The railroad crossing on Jayhawk Road, between Liberty Bell Road and Richards Road, will be closed tomorrow, 4-26-2023, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to allow BNSF to perform track maintenance.
Local PEO Chapter Will Celebrate 100 Years on May 3
PEO Chapter CA will celebrate its 100th Anniversary May 3 at Liberty Theater.
The group is a philanthropic education organization whose legacy is empowering woman’s educational dreams. The PEO Sisterhood owns and supports Cottey College in Nevada, a four year bacculauerate-granting program open to women.
Chapter CA was organized on May 1, 1923, by the following Fort Scott women: Rose B. Miller, Henrietta Price, Fay A. Sample, Pearl C. Bamberger, Ethelyn W. Pritchard, Nina M. Trask, Lulu McGowan Mead, Rena Hunter, Ferne M. Duboc and Jessie G. Russell.
Today’s membership is comprised of business and professional women, educators, artists and those wishing to see women have the tools necessary to achieve their educational goals.
Throughout the years the Sisterhood has provided scholarships for women, young and old, who desire to pursue their education as well as providing other charitable work in our community.
For more detailed information, please contact President Pat Harry, 620-215-3913.
Submitted by Peggy Cummings 620-223-6159
RSVP Today For the FSCC Women’s Appreciation Luncheon on April 26
Fort Scott Community College’s Women’s Appreciation Luncheon is April 26 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton. Please RSVP today, April 25 by 3 p.m.
In addition to lunch, catered by Great Western Dining and Twigs & Berries, there will be door prizes and product displays.
The menu for the event:
- Choose one wrap from two selections: Southwest or club (Great Western Dining)
- Traditional salad (Twigs & Berries)
- Caprese pasta salad (Twigs & Berries)
- Sugar cookie fruit pizza (Twigs & Berries)
- Rainbow fruit salad (Twigs & Berries)
Cost of the lunch is $5. One can also pay at the door.
“The purpose of the event is to provide a luncheon of good food, great company, and to support local businesses owned by women,” Allie Birket, a Community Relations Committee member said. Birket, who is the assistant to the college president and Susie Arvidson, director of library services, are on the committee.
RSVP to [email protected] or 620-223-2700.
Vendors are FSCC Nursing Dept., FSCC Cosmetology Dept., Better in Bourbon Clothing, Tupperware, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Jbloom Jewelry, Riggs Chiropractic Fort Scott, Red Aspen, Bourbon County Health Dept., The Baby Stitch, Erica George Photography, The River Room (event center), Flying P Ranch, Kimberly Demko, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, Desert Blooms Boutique, Locust Hill Lamanches (goat milk products).
Say Something About Access To Child Care in Bourbon County
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Infrastructure and Economic Development Grants
Governor Kelly Announces Awardees of
Nearly $50 Million of Infrastructure
and Economic Development Grants
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced awardees for the second round of the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) economic development grant program. Thirty-eight awardees will receive a share of nearly $50 million in BASE grants, which will be used to address infrastructure and economic development needs where solutions were delayed or slowed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Kansas Department of Commerce reviewed more than 400 applications from the first round and more than 100 new applications from the second round. In total, more than $2 billion in funding was requested for the nearly $50 million program, demonstrating both the need for this program and the many opportunities that exist throughout the state.
“To continue our record-breaking success in attracting businesses and creating jobs in Kansas, we must invest in infrastructure and economic development,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That’s exactly what these grants do, and I’m proud that we were able to work together, across party lines, to continue driving our state forward.”
The second round of the BASE grant program, as approved by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee, offers matching funds to address economic development opportunities with the goal of expanding the state’s base of businesses and residents.
“The State of Kansas is determined to strengthen as many communities as we possibly can,” Senate President Ty Masterson said. “These BASE grants will get more vital community projects back on track, while transforming the state’s economy.”
Funds will support infrastructure investments associated with economic development projects. In addition to funds awarded, the BASE program has generated $44 million in matching investment by public and private stakeholders for awarded projects.
“The infrastructure projects this round of funding supports will foster prosperity for future generations of Kansans,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins said. “The SPARK Committee focused on projects that set the stage for strategic long-term growth through thoughtful and targeted planning.”
County and local governments, economic development organizations, local chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders were eligible to apply for the second round of the BASE grant. Applications not awarded from the first round were also considered in the second round. There is a minimum 25% applicant match requirement and applicants were required to document how the project was delayed or affected negatively due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Communities throughout our state will receive long-lasting benefits as a result of the BASE grant program,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Local leaders proposed specific solutions to address needs in their communities and these focused investments will continue to propel our state’s historic economic growth.”
For a list of BASE grant recipients and more information on the program, click here.
Chamber Coffee at the Fort Scott Public Library on April 27
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Chamber of Commerce Awards for 2023
The 2023 AWARD RECIPIENTS were presented by
THE FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE at the annual awards dinner on April 20, at the River Room Event Center.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce would like to say a special THANK YOU to everyone who was involved in the Chamber Annual Dinner 2023, according to its Facebook page.
Al Niece, Owner, Niece Products of Kansas & The River Room
River Room Events Center Staff, Pat & Cathy Bishop
Brickstreet BBQ , Alex & Carissa Bowman
Fort Scott High School Orchestra, Musicians
Sekan Occasion Shops & Designer’s Florist by Sekan, Stage Décor
Businesses Providing Table Decorations
Live & Silent Auction Donors
Mark Mccoy, Master of Ceremonies
Lance Anderson, Auctioneer
Chamber Board of Directors for their dedication &
time contributed to this event!
Special Congratulations to our Award Winners!
The results are as follows:
Top Decorated Table
State Farm Kale Nelson
2022 Outgoing Chairman of the Board
Katie Casper
Young Professional of the Year
Rachel French
Given to a professional 45 years old or younger who personifies
the traits desired in a “great” business person.
Agri-Business of the Year
The Lavender Patch Farm
Given to the agri-business that has contributed to the overall economy and benefits the Fort Scott area community.
New Business of the Year
The Artificers
Given to a business at least 3 years new to the community which exemplifies the business practices for which all businesses strive.
Business Person of the Year
Destry Brown
Given to a professional who personifies all the traits desired in a “great” business person: a dedication to their business, their community, and their family and friends.
Small Business of the Year
Perry’s Pork Rinds
Given to the business with 25 or less employees and $3 million or less in annual revenues that continually expands, improves and benefits the Fort Scott area through its achievements and accomplishments.
Large Business of the Year
Mid-Continental Restoration Co., Inc.
Given to the business that continually expands, improves, and benefits the Fort Scott area through its achievements and accomplishments.
Keystone Award
Craig Campbell
Honors a person/couple who has continually been a source of support to his or her community. The keystone is that wedge-shaped piece at the crown of an arch that locks the other pieces into place. Said another way; it is something on which associated things depend for support. This is the true meaning of giving of one’s talents and time at the highest level to make our community a better place.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 25
Gordon Parks Museum Receives Humanities Kansas Grant
TOPEKA – Humanities Kansas recently awarded $6,979 to the Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott to support “Langston Hughes and Gordon Parks Exhibit Display,” a moveable exhibit that explores the works and friendship between two cultural giants who had roots in Kansas. Kirk Sharp serves as project director.
This project will produce exhibit panel displays with a theme that highlights both Langston’s and Gordon’s lives and careers. The displays will target the history, journey, friendship, collaborations and connection of these two pioneers in the field of arts.
The panel displays will include graphics, photos and text information and follow both of their journeys as a poet and photographer, respectively and their impact on the arts. These panels will be portable, so they could easily be moved and displayed at different universities, libraries, and organizations across the state
of Kansas.
The project will also feature the launch of the exhibit display and speakers’ presentation on Langston Hughes and Gordon Parks, during the 20th annual Gordon Parks Celebration at the Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott, Kansas on October 5–7, 2023.
During the celebration, there will also be a digital
interactive display on Langston Hughes and Gordon Parks. “The exhibit displays creates a great opportunity in helping to keep both of the legacies and triumphs of Langston Hughes and Gordon Parks
alive.” said Kirk Sharp, Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director.
“Humanities Kansas believes that Kansans are energized by people engaging with history,” said Julie Mulvihill, Humanities Kansas Executive Director. “This traveling exhibit project will connect people with their past and strengthen a sense of community and pride of place.”
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy.
Since 1972, HK’s pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and
generate insights.
Together with statewide partners and supporters, HK inspires all Kansans to draw on diverse histories, literatures, and cultures to enrich their lives and to serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Local Project Director Kirk Sharp
Executive Director Gordon Parks Museum
2108 S. Horton St
Fort Scott, KS 66701 620–223–2700, ext. 5850,
kirks@ fortscott.edu
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Locara: Local Products/Services Listed on Internet Platform Courtesy of HBCAT
Locara Inc. is a new business partner with Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, HBCAT.
“Locara is a platform that supports small businesses by expanding their local customer base beyond word of mouth channels,” according to Tylor Hunn cofounder. “We offer a cost-effective and user-friendly e-commerce solution for these business owners to connect with local buyers.”
HBCAT has paid for up to 80 local businesses to have their products and services listed on the Locara platform for a year, which is a value of $60 per business, Hunn said.
They launched their website on April 5, https://www.locara.us in partnership with HBCAT and their Dare to Dream event.
“Through our partnership with HBCAT, we are piloting our startup in the Fort Scott area, helping local businesses display their products and services and expand their reach,” Hunn said. “We believe that this partnership is a great opportunity to support the growth and success of small businesses in the community.”
Hunn is chief executive officer of the business and Ali Zia is his technical partner.
They are registered in a small town in upstate New York, Chittenango.
They have been in business for two months and have five employees.
“Locara provides a location-based platform for small businesses to list and showcase their products and services online,” he said. “This means that these businesses can create a digital storefront where they can display pictures, descriptions, and pricing of their products or services, just like in a physical store.”
“We realized that small, local businesses face a range of difficulties including limited resources, limited visibility, and challenges competing with larger corporations,” Hunn said. “We have also noticed a large movement towards people wanting to support local, but very few actually do because there is no easy way to discover all the businesses around them, but more specifically, discover what they are selling.”
Locara’s internet platform centralizes all the small businesses in a community into a single storefront where local buyers can more easily find and purchase what they need, Hunn said.
“For example, imagine a local mother who makes and sells crafts from home but, from her experience sewing her kid’s clothes back together, she also wants to offer clothing repair services,” he said. “This woman can list each of the crafts and services she wants to sell. The community is then able to visit our website and browse through this mother’s products and services like they would be browsing on Amazon or Walmart’s website with the exception that everything listed on the website is from a local business. Our goal is to create an easier experience not only for small, local businesses to showcase what they sell, but also for buyers to find and make purchases from local businesses.”
Contact info:
- Email – [email protected]
- Phone – (315) 633-2219
Obituary of Elouise S. Young
Elouise S. Young, born May 20, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, went home to be with the Lord April 1, 2023.
Elouise graduated from North Division High School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Elouise met and married Junior L. Young on the 17th Day of October 1963. Together and with help from their parents, they raised the fearsome foursome, Shirley, (Cookie), Willie, David, and Terri. Four dynamic children who have made positive contributions to the community and raised beautiful families. Elouise and Junior were blessed with a lot of grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
In addition to raising her children Elouise entered the workforce. She worked for her father in his dry cleaning business for a period of time. She later became a nurse’s assistant at Milwaukee County Mental Health Hospital, where she would retire after 30 years of what she considered to be a much needed service to her community.
Upon retirement, Elouise focused on surrounding herself with her family and friends. She and her husband (Junior), moved back to Ft. Scott, Kansas. Later Elouise would move to Pittsburg, Kansas and later to Dover, Delaware.
She enjoyed traveling. She loved spending time with her road buddy Myrtle (Myrt) before Myrt moved to California. Later, Elouise would travel up and down the Kansas highways with Louise. Driving was her favorite source of transportation. Give her a cup of ice and a full tank and she would drive until she reached her destination. She would travel from Kansas to Wisconsin to spend time with family and friends and on to Texas to be with family and later to Delaware (where she finally retired those car keys).
Elouise especially loved attending and serving in her church United Missionary Baptist Church. She served her community, picking up food from the food pantry with her friend and delivering to those in need. Elouise served on several community boards. She was a strong woman with a strong will to live. She endured hardness as a good soldier. Elouise fought the good fight of faith and has finished the race and kept the faith.
Elouise lived life to the fullest extent. She left earth on an empty tank. Elouise poured out all she had. She left with no regrets. Her relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ was sealed and she was prepared and ready to go. Leaving peacefully in her sleep after hearing the loving voices of family and friends on the phone, just hours before leaving the earth.
Elouise was preceded in death by her husband Junior L. Young, her father and mother Dwight and Virginia Ayers; sister Rose, son, David, brothers; Peach, Ronnie and Dennis.
Elouise was a mom, grandmother, “grannie”, auntie, sister and friend. She loved her family dearly. Nothing gave her greater joy than to spend time with her family, eat chinese food, and laugh.
Elouise leaves behind daughter, Shirley (Cookie), one son Willie (Beth), daughter Terri; grandchildren; Larry (Caronda), Willie, Tami’ca, Brandin, Quincy, Eleana and Dalisa, great grandchildren; Deriyel, Lazzarus, Larriontae, Omunique, La’Zerious, Zavion, Za’Laya, Quincy Jr, Cameron, Mikyla, Princess, Israel, Braylie, Nikkita, Yaylan, Isabella; great-great grandchildren;
Nia’Loni, Harlym, Mila, Ka’leyan ; brother Delbert Ayers; two special ladies in her life Myrtle Anne Colum and Louise Nelson.
Memorial Service: United Missionary Baptist Church
Saturday, May 6, 2023 1:00 PM
16 North Ransom Street,
Ft Scott, Kansas 66701
(620) 223-5267
Date: May 5, 2023 Time: 11:00
Burial Site: West Plains Cemetery, Ft. Scott, Kansas
Burial Site Services by: Cheney Witt Chapel
Repass: United Missionary Baptist Church
Time: 1:30
Southeast Kansas Library Monthly Newsletter
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The SEKnFind Newsletter
April 2023
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