Santa sits on a bench in front of The Ironstar and gets a second look from Ernestine Eden.
If people haven’t been out and about in Fort Scott lately, they might be pleasantly surprised at the number of quality boutiques, art galleries, and other storefronts that the city has to offer, according to Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
“Nearly every building is occupied and we are so grateful for the investment that building and business owners have made in our community,” she said.
The chamber recently announced the Annual Holiday Open House Shopping event, Downtown & Around in Fort Scott.
The main event will take place this evening, Thursday, November 9 from 5-8 p.m. with refreshments, drawings, and deals to enjoy and get you in the holiday spirit!
On Thursday the trolley will be going from store to store from 5-8 p.m. for shoppers to ride to each site.
The multi-day event will continue on Friday and Saturday, November 10-11.
Nearly 20 participating retailers are involved, including 110 South Main, Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses, Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, Better in Bourbon, Be the Light Boutique, Bids & Dibs, Flint + Fray, Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Laree + Co, Long Creek Outfitters, Papa Don’s Vendors, Ruddick’s Furniture, Sekan’s Occasion Shop, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, The Artificers, and The Beauty Lounge.
One can enter their name at each store for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks.
Visit fortscott.com or the Chamber’s Facebook page for more details.
The trolley in a Christmas parade in 2016.
History of the Event:
“Iron Star Antiques & Such initially started the Holiday Open House concept 20 years ago this month when Barbara Trimbur and Cindy Bowman, who were both booth vendors in the store at the time, came up with the idea,” said Madison. “Then Barbara took over ownership of the store that following January. I started leading the Chamber as President and CEO in the Fall of 2010 and that may have been the first year all of the businesses formally came together for an organized event.”
Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.
“I feel the Chamber and the retailers together have a strong relationship and communicate and work well together to plan these types of events and promotions throughout the year such as Spring Fling, Sidewalk Sales, Fall Fest, Holiday Open House, and more,” she said.
Veterans Day Ceremony, 2015, at Fort Scott National Cemetery.
Giving recognition to area veterans is happening starting tomorrow and continuing through the weekend in Bourbon County.
Fort Scott and Uniontown’s School Districts and other entities have planned several events to honor local vets.
USD 234 would like to invite and recognize veterans during the following events:
Winfield Scott is having a Veterans Day assembly at 7:45 a.m. on November 10, Eugene Ware is having one at 2:30 p.m., and Middle School is having theirs at 2:45 p.m., according to USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown.
“Motorcycle riders will be going by all of the schools beginning at the preschool at 9 a.m., he said. “All schools will have the kids out on the route in honor of the veterans.”
All veterans interested in attending the middle school assembly, please contact the FSMS front office at 620-223-3262. The following information will be needed; your name, contact number, area of service, and one or two members you would like to bring with you (there is limited seating).
Also, if you do not plan to attend, the school administration
would still like to extend a thank you via mail.
The Uniontown High School Senior Class is looking for veterans or active duty military who would like to attend the Veterans Day assembly on Monday, November 13, according to USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden. Please contact a Uniontown High School Senior if you know someone who would like to attend, or by calling Destiny Walker at (620)224-6038.
On Friday night November 10, the Pizza Republic Restaurant, 17 S. Main, will celebrate the U. S. Marine Corps’ birthday. They will host an official cake-cutting ceremony starting at 7 PM. The Marines present will sing the Marine hymn and raise their glasses for a traditional toast to The Corps.
There will be flags put around the perimeter of the parade ground at Fort Scott National Historic Site, in commemoration of Veteran’s Day.
On November 11, a Veterans Day Program at the Fort Scott National Cemetery will be at 11 a.m., organized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
On November 11, from 8 to 10 p.m. Outlaw Jim and The Whiskey Benders will be at Pizza Republic Restaurant, 17 S. Main, with a concert to celebrate veterans and their sacrifices made for freedom. There is a $5 cover charge.
From November 10-12, there is a Veterans Day Appreciation Special at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park,2051 130th, Mapleton. All military personnel/active or veteran/first responders can come out and ride the trails at NO CHARGE with an ID card.
Lowell Milken Center Announces Attraction Development Grant from Kansas Tourism and the Kansas Department of Commerce
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes received a $6,000 Attraction Development grant from Kansas Tourism! The grant will be used for new panels for unsung hero Cristine Grant, who was a national voice in the fight for gender equity in sports, and unsung hero Susan LaFleche, the first Native American doctor. The grant will also be used for a re-development of museum kiosks.
Kansas Tourism: The mission of the Kansas Tourism Division is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas, and to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. The vision of Kansas Tourism is a better quality of life for all Kansans through a strong travel industry and economic prosperity, ensuring all travelers feel welcome and are provided the resources to create awe-inspiring experiences.
About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes.
Commerce Announces First ‘Made in Kansas’ Participants
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced 13 manufacturers have been accepted into the department’s Made in Kansas program. Made in Kansas is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce to help promote Kansas manufacturers to customers across Kansas and around the globe.
The Made in Kansas program is designed to showcase Kansas-made products and provide those companies with a verified stamp of assurance for use in promotional activities. Participation is free. To join the Made in Kansas program, a business must utilize manufacturing in the production process and meet one additional criterion:
More than half the components come from Kansas
Final assembly takes place in Kansas
Kansas-headquartered company includes design and/or engineering functions
“Some of the finest products in the world are made right here in Kansas, but the world might not know that yet,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This initiative highlights first-class manufacturers that contribute significantly to their local communities as well as the overall state economy.”
Commerce established the program to create a tangible means for companies to communicate that their products are made in Kansas. Certified program partner manufacturers have access to the exclusive Made in Kansas seal to feature on packaging, products and promotional materials.
“Having a Made in Kansas logo on products lets customers know they are purchasing excellence, reliability and consistency,” Program Manager Corrie Ann Campbell said. “Our manufacturers embody the Kansas work ethic, which is honed by more than 160 years of pioneering spirit and commitment to workmanship.”
The first manufacturers that have been accepted as Made in Kansas Program participants are:
Kansas manufacturers are encouraged to take advantage of the program and proudly display their entrepreneurism and ingenuity for the rest of the world to see. For more information about the Made in Kansas program and its partner companies, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
The Parade will start at Wall & National, in front of the radio station, go south on National to 3rd St., turn left on to Main St., then proceed north on Main to Skubitz Plaza where the parade will end at the Mayors Christmas Tree.
Festivities after the Christmas parade in Fort Scott:
*Lighting of the Mayors Christmas Tree immediately following the parade, north end of Main
*Holiday Fireworks
*Photos with Santa at Be the Light Boutique
Get your co-workers, friends or family together
& enter the parade today!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Susan LaFlesche Picotte became the first Native American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. Born in 1865 on the Omaha Reservation, she dedicated her life to improving the health and well-being of her community. Dr. Picotte’s unwavering determination and commitment to her people continue to inspire us today.
We will be sharing additional stories of Native American Unsung Heroes on our social media throughout the month of November, so be sure to follow us!
Madison Glidden was the recipient of the Outstanding High School Project in this year’s Discovery Award Competition. Not only did she learn that her documentary on Susan LaFlesche Picotte was one of the top projects in the country, she was also surprised with this congratulatory video from the author who wrote the biography on Susan LaFlesche Picotte!
Discovery Award Updates
EXCITING NEWS FOR EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS
Are you currently working on the Discovery Award project with your students? We have some fantastic updates to share with you!
This year, the Discovery Award is bigger and better than ever, with nearly $25,000 in prizes up for grabs for your talented students.
But wait! We haven’t forgotten about the incredible educators who guide and inspire our young learners. We’re thrilled to announce that there are also a few new awards just for teachers.
If you ever find yourself in need of guidance, assistance, or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Norm and Megan are here to help and can be reached at the following email addresses:
We can’t wait to see the amazing projects that you and your students will create this year!
Stay tuned for more updates and inspiration as we embark on this exciting Discovery Award journey together.
ARTEFFECT Updates
ARTEFFECT is running a series of free online webinars exploring themes and strategies for teaching and learning with the LMC Unsung Heroes through the visual arts. Sessions will explore project-based, art-based lesson plans to bring these diverse stories to K-12 students.
2019 Fellow Wesley Hedgepeth, is the 2023-2024 President of National Council for the Social Studies. Information about the 103rd NCSS Conference can be found here:
As the leaves begin to change and a crisp breeze fills the air, there’s no better time to plan your visit to the Lowell Milken Center. The autumn months bring a special charm to our center, with vibrant foliage, a cozy atmosphere, and the warm welcome that awaits you.
Discover the magic of Unsung Heroes as you explore our inspiring exhibits and stroll through Unsung Hero Park while enjoying the beautiful weather.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another memorable experience, autumn at LMC offers a unique backdrop for learning, inspiration, and reflection.
Leadership inspires trust and confidence. Each of the fifty states has a Commissioner of Education who is a key to the success of the schools in that state. Our commissioner in Kansas is Randy Watson, an exceptional leader who promotes harmony and teamwork among administrators and teachers across the state. Kansas’ long history of notable leaders includes Andy Tompkins, a passionate advocate for education with a strong belief in the potential for all Kansans to learn, Dale Dennis, whose legendary career provided critical leadership in working with the state legislature, and Bob Gast, who strengthened teacher recognition across the state. These leaders, along with others past and present, have created and shaped the drive and purpose within Kansas schools. We offer a special salute to all Kansas teachers and our current Commissioner, Randy Watson.
(Pictured is Norm with Randy Watson at the 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year banquet).
We’re excited to announce the launch of a new segment in our newsletter, “The Ripple Effect.” This space is dedicated to sharing the remarkable stories and heartfelt experiences of teachers and students whose lives have been touched by Unsung Hero Projects.
Through personal reflections, anecdotes, and insightful conversations, we will explore how Unsung Hero Projects have sowed the seeds of change, fostering a spirit of innovation, empathy, and resilience. Get ready to be moved by stories of hope, growth, and lasting impact.
Here’s what Suzy had to say:
“The most rewarding aspect of working with students on the unsung heroes projects is seeing how invested they become in researching their heroes and making sure they get the story right. The students feel like they know their heroes and they want others to feel their impact as well. As a result, they work tirelessly on their projects, continuously making edits to refine and improve them.”
Challenges and successes:
“Out of the challenges come the successes. When my students were researching Barbara Fassbinder, they had difficulty finding any primary source news footage on her, although they knew she’d been interviewed during her advocacy work. Her husband mentioned he had a box of old videotapes that he’d loan to them. However, they were VCR tapes and many were damaged significantly. We were fortunate to find a man locally who possessed the technology to transfer the films to digital, repair and restore the video and sound tracks, and provide the students with 20 usable news clips and programs for their research and use in their documentary. They were also then able to give these files to the family, including Barbara’s three children, who hadn’t seen many of them before. It was such a moving experience for the kids and the family.”
“Other successes and memorable experiences have been the interviews that really connect the students to people who knew and were affected by their hero. My students who researched Dr. Christine Grant, had the opportunity to interview Lisa Bluder, the University of Iowa’s Women’s Basketball coach about her relationship with Dr. Grant and how her Title IX advocacy work continues to impact women’s athletics at Iowa and nationwide. Since two of the students involved in the Grant documentary are high level female student athletes who will be competing at the college level in sports, that message particularly resonated with them. As such, Grant’s heroism was brought to life and became personal for these students, who didn’t even know who she was a year ago.”
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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes 1 South Main St Fort Scott, KS 66701 USA
Deborah R. Nelson, age 74, former resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society in Olathe, KS. Funeral services for Deborah Nelson will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
On November 9th, at 3:00 p.m. at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, the staff will be honoring the environmentalist and conservationist unsung hero Jacob Valentine, III.
Jacob was responsible for saving the Mississippi Sandhill Crane from extinction.
EVERGY has awarded the Center a grant to bring Operation Wildlife from Linwood, Kansas to present “Predator Birds,” an assortment of live hawks and owls who will be here to teach us the importance of predator birds in our world!
“I hope each of you can come join us for a really fun and exciting presentation and I look forward to greeting you Thursday afternoon here at the Center,” said Ronda Hassig, a spokesperson for
November is National Native American Heritage Month! 
EXCITING NEWS FOR EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS 
As the leaves begin to change and a crisp breeze fills the air, there’s no better time to plan your visit to the Lowell Milken Center. The autumn months bring a special charm to our center, with vibrant foliage, a cozy atmosphere, and the warm welcome that awaits you.
