The City of Fort Scott will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 8, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., in the Fort Scott City Hall, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas, to discuss the City’s submission of an Urgent Need application for the Kansas Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
The maximum Urgent Need grant that may be requested is $400,000.
No involuntary displacement of persons will be proposed.
For the Urgent Need application, the City proposes to address concerns on 8 and 16 North National Avenue including: the loose and deteriorated masonry at the top of the walls, joint reinforcement, framing shoring, installment of parapet caps, reconstruction/repair of building corners, removal of all interior plaster and finishes from the exterior face of the walls, repoint and patch old joist pockets, install anchors over entire wall surface, and remove old joist ties from the exterior face of the wall.
Proposed financing is $400,000 from CDBG funds, and $285,000 from City funds.
Other project proposals introduced at the hearing will be considered.
Oral and written comments will be recorded and become a part of the City of Fort Scott’s CDBG Citizen Participation Plan. Reasonable accommodations will be made available to persons with disabilities. Requests should be submitted to the City of Fort Scott Clerk’s Office at 620-223-0550.
The Fort Scott High School Performing Arts Department presents the new musical “Ranked” by Kyle Holmes and David Taylor Gomes.
Performances are Nov. 9, and 11 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 13 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the FSHS Auditorium. Over fifty FSHS students are involved in the acting, singing, dancing, and technical aspects of the show.
“Ranked” presents a dystopian high school where the theme, “Buy your grades. Buy your future. But what happens when the rest of the world finds out?” comes to the surface.
Rankedmusical.com describes the plot this way: “Lily is Above the Average, barely. Soon the giant, and very public, academic leaderboards will update everyone’s class rank, and for another day, everyone will know their place. If you fall Below the Average – say goodbye to college, and pretty much everything else… In the face of an intense and perverse culture of performance, Lily must find her place in the status quo as she watches friends and enemies alike destroy themselves and each other to score their way to the top. When an impossible lie is discovered, the fate of these students’ futures hangs in the balance.”
Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for those under 18. Reserved tickets are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. Parental guidance is suggested.
Once an anchor store in Fort Scott Historic Downtown, Country Cupboard staff is opening the store at 12 N. Main on Saturdays only until the end of the year in a liquidation sale, according to employees.
Home decor, jewelry, clothing, cards, old fashion candy were among the offerings of the store, as well as Kansas State University accessories.
“Judy (Renard, the owner) was a true K-State fan,” a 20-year employee Sheila Blubaugh, said.
Judy Renard was the owner of the County Cupboard.
“We had the latest trends in merchandise,” Blubaugh, said. “Judy had a good ability to pick out something that was going to be popular. People came from lots of places, to shop here.”
“Judy was good at, if somebody wanted something we didn’t have, she would try to get it for them,” Marie Wiley, an almost 30-year employee, said. “She was a good boss, as well.”
Judy’s husband, John, had a shoe repair business inside the shop.
John died in December 2019, and Judy died this year in September.
In the last few years, the shop has been opened only rarely, as Judy had been ill.
Since the Good Ol Days Event this year in June, the shop has been open on Saturdays, Wiley said.
Now until the end of the year, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, shoppers can purchase antiques, store displays, former consignment items, and store merchandise that is for sale.
All are included in the liquidation sale.
“We have boxes of old consignment items,” Wiley said. “Some are being given away.”
The Renard family has listed the business property with real estate agent, Crystal Mason, Blubaugh said.
The family is comprised of Renard’s four children, Jim, Dallas, TX; Ron, Marshall, MO; David, Mapleton, and Dee Anne Miller, Fort Scott.
The building has two stories and a basement, Wiley said.
History of the business
Judy Renard started her business as the Calico Cottage, in a different building on Main Street, Blubaugh said.
“The shop featured handmade items, sold on consignment,” Blubaugh said.
Then Judy and John purchased the current location at 12 N. Main, about 40 years ago, Wiley said.
The building was originally a men’s clothing store, then A & P Grocery Store and then a men’s Western shop-when the Renard’s bought it, Wiley said.
Governor Laura Kelly’s Statement Addressing New Federal Vaccine Mandate
TOPEKA – The following can be attributed to Governor Laura Kelly regarding the Biden Administration’s new vaccine mandate:
“Yesterday, I reviewed the new vaccine mandate from the Biden Administration. While I appreciate the intention to keep people safe, a goal I share, I don’t believe this directive is the correct, or the most effective, solution for Kansas.
“States have been leading the fight against COVID-19 from the start of the pandemic. It is too late to impose a federal standard now that we have already developed systems and strategies that are tailored for our specific needs. I will seek a resolution that continues to recognize the uniqueness of our state and builds on our on-going efforts to combat a once-in-a-century crisis.”
Dave, my husband, is struggling with Alexa, our know-it-all internet gadget given to us by one of our sons. When Alexa hears her name, a white light spins around her top, letting us know that she is ready to respond. Last night, Dave and I were trying to recall the name of the new movie about Serena and Venus Williams’ upbringing. “Alexa,” Dave said, “What new movie will soon be released that is about Serena Williams and her family?”
“Too many words,” I told him. Alexa: “I don’t understand your question.” Me: “That’s because you used too many words,” I offered. Dave: “Alexa, what new movie will be coming out soon that is about the Williams’ tennis sisters and their family?” Me: “Much better,” I said, trying not to laugh. Alexa muttered something about Serena Williams’ most recent tennis tournament. Dave: “Could you hear her?” (I could not.) “How do I tell her that I can’t hear her?” Me: “Tell her that you can’t hear her. Or maybe you could just Google your question and get a faster answer.” Dave was not about to lose this competition. “Serena, please speak louder. No, I don’t mean Serena. I mean Alexa. Alexa, please speak louder.” Me: “Definitely improving. Much shorter sentences.” At this point, I cracked up. After two more attempts, Alexa admitted that she did not have an answer for us. Dave thanked her anyway, and she responded, “No problem.” “You thanked her for trying?” I asked. “She’s a machine. She’s not your friend.” “You never know,” Dave muttered, texting his question to Google. Alexa, like the rest of us, has her limitations. Sometimes she interrupts our conversations, even when she’s not invited. She doesn’t hear all. She doesn’t see all. She doesn’t know all. Most of the time she tries to help, but often, she can’t. As one of my friends said, “Well, she isn’t God, you know.” And my friend is right, even though it’s hard to fathom that God knows everything. He knows how many hairs are on our heads, the number of days of our lives, what we are thinking, how we will die and where we will spend eternity. No one has ever lived who understands life as He, our Creator, does. I love the (yes, over-told) story of the group of scientists who decided that man no longer needed God. So, they picked one scientist to go and tell Him so. The scientist walked up to God and said, “God, we’re at the point that we can clone people and do miraculous things; we don’t need you here anymore, so you can go your way. ” God listened patiently to the man and then responded, “Very well, but how about this? Let’s say we have a man-making contest just like we did in the old days with Adam.” The scientist replied, “Okay, great!” and then bent down and grabbed himself a handful of dirt. God looked at him and said, “There’s just one slight problem here. Get your own dirt!” This morning, Dave Googled his tennis question and learned the Williams’ movie is King Richard. While he was figuring out how to word his question, I asked Alexa to “play contemporary Christian music.” Four words. That’s all. Alexa obliged. Sometimes you just have to know how to ask.
Willis Karl Hamilton a.k.a. Will Hamilton went home to be with the Lord on October 29, 2021. He was born to Garfield (Willie) and Marie Turner Hamilton on January 11, 1963. He was raised in South Bend, Indiana and graduated from John Adams High School.
He moved with his wife, Joy, and daughter, Varonica to Lee’s Summit, Missouri in 2006. While living in Missouri, they were members of Evangelistic Center International Ministries where he participated in the EC Kids Ministry engaging the children with the life-sized puppets, he hand-crafted. The products of his Mid-West Puppet Designs business.
Anyone who knew Willis was touched by his kindness, humor, and mild temperament. His greatest joys were his Savior Jesus Christ, family with whom he loved spending time, his numerous musical instruments, photography, and motorcycles.
Willis was a truly talented and creative singer, songwriter, and musician with a catalog of over 300 songs including his very first cut—an LP 45—at age 16 entitled “Jesus is Knocking” to his newest song that will be shared posthumously, entitled “Dream Machine.”
His creativity also extended to the radio station WUBS where the jingle he wrote, “If you keep us locked in, we’ll keep you lifted up,” can still be heard.
In addition, he designed a “Guard Dog” (logo) that still stands watch today outside the Eaton Corporation, where he previously worked, in South Bend, Indiana.
One of his greatest creative works was “Lord, Have Mercy,” an original movie, that premiered locally at the Glenwood Theatre in 2015.
Willis earned college hours related to computer networking at Metropolitan Community College, KCMO. He also completed certifications in 2D and 3D digital drafting and design as a participant in RW2 Career and Technical Education.
Willis also loved his job in shipping and receiving at Corbion in Grandview, Missouri as well as the people with whom he worked.
Willis was preceded in death by his parents Garfield and Marie Hamilton.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joy to whom he was happily married for 28 years; three sons and one daughter – Abner (Shawna), Elijah (Erin), Willis II (Faith), and Varonica Hamilton. Also surviving are two sisters, Anna Marie Dorsey (Phillip), Judy Eady (Ken); and two brothers, Garfield Hamilton, and Gary Hamilton; a special sister Kewana Lawshea (Charles) and five grandchildren, Jacob Hamilton, Azariah Hamilton, Bear Hamilton, Ember Hamilton, and Pearl Hamilton; and nephews and nieces Melissa Lehman, Terance Gamble, Kaitlyn Eady, Xavier Lewis Tunnage, LaDonna Johnson, and John Rybolt; and life-long friend, J. Findley May
. We will all miss him more than words can say.
Willis’ Favorite Scripture: John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, November 11th, at the Evangelistic Center International Ministries, 1800 Washington Blvd., Kansas City, KS. Services will be live streamed on the Evangelist Center Church YouTube channel.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 prior to the service
. Burial will take place at 2:00 PM Friday, November 12th in the West Plains Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. Memorials are suggested to RW2 Career and Technical Education scholarship fund for students in need at https://bit.ly/3kE7qIKor mailed in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a new grant program that will move quickly to help revitalize underutilized, vacant and dilapidated downtown buildings in rural Kansas communities.
The Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program is designed to bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for new or expanding businesses; housing; arts and culture; civic engagement; childcare; or entrepreneurship. The matching grants will help address emergency needs for neglected buildings and assist building owners with eligible expenses for the revitalization of historic properties. Projects submitted must show potential as economic drivers in the community.
“We have a shortage of ready to occupy buildings across the state, but also an abundance of historic buildings with good bones that make them great candidates for rehabilitation,” Lieutenant Governor/Secretary Toland said. “The HEAL program provides an immediate opportunity to close financial gaps in restoring these properties and making downtown districts throughout our state more economically vibrant, while also creating new jobs and services for Kansans.”
There are two funding categories under the HEAL program. Emergency HEAL grants provide immediate relief for buildings at risk of collapse. Emergency HEAL applications will be accepted from November 8-19 with awards announced November 23. All non-Emergency HEAL applications will be accepted until December 20 with awards announced January 10, 2022. Eligible properties must have historical or architectural significance and be in a downtown business district in cities of less than 50,000 population.
The Department will be conducting expedited reviews of Emergency HEAL applications in recognition of the likelihood of collapse of some structures across the state, and the impending winter weather. Applicants selected for Emergency HEAL funding will receive notification prior to Thanksgiving.
Applications must be submitted by building owners in coordination with a local nominating organization. Eligible nominating organizations include: cities, counties, non-profit organizations, designated Kansas Main Street or affiliate cities, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, Small Business Development Centers or local community foundations.
A virtual workshop on the specifics of the program is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., November 8thvia Zoom. Registration is required and the Zoom link will be provided after registration. Information about the HEAL grant program and the online application can be viewed at https://www.kansascommerce.gov/healprogram.
HEAL is possible through a collaboration of the Community Development Division, Kansas Main Street, and the Governor’s Office of Rural Prosperity at the Kansas Department of Commerce.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Area Development Magazine’sprestigious Gold Shovel award and was named Site Selection Magazine’sBest Business Climatein the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.
Kate and Trent Freeman, Edwardsville, purchased a building at 8 North National Avenue, Fort Scott, on October 2, 2020, and will soon open their new business there, called The Artificers.
“The definition of artificers is fine artists and craftsmen,” Kate said.
The business will be an art gallery, a teaching studio workshop space, and a studio space for both Kate and Trent, who are artists by profession.
“We have a network of artists that we will pull from to come in and display and teach watercolor, collage, airbrush artists… from all over the country,” she said.
There will be classes and workshops.
A possible opening will be late winter, 2021, or early spring, 2022, Trent said.
“Artificers is a group, including Trent and I and anyone we invite in,” she said. “You can expect quality work.”
Trent received a degree in fine art from Emporia State University; Kate “just does art”, she said, and added, “I do the marketing for the business.”
The business will take commissioned art and have art for sale.
Trent works to create art in mixed media: clay, glass, wood, metal; Kate works in clay and acrylic painting.
“We had our studio in Kansas City for 22 years,” Trent said. “I’ve been a professional for 28 years. We’ve done everything from gallery to commission to art festivals all over the country. Most of our work is commission now.”
Trent said when Kansas City shut down businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic, they began coming to their farm, west of Fort Scott.
Trent’s parents, Ed and Jackie Freeman built a house near Bronson and retired there, and so Trent and Kate have been coming here for 20 years, he said. “And we loved the town.”
“We love the atmosphere here,” Kate said. “It feels like home here. I feel there is a revival about to happen in the town and it feels good.”
The artists had a setback in July 2021, when the building next door to the north, between The Artificers and Sharkey’s Pub & Grub Restaurant, collapsed.
“That set us back three months,” Trent said.
Also, the pandemic has kept contractors busy and the Freemans are in line for plumbing, electrical, etc.
Trent is doing most of the repurposing of the inside of the former Hammond Real Estate building himself, and last Saturday was framing up some rooms on the inside.
“The front one-third of the building will be a gallery space,” Kate said. “The next one-third will have a small kitchenette and be a teaching studio workshop and have classes in all art genres. The back one-third will be our studio space for creating.”
“The City of Fort Scott is contracting Mid Continental Restoration for some facia and the entire north side (of the building) will be cleaned and sealed,” Trent said. “They have been good to us.”
The Freeman’s will eventually live on the second floor of the building when the business’s first floor is complete, Kate said.
They are not in a hurry, because their daughter is a senior in high school and they don’t want to move until she leaves for the University of Arkansas next fall.
Accompanying them in the move will be their Red Healer dog, Ivy, Kate said, and Ivy was enjoying the sun from a south-facing window in the gallery on Saturday. There will be many more days in that spot.
Kate Freeman. Submitted photo.Trent Freeman. Submitted photo.Kate Freeman. Submitted photo.Trent Freeman. Submitted photo.The sign on the business reflects National Avenue.
