Tag Archives: featured

Bourbon County, Schools

SOAR Camp at West Bourbon Elementary This June

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West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.

SOAR is a summer camp offered to West Bourbon Elementary 4th through 6th-grade students.

 

“The name was chosen to represent the eagle soaring,” Kerri Travis, the program director, said. The USD 235  Mascot is an eagle.

“It’s an opportunity for students to spread their wings and experience and enhance their learning through the exploration of new concepts and activities.,” she said.

 

These two girls are forming a flower pot on pottery wheels in a previous WBE Camp. Submitted photo.

The camp is June 1 – 28, Monday through Friday, from  8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., and is free to district students.

 

Parents can sign up their children by contacting the West Bourbon Elementary School office at 620-756-4335.

 

“Our goal is to provide a place for our students to continue their growth academically while learning through hands-on activities such as robotics, coding, life skills, community service, and science experiments,” Travis said. ” Furthermore, it’s an opportunity for our students to spend time with their friends while engaging in fun activities.”

 

These are the planned activities for the camp:

 

Field trips to  Fort Scott Cinema, Trampoline Park, nature exploration, roller skating,  and a bouncy house.

 

Outdoor games, such as bowling, ladder golf, cornhole, horseshoes, badminton, water games, slammo game, ring toss, basketball, and volleyball.

These boys are preparing to eat a pumpkin dessert that they made in cooking class at a previous WBE Camp. Submitted photo.

 

Indoor Activities include 3D puzzles, bead pets, catapult wars, wooden construction science projects, sewing kits, magnetic design and paint tiles, food science experiments, cooking, photography, science experiments using microscopes, gardening, Legos, banking, fishing, tie-dye shirts, community service, reading session, and virtual reality headset activities.

 

Daily camp schedule and activities.

Students will arrive at West Bourbon Elementary be served a free breakfast.

 

Then the activities begin.

 

“Our summer program is designed to offer new enrichment activities while they are continuing to learn science concepts, technology, engineering, and math,” Travis said. “Our program is all hands-on activities, which the students love!”

 

There are three different enrichment activity classes daily, a thirty-minute session focusing on reading, a physical activity, and a healthy, nutritious free lunch for all students.

 

“Our SOAR camp will end daily at 1:30 p.m., from which the students will be sent home via school buses,” she said. “Every day will offer new and exciting learning opportunities for all our students. We all are gearing up for a great time at summer camp!”

 

These girls are painting rocks during sn enrichment time at a previous WBE Camp. The rocks are then hidden around the school for others to find. Submitted photo.

 

Daily Schedule

8:30 – 9:00 a.m. is check-in time, attendance, and breakfast.

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Enrichment class #1

10:00 – 10:20 a.m. Recess – outside or gym

10:20 – 11:00 a.m.  Reading session

11:00 – 11:50 a.m. Enrichment class #2

11:50 – 12:00 a.m. Recess – outside or gym

12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Lunch

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Enrichment #3

1:30 – 1:45  p.m. Family time – load onto buses

 

The WBE camp leaders are Travis, program director, along with
Hannah Hays, Courtney Campbell, Angela Nading, Julie Schafer, Rachel Reed, and Bonnie Rathbun, who are tutors for the program.
“These ladies are who keep this program running effectively and work hard to keep the program exciting for our students,” Travis said.  “I appreciate their inputs, suggestions, and support as we all work together to make the best program possible!”
Pictured are students building objects with the activity called Zoomtools, in a previous WBE Camp.  “One student told me that they built the Coronavirus,” Travis said. Submitted photo.
Business, Fort Scott

Hedgehog INK Bookstore Expands

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Hedgehog INK employee Lynne Pallaske puts a book in its place on April 26. This area is the fiction area of the bookstore.

Hedgehog INK, 16 S. Main, had no more space for their books.

 

Hedgehog INK is located at 16 S. Main.

Jan and Dick Hedges opened the bookstore in October 2018.

Jan Hedges at the cash register of Hedgehog INK. Masks and sanitizers are available for use to deter the spread of COVID-19. There is also a plastic screen at the cash register.

“We were running out of space for all our books,” Jan Hedges said. “I have wanted a space where I can have author talks, writing groups, reading groups…a space where people can meet for whatever reason.”

So they annexed the back two-story room of the building next door, adjacent to theirs, an approximate 1,200 square foot space, and extended to the back of the current store to make a 9 foot by 16-foot children’s area, she said.

The new space for the children’s area in 9 feet by 16 foot and is located in the rear of the building, just behind the fiction area.

 

The Hedges started the expansion in January 2021.

“It’s a work in progress,” she said.

 

Their plan is to start children’s storytime in September, Jan said.

 

The expanded larger space is for meeting rooms,  and the walls are full of research and reference books.

Jan Hedges walks through the new space for non-fiction and history books. It will be the gathering place for future events. This view is from the mezzanine area.

 

“We were able to save the tin roof and wood floors,” she said. “The building was built in the 1870s.

 

The tin ceilings are original to the 1870s building.

The Hedgehog INC building, and the one next door, are all owned by Jared Leek, who has remodeled these and several other downtown Fort Scott buildings.

 

The Hedges have carved out an office space in the building.

In the mezzanine area of the expanded space is a seating area with large windows to read and relax.

 

There is seating in the mezzanine area for reading a good book.
Jan Hedges stands at the top of the stairs in the reading area.

“With the additional space we are able to spread out our fiction area more, to be able to see them better,” Jan said.

 

Hedgehog INK has a local authors section.

 

The bookstore hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

 

The store also sells local products from area producers and artists.

To see the latest, view their Facebook page.

 

Bourbon County, Business

Tiger Replica Fish Mounts: A Passion for Art and Fish

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Submitted photos. Tyler Davidson working on a fish mount.
Tyler Davidson, also known as Tiger, is a fisherman and an artist.
He began his business Tiger Replica Fish Mounts, three years ago.
“I have been an avid angler and artist for most of my life and I’ve always had an interest in preserving the beauty of these fish,” he said. “I started this adventure with the thought of combining my extensive knowledge of fish coloration, their anatomy and my passion for art.”
“I’m really passionate about putting all of the detail in these fish,” Davidson said. “I definitely don’t mass produce them. Each one is special. My favorite part of the process is handing over the fish, or getting photos of the fish on the wall from a happy customer.”
“So far it’s worked out great!” Davidson said. “I have customers from all over the United States coming to me.”
“My mission is to provide customers with the highest quality fish mounts available,” he said. “I strive to create highly realistic one-of-a-kind replicas that match every last detail of your trophy.”
His business is located in Bronson, in the western part of Bourbon County.
  “I do not allow public visits to my shop as it is on the same property as my home,” he said. “Customers need to call and arrange pick-up.    My plan, for now, is to gain recognition and further construct my shop into a more efficient fish studio. In the future, I’d like to have a more public studio with a display room.”

Davidson’s contact info:  (785)521-5192 or

Facebook page: TigerReplicaFishMounts  or
Instagram: Tigerfishmounts
His starting cost is $20 per linear inch, he said.
Business, Fort Scott

Armstrong Pressure Washing: Business Follows Facination

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Jeff Armstrong, owner of Armstrong Pressure Washing. Submitted photo.

 

 Jeff Armstrong started his new business, Armstrong Pressure Washing LLC in the fall of 2020.
“I love my hometown,” he said.  ” I see a real need to continue to help homeowners and businesses maintain and protect their properties. It lends itself to community pride and I think we need more of that.”
 “This business also lends itself well to my somewhat OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)personality,” Armstrong said.   “Over the last year, I found myself fascinated by pressure washing videos on Youtube.  After months of research and educating myself, I took a bit of a leap.”
He bought a truck, built his own rig, and invested in proper equipment and chemicals.
“After a few jobs, it was clear that I really enjoyed the work,” he said. “It’s satisfying to see something restored to its original condition and to see a customer excited about a renewal of their home.  I take a lot of pride in my work and being able to bring a house or business back to its former glory is extremely fulfilling.”
Concrete washing, before and after. Submitted photo.
 
His service?
“I operate a residential and commercial pressure washing and soft washing business,” he said.   “I specialize in house washes, roof washes, and surface cleanings such as sidewalks, porches, and driveways.”
Other services that are available include deck cleaning, fence washing, boat/Recreational Vehicle washing, fleet washing, and  gutter brightening.
 ” I am now offering parking lot striping, as well as American Disabilities Act compliance and traffic flow designations, he said. “I am currently bidding striping work to begin this summer.”
“Often our home is one of our greatest financial investments, he said. ” We insure it, to protect it from major damage, but we sometimes don’t realize the everyday damage that occurs when houses and roofs are not properly maintained.”
 ” Driving around town it’s easy to see signs of damage caused by mold and algae,” Armstrong said.  ” Roof stripes or dark streaks are called gloeocapsa magma, which is an airborne algae that is the most common type and it’s the easiest to spot.  Those dark streaks look unsightly but they are actually eating the lime out of an asphalt shingle, which over time, can deteriorate a roof to the point of replacement.”
 “It’s commonly understood that washing your car properly prevents the paint and clear coat finish from breaking down due to salt, and road materials but most people overlook the need to wash our homes,” he said.
“I wish it were as simple as just taking any old pressure washer and spraying it off, but pressure isn’t typically recommended for anything other than flat surfaces such as concrete,” he said. ” A proper house and roof wash requires the correct mixture of chemicals, and is actually applied with a low pressure or a  soft wash system.  I hope to continue to educate local homeowners about why this maintenance is so important.  In the long run, it can save them thousands of dollars.”
Before and after photo of Armstrong Pressure Washing. Submitted photo.
For the majority of the jobs, he is the sole worker.
“However, on roof washing jobs there is the need for someone on the ground to protect surrounding vegetation from any overspray,” Armstrong said.  “My wonderful daughter Kendal has assisted me on previous roof washes, and will likely help in the future.”
Pressure washing before and after. Submitted photo.
Contact info:
Address: 634 Fairway Drive
Contact Info: 913-271-6993, [email protected]
FB @armstrongpressurewash
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Good Ol’ Days: A Go For 2021

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Vendors lined Main Street in 2017.

Good Ol’ Days, Bourbon County’s biggest festival, is a go for June 3-5, 2021.

 

Last year there was a celebration of the event’s 40 years planned, but the COVID-19 Pandemic shut it down.

 

“It’s always been an annual event, until last year,” Shawn O’Brien, chairman of the festival steering committee said.

 

“We got the news from the Southeast Kansas Multi-Health Department that we are approved to have the festival this year,”  O’Brien said.

 

“Come out and walk Main Street,” O’Brien said. “We are looking forward to seeing everybody.”

Jared Leek in the Good Ol’ Days parade in 2016.

 

New this year is a zipline, with more details to follow, O’Brien said.

 

“There will be a talent show on June 3, and the other activities are June 4-5,” he said.

 

Vendors will once again line Main Street for people to enjoy, along with food trucks.

 

The Red Garter Saloon in 2016.

 

The Red Garter Saloon will perform, along with balloon artists and caricature drawings on Main Street, all for free.

 

There will be the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce sponsored parade on Friday evening, June 4, as well as the Chicken Mary’s Meal on the Mall that evening.

The parade in 2019.

 

The baby contest will be Saturday morning, June 5.

 

The baby contest in 2016.

 

“We will have live entertainment on Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Heritage Pavilion (First and Main Street), featuring the Wayward Betty’s,” O’Brien said. “This is free to the public.”

 

 

Saturday at the Heritage Pavilion, Public Display of Affection, will be the featured performers, from 7 to 10 p.m.

 

Fun Shows Carnival will be set up across from Luther’s BBQ at Oak  Street and National Avenue.

The carnival in 2016.

 

The Steering Committee

The committee is comprised of O’Brien as chairman, Kayla Hull, Melissa Wise, Charlotte Thompson, Cheryl VanHoecke, Tim Van Hoecke, Shaylynn Clements, Kelsey Demott, and Carl Brenner.

 

“We are excited,” O’Brien said. “We have waited two years.”

 

Tickets for each event will be available soon at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall Street.

A float in the 2016 parade.

Applications for different events are on their website.

Check out the latest on the Fort Scott Good Ol’Days Facebook page and their websitehttp://fortscottgoodoldays.com

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, Health Care

CHC Purchases Price Chopper Building

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The Price Chopper building.

 

It’s official.

The former Price Chopper building on south Main will be developed for a new site of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott.

CHC currently leases the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

 

“The sale has been finalized including an outparcel that was once being held for another development that didn’t materialize,” Krista Postai, CEO of CHC said. “So the entire building and parking lot is ours to develop.”

CHC paid $3,625,000 for the former grocery store that sits on the main thoroughfare of Fort Scott.

 

Krista Postai. Submitted photo.

CHC Closing On Price Chopper Building April 9

 

“The outparcel was immediately off US 69, near the sign,” Postai said.   “A very large chunk of the current parking lot.”

 

The future site is in a high-traffic area of Fort Scott, on U.S. Hwy. 69, with an address of 2322 S. Main Street.

 

The medical center will be making a large investment in the community.

 

“We estimate that when it’s all complete, we’ll have a $7 to $8 million investment including renovation and diagnostic equipment,” Postai said.

 

The project will be completed in less than two years, with the expiration of CHC’s current lease with Mercy ending in December 2022.

 

“We have less than two years to get it done so we’re jumping into the design phase,” Postai said.

 

CHC will be combining the clinic, walk-in care clinic and the pharmacy into the new development at 2322 S. Main.

 

“We did invite Via Christi Ascension to join us in this project but they indicated – very graciously – that they would need more time and were opting to remain in the existing Emergency Room in the Mercy Hospital Building (at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.) which is still owned by the Mercy Health System.:

 

“As they requested, we will be donating back the land and helipad Mercy gave us behind the hospital for new construction now that we have the Price Chopper Building finalized,” she said.

 

The former Price Chopper tenant was there for two years.

 

Barry Queen, Queen’s Price Chopper, is the former tenant of the building. The property owner was  AWG, he said.  “(The property) is 40,000 sq. feet. “We closed the store in January of 2019, we had opened in December of 2017.  However, getting all the equipment out, etc. all happened in 2020.”

Allergy Clinic Coming

Also new on the horizon is a regional allergy clinic CHC will be starting this summer, she said.

“We thought Ft. Scott would be a good location for access from throughout our north and south service area,” Postai said.

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

A Little Friday Night Concerts History and D.J. Brown/ Bourbon County Revival This Friday

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Ralph Carlson, left,  introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians in May, 2019. That evening it was the St. Martin’s Academy Boys Choir.
Free Friday Night Concerts were the outgrowth of the Fort Scott community’s vision for live music outdoors, downtown.
This Friday’s concert will be at Common Ground Coffee Co. at 12 E. Wall Street.  D.J. Brown and the Bourbon County Revival will be performing in the Loading Dock Room from 7 to 8 p.m.
If weather permits, this room can be opened up to the patio area of the shop, Gage Addington, the manager of the coffee shop, said. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase for attendees, he said.
The concert attendees are asked to observe social distancing, according to the long-time event coordinator, Ralph Carlson.
D.J. Brown and Bourbon County Revival. Taken from the group’s Facebook page.
“I am really pleased to get the concerts going again,” said Carlson.
Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert at Heritage Park,  May 2019.

 

Ralph Carlson, Coordinator of the Concerts

“Ralph Carlson has been a loyal and steadfast coordinator of the concerts over the years,” Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison said.  “Ralph puts in a great amount of time scheduling the entertainment, finding alternate locations if bad weather, writing up press releases each week, overseeing equipment needs, and more.”
Lindsay Madison is the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
 “Ralph truly deserves most all of the credit for the Friday Night Concerts over the years,” she said.  “We are so blessed to have him in the community, not only for the concerts but for his work on housing, streets, with youth, and many other projects.  Ralph was recognized with the Mayor’s Citizenship Award in 2012 at the Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration.”
History Of The Concerts

“The Friday Night Concerts in the Park began after the Heritage Park Pavilion concept came out of the Community Visioning process back in 2007,” said Madison. “That’s when multiple key projects were conceived such as Riverfront Park, the Aquatic Center, Youth Activities Team, and the Good Neighbor Action Team. A large number of community members met several times during that period for ‘Community Conversations’ through a facilitated process with Public Square Communities and one outcome was to have a gathering park in Downtown Fort Scott where live music would be played often along with other events and activities.”

“Cheryl Adamson was on the team,” Carlson said of the original committee for concerts in the park. “Darlene and Jim Shoemaker were involved and it became my job to get the talent and coordinate the show. There were others, including the Manns.”

 

“Dean and Becky Mann, formerly of Fort Scott, were instrumental in designing and raising the funds needed for the pavilion and park area which included electricity and outlets needed for music equipment, benches, flower beds maintained by the Bourbon County Garden Club, and a beautiful clock donated by Bartelsmeyer Jewelry,” Madison said. “Many community members donated to the cost of the pavilion and those donors are recognized on plaques in the park area at 1st and Main in Downtown Fort Scott.”

“I had initially helped coordinate music in various events in town for years,” Carlson said. ” Including the early years for Good Ol’ Days and Pioneer Harvest Fiesta. The team asked me to help (on the concert in the park committee).”
“It really seems like a success,” Carlson said. “Such a unique setting and so well maintained by those who tend the plantings. I have counted crowds up there, in excess of 350 people.”

 

“The Concerts have fallen under sponsorship of the Chamber since they began I believe, as the Chamber helps with organizing and promotion, and has helped with some equipment and other expenses needed in the past,” Madison said.

 

 

Info For Attendees
The concerts take place each Friday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. from mid-April through October at the Heritage Park Pavilion, at First and Main Street corner, unless an alternate location is announced due to weather.
Seating is limited at Heritage Park, so attendees are always encouraged to bring a lawn chair, and maybe a blanket.  Any entertainers interested in performing may contact Carlson or the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Harper Retires As Bronson City Clerk After 34 Years Service

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Ellen Harper has seen many changes since she began working  as the Bronson City Clerk, in  Oct. 1986, over 34 years ago.
“Government is constantly changing,” she said. “There’s a lot more demands and red tape. Technology has advanced, I’ve gone from paper and pencil to everything computerized. Even community has changed, it’s difficult seeing the struggles a small town faces trying to survive, businesses and organizations closings, but I’ve been involved in assisting with many positive projects to keep our town viable with upgrades to our utility systems, streets, parks, a new fire station, community center, and library.”

Her duties have included ‘just about everything!” she said. “I always said, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to be an accountant, teacher, or do social work, and being a city clerk you do all that and more.”

 

 

“It’s not just sending out utility bills and answering the phone,” Harper said. “There are so many different aspects to the job. You work with the governing body, keep records, ordinances, accounting, utilities, human resources, reporting, court records, take citizen’s complaints -that’s a tough one-and anything else necessary to serve the community. I’ve learned that with the government you never learn everything and what you do, they change it. You have to do the best you can and accept you can’t please everyone.”

 

 

“Working in public service is challenging and sometimes you deal with adverse situations,” she said. “I enjoy meeting people and being part of helping the community on a local level, but I’ve also met many great people through the state agencies I’ve worked with and colleagues from other cities throughout the state. We have some great state organizations to help us grow personally and professionally and just be there to help each other out.”

 

 

Harper pursued her career because she needed a job, but it became so much more, she said.

 

 

“This was close to home while raising our children, but it became so much more,” Harper said.  “I grew up here and I care about the community.”

 

 

 

Fort Scott City Clerk Diane Clay sent the news tip of Harper retiring.

 

 

” We both attended the Wichita State University City Clerk School and graduated together in 2003,” Clay said.   “We have attended numerous city clerk functions and trainings together as well as many court clerk trainings. We have traveled together to many trainings and I enjoy her company.”

 

 

Harper has been a member of the City Clerks and Municipal Finance Officers Association of Kansas, the International Institution of Municipal Clerks from which she obtained a Municipal Clerk Certification, and a member of the Kansas Association for Court Management, she said.
She is also involved in her community.
“I was a volunteer member of the Bronson Fire Dept., which later became Bourbon County District 3,” she said.  “I’ve helped organize activities and fundraisers and volunteer time and labor in refurbishing our park. I’m a member of the Bronson United Methodist Church in which I hold several positions.”
Ellen Harper. Submitted by Diane Clay.
Following her retirement on April 16, Harper is looking forward to more free time with family and friends, gardening, and traveling.
Ellen Harper and her family at her retirement luncheon given by the City of Bronson. Submitted photo by Diane Clay.
In addition, “‘ll be riding the trails and sand dunes in our RZR and taking trips on our trike.”
The Bronson City Council had a retirement luncheon for Harper on April 14, which was open to the public.
“She knew what she was doing and did it patiently,” said longtime council member Geraldine Reeder of  Clerk Harper. “She put in all in her job, she just did.”
Bourbon County

Walker Starts Facebook Page As A Ministry

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Jana Walker  started the Facebook group, Buy Nothing Bourbon County,  in August of 2020.

 

 

“When feeling I could not communicate well enough that this group is a reflection of Christ’s love in us and for us, I asked God that when I opened my Bible, I would find his words to express the reasoning behind and the heart of this group,” Walker said. “I opened my Bible blindly to, 1 Corinthians 4:1. It says, ‘Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.'”

 

 

“There were things in our home that we no longer wanted or needed, but there was not a local place to donate the items to, on a daily basis,” Walker said.

 

 

“When people are cleaning out their homes or purging most would rather not store their unwanted things for a garage sale once or twice a year,” she said. “We have such a throw-away society. This gives people an option to share their resources instead of tossing it in the trash or donating the items to a nearby community when there are people in Bourbon County who could benefit and appreciate the kindness from their friends and neighbors.”

 

 

 

“After realizing that there was a need and benefit for sharing with people in our county, it was only a matter of figuring out how to go about advertising and exchanging,” Walker said.  “There are large followings on other local Facebook pages that are for buying and selling, and there are members who occasionally offer free items there, but why not promote this as only free items to really be a quick resource to meet the needs of both the givers and receivers?”

 

 

 

“This also gives community members the opportunity to ask if someone might have an item they are no longer using and might want to pass on, or even ask to borrow something,” she said.

 

 

 

Everything has value to someone, she found.

 

 

“Group members have shared joy through splitting plants and sharing new starts, listing a dining room table so now a family can sit together and enjoy a meal, home decor, used furniture, old magazines to be used for recipes or collages, children’s bikes, sports equipment, empty egg cartons for chicken owners, and so much more,” she said.

 

 

 

“No money may exchange hands in this group, and local free resources can be listed,” she said. “There are wonderful opportunities to both donate to and benefit from that we want the community to know about!”

 

 

 

“Most people exchange by porch pick up at their home, but each party can make their own arrangements according to their preference,” Walker said.

 

 

 

Members of this Facebook page have listed the following resources for the community, according to Walker.

 

A small free food pantry is located in a yard on 4th Street (underneath a willow tree) that one can give to or take from.

It has all kinds of donated non-perishable foods, she said.

 

The Washeteria, 5th Street and National Avenue accepts used clothing, washes them and people can ‘shop’ the clothing in the sheds at the business, Walker said. They are currently operating by appointment only. They request that you call ahead with requests and sizes. They prepare clothing in those sizes for you to go through at your appointment, and it is a totally free service they offer! The other option is they set out clothing of all sizes on the third Saturday of each month for people to come and ‘shop’ at their location.

They have adult, children, and baby sizes.

 

Bids and Dibs, 108 Scott Avenue, also accepts donations of gently used clothing and then sells them as regular stock,  then the proceeds or credit for merchandise go to local groups, such as Care to Share, documented fire victims, the Beacon, and others, she said.

 

 

Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries assists community members in need of heaters, coats, hats, gloves, and blankets, Walker said.

 

 

Angel Gifts Facebook page was created in December 2020 to provide family adoptions for Christmas, she said.

 

“The people of Bourbon County are just amazing,” Walker said.  “We are blessed to live in this community!”

Here are the rules for Buy Nothing Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Schools

UHS Project-Based Learning Students Open Coffee Shop

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Camryn  Davis takes orders from a line of students on April 14  at the Eagles Nest. Submitted photos by Mike Reith.
Uniontown High School students opened a coffee shop on April 5 at the school, following months of preliminary groundwork.
The school’s mascot is an eagle and the name of the coffee shop is Eagles’ Nest.
 “The name was chosen by students through surveys,” Alicia Jackson, the teacher sponsor of the project, said.
 The idea was an outgrowth of one of the three major redesign committees that Uniontown Junior / Senior High School personnel has established, she said.
“The Special Ops Committee originally had thirteen members, consisting of teachers and staff from all areas across the school.  Students were a part of the team as well.”
Waiting in line at the Eagles Nest. Photos submitted by Mike Reith.
 In 2020, students presented a PowerPoint presentation to the USD235 school board along with a complete business plan and design ideas.
“Much of the groundwork included interviews, coffee shop field trips, research, and surveys,” she said.  “The school board…designated a space for the coffee shop and had renovations completed prior to school opening this year.”
 “A group of seven Project-Based Learning (PBL) students picked up the project and have made the coffee shop truly a  student-led operation,” Jackson said.
Some of the goals for the project: students gain detailed business knowledge, gain work experience as employees and managers, and develop skills that will enable them to transition to part-time or full-time jobs.
Additional goals are to “earn scholarships, to encourage better grades so students will be granted privileges to ‘hang out’ at the coffee shop area, and to add a fun element to the learning environment as well,” Jackson said.
The menu at the Eagles Nest. Photos submitted by Mike Reith.
Seven Project-Based Learning students are working in the shop. Junior Laney Covey is the manager. Senior Rhian Gorman led the design efforts. The two assistant managers are  Junior Camryn Davis who has contributed from her work experience outside the school, and  Junior Alie Fuhrman who has focused on fundraising and operations.  Senior Hannah Smith joined the group this semester when she returned from remote learning and brought business knowledge to the group.  Two junior high students are actively involved as well: Tyranny Bilyeu and Abigail Lotterer.
Eagles Nest baristas from left to right. Rhian Gorman, Alie Fuhrman, Laney Covey, Hannah Smith, Abigail Lotterer, Camryn Davis, and Tyrrany Bilyeu. Submitted by Alicia Jackson.

The manager’s job is to oversee operations such as ordering supplies, purchasing equipment, preparing and decorating the facility, Covey said.

 

“As a team, our Project Based Learning group worked together to accomplish all of the preparations to open a coffee shop,” Covey said.

 

” I think that the Eagles’ Nest opens up a multitude of opportunities to our high school and junior high students,” Covey said. “Not only do students get to enjoy a beverage that has not previously been offered to them at school, but students can sit down at the tables, visit, and hang out.”

 

“By opening up the coffee shop, we give students a calm environment that we can continue to utilize and grow in the future,” Covey said.

 

“The Eagles’ Nest project has also been a great learning experience to teach us the basics of running and operating a business,” Covey said.

 The coffee shop workspace is a room located inside of the former FACS (Family and Consumer Science) room in the high school. The space was originally a darkroom for yearbook staff years ago,” Jackson said.
“This PBL group has cleaned, painted, and decorated the entire outer room, which is now used for seating,” Jackson said.  “The larger room is a shared space for meetings and classes as needed but open for the coffee shop during our hours.”
  The target customers are students from grades 7 – 12.
“Teachers and staff have also been supportive buyers,” Jackson said.  “We follow the nutritional guidelines for sizes of drinks and nutritional content.  We are thrilled when anyone buys from us.”
Prices range from $ .75 to $1.25 depending upon the order.
” We have coffee, iced coffee, and cappuccino for high school students only,” Covey said.  “The coffee shop also has iced tea, hot tea, hot chocolate, lemonade, and Capri Sun available to the entire student body. The Eagles’ Nest will also be offering a wide variety of specialty syrup flavors.”
 The Eagles’ Nest is open from 7:30 until 7:55  a.m. and then again for ten minutes during 2nd Chance Breakfast between 2nd and 3rd hours.
“We are hoping to open during some seminar periods at the end of the day, as we perfect our skills and schedules,” Jackson said.
“The shop did a soft start opening with seniors during seminar on Monday, April 5,” Jackson said.  “Since then, we have been open daily in the mornings.”
Baristas Rhian Gorman and Laney Covey prepare orders at the Eagles Nest. Photos submitted by Mike Reith.
About PBL
“PBL (Project-Based Learning) is one of the main redesign emphases that we implemented this year,”  Mike Reith, principal of the high school and junior high, said. “We have a 70-minute PBL period every Wednesday; this is to allow students the opportunity to focus solely on their projects.”
“We currently have 84 different PBL groups, ranging from community/school service to learning new musical instruments to beginning a chicken operation to promoting school spirit to wood and metal projects to developing exercise programs to painting wall murals around the school, and so many more,” he said.
“The Eagles’ Nest Coffee Shop has been one of the main business-focused PBL projects, but we also have some young ladies who have started a T-Shirt design and printing business called ‘The U’,” he said.  “They have been very successful so far and continue to see their orders increasing.”

The PBL presentations will take place on April 27 and 28 during the PBL period, he said.

 

Bourbon County, Schools

Year End Activities For Bourbon County High Schools

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It’s the time of year where high school activities are ramping up for the end of the year: proms, graduations, senior trips.
The following are those activities of Fort Scott and Uniontown High Schools, Bourbon County’s two school districts.
Fort Scott High School.
Fort Scott High School
FSHS Prom is Saturday, May 8 from 8 to 11 p.m. in the River Room Event Center above Luther’s BBQ, at National Avenue and Oak Street.
Bert Lewis,  FSHS Junior and Senior Class Sponsor, said she will be asking the Fort Scott City Commission on April 20 about closing Oak Street from National Avenue to Judson Street for the prom walk-in.
Walk-in by the prom attendees will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
“Masks and social distancing will be required for spectators,” Lewis said.
Lewis said dates of current juniors or seniors that don’t attend FSHS,  will need to sign up in the school office before the prom, to attend.
 
FSHS has 136 juniors and 137 seniors this school year.

Thursday, May 13 is the last full day of classes for all FSHS, including seniors.

 

Graduation is Saturday, May 15.

 

“Graduation is on May 15th at 8 p.m. at the FSHS Football Stadium,” Jeff DeLaTorre, activities director for FSHS, said. “There will also be baccalaureate in the FSHS gym at 4 p.m.  “We are also working on details for a senior parade at 10 a.m. on the morning of the 15th. Nothing official yet but we will release details when they do become official.”

 

“At this time we plan on having full capacity at graduation,” he said. “Masks will be required and social distancing expected, but no other limitations at this time.”

 

“There will be a senior trip for seniors that choose to go on May 24th and 25th,” DeLaTorre said.  “They will be traveling to Branson.”

 

“This school year has been challenging for everyone in the district,” he said. “But our teachers, staff, students, and community have done an outstanding job of following protocols and procedures to keep our distractions and interruptions to a minimum. We are looking forward to finishing this school year strong and hope to return to more of a normal school year next year!”

 

 

Uniontown High School.
Uniontown High School
Uniontown High School Prom is this Saturday, April 17 in the high school gym.
The prom lineup is at 5:15 p.m., at the junior high school entrance. The walk-in is 6 p.m. and the dance is from 7 to 11 p.m.
“We have close to 70 students signed up to come to prom, which is higher than what it usually is,” Senior Class Secretary Kristy Beene said.  “Outside visitors can come from other schools but (students) have to have a form from their dates school to make sure they are in good standings.”
“You can take pictures at walk-in of course, and if you would like to take pictures of the decorations in the gym, it will have to be when the students are not in the gym, before the walk-in at 6 p.m.” Alison Weston, class sponsor, said. “The  (pandemic) restrictions haven’t completely lifted, just a little more lax.”
The UHS seniors will be going on a senior trip towards the Branson area, April 23-25.
 Graduation will be Saturday, May 8 at 2 P.M. in the West Bourbon Elementary School Gym.
There are some pandemic restrictions for UHS graduation.
Each member of the senior class will have tickets for 14 people to attend, according to Superintendent Bret Howard and a ticket will be required for entry to graduation.
There are 43 juniors and 30  seniors at UHS.
The senior’s last day at school is May 6, and the district’s last day is May 19-with a 1 p.m. dismissal.

 

Fort Scott, Government

The National Avenue Pavement Preservation Project Began Yesterday

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With city street improvements, comes a little inconvenience.

And the City of Fort Scott has two projects on National Avenue in the works.

National from 13th to Wall

A pavement preservation project began on April 13 and will continue through next week.

National Avenue from 13th Street to Wall Street will be affected by this project, with one lane open at all times, according to a City of Fort Scott press release. Each day, specific sections of the street will be targeted in an effort to mitigate the impact on local businesses.

“This project is being performed…by Proseal Asphalt Preservation,” Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier said.

 

Jeremy Frazier. Submitted photo.

He said the contract for this work was awarded in November 2020, prior to his arrival as the city manager.

 

The first phase is completed, phase two started yesterday.

 

“Proseal is currently prepping the cracks in the pavement by blowing them out with extremely high-pressure air blowers to address heavily damaged and cracked street areas.”

 

 

“On Thursday they will be going back through those same cracks starting at the bridge near the Marmaton River… but this time they will be blowing the cracks and then filling them immediately thereafter street (with) crack filling solution,” he said.  “This will reduce further damage to the roads and extend the life of the streets. The debris will be blown to the side of the streets and the larger portions taken away.”

 

Friday, workers will finish what is needed from Thursday’s work.

 

“If the weather cooperates, it is expected that this process will conclude by Monday of next week,” Frazier said.

 

 

City employees will use the street sweeper to remove debris, Frazier said.

 

 

“City staff has reached out to the affected businesses along National to provide notices of the work to be performed,” Frazier said.

 

 

The cost of the second phase work was quoted to be roughly $38,000, Frazier said.

 

National From Hwy. 69 to 13th

 

A second project will begin in late spring 2021 for a mill and overlay project on National between 13th Street and Hwy 69, Frazier said.

 

“We received heavy rains a few weeks ago that resulted in the drastic deterioration of National (Avenue) near Hwy. 69,” Frazier said.

 

At an unrelated meeting with KDOT, Frazier mentioned this deterioration.

 

 

KDOT informed Frazier that there was a possibility of piggybacking on the mill and overlay work that was soon to begin on Hwy. 69 by Bettis Asphalt.

 

 

The news couldn’t have come at a better time, he said.

 

 

“After checking with the city attorney, and given the water-related damage that had occurred on National, coupled with the possibility of adding to a project currently underway, I felt that it was necessary to address the damage as quickly as possible,” Frazier said.

 

 

 

 

The city staff requested a bid from contractor Bettis Asphalt,  to add National Avenue up to 13th Street from Hwy. 69 onto the existing project, he said.

 

 

The company was already going to pave a small portion of the entrance from Hwy. 69 onto National Avenue.

 

 

“It made sense to take advantage of this contractor’s presence for a few additional and recently damaged blocks,” Frazier said.

 

 

The quote was received on April 6, 2021, in the amount of $116,350.50 and presented to the Fort Scott City Commission for consideration and possible approval.

 

 

They approved the project and it is estimated that the project begins in late May or early June after the completion of the US-69 project, Frazier said.

 

 

“This project will consist of milling the existing asphalt over the bricks and the replacement of a 1.5” overlay on top of those bricks,” he said. “There is a possibility that in an effort to save or reduce project costs that the city may offer street sweeping services for cleanup during the project. Otherwise, this project would be completely executed by Bettis Asphalt.”

 

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Please contact City Hall at 620-223-0550 for questions.