There are lots of activities to take advantage of in Fort Scott!
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Relaxed, Artful Evening
If one is looking for a relaxing evening with friends or family, the Bourbon County Arts Council (BCAC) Art Walk is an option.
From 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 25, the art walk will be located at the Liberty Theater Patio, 113 S. Main. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the office lobby just south of Crooner’s Lounge, next door to the Liberty.
Food and drink may be purchased at Crooner’s Lounge and delivered to the patio.
The patio event is intimate and relaxing, Deb Anderson, president of the BCAC, said.
“The artists feel more comfortable with that environment,” Anderson said.
Artists who are scheduled this evening are Paul Milks, photographer, Fort Scott; Bobbie Kemna, potter, Fort Scott; Carleen Shatto, maker of handmade soaps, Drexel, M0; Mindy Bartlett, jewelry maker, Fort Scott; Sandy Smith, potter, Fort Scott; Lucy Gladbach, painter, Missouri; Ken Anderson, elk antler decor, Fort Scott; Dee Ann Davis, cut coin pendant creator, Fort Scott and Toni Thornton, maker of dream catchers, Fort Scott.
Any artist interested in showcasing their artwork can call Anderson at 620-223-8650 before 2 p.m. today to reserve a table to sell their wares, she said.
The BCAC is hosting four Art Walks this summer, whose purpose is to showcase local artists, Anderson said.
They will all be Friday evenings at the Liberty Theatre Patio: June 15, July 27 in collaboration with Mercy’s Wine Stroll, and September 14.
“August is just too hot to have it,” Anderson said.
Additionally, the BCAC is sponsoring music concerts at 8 p.m. at the Liberty Theater Patio on June 23-featuring Ben Taddiken, July 14-The Whiskey Raccoons, August 18-Flagship Romance.
The 12-member board of the BCAC consists of Anderson, Terri Floyd, Deb Halsey, Elaine Buerge, Bre Martin, Laura Meeks, Tedena Tucker, Ray Streeter, Danny Magee, Rob Shaw and Chris Woods.
Membership is currently at 103, she said.
They meet at 6 p.m. the second Monday of each month at Presbyterian Village’s Community Room.
The BCAC’s mission is to promote and expand the arts in Bourbon County, Anderson said.
Westar and Kansas City Power and Light Merge
KCC approves Westar/Kansas City Power and Light merger
Topeka – May 24, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a settlement agreement giving Westar Energy and Great Plains Energy (the parent company of Kansas City Power and Light) approval to merge as equals. Under the agreement, the two companies will become wholly owned subsidiaries of a new parent company and serve more than 1.5 million customers in Kansas and Missouri.
As the regulator of public utilities in the state, the Commission is charged with determining if the merger is in the public interest. That determination is made largely on the satisfaction of eight merger standards previously established by the Commission.
In its review of the merger standards, the Commission found the merger, as modified by the Settlement Agreement plus one additional condition, is in the public interest. The additional condition requires the companies to develop, and submit for Commission approval, an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) reporting process within three months of the close of the transaction. The implementation of the IRP will ensure the merger maximizes the use of Kansas energy resources.
The merger standards include:
- a) The effect of the transaction on consumers
- b) The effect of the transaction on the environment
- c) Whether the proposed transaction will be beneficial on an overall basis to state and local economies and to communities in the area served by the resulting public utility operations in the state.
- d) Whether the proposed transaction will preserve the Commission’s jurisdiction and capacity to effectively regulate and audit public utility operations in the state.
- e) The effect of the transaction on affected public utility shareholders.
- f) Whether the transaction maximizes the use of Kansas energy resources.
- g) Whether the transaction will reduce the possibility of economic waste.
- h) What impact, if any, the transaction has on the public safety.
Today’s order can be viewed at: http://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx?Id=4ab19c7e-9957-40f1-8fb6-dd49aad0966f
The merger application was filed with the Commission on August 25, 2017. Statutorily the Commission is required to render a decision within 300 days. The parties have the right to file a petition for reconsideration within 15 days of the effective date of the order.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 25
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports May 23-24
The Fort Scott Police Department daily reports can best be viewed on a computer.
Click here, then click on the image to enlarge it:
Choose To Be Content by Patty LaRoche
This past week, Dave was called out of retirement to fill in for a pitching coach in the Marlins’ organization. Yesterday, our Jacksonville, Florida, ballclub-paid-for stay at the 5-Star Hyatt ended. During those five days we were to find an apartment for the remaining four months of the baseball season. Close-to-impossible, we found out, except for one that would be available in ten days. Until then, we were on our own looking for affordable motels with kitchenettes. The key word here is “affordable.” With little choice short of living under a bridge, we took the first one available that would not eat up Dave’s entire paycheck.
So, yesterday, after saying good-bye to the Hyatt’s valet parking, rooftop lap pool, complimentary orange/cucumber water and plush, over-sized towels, I dropped Dave off at the ballpark at noon for him to leave on a six-day roadtrip where he would stay in a 4-Star hotel. I, on the other hand, could check-in at my 2-Star facility at 3:00. In the meantime, I would make the best of it and take care of important things…
like a $30 pedicure, the kind where your feet are paraffin-waxed and your legs rubbed with hot rocks. Then I checked in at our motel. Correction: I tried to check in. No one was at the front desk. (Had I been a thief I could have made off with a new laptop and several rolls of toilet paper.) Minutes passed before I walked the halls, calling out for someone to help. Juanita finally appeared from who-knows-where.
She excused herself to check to see if my room was ready. When she reappeared with beads of sweat on her forehead, I realized she must double as the maid. Juanita read me my rights. I could have the regular, free Wi-Fi which was “really slow” or pay extra for the faster speed. If I needed towels, I was to bring my used ones to the front desk to exchange them for clean ones. The maid would change my sheets in seven days. (Oh, Hyatt, where art thou?)
I asked if there was a luggage roll-cart. There was. It was right around the corner with a hand-written sign on it: “Do not use. Tire is flat.” “Jackson” appeared from a storage closet and showed me where a workable cart was, only this one, once loaded, balked at corners and left tire tread marks on my freshly-pedicured, paraffined toes. Jackson, fearing I would run over the lobby coffee table, offered to guide my contraption.
The view from my room was a dumpster supporting broken-down mattresses, the pool was the size of a Subaru, and the towels, Kleenex and toilet paper doubled as exfoliators. Jackson told me to expect my kitchen supplies in spurts, a pot today and a pan tomorrow. “You know, because we are really busy.” Which might explain why I was the only vehicle in the parking lot. You’ve gotta laugh.
Yesterday things weren’t quite so funny. Yesterday when I ran errands, I was stunned by the number of homeless people carrying “Jesus loves you” signs. This motel would be the Taj Mahal to them. Who am I to deserve what comforts it offers (like a roof and running water)?
Paul, who penned more Epistles than any author, knew the difference between a 5-Star and 2-Star existence. Born into Hyatt-style privilege, he was well-educated and held an esteemed position among the Pharisees. He lacked for nothing…until, that is, God zapped him into a life of submission. In his words, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Phil. 4:12)
And that’s the attitude I choose to have. I choose to be content.
So now, if you will excuse me, I am off for a 30-minute swim. Two-thousand, four-hundred laps should do it.
Like I said, you’ve gotta laugh.
Free Outdoor Downtown Movie May 25
There will be four, free movies for family entertainment this summer at the City Park just south of the Lowell Milken Center at Wall and Main streets downtown.
The first one is The Incredibles sponsored by Bids and Dibs and also Fort Scott Family Dental. The movie will start at 8:30 p.m. on May 25. In case of inclement weather, the movied will be moved to Memorial Hall.
Free popcorn and drink will be available.
The event is facilitated by the Fort Scott Convention and Visitors Bureau. Check out the website at http://www.visitfortscott.com
Darby Toth: National Speech and Debate Student of the Year Nominee
2018 Fort Scott High School graduate Darby Toth is a National Speech and Debate Student of the Year nominee, she was notified last week.
Toth has qualified all four years of high school to attend the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Florida, this year June 15-23.
But this year she is one of five finalists for National Speech and Debate Student of the Year.
While at the national tournament this year, Toth will interview with selected debate coaches to find out her placement.
The honor is a dream come true, she said.
“I want to thank all my coaches,” Toth said. “Amber Toth, Travis Toth and Sarah Bahr for giving me the tools…and an avenue for this to happen, because this truly is a dream becoming reality.”
Two of the speech and debate coaches are her parents, both teachers at the high school.
Amber Toth taught debate, forensic and speech, Travis Toth teaches history.
“It’s a family rule,” Darby said. “You have to try (speech and debate) for one year.”
It has become one of her passions, she said.
Speech and debate have had “amazing” effects on her and has allowed her to follow her other passion: social justice, Darby said.
Through her high school years, Darby has honed her communication and goal-setting skills learned in speech and debate.
She helped organize a formal dress drive at her school as a sophomore.
“We got winter formal (dress) donations for anyone who couldn’t afford it,” she said.
Following Hurricane Harvey’s devastation of south-east Texas, Darby used the skills to help raise almost $5,000 for schools in Texas, she said.
She took it upon herself to start a sexual harassment awareness campaign when she learned that issue was a problem for some students at FSHS.
“It was definitely a challenge to get students, administration, and teachers on board,” she said. “It took a pretty detailed mapping of a plan…..they plan next year to have a sexual harassment awareness speaker come speak to the entire student body. We have several posters up around the school. Our counselors are more aware that it is an issue in our school and are working with the students.
“There were some kids who were not being appropriate in the classroom, physically,…they faced repercussions for what they did.
“I felt I needed to be a voice for people who felt as if they didn’t have one because I knew what happened in the classroom wasn’t even the tip of the iceberg. I heard personal stories of girls, whether in or out of the high school. They are suffering in their personal life.”
An AXA Achievement Scholarship was awarded to Darby’
“It’s a $1,000 grant to the high school… it’s used for teacher professional development,” she said. “I gave Mr. (Shawn)Thomas (FSHS Principal) all my research on the subject, Restorative Justice. Instead of a zero-tolerance program, it’s more restorative, therapeutic based…I asked that (the grant) be used for Restorative Justice.”
This topic includes focusing on the reasoning behind student actions, then mediating and working through it, she said.
The AXA Achievement Scholarship is awarded to students because they have demonstrated ambition and self-drive.
For more information on this scholarship click here:
https://us.axa.com/axa-foundation/AXA-achievement-scholarship.html
Darby received other recognitions as well.
She had a 4.0 Grade Point Average at FSHS in mostly honors classes and received an Ellis Foundation Grant, Peterson Scholarship, Garvey Scholarship, a Kansas Honor Scholar among others.
Darby is a four-time Speech and Debate National Qualifier, District Top Point Earner for two years, state champion in oration, state runner-up in impromptu speaking, number one debater/forensicator in Kansas, District Student of the Year, ranked in the top ten nationally, and recipient of the Debate and Forensics Scholarship-chosen by a panel of teachers.
Toth will attend Washburn University with a psychology major and leadership minor in the fall.
“I would like to work with children, especially the impoverished,” she said. “Starting my own practice would be cool… Working in a school would be cool. Which would provide an avenue to coach debate/forensics.”
Art Walk Tomorrow Evening
The first of four Art Walks is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 25 at the Liberty Theatre Patio, 113 S. Main. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the offices south of Crooners Lounge.
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Prepare Kids For Safe Summer
As Parents Prepare for Summer Break, State Offers Advice on Keeping Kansas Kids Safe
TOPEKA – The summer months mean a welcomed break from school for Kansas kids, but they also signal a shift in the family’s daily routine.
Families may be considering leaving children home alone during the summer, instead of opting for a sitter. Safe Kids Kansas, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) have some tips on how to decide if your child is ready to be home alone. And if you decide to keep the kids home, we have some important advice on keeping them safe.
“Developmentally, children are generally ready to be home alone around the age of 12 or 13,” said Cherie Sage, State Director of Safe Kids Kansas. “However, children develop at different rates, so use your own discretion to determine your child’s maturity level and capabilities. For example, if you have an impulsive 13-year-old who is a big risk taker, you might be hesitant to leave him/her alone. On the other hand, a thoughtful 11-year-old, who has a good track record of following household rules might be ready. Most states, including Kansas, don’t have regulations or laws about when a child is considered old enough to stay at home alone or babysit another child.”
DCF has some general guidelines to help you make the decision when your child is ready to be home alone:
- Age—Young children through age six, should never be left alone for even a short period of time. Kids six to nine can be left alone for only short periods of time, depending on their level of maturity. Children 10 and older can be left alone, depending on other factors.
- Length of time alone—Consider whether your child is ready to spend the whole day alone or if only a couple of hours is more appropriate.
- Maturity—Consider your child’s ability to fend for himself/herself and your child’s level of common sense. Certainly, children with developmental disabilities and emotion issues should be monitored closely.
- Knowledge of emergency preparedness—Ask your child if he/she knows what to do in the event of a fire, tornado, stranger at the door, etc. Ask “what ifs”.
- Availability of adults—Children must know how to reach a responsible adult at any point in the day for any reason, even if it’s just to provide reassurance if the child becomes fearful.
- Insecurity—Children should feel comfortable with the idea that they will be home alone. The more fearful they are, the less likely they will be able to respond appropriately to emergency situations.
- Behavior—Children who misbehave, vandalize, steal, intimidate neighbors, set fires or are a danger to themselves need close supervision.
“If you are unsure whether your child is ready to stay home alone, it is best to be cautious and take all measures necessary to ensure child safety,” DCF Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel said. “Never assume your child is ready because he/she seems old enough.”
Each year, more than 3 million kids, ages 14 and under, get hurt at home—and more than 2,000 children die from unintentional injuries in the home. Fire, suffocation, drowning, choking, firearm and poisoning are among the top leading causes of unintentional home injury death for this age group.
“Teach your children about hazards around the home, and make sure they know what to do in an emergency,” says Sage. “The first time your kids stay home alone, it should be for a short time and you should be nearby.”
Safe Kids Kansas also recommends parents take the following precautions to ensure your child’s safety:
- Carry a cell phone and keep it turned on. Make sure your children know where you will be and what time you will return. In addition to your cell phone number, post emergency numbers (police, fire, EMS, doctor and the poison control hotline, 800-222-1222) and a friend or neighbor’s number by every phone in the home. Teach your child their home address so they can tell emergency personnel where to dispatch assistance, if necessary.
- Prepare a snack or meal in advance — preferably one that does not need to be heated. If your children will need to cook, remind them never to leave an oven or stove unattended while cooking and to turn it off when they are finished.
- Make sure potentially poisonous or hazardous household items are locked up out of reach — especially medications, matches, lighters, weapons and cleaning products.
- Review your family’s emergency plans and make sure your children know what to do if the smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector goes off. Practice two escape routes from each room.
- Review and practice plans for other types of emergencies, such as severe weather. Ensure they know where to go for emergency shelter.
- Show your children where you keep your first aid kit and how to use basic first aid supplies.
Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 23
Annual Town Festival Begins May 31: Good Ol’Days
New entertainment acts and hours of the street dance are what’s different this year at the 37th Annual Good Ol’ Days Festival May 31 through June 2.
The theme this year is “Fins, Feathers, and Furs”.
“The street dances will be from 7 to 10 p.m., with the carnival and beer tent open until 11,” Kellye Barrows, vice chairman of the festival’s board, said.
Formerly the dance went until 11 p.m. but the new time will allow people to leave more leisurely, Barrows said.
For all performances at Skubitz Plaza bring a lawn chair. No coolers or glass containers are allowed. And no pets, please.
Performing on Skubitz Plaza for the street dance on Friday, June 1 is Shades of Blue, from Kansas City. These five young musicians share a love of blues and rock and roll, according to information provided.
Check out their website at www.shadesofbluekc.comhttp://www.shadesofbluekc.com
Also on Friday night, the street fair and marketplace on North Main Street will be open from 5 to 10 p.m.
Wade Henry, “entertainer extraordinaire”, according to Barrows will perform Saturday morning from 10-11 a.m. and again 1-2 p.m. at Skubitz Plaza. Henry is a juggler, unicyclist, ropewalker, fire eater, equilibrist, magician, speaker and comic.
Check Henry’s website at http://www.wadehenryshow.com/
Saturday evening, from 3 to 6 p.m. Stone Country, a country-western band from Girard will perform at Skubitz Plaza. The group is comprised of Shana Lynette Stone, Dan Duling, Jeff Culver, Rick Eaves, Rick Duling and Fort Scott native, Jason Richison.
Check out its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Stone-Country-179892725724073/
Saturday night from 7 to 10 p.m. The Brent Giddens Band, Cleveland, Okla. will perform a wide variety of cover songs from multiple genres.
Check the band out on its website: www.brentgiddens.com
From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 2 the 2nd Annual BBCO Outdoor Expo will be located from 1st to 3rd streets on North Main Street.
Adam LaRoche, Buck Commander, and Duck Commander are partnering for this event. A full schedule of events will be available at the festival.
Activities At The Fort
Fort Scott National Historic Site will be featuring presentations on canoeing/kayaking and youth archery instruction provided by the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally there will be a broad-ax/hewing carpenter display by Jim Bailey with the National Park Service.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. live birds of prey will be on display by Operation WildLife at the fort.
A story-time will be provided by Steve Otto from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bring a blanket for an old-fashioned picnic. Visit the food booths downtown, then bring your lunch to the Fort and enjoy some shade, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
An old-fashioned mattress race will be run at the fort from noon to 12:30 p.m.
There will also be a timed visit of “Buddy The Bison.” Buddy Bison will be one of the attractions of Good Ol’ Days at Fort Scott this year and is the grand marshal of the parade.
Check Buddy out:
https://www.nps.gov/fosc/planyourvisit/goodoldays.htm
To get involved with the parade on June 2 click below.
Seeking Good Ol Days Parade Entries
For applications for arts and crafts, food vendors, outdoor expo, talent show and parade, click below.
https://www.fortscottgoodoldays.com/applications.html