Bourbon County schools are experiencing school and staff illness in the last few weeks before school is out for Christmas break.
USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main
Fort Scott
“We have had a large number of students and staff out the last several weeks with the flu, RSV and COVID 19; mostly the Influenza A,” USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown said.
Destry Brown. Submitted photo.
On Monday, the district had 204 students out sick, which is down from last week by around 100, he said. There were seven teachers out Monday with illness themselves or they have sick children.
The district has 1,856 students enrolled.
The district has had to postpone a music concert because of illness.
“The choir concert… has been rescheduled to January 11th at the Ellis Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m.,” Brown said.
“On Friday, the choir spent the day singing at different schools and other venues around town,” he said. “I suspect that they shared the bug with each other that day. Whatever the case, their concert is postponed because of illness.”
U234 will dismiss school on Dec. 15 with a teacher workday on Dec. 16 and school will resume on January 3.
Staff Positions
The district currently has openings that will be posted from retirements in the following areas:
Elementary Physical Education
Occupational Therapist
One teaching position
“I anticipate additional openings after the first of the year due to retirements,” Brown said.
Uniontown
Uniontown High School.
Uniontown School District had 63 students gone on Monday, with a “handful of staff,” Vance Eden, USD 235 Superintendent said. There are no postponements of school events at this time.
Vance Eden and family. Submitted photo.
“We have been able to cover all classes needing substitutes,” Eden said.
There are 479 students in this district.
The last day of school for this district is Friday, Dec. 16 for Christmas break. Staff will return on January 3 for professional development and students will return on January 4.
U235 Openings For Next Year
There are several openings being posted for U235 for the 2023-24 school year.
So far a junior/senior high school principal position, a jr./sr. English teacher and a high school science teacher.
Rachel Carpenter is the director of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center for Economic Growth. Submitted photo.
The Healthy Bourbon County Team center is hosting an event, Boost Local Business, that will be held at Healthy Bourbon County Action Teams’ office at 104 National Avenue on December 13 at 6 p.m.
The event is to help local business owners learn of the resources available to them.
An additional event with the same information will be offered on December 20th at noon, for those unable to attend tomorrow’s meeting.
The event’s purpose is to showcase different ways to support employees and employers, according to Rachel Carpenter, the director of Healthy Bourbon County Team’ s Center for Economic Growth program.
“Southeast Kansasworks is a hidden gem for businesses and community members,” Carpenter said. “At this event they will share about their services and the different ways they can support employees and employers. They strive to help individuals be in the careers they want to be in by supporting them in getting education and certifications.”
“Business owners and community members are welcome to attend this event,” Carpenter said. “They register through an Eventbrite link found on the Facebook event or at HBCAT.org. The event is free and there is a for $40 gas voucher for each participant, food will be provided, and free childcare.”
“HBCAT contracted with Kansas University Medical Center… for their grant funded program COPE (Communities Organizing to Promote Equity) in Bourbon County,” Carpenter said. “This helped establish the LHEAT (Local Health Equity Action Team) in Bourbon County. The LHEAT is comprised of community organizations, Community Health Workers, and community members.”
“The LHEAT has started off with $40,000 to help support the initiatives that the LHEAT strategizes,” Carpenter said. “One event that the LHEAT has done in the past is distribute produce boxes through out Bourbon County back in May.”
This event is also being sponsored by the Local Health Equity Action Team and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and Kansasworks.
The event will include a HBCAT overview, a KANSASWORKS overview, an explanation of business services offered and info on a registered apprenticeship.
Brandi Galbreath. Submitted photo.
Speakers are Brandi Galbreath – Outreach Manager (Presenting 12/13/22) on KANSASWORKS Services
Jim Jenkins. Submitted photo.
Jim Jenkins – Business Services Director (Presenting 12/13/22 & 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Business Services
Dustin Troth. Submitted photo.
Dustin Troth – Business Services Representative (Presenting 12/13/22 & 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Business Services)
Nadia Qureshi. Submitted photo.
Nadia Qureshi – Outreach Coordinator (Presenting 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Services
Chastity Troxel. Submitted photo.
Chastity Troxel – Registered Apprenticeship Program Manager (Presenting on 12/13/22) on Kansas Registered Apprenticeship.
Carpenter graduates this semester with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Fort Hays State University. She previously received certification in Community Development and Grant Writing also through Fort Hays State University.
Ethan, Rinley, Stetson, and Katie Holly on opening day of their Farm Store last weekend. Submitted photo.
Still Waters Farm is a new business started by Ethan and Katie Holly, who have been involved in agriculture their entire lives.
The Holly’s began their a new business in 2020 when they started selling home raised chickens directly to friends.
“We value knowing where the meat we are eating comes from and how the animals have been taken care of from birth to finishing stages,” Katie said. “It is rewarding to us to feed our friends and family with meat that has been directly raised on our farm.”
“In the past two years we have grown more in the beef and pork side of selling farm raised meats,” Katie said. “Poultry processing fees continued to increase and we were looking to stay more local with our processing. We have processed chickens on our farm the past couple of years for customers, but offer a very limited supply, once a year, of chicken.”
In late 2020, the Holly’s started selling whole and half beef shares to some friends in the area.
In the Spring of 2021 they started offering individual beef cuts at The Fort Scott Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.
“It was a goal for 2022 to open a space where customers could shop our meats year round, not just during the Farmers Market Season,” she said. “We are grateful for all the help of family, friends, and our loyal customers who have supported our small farm business to help make this possible for us.”
“This past year we have raised pigs and offered a limited supply of pork weekly at the farmers market to customers in our mobile meat trailer,” she said. “Having the mobile meat trailer at the farmers market helped us keep the meats frozen and offered a space for customers to shop from the cuts of meat we offer.”
This month, the Holly’s added a farm store on their property to sell their beef and pork products.
“This October we started renovating a small farm shed into a store front to sell our beef and pork from… a small building located right on our family farm just west of Fort Scott at 2014 Locust Rd.,” she said. “Currently parking is limited at the farm store as we finish up a few ongoing projects on the farm.”
The building is a way to retain customers through the winter months and offer space for customers to shop their meats year round.
“Another service we offer is porch delivery weekly to the Fort Scott area, which is simple and hassle free,” she said. “Our order form link is listed on our Facebook page and orders can be placed online, invoices are sent to customers, reminder texts are sent for customers to simply leave a cooler by their door, then orders are delivered directly to customers. The porch delivery service has been a favorite by many of our customers. We plan to continue this service throughout the year.”
Still Waters Farm Store is located on the Holly property at 2014 Locust Road, rural Fort Scott. Featured in the shop is locally raised beef and pork.Submitted photo.
The Farm Store will be open on Saturday mornings 9 a.m. to noon.
If there are questions about the business, contact via email [email protected] or find Still Waters Farm on Facebook for more information.
“We are humbled by the support we have had from this community and excited for the plans we have for 2023,” she said.
The Family’s Background
The young couple grew up in agriculture and have a passion for helping the next generation understand where their food comes from and the hard work that goes into farming, according to Katie.
Ethan has a Bachelors Degree in Ag Business and works as a Fort Scott bank loan officer, and Katie has a Bachelors in Elementary Education, and cares for their children while managing the daily farm chores.
Their two young children help with the farm chores of feeding and caring for the animals they raise.
The family is involved in the local 4-H program, their local church, and a few other committees within the community.
Angela Simon opened Bids and Dibs on December 3, 2012 inside 19 S. National Ave.
Opening day of Bids and Dibs in December 2012 at 19 S. National Avenue. Submitted photo.
On Halloween day 2018, Jason and Angela Simon purchased 108 S. Scott Ave.
Bids and Dibs opened its doors at the Scott Avenue building in January 2019.
“Bids and Dibs started as a local online auction platform,” Simon said. “That original business model evolved into full-service resale. Our services include: transparent consignment- where every consignor has access to their account online and their account balances never expire. Balances can be used as cash or credit at anytime.”
Bids and Dibs offers full consignment services, outright buys, and estate liquidation services to the community.
“Outright buys are where people can bring items in for sale and receive a cash offer based on brand, condition and current needs of the store. “
“Customized Estate liquidation… (is another) service,” she said. “No two situations are the same. People will contract with us to help them downsize the family home, moving out of town, or cleaning out the personal effects of a loved one that has passed. This service is especially popular with families that live outside the Bourbon county area who need to downsize or clear out things for a loved one who can no longer do it for themselves.”
Bids & Dibs, Inc. employs on average 10-14 people at any given time.
“We have plans to add an additional two full-time employees during 2023 to handle the expansion of our online sales,” Simon said.
Employees of Bids and Dibs. Submitted photo.
Upgrading Technology in January 2023
“When we started 10 years ago we purchased the best consignment software in the industry,” she said. “Unfortunately that company did not keep pace with available technologies and we have now outgrown that point-of-sale service. In January 2023, we will be upgrading our systems to a cloud based service that will allow our consignors 24-hour access to their accounts that update instantaneously.”
“We have always offered online access to consignors, but our current system needs to be backed up and restarted before it shows current reliable data to the consignor. It is not always possible for us to do that as frequently as some users would like.”
“Our new system will allow them to watch in live time as we process and sell their items. It will also grant us the ability to add inventory offsite. That feature will make processing estates much faster. It will also allow multiple family members to follow along in the process. This is very valuable tool to families who live outside the local area. “
“Even in the most tight knit of families, contentions can arise when you’re dealing with estate items. Our service helps families work through these issues by being a neutral and transparent third party.”
Distinction in Business
Bids and Dibs received the small business of the year award from the Fort Scott area Chamber of Commerce in 2019.
“Besides the local Chamber, we are members of the National Association of Resale and Thrift Stores (NARTS) and NextLevel Resale. Due in large part to the resources and mentorship these groups provide, Bids & Dibs has become the largest resale boutique in Kansas that offers consignment, outright buys and estate liquidation.”
“Bids & Dibs will start leaning into this distinction in our marketing efforts for 2023 and beyond. Resale has became one of the largest growing industries in the world. The popularity of buying sustainably in North America has made destinations out of resale stores. Our marketing goal is to bring more outside dollars into the Bourbon County community, thus putting more money directly into the pockets of our consignors.”
A previous community input meeting. Submitted photos.
The Fort Scott community is invited to be a part of the improving of a park and a downtown arch coming in the near future.
The Third Street Park and Downtown Arch Unveiling Party is Thursday, December 8 at 6 p.m.
The Third Street Park is located on the east side of Fort Scott.
The event will be held at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s office at 104 N. National and there will be a virtual option.
“If you are unable to attend, please consider voting online,”Rachel Carpenter, Director of The Center for Economic Growth, a part of The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), said.
Twigs and Berries will be catering the event and there will be four $25 Walmart Giftcard giveaways.
For more information please contact Rachel Carpenter at [email protected]
This is a third public forum hosted by HBCAT to give community members and residents a voice in the decision making process for the plans for the Third Street Park and a downtown arch-way.
A prior community input event. Submitted photos.
“We feel strongly about connecting our neighborhoods, creating a sense of place, and empowering each of our community members to contribute to positive change,” Carpenter said.
Several plans will be unveiled that incorporate input from previous meetings.
“After a year of formal public events and meetings, and hearing from individuals who are passionate about the project and location, we have options to vote on,” Carpenter said. “All of these plans have been derived from community input. The steering committee, made up of individuals in Fort Scott who live, or have lived, near the project, carefully considered all feedback and created a draft to present to the community.”
At the Dec. 8 meeting, more community input is sought.
A prior community input event. Submitted photos. From left: Juliane Walker, Wichita State University Community Engagement Specialist who facilitated the conversations at the public forums, Rachel Carpenter, Director for Center for Economic Growth and Jody Hoener, President and CEO of HBCAT.
” At this unveiling party we will have the community vote on key elements related to these projects,” she said. “We will ask the participants to vote on which downtown arch design they prefer and ask participants to submit and vote on a name for 3rd Street Park. The name of the park doesn’t have to change, and it shouldn’t if the name has an emotional tie to residents who grew up near there.”
” We want to give people who haven’t had a say so in the past a chance to be part of the decision-making process—a place to voice how they would like to see things in their neighborhood playgrounds and parks,” she said.
“So, this unveiling party will kick off a voting campaign on the name of the park,” Carpenter said. “There will be an option to the leave the name the same. Here is your chance to contribute to projects and try to capture the deep history and culture of Fort Scott. There will be opportunity to provide open feedback on the projects as well.”
“From the City of Fort Scott, City of Uniontown, and countywide trails master plan, PedNet Plan, to our annual community perception surveys, we make hearing directly from the community a priority in shaping and implementing our plans,” Carpenter said. “As a result, we have so much to show for it and continue to expand our projects and services.”
Funding for this event is being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of Bourbon County’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant and also the Patterson Family Foundation. The event will be conducted in collaboration with the Wichita State Engagement Institute.
Carpenter can also be reached at 620.215.2562.
A previous community input meeting. Submitted photos.
Jingle Bell Mart, 2021. Submitted photos by Sue Reinecke.
Bourbon County Christmas shoppers, here is a stop.
The 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Holiday Mart is Saturday, December 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street. The event is hosted by the Bourbon County Fair Association.
Discovery Music Studio students will be playing throughout the day for your listening enjoyment
Jingle Bell Mart, 2021. Submitted photo.
The list of vendors includes:
Vendor
Person
Products
Returning
Happy Little Candle Factory
Lori Craig
Homemade Candles, Wax Melts, Chapstick
Flying P Ranch
Abbie Powell
Jewelry and Western Accessories
Micki Kraft
Home Sewn Items
Tessie’s Nails
Tessie Tucker
Color Street Nails
Blue Dog Winery
Sarah Johnson
Bottles of Wine and Wine Related Merchandise
Locust Hill Lamancha
Sue
Goat Milk Products
New
Plexus
Samantha Bauman
Health and Wellness Products
Tupperware by Melinda
Melinda Miller
Tupperware, and wood craft items
Scentsy
Lakin Brittain
Scentsy Products
Donna Jo’s
Donna Jo Beerbower
Homemade Fudge and Baked Goods
Be-You-Tiful Designs
Kristi Beene
Vinyl and Sublimation
ButterBone Bakery, Paolo, KS
Randi White
Home Baked Dog Treats
Buckin’ A Ranch
Karleigh Arndt
Clothing, décor, accessories
2 Crafty Twisted Sisters
Shawna Holstine
Crafts, Tumblers, Christmas Décor
Twigs and Berries
Suzanne Griffin
Cotton Candy and more
Mmm Flavor Shop
Emelia Whiteaker
Addi Foster
Hot Beverage Bar
Discover Music Studio
Audry Eberhard
Music throughout the day
There will be a tasting of Blue Dog Winery samples (with valid identification).
MMM Flavor-Emilea Whiteaker will be hosting a hot cocoa and tea bar with other products.
Mayla Foster at the 2021 Jingle Bell Mart. Submitted photo.
Locust Hill Lamanches, which sells goat products, will be hosting the goat cheese tasting table.
Also fudge, cotton candy and other food items will be available for sale.
Dog treats from Butter Bone Bakery will also be available for furry friends.
As of November 2022, there are 36 Bourbon County children who have been abused or neglected and need a volunteer to advocate for them in the court system.
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate.
” Bourbon County CASA has been providing CASA volunteers to the children of Bourbon County for over 32 years,” said Christa Horn, director. “CASA Volunteers undergo extensive background checks and over 30 hours of training to become certified. CASA’s are assigned by the court to advocate for and be the voice of children who are involved in the court system due to abuse and neglect, through no fault of their own.”
“Currently 36 children who have been victims of abuse or neglect are assigned CASA Volunteers,” Horn said. “Over 980 children here in Bourbon County have benefited from having a CASA volunteer by their side, fearlessly advocating for their needs. Sadly there are at least 36 more children who need a CASA volunteer.”
“Children can be referred by interested parties, attorneys and DCF/or it’s private contractor and then are assigned by the Court,” she said.
“CASA volunteers meet with their assigned child(ren) on a consistent basis getting to know the child and their circumstances perhaps better than any other professionals involved in the case,” Horn said. “They gather information from all individuals involved in a child’s life, from parents, foster parents, teachers, therapists, doctors, family members, case worker. CASA then submits written reports to the court at each court hearing detailing events and facts in a child’s life and case and makes recommendations on what is believed to be in the child’s best interest. CASA volunteers remain assigned to their child until the child is reintegrated back home or reaches permanency through adoption, permanent custodianship.”
The amount of time spent as a CASA volunteer varies.
“Hours vary case by case, but on average a volunteer will spend 6 to 8 hours a month devoted to their assigned case,” she said.
“Currently Bourbon County CASA has 23 certified volunteers,” she said. ” Volunteers are assigned only one child or sibling group at a time, allowing them the time to focus on only one case at a time.”
Contact Bourbon County CASA, PO Box 146, Fort Scott. Phone: 620-223-2407 or 620-215-2769; Email: [email protected]; Program Director Christa Horn
Tomorrow is the deadline for an annual fundraiser for CASA.
You are cordially invited to a Christmas Celebration
to benefit Bourbon County CASA on Friday, December 9th, 2022
7-9 pm.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and a full bar will be provided.
The holiday party fundraiser will be at the Cullor Lake Home
810 195th Street, FortScott.
Reservations are requested by Friday December 2nd.
Giving Levels:
Sponsor: $25 per person, $50 per couple
Guardian: $50 per person, $100 per couple
Guardian Angel: $75 per person, $150 per couple
Friend: $125 per person, $250 per couple
Benefactor: $500 and over
Mail your RSVP and giving level payment to:
Bourbon County CASA, PO Box 146, FortScott, KS 66701
or call Christa Horn at 620.215.2769 with any questions.
The post hospital is lit up durng the 2021 tour. NPS Photo: Carl Brenner
The Fort Scott National Historic Site 41st Annual Candlelight Tour is completely sold out.
The tour is Dec. 2nd and 3rd.
“This year… we are commemorating several important milestones of our nation’s history,” Carl Brenner, FSNHS Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management, said. “Each milestone highlights a different portion of the Fort’s history as well.”
NPS: Photo credit-Carl Brenner
Tickets went on sale on November 1 and sold out on November 27.
Fort Scott High School drama students and other volunteers will portray different scenes, vignettes, during the evening in which ticket purchasers will stroll the promenade on the grounds of the fort.
The vignettes, in order, are:
The Bicentennial of the Santa Fe Trail which is set in 1843. The army is preparing to go out on campaign along the trail. In this vignette: Luke Leighsing (Santa Fe Trader), Josh Sherwood (Lieutenant), Tracy Dancer (Sergeant), Frankie Ruggerro (Corporal), Jericho Jones (Private).
175th Anniversary of the Mexican American War, which is set in 1847, celebrates the safe return of soldiers from the war. In this vignette: Kiara Thompson (Mrs. Curtis), Sylvia Stapleton (Miss Jones), Emma Guns (Mrs. Simpson), Cooper George (Corporal Clark), Austin Stapleton (Private Smith), Matt Wells (Musician).
165th year of Bleeding Kansas, which is set in 1857, actors prepare for the Grand Ball celebrating the opening of the Fort Scott Hotel. In this vignette: Diane Bernheimer (Elizabeth Wilson), Jan Elder (Eliza Campbell), Wayne Young (Mr. Wilson).
160th year of Civil War Ladies Union Aid Society-Emancipation Proclamation, which is set in 1862, where the women are comforting the solders. In this vignette: Dee Young (Mrs. Weatherwax), Cassie Edson (Mrs. Mary Martin), Emily Endicott (Mrs. Laura Phillips – head of the Christmas committee), Regen Wells (Miss Sarah– Christmas committee member), Karen Primeaux (Mrs. Smith), Ronda Hassig (Mrs. Redfield)
150th year of Post of Southeast Kansas,1872, the scene is a railroad agent in a squabble with landowners: Casey Gomez (Walter ), Katie Wells (Elizabeth), Ivy Bailey (Charlie), Steve Powell (John)
Additional High School drama students helping in other areas are: Ayla Roberts, Tobi Larrabee, Mykeel Lewis, Tuesday Glessner, Alexis Tourtillot, Lily Brown, and Chris Newman.
Fort Scott National Historic Site is located at 1 Old Fort Blvd. Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. To find out more, or become involved, please call 620-223-0310 or email [email protected]. Other activities, events, and a more in-depth history may be found at www.nps.gov/fosc.
Tracy and Kathy Dancer will give a preview starting Thursday of the micro retail concept that they will be creating next year at the former Scottish Rite Temple at 110 S. Main.
Kathy Dancer stands in front of the Scottish Rite Temple entry at 110 S. Main, Fort Scott.
The pop-up business is being operated by Bourbon County Handcrafted doing business as 110 South Main Mercantile and Market, which is owned by the Dancers. Attendees will enter through the main entrance / lobby of the old Scottish Rite Temple.
The pop-up will be open December 1st, 2nd, 3rd from noon until 8:00 p.m.
“We might add days since we have additional artisans and producers wanting to be featured in the space,” Kathy said.
Submitted photos.
Micro retail site is coming
“The idea for the 110 South Main Mercantile and Market pop-up was born from the micro retail/ retail incubator concept,” Kathy said. “Next year, we will be offering retail spaces for small businesses that are either just getting started or operating on a micro level and do not need their own dedicated space.”
“The pop-up will give the community a chance to preview the micro retail concept that we will be implementing next year at 110 South Main,” she said. “We want feedback from the community about the products we have sourced for the pop-up and what artist and handcrafters they would like to see in the future.”
Submitted photos.
Items for sale
“Most of items featured in the pop-up are handcrafted in Kansas,” she said. “We are featuring Kansas products such as jewelry, perfumes, beard care products, candles, candies, and preserves.”
“We also have items produced outside of Kansas, but featuring Kansas themes such as clothing, bison artwork, and children’s books,” she said.
“Finally, we are bringing in some products that we will be offering in the cafe and distillery space next year including craft drink mixes, custom pint glasses, and fudge,” Kathy said. “The pop-up shop will also have pieces from local and area artisans including dimensional wood art, handcrafted accent furniture, epoxied glass, and hand embellished decor items.”
Submitted photos.
Tracy Dancer is a software architect and also currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserves. Kathy is a former school administrator and currently works in educational consulting.
They purchased the historic building in January 2021.
They are currently renovating the cafe space in the building, with hopes of an opening in 2023.
To view a prior story on the Dancers and the building:
Jill Jaworski, selected as the new superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site, has moved to Fort Scott this month.
Her college education gave her a lead into the National Park Service.
Jarworski earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with emphasis on Outdoor Education and Recreation from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
“My original position (with NPS) was at Jewel Cave National Monument working as an Interpretive Park Ranger/Cave Guide for an internship for college,” she said. “That led to a seasonal position at the same park the following summer after I graduated college.”
She worked for two seasons at Jewel Cave National Monument and as a General Park Ranger at Mount Rainier National Park.
“Then September 11th occurred, and I transitioned to a career as a Law Enforcement Park Ranger for the next 21 ½ years before accepting the Superintendent position at Fort Scott National Historic Site,” she said.
At Fort Scott, Jaworski is returning to her mid-western roots.
“I was born in a very small, rural town in Nebraska and raised in Omaha where my parents and two of my siblings still live,” she said. “I also have a sister and her family who reside in Leawood, KS. The majority of my ancestors who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1800s were farmers in Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, and Ohio.”
Extensive Experience
Jaworski has over 20 years of experience in NPS assignments including interpretation, emergency services, and law enforcement, according to a NPS press release.
Prior to Fort Scott, Jarworski served as the acting superintendent at Appomattox Court House National Military Park and Booker T. Washington National Monument.
As Chief Park Ranger, she has extensive experience in managing special park uses, events, permitting, and emergency response. At Cape Lookout National Seashore, she has served as a park ranger at Cumberland Island National Seashore, Castillo De San Marcos National Monument/Fort Matanzas National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, White Sands National Monument, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park.
Jaworski’s background in complex park operations including cultural resource management and resource protection and her strong collaboration and team building skills will be an asset to Fort Scott, according to a press release from NPS.
In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, walking her dog, researching genealogy, and playing pickleball and tennis.
Carl Brenner remains the Supervisory Park Ranger for Interpretation and Resources, after serving as interim superintendent.
A Christmas parade is happening in the downtown historic district this Thursday, December 1.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce organizes the Christmas Parade each year with Briggs Auto of Fort Scott sponsoring the prizes for the parade, according to Lindsay Madison, CEO of the chamber.
Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.
Deadline to enter a group in the parade is Tuesday, November 29 at 1pm. It is FREE to enter the parade.
What is happening Thursday evening:
> Parade starts 6 pm at Wall and National, goes south to Third Street, east to Main, North on Main to Skubitz Plaza.
> Parkway Church of God Kettle Corn will be setup at 1st & Main before and after parade, box $2, Bag $5.
> Complimentary hot cocoa by Fort Scott Recreation in front of Hedgehog.INK! Book Store
> Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree immediately following the parade, north end of Main.
> Christmas Crafts by Fort Scott High School Thespians & Visits with Santa and photos by Walgreens at Papa Don’s Restaurant after the parade.
> Make-your-own Ornament Kits free at 110 S Main while supplies last, appropriate for ages 10 and under.
> Bourbon County Revival live music at Hare & Crow Barber Shop with refreshments following parade.
> Sharky’s North Pole Pop-up Bar open 5pm to 10/11pm with festive atmosphere and drinks!
A splash pad is coming to town, thanks to some leaders who took the initiative.
“This idea has been in strategic plans and will add to the revitalization of downtown Fort Scott,” said Bailey Lyons, who along with Josh Jones and Kelly Barr have spearheaded the drive for funds.
Last week at the Fort Scott City Commission meeting, Lyons announced that with the help of two big donors, they are within reach of the project.
“We plan to break ground in the Spring and open by Summer 2023,” Lyons said. “We thought it would be a wonderful addition to our community. It will be a wonderful outdoor recreational amenity that offers a fun play option for all. It will be a gathering place accessible to people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds. We saw other communities like ours installing splash pads with great success, and wanted to bring one to Fort Scott.”
For those who might not know, a splash pad is a recreational outdoor play area with sprinklers, fountains, nozzles and other devices that spray water. Also known as a spray pool, there is little to no standing water in the space.
It will be placed at the west end of Skubitz Plaza, off of North National Avenue.
The site was picked because of accessibility, parking, and infrastructure and also is at the north end of the historic downtown area with dining, shopping and other attractions.
Fort Scott Parks and Recreation Department will provide maintenance, with the city also providing water and electricity.
So far, about $180,000 has been raised for the space, with $20,000 more to fund raise.
Two of the biggest donors have been a Timken Foundation Grant of $75,000 and a Walmart Foundation Grant of $40,000.
From Facebook.
Chicken Mary’s, a well known restaurant north of Pittsburg, is the latest to help with fundraising.
On Wednesday, Dec. 7, one can pick up a chicken dinner or supper in Fort Scott that must be pre-ordered by Dec. 4. The meal is $10 per plate and tickets must be ordered by calling 620.224.7795.
“We also have the comedy show, and we are about to roll out a fundraiser to raffle off an ATV,” Lyons said. ‘We will be pushing out regular donation giving levels…that will allow people to donate to get us to the finish line.”
