Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott House Fire on November 25

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House fire on November 25 from the Fort Scott Fire Department Facebook page.
The Fort Scott Fire Department was dispatched to 218 Horton late Saturday evening, November 25,  to a report of a structure fire, according to the FSFD Facebook page.

The fire alarm was received at 10:36,  and the  fire was under control at 10:59 p.m., according to FS Fire Chief Dave Bruner.

The fire scene was cleared by 1:20 a.m.

Nine FSFD personnel responded to the fire.

Crews arrived on the scene of a fully involved structure fire.
A defensive fire attack was made due to the fire already being through the roof and 80% of the home was on fire.
“Fire crews did an amazing job getting the blaze under control before it could cause damage or spread to neighboring homes,” according to the Facebook post.
Crews battled the blaze until the early morning hours.
The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by FSFD investigators along with assistance from the Kansas State Fire Marshal.
Unfortunately, the home is a total loss and the tenant lost a couple of pets.
Thankfully the tenant was able to escape and was transported by Bourbon County Emergency Medical Services for evaluation.
The fire department wishes to thank the Fort Scott Police Department and the Bourbon County EMS for their assistance.
The Fort Scott Fire Department fights a fire on November 25, 2023. From its Facebook page.
Obituary

Obituary of Karen Kellenberger

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Karen Joy (Geyer) Kellenberger, age 69, died peacefully at home November 21, 2023, surrounded by family and hymns of heaven, after a six-year battle with multiple myeloma.

Karen was born September 13, 1954, in Peoria, IL, the daughter of Walter and Hazel (Wiegand) Geyer.

Karen married the love of her life, Ricky Kellenberger, on December 30, 1972. Shortly after, they gave their hearts to Jesus and joined the Apostolic Christian Church in Sabetha, KS, and have served the Lord together the past 51 years.

Over the next 9 years of Veterinary Medical School, and then Medical School, she accompanied her husband to Manhattan, KS, Normal, Ill, McHenry Ill, Oak Forest, Ill, Carson City, MI, Grand Rapids, MI, and Emmetsburg, IA.

Karen worked constantly at different jobs in different cities until the birth of her first child.  Rick has always acknowledged that he would not have gotten through the many years of schooling without Karen’s financial and emotional support.

She stood by Rick through 9 years of education, and 43 years of medical practice, enabling him to care for his patients.

Everywhere they lived, they were active in their church.  In 1985 they settled for 19 years in the West Bend, IA area where Rick worked as a rural family doctor.  Karen raised their 5 children while managing the Dairy Queen Rick and Karen built in Emmetsburg, IA.   Everyone that knew Karen recognized her as a dedicated hard worker with a friendly smile.

Karen and Rick returned to Kansas in 2000, initially living in Stillwell, KS.  In 2001, they moved to Fort Scott to establish a private general practice near their daughter.  They purchased a small farm and Karen thrived in her new role as a farm wife and loved to watch the sunset over their ponds.

Karen brought a passion for music, especially in bringing glory to God. She taught herself guitar and loved to play for family singing events over the years. She also obtained her private pilot’s license to add a safety factor while flying with Rick. She and Rick enjoyed many Canadian and Minnesota fishing trips, some of which included flying.

Karen had a strong sense of humor and soft heart for any person or animal that was hurting. She ended up with many feral cats, as she fed each stray cat. She was a great listener and affirmer, and made each person feel special when listening. She loved to sing at church events and sang at every opportunity.

In addition to her Savior, her dearest joy was her family.   She diligently attended all events involving her grandchildren.  She read books, played games, and invested in knowing every grandchild, including her most recent granddaughter, Juliana.

She will be missed not only by her husband Rick, but by her children/spouses Robin (Justin) Moser of Redondo Beach, CA, Kent (Kelsey) of Lenexa, Kansas, Kristi (Trent) Banwart of Fort Scott, Amber (Ryan) Lewis of Fort Scott, and Ryan (Adrienne) of Fort Scott, as well as her brothers Roger (Melanie) Geyer, Dale (Barb) Geyer, and Walter (Bonnie) Geyer. Her 18 grandchildren (Cody, Garrett, and Natalie Moser; Ellieana and Juliana Kellenberger; Benjamin, Josiah, Noelle, Chloe, Anika, and Ezra Banwart; Micah, Owen, Hannah, and Cooper Lewis; and Calvin, Ainsley, and Claire Kellenberger) will miss her dearly.

Yet they celebrate her faith as Christians themselves.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

 

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Saturday, December 2nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 3rd at the Apostolic Christian Church in Ft. Scott, Kansas and a graveside service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, December 4th at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights School or to the Apostolic Christian Harvest Call 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.

 

Government, Kansas

State Seeks Input on New License Plate Design

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Governor Kelly Announces New Path Forward on State License Plate

~~Rescinds License Plate Proposal, Will Establish Public Input Process~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Department of Revenue will pause production on the license plate design revealed last Wednesday and create a process to receive public input before selecting a final design.

“I promised to be a bipartisan governor, and I think we can all admit – I succeeded at bringing Kansans across the political aisle together in disliking this new license plate,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I’ve heard you loud and clear. Elected officials should be responsive to their constituents, which is why we are adjusting the process so Kansans can provide direct input on our state’s next license plate.”

One of the challenges of designing a license plate is meeting the primary reason license plates exist: to be clear and easy to read. Kansans will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite design among several that follow guidelines that comply with the needs of law enforcement entities and best practices established by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, including:

  • License plate numbers will be seven (7) digits.
  • Any phrase, motto, or slogan must be placed at the bottom of the license plate.
  • Any graphic must be placed on the right or left side of the license plate number.
  • Graphics must not resemble letters, numbers, or special characters in a way that would interfere with the ability to read the license plate number.
  • Background design must not interfere with the ability to read the license plate number.
  • The license plate must have a light background behind the license plate number, and the license plate number must be black.

The Governor’s Office will share more details on license plate options, the voting process, and how this announcement impacts the transition from embossed to print-on-demand plates soon.

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Bourbon County, Business

Rural Development Grant Will Impact Small Businesses

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team…..

Rural Development Grant to help team help small businesses succeed
Funding from a new $154,000 USDA Rural Business Development Grant will allow The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team to help create jobs, save jobs, and give local and regional small businesses a better chance at success.

The work will be done through The Center for Economic Growth, a program of The HBCAT. The grant activities will focus primarily on Fort Scott, but will include Allen, Crawford, and Linn counties in educational events and engagement.

The grant will directly impact small businesses like The Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery, owned by Teri Hamilton, who will work with the Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center — a partner of The HBCAT and The CEG — to add three full-time employees in the next two years with a long-term goal of adding 20 employees. Assistance also will include a marketing plan and website.

And, like The Shire Farm LLC, owned by Bradie and Noah Terry, who will develop a business wholesale agreement with a local restaurant, creating two full-time jobs and the potential to expand to include others.

Bartlesmeyer Jewelry Store, has been a staple in Bourbon County for many years, and the grant will help the center work with Krista Hulbert to purchase it, saving 4.5 full-time employees and creating an additional full-time job.

Samantha Rogers, who is in her early 20s and running her first business — The Baby Stitch — will work with the center to apply for additional capital so that she can move her online boutique to a physical location. Her plans are to have four full-time employees.

 

“These are just a few examples of the many local small businesses this grant will give us the opportunity to help,” said Rachel Carpenter, executive director of The HBCAT.

 

Providing technical assistance is important to the success of small business, noted Carpenter.

 

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 20 percent of small businesses fail within the first year. By the end of the second year, 30 percent of businesses will have failed. By the end of the fifth year, about half will have failed. And by the end of the decade, only 30 percent of businesses will remain — a 70 percent failure rate.

“Studies also show that those who receive counseling on business plans and financial strategies are more likely to report positive outcomes and overall survival,” she said. “Having such support services through the SBDC will mean the rate of successful businesses in Bourbon County is bound to increase.”

President and CEO Jody Hoener noted that the county has a high poverty rate and many barriers that prevent a resident from being successful at keeping a small business open and creating wealth for their family.

 

“This grant will help connect clients with financial resources such as loans, gap financing, education, training, and more,” she said.

The grant also will benefit the local and regional community by increasing the number of days the PSU SBDC serves the Fort Scott area from one day per week to three. The PSU SBDC provides customized training and consulting services to help businesses improve their productivity, efficiency, and build their market base.

And, the grant will help The HBCAT offer a central location for interviews, business meetings, and general business needs.

“Providing local businesses with expertise and guidance, especially in these very turbulent times, has shown to be a critical resource to increasing the number of business start-ups and number of available quality jobs,” said Hoener.

Total Capital Injection since October 2020, $3,318,637.28.

 

Other partners taking an active part in the grant include Southeast Kansas KANSASWorks and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

About The HBCAT

The mission of The HBCAT is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life and encourage economic growth. The problems of health inequity and social injustice are complex in nature and inextricably linked to key economic indicators. A healthy workforce is a prerequisite for economic success in any industry and in all cities.

Learn more at HBCAT.org. Find HBCAT on Facebook at facebook.com/HealthyBBCo/

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

 

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: [email protected].

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

b. Exceptions to Including the Full USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Community Christmas Light Contest

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

announces Christmas Light Contest sponsored by Niece Products!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce encourages businesses, residents, and neighborhoods to “Deck the Fort” and make the community merry and bright for the holidays.

Niece Products is sponsoring the Christmas Light Contest with cash prizes for the winners including:

Residential : 1st/$100, 2nd/$75, 3rd/$50

Top Business: $100

Top Neighborhood: $100

Other contest details:

  • Lights should be in place by Dec. 5th and judging will take place between the 11th and 13th.
  • Properties within a 1 mile radius of city limits will be considers for contest
  • Those wanting to ensure their property or someone else’s judged should call or email the Chamber with their address, name, and phone number
  • Lighting and decorations must be visible from street view.

The Chamber encourages everyone to get in the spirit with lights this season. For more information contact the Chamber at 620.223.3566 or by email at [email protected].
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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Capitol Tours
The Honorable Sheila Frahm of Colby

Ken Frahm of Colby

Reagan Geihsler of Manhattan

Collin Geihsler of Manhattan

Dan Arthur of Overland Park

Amy Arthur of Overland Park

Ainsley Arthur of Overland Park

Aniston Arthur of Overland Park

Avelyn Arthur of Overland Park

Simon Werner of Overland Park

Ling Werner of Overland Park

Benjamin Werner of Overland Park

Abigail Werner of Overland Park

AJ Kurtz of Overland Park

Lauren Edwards of Overland Park

Adalyn Kurtz of Overland Park

Jude Kurtz of Overland Park

Dean Kurtz of Overland Park

Daleroy Davey of Olathe

Maci Davey of Olathe

Marques Davey of Olathe

Christina Schabel & Family of Andover


 

 

 


A Season for Thankfulness
Happy Thanksgiving! Robba and I hope everyone had a happy and blessed holiday surrounded by friends, family and loved ones.

We also want to extend our thanks to law enforcement officers, first responders and servicemembers who never cease to serve their communities and country during the holiday seasons. Thank you for your continual sacrifices and for keeping us safe.

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More Space Manufacturing Coming to Kansas
On Monday, I hosted Robert Lightfoot, Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin Space, in Kansas. During the visit, we toured a division of Perfekta Aerospace where Lockheed announced a contract for the company to provide parts for its Orion Spacecraft, as well as components for its defense programs. The Greater Wichita Partnership (GWP) also hosted an event at WSU Tech’s National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) for local manufacturers, academia and community leaders to meet with Lockheed Martin.

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Thank you to Robert and his team for visiting the Air Capital of the World and sharing the importance Kansans are playing in space and defense programs. Thank you also to Jeff Fluhr and his team at GWP for their leadership and to the many Kansans who helped make their visit a success.

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Expanding Rural Health Care in Southeast Kansas
Monday afternoon I stopped at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute to participate in the ribbon cutting for the new Southeast Kansas Impact Center. This $7.1 million facility houses a workforce training center that will operate in partnership with local businesses and medical providers to better deliver telehealth treatment to area patients. The 10,000 square foot multi-use business, workforce and health care center was built on the site of a former tuberculosis hospital and is expected to create 256 jobs and generate $45 million for the local economy.

I am pleased to have helped secure an investment of more than $4 million from the Economic Development Administration for the SEK Impact Center. Thank you to Hospital CEO Dennis Franks and Foundation Director Anna Methvin for inviting me to join in this exciting community celebration. Thank you also to Dorothy Welch, Kansas Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Nadira Hazim-Patrick, Lead Engineer Alison Mih, NMRMC Foundation Chair Bruce Jackson, NMRMC Foundation Secretaruy Bruce Mullen, Neosho County Commissioner Nick Galemore, and Chanute Mayor Jacob LaRue for joining me.

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Kansas Association of Conservation Districts Annual Convention
It was great to be with members of the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD) in Wichita for their 78th annual convention on Monday evening. This group is committed to conserving our natural resources—efforts that are critical to preserving Kansas for the next generation. Water conservation and natural resource management is particularly important to our economy and quality of life. Water is the lifeblood of our municipalities, the foundation for statewide recreation, and will direct the future of manufacturing and agriculture production. During my remarks I discussed Farm Bill reauthorization and conservation issues across the state, including the importance of establishing long-term solutions that support the water needs of the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and the regional economy.

Thank you to KACD Executive Director and Chairman Dan Meyeroff for inviting me to speak as well as the many members of KACD I was able to visit with.

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Nestor Weigand Jr.’s Funeral
This week I attended the funeral for Nestor Weigand Jr. in Wichita. Nestor was a giant in the real estate industry and made a huge difference in people’s lives including my own.

After his passing, Mike McGrew, the Chairman & CEO of McGrew Real Estate stated the following to me, and I couldn’t agree more: “Nestor has been the patriarch of the Kansas REALTOR family for decades. He was an amazing mentor to myself and so many others. His leadership in business and real estate was surpassed only by his generous gifts of wise counsel and time spent. Nestor cannot be replaced, and I will miss him for the rest of my life.”

Read more about Nestor’s life in the Wichita Business Journal, here.

Visiting Hospitals Across Kansas
Ellsworth County Medical Center
On Tuesday, I visited Ellsworth County Medical Center (ECMC), a Critical Access Hospital that provides important health care services to the Ellsworth community and surrounding area. During the tour, I learned more about challenges facing ECMC and how medical and support staff are working to meet the needs of the community. The insight and experiences from Kansas hospitals, their administrators and staff are important to me as I work to support the health care industry in Kansas and across the nation.

Thank you to ECMC CEO Jim Kirkbride and his team for arranging my visit.  Thank you also to Callie Haxton and Colby Richard from the City of Ellsworth as well as Mark Kennedy and John Thaemert from Citizens State Bank & Trust for joining me.

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Sheridan County Hospital
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to visit Sheridan County Hospital where I met with hospital staff and administrators to learn more about health care in Hoxie. I am grateful to those who showed me around the facility and for expressing the priorities and needs of the hospital and the communities it serves. Rural hospitals throughout Kansas are facing staff and equipment shortages and even closures. I will continue to prioritize the sustainability and success of Kansas’s rural hospitals, and I am grateful to Sheridan County Hospital and the Sheridan County Health Complex for the incredible work they do.

Thank you to Sheridan County Hospital Board President Joy Bretz, clinic manager and Sheridan County Commissioner Kyle Ablenstorf and board members Leanna Sloan, Teri Moss, and Sally Cameron for joining me on the tour.

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Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital
Later on Wednesday, I toured the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney with CEO Jeremy Rabe and Hospital Board Chair Eric Moden. I was pleased to see the expansion of services and patient care that Trego County has been able to provide their residents. Maintaining reliable and high-quality health care is critically important to see our communities thrive. I appreciated the time I was able to spend learning about the facility and am thankful to those who took the time to give me a tour.

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Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.

Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.

Very truly yours,

Jerry

To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here.
Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401		 Manhattan
1800 Kimball Avenue,
Suite 270
Manhattan, KS 66052
Phone: (785) 539-8973
Fax: (785) 587-0789		 Olathe
23600 College Blvd.,
Suite 201
P.O. Box 1154
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 393-0711
Fax: (913) 768-1366
Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Room 521
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6521
Fax: (202) 228-6966		 Wichita
100 North Broadway,
Suite 210
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-9257
Fax: (316) 269-9259

Garden City
1511 East Fulton Terrace, Suite 1511-2
Garden City, KS 67846
Ph
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Match Day Tomorrow for FS Community Foundation

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Fort Scott Area Community Foundation

Announces Inaugural Match Day

On National Day of Giving

Unique Opportunity This Year

For Matching Funds!

Consider Making a Donation

Tuesday, November 28th!

Donate online www.fortscottgives.org

or drop off your check at the Chamber ~

Donation HAS to be on Tuesday the 28th

for the Match, or Postmarked

no later than the 29th!

Click here for a printable form.

_________________

See Fund Options & More Info. Below!

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) is pleased to announce a MATCH for all upcoming donations. Through a generous donation from the Patterson Family Foundation, FSACF has the opportunity to match up to $25,000 for gifts made to Fort Scott Area Community Foundation funds on November 28, 2023 (see funds below). We are very excited for our inaugural Match Day!

We are asking our year-end givers to consider making their donations on Match Day rather than through our annual Good Works Forever campaign. Donations are eligible for any or all of the ten funds as noted on our website: www.FortScottGives.org. What an awesome way to see our funds grow and allow more opportunities to provide grants to worthwhile projects and organizations in Bourbon County!

On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, donations will be accepted:

  • Online at www.FortScottGives.org or
  • In person, delivered to Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall, on or before Tuesday, November 28 or
  • By check, mailed to FSACF, P.O. Box 901, Fort Scott, KS 66701 with a postmark date no later than November 29, 2023. Please complete the enclosed form so that we can apply your gift to the fund of your choice. Please make checks payable to: Fort Scott Area Community Foundation

Donations are fully tax-deductible. Charitable gift receipts will be sent to donors. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions and need more information.

We are grateful for your support and any contribution you can give to help us continue our mission! If you have any questions about Match Day, please visit www.FortScottGives.org or call 620-231-8897. Thank you!

R. Craig Campbell, Chairman of the Foundation

David Shepherd, Asset Development
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2023/2024 FSACF Board of Directors

Craig Campbell, Chair

Becky Tourtillott, Vice Chair

Lindsay Madison, Secretary/ Marketing

Sheryl Bloomfield

Janet Braun

Michelle Bruner

Steve Buerge

Diana Endicott

Jess Ervin

Carla Farmer

Ronda Hassig

Bailey Lyons

Linda Noll

Kirk Sharp

Travis Shelton

David Shepherd

Jordan Witt
Connect with us:
Click here to Like the Foundation’s Facebook page.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center Participating in the 35th Annual Toybox Campaign

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The Lowell Milken Center has joined the 35th Annual Toybox campaign which runs through December 12. It is one of the 4-States’ largest toy drives to benefit underprivileged children in Southeast Kansas, Southwest Missouri, and Northeast Oklahoma. KOAM News Now, Salvation Army and many other community service organizations and businesses have organized this worthwhile endeavor.

 

In Fort Scott, new, unwrapped toys for children birth through 16 years of age may be dropped off during regular business hours at the Lowell Milken Center at 1 South Main or at Care4All at 2 W. 18th St. (The Lowell Milken Center is open from 10 am–5 pm, M-F, and 10 am–4 pm on Saturdays.) The toys will be distributed through Compassionate Ministries/Salvation Army here in Bourbon County to families who have registered for holiday assistance.

 

Toybox Tuesday Telethons will be conducted during the Noon, 5:00, 6:00, and 9:00 pm newscasts on KOAM and FOX14 and its KOAM+ streaming platforms.  Dates for the telethons are November 28, December 5, and December 12. Viewers have the opportunity to make a tax-deductible financial contribution to support Toybox during the telethons. All monies raised are used to purchase new toys and gifts.

 

Additional information can be found at http://koamnewsnow.com/Toybox.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Lloyd Wiley

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Lloyd Eugene Wiley, 89, a Fort Scott, Kansas resident, passed away, at his home, Saturday morning, November 25, 2023.  He was born on April 30, 1934, the son of Fred Funston Wiley and Opal Virginia (Duncan) Wiley in Fort Scott, Kansas. He married Norma ‘Jean’ Mudd on May 17, 1953; she preceded him in death on April 27, 2020.

 

Lloyd was a life-long resident of Bourbon County. He graduated from Fort Scott High School, and worked as a farmer, farming his own land, and as a carpenter. He owned his own construction company, Wiley Construction, for many years specializing in custom homes and remodels.

 

An active community member, Lloyd volunteered with many organizations. He was a long-time member of the Bourbon County Fair Board. Lloyd was inducted into the Kansans Fairs & Festivals Association’s Hall of Fame in 2006. He was also extremely active with the Tri-State Draft Horse Pullers. A favorite pastime was to load up his draft horses and head to pulling matches all over the country, having competed in places such as the National Western Stock Show in Denver and the Tulsa, Oklahoma State Fair. When at home he spent many, many days pulling wagons with grade-school kids, nursing home residents, and Santas in the Fort Scott Christmas parades; you name it Lloyd was present in the community.

 

Known as a husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, and friend to many, Lloyd will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Those he left behind are comforted, knowing that he is in a better place with his loved ones who passed before him, including Jean and Lyn. Knowing Lloyd, he probably went and picked up his Jean, and they are headed to a pulling match in heaven right now.

 

Survivors include his son Pete Wiley, of Fort Scott; daughter-in-law, Cindy Wiley, of St. Francis, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Marie Wiley and Pat Price, both of Fort Scott; three grandchildren, Dustin Wiley and his wife Randi of Okemah, Oklahoma, Darin Wiley and his wife Taylor of Snook, Texas, and Cheyenne Von Krosigk and her husband Randell of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; great-grandson, Weston Lyn Wiley of Okemah, Oklahoma; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his wife, Jean, Lloyd was also preceded in death by his eldest son, Lyn; daughter-in-law, Jeanie; his parents; three brothers, Don Wiley, Dale Wiley, and Larry Wiley; and his sister, Dorothy Hoffman.

 

Chuck Harris will conduct funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home in Fort Scott, with burial following at the Memory Gardens of Bourbon County Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, November 28, 2023, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bourbon County Fair Board, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

First Ever Christmas on the Bricks: Something For Everyone

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The inaugural Christmas on the Bricks Festival is this weekend and behind the scenes, the committee has been working like elves in Santa’s workshop. Today is the deadline for parade entry and sponsorship gathering, see at end of the feature.

“There will be a variety of things that people can do,” Diane Striler, Elevate Fort Scott Christmas Chairman said. “It will be a unique event that people will want to come back to each year.”

The group formed in the spring of 2023, and there are several committees.

Beside Striler, on the Christmas on the Bricks committee are Lindsay Madison, Brad Matkin, and Josh Jones.

“Brad Matkin wanted to start a group to bring awesome things to the community,” Striler said. The group started talking about Christmas. “Brad saw cutouts for photo opportunities at Branson (MO.) I love Christmas and said ‘Let me help with that!’, ” she said.

“So many people have helped out,” Striler said. “Denise Beaman is helping with the Fort Scott Downtown Christmas Tree Contest for businesses. The city workers are helping downtown get ready for the event. Mid Continental Restoration is supplying generators for the booths that will be set up downtown. Southeast Kansas Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) instructors and students designed the booths, and Structural Panel Innovations (SPI) cut the walls for the booths. Niece Products made and donated the firepits that will be used for making s’mores.”

Many, many people have donated time, expertise, or materials to the event, she said.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce has had a Christmas Parade for years, ending with the lighting of the huge Mayor’s Christmas Tree at the end of North Main Street.

This year has been added St. Mary’s Catholic School students (Fort Scott)  will be singing at the lighting ceremony, and fireworks will go off as the tree is lit.

Striler said she is a TV Hallmark Channel fan and many of her ideas have come from those romantic drama movies.

One of the first things Striler did was to find horse-drawn carriages that would give rides. “We have Orange Star Carriages from Arkansas who are bringing three carriages. The cost is $40 for four people, with small children sitting on a lap for free. We are encouraging people to pre-register ahead of time. They will be at Wall and Scott Avenue (the depot building) from 6 to 10 p.m.”

The downtown businesses will be open until  8 p.m. each evening.

Businesses are competing in a Christmas tree decorating contest. “This will bring awareness to the businesses downtown. The public can vote at the Courtland Hotel at 1st and Scott Street,” she said.

Vendor booths will be selling “Quality Christmas-related items, that don’t compete with our businesses,” she said.

There will be a public information booth on Wall Street.

At that booth will be sold Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks commemorative items, including t-shirts and sweatshirts (price range $30 to $55) and mini-brick Christmas ornaments created by the Artificers owners, Kate and Trent Freeman, which will sell for $20.

Striler said she has been “asking God to handle the little things and the weather.”

The following is provided by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce:

Click HERE for a printable PDF copy of the flyer.

Click HERE for more details on the individual activities listed.

Events that require pre-registration include:
* Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
* Candlelight Tours of the Fort
* Gingerbread House Making Contest
* Christmas Paint Party at Pizza Republic
* Floral Centerpiece Making Class

For places to stay during the event: click here

 

The organizers for the Christmas on the Bricks want to recognize the event sponsors.

To be added to the sponsors for promotion, printed signs, and materials for the event, contact the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce today, Monday, November 27 by 1 p.m.

 

From the Chamber press release:

The festival will be packed full of holiday cheer, events, shopping, and activities for all ages with aspirations to be a destination for an Old-Fashioned Christmas.

The weekend will kick off with the“Candy Land Christmas” Parade of Lights on Thursday, November 30th at 6 pm, followed by the Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, Music by St. Mary’s School Choir, Holiday Fireworks, and Pictures with Santa insideBe the Light Boutique at 12 N. Main St.

Click here to enter the parade by 1 pm on 11/27!

Events taking place on BOTH Friday and Saturday,

December 1st and 2nd, include:

• 42nd Annual Candlelight Tours, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Fri. 6:30-9 pm, Sat. 5-9 pm

• Downtown Business Christmas Tree Decorating Contest cast your vote @ the Courtland, your vote will also enter you in a drawing for prizes!

• The Artificers 7th Annual Christmas Show, Fri. 5-9 pm, Sat. 10 am-9 pm, Sun., 12-5 pm

• Downtown Stores Open Late for Shopping, until at least 8 pm each night

• Crooner’s Outdoor Patio decorated for photo opportunities, open to the public Fri.-Sun.

• Nativity Showcase, First United Methodist Church, Fri. 5-8 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm

• Holiday Market Booths at Wall & Main St., Friday 6-10 pm, Saturday 12-10 pm

• Carriage Rides departing from the Depot, 6-10 pm each night

• Firepits with S’mores on Skubitz Plaza, 6-10 pm each night

• Live Nativity by Bethel Church, 1st St. & Scott Ave., 5:30-8:30pm each night

• Pictures with Santa, Be the Light Boutique, Fri. 5-8 pm, Sat. 12-2 pm & 5-8 pm

• Historical Trolley Tours from the Chamber & Visitor’s Center, Fri. 11 am-2 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm

Friday-only events include:

• Outdoor Movies at Lowell Milken Park, 6 pm until over

• Live Music by Holly Crays 6:30-7:30pm & Morgan Rohr 8-9 pm, Heritage Pavilion, 1st & Main St.

• Christmas Karaoke at Sharky’s North Pole Pop-up Christmas Bar (3rd floor), 9 pm-1 am

Saturday-only events include:

• Gingerbread House Making Contest, Brickstreet BBQ, 10 am

• Candy Land Adventure, Museum of Creativity, 10 am-4 pm

• Christmas Paint Party at Pizza Republic, 1-3 pm

• Christmas Cookie Decorating and Storytime, Hedgehog.INK!, 2pm

• Chili Feed by FSPD & FSFD, Empress Event Center, 5:30-8 pm

• Bourbon County Revival live band, Empress Event Center, 6-8 pm

• Late-night SINGO, Memorial Hall, 8-11 pm

Sunday-only events include:

• Cohn’s Cafe Holiday Family Style Brunch, 10 am-2 pm, reservations strongly recommended, call or text 620-418-6209

• Floral Centerpiece Making Class by Sunshine Boutique, 1 pm

Be sure and look for the Christmas cutouts throughout Downtown for photo opportunities with your friends and family, being made by Mike & Danyell Miles.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Fort Scott express sincere thanks to ALL the sponsors, volunteers, and staff who are making this event possible, including:

Event Chairperson and Chamber Board Member, Diane Striler; Chamber President & CEO, Lindsay Madison; Communications & Events Coordinator Emily Clayton.

Locals and visitors are encouraged to make plans to enjoy this

This is a FUN weekend on the bricks of the Downtown Historic Fort Scott District!

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or [email protected] for questions or more information.

Bourbon County Local News