Tag Archives: featured

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment

Arkansas Family Purchases Safe Valley Outfitters

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Craig Whitmire and his son Caleb Whitmire are the new owners of Safe Valley Outfitters, Uniontown.

Craig Whitmire and his son, Caleb, have been coming to Safe Valley Outfitters, Uniontown,  since 2015 to hunt.

Safe Valley Outfitters is located off the Uniontown Square.

Craig is a businessman and farmer from Strawberry, Arkansas.

He and his son  liked it so much they came every year since, Craig said.

The Whitmire’s purchased the business from Ron Eldridge and Terry Kirby in January 2022.

“We feel fortunate to purchase it,” Craig said.

For those who don’t know, a hunter outfitting business provides equipment, supplies and guides for hunting trips, according to Webster Merriam Dictionary.

Caleb takes the hunters to the sites on the approximately 8,200 acres they have leased from local landowners for hunting.

“I show them where they (the wild game)  are and let them have at it,” he said.

“The landowners and farmers are a vital part of the success of this business,” Caleb said.

Caleb gets help from his brothers-in-law, Will Smith and Tyler Murphy to prepare the land for hunting.

The Whitmore family, from left to right: Tyler Murphy, Caitlin Murphy, Baylor Murphy, Will Smith, Madalyn Smith, Craig Whitmire, Josie Whitmire, Rena Whitmire, Caleb Whitmire and Kortni Whitmire. Submitted photo.

Craig has three daughters ranging in age from 25 to six years old.

“Caleb and the boys (son’s-in law) do scouting, they put up blinds, tree stands and cameras and put out corn (for the deer),” Craig said.

Whitmire said the family business is contributing to the local economy.

“We buy corn from local guys,” Craig said

They also have a bank account in town, eat in local eateries in Bronson and Fort Scott, which also adds to the local economy, he said. They will also pay taxes on the several buildings on the property site, on Uniontown’s square.

The Whitmires are farmers, and Strawberry, Arkansas is about the size of Uniontown, both with a population 300 people Craig said.

Whitmire has several other businesses.

“We run 1.2 million broiler chickens through the year,” Craig said. “We are contract growers through Poultry Egg Company.”

He also has a commercial hay business and a chicken litter business and in addition, a fabrication shop.

But the father and son enjoy hunting and are looking forward to having a successful outfitters business in Kansas.

First Hunt This Season

They had their first Youth Hunt starting on Labor Day.

A Kansas Youth Hunt is for 17 year olds and younger, who possess a valid deer permit and may hunt while under the immediate supervision of an adult 18 or older, according to Kansas Wildlife and Parks online information.

“We had seven hunters with their dads,” Craig said. “From our hometown area in Arkansas.”

They will have hunts until December, then turkey hunting season starts in April-May, he said.

They have packages for archery, muzzle loader, and rifle hunts that include lodging, meals and the guide service.

The lodge with the processing building to the right in the photo.

The lodge has six recently-remodeled bedrooms and an on-site processing building for hanging up the deer for butchering, Craig said.

A bedroom in the lodge of Safe Valley Outfitters.
The processing building for cutting up the deer.
The commons area of the lodge was recently remodeled and includes a fireplace, TV, eating area, lounging area and snack area.

The Whitmires purchased the building just north of the lodge for a home while they are here running the business.

The Whitmire home is located north of the Safe Valley Outfitters buildings.

Craig and wife, Reina, along with Caleb’s wife, Kortni are the cooks for the groups. Caleb and Kortni were married this last March.

Parts of the family will live on-site during the hunting seasons.

Upcoming hunters are coming from Alabama, New Jersey, Mississppi, Louisiana and Georgia, Craig said.

Most of their clientele have heard of the business through their Facebook page and some are repeat clientele.

“This area is a premier hunting location,” Craig said. “The area has a potential for trophy white tail deer. The ratio between bucks and does is really good.”

“The deer are bigger here,” Caleb said.

Contact information: 870.844.1898.

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise, Fort Scott

Golf Disc Tourney: Sept. 17 in Gunn Park, Register by Sept. 16

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A disc golf frisbee. Submitted photo.

A disc golf tournament is scheduled at Gunn Park on Sept. 17.

For those not familiar with the sport, disc golf is played much like golf, but instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc or Frisbee® to aim at a basket on a pole, according the website https://www.pdga.com/introduction. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and the object of the game is to complete each hole with, fewest throws.

Local disc golfer Danny Craig is organizing the Gunn Park tourney, which is a Professional Disc Golf Association event.

Danny Craig is the local organizer of the Professional Disc Golf Association Tournament at Gunn Park on Fort Scott’s west side. Submitted photo.

“This is a professional tournament, the professionals will be playing for money,” he said. “Last year there were 75 players that showed up, from states that surround Kansas. I’m not sure of the economic impact, but they buy gas and meals (in Fort Scott) and maybe even stay in the hotels.”

“Disc golf was started in Fort Scott in 1999,” he said. “The Fort Scott Kiwanis provided nine baskets.” It now has 18 holes.

Craig enjoys the game because it is good exercise, he said. “And watching others play. I started playing when I moved next door to a disc golf course and fell in love with the game.”

Disc golf participants watch the game in a prior tournament in Gunn Park. Submitted photo.

“There is something about throwing that perfect shot,” he said. “It doesn’t happen every time, but when it does, it’s magic.”

The cost for this tournament for professional disc golfers is $63, in the amateur division, $58; the intermediate and entertainment division, $53 and the junior division, which is 18 years old and younger, $53.

“There is a payout for the winners in the professional division, it’s $600 added cash above the entry fee,” Craig said. “Amateurs get prizes. Entry fees goes towards the players packets.”

A trailer with disc golf supplies will allow amateur winners to choose their prize. Submitted photo.

There will be a trailer with disc golf supplies, he said. “The amateurs can choose from this.”

Rain or shine the event will happen, he said. “Lightening delays the event one hour, if is continues, the event discontinues.”

The first round starts at 9 a.m., the other at 1 p.m.

“Hole number one is by the small rock shelter house, near the lower pond,” Craig said. “It tees off here.”

Gunn Park is a very picturesque course, with gently rolling hills and trees.

“It is one of Kansas’s hidden treasures,” Craig said.

To sign up for playing in the upcoming tournament: https://www.pdga.com/tour/event/60967

“I want to thank our sponsors Hammer Insurance, 5 Corners Gas Station and the City of Fort Scott,” Craig said.

Disc golf players walk to another hole in Gunn Park at a prior tournament. Submitted photo.

About The Game

“A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target, which is the hole,” according to the website. “The hole can be one of a number of disc golf targets; the most common is an elevated metal basket. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive throw from the spot where the previous throw landed. The trees, shrubs, and terrain changes located in and around the fairways provide challenging obstacles for the golfer. Finally, the putt lands in the basket and the hole is completed.”

Art, Business, Fort Scott

Discovery Music Studio: Individual and Group Piano Lessons

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Audry Eberhard in her music studio. Submitted photo.
Audry Eberhard is the sole owner and employee of Discovery Music Studio, located in the basement of her home at 410 Sunset Drive.
“I have been giving lessons for over 20 years, eight of which have been in this area,” she said. “I am just now starting to give lessons and classes in my home studio.”

She gives both individual and group piano lessons.

Some of the instruments she teaches music concepts with. Submitted photo.
“I have 3 pianos in my studio, so I can do a group of three students,” Eberhard said. “I have a curriculum that I am going to use that includes ensemble pieces. Playing in a group affords students the chance to develop accuracy while playing, because you need to get the rhythm correct as well as play correct notes.”
“Students are more motivated to practice as well because they want to sound like their friends and not make any mistakes,” she said. “It also gives students the chance to learn from each other as well as the teacher. I teach music theory in the form of a game to make the learning time more fun and games are more fun when you play them with friends.”
The cost of an individual lesson is $50 a month  with more details on her website.  The cost of the group classes is $30 a month.
“I have several different group classes: Group Piano, Preschool Group, and a beginning music group for 5-8 year olds,” she said.” I presently have openings for the Preschool Group on Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.  My Beginning Music Class presently has 3 openings and meets Thursday’s at 4:15 p.m.”
“If people are interested in other group times I do have openings in my schedule, they would just need to contact  me via my website for other available time frames,” she said. “My schedule and openings are constantly changing as more people contact me.”
Eberhard said she “wanted to figure out a way to bring in a little more income and yet do something that I loved to do. I have always enjoyed lessons in the over 20 years that I have given them.”
“I needed to build up my client base and as part of that I thought it would be better if I could have an area dedicated to my lessons rather than just a piano in my living room,” she said. “In researching, I came across the idea of group lessons for piano teaching. I have taught groups of kids other kinds of music in previous job settings so it was an intriguing idea to use this in piano teaching.”
“God blessed me with two more pianos at very reasonable costs so now I have the means of doing group piano” Eberhard said. “I am excited to see how the students respond in the group setting. There is an energy and excitement when students are learning and discovering things in a group setting.”
More of the instruments Eberhard teaches music concepts with. Submitted photo.
“I use various instruments, games and hands on activities to teach musical ideas and concepts,” she said.
She can be contacted through her website discoverymusicstudio.mymusicstaff.com or email  discovery_music_studio@yahoo.com.
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Sports

Mountain Bike Race on Sept. 17 and 18 in Gunn Park

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The Marmaton Massacre Festival, a mountain bike race held annually in Fort Scott’s Gunn Park is  September 17 th  and 18th.

The Marmaton Massacre Festival is a full weekend of mountain bike  racing, free camping, food, and live music, with the Marathon Race on Saturday, followed by live entertainment, free camping, and then category races on Sunday, according to https://www.singletracks.com/bike-races/the-marmaton-massacre-festival/ .

“This is a real grass roots event, on hand-built single-track trails,” according to the website.

Gunn Park is located on Fort Scott’s west side on Park Avenue.

The first bike race trails were built by Frank Halsey, an avid mountain bike rider, who than established a group called Gunn Park Trails. The group maintains the trails throughout the year and organizes local rides. See their Facebook page for updates on the trail conditions. https://www.facebook.com/GunnParkTrails

Athletes from the region participate in the annual event, with last year’s winner from Oklahoma City and the previous year, from Wisconsin.

Even though the mountain bike race is not really a spectator sport, the public is encouraged to attend the Saturday evening entertainment, because local musicians D.J. Brown and the Bourbon County Revival will be playing at 7 p.m., Frank Halsey, event coordinator said.

Frank Halsey, event organizer, hugs his grandson following a first place win in the kids’ race in July 2018.

Also performing will be the Fort Scott High School Select Music Ensemble in the late afternoon, Halsey said.

Races occur on Saturday, the 17th, from noon till 4 p.m.

All activities are staged at Shelter House #6.

Volunteers are welcome and needed, Halsey said.   He can be contacted at 620-704-2730.

A food truck, “Bogan’s Bites”, will be onsite for refreshments.

On Saturday, events begin with packet pickup at noon, and a four-hour marathon race will begin at 1 p.m.

“The little kid’s race is at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday,” Halsey said.  “Kids must wear a helmet, and parents must sign a liability waiver.  Eric’s Bike & Board from Overland Park will have their event van onsite and be repairing bikes.”

Kids 10 and under, race for free, and compete in a one-mile race.

At 6 p.m. there will be a dinner for participants.

The live music will be following the dinner.

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Uniontown’s Old Settler’s Picnic Results

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The Old Settler’s Picnic Parade.

Uniontown had a cool, cloudy day on Labor Day for their annual Old Settler’s Picnic, which has been going on since 1905.

The weekend was full, with a fishing derby, community church service and games preceding the day of the picnic, along with  Uniontown High School all-school reunion.

On Labor Day a parade, picnic,  games and the traditional recognition of Old Settlers took place along with a large car show in memory of Dale Jackson, a long-time business owner.

Girls race in a contest during the Old Settler’s Picnic.

The following results of some of the contests were provided by Becky Shinn, treasurer/secretary of the Old Settler’s Picnic Committee.

On Sunday night, the corn hole contest was won by Tyler Walker and Chase Ermel, with second place going to Corey Chandra and Dillion Weddle.

“The Sunday Family Fun night was well attended,” Shinn said.
“The activities went very well and everyone had a chance to see old friends.”

The children’s parade always preceeds the bigger parade and the following kids won prizes for:
Best Theme: Harper and Holden Bunnell,
Best Costume: Josie Miller and  Bennett Miller, and
Best Battery Operated Child’s Vehicle: Jett Troutman with Sadie and Molly Troutman.

 

The following groups won prizes in the parade:
Best Church Float: Bethel Community Baptist Church

Bethel Community Baptist Church in the Old Settler’s Parade.

Best Theme Float: The Class of ‘62

Best School Floats:
1. UHS Sophomore Class and UHS Football players.

The Uniontown High School football team in the parade.

Second place: Fort Scott Community Cheer and Dance Team.

The traditional recognition for oldest woman at the park – Natalie Comstock, oldest gentleman at the park – Glen Post;
the couple married the longest -Jerry and Betty O’Harah at 62 years and the former Uniontown resident that traveled the farthest- Dean and Shirly Meyers.

Special recognition was given to Suzie Franklin for all the help she has given the Old Settlers Picnic through the years.

The Uniontown High School Cheerleaders.

The winners of the drawing for cash prizes were:
$100 – Jessica Hagon; $75 – Zach Franklin and
$50 – Michael Ireland.

The Old Settler’s Picnic Committee members were Shayla Knight, Rhonda DeWitt, Nancy Holt and Becky Shinn.

The Uniontown High School Band marches in the parade.
Horses are always a part of the Uniontown Old Settler’s Picnic Parade.
The Uniontown City Park was full of people enjoying food, friends and family for the annual picnic.
The turtle race is a kid favorite at Old Settler’s Picnic.
Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show results:
Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Join Friends Advocating for the Fort Scott National Historic Site

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Volunteers post a flag at a Fly the Flag subscriber’s business. Submitted photo.

A local group of Fort Scottians work together to help the Fort Scott National Historic Site personnel tell the story of the its’ history.

The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, INC was formed in 2009 to work in cooperation with Fort Scott National Historic Site, according to a press release.

Members primary purpose is to support, advocate, and promote the importance of the Fort and its history through education, fundraising, volunteerism, and preservation.

The  group is having its annual meeting on Monday, September 12, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the basement of the Presbyterian Church at 3rd and Crawford Street, south entrance.

This event is free and open to the public.

“Anyone that would like to help the Friends of FSNHS with our mission to support Fort Scott National Historic Site is welcome to join,” said Friends of the Fort spokesperson Kelley Collins, herself a former park ranger for 23 years at the site.

 

“The community and all members of the Friends are encouraged to attend,” said President Reed Hartford said. “We will elect new officers, begin planning for next year’s activities, and enjoy a program presented by a ranger from Fort Scott NHS.”

The current leadership is Hartford, president; Matthew Wells, vice-president; Ronda Hassig, secretary and Marlene Braker, treasurer.
There are monthly board meetings, an annual meeting, and gatherings for various projects and fundraisers throughout the year.

What are those projects?

“We help the Fort with various events like the U. S. Naturalization Ceremony, Candlelight Tour, and 4th of July ( activities that are held at the fort),” Collins said.
Reed Hartford and Marlene Braker serve ice cream  during an event at the site. Submitted photo.
“Our major fundraiser is the Fly the Flag project where we post an American flag outside subscribers homes and businesses on five flag holidays throughout the year,” she said.
Another community offering is in the works by the group.

“We are currently working with the National Park Service to bring a performance of Wahzhazhe: The story of the Osage people in dance and music to Fort Scott in July 2023,” Collins said.

  There are various membership levels for the organization ranging from $35 to $1,000. 
“Memberships help our organization support and promote Fort Scott National Historic Site in ways that the National Park Service cannot,” she said.
The organization lost two long-time members, Martha and Jim Scott, recently. Martha died and Jim moved away.
“Martha served as secretary for the organization since its inception and was a driving force in its establishment and success,” Collins said.
Business, Fort Scott

Varia Store Front Moves Location

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Varia’s owner, Robin Kendrick, stands in front of the new storefront she will move her clothing items into.
Varia, means variety in the French language, and the Varia Shop carries a variety of used clothing at less than retail pricing.
The store was opened by Robin Kendrick on June 8, 2021 and has expanded to the point of needing more space.
As of September 6, the store will be located in the same building, but two doors east of the present store front.
The new address is 114 E. 23rd, just behind the Taco Bell Restaurant on Main Street.
Hours the shop is open: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  They are closed on Sunday and Monday.
“We provide the community quality used name brand clothing at affordable prices,” Kendrick said. “Nothing is above $11.50. We opened because we see a need for more clothing stores in Fort Scott.”
Some of the clothing sold in Varia.
Kendrick buys clothing directly from the public and online.
One can make an appointment with her to sell clothing to her.
Shoes and purses are sold at Varia.
“I will look items over, to see if I think I can sell it,” Kendrick said.
When they opened in  2021 they had 300 items and now have over 4000 items, she said.
“We are moving to a bigger space because we have outgrown our current place,” she said. ” We are moving starting on Sunday (Sept. 4) and will ready for business on Tuesday, Sept. 5.”
Kendrick can be reached at  620-238-1703.
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College, Sports

FSCC Hosts First Annual Night Golf on October 29

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Tom Havron, Fort Scott Community College Vice President of Student Affairs and Foundation Director, had the idea to hold a fall golf tournament.

Tom Havron is the FSCC Vice President of Student Affairs and Foundation Director. Submitted photos.

“I  thought it would be fun to do something a little different,” Havron said.  “I used to play night golf when I was a high school kid in Montana and we always had a great time.  After doing a little research, I thought we could make this a really special event.”

The event will be a fundraiser.

The Twilight Open Golf Night is a four-person scramble teeing off at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at Woodland Hills Golf Course, just down Horton Street from the community college.

Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

“The proceeds will go towards establishing a new golf driving range on campus,” Havron said.  The short-term goal of the first annual Twilight Open Golf Night, set for Oct. 29 at Woodland Hills Golf Course in Fort Scott, is a design for long distances.”

Proceeds from the event, sponsored by Fort Scott Community College’s Foundation office,  will go directly to the creation of a driving range on the FSCC campus, Havron said.

Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton is the site of the annual Independence Day fireworks event.

“College golfers need a driving range to work on different shots they will see on courses across the state throughout the season,” said Jeff Tadtman, head golf coach for the Greyhounds. “It has been an obstacle we have faced since the start of the golf program in 2019. We hope a driving range on campus will appeal to potential recruits looking to continue their golf career.”

Jeff Tadtman. Submitted photo.

The presence of a range in “their own backyard” is an immediate advantage for college golfers, said Havron, but the plan includes eventually opening the facility to community members.

“I think the community would really love to have a place to go and hit some balls,” said Havron. “Woodland Hills is an excellent course and I believe they would also see the benefits of a driving range close to their course.”

The future driving range, which is to feature a ball machine, is to be maintained by the FSCC golf team, and will provide a venue for fund-raising opportunities, Havron said.

“We would love to also be able to provide the facility to our area high school teams for practice, as well,” he said. “Details on the course are still being investigated and may take a few fund-raisers to get up and going.”

The night of the golf scramble will also include food and a silent auction.

“I’m working on having some food available for people to have during the silent auction period,” Havron said.  “I will provide more information on this as soon as arrangements are finalized.”

“We will have FSCC staff and students assisting players throughout the round,” Havron said.  “We will also have headlamps so players can make their way safely around the course.  I have some other ideas which will provide safety features but make the event unique.  I’m going to hold that information so it is a surprise at the event.’

What about inclement weather?

“We always will concern ourselves with weather in Kansas, but we are hopeful,” Havron said. “In my opinion, there is no better time to live in Kansas than October.  The leaves will be turning and we hope the weather is kind to us.”

Cost of the event:

$500/team – this price includes cart and glow-in-the-dark ball

$475/team – with one cart included

$450/team – with no cart included

“To ensure safety and space between groups, we will be limited to the first 18 teams to RSVP,” Havron said.

For more information:

Tom Havron – 620-223-2700 ext. 5830 or

[email protected]

 

 

 

Church news, Fort Scott

Fire at Fort Scott’s Catholic Church Causes Extensive Damage

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A cross can be seen from the fallen timbers in the sanctuary of Mary Queen of Angels Church. Courtesy photo of Shane Walker.
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church fire on August 29, 2022. Courtesy of Stephen Toal.
The Catholic church  fire damage to the sanctuary. Courtesy of Kenny Felt.

Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 705 S. Holbrook, Fort Scott suffered extensive damage in a fire that started in late evening on August 29.

According to a press release from the FSFD, on Monday, August 29, 2022 at approximately 9:12 p.m. the Fort Scott Police Department and fire department, along with Bourbon County EMS responded to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Scott for a report of a fire.

When the units arrived the church was on fire with heavy smoke and flames emitting from the southeast corner of the structure.

The Fort Scott Fire Department, with assistance from Nevada Fire Department, Scott Township Fire Department, Bourbon County Rural District 3 Fire Department, and Arma Fire Department battled the blaze until the early morning hours today.

The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by the state fire marshal’s office, along with local fire investigators, according to the press release from Fire Chief Dave Bruner and the FSFD Public Information Office.

One Fort Scott Firefighter sustained a minor injury and he was treated and released from the Via Christi Emergency Department. No other injuries are known.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the parishioners of St. Mary’s Church, and the members of our community who have been affected by this tragedy,” according to the release. “All official updates on this case will be posted to the Fort Scott Fire Department Facebook page, as well as the Facebook and Twitter accounts for the Fort Scott Police Department.”

Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church this morning, following the extensive fire last evening. Photo courtesy of Stephen Toal.
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Courtesy of Shane Walker.
Inside the sanctuary of the Catholic Church this morning. Courtesy of Kenny Felt.
Inside structure damage from the fire. Courtesy of Shane Walker.
The Catholic Church fire as seen from the backside of the church. Courtesy of Sara Simonds.
People watch the fire at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church on Monday evening, August 29. Photo courtesy of Stephen Toal.
Fort Scott Firefighters take a break during the fire at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Monday night. Courtesy photo by Stephen Toal.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church fire. Courtesy of Angie Bin.

The following was from the St. Mary’s School Facebook page this morning.

“We had a major fire at our church last night. Damage is extensive but all indications are that we will be able to rebuild. However, for safety reasons we will cancel school for today. We will work tomorrow to get information from professionals and develop a plan to return to school as soon as possible, hopefully on Wednesday. There is no faith community more devout, fierce, or resolute than ours. God will get us through this, stronger than ever!”

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Food

Uniontown’s Old Settler’s Picnic and UHS Class Reunion This Weekend

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The annual Old Settler’s Picnic committee is gearing up for this weekend’s activities, with events for people of all ages. In addition, the Uniontown High School Alumni Association has planned events for Saturday.

On Labor Day, Sept. 5, “There will be new food trucks and vendor booths”,  Becky Shinn, Secretary-Treasurer of the committee said. The vendors will be scattered around the town square of the town of less than 300 people. The town doubles and sometimes triples in size for this annual event.

Also in the park on Labor Day will be the picnic offerings. In addition to the food trucks, the Uniontown High School FFA will be serving BBQ food, and the Methodist Church, a chicken dinner.

The announcer for this year’s event is Adelay Martin.

The children’s parade will line up starting at 9:50 a.m. on Sept. 5 on the east side of the town square and prizes will be awarded for best theme, decorated  bike, child costume, pet and battery operated toy. No gas powered vehicles are allowed in the children’s parade, which will start at 10:15 a.m.

Uniontown High School Cheerleaders board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.

The theme of the parade this year is “Back to the Old School Days”, and entries are invited to decorate their vehicles and hay wagons to showcase their organizations. There are prizes for best church float, best theme oriented float, school floats, All Terrain Vehicles (they must be clean and decorated), antique tractors and cars.

Horses are always welcome in the parade, but riders are asked to unload them at the rodeo arena, west of town on Hwy. 3. The horses be last in line up in the parade and are asked to line up at the Methodist Church.

The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade on Labor Day, 2019.

Throughout the day there will be raffles with drawings for cash prizes.

The Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the square.

For further info, click below.

Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show Sept. 5 in Uniontown

There is no baby contest this year.

For the kids is the traditional turtle race at 11:30 a.m., so be on the look out for a fast turtle! An egg toss competition, along with foot races and water races are planned for people from pre-kindergarten age to 100 years old on the south side of the square.

As is the tradition, there will be a recognition of the oldest man, oldest woman, longest married couple, former resident that traveled the farthest distance, and the resident who has had a Uniontown address the longest time.

May be an image of text that says 'Old Settler's Picnic HOSTED BY THE UHS CHEERLEADERS FEATURING TURTLES RACING, EGGS TOSSED WATER RACES, AND FOOT RACES! AGES: PREK-2ND -2ND 3RD-5TH 6TH-8TH -8TH FRESH-SENIOR 19-100 STARTIME 11:30 Let the Games Begin...'
Graphic from the Old Settler’s Picnic Facebook page.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at the Hwy. 3 arena, west of town, there will be rodeos to entertain. See the flyer above for more information.

At 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, coffee, milk and donuts will start the fellowship time of the Community Church Service at 10:30 a.m., this year presented by the Uniontown Methodist Church. Please bring lawn chairs for the service.

As part of the family game night on Sunday evening, the UHS Cheerleaders will be hosting a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament as a fundraiser. Additionally, there will be a bubble gum chewing contest, watermelon eating contest and cornhole contest, with events starting at 5:30 p.m.

May be an image of text that says 'D LET THE GAMES BEGIN! 3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT A fundraising event for the UHS Cheerleaders SEPTEMBER 4TH AT CITY PARK. SIGN UP STARTS AT 5:30 $5.00 per person 3peope max team Games are minutes long Come out and enjoy 0 fun night of basketbal and other games!'
Graphic from the Old Settler’s Picnic Facebook page.

High School Reunion

This year the Uniontown High School alumni are having their reunion on Saturday, Sept. 3, in conjunction with Old Settler’s Picnic weekend celebration.

A “Welcome Back” Reception at the UHS Commons area at the high school is scheduled from 3-5 p.m. Cookies and drinks are provided as well as an opportunity to tour the school. All alumni, and current and retired faculty and staff are invited to attend.
All-School Reunion Alumni will host a party at Uniontown City Park from 6 p.m. to midnight, with a Disk Jockey presenting music and a food truck. Coolers of beverages are welcome, but no glass containers.
Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Teacher: Dale Brauer

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This is part of a series featuring the 26 new educators in USD 234.

Dale and Ashleigh Brauer and children. Submitted photo.

Dale Brauer is a new 8th-grade math and Algebra 1 teacher at Fort Scott Middle School.

He earned an Associates of Science from Fort Scott Community College, Bachelors of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University and a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University.

This is Brauer’s ninth year in education.

His hometown is Girard, Kansas.

His wife is from Fort Scott, Ashleigh Page Brauer, and they have three children.

“We raise our six year-old nephew Theodore Brauer, our
oldest son is 2 years-old, Maverick Brauer, and Macen, 2.5 months old.”
Brauer’s grandparents are Mary Diane and Derell Spencer, and his mom is Susan West. He has a brother Marcus Page and wife, Ashley, who work at Fort Scott Community College.

In his spare time he likes making items out of wood – cabinets, tables, kids toys, and spending time with his family.

A former teacher from his high school inspired him to take part in the profession of teaching, he said.

For Brauer, the best part of teaching is interacting with students.

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show Sept. 5 in Uniontown

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Dale Jackson was a car mechanic for many years in Uniontown. Event organizers are honoring him with a car show in conjunction with the annual Old Settler’s Picnic on Labor Day.

“We started the car show in 2019 to honor Dale Jackson and bring more people to the Old Settlers Picnic, an event that Dale contributed to for many years,” said car show organizer, Sara Roufs.

“I’m the main organizer but I have a great group of friends and family helping me put it all together,” she said. “I also need to give credit to Jeremy Lockwood, Garrett Knight and the Wasted Youth Car Club for helping get this car show started and making it a success.”

“Local businesses and organizations have sponsored the t-shirts, trophies, dash plaques and door prizes,” she said. “They have also contributed goody bag items that the first 50 car show registrants will receive.”

The Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show will be on Monday, Sept. 5 in Uniontown at the downtown square.

Cars, trucks and motorcycles are encouraged to enter, Roufs said.

The Old Settlers Picnic Parade is at 10:30 a.m. with line up at the high school starting at 10 a.m. for those vehicles wishing to be in the parade.

After the parade ends, vehicles will park at the town square.
The Car Show  will be from 11a.m. to 1 p.m.

To enter the show, register by noon at Uniontown Community Center, on the square’s east side in Uniontown. Registration fee $10. The first 50 to register will receive a dash plaque, she said.

“We will have four judges and 20 trophies to be awarded,” Roufs said. “A special crowd favorite trophy, sponsored by Ol’Boys Tire & Auto, will be awarded to whoever receives the most votes. Spectators may pay $1 to vote for their favorite entry. Vote by 1 p.m. inside the Uniontown Community Center. ”

The Crowd Favorite Award, submitted graphic.

“There will also be a raffle for a free full vehicle detail from Tip Top Detailing,” she said. “The car show participants enjoy supporting a good cause so anything left after the expenses of the car show will be donated to the Bourbon County Angels. They are a local organization that help Bourbon County families to ensure that every child in need receives something nice to open on Christmas morning.”

 

Trophies are ready for the award presentations. Submitted photo.

The trophy presentation will a be  at 1 p.m.

Vehicle classes:
-Best in Show
-Best of the 50s
-Best of the 60s
-Best of the 70s
-Best of the 80s
-Best of the 90s and up
-Best Hot Rod
-Best Street Rod
-Best Rat Rod
-Judges Choice (4 trophies)
Motorcycle classes:
-Best Motorcycle
-American Classic
-American Custom
-Metric Standard
-Metric Custom
-Best Trike

There will be t-shirts available for purchase this year thanks to Shirt Shack and these local sponsors:

Agricultural Engineering Associates
Bourbon Boy Bait Co
Brumback Engine & Machine
Cedar Ridge Management
Fort Scott Rides
Matt Russell Bulldozing
On Point Auto Sales
Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store
Roger’s Body Shop & Alignment Services
RHC Ron Hurd Construction
Tip Top Detailing
Union Station

 

Bourbon County Local News