Fort Scott High School Freshmen students will get to practice financial “adulting” on March 8 at the high school and local volunteers are needed to help with the event, FuntureNow: Finance, to that end.
Lewis Dunkeson.
“It is a fun and tangible way to aid students in preparing for their financial futures,” according to Lewis Dunkeson, Communities in School’s Student Support Coordinator at FSHS.
FutureNow:Finance, is an event that helps students understand some of the realities involved in preparing for future adulthood.
At the event, students will receive an adult scenario based on a survey they have completed prior to the event, according to information provided by Dunkeson.
The scenario includes: marital status, number of children, career field, and net monthly income, which is based on choice of career field and current grade point average.
At the FutureNow: Finance event, students will visit a variety of booths to purchase food, housing, transportation, communication services, child care, utilities, insurance, etc.
They can also save money, give to charity and learn about unexpected things that affect daily life such as accidents, unexpected visitors or flat tires. The event is Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 8 – 11 a.m. in Fort Scott High School’s Auxiliary Gym.
The Fort Scott High School gym. Submitted photo.
Volunteers should plan to report at 8 a.m. and must check-in to the school at the front office. Breakfast and lunch will be provided
Volunteers help the students make wise financial choices regarding the necessities and luxuries they imagine as part of their adult lifestyle, according to information provided by Dunkeson.
Volunteers are provided with detailed information and price sheets for their specific booth allowing them to help the students decide how best to spend their money.
Volunteer need only bring their personal experiences.
To volunteer for the event, contact: Lewis Dunkeson Student Support Coordinator, Fort Scott HS [email protected] 402-212-9826
There is a need in communities to get abandoned and vacant properties to land purchasers that can improve the property.
To this end, the Fort Scott Land Bank was initiated in 2018 and last month a manager for the program was hired.
“Vacant and abandoned properties have negative spillover effects that impact neighboring properties and, when concentrated, entire communities and even cities. Research links foreclosed, vacant, and abandoned properties with reduced property values, increased crime, increased risk to public health and welfare, and increased costs for municipal governments,” according to https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/
Pat Bishop has been appointed manager of the Fort Scott Land Bank. The appointment was effective as of January 1, 2023.
Bishop now is responsible for acquiring unused properties and maintaining them, pending transfer to a new owner.
His most important responsibility will be the sale or transfer of properties to buyers through setting up the framework for the clearing of title, negotiation of the purchase price and negotiation of the development agreement, he said.
All of the responsibilities are subject to the approval of the Land Bank Board of Trustees.
The City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County government entities share the salary for the position which is $20,000 per year.
“My hours are 1 -5 p.m. Monday through Friday, though I am available at all times,” Bishop said.
Bishop and his wife, Cathy, have lived in Fort Scott for 44 years and he was a practicing attorney in Bourbon County for 29 years.
Bishop has been integral in the preparation of the legal documentation necessary for the last two Bourbon County tax foreclosure sales, working with the Bourbon County Counselor, and therefore is familiar with the acquisition process, he said.
Bishop may be contacted at 620-224-6962. His email address is [email protected].
Bourbon County has provided Mr. Bishop an office in the courthouse located at 210 S. National.
The job requires that he be out of the office quite often, and contact is recommended via phone or email, he said.
What the Fort Scott Land Bank Does
“In 2018 the City of Fort Scott established the Fort Scott Land Bank,” Bishop said. “The purpose of the Land Bank is to acquire title to dilapidated, vacant or unused properties and convert them to productive use.”
These properties do not contribute to the tax base, and in addition create fire and safety hazards and reduce the value of surrounding properties, he said.
Most of the properties are acquired through Bourbon County tax foreclosure sale, though properties have been and may be donated to the Fort Scott Land Bank.
“At this point in time the Land Bank has 49 Fort Scott properties in its inventory,” Bishop said. ” All these properties are either vacant lots or structures in need of repair.”
The Land Bank determines the best usage for a property, he said.
Points considered for the usage for the property are the neighborhood, the size of the lot, and the condition of any structures, he said. And there is an attempt to sell the property for value in accordance with a development agreement between the Land Bank and the purchaser.
The agreement will require the developer to improve the property, such as building a house or remodeling an existing structure, within a given period of time, according to Bishop. If the developer fails to comply with the terms of the agreement, the property reverts to the Land Bank.
When the property is purchased, the Land Bank is required to maintain the premises, such as mowing, and may have to cause an unsafe structure to be removed, he said.
“The decision to sell land bank property will not be determined solely on the basis of purchase price,” he said. “The Board of Trustees will consider the proposed usage,” he said.
The construction of housing on a property is the most important consideration as there is a scarcity of affordable housing in Fort Scott, Bishop said.
“Other priorities in the following order are: protection of properties for historic preservation, government or public use, ownership by non-profits, such as a church, ownership by adjacent property owners for side-lot acquisitions and green or garden spaces for public benefit,” he said.
Fort Scott Land Bank Board of Trustees
The Fort Scott Land Bank Board of Trustees are appointed by the Fort Scott City Commission and presently consists of Craig Campbell, Chairperson; Robert Coon, Vice Chairperson; Bailey Lyons, Treasurer; Josh Jones, (City Commissioner) Jim Harris, (Bourbon County Commissioner), Rob Harrington (Bourbon County Regional Economic Director) and Patrick Wood.
The City of Uniontown owns the pond just east of the Uniontown Jr/Sr High School.
“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is gearing up for a placemaking project in Uniontown,” President and CEO Jody Hoener said.
Jody Hoener, President and CEO of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
They are seeking Uniontown resident’s input for a grant to improve the small town of almost 300 people in Bourbon County.
“We have a survey for community members to fill out,” Hoener said. “It’s available online at HBCAT.org or residents can pick up a paper copy from us at our Fort Scott Office (104 N. National) or from Sally Johnson at City Hall in Uniontown.”
Fort Scott has received several placemaking grants.
“We have already been working on Creative Placemaking projects in Fort Scott: the 3rd Street Park Improvements and the Downtown Arch projects,” Rachel Carpenter, Director of the The Center for Economic Growth at HBCAT, said.
Rachel Carpenter is the director of the Center for Ecomomic Growth at HBCAT.
“Creative Placemaking is letting the community choose a project and public space that enhances the quality-of-life people in that area,” Carpenter said. “Placemaking is about creating community spaces that improve vitality, and promote health, joy, and well-being. The community has the opportunity to take ownership of a place in their neighborhood.”
“This Creative Placemaking project is specifically for Uniontown, we are encouraging all residents of Uniontown to complete the survey,” Carpenter said. “The survey is live now and will remain open until March 13th. We can budget up to $10,000 towards this project funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas to be completed by June 2024.”
“Some examples would be: park improvements, murals in an alley way, public space for studying or a public art sculpture about the place’s history,” Carpenter said.
The Uniontown City Park is on the square in the center of the city.
Uniontown residents are asked to fill out a brief survey to help with ideas for the grant.
Open Mortgage is open for business at the corner of Wall Street and National Avenue.
A business, whose mission is to help homeowners and also increase financial security, recently opened.
Open Mortgage opened a branch office at 1 East Wall Street, Fort Scott, in December 2022.
The branch manager is David Vonfeldt, with the Fort Scott location serving four states.
David Vonfeldt. Submitted photo.
There are four employees in the Fort Scott Branch – Joe’ Fritter is a loan officer with two additional loan officers, Monica Creighton and Paul Vonfeldt in Wichita.
Fort Scott is the hometown for Joe’(Albright) Fritter.
She recently left healthcare after 34 years to work in the mortgage business with her brother in law, David Vonfeldt.
David is married to Joe’s sister Dani (Albright) Vonfeldt. They recently moved to Fort Scott from Wichita in November of 2022.
“David’s business plan has always been to open up his own Branch within Open Mortgage,” Fritter said. “As the stars aligned, this was made possible in December of 2022.”
We are looking forward to assisting the residents in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas,” she said.
Open Mortgage was founded in 2003 and David Vonfeldt has been with the company for eight years, Joe’ started in March of 2022.
Contact information
Fritter E-mail : [email protected] website or the wesbite: openmortgage.com/joe-fritter Phone number – 620-644-8146 (licensed in Kansas, Missouri)
Vonfeldt E-mail : [email protected], the website is openmortgage.com/david-vonfeldt Phone number – 316-619-2720 (licensed in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas).
About Open Mortage Open Mortgage is a nationally recognized, rapidly growing, multi-channel mortgage lender that allows the American dream of home ownership, according to a press release.
Since 2003, the business has been dedicated to assisting borrowers.
Cassidy Lutz K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Science Agent Southwind District 211 W. Butler Yates Center, KS 66783 620-625-8620
Cassidy Lutz is a new Southwind District Family and Consumer Sciences Agent. She started January 23, 2023.
Her primary office location is in Yates Center.
“As an extension agent, I provide leadership for the development and implementation of research-based educational programming related to families and community systems,” Lutz said. “By offering programs and being involved with community partners and organizations, I help residents throughout Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties gain knowledge and skills to better their lives. My primary focus will be Family and Child Development.”
“I travel to Fort Scott on an as needed basis, so I don’t have set days,” she said.
” I am part of a virtual learning series that is offered statewide,” Lutz said. “It is called Living Well Wednesday’s and will be held from 12:15 – 1 p.m. on the following dates. All sessions are recorded so if someone has an interest and can’t watch the live viewing, the recordings can be viewed on the website at a later date. Registration information is on that website as well.”
February 8 – Hypertension Awareness, Prevention and Management
She has a bachelor’s degree in food science from Kansas State University.
“I was most recently the Family and Community Wellness and 4-H Youth Development Agent for Greenwood County K-State Research in Extension,” she said. “Prior to that, I served as a program assistant for the Southwind Extension District upon graduating from K-State.”
Her family includes her mother, Teena Tracy-McNett from Yates father, Gerald Lutz from Garnett. Her grandparents are Gail and Ross Thornbrugh from Yates Center and Clint and Gail Tracy from Toronto.
“I am thrilled to be working in Yates Center again and will take advantage of the opportunities to be involved in the community,” she said. “As a former Southwind employee, I loved getting to work with all the families in the Southwind District and am excited to get back to that. I hope to be involved in many organizations and give support to our wonderful communities by providing knowledge and skills all residents can use to thrive! ”
The Sleep Inn, 320 E. Wall, has installed an electric vehicle charging stations for the hotel travelers and the community.
To better serve travelers and the community, the Sleep Inn Hotel installed an electric vehicle charging station a few weeks ago.
An electric vehicle charging station was recently installed at Sleep Lnn by Jeff Allen. Submitted photo.
An electric vehicle charging station is equipment that connects an electric vehicle (EV) to a source of electricity to recharge electric cars, neighborhood electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, according to https://www.techtarget.com
“We are only the second public charging station in town,” Sleep Inn Manager Bill Michaud said. “The only other one being Evergy with a single port station in front of their offices on Old Fort Blvd.”
The Sleep Inn is located at 320 E. Wall, Fort Scott.
Bill Michaud. Submitted photo.
Currently. Michaud knows of only one other hotel charging station in the area, in Overland Park.
“As far as hotels in southeast Kansas, the Hampton Inn at Prairie Fire Casino is the only other hotel based EV station, ” Michaud said. We are hopeful that adding this station will open the doors to our community to the growing number of EV drivers.”
A car charging at an electric vehicle charging station.
Michaud is in the process of adding the Sleep Inn charging station to the numerous station locator online apps. This makes it easy for drivers to plan sites that can accommodate their electric vehicles along a route.
“Our charger is a JuiceBar brand, two-port, 32 amp charger that operates on the EVConnect network,” he said. “To use the station you simply download the EVConnect app and use the station identifying QR code on the side of the charging station to activate the port.”
“The station is open to the public – not restricted to hotel guest use,” he said. “We just hope that making the charging station available will bring people to town that otherwise wouldn’t ,due to lack of charging options. I’m told that the 32amp charger will charge an EV at the rate of 25 miles per hour on the charger giving someone that’s plugged in for 12 hours up to 300 miles in driving range.”
Linda O’Nelio Knoll, is a speaker, educator and historian in Pittsburg. Photo from the Humanities Kansas website.
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott will host “Army of the Amazons: Women’s Fight for Labor Rights in the Kansas Coalfields,” a presentation and discussion by Linda O’Nelio Knoll on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 2 p.m., at the Lowell Milken Center at 1 South Main Street.
“The presentation and books are free and there will be wine and cheese as well,” said Ronda Hassig, Funding Development Spokesperson at the LMC. “We would love to see you and you are welcome to bring a friend too!”
Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes at #620-223-1312 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
Refreshments will be provided for those attending.
In December 1921, thousands of women in southeast Kansas rose up to fight injustice in the area coalfields.
These women were immigrants from Eastern European nations as well as Kansas born.
After a months-long strike by the coalminers, the women joined the cause. In the short term, their efforts crippled mine production for nearly a month; in the longer term, their continued activism impacted future statewide elections and national legislation.
This talk will share the stories of these women, christened the “Amazon Army” by The New York Times, and their fight for democracy and labor rights in Kansas’s coalfields.
This event will kick off the community reading of two books about Unsung Heroes “Cher Ami” and “Lorraine Hansberry.”
Free books are provided by Humanities Kansas and all are welcome to participate!
Both book discussions will happen at the Lowell Milken Center three weeks after the book is passed out
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
Kathy and Tracy Dancer in their shop, 110 South Main Mercantile and Market. Submitted photo.
Kathy and Tracy Dancer are reopening their new business venture, 110 South Main Mercantile and Market, on Feb 10. The business is located in the former Scottish Rite Temple.
The store will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The inside of the 110 South Main Mercantile and Market. Submitted photo.
“The store started as a pop-up in the old Scottish Rite building in December and will be reopening with limited hours during February and March,” she said.
“We have about a dozen local artisans and craftspeople with items for sale in the market,” she said. “There are some great handmade home decor items, glass art, locally sourced and knitted Shetland wool scarves and shawls, woodcraft products such as: crosses, charcuterie boards, framed art and furniture made from reclaimed wood. We will be adding several additional market vendors in February and March as we expand the space.”
In addition to market vendors, Kathy sources items for the mercantile portion of the shop from around the U.S. with a focus on small businesses in Kansas and the Midwest.
“We have candles, jewelry, bath products, beard balms, soaps, home decor, caramels, puzzles, and baking mixes made in Kansas,” she said. “Some of the companies we are working with include Kansas City Caramels, Kansas City Canning Company, Prairie Fire, Madame Scodioli, Sunflower Food Co, Thompson’s Handmade, and Rural Pearl Art.”
The following are photos of some of the mercantile that will be for sell.
Submitted photos of some of the mercantile sold.
They will also have for sale products from outside of Kansas.
“We will be offering coffee from Modest Coffee, soup mixes from Anderson House, baking mixes from Finding Home Farms, and treats from Rolling Pin Bakery and Bear Creek Candy, Kathy said. “We have expanded our offering of craft drink mixes and cocktail accessories. We also have a selection of children’s books and wooden puzzles.”
“It really is a great variety of products for the entire family and all ages,” she said.
She is currently enjoying some of the items she sells at home.
“Right now with the cool weather, I am enjoying the Anderson House soup mixes, the Shetland wool scarves from Black Dog Farms, and the seasonal home decor from 2 Southern Ladies,” she said.
A Cafe on the Horizon
The future site of the Cohn’s Cafe Shoppe is the kitchen area of the former Scottish Rite Temple. Submitted photo.
“We have also started the process to license a restaurant in the space,” she said.
The restaurant will be named Cohn’s Cafe.
” The cafe space was Cohn’s Coffee Shoppe from 1926-1948, so we felt it was a great way to embrace the history of the space while adding a dining option for the community,” she said. “The cafe will be open sometime this spring.”
In addition the cafe will have a selection of breakfast and lunch items, coffee, specialty drinks and desserts.
“We are testing menu items during February, but we hope to offer a selection of quiches, scones, waffles, crepes, sandwiches, and soups,” she said. “There will also be a rotating selection of classics such as pot roast, meatloaf, and chicken and dumplings.”
People can follow the mercantile’s progress on Facebook or Instagram at @110s
A local eatery known for its’ generous portions, is closed for some aesthetic improvement to the dining area.
“We will be closed February 6-11,” Brian Lancaster, owner, said.
H2 Painting LLC will be painting the ceilings and walls.
“We are wanting to update and improve our dining room area,” Lancaster said. “We are planning to update flooring and the kitchen area at a later date.”
The deli’s owner, Marsha Lancaster, died on September 19, 2021, and on October 13, 2021 , her siblings became the owners of her decades-running restaurant.
Tara Solomon-Smith, is the new Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for K-State Extension Service.
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
She began work on January 9, 2023, at her home office in Erie, which serves Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties, which comprises the Southwind District.
Smith is in the Fort Scott office, located at the Bourbon County Courthouse on Thursdays.
Her hometown is Yates Center.
Smith earned a bachelors degree in Family Studies and Human Services from Kansas State University, and has been working in community education and engagement for over sixteen years.
The K-State Extension offers support to the community.
She offers these programs:
Walk with Ease and Stay Strong Stay Healthy: Evidence based physical activity programs providing health education and an avenue to safely and comfortably increase activity.
Youth and Adult Financial Education: Provide information and education to help increase your financial well-being through programs such asCheck Your Credit,the interactive assessment gameMoney Habitudes, andFamily Financial Story Walks
Bonding Thru Board Games: A short term or series-based lesson using board games as a tool to support child and youth development while developing strong families and relationships
Mental Wellness and Resiliency: Mental wellness is an important aspect of health. ProgrammingincludesStress Less with Mindfulness, Exploring Resilience, Ag Wellness,andYour Thoughts Matter.
Senior Health Insurance Counseling of Kansas: Assist older adults in navigating new to Medicare decisions and yearly decisions regarding prescription drug plans.
In her spare time she enjoys being on the family farm and exploring the outdoors with her husband and two boys, Smith said.
Fort Scott Police Captain Jason Pickert has been promoted to the Chief of Police, according to a press release from the city manager on Wednesday.
“It is with great pleasure that I announce Jason Pickert as the new Chief of Police for the City of Fort Scott” said Interim Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin. “Pickert has been with the Fort Scott Police Department for the last 18 years working side by side, as Police Captain, with retiring Police Chief Travis Shelton for the last four years.”
Pickert started his career with the Fort Scott Police Department in 2004 after graduating from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in 2005, according to a press release from Matkin.
He was a patrol office from 2004 to 2006 before taking the role of detective in the fall of 2006, serving in that role for two years.
Pickert was then promoted to Detective Sergeant in March of 2008 and served in this role for over ten years before being promoted to Captain in December of 2018.
Among the many other certificates and continued education classes, Pickert graduated with a Certified Public Manager certificate in 2017 from the University of Kansas.
“We had some very good candidates, and I was very impressed with each of the candidates we interviewed,” Matkin said. “The interview panel and I feel Jason Pickert is the one that stood out among the rest and will do a great job.”
Brad Matkin. Submitted photo.
“Pickert is a strong leader, decision maker, and a valuable resource,” Matkin said. “I look forward to working more closely with Jason and am excited to see what the future holds for the staff and the department.”
Pickert will take over the Chief of Police role on March 1st, 2023.
Current Fort Scott Chief of Police Travis Shelton will be retiring at the end of February.
Fort Scott Police Chief Travis Shelton. Submitted photo.
A local congregation is celebrating 50 years in the community.
Community Christian Church met for the first time on January 21, 1973.
“It was at the (Scottview Apartments) high rise,” Jerry Witt, who is serving on the planning committee for the anniversary celebration, said. “We were going to meet in homes but the phone rang off the hook that week and we knew we’d have too many for something like that.”
“Sixty-three people attended that first meeting,” he said. “It has never been below that number since. On charter Sunday, 111 people were in attendance and 70 of those placed their membership.”
In the earliest days, finding a place to meet was a challenge.
They met in the band room at the middle school, at Fort Scott Community College, at the high rise apartment complex, and at the old 4-H Building.
As the congregation grew, a more permanent and larger location was necessary.
The ground breaking of Community Christian Church in 1973. Submitted photo.
Once they were able to start building the church facility, it was able to be purchased because all seven leaders: Max Hayden, Ron Billiard, Bill Douglas, Richard Hixon, Jerry Witt, Tom Armstrong, and Bill Underkofler put their homes up as collateral for the build.
The original church building for Community Christian Church. Submitted photo.
Leon Weece was the only paid staff for at least a year, and volunteers cleaned the church.
The original sanctuary of Community Christian Church, 1973. Submitted photo
Currently they have six ministry staff, two administration staff, and two janitorial staff members, with one intern.
The Mission
The mission of the first congregation was to start a fundamental, Bible-based Christian church, and there have been three mission statements in the church history.
The current one is “We are a community who loves Jesus, who want to see Jesus loved by our community.”
“We have changed the wording to become more modern over time but we have always stuck to those three basic missions of God, his plan, and his people.” said Karen Billiard, also on the anniversary committee.
The Anniversary Committee
The 50 year planning committee has nine people, and five were present that first service: Sharon Campbell, Karen Billiard, Judy and Jerry Witt, and Robin Billiard-Hartman.
Added to the 2023 anniversary committee are Rita Emmerson, and Billie Jo and Alan Drake, who all came to the newly formed church early in its history, along with Delynn Abati, who has attended Community since 1997.
An aerial view of Community Christian Church in 2023. Submitted photo.
The Current Congregation
Currently there are nearly 500 people attending Community Christian.
Members of the anniversary committee stated their reasons they attend the church:
“The love our church family has for each other,” said Robin Hartman.
“Knowing that we are a Bible-based church,” said Billie Jo Drake.
“The fellowship and care each person has for every other,” Billiard said.
CCC is a mission-giving church, increasing outreach of the congregants.
From the inception of the church, they pledged 10% of all income to missions, according to information from the committee. That number has grown to the 18% currently given to missions every month.
Plans for the 50th Anniversary
There will be one extended service on Sunday, February 12, which is Community Christian Church’s Charter Sunday, beginning at 9 a.m. that will highlight and recreate parts of the last 50 years.
Leon Weece, the church’s first minister, will preach. Additionally, there will be testimonies from some of the charter members and Timothys; people the church has sent out to serve in ministries throughout the world.
There will be a reception directly following the service, which will have a microphone set up for anyone wanting to share memories of their days at CCC.
On the Horizon
The church is currently remodeling the north wing of the facility to be a more inviting and accommodating space for the youth group. They are about 50% done with the remodel.
Services
The service times of the church: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. every Sunday, with a study hour in between.
They also have programming for students pre-K to 12th grade from 6 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday evening, during the school year.
The church is located at 1919 S. Horton, Fort Scott.
For more information, phone 620.223.1500 or view their Facebook page.
