The Fort Scott Farmers’ Market began a new season of providing fresh produce and other goods to the community with their opening weekend Saturday morning, with vendors selling a number of baked, fresh and homemade items as well as plants.

From May to the final weekend of October, vendors will sell their items at the Skubitz Plaza next to the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Visitors can come make purchases Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, or Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m.

Regular sale items include baked breads and other goods, homemade salsa and jams, hot tamales, fresh vegetables and fruits and homemade items. The Bourbon County Garden Club sold plants for the opening weekend but will not be available each week, though other vendors also had plants on hand.

Those interested in participating as a vendor can sign up for a booth with Chet and Linda Bower.

Business, Fort Scott

Career Exploration Mentor Program Completes Third Year

May 9, 2016 Michelle Workman Leave a comment

Submitted by Lindsay Madison, May 6

Spring of 2014, the City of Fort Scott, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and Fort Scott High School formed a Career Exploration Mentor Program with the objective for mentors to serve as a source of knowledge and support in an effort to enhance the student’s opportunity for personal development and workforce exploration and prepare them to be career-ready upon graduation.

Fort Scott businesses have a variety of career opportunities available, and over the past few years have had a limited pool of qualified applicants to fill those positions. After the City and Chamber met with a group of students in the Fall of 2013, it was identified that many students would like to stay in Fort Scott after graduating, but are not fully aware of the employers in Fort Scott, what services and products the businesses produce and how they can make a good living working for those companies.

The Career Exploration Mentor Program was created to benefit students in exploring careers matched to their skills and interests, providing support to create resumes, filling out applications, preparing for interviews and reviewing appropriate questions to ask, learning how to be a successful employee, identifying college programs and scholarships available, or at times simply being a person the student can have for advice on school and life issues.

Mentors are community members that volunteer to be a part of the program and, after passing a background check, are matched with juniors and seniors that are interested in the program and approved through Fort Scott High School teachers Lisa Ward and Jane Campbell.

During the 2015-2016 school year, there were 12 matches of mentors and students who were encouraged to meet twice a month individually, with several group activities also held including a presentation by Colleen Quick, Human Resources Manager for Carlisle Belts by Timken, on interviewing and completing applications, a tour of window manufacturer Peerless Products, and an end-of- year cookout at Gunn Park and presentation of certificates of participation.

Community members and students interested in participating in the program for the 2016-2017 school year may contact Lisa Ward at [email protected] or Jane Campbell at [email protected], or call the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223- 3566.

Participants in the program for 2015/2016 school year included:

Mentors:

Jessica Allison

Holly Baker

Craig Campbell

Jessica Collier

Jessica Cook

Lynette Emmerson

Robert Goltra

Jody Hoener

Jared Leek

Gregg Motley

Lauren Stanley

Kenny Wunderly

Students:

Lorenza Burris

Trevor Davis

Korbyn Gourd

Lexi Kruger

Alexis Loden

Stormy Lowry

Ryan Miller

Kyle Primeaux

Jessica Stedman

Seth Weber

Skylar Winningham

Lindzee Woodall

Fort Scott

Kiwanis collect shoes for third world countries

May 7, 2016 Michelle Workman Leave a comment

Through the end of May, the Pioneer Kiwanis will continue collecting new or gently used pairs of shoes from members of the community, with the goal of collecting 2,500 pairs to send to third world countries.

The Kiwanis club began the Donate Your Soles collection in April and continues to strive to reach their goal before the end of the month. The shoes they collect will be sent overseas to developing nations in an effort to help residents there start and maintain a business to support themselves and their families.

The shoe drive also serves as a fundraiser as the Kiwanis will receive funding based on the number of pairs collected. That money will be used towards the Kiwanis’ Youth Program in Bourbon County.

Bids and Dibs on National Avenue in downtown Fort Scott is serving as a location to drop off donated shoes. With the approach of summer as well as the common garage sale season, the Kiwanis encourage residents to consider donating shoes they do not sell.

Fort Scott

Fort Scott participates in Day of Prayer

May 5, 2016 Michelle Workman Leave a comment

Numerous members of the community joined together Thursday morning to participate in the 65^th annual National Day of Prayer, organized by the Pioneer Kiwanis and hosted at Fort Scott Community College.

Reverend Marty DeWitt of Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church referred to prayer as a vital and important part of what this country has accomplished and said that prayer is still needed for the country.

This year’s theme was “Wake Up America” and those in attendance sat at tables that held signs encouraging specific topics to pray for, including families, churches, leaders, Fort Scott, Kansas, America and upcoming elections.

Keynote speaker Gregg Motley of Landmark National Bank said “unthinkable” things are happening in the United States, such as the national debt, small towns shrinking, churches losing vitality and laws being enforced that contradict biblical morals.

But despite such tough circumstances for the churches, Motley said he believes those situations can revitalize the church.

“We’ve had tough circumstances in this country before,” Motley said, mentioning the Great Depression that then lead to one of America’s greatest generations that rebuilt the nation. “God has a purpose for tough times…Don’t fear tough times, pray and ask God to prepare your heart.”

In order for America to wake up to spiritual things, Motley said individual people need to wake up first, sharing his testimony of his “wake up call,” when he asked God to literally wake him up each morning as a young adult so he could spend time in prayer.

The Day of Prayer continues in Fort Scott with a gathering at the American flag outside the Bourbon County Courthouse at noon.

Fort Scott

Fort Scott Community College Rodeo Team Presents “The Clash”

May 4, 2016 Michelle Workman Leave a comment

Submitted by Heather Cutshall, May 2

Fort Scott Community College Rodeo Team and Alumni will show off their skills during “The Clash” event on Saturday, May 7, at Arnold Arena.

“The Clash” is a fundraising event that gives FSCC rodeo students the opportunity to compete alongside professionally-ranked alumni.

“We look forward to seeing the students and alumni get together and compete against each other,” said Chad Cross, FSCC Rodeo Coach. “It’s a fun and friendly competition.”

The event will include a team competition, silent auction, live auction and BBQ meal. The evening will begin with a BBQ dinner at 5 p.m. in Arnold Arena. After the meal, “The Clash” event will begin at 7:30 p.m. Matches will include bareback riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, goat tying, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding.

FSCC alumni who will compete include Stuart Gullager, Ray Holmes, Glen Smith, Brandi Buzzard, Nathan Hughes, Lindsey Hughes, Carl Taylor and Cody Hamm.

“I’m excited to compete in the bull riding match,” said Luke Hamilton, FSCC Rodeo Student. “It’s been a great year all-around for the team, and this event is a great way to end the year.”

The BBQ dinner admission is by donation, and ticket prices for The Clash are $8 for adults, $5 for students, $3 for children ages 6-12 years and free for children five and under. Proceeds from the event will benefit upgrades to the outside rodeo arena and rodeo student scholarships. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (620) 223-2700, ext. 7020.

Fort Scott

FSHS Forensics team places fourth at state tournament

May 3, 2016 Michelle Workman Leave a comment

Submitted by Amber Toth, May 2

The Fort Scott High School Forensics Team gave it their best at their recent state forensics competition, but came just 15 points short of a trophy, finishing fourth out of 51 schools.

5-3 Forensics — Photo Credit: Amber Toth

“I am so incredibly proud of them,” coach Amber Toth said. “I can hardly believe the season we have had.”

The FSHS team had half their events make it to the semi-final round. Darby Toth ended up 12th in informative speaking and 11th in original oration. Joe Adams and Garrett Tatro also made it to the semi-finals in extemporaneous speaking, with Adams finishing in 8th place and Tatro in 10th. Seth Cross advanced to the finals in both poetry and impromptu speaking, taking third in impromptu and 5th in poetry. Rebekah Sweyko placed fourth in informative speaking as a first-year student while Thomas Nighswonger ended up in fourth place in humorous interpretation.

“We compete in the largest state tournament for any classification,” Toth said. “These kids fought hard and continue to make Fort Scott proud.”

Business, Fort Scott

Golf Course holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for new clubhouse

April 28, 2016 Michelle Workman 3 Comments

After years of changes at the Woodland Hills Golf Course, from ownership to appearance, members of the Chamber of Commerce and the community celebrated another accomplishment with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the recently completed clubhouse.

“This is what a community can do when they set their sights to work together to make something nice and better in Fort Scott,” City Manager Dave Martin said of the clubhouse as well as the entire golf course project.

Martin said he first heard suggestions when he entered his position in 2010 that the city should purchase the golf course to keep it from going to waste or getting in worse shape. Others advised the city not get involved, but when no one else stepped up, Martin said the community should raise money if they agreed the city should become the owners. Members of the community responded by raising about $350,000.

Martin and Fort Scott Director of Finance Jon Garrison expressed appreciation to a number of people who played key roles in raising that funding and making the golf course improvements and changes a reality.

With the funding available, the city made the purchase and then a variety of improvements were made as the city worked to improve the appearance of the course as well as its marketing, adding PGA Tour professional Shannon O’Neill as the clubhouse manager in the last month.

“I’m very happy to be here,” O’Neill said, saying he looks forward to adding even more services to the golf course such as through a driving range and giving lessons.

Already, O’Neill said they have started taking steps to create a new scramble league that could meet Tuesday nights starting in May. A scramble event will also be held over the Memorial Day weekend. Over the next couple months, other businesses and organizations in Fort Scott will also hold fundraising tournaments at the course.

“The product is good,” O’Neill said of Woodland Hills. “It’s a good golf course…There’s something worthwhile here to sell.”

The new clubhouse is another accomplishment that adds to that product, as it offers a place even for non-golfers to spend time and purchase drinks. The old clubhouse was demolished in the past month with just rubble remaining.

“Congratulations to the city and the entire community for the wonderful facility,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison said. “Get out and enjoy it.”

Business, Fort Scott

CJ’s Closet now open in Fort Scott

April 27, 2016 Michelle Workman Leave a comment

What was once Vette’s at 605 S. National Ave., has seen changes in recent weeks as Chuck and Connie Harper purchased the business, made changes and have now reopened it for customers as CJ’s Closet.

Connie said her friend and former school mate had owned Vette’s and let her know when they decided to sell the business. Even though Connie had not even considered running her own business, she decided she could not turn down the offer.

“It really wasn’t something I was looking for,” said Connie, who is from Fort Scott and has spent years in nursing as well as with foster care. “We thought it’d be an interesting adventure.”

Unlike Vette’s, CJ’s Closet is a consignment shop as well as a thrift store that will sell men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories and may expand to include some furniture in the future.

“I thought it was a good idea,” Connie said. “Not everybody likes to garage sale.”

CJ’s Closet opened to customers Saturday and Connie said business has already been pretty good since then.

Store hours are Monday – Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The store will remain closed on Sundays. Donations of clothing are welcomed.

Bourbon County

County Commission hears report of Garland Fire District

April 27, 2016 Michelle Workman Leave a comment

During their meeting Tuesday morning, the Bourbon County Commission met with Drywood and Scott township members who gave an update on what has occurred within the Garland Fire District in recent months.

Scott Township clerk Don Banwart and Drywood Township trustee Darrel Bloomfield gave information on issues they said they have faced with the fire department of unincorporated Garland in recent months and even years.

“The situation in Garland has deteriorated,” Banwart said.

First created in 1968 by the county commission and a vote, the Garland Fire Department has responded to calls around the small town and the surrounding area since that time.

As townships lines were drawn in Bourbon County, it was determined that the district includes areas in the Scott and Drywood townships, leading to the Garland fire board including representatives from the two townships. As a result, a hierarchy of authority was created, with the fire board answering to the township boards that then are beneath the county commission if needed.

But most recently, Banwart and Bloomfield said townships have not been made aware of the state of the fire district concerning such information as how many board members or firefighters there are, who the treasurer is or how the money is being used. When those details and an audit were requested, the fire board refused.

Banwart said the department has also responded to emergency calls in an untimely manner of late, sometimes arriving with few volunteers or not at all, resulting in the Scott Township firefighters often responding. To resolve that risk, the townships made official their request to Fort Scott Fire Chief Paul Ballou that the Scott Township department always respond to Garland emergencies.

Enforcing a statute that states the townships have the right to form the fire board, citing insubordination of the current board as their reason for doing so, Banwart said the joint townships voted to make changes to the board by presenting new electors who would represent township members who do not live in the Garland district and so can not serve on the board directly. Some of the board positions are currently open since such electors have not been appointed while others have served beyond the three-year terms of elected township members they represented.

But prior to the meeting held Monday evening, when names of electors would have been proposed, Banwart said they received a restraining order that stated the actions to change the fire board were causing confusion and disorder.

Banwart said their goal is to have transparency between the fire board and townships, adding they have heard from numerous residents from within the Garland Fire District that have concerns about how it is run and how the taxpayers’ money is being spent.

“All that we want is for things to run smoothly and for people to get what they’re paying for,” Bloomfield said.

County Commissioners said they did not think they should step in with action at this time, but thanked Banwart and Bloomfield for the information and expressed their desire to be kept up to date on further issues.

Business, Fort Scott

Country Place Senior Living Construction Begins

April 26, 2016 Michelle Workman Leave a comment

Submitted by Marie Jensen, April 15

On Thursday, April 14, 2016, Fort Scott’s newest assisted living residence, Country Place Senior Living, began construction. Weather permitting, Country Place Senior Living is expected to be complete in late 2016 or early 2017.

Photo Credit: Country Place Senior Living

Each of the 26 suites in the Country Place Senior Living assisted living residence will be equipped with a fully accessible private bathroom, large sitting and sleeping areas and a hospitality kitchen. In addition to the private living suites, the residence will included a large dining area, indoor and outdoor social areas, a respite care suite, library, commercial kitchen facilities, an interior concrete reinforced storm shelter and countless other amenities.

The general contractor for the project is Loyd Builders, Ottowa, Kan. Loyd Builders has previously partnered with Neighborhood Senior Living, LLC, the developers of Country Place residences, on Country Place Memory Care of Fort Scott, Country Place Senior Living of Chanute and Country Place Memory Care of Chanute.

To learn more about Country Place Memory Care or Country Place Senior Living, please call Marie Jensen, Marketing Coordinator at 913-638-0377, visit us online at www.countryplaceliving.com or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/countryplacefortscott.

Fort Scott

FSCC to host Women’s Appreciation Luncheon, BBQ and Auction

April 26, 2016 Michelle Workman Leave a comment

Women’s Luncheon

Submitted by Heather Cutshall, April 21

Fort Scott Community College will host its annual Women’s Appreciation Luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 South Horton, Fort Scott, Kan.

The luncheon menu includes chicken salad croissant sandwiches, salad, fresh fruit, gourmet cookies, and refreshments. In addition to lunch, the popular event will offer free gifts, door prizes, musical entertainment and product displays from local businesses. The event will showcase a variety of businesses, including: Advocare, Bids & Dibs, Bobbi Kemna’s Pottery, FSCC School of Cosmetology, Gold Canyon Candles, Jillybeadz, Mercy Health for Life, My Very Own Bags of Love, Premier Designs Jewelry, Relay for Life, Rodan + Fields, Thirty-One Gifts, Tupperware, Young Living Essential Oils and more.

Ticket prices are $9 per person. Attendees who purchase five tickets by Tuesday, April 26, will receive one ticket free. For more information or to RSVP, please call (620) 223-2700.

BBQ and Aucton

Submitted by Heather Cutshall, April 25

The Fort Scott Community College Meats Judging Team invites the community to its annual BBQ and auction event on Saturday, April 30, at FSCC East Campus (The Armory), 2301 Horton Street, Fort Scott, Kan.

The event will feature a BBQ dinner, live auction, silent auction and raffle. The meal will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the auction will begin at 6:30 p.m. The menu will include pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, potato salad and cookies. Admission is by donation, with a suggested donation of $7 per person.

“The students travel thousands of miles competing at national contests all over the country throughout the year, representing our school and community to the best of their abilities,” said Jenilee Martin, FSCC Meats Judging Team Coach. “We are so thankful for the support of our community, and we would love to have everyone join us for a fun night!”

Items available for auction will include a handmade deer antler knife, hay bale ring swing, handmade quilts, horseshoe crosses, duck calls, home décor items, themed baskets, toys, tools, welding helmet, gift certificates, photography session voucher, half of a hog (processed) and much more. The team is still accepting donations; those who wish to donate items may call at (620) 223-2700 ext. 3540.

Additionally, the team is raffling tickets for chances to win a choice of two guns – a Remington® Model 11-87™ 12-gauge shotgun or a Henry® Golden Boy .30-30. Tickets may be purchased now through April 30. The raffle will take place the night of the BBQ and Auction and will be announced at the end of the event. Winners need not be present to win.

Proceeds from the event and raffle will benefit FSCC Meats Judging Team scholarships, travel expenses, supplies, and equipment. For more information about the event or to purchase raffle tickets, please call Jenilee Martin at (620) 223-2700 ext. 3540.

Business, Fort Scott

CarHelp opens location in Fort Scott

April 25, 2016 Michelle Workman 1 Comment

After providing car services from a mobile unit for the past few years, Leroy Walker and others with CarHelp Mobile Mechanic, LLC, celebrated the opening of their new location at 1114 S. Clark Street Saturday with a ribbon-cutting event and open house.

Walker said he first started his business with a pickup and a toolbox, but has since expanded to include two mobile trailer units as well as “The Shop” that opened in the past couple months. And Walker said he did so without credit.

“It’s already booming,” Walker said of their business, which has already begun turning a profit. “Fort Scott has been absolutely wonderful.”

Walker said Fort Scott has already become like a family for him as he provides services to the community through car repair and maintenance, whether at the customers home or at “The Shop,” and even helps inspect used vehicles someone might be considering purchasing.

“We’re so excited,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison said before the ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday, congratulating Walker. “Thank you for everything you’ve done to be involved n the chamber and the community.”

Saturday’s open house also included lunch provided by 5 Corners, numerous drawing prizes and KOMB radio on site.