Bourbon County

Foundation Grant Applications Due August 28

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Reminder that grant applications are due to the
Fort Scott Area Community Foundation 
by tomorrow, Tuesday, August 28, 2018.
 
Any 501c3 is eligible to apply!
 
Click here for the application on the FSACF website,
see link on the left of the home page.
Printed applications are also available at the Chamber.
 
Grants will be awarded at the Chamber Coffee on Thursday, November 1st at Landmark National Bank.
 
What is the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation?
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.
 
2018 FSACF Grant Cycle Now Open
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is thrilled to announce that the amount of grants available for the upcoming 2018/2019 cycle totals $32,000, exceeding last year’s total by $2,000 and $11,000 more than the previous year. Thanks to the generosity of all who contributed to the FSACF general fund, the interest accrued will allow the grant committee more opportunities to benefit the 501c3 applicants who meet the qualifications.
Monies granted to the 18 beneficiaries from last year’s cycle were used for a variety of causes, including helping to purchase medals for Special Olympics’ Bourbon County participants, providing benefits to cancer patients, assisting the Beacon to meet family needs, funding classes for CASA volunteers and purchasing lights for the local pickle ball courts. A full listing of the 2017 grantees may be found here.
The FSACF 2018 Grant Applications was released on Wednesday, August 1, and is now available on the FSACF website, www.fsacf.com, or may be picked up in person at the Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St. Nonprofits such as churches, governmental entities, or organizations with a 501c3 status are encouraged to apply.

Applications are due by Tuesday, August 28. Acceptance and declination letters will be mailed on Tuesday, October 16. Grants will be awarded at the Foundation’s Chamber Coffee held in the Landmark Bank lobby at Third and Main at 8 A.M. on Thursday, November 1.
You may click here for the 2018 Grant Application.

You may click here for the FSACF website and to learn more about YOUR Community Foundation.
Donations to the Community Foundation
are welcome year-round!
 
Online donations may be made here.
 
Or, click here to download donation form and mail a check to the address provided on the form.
 
Watch the funds grow!
The larger the FSACF endowed funds, the more money (interest) is available to benefit the community in granting each year in perpetuity!
 
Endowed fund balances* as of June 30, 2018
Board Controlled General Fund:  $755,337.15
Donor Advised/Controlled Funds:  $6,798,250.37
Total funds:  $7,553,587.52
*Board Controlled funds are funds when donated from the general public, memorials, or trusts are not designated to benefit a certain organization, scholarship, or purpose.
These are the funds that the Board is able to
grant interest from annually.
*Donor-Advised/Controlled funds are funds established by donors or trusts to benefit specific organizations, scholarships, or purposes.  The interest from these funds is distributed annually among those particular beneficiaries.
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation was established in 2007 and is a tremendous asset to Fort Scott and Bourbon County.  The current and future principal in these funds will be in place forever; the interest will grow as the funds grow and will annually benefit the local area into the long-term future.
See the links above to make a donation today!
 
Contact 2018-19 Board Chair Stephanie Witt
for questions or more information.
Phone:  (917) 679-3300
 
Thank you!
 
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Area News

Flags at Half-Staff For Senator John McCain

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Governor Jeff Colyer orders flags flown at half-staff

Monday, August 27 in honor of Senator John McCain

 

Topeka – In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, Governor Jeff Colyer has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sun up to sun down Monday, August 27th. in honor of United States Senator John McCain, who passed away Saturday, August 25th.

 

“Senator McCain will long be remembered for his years of dedicated service to our nation,” said Gov. Colyer, “He displayed great courage and strength in the way he lived his life. We are grateful to him for his devotion to this country and send our deepest condolences to his family as they grieve his passing.”

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

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Nicki Traul: New Assistant Superintendent at USD 234

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Nicki Traul is the new assistant superintendent at USD 234.

The former director of curriculum and instruction has taken on new duties in the Fort Scott School District.

Nicki Traul is now the assistant superintendent at USD 234.

“Mrs. Traul will continue to lead in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment,” Superintendent Ted Hessong said.  “She will also continue to oversee the preschool with the assistance of a lead teacher at the preschool. She will now be the lead for our special education department as well as the go-to person for the elementary principals, because of her elementary background.”

When Hessong came to the superintendency this year, he saw that Traul was doing the duties of an assistant superintendent.

“In my review of the district to prepare myself for my transition to USD 234,” he said.  “I decided Mrs. Traul was doing the duties of an assistant superintendent and we needed to designate her with this title to put in her a true role as an administrator for the district.”

“I am excited about the new opportunity and am looking forward to working with Mr. Hessong,” Traul said.

USD 234 enrollment finalization is this week, Hessong said.

 “There was an issue with our online enrollment system,” Hessong said. ” It is my understanding the system became overwhelmed because several of the districts across the country who use this online enrollment system were enrolling on the same day.”
Area News

Mary Jo Harper Directs Youth Chorale: Invites Local 4-6th Graders

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Pittsburg Youth Chorale Fall 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 Mary Jp 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 September 4th. There is a fee of $60 per session (Sept 4-Dec 11). To enroll, visit Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, or call 620-231-7827, deadline September 4th.

Obituary

Obituary of Leland Wood

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Leland Duane Wood, 70, of Fort Scott, was welcomed into Heaven’s open arms on August 23, 2018. Bless his tired heart, he is now shooting baskets with the best cheering section you could find in Heaven.

Leland was born October 14, 1947, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Vergil Leon and Delma Dorene (Brown) Wood. He married Mary Underwood September 28, 1968, in Mapleton, Kansas, and she survives of the home.

Leland was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown, and was a teacher, coach, and Insurance Agent. He was a member of the Every Other Wednesday Night Poker Club, Every Monday Night Poker Club, Ruritan, and Max’s Way Station Coffee Group. He originated Biddy Football and Biddy Basketball in Uniontown.

In addition to his wife Mary, Leland is also survived by his children, Gerald Wood of Rosemount, Minnesota, Matthew Wood and Rebecca, of Uniontown, and Amy Mitchell and David, of Shawnee, Kansas; a sister, Carol Majors and Bruce, of Fort Scott; three brothers, Craig Wood and Linda, of Pleasanton, Kansas, Dave Wood and Debra, of Fort Scott, and Kevin Wood and Kathy, of Prescott, Kansas; a sister-in-law, Vicki Wood, of Humboldt, Kansas; and seven grandchildren, Brian Wood, Brenden, Carter, A.J., and Alaina Wood, and Tyler and Zachary Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Kenny Wood, and two nephews, Chris Homan and Benjamin Underwood.

Pastor Marty DeWitt will conduct funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 27, 2018, at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown, followed by burial at the Prescott Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening, August 26, 2018, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Vera Jane Wiggans Hays

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Vera Jane Wiggans Hays, age 80, formerly of Fort Scott, died Wednesday evening, August 22, 2018, at Greystone Assisted Living in Iola, Kansas.

Vera was born August 9, 1938, to Marjorie and Pascal Wiggans in rural Bronson. She attended Bronson schools, played basketball and was drum majorette.

 Vera married Bernard “Bun” Hays in 1956 in Miami, Oklahoma. Together, they raised four children that were the love of her life.

 Vera worked for Braemor and Key Industries for more than 40 years and was a friend to all she met. She always loved animals, especially dogs. Vera was an accomplished seamstress, quilter and crocheted, often creating clothes for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Vera loved music ranging from Elvis to traditional western to her grandson’s alt-rock band. She enjoyed the Fort Scott Opry and other local music performances. She was a regular at the Greystone Assisted Living cultural events singing along with guest musicians.

Vera is pre-deceased by her parents, husband Bun and many loved dogs. She is survived by her beloved Boston Terrier Raven, sister Wanda Lou Woodward of Manhattan, Kansas, sons Michael “Mick” (Janet) of Iola, Martin of El Dorado, daughters Joni (Blane) Peters of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Lori of Garden City. Grandchildren Blake (Andis) Hill, Brittany (Jake) Keltner, Reagan Hill, Emily (Dallas) Funk, Thomas Hays, James Hays and step-grandchildren Chris (Keri) Johnson and Aaron (Ashley) St. Clair also survive. Vera is also survived by great-grandchildren Parker, Adryannah, Piper, Ellie, Carsen, Samson and Paysly.

Pastor Lloyd Houk will conduct funeral services at 12:30 PM Monday, August 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, Lower Level Kansas City, MO 64105 or in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Bobbie Gene Combs

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Bobbie Gene Combs, age 79, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, August 9, 2018, at the Franklin House assisted living facility in Ft. Scott.
He was born August 12, 1938, in Ft. Scott, the son of Ralph Francis Combs and Georgia Haynes Combs.
He served with the United States Army.  Following his time with the Army, Bob had worked as a carpenter in both Washington State and in the Branson, Missouri areas.  He moved from Branson to Ft. Scott in the later years of his life due to health reasons. 
 
Survivors include two brothers, Fred Combs, of Republic, Missouri, and Ralph Combs, of Alabama and two sisters, Dorothy Willis, of Springfield, Missouri and Karen Dryer, of Holden, Missouri.  Also surviving is a step-son, David Lusby, of Branson, Missouri and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Robert Combs and Rickey Combs.
Following cremation, graveside services with military honors will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, August 27th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.  Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Area News, Business, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Expo Showcases Local Businesses By Briana Blandamer

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FSCC students Ally McKenzie and Kristen Davis receive a handout from Pizza Hut employee, Krista Johnson.

On Wednesday, August 22,  Fort Scott Community College hosted a Business Expo showcasing local Fort Scott businesses, giving the students a look at what this town has to offer.

The businesses included this year were Pizza Hut, Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, US Cellular, KKOW Radio, Mercy Hospital, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, The Shirt Shack, The Tannery, Safehouse, KOMB Radio, Family Video, Advanced America, Medicalodge, Paparazzi, Common Ground Coffee Shop, Hartman Chiropractic, the U.S. Army, Community Christian Church, Briggs Automall, and Trinity Lutheran Church.

The students were given a slip of paper to collect ten signatures from ten different booths to be entered into a drawing for a free laptop and a set of Bluetooth headphones, which were provided by the college.

The winner of the laptop was Samantha Stumfoll and the headphones were awarded to Audrey Whetzell.

During this expo, FortScott.Biz Intern Briana Blandamer interviewed 2008 Fort Scott High School graduate, Dr. Grant Hartman, owner of Hartman Spine & Joint.

Dr. Hartman has been running his clinic in Fort Scott for three years, offering general chiropractic services as well as tending to sports injuries and offering rehabilitation services. Some of the other services he offers include acupuncture and soft tissue therapy.

Dr. Hartman in front of his booth at FSCC Business Expo.

The Tannery also had a booth during the FSCC business expo, ran by Jenna Kakas. The Tannery has a student discount offering a Buy 2 Tans, Get the 3rd for $1.

Jenna said, “Come to see me at The Tannery, Monday through Friday 11 a.m. -6 p.m. to get your glow on!”

Jenna Kakas with The Tannery booth giving away Chapstick and entering students into a drawing for goodie baskets.
FSCC President Alysia Johnston is pictured with Shirt Shack owner, Billy Webster.
The TRIO program gave out the student-business signature papers, entered students into the drawing and also had signups to Escape the Fort! Trenton Allison helped run this booth.

 

Briana Blandamer is the FortScott.Biz intern whose focus is Fort Scott Community College. To give news ideas send to [email protected].

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott High School Auditions for Musical “Bright Star”

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Fort Scott High School.

 

Fort Scott High School is proud to announce auditions for the regional premiere of the new musical “Bright Star.”

Auditions are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. either Monday, Aug. 27 or Wednesday, Aug. 29 at the high school auditorium. Students only need to attend one night, but need to plan to stay for the entire time period.

“Inspired by a real event and featuring the Grammy-nominated score by Steven Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past – and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. Propelled by an ensemble of onstage musicians and dancers, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and powerfully moving performances. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tight in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful,” according to publisher Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

The show is open to current FSHS students and rehearsals are Monday-Thursday from 6:30-9 p.m. The performances are Nov. 6, 8, and 10.

Students who wish to audition for a lead solo role should prepare as follows: females will sing a portion of “If You Knew My Story” and males will sing “Bright Star” from the show. Links to karaoke tracks and piano accompaniment for the songs can be found at the “Fort Scott High School Thespians” Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FSHSThespians/?ref=bookmarks and the “Fort Scott Choirs” website at www.fortscottchoirs.com.

The show is directed by FSHS Drama Director Angie Bin and FSHS Choral Director Meredith Reid and choreographed by Delynn Abati, assistant to the FSHS Dance Team.

For more information, please contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

Bourbon County Local News