Volunteers Needed to Drive Vets To the VA

Facebook photo.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas  CFO Douglas Stuckey sits on the knee of Fort Scott’s Carl “Santa” Jowers at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffee Thursday morning, wishing for improved transportation services for Fort Scott veterans.

CHC/SEK will be the new primary care entity, following the closing of Mercy Hospital Fort Scott.

The Fort Scott VA Clinic is in the process of acquiring a passenger van to transport local Veterans to their medical appointments at the Topeka VA Medical Center.

Jowers was approached by Fort Scott VA Clinic staff to locate volunteer drivers to drive the shuttle.

Volunteer drivers are needed to drive the shuttle. 

One need not be a Veteran to be a shuttle driver. Volunteers must be willing to commit to driving the shuttle at least one day a month to and from Fort Scott.

This is a volunteer position with the VA.

“You will not receive pay, but drivers will receive a meal voucher for use in the VA cafeteria,” Jowers said. “Volunteers must pass a VA physical and background check including their driving history”

“We will initially set up one a week for the shuttle service to operate. However, if enough people volunteer their time, we could expand the service to two or three days a week and even set up a shuttle service to and from the Kansas City VA Medical Center as well.”

Please call Carl Jowers at 620-215-1688 or email him at [email protected] for more information or to volunteer as a driver.

 

A Modern Twist on a Familiar Christmas Tale at FSHS

The Fort Scott High School Thespians present their holiday children’s theatre production of “A 21st Century Christmas Carol” by Lori M. Myers.

Performances are at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 and 15 and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 15 at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time and seating is limited.

“A 21st Century Christmas Carol” is a new twist on a familiar tale. “Eleanor Scrooge, a greedy old spinster, spends her days barking orders at her gift shop employees.  Though the mall will be closed, she still wants them to work on Christmas Day!  Then she’s visited by the ghost of her old boss, Mr. Marley, and a parade of zany spirits who materialize from cheesy collectible figurines.  … With great humor, contemporary references, and crazy characters, … audiences will fall in love with the classic story all over again,” according to Pioneer Drama Service.

 

Characters in the production are played by area children in 1st-8th grades. Regen Wells, a 7th-grade student at Fort Scott Middle School, plays the lead character of Eleanor. Eighth graders Anna Laubenstein, Kinsley Davis and Kaitlyn Leavell play the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. All are also members of the FSMS Drama Club which meets weekly at the Middle School.

 

The play is directed by FSHS senior Karina Kantilal and sophomore Ashanti Green. Music is led by freshman Christina Ramirez and sophomore Noah Martin with choreography from junior Mesa Jones and sophomore Avery Dorsey. About thirty other high school students are assisting with the direction and design of the show as a fundraiser for the State and International Thespian Festivals under the supervision of Thespian Director Angie Bin.

 

Tickets for “A 21st Century Christmas Carol” are $5 and available at the FSHS Office, 1005 S. Main; Common Ground, 116 S. Main; and at the door.

 

State Offices Closed Dec. 5: Day of Mourning For President Bush

Governor Colyer Issues Executive Order Closing State Offices Wednesday to Observe a Day of Mourning for President George H.W. Bush

 

Topeka- Governor Jeff Colyer today issued the following Executive Order following the death of President George H.W. Bush:

 

EXECUTIVE ORDER 18-20 

Day of Mourning for President George H. W. Bush 

WHEREAS, as the 41st President of the United States, former President George H. W. Bush was a dedicated statesman who led our country through a time of change following the Cold War; and

 

WHEREAS, President Bush’s courage, dedication and leadership were evident throughout his lifetime of public service in many different roles, including serving with distinction in the United State Navy, as a delegate to the United Nations, envoy to China and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency prior to being elected President; and

 

WHEREAS, President Trump has declared Wednesday, December 5, 2018 a National Day of Mourning for President Bush; and

 

WHEREAS, State of Kansas offices were closed to mourn the deaths of other Presidents; including Presidents Kennedy, Eisenhower, Truman, Johnson, Reagan and Ford.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Kansas, I hereby designate Wednesday, December 5, 2018 as a legal holiday in observance of the National day of Mourning for President George H. W. Bush and order that State of Kansas offices are to be closed in observance of the holiday.

 

This document shall be filed with the Secretary of State as Executive Order No. 18-20 and shall become effective immediately.

 

American Legion Post 25 Upcoming Events:

 

December 3. Monday. 6:30 pm. Post 25 meet and greet. Light refreshments will be available at the end of the meeting.

 

December 3. Monday. 7 pm. Post 25 general membership meeting. The meeting is held at the Memorial Hall at National and 3rd in downtown Fort Scott. All Post 25 members, eligible Veterans and guests are invited to attend the meeting.

 

December 4. Tuesday. American Legion Service Officer Myra Jowers is at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Myra is available to assist you with questions about your VA claims or paperwork. This free service is for ANY Veteran or family member who may have questions about starting a VA claim or have questions about next steps. Please share this information with any Veteran you may know who might need assistance in dealing with their VA paperwork.

 

December 4. Tuesday. American Legion Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers has office hours at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Carl is available to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have about Post 25, Veterans issues in general or just to help solve world problems. Carl will meet with you at other times by emailing him at [email protected] or calling him at 620-215-1688 to schedule an appointment.

 

December 4. Tuesday. 6 pm. Fort Scott Christmas parade. Post members needed to participate in this community event. Contact Post Commander Carl Jowers, if interested.

 

December 8. Saturday. Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army. All donations stay in Bourbon County. Ringers needed from 10 am – 6 pm. One or two hour shifts. Bring a chair if you need to sit. Contact Post Commander Carl Jowers, if you can help in this community outreach program.

 

December 11. Tuesday. American Legion Service Officer Myra Jowers is at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Myra is available to assist you with questions about your VA claims or paperwork. This free service is for ANY Veteran or family member who may have questions about starting a VA claim or have questions about next steps. Please share this information with any Veteran you may know who might need assistance in dealing with their VA paperwork.

 

December 11. Tuesday. American Legion Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers has office hours at Memorial Hall from 9 – 11 am. Carl is available to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have about Post 25, Veterans issues in general or just to help solve world problems. Carl will meet with you at other times by emailing him at [email protected] or calling him at 620-215-1688 to schedule an appointment.

 

Other items:

 

Post 25 is collecting gently used jackets and coats for the Fort Scott High School Seniors. Bring coats and jackets to the membership meeting on Monday, November 5, to Memorial Hall on Tuesday, November 6 during Commander’s office hours or call the Commander at 620-215-1688 to arrange local pickup. Coats and jackets may also be taken to Fort Scott High School offices.

 

Program Chairs needed.

 

·         Boys/Girls State.

 

·         Oratorical

 

·         Baseball.

 

The only requirements to be a program chair are to be a Legionnaire and a desire to work with our young people. There are plenty of mentors at both District and Department to guide you in hosting a successful program.

 

Submitted by Carl Jowers, Commander

Fort Scott American Legion Post 25

Grief Support Luncheon

Grief Support Luncheon

Dec 5, 2018 12:00 PM

Our next scheduled grief support luncheon will be Wednesday December 5th, at 12:00 Noon.  Anyone dealing with a loss is encouraged to come and bring a friend.  Cheney Witt Chapel will provide lunch at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main.  Call us at 223-1186 if you have any questions.  We look forward to seeing you!

From Linderhof’s Kitchen . . . Martha Meinsen Scott

I adore special desserts during December and although old favorites are often on the menu, I also enjoy trying new things.       Some of which become favorites like this recipe for Cassata. An Italian dessert it’s an easy dessert for it starts with a boughten pound cake and then it’s just put together.     But for as little effort as it takes, it is a “wow” dessert.
CASSATA
2 c. Ricotta cheese
1/4 c. sugar
2 T. liqueur (sherry, brandy, Amaretto, I used Maraschino liqueur)
1/4 c. finely chopped candied cherries
1/4 c. mini semi sweet chocolate chips
1 pound cake (I used Sara Lee frozen)
CHOCOLATE GLAZE:
1 c. mini semi sweet chocolate chips
1 t. instant coffee dissolved in 1/4 c. boiling water
6 T. unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces, chilled
sliced almonds for garnish
Combine ricotta, sugar, liqueur and mix until silky.    Fold in candied cherries and 1/4 c. semi sweet chocolate chips.    Set aside.
Cut pound cake in half horizontally using sharp serrated knife.    Cut each half again horizontally. Place pound cake on serving platter.    Spread 1/4 ricotta mixture evenly over cake. Repeat procedure twice. Top with remaining cake layer; press lightly to compact layers.    Cover with plastic wrap; chill at least 2 hours.
Meanwhile heat 1 c. chocolate chips and coffee in top of double boiler over hot, not boiling water.     Stir constantly until chocolate is melted. Add butter pieces, one by one, stirring constantly, until all butter is added and melted.    Remove from heat; let cool to spreading consistency, about 2 hours. Spread top and sides of cake with chocolate frosting. I garnished the cake with sliced almonds on top.
Martha Meinsen Scott is a Fort Scott foodie who creates from her home, called Linderhof.

Pittsburg Youth Chorale Spring Enrollment Open

 

Area singers in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to join Pittsburg Youth Chorale through Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center. Participants do not need to be enrolled in USD 250 to belong to this ensemble.

Pittsburg Youth Chorale is under the direction of MJ Harper, Music Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary in Fort Scott, KS. The purpose of this vocal ensemble is to further grow vocal abilities, musical knowledge, and choral repertoire. Participants will have the opportunity to perform at community events as well as on the Memorial stage.

Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 5PM-6PM at Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center, 503 N. Pine, Pittsburg, KS. Rehearsals begin January 8th. There is a fee of $60 per session (Jan 8-May 7). To enroll, visit Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center between 8:30AM and 4:30PM, or call 620-231-7827, deadline January 8th.

# # #

Contact: MJ Harper, 620-719-6633, [email protected]

Flags At Half-Staff For President Bush

Governor Jeff Colyer Orders Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff Honoring Former President George H.W. Bush

 

Topeka – In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, and following the proclamation of President Donald J. Trump, Governor Jeff Colyer has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff immediately for 30 days due to the death of former President George H.W. Bush.

“I was saddened to hear last night of the passing of President George H.W. Bush, whom I had the privilege to serve under as a White House fellow. His hard work and dedication over decades of public service was matched only by his love and devotion to his wife Barbara and his children. His contributions at every level of his personal and political life have truly made our country and our world a better place. My prayers are with the Bush family during their time of grieving.”

 

To receive email alerts when the Governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit http://governor.ks.gov/subscribe-to-flag-honors.

Library Christmas Party Dec. 17

Fort Scott Public Library will hold its 4th Annual Family Holiday Party on Monday, December 17, at 4 p.m.
 Activities for teens will be held upstairs, while games and crafts for children will be downstairs after group stories.
Children and teens of all ages are welcome, but first grade and below must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
The party will run from 4 – 5:30 p.m. and registration will open at 3:45.
Enjoy holiday stories, songs, activities, snacks, crafts, and prizes, free.
Volunteers are needed to help supervise the activities. Please contact youth librarian Valetta Cannon at [email protected], fill out a donation form at the library, or call 223-2882 if you would like to help. Happy holidays from Fort Scott Public Library!
Submitted by Valetta Cannon

Fort Scott Public Library
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Nov. 20

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of November 20, 2018 Regular Meeting #22

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 20th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Nichols, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding.

INVOCATION: Pastor Jared Witt, First Presbyterian Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Darrell Parker, Larry Gazaway, Paul Ballou, Deb Needleman, Michael Mix, Billy Keith, Frank Durossette, Mary Durossette, Diana Mitchell, Rachel Pruitt, Carl Jowers, Myra Jowers, Bill Hall, Jared Witt, Stephanie Witt, Barbara Ritter, Bryan Ritter, Dave Bruner, Dusty Drake, Lindsey Watts, Chrystal Cowan, Frank Adamson, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognition of Veteran’s Day Weekend – Peerless Products, Boiler Room Brewhaus, VFW Post #1165, Live Local BB, American Legion Post #25, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, Community Christian Church, Bill Hall, Carl and Myra Jowers, and Wayne, Dee, & Barrett Young. – Larry Gazaway and Mayor Mitchell recognized the above individuals and groups with a Certificate of Recognition for their assistance in the 1st Annual Veteran’s Day Weekend celebration event.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 6th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1227-A totaling $277,010.59.

  1. Christmas Parade Permit Form- December 4th, 2018.

Bartelsmeyer moved the Consent Agenda. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Diana Mitchell, Closure of Gunn Park – Christmas in the Park – December 1st, 2018 – 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Diana Mitchell appeared before the Commission to request that Gunn Park be closed to the public on Friday, November 30th, and Saturday December 1st, 2018 to allow the Christmas in the Park event. People will be bused in from various parking lots and taken through the park. Shelter #5 will have chili and Santa will be present also for the children. Their group will provide security on Friday night and Saturday for this event.

Parker moved to approve the Christmas in the Park event and close Gunn Park to the public on Friday, November 30th and Saturday, December 1st, 2018. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CLOSE GUNN PARK TO THE PUBLIC ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH, AND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1ST TO HOLD THE CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK EVENT.

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:19 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:19 P.M.

6:15 p.m. Resolution directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 14 S. Margrave Street – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, informed the Commission that this structure has been on the Codes list since 2009. There has been no response from the property owner. She shared photos with the Commission of this dilapidated structure. There have been no utilities to this structure since 2015 and it is unoccupied. She recommended a time frame of ten days to either repair or remove this structure.

Mitchell moved to approve Resolution 45-2018 directing the repair or removal of this structure by December 3rd, 2018. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 45-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 14 S. MARGRAVE STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY DECEMBER 3rd, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

Mitchell moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:21 p.m. Bartlesmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:21 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Update on 523 S. Main Street – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, informed the Commission that she drove by this property today and no progress has been made since the last time this was on the Commission agenda. She will issue a citation to the McKenney family to appear in Municipal Court and keep issuing citations until progress begins. She does not want to condemn or tear this structure down.

  1. Consideration of change of zoning from M-U (Mixed Use) to CBD (Central Business District) for the property at 19 S. Hill Street – Approval of Ordinance No. 3541 – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission met on October 29th, 2018 to hear this case. Mr. Durossette plans to put in a four-bay auto mechanic shop. It will be a 30’ X 60’ metal building with four doors and an office area and would face Wall Street. The zoning needs to be changed from Mixed Use to Central Business District to allow this business.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the zoning change from Mixed Use to Central Business District for the property at 19 S. Hill Street and approve Ordinance No. 3541. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3541 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973, SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM MIXED USE (M-U) TO CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 19 S. HILL STREET.

  1. Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit to operate an automotive mechanic shop at Lots 1, 3, 5, 7, & 9, Block 82, Fort Scott Addition, more commonly known as 19 S. Hill – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission also approved at their October 29th, 2018 meeting that a Conditional Use Permit be given to allow the operation of an automotive shop at 19 S. Hill. Under the Central Business District, it is not an allowable use.

Parker moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit for the property at 19 S. Hill Street to operate an automotive shop. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE PROPERTY AT 19 S. HILL STREET TO OPERATE AN AUTOMOTIVE SHOP.

  1. Consideration of adoption of 2018 Comprehensive Plan Ordinance No. 3542 – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 29th, 2018 to recommend the approval of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Parker and Commissioner Nichols both assisted in reviewing this plan. The Planning Commission approved the recommendations made by the City Commission.

There were no comments from the audience.

Commissioners thanked the Planning Commission for all their hard work on this plan.

Nichols moved to approve Ordinance No. 3542 approving the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3542 ADOPTING THE 2018 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS; INCORPORATING SUCH PLAN BY REFERENCE PURSUANT TO K.S.A. 12-741 ET SEQ,. K.S.A. 12-3009:3012 AND K.S.A. 12-3301:3302.

  1. Consideration of appointment of Edna Erie as resident commissioner to replace Vickie Morgan – Fort Scott Housing Authority Board – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that she was notified by Patty Simpson, Executive Director of the Fort Scott Housing Authority, that Vickie Morgan, the resident commissioner on the board of commissioners has resigned. The Housing Authority requested the approval of Edna Erie to fill her vacancy which would expire on May 3, 2020.

Parker moved to approve the appointment of Edna Erie as the Resident Commissioner on the Fort Scott Housing Authority. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF EDNA ERIE AS THE RESIDENT COMMISSIONER ON THE FORT SCOTT HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WITH THE TERM EXPIRING ON MAY 3, 2020.

  1. Consideration of purchase of two additional VFD’s in the high service pump station – Water Production – Michael Mix, Public Utility Director, informed the Commission that he wishes to install VFD’s for each of his three pumps. This will increase reliability and redundancy for this critical station. He received a quote from Brock Electric in the amount of $9,354.50. Approval was recommended.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the quote from Brock Electric in the amount of $9,354.50 for the installation of the VFD’s. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED QUOTE FROM BROCK ELECTRIC IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,354.50 FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE VFD’S FOR THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Ambulance Update – Dave Bruner – Dave gave the Commission an update on the new Bourbon County Emergency Medical Service ambulance. There was a meeting held this morning with the Bourbon County Commissioners. The contract is done and the budget is completed. This will go before the Bourbon County Commission for approval on December 4th, 2018 and the City Commission on the same date. He thanked Rhonda Dunn, Robert Uhler, Kristi Keating, Jody Hoener, and Deb Needleman for their assistance with the contract and the budget.

Health Care Update – Rachel Pruitt – Rachel updated the Commission on progress on health care in our community. She reminded the Commission of the three primary principals the City is looking at: Primary Care; EMS/Ambulance, and ER. She said that the City is welcoming CHC/SEK into our community to cover the primary care services. In regards to ER, discussions continue with Via Christi. She said that they have not committed, but have not declined. She stated that it has been 50 days since the announcement for Mercy which allocates to 34 working days. There are 40 days left until the hospital closes. The City has left no stone unturned. The City needs to look at the future of the hospital facility itself also. During the first week of November, a very good meeting was held with Mercy officials from Springfield, St. Louis, and Joplin to discuss the fate of the hospital and the facility. The City received positive feedback from Mercy and was told they would work with the City and any other interested providers. There was also another recent meeting held with a firm that offers health care consultations. There are more meetings scheduled next week and the City is very focused on the next 40 days and continuing health care in this community.

B. City Commission:

Adamson Nothing to report.

Nichols Commented that Rachel’s comments are spot on. He has been included in several meetings and the City is working for this community. He feels good about it.

Parker – Thanked the whole team working on health care for our community. There has been lots of time, effort, and listening for the best needs of our community.

Bartelsmeyer Echoed Commissioner Parker’s comments.

Mitchell Thanked the whole team and said she appreciates all they have done.

C. City Attorney: Not present.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Health Care – Dave said that a citizen stopped him at the store and asked how he ran the City while trying to find health care for the community. He thanked the other directors who have stepped up and helped other departments. It is a team effort and he feels confident we will have health care here.

  1. Employee Christmas Dinner – Dave informed the Commission that the City Employee Christmas dinner will be held on Tuesday, December 11th, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. at Buck Run Community Center. He invited all to attend.

  1. City Crews – Dave thanked the City crews who worked to treat icy streets after the recent winter storm. He also thanked Bill Lemke and the Water Distribution crews who worked a large water main break in the Industrial Park and worked all night. The next day another break occurred and some of the same employees were called out to work that break also. He thanked them for their hard work.

  1. Wished all a Happy Thanksgiving!

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:41 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:41 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on December 4th, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Bourbon County Local News