Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Meet and Greet: Much Is Happening In Fort Scott

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Attendees of the Downtown Meet and Greet mingle before the meeting begins on July 9 at the Cohn’s Cafe.

Kathy and Tracy Dancer, owners of Cohn’s Cafe, 110 S. Main,  hosted the quarterly Fort Scott Downtown Meet and Greet on July 9.

Tracy and Kathy Dancer in the entrance to 110 S. Main,  called Mercantile and Market and Cohn’s Cafe.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors quarterly events to learn/tell of happenings in the downtown historic district.

Lindsay Madison, the Chamber’s executive director, told of the following upcoming events:

  • July 13 sidewalk sales-11 stores participating with a Business Bingo, Riggs Chiropractic offering free screenings, and the Bourbon County Democrats with a booth.
  • August 2-4 is the annual sales tax holiday weekend in Fort Scott.
  • September 12 is the Fall Fest from 5-8 p.m.
  • October 26 is the annual Halloween Parade at 11 a.m.
  • November 7-9 the Holiday Open House with the main kickoff on Thursday from 5-8 p.m.
  • December 5 is the Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. with the theme “A Storybook Christmas.”
  • December 6-7 stores are open late for Christmas on the Bricks.
  • New seasonal downtown light pole banners are being ordered featuring local veterans. The banners will be posted on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day at a cost of $300 and the family gets the banner at the end. 30 banners have sold, so far.
  • There are a few ad spaces available on the Downtown Directory Sign on North Main Street, $100 per year.
  • The Chamber Golf Classic is this Friday, July 12. Raffle items and gift cards are welcome for this fundraiser for the Chamber.
  • There will be an Election Candidate Forum on Thursday, July 25 at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium with a meet and greet at 5:30 p.m. and the forum at 6 p.m.
  • Several business grants are available: e-community with 6% for 10 yrs., $5,000 to $50,000; Grow KS: maximum $100,000+, 4% for 5 yrs., 6% for 10 years; USDA REAP grant for energy efficiency and solar projects (the last round of grants deadline is Sept. 30); and HEAL Grants for downtown businesses.

Superintendent of Fort Scot National Historic Site Jill Jarworski said the fire suppression project is 50 % complete, the Blair House will soon have new siding, the infantry barracks will be renovated, three HVAC units will be replaced, there will soon be more accessibility at the Fort, Candlelight Tours are in the planning stages, the Naturalization Ceremony will be Sept. 20 this year, there is an app “Sunflower Summer” for 3-4th grade students is free and features Kansas attractions.

Downtown Trolley Tours has a new driver, Steve Allmond, with Friday tours on the hour starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m.; Saturday hours start at 10 a.m. on the hours. There is a wheelchair lift available and at least 6 persons minimum.

Merita Meech announced her inaugural Jim Meech Agri-Medical Foundation event at Sharkey’s Third Floor on July 27, from 6-8 p.m. She has a web link for the event to help farmers/ranchers in the first 30 days following a crisis.

There will be a craft event at the River Room Event Center at Oak and National Avenue on July 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fort Scott City representative Mary Wyatt said a new name for the golf course will be announced on August 15, a grant has been applied for Memorial Hall, KDOT recently awarded the city money for East National Avenue and the Third Street Park project is nearing completion.

Regional Economic Development Inc. Director Rob Harrington told of the Freeman Hospital opening in April 2025 at the former Mercy site. The health system is going through the Federal licensing process. At the August 2 Chamber Coffee, Kansas Renewal Institute and REDI will give tours of the newly renovated emergency department facility.  REDI is having its annual gala on August 3 at the Liberty Theater with a live and online auction to provide scholarships for local high school students. He said in 2025, there will be many construction workers (solar energy) in the county that will need housing, and possibly be shopping and attending events in the county. He encourages welcome packets for them and “they will bring in a huge amount of sales tax.”

Open Mortgage, at Wall and National, has merged and will be getting a new name.

A new business, House of Cottonwood Candles,, there is opening in the former Common Ground building at 116 S. Main.

Jerry Witt, Riverfront Authority Chair, said that Riverfront Park will soon have some new features.

Two Fort Scott Community College Basketball Coaches attending said they are recruiting for the new season.

Konantz Cheney has a new website and can be followed on Facebook.

Madison said she and staff continually get compliments about the downtown area and thanked the downtown businesses.

In June 2025, there will be the all-school Fort Scott High School Reunion events.

The Bourbon County Fair starts next week and Meech encouraged all to walk through the fair and appreciate the effort the FFA and 4H youth have done throughout the year.

Jill Jarowski gets a coffee and sweets provided by Cohn’s Cafe for the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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AD: Joshua Jones for KS House of Representatives

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Former Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones and a Fort Scott Water Distribution Supervisor discuss the splash pad project in this April 19, 2023 photo at the site on North National Ave.

Joshua Jones Candidate for Kansas House of Representative District 4 

As election time approaches, I want to emphasize the need for candidates to remain active even after the election is over.

Too often, elected officials only engage with the community during election periods. As an eighth-generation resident of Bourbon County, I have a deep connection to this area and believe that community service and consistent involvement are key to our success.

Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of working on projects such as refurbishing the high school tennis courts, helping acquire and donate a historic property to the Gordon Parks Museum, organizing events to raise awareness for Memorial Hall, and assisting in the development of a community splash pad.

.Josh Jones helped the Gordon Parks Museum receive the AME Church property in June 2023.
Photo Courtesy of and Copyright by The Gordon Parks Foundation
(left to right) Josh Jones, Kirk Sharp, Gordon Parks Museum and Sarah Smith, Fort Scott Community College Foundation.

As your representative, I understand that we are all in this together and recognize the dedication required to be a positive and active elected official year-round. 

John Crain and Josh Jones paint the bathroom at Third Street Park in this October 2022 photo. Submitted photo.
Josh Jones was part of a committee that helped bring the splash pad to Fort Scott. This is opening day in 2023 from the Fort Scott Splash Pad Facebook page.

My Promises to You

 

  1. **Give Back My Salary** 

   My belief is simple: if the people I serve benefit, then I benefit. We are all in this together. I am giving back my salary because your tax dollars should work for you. 

 

  1. **Year-Round Accessibility and Transparency** 

   How often do you only hear from politicians during the election? During my time as Mayor/City Commissioner, I was the first to hold public forums to get citizens’ input. 

This ad paid for by Joshua Jones Candidate/Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Citizens Group Plan A Petition to Increase the Bourbon County Commissioners from Three to Five Members

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PRESS RELEASE
A bi-partisan Bourbon County citizens group, aptly named The Three-to-Five Committee, has published and received preliminary sufficiency, on a petition to place a question on the November 2024 general election ballot; “Shall the current number of
Bourbon County Commissioner Districts setforth on KSA 19-203(a)(b)(c)(d)&(e), be increased to five (5) Commissioner Districts?”

As provided in the Kansas Statutes the Districts will be five districts “as compact and equal in population” as possible. The change will have no impact on the County budget. The additional Commissioners will allow better collaboration and focused
representation on their respective districts.

As the Commission is currently constructed, the group noted, “Even two Commissioners having conversations on any topic that may
come before the Commission, is a violation of the Kansas Open Meeting Act (KOMA).”

Allowing an opportunity for collaboration and discussions with two Commissioners will improve the decision-making process and should provide improved transparency and accountability.

Signatures will be collected by registered voters in Bourbon County over the next few months to place the question on the November ballot to prevent the need for a special election and the expense associated with such an election.

Additional information is being assembled to make sure every petition signer is well informed on the benefits of this expansion in Bourbon County in the Bourbon County Commission.
###

To view the petition:

Petition to increase the number of Commissioners 7-9-2024 printable

Submitted by Michael Hoyt.

K-State Extension, Youth

Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team: From State to International Champions

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Brady Hurt, Tate Crystal, Reegan McDaniel, Emery Yoho, Kyser Nemecek, Carly Dreher. Submitted photo.
In August 2023, they were State Champions. Fast forward to January 2024, and they clinched the National Championship. Now, the Southwind District proudly announces that these remarkable kids have earned the title of International Champions!
Emery Yoho, Brady Hurt, Kyser Nemecek, Tate Crystal, Carly Dreher, Reegan McDaniel. Submitted photo.
In January 2024, the Southwind Extension District 4-H Livestock Judging Team, consisting of Emery Yoho (Yates Center), Tate Crystal (Fort Scott), Reegan McDaniel (Fort Scott), and Kyser Nemecek (Iola), emerged as the National Champion 4-H Livestock Judging Team at the prestigious National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. This victory earned them an invitation to compete internationally at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and the Charleville Show in the Republic of Ireland from June 19 to July 3, 2024.
The Royal Highland Show, a top-tier livestock event comparable to the American Royal or National Western Stock Show, where the Southwind District 4-H youth divided into pairs, each judging different species. Emery Yoho and Tate Crystal formed the Kansas 4-H Sheep Team, earning the Champion Team title, while Reegan McDaniel and Kyser Nemecek, the Cattle Team, secured 4th Overall. Carly Dreher (Iola) and Brady Hurt (Buffalo) also participated in the contest.
Back Row: Brady Hurt, Tate Crystal, Reegan McDaniel, Kyser Nemecek; Front row: Carla Nemecek, Emery Yoho, Carly Dreher, Cathy Dreher. Submitted photo.
The International Livestock Tour offered more than just competition. It included agricultural seminars, tours, and opportunities to enhance leadership skills and education through interactions with citizens of the UK and Ireland. The team visited diverse livestock operations, including a water buffalo milking facility that produces its own mozzarella cheese, a progressive livestock sale barn, and Netherton Farm, home to one of Scotland’s top Registered Angus herds. Additionally, they enjoyed the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and the Clonmel Stock Show in Ireland.
Beyond agriculture, the Kansas youth forged friendships with a Scottish sheep breeder, rode the London Eye in England, and kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland. They were part of an elite group of nine American 4-H and FFA Teams from across the US, each having earned their spot by winning either a Champion or Reserve title at a National Livestock Judging contest. Accompanying them on this International Tour were Carla Nemecek and Cathy Dreher.
To support their journey, the Southwind team sold stock in the Livestock Judging Team and will host a shareholders meeting on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the River Room Event Center in Fort Scott, KS. Shareholders will be treated to dinner and a comprehensive presentation of the learning experiences from the Tour, showcasing the invaluable return on their investment in the 4-H Livestock Judging Team.
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Free Friday Night Concert: Backside of the Moon on July 12

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On Friday evening, July 12, the band Backside of the Moon will perform for the Chamber of Commerce concert series.

The band plays a variety of music and includes some comedy in their
performance. Members of Backside of the Moon are Larry Snow, Judy Snow, Don Brubaker, and Pat Briant.

This is a very talented group which is based in Mound City. The concert at the pavilion park begins at 7 p.m.

Because seating is limited, you are encouraged to bring a lawn
chair.

Free Friday Night Concerts are sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and coordinated by Ralph Carlson. The event is usually at First and Main Streets, Fort Scott. In case of inclement weather, the event is moved to indoor venues. This photo is from 2019.

In case of hot or rainy weather, the concert will be held at the Common Ground Coffee Shop.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

News Release of the July 8 U234 Board of Education Meeting

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BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, July 8, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The Board voted for David Stewart to remain as Board President and Stewart Gulager to remain Board Vice-President.

 

The board approved the official agenda and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

06/03/24 Minutes

06/10/24 Board Minutes

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – June 20, 2024 -$2,128,270.84

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Appoint Terry Mayfield as Deputy Board Clerk

HS Extended Trip Forms 24-25

HS Fundraising Applications 24-25

Resolution 24-01 – Destruction of Records

Resolution 24-02 – Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

Resolution 24-03 – Rescinding Policy Statements found in Board Minutes

Resolution 24-04 – Establish Home Rule by Board of Education

Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds

Set fees for copying records

10 cents per page for employees

10 cents per page for alumni

15 cents per page for non-employees

20 cents per page for color copies

Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate

For information only – as of 07/01/24 – 67 cents

2024-25 School Fees

Recreation Commission Board Member Term

Designation of newspaper for official school publications – Fort Scott Tribune

Offices for the 2024-25 School Year

KASB Government Relations Network Representative – Board President

Food Service Hearing Officer/Compliance Coordinator for Federal

Anti-Discrimination Laws – Terry Mayfield

Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act/Coordinator/Point of Contact for Child – Destry Brown

Welfare Agencies/District Foster Care Liaison/Freedom of Information Officer – Haley Jones

Food Service Program Representative – Robin Button

Clerk – Candace Jobe

KPERS Representative/KiCS Designated Representative Member – Angela Robinson

Treasurer – Rhonda Dawson

LCP Coordinator/Coordinator for Homeless Children/ 504 Coordinator – Destry Brown

Fort Scott High School Attendance Officer – Jeff Johnson

Fort Scott Middle School Attendance Officer – Matt Harris

Eugene Ware Attendance Officer – Brandon Boyd

Winfield Scott Attendance Officer – Nicole Gilmore

Bourbon County Ready Board – vacant

June 2024 KASB Policy Updates

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the SAFE Schools grant that will help update security cameras, district radios, and provide additional AEDs. Also, he clarified information about the new Preschool Building.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield updated the board on cross training and job descriptions within the district office. He explained the processes for his position and how he planned to bring information to the Board in the future. Lastly, he gave an update about closing the 23-24 school year budget.

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported on finances coming in for the upcoming school year. She explained about updating Special Education manuals that need to

be completed this next year

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Workers Compensation Renewal 2024-25
  • KiCS Property, Casualty, Insurance 2024-25
  • 2024-25 Emergency Operations Procedures
  • Dates set for Budget Presentation, Revenue Neutral Hearing & Budget Hearing
  • Resolution 24-05 Revenue Neutral Declaration to the Bourbon County Clerk
  • ERate Order

 

There was none present for public forum.

 

The board went into executive session for negotiations/salary discussions.

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

July 8, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Colvin, Angela – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Geneva, Nancy – Resignation – Food Service

Wilson, Kerrie – Resignation – Receptionist/District Admin Assistant – Board Office

 

TRANSFER:

 

Dawson, Jamie – School Psychologist Para

Endicott, Jencyn – Preschool Para

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Rainey, Taylor – Special Education Teacher – KRI

Stewart, Mya – .5 Speech Para & .5 OT Para

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Matkin, Tammy -Receptionist/District Admin Assistant – Board Office

Thurston, Jordan – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Nolene Whiteside

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Nolene Louise Whiteside, 97, of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Presbyterian Village. She was born February 11, 1927, in the family home in Pawnee County, Kansas, the daughter of John “Walter” Stump and Esther Alveda (Larson) Stump. She married Edward Lee Whiteside on September 7, 1947, in Larned, Kansas. He preceded her in death May 8, 2008.

 

Nolene graduated from Larned High School in 1945 and then attended KU for two years in accounting. It was during this time that she met Ed, her future husband, while sitting out of campus activities due to a sprained ankle she injured playing softball. While everyone else was “digging dandelions” Ed came over to sit by her and talk. He later asked her on a date, and they continued to date after he returned to his home in Fort Scott to work in the family grocery store.

 

After they were married, Nolene and Ed lived over the Whiteside’s Grocery store for a short time before moving to a house and then eventually building two houses over the years. At their home on Lee’s Circle Drive they had the big yard that Ed liked and room for the large garden that Nolene loved. 

 

Traveling was something she and Ed enjoyed doing together, and through the grocery store business, Ed won several trips. They traveled to South America, Brazil, Hawaii, Kiawah Island, and San Juan Puerto Rico. After retiring, they took several trips with the Fun Seekers to Vancouver and Victoria Canada, Europe, Prince Edward Island, and Niagara Falls.

 

Over the years, Nolene has belonged to a number of different clubs including Kansas Federation of Women’s Club, of which she was Past President, 2nd district; Progressive Mothers Club, Pieran Club, DAR, Starlite FCE, Old Fort Genealogical Society, and church circle. She was also a leader for both the Campfire Girls and Cub Scouts when her children were involved. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served in a number of roles from Sunday School teacher, VBS director, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, Administrative Board, Young Mother’s Circle, UMW Treasurer and President. Nolene enjoyed crocheting afghans and potholders, and loved gardening (vegetables and flowers) as well as reading.

 

Nolene is survived by her children, Sheryl Bloomfield, Fort Scott, Marilyn (Ron) Bailey, Phoenix, Arizona, and Lee (Nadine) Whiteside, Goodyear, Arizona; four grandchildren, Jenny (Ryan) Sciara, Matt (Sara) Bloomfield, Kate (Brian) Reddy, and Andrea (Andrew) Omer; nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Ed, Nolene was also preceded in death by her parents, sister, Maxine Stump, brothers, Leonard and Ralph Stump, infant daughter, Nancy Ann Whiteside, great-granddaughter, Olivia Bloomfield, and son-in-law Tim Bloomfield.

 

Pastor Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. on July 15, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church with burial following at the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. A visitation is scheduled for Sunday evening July 14, 2024, 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Olivia Bloomfield Foundation (oliviabloomfieldfoundation.org) 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. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

The family would like to offer special thanks to the caring staff of Gentiva Hospice. Also, Nolene’s family sends a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Presbyterian Village for their loving and wonderful care over the past five years.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted By Walmart on July 11

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Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, July 11th, 8am
Hosted by Fort Scott Walmart

2500 S. Main
Fort Scott Walmart is located at 2500 S. Main Street.

* Fort Scott Walmart has been in the community since March 1st, 1972!

*Walmart’s Mission statement is to save people money so they can live better.

*Walmart values all the way customers like to shop from in store to pick up and delivery!

Thank you Fort Scott Walmart for being a Chamber Member!

Join us for coffee, juice, light refreshments and door prizes this Thursday at Fort Scott Walmart!

Click here to check out their Facebook!

Click here for their website!

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members

shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Business, Exercise, Fort Scott

BEE Better Health Club Is Now In Fort Scott

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The new fitness facility. Submitted photo.
BEE Better Health Club has moved locations.
Wesley DeHaven, 24, is the owner and coach of the business and last year in June he opened the fitness center on his family’s farm.
On June 10, 2024, he opened the fitness center at 212 E. 1st in Fort Scott.
The BEE Better Health Club is a group fitness studio for women.
Wes DeHaven. Submitted photo.
“I’m a certified group fitness instructor through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I worked at a CrossFit gym where I began my weight-loss journey and began coaching women’s Boot Camp classes. I’ve been working with clients and coaching classes since November 2022,” he said.
Lisa Ziegler, Eli (Madison’s son), Madison Bruner, and Wes DeHaven, who had just finished their first workout in the new gym. Submitted photo.
“I was initially located southeast of town in a garage on the family farm. The initial plan was to always get in town and be easily accessible to provide my services,” he said.
“As a fat loss and body recomposition coach, all group fitness members receive nutrition coaching,” he said. “I also offer one-on-one coaching services. I run what I call a hybrid model, in-person and remote which makes it easy for me to work with work schedules. In terms of products, I am an authorized retailer for 1st Phorm a supplement company. The most loved products are protein bars, high-protein meat sticks, and protein powders. “
“Inside group fitness we have 16 members and I have another 12 that I currently work with one-to-one,” he said.
Current class times are 7 AM and 5:30 PM.
Text or call DeHaven at  (620) 644-8150 or visti the Facebook page: The BEE Better Health Club
Krista Stramel, Rhonda Bowles, Delane Godden, Joe’ Fritter, Jill Ruby, Sami Rogers, Wilma Hibdon, and Paulette Albright pose in a post-workout selfie from an Upper Body Day in the new location.

Bourbon County Local News