“We wanted to establish more business,” Kaur said. “People would come from this area to our store near Hammond for Opie’s Pizza that we serve. We thought we would come here to provide it.”
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information or to order a pizza, call 620-644-9867.
K.C. Mart, 946 S. Highway 69, across from the LaRoche Baseball Stadium.
In front is Seraphine, with Jackson, Marty, Carrie, and Caleb Elton. Submitted photo.
A new family to Fort Scott has purchased the two former Lyon’s Mansions on National Avenue.
Marty and Carrie Elton moved their family into the north mansion on June 1.
The south mansion’s main floor, formerly known as Nate’s Place, will be a restaurant called Dry Wood Creek Cafe, Carrie Elton said.
The Elton’s will be offering delicious food, and a comfortable space to enjoy it, Carrie said.
“Marty has been in the restaurant business his entire life,” she said. “He has been both in the back of the house and the front of the house. He is past president of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association and most recently the owner and operator of a successful catering company.”
Marty Elton. Submitted photo.
Carrie grew up north of Buffalo, NY among “amazing bakers and cooks” and desires to bring those flavors to the people of Fort Scott, she said.
The Eltons were looking for opportunities to move to a small town, she said.
“We found this property and immediately fell in love with it,” she said. “A perfect confluence of events made this dream a reality for us.”
“We are currently living in the former bed and breakfast with our three children and two dogs,” Carrie said. “Once the children are grown we may look at reopening the north mansion as a bed and breakfast.”
They have been preparing to open the restaurant soon, possibly next week if staffing and licensing issues are resolved.
There is office space available on the second floor that they “look forward to partnering with someone as they begin their journey,” she said.
The third floor is a two-bedroom apartment that is currently a vacation rental on Vacation Rentals By Owner, VRBO, she said.
The restaurant is slated to have hours of operation: Tuesday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Contact information for Marty or Carrie is 620.224.2970. Like the restaurant on their Facebook page, Dry Creek Cafe.
“We look forward to holding special events a couple of times a month, at night,” she said. “More information will be available on these once we get up and running.”
Next weekend, two annual sports events will be combined: the Marmaton Massacre with the Tri-Yak-A-Thon and additionally a separate golf disc tournament.
Local businessman and bike enthusiast, Frank Halsey is the organizer of the bike race called the Marmaton Massacre and the kayak-run-bike contest called the Tri-Yak-A-Thon.
The Marmaton Massacre is still seeking participants, according to the Gunn Park Trails Facebook page.
The deadline to register is this Sunday, September 12, at midnight.
Frank Halsey, the event organizer, hugs his grandson following a first-place win in the kids’ race in July 2018.
“The Gunn Park Trail Volunteers (the sponsors of the events)are super excited! It’s going to be a very busy weekend in beautiful Gunn Park,” Halsey said.
“We’ve combined our annual Marmaton Massacre Festival and The annual Tri-Yak-A-Thon into a really fun-packed weekend, September 18th & 19th,” Halsey said. “In addition, Danny Craig is hosting a disc golf tournament on Saturday, the 18th.
“We kick off the activities with the Tri-Yak-A-Thon, at 9 a.m. Saturday,” Halsey said. “This is our 8th year for this charitable fundraiser of running a 5k on the trails, kayaking a 5k on the Marmaton River, and finishing with a 10k ride on the trails.”
Participants may go solo, or as a relay team.
“Solo is for those hard-core athletes, while the relay team is not easy, it’s definitely easier,” he said. “I don’t run any longer, so my daughter, Libby, and I will be a team. Proceeds of the Tri-Yak-A-Thon are donated to proceeds go to Fort Scott Paws and Claws Animal Shelter.”
“At 1 p.m. the Massacre officially starts with the marathon race,” Halsey said. “This is a 3-hour race, where participants complete as many laps as possible on our trails.”
To participate in the events see the Gunn Park Trails Facebook page, registrations must be sent by Sunday, Sept. 12.
The whole community is invited to watch.
“While most of the events are not really spectator-friendly, we’d love to have the locals show up for the Saturday evening festivities,” he said. “These start about 5:30 p.m. with the always fun Kid’s Bike Race. We create an open course, through the park, so not on the trails, for kids 10 years old and under. This is a hoot watching these kids, and everybody cheering.”
At 6:30 p.m. a father and son, Ed and Exander Schilling, St. Joe, MO will give a demonstration on bike skills.
Halsey describes the two as “extremely talented.” “Ed can do things on a bike that most can’t do on their feet, and Exander likes to get big air,” he said.
“Around 7:30 pm we have live music with DJ Brown & The Bourbon County Revival performing until about 9 or 9:30 p.m.,” he said. “They are a local band, that plays a little bit of everything.”
“The Beech Street Eats food truck will be onsite for refreshments,” Halsey said.
“This is a great family atmosphere, and we hope the people of Fort Scott, and the surrounding area, will bring their lawn chairs, kid’s bikes, enjoy the evening in beautiful Gunn Park,” he said.
“We could not do this without our volunteers and our generous sponsors, including:
Ashley Shelton was selected for the county clerk position at the Bourbon County Republican Party Convention on Sept. 9.
“I have worked in the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office since June of 2020,” Shelton said.
Shelton graduated high school at Yates Center and moved to Bourbon County in 2002 to attend Fort Scott Community College.
She and her husband Scott and have two boys ages 10 and 3.
“I have learned a lot from Kendell (Mason, the current clerk) during my time in her office and I feel that I could fulfill the duties of the county clerk position although I know I have big shoes to fill and a lot to learn,” Shelton said.
“Since I am deputy-clerk I will be acting clerk as of Sept. 14, until I receive my appointment from the state,” she said.
Shelton replaces Kendell Mason who resigned after nine years as county clerk. Mason’s last day is Sept. 13.
“The Republican Party notifies (the governor) who they selected and the governor will send a letter appointing her to that position,” Mason said.
“She will serve until November 2022, when there will be an election,” she said.
The clerk’s office is located in the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse on National Avenue.
The Bourbon County Clerk duties, taken from the county website are:
Serves as Secretary to the Board of County Commissioners; attends Commission meetings; prepares and posts agendas and keeps meeting minutes; maintains proceedings of Commission meetings, including all contracts and agreements entered into by the County.
Prepares annual budgets for most townships and fire districts and all cemeteries, watersheds, and light districts in the County.
Receives and compiles all budgets submitted by County entities, cities, townships, the community college, school districts, and all special districts.
Compiles, calculates, and prepares tax levies.
Prepares real estate, personal property, and state assessed tax roll, including special assessments, and certifies to County Treasurer.
Accumulates and files a bonded indebtedness report for all taxing entities in the County.
Carries out all elections and certifies to the Secretary of State; maintains voter database; accepts filings for public office; keeps financial statements of expenses from the county, city, school district candidates.
Provides Accounts Payable and Payroll functions for all County departments; receives all claims filed against the County.
Provides checks and balances to property transfers, motor vehicle collections, and Treasurer’s daily ledger activities.
Serves as the County Freedom of Information Officer.
Maintains fixed asset inventory for the County.
Provides assistance to County residents in preparing Homestead Property Tax Refund and Food Sales Tax Applications for the Kansas Department of Revenue.
Issues Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses to establishments outside the city limits and issues Firework Permits to stands throughout the County for 4th of July week.
The Museum of Creativity has craft classes for children, some playgroups, and a ladies craft time starting this week.
The building is located at 201 S. National Avenue in the Beaux Arts Centre.
Owner Lorina Bowman, said the following are available:
Play Group – [Open Play] every Monday from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Maker Monday – [Beginner Crafts] ages 7-18 – every Monday after school – 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
From the museum’s Facebook page.
Lego Club – [Challenge Builds] ages 7-18 – every Tuesday after school 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Ladies Craft Night – [Crafts] every Tuesday Night from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Friday Fun – [Open Play] every Friday from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Game Night – [Board Games] every Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Entrance fee for all groups is $1 for each person.
“There will be an extra kit fee for craft groups and that will always be posted at least 24 hours in advance on the group event page,” Bowman said.
“We are accepting reservations for field trips, birthday parties or any other type of event you would like to have here,” she said. “It is only $100 to reserve the museum and classroom. Please contact us to see how we can make your event special. We will not host events or be open on Sundays.”
“If you would like to volunteer time or money to help out our non-profit we have lots of opportunities,” she said. “Come talk to us!”
More details can be found on the Museum of Creativity Facebook page, then click on the events tab to find each group for more details.
Dave Trabert, Chief Executive Officer of the Kansas Policy Institute, Overland Park, sent an email response to fortscott.biz‘s feature on the USD 234 Budget on Sept. 2.
“Under the new Truth in Taxation legislation, mill rates are reduced by law so that new valuations produce the same dollar amount of property tax…hence the name ‘revenue-neutral rate,'” Trabert said. “If the school district wants to take in more property tax dollars next year, they have to notify taxpayers of their intent, hold a public hearing, and then vote on the entire tax increase they impose.”
USD 234 Board Clerk/Business Manager and Certified Public Account Gina Shelton’s answers to Trabert are in blue ink.
“Correct – which we did,” Shelton said in a response to the Trabert email that fortscott.biz sent her. “What is missing from that statement is that we are to adopt a revenue-neutral rate based upon an estimated assessed valuation.”
Gina Shelton. Submitted photo.
“In general terms, it is a simple formula: Assessed Valuation (a) X Mill Rate (b) = Property Tax Assessed (c). If (a) and (b) stay the same, an entity would be revenue-neutral. If (a) increases and (b) stays the same = higher property tax assessed. If (a) increases and (b) decreases = lower property tax assessed/revenue neutral (depends on how much (b) is). “
“The school district only controls (b).”
” What the formula does not consider are things like 1) Collection Ratio 2) Neighborhood Revitalization (or other economic programs administered through other entities) and 3) the Assessed Valuation is an estimate.”
“This year, we received two separate revenue-neutral rates due to an error on the part of one of the utility companies. We also know that there is a larger taxpayer in our county that has applied for exemption, yet it was not backed off from the estimated assessed valuation. The exemption is retroactive to the date within the application. These are all factors that were considered when recommending being Revenue Neutral or not.”
“There is also a timing factor. We are very early on in a bond payback. Our bond is why the school district’s mill rate is as high as it is. We are committed to being good stewards of our taxpayers’ commitment.”
“When we reworked the bond in 2020, we were able to save our taxpayers $5,792,515.15 and will be able to pay it back five years earlier. However, we still have a way to go before that bond is paid off – September 1, 2035.”
“I don’t believe it is fiscally responsible to adjust the bond mill. The bond mill has to be considered because for the school district to qualify to be revenue neutral – we would have had to adjust our mill rates in all of the other funds (since the 20 mills in our General Fund is set by statute).”
” We know we have capital outlay needs for our district to maintain our facilities. Deferred maintenance costs more money. We did not feel it prudent to reduce the mill in the Capital Outlay fund.”
“In our LOB fund, we use a big part of this to pay for utilities. We were advised to budget 6% increases in electricity and 18% increases in gas. What would we cut to make up for those increases? What opportunities would we cut for our kids?”
“Gina Shelton’s claim that the LOB resolution has no impact on property tax is simply not true,” he said. The only way that could happen is if they adopted the revenue-neutral rate of 13.431. They choose to increase property tax… by 1.7% if they adopted the proposed mill levy. If the district adopted each of their proposed mill rates, they increased the burden on taxpayers by close to 2%.”
“In fact, it is claims like hers that drove taxpayers to demand the Truth in Taxation legislature,” Trabert said.
“I’ve never spoken to Mr. Trabert, to state that ‘claims like hers’ without having a single conversation with the person shows how very political this is.”
” I believe in transparency in government. I also firmly believe in being fiscally responsible. Our board has always been transparent about the challenges and positives of our school district to our community. Our board considered the pros and cons and made the decision based on the recommendation we made.”
“We collected the information from each county clerk via Open Records requests,” he said.
“Any entity that does not follow the Truth in Taxation law is prohibited from spending above the revenue-neutral rate,” Trabert said.
“We are fully aware of this requirement,” Shelton said. Prior to the due dates set by the state, we discussed publicly what Revenue Neutral means for our taxpayers as our board meetings.”
“At the board’s July 12th board meeting there was a motion made to allow us to submit paperwork to the county to allow us the option to not be revenue neutral.”
“We declared to the county by the July 20th due date.”
“We held a detailed special budget/RNR presentation on July 30th, where we had one member of the public attend. This was an hour-long meeting meant to educate our community.”
“We then published in the Fort Scott Tribune newspaper on August 11th. After publishing, I only had one taxpayer come into ask questions and look at our budget.”
“I have always encouraged our taxpayers to please sit down with me to look at our budget to help explain what we do with those funds.”
“We then held a hearing on August 25th at 5:30. We received no comments or questions from the public at this hearing although the intention of that is to allow for that feedback.”
“We held our budget hearing on August 25th at 6:00. We also received no comments or questions during this hearing as well. Both were well attended.”
“Our community supports our kids. I’m sure Mr. Trabert has concerns regarding property tax – as we all do – however, he does not live, work, or send his kids to school here.”
“As someone who attended public schools in Fort Scott, lives here and has a student attending USD 234, my continued commitment has always been to be fiscally responsible of the dollars our taxpayers trust us with.”
“I believe our students are worth more than a political debate on property taxes. Mr. Trabert has not taken any time to call and discuss our particular district with us, but decides to contact the press? This leads me to believe that his concern is more with taxes in general versus our particular district or the challenges we face. Let’s work toward a workable, positive solution – our kids deserve that.”
“Kansas Policy Institute is a nonprofit research and education organization that protects constitutional rights and economic freedom,” Trabert said. “I am the CEO and work in our Overland Park office. Here is some background on our history and mission. https://kansaspolicy.org/about/”
“We were instrumental in getting the Truth in Taxation law passed.,” he said. “Senator Caryn Tyson, who represents most of Bourbon County, can also provide information on the legislation.”
“I have great respect for Senator Tyson. We have had several conversations where we discussed the challenges that face school districts. Challenges in addition to the fiscal side of schools. She knows how important our students are and how much our great state depends on their success. Public education provides opportunities that no other state program provides -both in the “right now” and for our future. The success and education of our students warrants our investment in them.”
Submitted photo by Apex Clean Energy. A crane stands next to a Jayhawk Wind turbine.
The Jayhawk Wind energy project workers are currently constructing the wind turbines in Bourbon and Crawford counties, with a completion date expected in late 2021.
Submitted photo. A crane next to a wind turbine in Bourbon County.
The following questions were answered by Patrick Chilton, Apex Public Engagement Manager, Apex Clean Energy, Inc., Charlottesville, VA
Where are the currently completed wind turbines located?
We have erected six turbines so far. Four are in the southwest corner of the project, in Crawford County, and two in the northwest corner, in Bourbon County.
The first wind turbine in Bourbon County, located at 20th and Eagle Road in the southwest corner of the county.
What is the timeline of the project currently?
As previously expected, we are on track to complete the construction of Jayhawk Wind by December of 2021.
How many turbines will there be? What are their dimensions?
There will be 70 turbines built once construction is completed. That represents no change from the project design as permitted. These turbines are 584 feet from the base to the tip of the blade at its highest point.
A Jayhawk Wind Turbine in Bourbon County from the distance.
How many employees are there?
There are more than 250 employees working on the various elements of construction for Jayhawk Wind.
What are the contractors’ names and where are they from?
IEA is the Balance of Plant (BOP) contractor for Jayhawk Wind, and they have many sub-contractors working with them. We don’t disclose those contractors for their proprietary reasons.
Sunset over the wind turbine at 20th and Eagle Road in Bourbon County.
Hwy. 3 from Hwy. 39 to Hwy. 47 is in pretty bad shape because of all the tear-up laying new lines, when can the public see this remedied?
While the work being done on Highways 3 and 39 is in our project area, it is not because of our construction work. The maintenance work is being done by KDOT and is happening now because of recent funding from the state.
The following is from Priscilla Peterson, Kansas Department of Transportation Public Affairs Manager, Southeast District:
KDOT replaced the crossroad pipes under K-3, and have patched the areas afterward.
Crossroad pipes are drainage structures that carry water from one side of the road to the other side.
“We replace the deteriorating pipes as needed,” she said. “If a pipe collapses, the roadway can no longer carry traffic or drain properly.”
The USD 234 Board of Education recently adopted resolutions aimed to not increase a tax burden on local residents.
Gina Shelton, USD234 Business Manager, said during a recent presentation to the board that two resolutions were needed to move forward with funding for the school district.
Resolution 21-07 was to adopt LOB Percentage.
“This resolution has no impact on the property tax,” Shelton said. “This resolution is required as we are adopting the state average in our Local Option Budget. This allows us to budget up to 31% of our general fund in our LOB fund, maximizing the state aid we receive.”
The second was Resolution 21-08 which regards exceeding a revenue-neutral rate.
“The 2021-22 budget was built by keeping the mill rate flat for USD 234,” Shelton said. “The school district is not revenue neutral for property tax purposes because the assessed valuation increased and therefore the total amount of property tax collected is more than the prior year.”
“What is important for our community to understand is that the 20 mills assessed for the USD 2324 General Fund is set by statute and those funds are sent directly to the State of Kansas,” she said. “Then that 20 mills is put with other sources of Kansas revenue and then distributed back out to school districts in the form of enrollment-based funding.”
“The 20 mills that are assessed for our general fund are set by statute,” she said. “As the assessed valuation increased, the only way for the school district to remain revenue neutral would have been to decrease the mill rates in the other funds. We have four funds that we levy taxes in – General, LOB, Capital Outlay, and the Bond.”
“Because the assessed valuations increased district-wide, even though our mill rate isn’t changing, the amount of taxes being assessed are more,” Shelton said. “The assessed valuations are set by the county, not the school district.”
“For 2021-22, for each $1 raised locally in the general fund, the district receives $8.67 in state aid,” Shelton said. “Because that 20 mills is set by statute, we would have had to reduce the mills in other funds to be revenue-neutral. This would have impacted our ability to fund our student’s educational needs, capital outlay needs, and our bond payment schedule.”
“The budget is built and driven by the board’s mission and areas of focus – which all center around kids,” she said.
Shelton said the district’s 2021-22 budget is made up of:
Suddenlink, a local internet provider, got an update last week, looking to provide faster service.
“Suddenlink’s new 400 Mbps broadband service (announced on August 24) is more than eight times faster than the previous highest speed tier available,” Ashley Morales, Specialist Communication at Altice USA said.
“The new 400 Mbps speed tier paired with Suddenlink’s Smart WiFi 6, delivers a supercharged WiFi experience with faster speeds and greater coverage than ever before, including powering today’s uber-connected smart homes, streaming content, engaging in video conferences, downloading files, and playing games on connected devices,” she said.
“Additionally, broadband-only customers can complete their entertainment experience with Suddenlink Stream, the new streaming experience provides a best-in-class and user-friendly solution for broadband-only customers to have access to a wide variety of video content, including thousands of apps and streaming services on Google Play and over 50 free live streaming channels,” Morales said.
“Suddenlink Stream is typically $5, however, right now we’re offering the service free to 400 Mbps customers,” she said.
“This upgrade does not impact landline phone calls, however, it does support video calls or calls made over WiFi,” Morales said.
The following is a press release from Suddenlink provider Altice.
“Altice USA (NYSE: ATUS), the provider of Suddenlink broadband, television, and phone service, announced (last week) that as a result of major investments in its advanced broadband infrastructure, the company has launched faster speeds for Suddenlink residential customers in Fort Scott, Kansas. The company’s new 400 Mbps speed tier complements Suddenlink’s broadband offerings, which now include 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps service among other options, providing customers with choice and flexibility in selecting which broadband speed is right for them.
“Over the last few months, we have made major investments in our Suddenlink network and advanced broadband infrastructure to ensure we’re providing our local communities with fast and reliable high-speed broadband,” said Hakim Boubazine, Altice USA’s Chief Operating Officer and President of Telecommunications. “In today’s connected world, more households and businesses are relying on their broadband connection to keep them connected to work, school, customers, friends, and family, and our Suddenlink broadband service makes it all possible.”
The new speed tier is more than eight times faster than the highest speed previously offered by Suddenlink to customers in Fort Scott, Kansas and is paired with Suddenlink’s Smart WiFi 6 which delivers a supercharged WiFi experience with faster speeds and greater coverage than ever before. Smart WiFi 6 is primed to support customers’ increasing broadband usage, including powering today’s uber-connected smart homes, streaming content, engaging in video conferences, downloading files, and playing games on connected devices.
Altice USA offers a wide range of broadband speeds to meet all needs and budgets, including Altice Advantage Internet, a low-cost 30 Mbps service available to eligible customers for $14.99 per month, and going up to multi-gigabit services for enterprise customers. In addition, the company’s mobile service, Optimum Mobile, currently offers customers data, talk and text on a nationwide network with 5G coverage starting at just $14 per line per month. Visit Suddenlink.com to learn more.
About Altice USA
Altice USA is one of the largest broadband communications and video services providers in the United States, delivering broadband, video, mobile, proprietary content and advertising services to more than 5 million residential and business customers across 21 states through its Optimum and Suddenlink brands. The company operates a4, an advanced advertising and data business, which provides audience-based, multiscreen advertising solutions to local, regional and national businesses and advertising clients. Altice USA also offers hyper-local, national, international and business news through its News 12, Cheddar News and i24NEWS networks
Wib Mowen and Joe Lee stand in front of the new sign at The Beacon. Submitted photo.
The Beacon, a local helping agency, depends on volunteers.
The Beacon organization was established in 1985 to serve Bourbon County residents in need.
Volunteer donations of services and talents are what it takes to make the Beacon a more attractive and inviting place for clients and the community, according to Carol MacArthur, chairwoman of the Beacon board.
“Joe Lee is a local artist who has worked inside and outside the Beacon volunteering his talent,” MacArthur said. “He does the signs and has painted a beautiful lighthouse mural inside the building.”
Lee recently created a new sign for the front of the building to replace one in need of repair.
Other Beacon volunteers include Wib Mowen who volunteers carpentry skills and helps with many other tasks, including helping Lee with his sign.
Hi wife, Patty Mowen is the assistant director of the Beacon.
This summer, Bro’s Cleaning Services, Fort Scott, power washed the whole building for free, MacArthur said. “The siding absolutely looks new.”
“Philips Lawn Care has mowed the last three years–again for free–to keep up the yard,” MacArthur said.
“Then we have Dave Gillen’s wife, Debbie,” she said. “Dave is the director. Debbie is the main coordinator for the signups for Adopt a Child.”
The Beacon is funded by donations from churches, civic organizations, schools, businesses, and individuals.
Also, each year the Beacon applies for various grants to help with food and monetary assistance.
They serve approximately 960 individuals a month and if a person is on food stamps, they are automatically eligible for services.
In addition to food packages, The Beacon provides non-food items like blankets, toiletries, laundry powder, and diapers.
To receive assistance, individuals must be willing to share information about their current income levels and proof of Bourbon County residency. Families in crisis are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Contact info:
525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott; phone 620.223.6869.
The Boy Scout Pack and Troup 114 and Girl Scout Troup 71650 lead the children’s parade in the Uniontown Old Settlers Picnic festivities in this 2019 photo.
Uniontown’s Old Settlers Weekend is on for Sept. 3-6 after a hiatus of one year because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
There will be three rodeos, a kids fishing derby, a community church service, and a family game night preceding the day of the annual picnic on Labor Day.
Olson Ranch Wally and Jennifer Olson, Travis and Kellie Duncan pose following a win at the 2019 Old Settlers Ranch Rodeo. Submitted photo.
On Labor Day, vendors will line the town’s square, including food vendors to feed the crowd that usually shows up for the parade at 10 a.m.
The event has been going on in the small town of about 300 people for 115 years.
“The theme for this year is Hats Off For Hometown Pride,” said Shayla Knight, president of the Old Settler’s Picnic Committee, which meets year-round to plan the event
“We have rolled the theme over from last year,” Knight said.
“We are excited to be having Old Settlers Picnic this year.”
“All of our traditional events will be taking place, she said. “Saturday morning is the kid’s fishing derby.”
“Sunday at 10 a.m. is church in the park with Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church hosting our community. As always donuts and coffee will be available. Sunday evening at 6 p.m. we will be hosting a family game night in the park. Two years ago we started this and for the first time, it went very well. There is something for everyone on family game night! Cornhole, bubble gum contest, watermelon contest.”
There will be concessions available through the UHS Cheerleaders and other organizations and vendors.
The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“Monday are our traditional events featuring the baby contest, kid parade, parade, drawings, and kids games,” she said.
Alicia Jackson and Alan Shinn were honored as Grand Marshalls in the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“Also this year will be the 2nd annual Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show,” Knight said. “Two years ago there was a great turnout and this year we are hoping for even more. Cars are welcome to participate in the parade if they choose to or just in the car show. Sara Roufs has been solely committed to the car show since day one and has exceeded all expectations. We as a committee appreciate the wonderful addition to the Old Settlers Picnic.”
Uniontown High School Cheerleaders board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“In addition, we will have bounce houses available for the kids,” she said. “We are still currently looking for volunteers to help man them. All volunteers must be 18 or older. We have a sign-up link on our Facebook page if anyone is willing to volunteer for an hour.”
“Overall we are happy to be able to hold this event this year and look forward to the fun weekend,” Knight said.
Contacts for the events are the fishing derby-Shayla Knight at 224-8493 or Kyle Knight at 224-8436; the rodeos-Wayne Hall 363-4206; vendor and craft registration and the baby contest-Hope Workman at 224-8196; the parade line-up- Becky Shinn at 223-9532, family night games and the children’s parade lineup-Rhonda Dewitt at 215-1939; kids games-Candice Clayton at 224-8945.
Flyers are available at Union Station, Uniontown City Hall, Uniontown Post Office, and HB Salon.
Those helping with the event are Shayla and Kyle Knight, Hope Workman, Tammy Davidson, Rhonda DeWitt, Wayne Hall, First Missionary Baptist Church, Marty DeWitt, the City of Uniontown, Bobby Rich, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, and Uniontown Ruritan Club.
Everett appeared before the Bourbon County Commission to announce the existence of the group and its’ purpose.
“Susan Bancroft, the finance director for city and county, spoke up and told me there were interested people on the parks commission,” Everett said.
The group is having a meeting this evening
at 7 p.m. at 501 E. Third Street in Fort Scott to view a butterfly garden by the railroad tracks, he said.
Resident Alison Leach has one butterfly habitat restoration project at Gunn Park, he said.
“We want to help with that,” Everett said. “But the area of intense interest to me is the riverfront area at Bridal Veil Park (off of West Second Street). I’ve been evaluating that area in hopes of meeting criteria for Kansas University’s Monarch Watch program.”
Everett has begun documenting existing pollinators and existing butterfly populations, he said.
“I’ve been a gardener for decades and have experienced two Monarch migrations,” he said. Recently I have decided that I can do more than my small-scale efforts, so far, in support of restoring Monarch Habitat. I’ve long been dedicated in my heart to various public service activities.”
“In the early 80’s I saw the Monarch migration twice while living on our family farm,” Everett said. “I first saw them coming and mistook them for a dark storm cloud over the horizon, but when they arrived it was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen–just thousands of butterflies in every direction for hundreds of yards. During one of these migrations, the Monarchs decided it was time to take a rest and they landed everywhere–carpeting the fields, the trees and bushes, and even landing on me. It’s my hope that everyone can have the opportunity for such an experience, and that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing. It had a very deep spiritual impact on me that I think everyone should have.”
Butterfly populations have been declining, he said.
“The primary cause of the decline is that various species of milkweed are the sole host plant for the Monarch caterpillar,” he said. It eats nothing else. Because milkweed is poisonous to vertebrates, farmers eradicated it without understanding or perhaps caring what they were doing to the Monarchs.”
“This left marginal areas as largely the only possible place for milkweed to grow,” Everett said. “This was still enough habitat for quite some time, but today county and state governments mow and spray roadsides too, and that has left very little habitat for the Monarch, which is becoming quite precious.”
“Our purpose is to restore such habitat, to educate the public, government, and businesses on the matter, and hopefully we will eventually be able to maintain a seed bank as a community resource for appropriate native milkweed and other pollinators,” he said.
