Fort Scott, KS – Sleep Inn & Suites will be the first chain hotel to open it’s doors in Fort Scott. Many community members, business owners and supporters gathered will gather 11am for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the hotel. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Come by and join us today!
302 E Wall St.
Fort Scott, KS, US
66701
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%
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.
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.
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
Fort Scott, KS – Last Saturday was the last day of the Buck Run’s kid’s soccer league for kids ages K – 8 years old. This year there were 27 teams in the league which each team played six games over the six week game play.
Three years ago, the administrators decided to use a ‘micro-team’ design for the kid’s soccer league. Each playing field size is different depending on the age of the kids. This also makes for smaller team sizes (about 5-6 per team) in order to allow for more playing time for each player. Program Supervisor, Dave Fly, said they have seen growth every year since the micro-team design has been used.
Next kid’s program is basketball, starting this Saturday. You can still sign up, but there will be a late fee since teams have already been established. If you haven’t gotten enough soccer, there is an indoor soccer league for kids with sign-ups in January.
For more information:
Buck Run Community Center
620.223.0386
Garland, KS — On October 15th, one hundred thirty Fort Scott Elementary kindergarten students traveled to the Shead Stead Farm in rural Garland to enjoy the beautiful fall weather and experience many farm related activities.-
Story submitted by farm owners, Larry and Vickie Shead.
Fort Scott, KS — Congratulations to our iPod winner, Jenni Elder! Over the last couple of days, fortscott.biz was running a contest to give away an iPod. We have selected a winner at random and presented a new iPod to Jenni.
Jenni has lived in Fort Scott, nearly all her life – moving here when she was two. She works locally here in Fort Scott and was very excited about winner the iPod and hopes to keep away from her kids.
Thank you all who signed up to win. We hope you continue to enjoy the articles at Fort Scott.biz — if you do, please encourage your friends to sign up.
If you have events you think we might be interested in writing about, please contact us at: [email protected].
Fort Scott, KS – Last Saturday, under a clear, blue sky and unusually warm weather, the Chamber hosted a kids parade showing off a variety of costumes down main street.
Chamber members remarked this may have been the most well attended parade in recent years. Combined with great weather, getting the word out and a community that like to come together all made for a great turnout.
Local businesses handed out candy as the kids walked main street. After the parade was over, there were drawings for prizes and a hot dog lunch for the kids.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce
231 East Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
800-245-3678
620-223-3566
FAX 620-223-3574
Fort Scott, KS – Thursday morning, the Chamber coffee was hosted by Bill and Jennifer Michaud in the new Sleep Inn & Suites hotel that will be soon opening their doors. The coffee was to show off the new lobby and hotel, complemented by a nice breakfast, that will be available for guests staying in the hotel.
The official grand opening and ribbon cutting is November 5th at 11am. However, if you need a place to stay, they will be able to make accommodations for you and family that maybe coming in this weekend. Reservations will be available online November 1st through Choice Hotels.
They are finishing up some small details and putting all the final touches on the hotel. There are 59 rooms (combo of doubles & king suites), fitness center, pool, small meeting room, wireless internet and breakfast.
Contact information:
Sleep Inn and Suites
302 E Wall St.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
620.223.2555
[email protected]
sleepinn.com
Cato, KS – This past weekend, Cato held their annual Cato Days celebration. The event is hosted by the Cato Historical Preservation Association. The Association was established in 2005 to ensure the preservation of the Cato School, a one-room schoolhouse in Cato, Kansas.
This year’s celebration marks the 100th anniversary of the Cato Christian Church. Cato has a rich history which you can read in depth on their webpage. Cato was the first town in Bourbon County (then it was Crawford), established by John Rogers in 1854.
The Church has been restored and is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the central figure in the Cato Days celebration. Many local volunteers and families work hard to maintain this area and preserve the history of this church and the city. Former ministers at Cato Christian were in attendance: Leon Weece, Roger Tribble, Tim Fritch and the Vernon brothers.
On Friday, area school kids were able to come out and participate in activities. Saturday, also has a fun schedule of events starting with music and presentations. Also, throughout the day historical booths and presentations were happening on the grounds. Music and a wiener roast around the campfire served up lunch and wagon rides to historical sites rounded out the day.
You can also check out more information on their facebook page.
Fort Scott, KS – Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) is presenting the Addams Family, a charming story about how one Wednesday Addams wants to marry a boy who is … normal. Of course, this becomes a problem for the Addams family. Based on the original characters of the original Addams Family, the characters wonderfully come to life by the FSCC theatre department.
Performances are this weekend, starting on Thursday evening at 7:30pm. There will be a total of five performances to accommodate everyone’s schedule. The performances are Thursday – Saturday at 7:30pm. Also, there will be a 2pm performance on Saturday and Sunday. This will be performed at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 S Horton, Fort Scott. Tickets for adults are $8, Students, Seniors, FSCC Faculty and Staff – $5. You can pick up tickets at Common Ground Coffee Shot and Country Cupboard and at the door.
The Addams Family is directed by Sarah Mae Lamar, her second year at FSCC and a long list of accomplishments on and off the stage. Musical Director is Michael A. Dzbenski, his third performance with FSCC. The rest of the production staff includes Christina Fulton, Choreographer, Alexis Richling, Assistant Director, Danielle Cliffman, Stage Manager and Kaja Anderson, Assistant Stage Manager.
Principle Student Performers: Chris Herman, Gomez Addams. Kristina Parsons, Morticia Addams. T.J. Chaffin, Uncle Fester. Amanda Longpine, Grandma. Claira Hollingshead, Wednesday Addams. Michael Peterson, Pugsley Addams. Alyx Thompson, Lurch. Caleb Gazaway, Mal Beineke. Jaley Hoyt, Alice Beineke. Josh Woolsey, Lucas Beineke.
Click on the gallery to see pictures from the dress rehearsal, but more importantly, make plans to go see the show this weekend!! For more information:
Fort Scott Community College
620-223-2700
FSCC Theatre Facebook Page
Fort Scott, KS — Monday night at Fort Scott High School, starting promptly at 6pm, the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum. About 100 local citizens heard from many candidates who are on the ballot for the November 4th elections.
The evening kicked off with a welcome from Chamber Executive Director, Lindsay Madison and the forum was moderated by Larry Gazaway. Candidates were allowed two minutes to make opening and closing remarks and asked three questions chosen from public submissions.
The following are snippets from candidates remarks and responses throughout the evening.
U.S. House of Representatives
Margie Wakefield (D) Dysfunction in congress – Over 29 year’s experience as a lawyer, looking for solutions to complicated problems. Can take this experience to the US House is real ways to make real impact.
Lynn Jenkins (R) – Background in accounting and after serving Kansas, ran for US House of Representatives. We are making headway and looking forward to building on accomplishments so far.
LJ – Absolutely, this is one of the most disturbing mismanagement of the IRS. We will continue oversight. People shouldn’t be targeted for their political beliefs. We have oversight and will continue to move forward in accountability and seeking fair
MW – Shutting down the gov’t is not going to help us have an efficient gov’t. We need to work together to come up with a solution.
Mw – I don’t not support full amnesty. We are not going to depart millions of people. We need to have a real conversation about immigration reform and we need to make them tax payers, quickly. Unfortunately, all the finger pointed is not helping.
LJ – This is a real concern with border security. Those in the House passed border security measure and is stuck in the Senate right now.
Pastor are being sued for not performing same-sex marriagin what protecgtion do they have
LJ- Tthe supreme court, has pretty much put this issue to bed. I anticipate this being a state issue and will land in the judicial branch.
MW – Scotus has sealed the deal, but most likely will fall to the states to decide.
Kansas Attorney General
AJ Kotich (D)
Remarks: Joined Marine Corp in 1969, became an officer and become part of JAG. Biggest issue right now is reducing cost; 8.3 million spent on private outside lawyers.
We are here to support the constitution and enforce the laws on the books and that’s what I would do, regardless of my personal opinions.
We are here to support the constitution and that what I would do, regardless of my personal opinion.
It would be run more efficiently, would cut spending and utilize the in house resources unless there was a conflict of interest with a case.
Kansas State Treasurer
Derek Kreifels, Assistant State Treasurer bring remarks on behalf of Ron Estes (R), State Treasurer
Manage 24 billion dollars a year. Over the last four years, through our unclaimed property division, has returned more than 60 million dollars to Kansas. This can be seen through www.kansascash.com. Ron Estes was the first elected treasure from Wichita, KS.
Kansas Commissioner of Insurance
How does party affiliation affect the job?
DA – It shouldn’t affect the job at all. We are elected to serve the gen. pub. and really need to serve the questions and protect the interest of all people. It’s regulated because there are large sums of money at stake.
KS – Should not be a political office at all. I’m a business man and will work to bring private business practice to this department.
KS – there have been some long term people in this position. We have had officials for 24 hours – the pressing issues is the affordability and availability in coverage of home owners, affordable care act, etc. I’m not in favor of Obamacare, there are better ways to deal with the mandates.
DA –The most pressing issue is making sure the people have an advocate that best represent the people. Second, is that we need an office that will make sure to hold insurance companies accountable. 3rd thing – is to make sure we have a competent, efficient department.
Kansas House of Representatives District 4
1. Do you support raising taxes this next fiscal year and why?
MR – I don’t believe growing the government is good, but rather growing economy. Best thing the government can do is leave the creative business person alone.
LC – I paid no income tax this past year due to state policies to increase small business revenue, in theory to help business’ grow. However, we aren’t seeing revenue for the state increase and we need a new tax structure.
2. Should we require mandatory drug testing on all pregnant women?
MR – Doesn’t seem like the government needs to be involved in this.
LC – I believe this is too invasive procedure.
Bourbon County Commissioner – District #1
Clinton Walker (D) – Dist #1
8 good roads, life cycle replacement program, manage personnel with respect. Heavy on maintenance
Lynn Oharah (R) – Dist #1
LO – Gravel roads are in poor shape, we need to have an aggressive program to address these road to protect the public and school vehicles.
CW – First thing is to apply more gravel on the roads, ditches cleaned out and mowed, keep all that road signs clear of obstructions.
CW – Three things need continue improvement: education, good roads, workforce. If you have these areas continually improving, you will have businesses coming into our county
LO – Bourbon County has opportunities, but we need to have people dedicated to making proposals to draw business’ to BC. We have a great team, but they need more help to extend their outreach further.
LO – Neither bond issue or tax increase is going to work. We are taxed to the max and the jail is in disrepair, something needs to be done. We don’t need to focus on the creature comforts, but we do need to make sure it’s safe. Put it on the ballot and let the people decide.
CW – 75 bed facility (build) or remodeled. Before we do anything, we need to have different options and present to the public. Once we have a unified approach and strategy then we need to put it on the ballot.
Bourbon County Sheriff
MF – I would focus on building a team. Currently, there is not much teamwork and communication
BM – We are working to exchange information protocol on shift changes. We have established a new records information system.
BM – We need more personnel, so we can assign manpower to the hotspots and following up investigations. We are working with area agencies, but we still need additional manpower to combat these issues
MF – Worked many cases alone. I don’t receive much information on current cases or calls. We need to focus on what we have and make it work.
Where does $$ come from to provide more?
MF – Tax payers, yes, I would support a small tax increase.
MB – The best route is to work a plan with the commissioners to develop a strategies to release the funds. There are grants out there to increase personnel and other options. It’s critical to develop relationship with commissioners to ensure our citizens are getting proper security and safety.
Early voting has started at the courthouse already. For more information on the November 4th election, including a sample ballot, you can click here.
See you at the polls!
Bronson, KS – Have you ever had the conversation with your kids about where your beef comes from? It’s can be quite an interesting conversation explaining where are food comes from and how it’s processed. There are some really great documentaries on food processing and production, but if you are looking for a local beef, pork, venison processing business, you don’t even have to leave the county.
Bronson Locker has been in operation for a long, long time. The current owners, Chubb and Helen Bolling, have been slicing and dicing since 1966. When they bought the locker they had about 700 square feet to work with. Now, they have expanded into 3 storefronts and have custom made their entire processing facility.
From start to finish, the Bolling family has processing down. Click on the gallery to see a pictorial tour of the facility.
The Bolling family was great to visit with while they gave the tour. The whole facility was very clean and remarkably free from smells you might associate with a processing business.
If you are looking for a local place to handle your processing needs, the Bronson Locker can take care of your needs. Being in the middle of deer season, there are lots of ways you can process that venison and Bronson Locker has mastered probably all of them from jerky to summer sausage, they can do it.
Make sure to call ahead if you are planning on dropping off an animal for processing and for any other questions you might have. For contact info and questions:
Bronson Locker
620.939.4575
If you have interesting events you think we might be interested in writing about, please email us at [email protected]
