Fort Scott Police Department

FSPD: Jason Eastwood Promoted

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Jason Eastwood. Submitted photo.

 

The Fort Scott Police Department administration promoted Jason Eastwood, 37,  on February 28.

The Fort Scott Police Department electric sign. The department is located at 1604 S. National Avenue.

His title and duties changed from a Detective Sergeant to an Administrative Lieutenant.

His new duties are directing the general operations of the Fort Scott Police Department.

Lieutenants supervise, assign duties, and review work performance of the persons assigned to a specific division, according to Eastwood  The position requires continuous study of changing criminal and related laws, methods, and procedures related to law enforcement. A Lieutenant may be called upon to command the department, divisions, or units temporarily, or permanently, as department needs arise.

“I am tasked with managing all administrative functions of the police department to include Investigations, School Resource Officers, Evidence/Records Officer, Animal Control, among others,” he said..

Eastwood has been with the FSPD for 12 years.

“I enjoy doing my part to make the community safer,” he said. “I also really enjoy working with my fellow members of law enforcement from the Fort Scott Police Department as well as the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office.”

He is a lifelong resident of Fort Scott, graduating from the Fort Scott High School in 2004, and has been married to wife, Kimberly for 17 years.

Eastwood has been involved in the community as a volunteer in the Scott Township Fire Department for 18 years.

Eastwood is also a member of the Fort Scott Nazarene Church, where he serves as a board member.

Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College

Krispy Kreme Donut Fundraiser: FSCC Cheerleading Team

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Sending on behalf of Chamber member FSCC…
Krispy Kreme Donut Fundraiser!
Fort Scott Community Greyhound Cheerleading Team is needing the communities help to with competition fees and new equipment!
Grab your dozen of FRESH glazed Krispy Kreme Donuts from any cheerleader or coach before March 24th. You can find a cheerleader OR
text your order to 620.215.3808.
$12/dozen, pay when you order
Pick up will be at the college and the date will be announced at a later date.
You can pay by cash, check (made out to FSCC Cheer),
or venmo (alexandrya-morillo)! If you use Venmo please put your name and number of dozens that you are wanting in the memo box.
Bourbon County, Government

Unofficial City of Uniontown Minutes of March 14

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The Regular Council Meeting on March 14, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:10PM by Mayor Jurgensen due to lack of quorum until then.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman (7:49), and Brad Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Danny and Linda Nation (4 State Sanitation), Jason Thompson and Josh Beck (Green Environmental Services), Mary Pemberton, Matt Quick (Bourbon County Appraiser), City Attorney Chase Vaughn, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Public Hearing for Citywide trash service – City Attorney Vaughn explained that this hearing was to select a vendor.  A proposal was presented by 4 State Sanitation and Green Environmental Services.  Review of proposals and discussion ensued.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-1 (Ervin) to accept Green Environmental Services as the vendor to develop citywide trash service

 

Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick explained the changes to the program effective January 1, 2023 and the City needs to sign a new interlocal agreement to continue participating in the program.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to authorize Mayor to sign Interlocal Agreement to participate in the Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program effective, retroactively, January 1, 2023.

 

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Mary Pemberton asked if the Ruritan could have permission to use temporary sidewalk chalk paint on sidewalks in park for summer events and to install a couple permanent tether ball poles near the basketball court.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to allow use of temporary sidewalk chalk paint and install tether ball poles in park

 

She also would like to have a mural painted on the side of their building at 103 Third St.  A grant is available through the Kansas Department of Commerce but would require the city or a 501c3 non-profit to sponsor the grant.  She is asking for the City to sponsor the grant.  She would fill out the application and submit and do all paperwork for the project.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to sponsor the Kansas Department of Commerce grant application for a mural project at 103 Third St with Mary Pemberton assisting Clerk Johnson with paperwork

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the February 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $372,900.60, Receipts $52,647.39, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $62,804.62, Checking Account Closing Balance $349,967.37. Bank Statement Balance $361,106.48, including Checking Account Interest of $71.94, Outstanding Deposits $997.19, Outstanding Checks $12,136.30, Reconciled Balance $349,967.37.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,218.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,841.76, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,494.13, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $436,521.46. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $149.28, and Utility CDs $153.11 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $302.39.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500; for Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of February $22,933.23, Year-to-Date Net Income $6,415.40.  Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $34,307.86 (21.9%), Expenditures $36,475.15 (16.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,771.49 (15.7%), Expenditures $4,272.23 (10.4%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $18,906.33 (15.5%), Expenditures $20,506.69 (12.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $46,670.92 (31.2%), Expenditures $28,433.11 (15.4%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,093.98 (28.1%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The March 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $58,768.71 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of February 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich asked if he should seed the area around the new public restroom.  Council said yes

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported an accessory building permit application was received and approved.  Certified letters were sent to 404 Washington, 204 Fourth, and 308 Union.  One of the letters was not claimed but they have started on compliance.  He will follow-up on the one that has not responded.  There was discussion on other properties that need attention for debris, brush piles, etc.  He will make contact with those property owners.  He will write up something for the newsletter.

 

Clerk Johnson asked the Council to consider implementing a succession plan for City Superintendent and City Clerk positions.  Both will be retiring in the next few years.  She also requested they consider new software for fund accounting and utility billing that will be compatible with auto read meters and a link on the website to pay online.  They will have those discussions at the budget worksession in a couple months.

2023-2024 Insurance renewal quote was presented.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to accept the 2023-2024 EMC insurance renewal quote of $17,513 and add the public restroom to the property coverage

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project – Don George was here and picked up the final paperwork for submission.  It has been submitted and we received an email that it was being processed for payment.  Project came in under budget and the amount from KDWPT will be the percentage requested, not the dollar amount of the original application.

 

Placemaking Project – Clerk Johnson asked if members filled out the community perception survey which is a component of the grant requirements from Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.  Mayor Jurgensen is still working on convening a committee to recommend exercise equipment.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – the bathroom upgrade is finished and came in under budget.  We expended $19,135 of the $40,288.82 of the ARPA funds and the $5,000 grant from Bourbon County REDI.  Clerk Johnson would like the can lighting added to the Clerk’s office and Mayor Jurgensen would like mini blinds on the west windows of the community center.  The remaining $21,153.82 will be discussed at budget worksession.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to give Clerk permission to have can lighting installed in Clerk’s office and get mini blinds for the west windows of the Community Center

 

KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – legal counsel has approved the ordinance to authorize participation and the participation agreement.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 200 an Ordinance authorizing execution of the Natural Gas Prepay Participation Agreement with the Kansas Municipal Gas Agency and all other necessary documents with respect thereto and providing for the pledge of the revenues of the natural gas utility system of the city to secure such agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign documents

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Mayor Jurgensen started a discussion on street repair planning for this year.  He will gather and bring more information on milling and asphalt to the next meeting

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:32PM

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Receives Waste Tire Product Grant from KDHE

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KDHE Announces Recipients of Waste Tire Product Grants
45 grants distributed to recipients across Kansas

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has announced the recipients of waste tire product grants.

“These grants will help handle the costs of proper disposal of many materials scrap tires and assist many important local efforts to promote litter and waste reduction. KDHE applauds the creativity and innovation that our communities have in reusing materials that help support the mission of protecting the health and environment of all Kansans” said Janet Stanek, Secretary, Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the tire excise tax, a $0.25/vehicle tire fee.

The grants totaled $522,312.25, an almost 20 percent (19.8%) increase from 2022 were awarded to 45 organizations to fund projects that include the use of recycled tire products, including playground surfacing and picnic tables.

  • Central Heights Elementary, Franklin – $886.50
  • City of Andale, Sedgwick – $2,453.50
  • City of Augusta, Butler – $1,167.00
  • City of Bel Aire, Sedgwick – $1,617.00
  • City of Chetopa, Labette – $4,468.00
  • City of Eudora Parks and Recreation, Douglas – $1,556.00
  • City of Fort Scott Aquatic Center, Bourbon – $2.835.00
  • City of Frankfort, Marshall – $3,266.00
  • City of Girard, Crawford – $2,695.00
  • City of Gypsum, Saline – $4,376.00
  • City of Hudson, Stafford – $13,485.00
  • City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation, Douglas – $19,713.86
  • City of Lebanon, Smith – $1,094.00
  • City of Louisburg, Miami – $4,396.00
  • City of Manhattan, Riley – $11,158.00
  • City of Minneola, Clark – $4,250.84
  • City of Mission Hills, Johnson – $12,582.50
  • City of Mound Valley, Labette – $5,239.00
  • City of Netawka, Jackson – $14,092.95
  • City of North Newton, Harvey – $1,134.00
  • City of Osage City, Osage – $14,106.40
  • City of Ottawa, Franklin – $5,892.00
  • City of Overbrook, Osage – $1,088.00
  • City of Palco, Rooks – $11,232.00
  • City of Parsons, Labette – $4,522.00
  • City of Randall, Jewell – $886.50
  • City of Salina, Saline – $31,800.00
  • City of Sedgwick, Harvey – $2,072.00
  • City of Sterling, Rice – $2,571.50
  • City of Valley Falls, Jefferson – $2,599.00
  • Larned Recreation Commission, Pawnee – $4,744.00
  • Ozark Colony Cemetery District, Anderson – $1,917.00
  • Resurrection Catholic School, Wyandotte – $14,222.45
  • Saints Peter and Paul Playground Committee, Nemaha – $48,731.00
  • USD 109 Republic County School, Republic – $9,165.00
  • USD 202 Turner Sixth Grade Academy, Wyandotte – $37,099.55
  • USD 258 Humboldt Schools, Allen – $3,166.50
  • USD 267 Colwich Elementary, Sedgwick – $40,464.00
  • USD 270 Plainville, Rooks – $11,855.00
  • USD 299 Sylvan Unified Schools, Lincoln – $539.00
  • USD 338 Valley Falls, Jefferson – $1,691.50
  • USD 393 Soloman, Dickinson – $36,785.00
  • USD 407 Russell School District, Russell – $31,176.00
  • USD 484 Lincoln Elementary, Wilson – $49,770.70
  • USD 493 Columbus Unified School District, Cherokee – $41,750.00

Visit, kdhe.ks.gov/700/ for information about their projects.

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Obituary

Obituary of John Allen

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John Andrew Allen, age 87, resident of Uniontown, Kansas, died Monday, March 20, 2023, at Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. He was born September 30, 1935, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Chester Allen and Mildred (Baugh) Allen. John married Margaret O’Brien on July 21, 1955, in Baldwin, Kansas.

 

In his earlier years he worked for the Bronson School District. He and Margaret started and operated Allen’s Building and Repair Company for many years and then became the owners and operated the Bronson Self Service Station until his retirement.

 

He was a member of the Bronson Baptist Church. He was active with anything that involved his children and family, including 4-H, Junior Grange, coaching girls’ softball, and Boys Scouts.

 

He loved living at the lake, taking all his kids and grandkids fishing, water skiing/tubing and playing games…especially Jokers (Marbles).

Like his wife Margaret, John’s biggest joy was just spending time with all his family.

Survivors include four daughters, Dinah Glaze, Iola; Sally (Frank) Johnson, Uniontown; Becky (Ben) Smith, Chanute and Annetta (Tim) Trammell, Farlington; three foster children, Gordon Kreider, Houston, Missouri;  Willie (Debbie) Simpson, Blue Springs, Missouri and Joyce (Tom) Carder, Kearney, Missouri; one sister, Bonnie Trowbridge, Poway, California; one brother-in-law, Denney (JoJo) O’Brien, Lake Havasu City, Arizona; sister-in-law, Velma O’Brien, Bakersfield, California; grandchildren, Jamaal Glaze, Trey Glaze, Tayonna Glaze, Nevin Glaze, Andrew Johnson, Allen Johnson, Jerrod Smith, Bo Smith, Tiffany Gee; six foster grandchildren, Amber Sojka, Justin Simpson, Austin Simpson, Brian Simpson, Brandon Simpson, Niki Larrea; 24 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret; his parents; foster son, Melvin Simpson; brother, Willie Allen; Sister, Betty Garman; and granddaughter, LaCheole Glaze.

 

Following cremation, memorial services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, March 24th, in the Cheney Witt Chapel conducted by Rev. Rusty Newman.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that you spend some time in honor of dad fishing or playing Game King Double-Double Bonus Poker at your favorite casino.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Jo Ann Dalton

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Jo Ann Dalton passed away Sunday, March 19, 2023, at her home. She was a beloved, cherished wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma. Jo Ann was born June 15, 1935, in Redfield, Ks to Charles and Aileen Richard.

On August 24, 1951, she married Charles Dalton.  She and Charley resided at the family farm in Redfield. She was active in her children’s lives and even helped raise two special nephews, Larry, and Rick. They lived in Redfield until their children were grown and then moved to Fort Scott, Ks.

Jo Ann worked as Deputy Register of Deeds from 1967 until 1978 when she was appointed Register of Deeds. She held that position until her retirement in 2000. She loved serving the people of Bourbon County.

Jo Ann enjoyed gardening, cooking, traveling to spend time with her family.  She loved watching her grandchildren grow and would always be there for every accomplishment they made.

 

Jo Ann is survived by her children Bill Dalton and wife Laura of Parsons, Ks and Becky Cashman and husband Jim of Cedar Crest, NM; grandchildren Trevor Cashman and wife Jeni of Cedar Crest, NM, Dustin Cashman and wife Jacquelyn of Cedar Crest, NM, Tara Martinez and Keith Hamill of Olathe, KS,  Heather Hammett and Samantha Martinez of Olathe, Ks; Nathan Dalton and wife Miranda of Oronogo, MO, and 15 great-grandchildren; Alexia, Madison, Cain, Kamara, Hudson, Cole, Kasen, Brady, Jude, Layne, Hunter, Cody, Ryder, Khalell and Kaedyn;  sisters-in-law Gail Dalton and Donna Dalton; brothers-in-law Ron Dalton and Chewy Brewer and many nieces and nephews, including Angie Dalton who always checked on her Aunt Jo Jo.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Charles, sisters Geri Brewer and Doris Williams.

 

Jo Ann adored her family, and they adored her. She was always active in her grandchildren’s lives. We will have many wonderful memories and forever cherish her.

 

Pastor Brian Rhoades will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Friday, March 24th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

March 17, 2023

 

A State Budget, Senate Bill (SB) 155 was debated on the floor and it passed to advance to final action after many amendments and attempts at amendments.  Final action is usually taken the day after or the day of debate.  However, there are several senators absent for various reasons so the vote has been delayed.

 

The legislature is required by the State Constitution to appropriate funds – providing a budget for the state.  The process starts with the departments and agencies providing their budgets to the Governor, then the Governor provides her recommendations to the legislature.  This is what the legislature uses as a start.  It is almost always an increase from the previous year.  For the past three years, the Governor has cut items she knows need to be funded and increased her pet projects.  It resulted in massive spending increases because the final budget would include both and not decrease or cut the Governor’s items.  Well, not this year.  The Senate President cut the Governor’s projects and decreased the out-of-control spending.  It is refreshing because it gives some of the tax cuts discussed in prior weeks a chance of being passed into law.

 

Some amendments that passed during debate include:

  • a modest cut to agencies NOT INCLUDING health, safety, or K-12 education by just 3.25% to save $97 million – decreasing the $9.4 billion budget to $9.3 billion.  Every savings helps.
  • would require the citizenship of state employees and contractors to be verified with the database known as e-verify.
  • would require departments and agencies to provide performance based budgets or their budget would be cut by 5%.  Performance based budget became law over 6 years ago and has still not been implemented by some agencies.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

Obituary

Obituary of Rosetta Bailes

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Rosetta Marie Bailes passed away at her home in Fort Scott, Kansas on Sunday night, March 19, 2023. She was welcomed to her heavenly home and is worshiping Jesus with a new body.

 

She was born in Kansas City, Kansas to Charles and Rose Anna Workman on July 31st, 1953. At five years old her family moved back to Fort Scott, where she grew up. Rosetta graduated class valedictorian in 1971 from Fort Scott High School. She then graduated with honors from Pittsburg State University with a degree in Microbiology. She worked as a research Microbiologist in the American Type Culture Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. In 1980 she graduated from nursing school and began her nursing career dedicated to helping people. In January 1984 on a mission trip to Haiti, Rosetta met Jon Bailes and married June 6, 1984.

 

Throughout her life, she worked as an RN, helped Jon run family businesses, raised children, worked in the church, and led mission teams.

 

Together, she and Jon shared the love of Jesus as medical missionaries in Haiti from 1994-2000.  On returning from the mission field, she continued working part-time as a nurse. She dedicated herself to family, church ministry, and her greatest passion – her grandchildren. She would always put others before herself and enjoyed swimming, bargain shopping, and making her grandchildren creative birthday cakes.

 

Rosetta is preceded in death by her father, Charles Workman, and 2 grandbabies.

 

Survived by her mother Rose Anna of Fort Scott, two sisters, Laura of Pittsburg, Loma of Fort Scott, husband Jon Bailes of Fort Scott, four children, Melanie Lamb of Fort Scott, Christopher Bailes of Oceanside, CA, Charity (Samuel) Jackson of Fort Scott, and Charley (Christine) Bailes of Kansas City, KS, and 12 grandchildren.

 

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Monday, March 27th at the Community Christian Church.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Sunday at Community Christian Church.

Memorials are suggested to the Community Christian Church Youth Department and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Donald Elkins

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Donald L. Elkins, age 50, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, March 19, 2023, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.  He was born April 12, 1972, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, the son of Donald Wayne Elkins and Sherry Lynne Hunt Elkins.  At an early age, the family moved to California.  Donald grew up and attended school in Taft, California.  Following high school, he went to work in the oil fields of southern California where he continued to work for many years.

In 2015, he relocated to Ft. Scott in order to be closer to his family.  While living in Ft. Scott, he was employed by RSC Construction.  He married his longtime companion, Trina Royal.  She preceded him in death on April 2, 2021.

 

Survivors include his children, Samantha Elkins, of Nevada, Missouri, Brandon Elkins of Portland, Oregon, Britney Elkins, of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Jessica Perkins of Emerald Isle, North Carolina and Justin Perkins of Bakersfield, California.  Also surviving are several grandchildren and two sisters, Melissa Gurule and Teresa Salazar both of Ft. Scott and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, March 26th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Donald Elkins Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.comOb

Obituary

Obituary of George Osborn Jr.

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George Washington Osborn, Jr., age 88, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

George was born March 20, 1934, to George W. Osborn and Stella Cauthon Osborn in Bates County, Missouri. He was the sixth of seven children. George grew up on the farm and started farming when he was fourteen years old and proudly continued until he was eighty.

He married the love of his life, Joanne Greer, on November 17, 1954. He started his married life working for a ranch in Adrian, Missouri. In November 1959, they moved to Gardner, Kansas where he rented his own farm across the road from his widowed aunt so that he could take care of her. In those early years, he did what he could to take care of his family including digging graves.

He did so well with the farming and soil conservation that he won several farming awards in Johnson, Miami, and Linn counties. In 1967, he bought his own farm outside of Drexel, Missouri, (on the Kansas side) and moved his family there and started a large hog operation along with the farming. In 1988, he and Joanne moved further south to the Blue Mound, Kansas area where he enjoyed farming row crops and not worrying about pigs and cattle

George was a member of the St. John’s United Methodist Church in Ft. Scott. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Joanne when the farming schedule allowed.

George was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings and his youngest son, Doug.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne, of sixty-eight years, his daughter, Ruth Benson (Randy) of Webb City, Missouri and son, Pete Osborn of Beaver, Ohio. Also surviving are two grandsons, Randall Benson (Stephanie) of Kansas City, Missouri and Jonathan Benson (Kari) of Kailua, Hawaii (USAF) and three great-granddaughters, Kathy, Alyssa and Clara of Kansas City, Missouri.

Rev. Jim Brackett will conduct funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 22nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Retail and Now Cafe at the Former Scottish Rite Temple

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Tracy and Kathy Dancer. Submitted photo.
Kathy Dancer, 49, and Tracy Dancer, 50, opened 110 South Main as a retail shop in the former Scottish Rite Temple in December and will be opening a cafe in the building this spring.
Retail
110 South Main Mercantile and Market  features decor, gifts, and food from Kansas and the Midwest, Kathy said.
“We have great products from Kansas City Canning Company, Kansas City Caramels, Prairie Fire Candles, Bombshell Beauty, Finding Home Farms, Thompson’s Homemade Decor, and about 30 other small business partners,” she said. ” Our market vendors include many local artisans and craft people who produce glass art, textiles, furniture, cutting boards, keepsake boxes, home decor, pens, notebooks, and decorative signs. We recently added a line of chocolates from Andre’s Chocolates and popcorn and fudge from Simply Delightful.”
“The retail store will be expanding this spring and summer to offer additional space for market vendors and artists who have high-quality handcrafted items,” she said.  Additional vendors and artists will be added as they expand the space.
Cafe
“We are also opening Cohn’s Cafe,” Kathy said.  The restaurant is named after Sidney Cohn and his wife, who had a cafe and coffee shop in this space from 1926-1948, she said. The restaurant space was used by the Freemasons council as a kitchen and dining space for several decades after that.
Before photo of the dining space below and the space when the carpet was removed, above. Submitted photos.

“The cafe will feature locally sourced ingredients and will have breakfast and lunch for dine-in or carry-out,” she said.  “We will source ingredients from local producers and will have a seasonally adjusted menu based on the availability of fresh, local vegetables, meats, and other ingredients.  Our menu will include quiches, crepes, soups, salads, sandwiches, and pies and desserts. We plan to have grab-and-go items available as well.”
View of the new dining space. Submitted photo.
“The cafe will be the cornerstone for additional planned improvements to the building,” Kathy said.  “We felt the cafe was a great way to share the building with the community while also supporting local artists, craftspeople, and food producers.  We are excited to showcase some of the great products available in our community in both the retail space and cafe.”
Electrical Issues
The Dancer’s hope to open this spring, but are having a problem with electric service to the building.
“We will have all of our spaces ready and equipment in place by the end of March but we are still waiting for additional electric service so we can proceed with our inspections and licensing,” she said.  “Unfortunately, there was extensive damage done to the electric service to the building while it was unoccupied prior to our purchase.”

“We have been working with our electrician to have adequate service reinstalled in the building but we are having to work around other utilities that were added in the alley,” Kathy said.  “As soon as we have enough electricity to operate the commercial kitchen equipment and modern HVAC, we will finish licensing and begin training staff.  We will announce opening dates on our social media pages, 110SouthMain and Cohn’sCafeonMain.

 Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)Grant
The Dancer’s received a restaurant /retail grant in the amount of $7,000 from HBCAT.
“We are very excited to be named as a recipient of the HBCAT grant in the restaurant category,” Kathy said.  “The grant will be used to help install the commercial kitchen for the cafe.  We have several pieces of used equipment including a sink, ovens, and a commercial refrigerator that need minor repairs and installation.  The balance of the funds will be used to acquire additional kitchen equipment including a commercial cook top, a commercial freezer, and a refrigerated table for salads and sandwiches.”
This is the prep kitchen where the HBCAT grant will be used for some of the equipment. Submitted photo.

 

Contact info

Bourbon County Local News