Frank and Cheryl Adamson are celebrating 20 years as hoteliers in Fort Scott.
They purchased the Courtland Hotel, at First and Scott Avenue in the historic district of Fort Scott in 2004.
The hotel is located at 121 E. First St, Fort Scott.
“We purchased the historic hotel here in downtown Fort Scott to expand Cheryl’s day spa business,” Frank said. “She started doing massage therapy as a side gig that grew into the need for additional space. We utilize around 2,500 square feet of the hotel’s ground floor, for the Courtland Spa and Salon.” They employ seven people.
The Courtland Spa door is west of the main door of the hotel at 121 E. First.
“There have been so many things that have blessed us in ownership and operating the historic hotel in downtown Fort Scott it’s hard to pick out one thing,” he said. “Seeing and being part of the resurgence of downtown has been amazing. We have developed an appreciation for downtown’s impact on the community, what Fort Scott’s history is, and the impact it made on Western expansion. The historic hotel of course is a functioning hotel, circa 1906. With guests coming from all over the world to see it and stay in it. We get to share some of the local history and make a new friend.”
History of the Courtland
The Courtland Hotel was built in 1906 to accommodate people using the railroad traffic through the town.
The plaque on the Courtland Hotel notes there was an Adams and Pacific Express Co., a tailor shop, the Cooper Restaurant, and a boarding house at one time housed in the building.
But today it offers a day spa that includes massage therapy service, a hair salon and manicures/pedicures, and internet service for its customers.
The Courtland Hotel, 121 E. First.
The hotel was recently featured in Kansas Magazine as a historic Kansas hotel, here are a few excerpts from that article:
“The first 50 to 60 years of this business, the lodging was essentially for men only,” Frank says, adding the hotel mostly housed railroad engineers and brakemen who brought the trains into town, spent the night, and reported back to work to replace the crews coming in on returning trains the next day. “The guys staying in these hotels were the same guys all the time.
“The building was originally constructed with six storefronts on the first floor to accommodate retail and wholesale businesses; the upper level had lodging rooms and a tailor shop. When the number of trains declined, the hotel eventually was used as a dormitory for a flight school before slipping into darkness.
“Seeing its potential, the Adamsons awakened the building from its sleep. Today, its exterior remains as it looked in 1906, and the lobby inside retains its 14-foot tin ceilings and other architectural features. Guests and local residents enjoy the main level’s 2,500-square-foot, full-service day spa the couple added in a way that maintains the unique building’s historical significance,” according to the Kansas Magazine article.
From left, Luke Moore, Hunter Fortenberry, Steve Fortenberry, and Russell Moore are preparing their trebuchets for the competition on April 6. Submitted photo.
On April 6, those passing by Bethel Community Baptist Church on Hwy. 54 saw a group of men and boys together picking up trash.
“We are Troop KS-7777 of Trail Life USA, a ministry of Bethel Community Baptist Church, and are partnered with the national organization,” Troopmaster Josh Gier said. “Trail Life USA is celebrating its tenth year with over 1,100 troops and 50,000 Trailmen nationwide. “
“Trail Life is an easy-to-manage, Christ-centered, boy-focused outdoor adventure program empowering the church to grow boys to become men of character and conviction,” according to the Trail Life website.
There are 19 boys enrolled in Troop 7777, and nine mentors, “mostly dads, grandpas and uncles,” Gier said.
“Our troop is not limited to church members,” he said. “We are open to all.”
“All boys from kindergarten through high school are welcome to join at any time,” Gier said. “Our enrollment focus will be in August at the beginning of our program year.”
They meet every other Monday of the month.
“If anybody would like more information about Trail Life Troop KS-7777, they may contact me through the Find a Troop link on traillifeusa.com,” he said.
From left Russell Moore, Luke Moore, and Josh Gier as the Moores receive the trophy for building the trebuchet with the farthest launch.Submitted photo.
Gier said a total of 101 blue bags of trash were left to be picked up by the Kansas Department of Transportation, which they had made arrangements with.
After that project, the group had a Trebuchet competition.
A trebuchet, taken from the American Association for the Advancement of Science website.
Trebuchets are used as teaching tools in high schools and colleges to learn about load, force, fulcrums, velocity, gravity, and parabolic arcs. They are also used as recruiting tools to lure students into engineering programs. Designing a trebuchet is an assessment of mechanical design and engineering skills. Testing a trebuchet is not only a learning tool, it is also fun, according to https://www.aaas.org/trebuchets-and-their-modern-use
In Troop 7777, six father/son(s) teams were challenged to build their trebuchet to see who could launch a projectile, a golf ball, the farthest.
The winner of the competition was father Russell Moore, with sons Luke and Ben. They launched a golf ball 152.6 inches.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 08, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
Public was given the chance to comment on the utilization of the Construction Management At-Risk as the project delivery method on the renovations at the Preschool building. No patrons were present.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
03/04/24 Board Minutes
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – March 8, 2024 – $1,656,831.58
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Appoint Dalaina Smith – Deputy Board Clerk
LEA Assurances
Nick Johnson, Preschool Principal, recognized four Special Education Teachers for their dedication and hard work with our youngest learners. Candy Turner is in her first year. Andrea Heckman has been with the district for five years. Completing her sixth-year teaching is Theresa Hurd. And Emily Peterson is also in her first year.
Candy Turner, Theresa Hurd, Andrea Heckman, Brennen Feeback, submitted photo.
Scott Kimble, High School Principal, recognized Brennen Feeback. Brennen is just completing his first year with the district as a Special Education Teacher. Mr. Kimble thanked Brennen for being willing to jump in and help and truly has compassion and heart for each student.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the school audit. He also informed the board of an upcoming school wide clean-up day. Each building will be helping to clean up city wide on April 24.
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on State Assessments and end of year IReady. Summer school has open registration until the end of April. She also recognized the first-year teachers and how hard they have been working with their development.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported on CATAID payments and partnering with Kansas Renewal Institute for Special Education Services. She also gave a wonderful report on our district Special Olympics and is excited for the next event on April 23 in Pittsburg.
Amanda Lancaster was present to review the district audit and answer any questions.
The PDC presented their five-year professional development plan to the board and was present for any questions.
The board approved the following items:
KASB Membership Renewal & Legal Assistance Fund Contract
Contract for Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach OT, LLC for 2024-25
IReady ELA Grade 2-5 Quote
School Pictures 2024-25 – Kenny Felt
Greenbush Contracts for Low-Incidence & Audiology for 2024-25
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters and Superintendent Evaluation.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
April 08, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Alford, Sierra – Resignation – ELA Teacher – High School
The Bourbon County Commission room, at the courthouse.
On Tuesday, April 16 at the Ft Scott Livestock Market, 2131 Maple Rd, the local Republican party will convene to nominate a replacement for Bourbon County District 1 Commissioner Nelson Blythe who resigned on April 1, according to a press release from Deb Martin, Bourbon County Republican Secretary.
Blythe said he intends to run for Bourbon County Sheriff, according to the Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 1.
Nelson Blythe resigned as Bourbon County District 1 Commissioner on April 1.
Only District 1 Precinctmen and Women will vote on this appointment, according to the press release.
The voting precinct men and women of District 1 are as follows:
Marion: Brent Smith and Nancy Holt
Franklin: Tony Bradbury and Kaity Bradbury
Timberhill: Dan Laughlin and Jan Laughlin
Millcreek: Michael Keyes and Debra Martin
North Scott: Bill Lalman and Glenda Lalman
Marmaton: Charles Robinson and CJ Robinson
“April 16th we will meet at Ft. Scott livestock market, 2131 Maple Road 6:30 p.m.” Mark McCoy, chairman of the local Republican party, said. “The meeting will start open to the public for introductions of the Individuals wishing to be considered to fill the open 1st district commissioner position.”
Then each candidate will have up to three minutes to introduce themselves and why they should be chosen. The closed
portion of the meeting begins immediately following that introduction.
Each candidate will speak to the precinct people individually with a brief question and answer period, McCoy said.
“After all candidates have completed this portion we will discuss candidates and precinct people will vote,” he said.
Interested Republican residents of Bourbon County District 1 seeking to fill the county commission seat vacated by Nelson Blythe should send a letter stating their interest with reasons why they should be selected to: Mark McCoy, Chairman, email [email protected] or by postal mail to Mark McCoy, 2138 Jayhawk Rd, Ft Scott, KS 66701 by Thursday, April 11, 2024 by days end.
“When the individual resigns, they submit a resignation letter to me and the Governor’s office and I submit the resignation letter to the Chairperson of whatever party they are affiliated with,” said Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk. “The political party then has 21 days to appoint a replacement and send notice of the replacement to the Governor’s office. The Governor’s office will send a certificate of appointment to the replacement who would need to file a copy of the certificate in the Clerk’s office before they can perform any duties as Commissioner.”
Governor Kelly Announces More than $8M to be Invested in Digital Opportunities
~~ Kansas’ First Broadband Digital Equity Plan Approved ~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that Kansas is receiving $8.2 million to begin implementing the Kansas Digital Equity (DE) Plan, which recently received federal approval. This announcement solidifies the state’s commitment to transform the landscape of high-speed internet connectivity and digital opportunity across Kansas.
“Providing Kansans with the digital resources they need will strengthen our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The approval of the Kansas Digital Equity Plan marks a significant milestone in our commitment to closing technology gaps and knocking down barriers to affordable, accessible high-speed internet in every corner of the state.”
Initially introduced last October, the DE Plan received public comment and underwent thorough reviews with federal funding partners at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications Information and Administration (NTIA) office. With this approval and funding from the NTIA’s Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) will begin implementing strategies outlined in the plan to enhance digital opportunity statewide.
The DE Plan reflects a comprehensive strategy that includes digital skills training, affordable service plans, and access to broadband-ready devices. It also highlights the impact of technology in critical areas such as health care, education, and civic engagement.
“By expanding access to devices and digital skills training, we will open new economic opportunities for people and businesses across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our state is ready to unlock the potential of every Kansan and each community so they can prosper in the digital economy.”
The data used to determine each state’s funding allocations included the total population, the number of individuals in covered populations, and measures relating to the comparative lack of availability and adoption of broadband.
“We know that many Kansans experience barriers to full participation in the digital economy,” said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development. “The approval of this plan confirms our commitment to providing equal opportunities to residents by addressing factors that might be limiting broadband access and adoption.”
The DE Plan’s approval is a significant step toward achieving universal access to online education, employment, health care and telemedicine, and social services. It aligns with the broader vision outlined in the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan.
“Today, Kansas is taking a major step toward closing the digital divide,” Angela Thi Bennett, Director of Digital Equity at NTIA, said. “The state’s digital equity plan will make certain everyone in Kansas possesses the digital skills, tools, and capacity to thrive.”
To access the Kansas Digital Equity Plan, click here.
Sending on behalf of Chamber Member CORE Community…
CORE Friend!
If you are considering becoming a Core Friend (mentor) for Core Community, you are encouraged to attend this zoom training session. We will be matching Core Leaders (program participants) with Core Friends (mentors) in May of 2024.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee this Thursday, April 11th at 8am. This week’s coffee will be hosted by Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., in celebration of National Library Week. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.
The Fort Scott Public Library has been around since 1891 and has been at the current site since 1904 when it opened as a Carnegie library. It has changed a lot since its humble beginnings. Now, the library boasts a thriving children’s program, teen programming, and more for the youth of Fort Scott. The library has three ways to deliver eBooks and audiobooks to patrons. It also has eight computers and five hotspots for patrons to use. The new director, Jennifer Gum-Fowler, is putting together new adult programs for the community and looking for new ways to do outreach. The library is over a hundred years old but hasn’t fallen behind the times.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
Communities in the beginning stages of creating more walk- and bike-friendly towns can greatly benefit from attending the Walk Bike Roll online webinar on April 24.
Titled “Tell Your Story! How to Leverage Storytelling to Build Project Support and Momentum,” the webinar is hosted by the Kansas Department of Transportation. Participants can learn to celebrate and share accomplishments to inspire decision makers, the public and other communities.
“Kansas communities have done a great job prioritizing and constructing new pedestrian and bicycle facilities,” said Jenny Kramer, Active Transportation Manager at KDOT. “However, when it comes time to brag about our accomplishments, we don’t do as well.”
Learning about other successful alternate transportation projects helps build support and can:
Build enthusiasm for new projects locally and across the state.
Discover champions and opportunities to raise project funds.
Invite equity to be a focus.
Create a culture that values walking, biking and rolling across Kansas.
Catherine Girves of Toole Design will share storytelling tips based on years of experience working with elected officials and citizens to build project support. She will cover important steps in the process such as how to identify an audience, discover available local and state funds, determine what the story is expected to accomplish and more.
The KDOT Active Transportation Program launched the Walk Bike Roll Kansas webinar series at an in-person Summit in September 2023. It is part of the Kansas Active Transportation Plan, which was published in February 2023. Webinars will continue throughout 2024.
Tax Relief was passed in the 11th hour of regular session. Conference Committee Report (CCR) 2036 will:
eliminate state income tax on Social Security
exempt $100,000 of the valuation for homeowners of the 20 mill for K-12
lower the 20 mill for K-12 to 19.5 for all property owners
eliminate state sales tax on non-prepared groceries July 1, 2024 instead of Jan 1, 2025
provide income tax cuts for all Kansas taxpayers by:
a two tier income tax bracket changing 5.7 to 5.55, 5.25 to 5.15, and 3.1 is eliminated
personal exemptions are currently at $2,250 and will increase to $9,160 for a single filer; $18,320 married; and $2,320 for each dependent
standard deduction increases 3%; single $3,500 to $3,605; married $8,000 to $8,240
eliminate Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund and the County & City Revenue Sharing Fund
You may remember the Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 539 and the House passed their tax package in House Substitute (H Sub) for SB 300. Leadership decided not to act on the other chambers proposed tax cuts. Instead, they put together a plan with the Governor. It was in the first version of CCR 2036, which passed the Senate 38 to 1, but was overwhelming rejected by the House. Later the next day, I requested information for a tax plan and, coincidentally, the House Tax Chairman had requested information for the same plan. It made sense because each of us used 539 and 300 as a basis to create the tax plan listed above. It passed the Senate 24 to 9 on a bipartisan vote. Seven senators were absent. Interestingly, 8 Democrats and 1 Republican in the Senate voted No. The House passed it 119 to 0. It is known the Governor doesn’t favor the legislation, but she will be going against all the House members in her party if she vetoes it.
The Budget has even more pork after conference committee negotiations of CCR 28. The Senate had voted to block the 90% pay raise for legislators, but the conference committee put it back. They put in spending for theaters, sports programs, and many other special interest items. What they didn’t concentrate on was infrastructure and security, which is what government should be doing. I did not support this runaway spending. It passed the Senate 26 to 12 and is on its way to the Governor’s desk.
K-12 Budget was in CCR 387. It didn’t pass the House until late in session and the Senate never got a chance to hear or work the legislation. It was an up or down vote, no amendments allowed. The Senate voted 12 to 26. A motion was made to send it back to committee on Thursday. The conference committee was able to meet Friday and negotiate a new K-12 budget. We will vote on the new version of the CCR when we return for veto session. A majority of us decided that over $6 billion spending, over $4 billion from State General Funds (SGF), and getting less than 30 minutes to look at the legislation was reason not to support it.
Lies are rampant in the Capitol. Tom Petty said, “I won’t back down”. “Well I know what’s right; I got just one life; In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around; But I’ll stand my ground; And I won’t back down.”
We cannot back down and must stand for the truth. For example, this week there was a reporter who said that I used foul language. Two witnesses who were sitting next to me and we all said that the reporter was wrong, yet the reporter and his editor refused to write a retraction. A few local papers picked up the “fake news”. Another example is a Representative and others who continues to spew false information that I am blocking legislation for veterans. It’s not even close to the truth and I have worked diligently to pass tax relief for disabled veterans and others. There are more examples of misleading narratives and fake news. I will “not back down” and I will continue to stand for the truth, as should everyone because it is self-defeating not to stand for the truth.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Jason Silvers, Mary Pemberton, Teri Hulsey, James Whitney, Scott Christiansen, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 3-25-2024.
Nelson asked to make an announcement before the minutes were approved. Jim and Clifton agreed to let Nelson make an announcement. Nelson resigned his position as 1st District Commissioner. Nelson stated that he signed up for a section under public comments and then read a prepared statement, and announced his plan to run for Sheriff. Jim and Clifton thanked Nelson for his work as Commissioner and wished him good luck. Nelson left the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Mary Pemberton discussed the solar farm projects and stated the same excuse of no zoning was being blamed as it had during the Jayhawk Wind project. Mary said the Commissioners should protect county residents and those adjoining, non-participating landowners. Mary said the current contracts have outlined a 25-foot setback from a neighboring property line, and she feels that is not acceptable. Mary said she does her own research and does not rely on the information provided by others. Mary discussed other areas that are zoned and stated many are allowing alternative energy, but they are not allowed to run amuck and gave an example of Labette County who she said issued a moratorium and stated they would not sign any road use agreements until they received more information on the project. Mary stated most places hold public hearings and said it would be great if the Commissioners held informative meetings for residents. Mary said there will be a presentation given by individuals who have knowledge of solar farms on Wednesday at 6:30 at the Fort Scott Livestock Market. Mary said this will be the first of many meetings and it is informational, not to take a stance for or against the project.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, and Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, presented the culvert report for March. Eric said the fuel prices report was emailed to the Commissioners. Eric stated the bridge project at 160th Street and Fern Road was going well with the old bridge removed and the area being measured for concrete, however; the rain today might cause a delay. The Blackberry project will begin replacing electric poles starting April 30th. Eric said that weather permitting there will be a blast at the Blake Quarry on Thursday. Jim asked if this would be a single blast or a double blast, and Eric stated it will be a double blast as they have more than enough overburden cleared at the quarry. Eric stated the crack sealing machine was started today and they anticipate starting later this week sealing cracks. Eric said they will begin in areas around the shop in case of technical difficulties and plan on committing April and May to crack sealing. A controlled burn was held at Elm Creek Lake last week. Clifton stated he needed to leave in 10-minutes. Eric handed out their 2024 asphalt plan and asked to be placed on the agenda on April 15th to go over the different projects.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda and move SEK-CAP to the next item. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Scott Christiansen and James Whitney, with Southeast Kansas Community Action Program, Inc Public Transportation provided an informational packet that outlines the services they offer residents in Bourbon County. Services started August 28, 2023 in Bourbon County, and so far in March they have had 94 riders. Many riders are in the Fort Scott area, however; they will travel to the smaller towns in Bourbon County with Uniontown and Mapleton having many residents who frequently use their services. Any resident can call to request a ride, but they are unable to haul pets or go into Missouri. SEK-CAP received a $5,000 grant from Health Bourbon County Action Team and contributions from other area businesses to provide services until June 30, 2024 and are asking for $3,000 from Bourbon County to help with operational costs for July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025. Jim said they would think about the request and place the item on next week’s agenda.
Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, asked for approval to meet with Rob Harrington with Bourbon County REDI to apply for a Communities Facility Grant. Clifton stated he received more information on the grant and Kansas doesn’t do more than 10%. Teri handed out a sheet that outlined the EMS run numbers and explained the difference in numbers from last year versus this year. Teri stated that a transfer is inter-facility, so that is when they took a patient from the ER to a hospital for additional treatment. Since we do not have an ER that is the reason for the jump in the transport numbers and no transfers. Jim thanked Teri for all that she does.
Jim told Susan Walker, CFO, that she would be placed on the agenda for next week for the items she had on the agenda that they were unable to get to since Clifton had to leave early.
Jim and Clifton stated they appreciated what Nelson did as a Commissioner.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:03. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
