothic type of greenhouse,” she said. “It is a higher peak than a traditional hoop house and with straight sides which will allow for more grow space.”
Mike Hueston on his tractor, working ground for the green house. Submitted photo.Mike Hueston laying out placement for corners of the greenhouse. Submitted photo.
They will be ordering the greenhouse in the coming weeks, she said.
“With the help of the local U.S. Department of Agriculture office in Fort Scott with another grant, we will be posting online photos of the set up,” she said.
Huestons Saw The Need
“I remember helping my grandma in the garden and eating what she grew,” she said. “When my children were little I grew vegetables to supplement my budget.”
“I worked as a RN for over 25 years and saw the impact of a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables had on their lives,” Lori said. “Many could not afford to buy these at the store due to cost. Mike is a paramedic in the community and he also sees what the lack of a good diet has on the community. It is our hope to be able to help the community and family with fresh vegetables and fruit into their daily diet.”
Mike and Lori Hueston are part of the Missouri EMS Funeral Response Team. Here they are in Louisville for the Supporting Hero’s Benefit. They serve the loved ones of those who have lost someone in emergency medical service while on duty. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott Livestock Market has been a Martin family business since 1994, and marketed over 104,000 animals a year for Kansas and Missouri producers. They are the third largest agricultural auction in Kansas.
Located at 2131 Maple Road, the auction service sells agricultural livestock each weekend.
The Fort Scott Livestock Market Sale Barn, admin offices and cafe are housed in this building taken from the business website.
The auction features clear, fast-talking auctioneers, and includes multiple televisions throughout the facility for participants to keep an eye on the action in the ring.
Jim Martin, 89, one of the owners, still is an auctioneer.
The auction is often a family event for the buyers and sellers as well.
“Cattle buyers and sellers are often joined by a spouse, child or grandchild who enjoy a clear view of each animal coming through the ring,” according to the press release.
For those people who want home raised beef for their family freezer, the auction will have five butcher steers that start selling today, March 24, according to their Facebook page.
The business also sell paddles and flag whips for working with cattle on farms and also have apparel for sale: tee shirts, hoodies and vests.
The Friday sale is for cows, pairs, baby calves and big bulls, the Saturday sale, which starts at 10 a.m., starts with feeder and stocker calves and ends with cows and big bulls that came to the sale later.
Their cattle buyers are in person, or send a representative to help get “top-dollar” for the sellers livestock, according to a press release from FSLM.
In February 2023 they have added online purchasing of cattle on Fridays to the list of services. Fridays at 10 a.m.the sale features cows and bulls and Saturdays at 10 a.m. feature mostly calves, but also some cows and bulls. In 2012, the Saturday sale was put online.
Saturdays are the biggest sales.
“We are now broadcasting our sales real-time, the cattle auction is live on the internet …at WWW.DVAUCTION.COM,” according to the press release. “You must be registered through DV Auction and be approved through our office to bid. If you have not been approved through our office, please have your DV Auction # ready when you call us. 620-223-4600.”
For the latest information go to Facebook, at Fort Scott Livestock Market.
Family Owned
The market is owned and operated by four generations of the Martin family.
“Whether you’re selling one cow or a trailer load, they strive to give you the same quality enjoyable experience,” according to a press release. “Jim, Larry, Kyle and Tyler Martin are happy to discuss your cattle with you. Their phones light up all day, every day and each call gets a response.”
The fourth generation of Martins works as yard help.
Submitted photo of the Martins. Kyle, Larry, Jim and Tyler. Three generations of Martins.
Jim, Larry’s dad, Larry Martin, along with Tyler and Kyle, Larry’s sons, are the owners and managers of the business.
They regularly give back to various community clubs and organizations through various county fairs, FFA organizations, the Hepler Rodeo, the Vernon County Cattleman’s Association and various schools, churches and clubs.
The business employs over one hundred “hard-working individuals, from check-in to load-out, it’s a hands on, one-on-one experience,” according to the press release. “Behind the scenes there is a quality crew, in the front and back that are experts at sorting the cattle, joined by cowboys on horses penning the animals.”
The cafe at the livestock market is also a multi-generational family business. Bobbi Miller and her daughter Thabena Bower run the cafe.
“With fresh mouthwatering Friday and Saturday specials and homemade blue-ribbon quality pies,” it is a great place to eat, according to the press release.
They regularly give back to various community clubs and organizations through county fairs, FFA organizations, the Hepler Rodeo, the Vernon County Cattleman’s Association, schools, churches and clubs.
