Business, Fort Scott

New Boutique Comes to Downtown Fort Scott

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Ed Townley paints the front of the new store at 12 N. Main.

Susan Townley has been in the boutique business in the Overland Park and Olathe area near Kansas City for over five years.

Susan Townly works on displays in the family’s boutique, Be The Light at 12 N. Main.

She and her husband, Ed, own the former Country Cupboard Store at 12 N. Main, which they purchased from the Renard family.

They are been making the space their own since purchasing the building in December 2021 with sanding, painting, new lights, and some new carpet in areas. The antique wooden floors and ceiling tiles are features, along with some glass showcases.

Ed and Susan have done all the work themselves.

The name of the boutique is  Be The Light.

“The name Be The Light is based on suicide awareness and on the Bible verse Matthew 5:14-16 which states – 14 ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,'” Susan said.

Tyler Candles are featured at the store.

Her specialty is Tyler Candles, from Tyler, Texas, her hometown. But they also repurpose furniture and have lots of collectibles and vintage finds for sale.

“Going to Canton, Texas when young, the boutique world is not like anywhere else,” she said. “I wanted to bring it up here.”

A vignette displays some of the items for sale at the boutique.

“We see Fort Scott being a destination point, and believe the city is heading toward growth,” Susan said.

Seasonal items are for sale at the Be The Light Boutique.

“We’ve collected three to four years for this move,” she said. They will also sell seasonal items and a little clothing.

Some collectibles are for sale and can be viewed in antique showcases at the boutique.

“I’m from Texas and we make trips to Texas for markets looking for ideas and inspirations,” she said.

Some neon lights are for sale at the boutique.

Be The Light will have its’ grand opening on November 2.

Then they will be a part of the Fort Scott Holiday Open House Shopping Event on November 9-11.

Following the Christmas Parade on November 30, they will have a spot for children to visit Santa in the store.

That parade starts the Christmas on the Bricks event weekend, Dec. 1-2.

The boutique will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Townleys also own 11 N. Main, across the street,  that they have rented out.

Be The Light has a Facebook page and an Instagram page.

The phone number is 913.406.2998.

The logo of the business. Submitted graphic.

 

Government, Jobs

Building Workforce Through Apprenticeship Grants

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Governor Kelly Announces Recipients of More than $500K in Registered Apprenticeship Grants

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced a total of $528,478 has been awarded by the Kansas Department of Commerce to eight entities across the state for projects that will attract and retain employees and build the state workforce through registered apprenticeships.

“Last year, I created the Office of Registered Apprenticeship to dramatically scale up our state’s efforts to train Kansas workers with the skills needed to succeed in today’s modern economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Apprenticeships are a win for both workers and businesses, which is why my administration will continue to invest in them.”

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship received total funding requests of $3.3 million from 16 applicants. Applicants identified a variety of project needs related to registered apprenticeships, such as technical instruction, outreach, staffing, partnerships, and administrative costs. Awardees are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match, and projects must be completed by September 30, 2024.

“Unions, higher education partners, and other economic development groups have accepted the challenge to modernize the registered apprenticeship ecosystem,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Benefits will be felt throughout the economy, with Kansas workers and their families being the biggest winners.”

Grant awardees include:

  • Dodge City Economic Development Council received $45,000 for capacity building and direct business outreach
  • Greater Kansas City Laborers Training, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council received $36,000 for a Spanish-speaking instructor
  • Ironworkers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Trust in Wichita received $29,956 for training equipment including a forklift trainer
  • Kansas Farm Bureau (statewide) received $90,000 for capacity building and direct business outreach
  • Kansas State Council of SHRM (statewide) received $62,160 for capacity building and direct business outreach
  • Plumbers and Pipefitters Training of Kansas, United Association 441 (UA441) in Wichita received $100,000 for HVAC training equipment, capacity building, and direct business outreach
  • Topeka Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 226 (IBEW 226), in partnership with Hutchinson Community College, received $66,885 for training equipment and related technical instruction
  • Wichita Electrical Industry Training Fund, IBEW 271 received $98,476 for capacity building and direct business outreach

“Registered apprenticeships give Kansas workers the skills and experience they need to compete in the modern economy,” Director of Apprenticeship and Internship Shonda Anderson said. “These grants will help connect those skilled workers with good-paying jobs in an increasing number of occupations.”

“This investment in our mission will empower us to provide additional training to our current apprentices as well as attract additional apprentices to our program,” UA441 Vice President John Clark said.

To learn more about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, click here.

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Area News

Discuss Regional Transportation Priorities Oct. 12 at Iola

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KDOT’s 2023 Local Consult meetings scheduled across Kansas in October

The Kansas Department of Transportation is hosting nine meetings across the state in October as part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) Local Consult process. KDOT holds Local Consult meetings every two years to discuss regional transportation project priorities with Kansans.

Attendees will have an opportunity to share their region’s transportation priorities, hear about investments being made in transportation in their area and learn about various grant funding programs available through KDOT.

These meetings are an important step in collecting public input for the IKE program – the state’s current 10-year transportation improvement program. They are open to all Kansans.

Local Consult locations, dates and times:

  • Northeast Region (KDOT District 1) – Tuesday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. – noon, Four Points by Sheraton in Manhattan.
  • Southwest Region (KDOT District 6) – Wednesday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. – noon, Clarion Inn in Garden City.
  • South Central Region (KDOT District 5) – Thursday, Oct. 5., 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Merdian Center in Newton.
  • Northwest Region (KDOT District 3) – Tuesday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. – noon, Hilton Garden Inn in Hays.
  • North Central Region (KDOT District 2) – Wednesday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. – noon, Hilton Garden Inn in Salina.
  • Southeast Region (KDOT District 4) – Thursday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. – noon, Bowlus Fine Arts Center in Iola.
  • KC Metro – Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Lenexa Hyatt Place Kansas City/Lenexa City Center in Lenexa.
  • Wichita Metro – Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. – noon, WSU Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex in Wichita.
  • Virtual Meeting – Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. For those unable to attend an in-person meeting, they may attend a virtual meeting on Zoom. Please register here  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvf-uppjMsHdaOpjIXnRlJQV-xQrcEpb1A

More information about the Local Consult process is available online at: ike.ksdot.gov/local-consult-process.

 

Government

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall on Mental Health

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Wrap-Up: Senator Marshall Hosts Ag Mental Health Awareness Week

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marshall, M.D. led an Ag Mental Health Awareness Week. This campaign intended to bring attention to the signs a friend or loved one may be displaying when struggling with mental health and, throughout the week, highlighted resources that are available to farmers, ranchers, and our rural communities.

Working in agriculture presents unique challenges, often out of farmer’s or rancher’s control, and stressors that can contribute to poor mental health outcomes in rural Kansas communities. Senator Marshall’s campaign highlighted how Kansans can recognize someone in need of support and where to turn for help.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or contemplating suicide, 9-8-8 is the confidential Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that is available through text or call 24/7. The average wait time to be connected in Kansas is less than 21 seconds.

Below are some highlights from Senator Marshall’s campaign.

Hosted Mental Health Roundtables:

During the week, Senator Marshall hosted roundtable sessions in Wichita and Topeka to address meeting mental health needs for the agriculture communities throughout Kansas. Senator Marshall was joined by health care leaders from across the state, Kansas State Research and Extension professionals, the Kansas Farm Bureau, and the Kansas Farmers Union, among others.

Video PSA:

Senator Marshall released a public service announcement for his Ag Mental Health Awareness Campaign, which highlighted mental health trends in ag communities, how Kansans can recognize mental health warning signs, and where assistance can be found. You may click HERE or on the image below to watch.

Senator Marshall’s Ag Mental Health Campaign on Social Media:

Senator Marshall hosted a video conference with over 80 different groups across Kansas, including community health centers, farmers & ranchers, and agriculture groups, to discuss how everyone can come together for a week of action to spread awareness on mental health and discuss specific resources. Each group was asked to use the hashtag Ag Mental Health Awareness to unite everyone in their efforts.

The week of action was organized to highlight different aspects of mental health and resources. The week concluded with a resource graphic that was viewed and shared by over 1,000 people.

 

Elections, Government, Kansas

KS Attorney General: Procedures for Election Results

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AG’s Office Issues Opinion on Election Recount Procedures

 

TOPEKA – (Sept. 27, 2023) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach’s office today issued an opinion on procedures for election recounts.

“…A county conducting a recount may not substitute ballot images for the original paper ballots, unless the person requesting the recount specifically requests such substitution in a county that uses optical scanning equipment or electronic or electromechanical voting systems,” the opinion reads.

Obituary

Obituary of Vickie Marsh

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Vickie Rae Marsh, age 70, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott.

She was born January 12, 1953, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Clark D. “Red” Holt and Jean Feagins.  Vickie Graduated from the Bronaugh High School.  She married Terry Marsh on March 8, 1990, at Ft. Scott.  Vickie had worked as an outreach worker for Head Start program and later as a bus driver for the Ft. Scott USD #234 School District.

In her younger days, Vickie enjoyed pitching for the women’s fast pitch league and also bowling.  Vickie enjoyed hunting for treasures at garage sales and going on her yearly Christmas shopping spree with the girls.  She enjoyed attending arts and crafts festivals and creating crafts of her own.

When health permitted, Vickie rarely missed one of her grandchildren’s sporting events.  Quiet times were spent doing crossword puzzles.

She was a member of the Community of Christ Church.

 

Survivors include her husband, Terry, of the home; her daughter, Karri Stumfoll (Troy) and her son, John Hawkins (Michelle) all of Ft. Scott; six grandchildren, Allie Hawkins of Ft. Scott, Reba Montgomery of Titusville, Florida; Derek Stumfoll of Nevada; Troy R. Stumfoll (Heather), Libby Stumfoll (Josh) and Ciara Stumfoll all of Ft. Scott and five great-grandchildren, Kolson, Aiyanna, Easton, Harley and Tyson.  Also surviving are her parents, Dale and Jean Wheeler of Ft. Scott and siblings, Robert Holt (Terrie) of Cañon City, Colorado; JR Wheeler (Rocky) of Ballard, Missouri; Renae Russell (Rock) of Denver, Colorado and Deanna Snow (Frank) of Pleasanton, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Vickie was preceded in death by her father, Red Holt and two sisters, Sherrie Diane and Jeanine.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 3rd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Following services, there will be cremation and a private burial will take place at a later date in the Centerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 5 to 7 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government

Rock Creek and Lake Fort Scott Valves Are Closed

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As of right now the Rock Creek and Lake Fort Scott valves have been closed.

This is thanks to not only the weekend rains but also to the citizens of Fort Scott doing their part in conserving water. Thank you!

We will have to continue monitoring the river levels and will open the valves if needed. We will communicate this.

Please continue watching unneeded water usage.

We are still under a Water Warning.

Submitted by Brad Matkin, City Manager, City of Fort Scott

620-223-0550 ext. 210

 

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

Local Health Center Offers Public Transportation in Bourbon County

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The CareVan is parked in front of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, at 2322 S. Main Submitted photo.
Since August, the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has offered CareVan, which provides transportation for all people in Bourbon County.
“We started rides the beginning of August taking a few people, then September our new driver completed training and we moved them to be Bourbon County only,” said Dee Yount, CareVan Program Manager, said.
They are storing the vehicle at  Fort Scott CHC clinic,  located at 2322 S. Main. The dispatch is in Pittsburg.
“Riders can go anyplace in the county, this is not a CHC-only service,” Yount said. “It is first-come-first-served,  and we take same-day appointments. Our dispatchers answer and take trips when people call in, we try to find a way for everyone to get a ride.”
“We are trying to cover the entire county, Fort Scott is the point that most rides are from,” she said.

Highlights of the service:

  • Anyone can use this service
  • Their rides can go anyplace in the county
  • Last minute scheduling is available
  • Dispatch answers all calls or returns them within 20 minutes
  • It is free
  • The service is wheelchair accessible.

 

Transportation hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with dispatch hours of Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Services are based on availability, including same-day scheduling.

To schedule an appointment call 833-228-7433.

The project is funded in part by the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Public Transit Program and the Federal Transit Administration.

Contact info:

Dee Yount Program Manager’s phone number is 620. 215. 9626 or email [email protected]

Dispatch is 833. 228. 7433

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

FS Downtown Meet and Greet: Oct. 2 at City State Bank

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Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for October 3rd!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, October 3rd at City State Bank, 202 Scott Avenue, from 8am-9am.

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 with any questions.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Gordon Parks Museum, History

Gordon Parks Celebration Lunch & Learn Events: Oct. 5-7

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member Gordon Parks Museum….

Lunch & Learn Events!

Gordon Parks Museum is hosting a Gordon Parks Celebration Lunch & Learn Event!

Thursday, October 5th, 2023 at 12pm

“Learning from Gordon Parks”

Ann Dean, Freelance Photographer and Artist will talk about Gordon Parks Documentation of American life and culture. In this presentation Ann discusses the impact and inspiration found in Parks’ books: Our program is brought to us by Humanities Kansas.

Friday, October 6th, 2023 at 11:30am

“Harlem Renaissance and the Renaissance Man”

Randal Jelks, Professor of African and African American Studies and American Studies at University of Kansas. This presentation will share the history, journey, and connection of two titans of the early 20th century – Langston Hughes, a poet and a playwright, and Gordon Parks. Our program is brought to us by Humanities Kansas.

Friday, October 6th, 2023 at 2:30pm

“Back to Fort Scott, Now”/”I Needed Paris

Update”

Michael Cheers, Associate Professor, San Jose State University, Shreepad Joglekar, Associate Professor, Kansas State University and Jason Miccolo Johnson, former Professor, Savannah State University. This presentation of the “Back to Fort Scott, Now” project, is the re-imaging and tribute of Gordon Parks photos that he had taken in Fort Scott, KS in 1950. And an update and photos of the “I Needed Paris” project that took a group of African American photographers through Paris, traversing the same streets and neighborhoods as Gordon Parks did in the 1950s.

Saturday, October 7th, 2023 at 11:30am

“History of the Hawkins/Plaza School and All-School Reunion”

This presentation and event will explore the history of the (1884-1956) segregated Hawkins/Plaza School that Gordon Parks attended. We will also honor former students that attended either school throughout the years. Join us as we take the journey through time to learn about the school(s).

See dates, times, and full schedule at gordonparkscenter.org.

Questions? Call us at 620.223.2700, ext. 5850
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Bourbon County Local News