Bourbon County Jail Opens for Tours

Fort Scott, KS – Since the elections for Bourbon County where Bill Martin has retained his position of Sheriff, addressing the county jail is high on his list of priorities. Tuesday, November 18th the Sheriff office was giving tours of the jail from 2p-8p showing the condition of the jail.

Originally, the jail built in 1977, was made to accommodate 27 inmates. However, the average census is around 40 inmates, almost twice the original capacity. The aging facility has many issues that are not a quick fix, but would require extensive repair to satisfactorily fix the issue. A few issues are original plumbing, fixtures, wiring, cameras, electric gates, security and communication systems.

Obviously, there is much to discuss in the conversation about the best way to go about providing an adequate facility for our county jail. Undoubtedly, the conversation comes about that inmates do not need a nice place. The repairs needed at the county jail are beyond the comforts of the inmates, but are affecting the safety of the corrections officers and the energy expenditure of the aging building.

If you missed the tour, the Sheriff’s office will be offering tours again in the Spring. In the meantime, click along on the pictures below for a narration of the condition of the jail.

For further questions, contact the Sheriff’s office:
204 S National Ave
Fort Scott, KS
620.223.1440

Soup Line to Benefit The Beacon

Fort Scott, KS – Earlier this year, FortScott.biz ran an article highlighting the outreach and mission of The Beacon. The Beacon is a non-profit that serves those in Fort Scott, or surrounding areas, who need a little boost with food, shelter, clothing or other necessities during difficult times.

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The Beacon is a non-profit, and primarily rely on the generosity of others to fund the outreach. During the holiday season, you may be wondering how you can play a part in assisting those who are experiencing hard times.

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You will have an opportunity to get a good meal AND help The Beacon this Friday, November 21st. The Young Professional League of Bourbon County and area churches are sponsoring a Soup, Drink and Dessert meal for $5 (of course, you can give more if you wish). The proceeds will be used to fund activities for the Beacon.

Meals will be available 11am – 7pm on Friday at St. Mary’s Kennedy Gym (702 S. Eddy).

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Chili Feed Today – United Methodist Church

Fort Scott, KS — If you are wondering what to do for lunch today, the United Methodist Women will sponsor the “Friendship Soup Lunch” in the church’s fellowship hall from 11:30a – 1:30p.  The menu will include Chili, Potato Soup, Hamburger Soup, a variety of pies and a drink! There’s no charge, but you are welcome to make a donation! They will also be having a bake sale starting at 11am.

Also, next weekend (November 22), First UMC is sponsoring a concert at FSCC in the Ellis Fine Arts Center at 7pm. No charge for the concert, but there will be a offering to help cover expenses. Two bands will be playing, Among the Lost and Greater than Fables will be performing.

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Check out their Facebook page here. 

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Check out their Facebook page here. 

You can keep up with all that’s happening at First UMC at their website here or you can ‘like’ their Facebook page here

Contact:
Address: 301 S National Ave, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone:(620) 223-1950

If you have an event coming up or think you know of something we maybe interested in covering, please email us: [email protected]

Tedesco Skatepark – Further Expansion Made Possible!

Fort Scott, KS – If you are a skateboarder or know someone who is, something very exciting is happening to the James B. Tedesco Memorial Skate Park, located at 4th and Scott St. The Tedesco Skate Park has plans to expand and the Fort Scott City Commission approved those plans at their November 4th commissioner’s meeting.

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Courtesy Lindsey Madison

Expansion has been in the works for a while, but would not have been possible without another generous donation of Steve Tedesco. Tedesco’s $50,000 donation will cover the next phase construction costs and may also include lights. Mr. Tedesco is a business man from Colorado that has business connections in the Fort Scott area. The park is named after Steve Tedesco’s late brother, James B. Tedesco. The park was first opened in April 2012.

Construction for the expansion should begin soon, depending on weather and be completed by the end of year. Of course, there are many costs associated with building and maintenance. Any one interested can donate funds through an account at the city, who owns the skate park. You can check out the skatepark’s Facebook page here.

If you have an event coming up or something you think we maybe interested in covering, please email us!! [email protected]

Fort Scott High School presents “Anything Goes”

Fort Scott High School Performs the Comedy Musical “Anything Goes” Tickets are now on sale to the comedy musical “Anything Goes” at Fort Scott High School.  Show dates are Nov. 11, 13, and 15 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children and are available at the FSHS office and Country Cupboard.  Get tickets soon as seating is limited and shows tend to sell out.

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Publisher Tams Witmark describes the 1962 version of “Anything Goes” as, “The age-old tale of Boy-Meets-Girl and the complications which ensue….  Terrific Cole Porter songs…include It’s De-Lovely, Friendship, I Get A Kick Out Of You, All Through The Night, Anything Goes, You’re The Top and Blow, Gabriel, Blow.  In addition the 1962 version includes Take Me Back To Manhattan and Let’s Misbehave.”

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Nearly fifty Fort Scott High School students are involved the creative process for the show from singing, acting, and dancing to operating the lights and working as backstage hands.  The show features several lead roles including seniors Maddy Martin as Reno Sweeney, Tyler Parker as Billy Crocker, Emily Martin as Hope Harcourt, Tim Higgins as Sir Evelyn Oakley, Stephanie Rice as Bonnie, Jon Carpenter as Moonface Martin, and Makenna Robinson as Mrs. Harcourt.  The show also has many tap routines featuring dancers: senior Peyton O. Quick, and juniors Jensen Nielson, Karleigh Arndt, and Emmah Reeves, and choreography by FSCC Band Director Michael Dzbenski.

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The show is directed by FSHS Drama Director Angie Bin, Music Director Meredith Reid, Assistant Director Don Parsons and Orchestra Director Carson Felt.  The orchestra features local musicians Jara Martin on piano, Steve Harry on trumpet, Jane Williams on bass, Sandy Hemphill on sax, Michael Dzbenski on trombone, and David Lee with percussion.

Tigers on the Move!

Fort Scott, KS Last Saturday morning, over 300 participants gathered for a fun color run / walk. The event was targeted toward any student (and parents) within USD 234. It was organized primarily by PE teachers looking to provide active events for students outside of normal school activities.

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Also, the Beacon Food Pantry benefited from the event. The entry fee was a canned good and add $5 if you wanted the t-shirt. Along the way, there were 6 ‘color’ stations that represented the 5 levels on the food pyramid plus water.

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The event lasted about an hour and a half and the kids were having a great time. If this event becomes and annual event, make sure you are able to come out and participate (or volunteer). The teachers all did a great job and make sure you let them know if you see them.

If you have stories you think we might be interested in writing about, please email us: [email protected]

Sleep Inn Give-a-Way

It’s time for another give a way here at FortScott.biz. In appreciation to our readers, we have partnered with Sleep Inn & Suites to offer one free night stay (valid only in Fort Scott).

FortScott.biz is always looking for more readers to tell about the news and events going on in Fort Scott and the surrounding areas! So…….   we are giving away another prize to one subscriber!  To sign up, all you have to do is to subscribe!  <– Click there or you can click to the “subscribe” button on the right  –>

The contest begins today and we will choose a random winner on Monday, November 24th. Just in time for family coming into town for Thanksgiving. Here are the rules:

  • You have to be subscribed to the list to enter. That means you’ll need to type in your email address and then confirm the subscription.
  • You can enter from this link or using the form on the right hand side of the page.
  • You’ll need to come to Fort Scott to claim the prize. If you live in Alaska, this might not be cost effective for you.
  • The winner will be announced and have their picture posted to the site. This probably isn’t a good contest for people in the witness protection program.
  • If you are under 18, you’ll need a guardian to accept it on your behalf.

Sleep Inn & Suites Grand Opening

Fort Scott, KS — On November 5th, about 70 community members showed their support for the newly opened Sleep Inn & Suites in Fort Scott.

The Chamber held a ribbon cutting ceremony and many of Fort Scott and Bourbon County officials were present and a few made brief remarks and congratulations to Bill and Jennifer Machaud.

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“The sign is going up today and looking forward to open doors and serving Fort Scott, ” Bill Machaud commented as he addressed the crowd and covering the amenities the hotel has to offer. These include 59 rooms, wi-fi, full complementary breakfast, indoor pool and weight room. Doors are open and they will be happy to take your reservations for the upcoming holiday season.

For more information or reservations:
Sleep Inn &  Suites
302 E Wall St.
Fort Scott, KS, 66701
(800) 424-6423

Mercy Marketplace Christmas Show

Fort Scott, Ks – Mercy Hospital is hosting their annual fund-raiser November 5th, 6th and 7th. This annual fundraiser has an emphasis in provided funds for additional equipment for the hospital and also helps provide scholarships for the nursing program at Fort Scott Community College.

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Alice Allen, Mercy Auxiliary President said, “We have had very good traffic so far. We have many people we come especially to see the show and some even schedule their appointments around these dates so they can be sure to support these efforts.”

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The Christmas show will run for three days and will be open 7am – 6pm in the McAuley Center. Ornaments, jewelry, scarves, purses and home décor are some of the items available for purchase.

Bourbon County & State Election Results

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Residents gather at Bourbon County courthouse to watch election results

The end of elections in Bourbon County is coming quickly to an end. There are some very interesting races happening in the county and our state. Throughout the evening will be at the courthouse posting results as they come in.

Updated: 12:27am

KANSAS – STATE RESULTS Unofficial FINAL

US Senate
Pat Roberts, R 53%
Greg Orman, I 43%
Randall Batson, L 4%

US HOUSE, District 2
Lynn Jenkins, R 57%
Margie Wakefield, D 39%
Christopher Clemmons, L 4%

Governor
Paul Davis, D 46%
Sam Brownback, R 50%
Keen Umbehr, L 4%

Secretary of State
Jean Schodorf, D 41%
Kris Kobach, R 59%

Attorney General
Derek Schmidt, R 67%
A.J. Kotich, D 33%

State Treasurer
Ron Estes, R 68%
Carmen Alldritt, D 33%

Commissioner of Insurance
Ken Selzer, R 61%
Dennis Anderson, D 39%

State House, 4th District
Lucas Cosens, D 32%
Marty Read, R 68%

Allow Charitable Gaming
Yes 75%
No 25%

BOURBON COUNTY – Unofficial FINAL
Ballots counted: 5,012, all precincts reporting

Sheriff
Mike Feagins, D  — 28%
Bill Martin, R –77%

County Commissioner, 1st District
Lynne Oharah, R — 73%
Clinton Walker, D — 26%

USD 234 – School Bond
Yes – 56%
No – 43%

 

 

 

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Voting at Grace Baptist Tabernacle

Lowell Milken Center Groundbreaking

Fort Scott, Ks – Last Thursday the Lowell Milken Center for unsung heroes had their groundbreaking ceremony at 6th and Wall Street. Back in September, Fort Scott city commissioners voted 5-0 to transfer the land at the corner of Main and Wall to build a 6,000 square foot venue to honor, display, promote, engage and further the message of the unsung heroes.

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Exterior Rendering – Courtesy Lowell Milken Center
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Interior Rendering – Courtesy Lowell Milken Center

According to Heather Griffith, Director of Economic Development, “The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is truly one of the great assets of Fort Scott and enriches our entire community.” The Lowell Milken Center is an educational non-profit, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes discovers, develops and communicates the stories of Unsung Heroes.

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The LMC locally has hosted over 25,000 visitors from every state in the country and has impacted over 1,000,000 students through their various programs. The LMC was established in 2007 and did not want to limit its reach nationally, also has international programs and visitors from 68 countries have visited the LMC in Fort Scott.

Due to growth and rising demand for its services, LMC was in need of a new headquarters. The construction of the new 6,000 square foot building will serve for the international headquarters and exhibit space. Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2015. You can visit their web page here and for current events and announcements, check out their facebook page here.

For more information you can contact:

Heather Griffith, Director of Economic Development
City of Fort Scott
620.223.0550

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
620.223.3566

Lowell Milken Center
[email protected]
620.223.9991

Bourbon County Local News