Fort Scott honors veterans

Fort Scott and other parts of Bourbon County took part in honoring Veterans Day Friday with a series of events held at local schools, the college and the national cemetery as well as other places in order to show gratitude to veterans.

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Fort Scott Community College recognized veterans by holding their first Veterans Day Walk around their lake beginning at 10 a.m. FSCC President’s Ambassadors walked the trail for an hour while members of the community were encouraged to participate when they could.

“We’re here to celebrate and to commemorate those who have committed their services to our country,” FSCC student services assistant Francis Schafer said prior to the walk. “We honor them today.”

FSCC office assistant Karri Johnson, whose husband is buried in the Fort Scott National Cemetery, said even footsteps in honor of the veterans can show support.

“We just wanted to make sure to honor everyone who has served and show our appreciation,” Johnson said. “We are walking for our veterans who are no longer with us and who are with us.”

The college also had a wall of photos honoring veterans inside Bailey Hall.

The local national cemetery also held a memorial service Friday, with Cmdr. Matthew Jones, United States Coast Guard, giving the address and using it as an opportunity to thank those who served abroad or at home, those involved in administrative duties, maintenance of vehicles and equipment, food and fuel providers and chaplains.

“Thank you for sacrificing your peaceful dreams and your daytime wonderings to remembering the terror of war,” Jones said, saying those in the service had to learn to die to themselves for the good of the team and their mission to protect their country.

Jones also thanked those who did not serve in the military but have expressed gratitude and encouragement to veterans.

“We thank you for your support and your encouragement,” Jones addressed those in attendance. “It makes service worth it… Thank you for being a nation that we are proud to have served.”

Others in Fort Scott also held services, such as the Fort Scott Middle School, Winfield Scott and St. Mary’s Catholic School. The local Veterans of Foreign Wars post held a lunch for veterans after the national cemetery ceremony.

Beaux Arts Centre Hosts Auditions for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

Auditions for a children’s community theatre production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” are from 6 to 8 p.m., November 14 or 15, at the Beaux Arts Centre, 102 S. National, in Fort Scott.

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The play, written by Barbara Robinson, is based on the classic children’s book of the same name.

“In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids—probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!” according to publisher Samuel French.

Auditions are open to kids in grades kindergarten through 12, and no preparation is necessary to audition.  Rehearsals are on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Performances are December 10 and 11, at the Beaux Arts Centre.

The performances are a fundraiser for the Fort Scott High School students traveling to New York City for a Broadway tour and workshops over Spring Break.  There is a $30 performance fee per actor to offset production costs.

The production is directed by Angie Bin, current FSHS Drama Director and former FSCC Children’s Theatre Director. The high school students are also seeking local business sponsorship to help fund the production.  Interested parties and anyone with questions about auditions may contact Bin at 620-719-9622 or at [email protected].

County approves bridge survey, jail equipment lease

During their meeting Tuesday morning, the Bourbon County Commission approved a request for $9,400 from Schwab-Eaton engineers to complete a study on a bridge just south of Fulton in need of repairs.

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The money, which public works director Jim Harris said will come from the special road and bridges budget, will include a site visit, a cost estimate for replacing the bridge, investigation of a grant opportunity, the possibility of repairs instead of replacement and the alternate routes available for during bridge closure.

“I don’t believe we have much choice, do we?” commissioner Harold Coleman asked.

Harris said the bridge, which goes over the railroad tracks and was built in 1939, is on the critical list along with about four other bridges in the county. For those bridges, Harris said it is likely fruitless to spend a couple thousand dollars just to refurbish them when they are in need of a more drastic overhaul.

“You can’t just go in and do some repairs,” Harris said.

Schwab-Eaton has said they are prepared to begin immediately, which commissioner Lynne Oharah agreed “the sooner the better,” so decisions can be made concerning how to react to the study.

The commissioners also voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to approve the sale of certificates of participation for the equipment lease purchase for the new law enforcement center.

The certificates cover $1,753,000 of the $1,788,000 needed to purchase the jail cells, including an interest rate of 3.42 percent. Oharah pointed out they will probably not get a lower interest rate since those rates have begun to move upward again after months of record lows.

The county will not make their first payment until March 1, 2018. The remaining $34,000 not covered by the certificates will be paid for by the county, likely from the revenue generated by the sales tax approved for the project.

Community Foundation gives grants to local organizations

During the weekly Chamber Coffee held Thursday morning, the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation gave a total of $21,000 to local organizations to support their causes in Bourbon County.

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Chairperson of the foundation Blake Hudson and member Patty LaRoche distributed the checks, which went to organizations including the Mercy Health Foundation, the Gordon Parks Museum, the Riverfront authority, Friends of the Fort, Bourbon County Inter-agency Coalition, Fort Scott Middle School, CASA, Bourbon County Senior Citizens, Care to Share, Partners in Change, USD 234 and the Lowell Milken Center.

The foundation has been in existence since 2007 and continues to give grants to non-profit organizations each year, using a selection process to decide who will receive funding. This year the money was given specifically for causes such as the hospital’s new mammography equipment, fares for Pitt-Taxi for the senior citizens, the schools’ art and mentor programs and even for Buck Run Community Center and pool passes for low income families.

Hudson said they are constantly seeking donations toward the endowment fund that provides the money they distribute. Currently they are nearing the end of a fundraising campaign which is trying to take advantage of a $75,000 matching gift. About $10,000 more is needed by early December.

Lady Hounds’ winning streak continues

The Fort Scott Community College women’s basketball team’s strong start to the season continued Tuesday evening with a narrow win over the State Fair Community College Roadrunners.

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The Lady Greyhounds (4-0) remain undefeated in coach Jeff Tadtman’s first season at FSCC after a 59-56 win over the Lady Roadrunners (1-2), despite trailing SFCC by one point at halftime. But stronger defense as well as good shooting gave the ‘Hounds a ten point lead in the fourth quarter, only for the Roadrunners to battle their way back to within two points in the last nine seconds of the game.

Sophomore Jordyn Danzer led all players with 16 points for the ‘Hounds, making seven of seven free throws, while sophomore Natalia Ready added 14 points, including two back-to-back three pointers at the beginning of the final quarter.

But while the girls found success, the men’s team dropped their second game in a row. Although coming to within seven points late in the game, the ‘Hounds eventually lost to the Roadrunners, 78-56.

Roadrunners’ sophomore Willie Jimerson, Jr., led his team and the entire game with 27 points, while the Roadrunners finished with more than a 50 percent field goal average. The ‘Hounds made just 29 percent of their shots.

Freshman Tyler Zinn led the Greyhounds with 17 points, while freshman Chrision Wilburn added 13 points.

See FSCC’s sports page at their website for more details of the teams and their schedules, including upcoming weekend games, at http://www.fsgreyhounds.com/landing/index.

Bourbon County voters’ voices are heard

After months of campaigning on the local as well as the state and national level, new leadership as well as incumbents were again voted into office after Bourbon County residents turned out to vote.

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The non-official results were slow in coming Tuesday evening as votes from nine different poll stations in Bourbon County were brought to the courthouse, with a group of people watching local and national election news together at the courthouse waiting until almost 9 p.m. before local results were announced.

While many of the candidates for Bourbon County positions ran unopposed, the sheriff’s position and 3rd District County Commissioner were decided, with Sheriff Bill Martin being reelected, receiving 3,552 votes to opponent Mike Feagins’ 2,352, and Nick Ruhl being selected over incumbent Harold Coleman for the commission seat, receiving 961 votes to Coleman’s 577.

More than 6,000 of the 11,643 registered voters in Bourbon County cast votes, more than 1,000 taking advantage of early voting while more than 4,000 voted on Election Day. Results will become official after canvassing, which will likely be accomplished by the end of the week.

Other approximate results from Bourbon County included presidential nominee Donald Trump receiving 71 percent of the votes, United States Senate incumbent Jerry Moran receiving 72 percent, United States House of Representatives incumbent Lynn Jenkins receiving 76 percent, Kansas Senate District 12 incumbent Caryn Tyson receiving 76 percent and Kansas Senate District 13 incumbent Jake LaTurner receiving 63 percent of the vote.

Local Businesses hold annual Holiday Open House

Submitted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that the annual Holiday Open House will be held this Thursday evening, November 10, from 5 to 8 p.m.

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Retailers in the downtown historic district and other locations throughout town will be decked for the holidays and will offer drawings, festive treats and beverages for a fun evening of shopping for gifts and holiday décor.

“Holiday Open House is an evening both merchants and shoppers look forward to each year,” chamber executive director Lindsay Madison says. “Our local retailers depend highly on community support and purchases made do not have to be high dollar.”

More than 20 merchants are registered for the Holiday Open House and attendees can hop and shop as the trolley will be making a route from store to store for a free-will donation, thanks to sponsor Western Senior Living.

Participating retailers include: Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, Bids & Dibs, Books & Grannies, Captured Images, CJ’s Closet, Country Cupboard, Courtland Aveda Day Spa, Crooner’s Lounge, Electronics Store by Central Communications, Flowers by Leanna, Heidrick’s True Value & Gift Corner, Here We Go Again Upholstery & More, Iron Star Antiques & Such, J & W Sports shop, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Main Street Gallery & Gifts, Papa Don’s Vendors, Ruddick’s Furniture, Sekan’s Occasion Shop, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, The Bunker, Treasure Hunt Flea Market and Velocity Tactics. Western Senior Living will be set up in front of Iron Star with information on the brand new downtown apartments.

“The retailers appreciate customer loyalty throughout the year, but this night is a special night that they can also give back to the customers by providing a fun evening of shopping,” Madison says. “We are really excited to add the trolley making a loop between shopping locations and appreciate the sponsorship of Western Senior Living apartments to make that possible.”

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information on this event at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

FSCC to recognize veterans, Honor Society students

Submitted by Fort Scott Community College

Veterans Day Events

In honor of Veterans Day, Fort Scott Community College will host a Veterans Day Walk at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 11, at the FSCC Lake, 2108 South Horton Street in Fort Scott.

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“We welcome students, faculty, staff and community members to walk a lap or more around the lake to honor past and present veterans,” said Robert Goltra, FSCC Vice President of Students.

FSCC President’s Ambassadors will walk continuously from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. for those who are unable. Free coffee and donuts will be served to event attendees.

Additionally, FSCC will display photos of veterans on its Veterans Wall of Honor beginning Monday, November 7. The Wall of Honor will be located in Bailey Hall on the FSCC Campus. Community members are encouraged to bring photos for the display to the FSCC Student Services office, also located in Bailey Hall. Photos may be retrieved in the afternoon on Friday, November 11.

For more information, please call Robert Goltra at 620-223-2700, ext. 3500.

Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony

On Friday, November 11, The Fort Scott Community College Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (Alpha Theta Omega Chapter) will induct 44 new students during a candle-lighting ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, located at 2108 South Horton in Fort Scott.

“As the new advisor of Phi Theta Kappa here at Fort Scott Community College, I am looking forward to the upcoming year,” said Susie Arvidson, FSCC Director of Library Services and Phi Theta Kappa Advisor. “The students are excited to begin planning events involving local and regional fellowship, as well as local service activities. My hope is that the students will be wonderful role models for future members, have a great time serving others and add to their own experiences.”

The fall 2016 inductees are: William Baker, Jacob Blevins, Bailie Brown, Sirena Bruner, Theodore Chambers, Maddison Christian, Reba Colin, Cara Comstock, Ashlee Corns, Chelsea Cox, Zachary Gudenkauf, Meghan Guss, James Harrison, Shelby Hutchison, Michael Jenkins, Kevin Land II, Kady LaPorte, Justin Logan, Ryan Malone, Samantha Milburn, Jackalynn Neher, Jennah  Ohlde, Merecedes Pankau, Lindy Pettibon, Taylor Remington, Jada Robinson, Matthew Schick, Taylor Schilling, Cody Schlesener, Kim Schwab, Ashlee Setina, Dacey Simpson, Aubrey Smith, Elizabeth Staton-Johnson, Grant Swickhamer, Sarah Townsend, Michalyn Trimble, Mackenzie Tynon, Emily White, Harrison Whitworth and Mackay Williams.

Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society, recognizes the academic achievements of two-year college students. The honor society focuses on four hallmarks at the local, regional and international levels: leadership, service, scholarship and fellowship. Students who have completed 12 credit hours and earned a 3.5 GPA or higher are invited to join Phi Theta Kappa.

For more information, please call Susie Arvidson at 620-223-2700, ext. 3441.

Debate Teams Again Find Success

The Fort Scott USD 234 debate teams once again walked away from a weekend tournament in Coffeyville with excellent results and another first place finish.

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Photo Credit: Amber Toth

Teams Joe Adams and Isabella Provence, and Seth Cross and Zach Humble completed the weekend undefeated. Instead of facing each other in the finals, the teams walked away as co-champions.

Rebekah Sweyko and Darby Toth were undefeated in the preliminary rounds but lost to Pittsburg in the quarterfinals in a split decision. Chloe Studyvin and Dalton Womeldorff also lost to a Pittsburg team in the quarterfinals.

In the novice division, Levi Bin and Carlee Studyvin finished in 5th place, Caleb Hopkins and Connor Mason in 7th, and three teams tied for 8th, including Kaden Kiwan and Conner Parker, Emma Faith Humble and Brooklyn Lyons, and Madi Toth and Mark Adams.

“This was a difficult weekend for novice because all were trying new cases,” coach Amber Toth said. “And all of them walk away with at least two wins.”

Fort Scott celebrates local manufacturers with Manufacturing Day

Local manufacturers were encouraged to open their doors to the public in honor of Manufacturing Day, which Fort Scott recognized on Friday.

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Visitors to such businesses could get a glimpse of how those facilities work as well as the benefits of learning such a trade. Local and out of town high school students got to participate, such as by visiting Fort Scott Community College.

Faculty of the college including Nacoma Oehme, the program industry coordinator in charge of the technical programs, gave demonstrations on welding, construction, heating and air, emphasizing how such trades are always in demand.

“They can bring a trade with them anywhere,” Oehme said, adding that Manufacturing Day opens their eyes to career options the students may not have ever considered. “I think it’s a great deal for them.”

More than 400 students from seven high schools visited the campus, which also hosted booths and demonstrations from Pittsburg State University students and faculty, who showed recent technology improvements that can also be used in areas of manufacturing. The Bourbon County Young Professionals League was also present to hand out free lunches to the students.

“For generations, manufacturing has played a critical role in Fort Scott’s economy,” Mayor JoLynne Mitchell said during last week’s city commission meeting, pointing out the local manufacturers employ about 1,400 people, adding 380 jobs to the area just since 2010.

Trader Dave’s celebrates five years in Fort Scott

Trader Dave’s Antiques & More store celebrated their fifth anniversary of business in Fort Scott by joining the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday morning.

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“We’re excited to have you,” chamber executive director Lindsay Madison said of the store located near the intersection of Wall Street and Scott Avenue.

The store is open each day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is run by Dave Goff and Melinda Collins and their children, David Goff and Jamie Graham. They also sell items online through EBay.

The family often travels to other cities to find and purchase items to sell in their store. Collins said that search often brings them the most enjoyment.

“It’s fun,” Collins said of the family business. “The fun part is picking.”

Estate sales can also bring in items for their shelves. Goff said they encourage people to bring in any items they think could be sold in the store, adding that some of the most popular items right now are old signs, coins and gas and oil memorabilia.

Trader Dave’s also buys gold at a fair, negotiated price, with that price depending on the quality and condition of the item.

Collin’s said, despite their being in business for five years, many people in Fort Scott have never visited the store or even realized it is there. She added they hope being a member of the chamber of commerce will help bring them more publicity.

City Manager Dave Martin said he enjoys visiting their business and could spend hours just looking at the many items for sale.

“The way you take care of your building and do your business says a lot about your family,” Martin said.

Second annual lifting contest draws visitors

Midwest Health and Performance, which just recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted the Second Annual Day of the Lifting Dead competition Saturday in conjunction with CrossFit, drawing participants from around Kansas and neighboring states.

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“We’ve easily doubled,” facility owner Jared Martin said of the size of the competition over last year. “There’s no way we would’ve fit this many people in our old facility.”

While 18 people competed in 2015, about 35 came this year, with local competitors participating as well as those who traveled in from other Kansas cities and even Missouri and Arkansas.

The event included bench presses, squats, strict presses and rowing competitions throughout the day for anyone present. The events were judged by about 25 members of the Fort Scott Community College baseball team. Grant Hartman of Hartman Spine and Joint was also present for those who need physical attention.

The fitness center will hold an open house Thursday evening, 4:30-6:30 p.m., for those interested in learning about the workout classes available, including a beginners’ class which will start Monday evening.

Bourbon County Local News