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Christmas In the Park: A Fort Scott Family Tradition
A local group of people who love the community gathered in Gunn Park in April 2021 and together envisioned a Christmas event that they hope will grow each year.
The event has new leadership this year with many family activities.
This year Christmas in Gunn Park is Saturday, Dec. 11, and Saturday, Dec. 18 from 5-8 p.m.
A living nativity, Santa Claus, a toy drive for local children, a chili feed, hot cocoa and coffee, kids crafts, a hayrack ride, trolley rides, music from local Fort Scott High School students, and some local vendors for shopping will provide a little something for everyone.
The event is free, Guns said.
“Goodwill donations are always welcome and will go towards expanding Christmas in Gunn Park next year,” she said. “We will be collecting new unwrapped toys for our “Fill the Truck Toy Drive” with donations going to Bourbon County Angels, Angel Gifts to fulfill Christmas wishes for kids in Bourbon County.”
“Everyone on the planning committee has a variety of reasons why they chose to join,” Melissa Guns, one of the organizers, said. “We want good things for Fort Scottians. We want to spread Christmas cheer and enrich the place we call home… Most of all, we want a place for both those who love Christmas …while offering a place for those who may struggle around the holiday season, a place to find a little peace and joy.”
Parking
Gunn Park will be closed for regular traffic during the event. Vehicles with handicap parking tags or window hangers will be allowed to drive into the park near the event.
Public parking is available on Burke Street in the Fort Scott Community College Nursing Building parking lot, north of the tall Fort Scott water tower, and also in the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas parking lot at Ninth and Horton Street.
Busses to and from the event will bring guests in and out of the park from the parking lots.
Those who have helped:
The planning committee consists of Craig Campbell, Doug Guns, Melissa Guns, Bailey Lyons, Shannon Johnson, Josh Jones, Tom Robertson, and Devin Tally.
Shelter houses are being decorated by Niece of Kansas, Inc. (Shelter 1), Kiwanis (Shelter 2), Shannon Johnson/Clark Street Lights (Shelter 3), Shaunn Pytlowany (Shelter 5), and Bourbon County Cars (Shelter 4).
Allison Leach, Danyell Miles, and Susan Carrillo are decorating a grand entrance to the park.
Fort Scott Community College Welding Program and Fort Scott High School Carpentry, Welding, and Art Programs have each created festive displays.
“Mike Miles’ display is sure to please, and Robert Coon, with A1 Towing, is also providing us with a display anyone who grew up in the ’80s is sure to get a kick out of,” Guns said.
Buck Run Community Center is providing activities for kids.
USD 234 and FSCC volunteers are helping with shuttling people to and from the park, and the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce is providing the town trolley for moving people through the park on event nights.
Matt Harvey with Fort Scott Auto is running a hayride with his trailer.
Additionally, USD 234 is allowing the Fort Scott Police and Fire Departments to use their kitchen to cook up over 200 pounds of high-quality ground beef purchased by the committee at a special rate made possible by The Butcher Block.
Ward Kraft Inc. has donated the rest of the chili ingredients for a meal that is sure to give us all some extra warmth, she said.
Dollar General has donated bowls and spoons.
Ward Kraft Inc. is also helping folks to stay warm with coffee and Kathy Reed has donated hot chocolate.
Angel Gifts will be the recipient of the “Fill the Truck Toy Drive” and they have volunteered to help along with FSCC Cheer Team.
Skitch Allen is donating additional port-a-potties for the events.
“Finally, the guys from Fort Scott’s Parks Department are in full swing to help us get the grounds ready and the electrical properly connected,” she said. “Jeff Allen also helped consult on the electrical.”
“These groups, along with the City of Fort Scott and a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation have helped to make this year’s Christmas in Gunn Park possible,” she said.
The vendors for Dec. 11 are Blessed B Creations and Hope Designs by Neen. On Dec. 18, Sparkle R Jewelry, Paparazzi Jewelry will be a vendor.
Vendor registration for December 18 is open through December 16. Interested vendors can sign up at https://forms.gle/PC8M4ufzADNxpBLb6
Schedule for Dec. 11
5 – 8:30 p.m: Angel Gifts Toy Drive, chili feed, hot cocoa and coffee, a vendor shop, kids crafts, hayrack ride, trolley rides, a live Nativity scene by Bethel Community Church, vendors selling items.
The chili feed will be provided until all the chili is gone.
All other events run throughout the evening.
5:30-6 p.m. Music by the Fort Scott High School Orchestra
6- 6:15 pm Santa and a special guest arrive, tree lighting, and sponsor acknowledgments.
6:30 – 8:30 pm Pictures with Santa
6:15-6:45 pm Music by FSHS Jazz Band
7- 7:30 pm Music by FSHS Choir Ensemble
7:45 – 8:15 pm Combined music performance by FSHS Jazz Band and Choir
8:30- 8:45pm Event activities wrap-up
8:45 – 9 pm Final hayrack and trolley rides to busses
9 pm All bus runs to parking completed and park gates lock for the night.
Schedule for Dec. 18
5 – 8:30 pm Angel Gifts Toy Drive, hot cocoa and coffee, vendor shop, kids crafts, hayrack and trolley rides, and live Nativity scene by Bethel Community Church, vendors selling items.
5 pm – Until? Food Vendors – Butcher Block & Tres Polito Food Truck
5:30 – 8:30 pm Christmas music performance by Bourbon County Revival
6- 6:15 pm Santa and special guest arrive, tree lighting, sponsor acknowledgments.
6:30- 8:30 pm Pictures with Santa
8:30- 8:45 pm Event activities close
8:45 – 9 pm Final hayrack and trolley rides to busses
9 pm All bus runs to parking completed and park gates lock for the night.
KDHE Recommends COVID-19 Booster Dose for Kansans age 16 and Older
KDHE supports CDC and FDA recommendation to expand eligibility to adolescents ages 16 and 17
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will adopt the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new booster recommendation and has authorized all COVID-19 vaccine providers to begin administering Pfizer-BioNTech booster shots to eligible adolescents ages 16 and 17.
“The vaccine is safe, effective and free and remains the best way to protect yourself from serious illness,” Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary said. “With the rise in COVID-19 cases across the state and the rise of the Omicron variant, we encourage all eligible Kansans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot.”
Kansans who are at least 16 years old and have met the 6-month time period following the primary vaccination series for the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or who had their Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago, are now eligible to get the COVID-19 booster dose.
Available data show that all three of the COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging. To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic visit Vaccines.gov.
A Seriously Simple Baking Experience by Patty LaRoche
It was one of those rare text messages every grandmother wants to read. “Could I come over to your house tomorrow after school? I’d like your help making macaroons so I can take them to the nursing home.”
In all honesty, it wasn’t that Montana wanted to bless the residents of a care facility that made me smile. It was that she wanted to have a baking experience with me! Mo would bring all of the ingredients.
The recipe was from a YouTube video of a teenager who promised this to be a “seriously simple” baking experience. What could possibly go wrong? (Spare me your thoughts.) We placed the laptop on my countertop and watched a young, hyper teen walk us through this “seriously simple” happening.
She listed all of the ingredients. Check. Mo had them all. We would make no mistakes. We knew that this was no cakewalk in the park, so every step was checked not once, but four times. Soon, puffy, blue macaroon shells would emerge from the oven, we would add the calorie-loaded cream filling, and nursing home residents would be blessed. There would be no chance for error.
Except, there was, even though Mo and I had no idea where we went awry. Our puffy, blue macaroons emerged from the oven as a flat, brown crust that lined the entire base of the cookie sheet and could not be scraped off. How was this possible? How could light blue turn to dark brown? How could puffy turn to flat? How could beautiful turn to ugly? My granddaughter and I revisited the video. Over and over and over again. We had done precisely what was required. So, where had the mistake occurred?
Apparently, Hyper Teen had omitted an important step (or two). How had she not run through her own video before she posted it for dummies like us who did not have the common sense to see something was amiss?
Like, where was the blue? Or the ingredient to create puffiness? Mo and I simply trusted that we had all the information we needed.
How could we place our faith in someone without checking credentials? There is a story in the Bible that addresses something similar. Acts 18:24-28 introduces us to a Jew named Apollos, a bright man who spoke boldly in the Temple about Scripture and had been “instructed in the way of the Lord…though he knew only the baptism of John.”
In other words, he had some of the facts but not all.
Paul’s husband-and-wife disciple team, Aquila and Priscilla, heard Apollos speak, realized he still had much to learn, invited him to their home and explained the truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The zealous orator had omitted important details that made Jesus different from every other prophet.
The story has a great ending: “…he (Apollos) vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.”
We all need to place our trust in one who has proven trustworthy…even when it’s only the success of blue macaroons that lies in the balance.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 10
Minutes of the Uniontown City Council Meeting Nov. 9, 2021
Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.
The Regular Council Meeting on November 9, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Gabby Gire, CHCSEK, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Gabby Gire, Tobacco Program Manager– here to introduce herself and the tobacco program. She is conducting a survey of the county on tobacco issues and starting a coalition to address those issues.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger was absent. October written Treasurer report presented. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $339,187.45, Receipts $71,384.70, Transfers Out $19,026.00, Expenditures $41,331.47, Checking Account Closing Balance $350,214.68. Bank Statement Balance $351,061.91, including Checking Account Interest of $29.58, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $847.23, Reconciled Balance $350,214.68. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $27,009.90, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $17,467.30, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $23,298.34, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $417,990.22. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $312.18 and Utility CDs $242.63 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $554.81. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2021, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $3,523.50, Expenditures $3,327.75, Ending Balance $195.75. October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $12,500.00, from Sewer Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00, from Water Utility Fund $750.00, from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00, Total Transfers of $19,026.00. Net Income for the month of October $11,027.23, Year-to-Date Net Loss $50,883.79. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $93,904.59 (94.1%), Expenditures $93,148.69 (75.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $31,022.57 (89.3%), Expenditures $30,413.06 (69.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $127,500.65 (98.7%), Expenditures $235,478.85 (71.2%); General Fund YTD Revenue $126,203.02 (110.2%), Expenditures $125,758.08 (76.6%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $9,287.36 (155.3%), Expenditures $11,678.90 (78.2%). The November 2021 estimated payables in the amount of $27,107.72 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of October 12, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich informed the council that he picked up the culverts today and they are stored in the warehouse.
The repairs of the bulletin board are almost finished.
Only one quote was received for the shop insulation. He requested quotes from Gage Chiartano, Murphy Roofing, Abernathy Roofing, and Restoration and Waterproofing Contractors Inc. Quote from Gage Chiartano is for $5,000, Abernathy chose not to submit a quote due to travel distance.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to accept quote of $5,000 from Gage Chiartano to insulate the shop ceiling
He reported that KDHE was here last week to inspect the water system. No deficiencies were found and they will be back for the next inspection in three years.
The cost of the gas valves to be replaced have doubled since this time last year. He would like to also remove a service line at 405 Washington, a vacant lot. It has a low cathodic protection reading. Clerk Johnson will contact property owner to see if they want to retain service to that lot.
He reported that CDL Electric did the fall inspection of the storm siren and two batteries and two chargers are bad. CDL has ordered chargers. Rich will get the batteries locally.
He contacted Traveling Trees to price new trees for the park and/or pond. Most of the trees except for oak are $250 to plant a 12’ tree with ball, stake and mulch. Clerk Johnson will contact the school and Park Committee to see if they will contribute either funds or people to water the new trees. Placement of new trees was discussed, leading to a discussion concerning the proposed splashpad.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan gave an update. 201 Washington said they no longer had pets but still receiving sporadic complaints about dogs; 306 Union moved to 104 Washington but dog still running at large; 303 Washington dogs running at large, but no reports of aggressive; Animal Control Officer Binford is relocating stray cats out of town; 202 Third have registered three adult dogs, but haven’t supplied rabies certification; owner of 401 Sherman has moved back in, renter moved to 301 Second #2; 202 Fourth, 201 Fulton, and 204 Fulton are no longer vacant; 306 Washington ditches have been mowed/trimmed; 505 Washington has been mowed.
Clerk Johnson updated Council on the response from insurance agent regarding the Building Code Effectiveness Grading.
A letter requesting a donation to the Send Off Seniors after graduation party was received.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to 2022 Send Off Seniors after graduation party
Collection Bureau of Kansas is requesting a client authorization addendum in order to be compliant with new federal Regulation F, requiring a specific date for the final bill and track payments/adjustments from that date. Option 1 is to allow CBK to send final statement once they receive the file from us. Option 2 we would send final statement and have to notify CBK of the date of the final statement and any payments/adjustments to the final statement balance to date and in the future.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to adopt option 1 of the client authorization addendum for implementation of Regulation F with Collection Bureau of Kansas
She visited with Mr Kite regarding the legal description of the property he is donating to the City – Lot 58 less east 22’, Lot 59, Block 11, Original Town, Uniontown, commonly known as 112 Second St. She will contact the attorney to get the warranty deed drawn up and the title insurance company.
The realtor for HB Salon inquired as to whether that building could be residential. Clerk Johnson sent minimum housing standards ordinance to realtor and to her knowledge there is not an ordinance that does not allow a commercial building to become a residential building.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
HBCAT – Health in All Policies Partner Pledge – after discussion, no action was taken.
Pond Improvement Project – The contractor for the walkway turned in a timeline for getting it fabricated and installed. Should be installed by end of November.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – As of October 31, City has collected $50,527.25 principal and interest and has paid $43,335.51 principal and interest. Unpaid principal is $36,740.36. 57.6% of gas customers have paid their gas surcharge in full.
American Rescue Plan Act update – Some cities chose not to accept ARPA funds. Those funds were then divided up among the cities that did accept funds. We received an additional $119.14. The second payment will go up by that amount also.
FEMA project update – We have received 75% reimbursement from FEMA and 10% reimbursement from KDEM for approved repairs. We have also received $195.75 from FEMA for approved management costs.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to recess into executive session pursuant to the nonelected personnel matters exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) in order to discuss performance of nonelected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:37PM
Open meeting resumed at 9:37, no action taken
Meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m.
Uniontown City Council Agenda for Dec. 14
Uniontown City Council Agenda For Dec. 14, 7 p.m. at city hall.
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUESTS
Kandyce Cox – rescue dog
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of November 9, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
B. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Thank you gift for Matt Wells, Bob Hull, Inc
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Low Income Water Assistance Program –
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Pond Improvement Project –
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
NEW BUSINESS
CMB License Renewal – Union Station
Water Rate Increase –
The following are attachments for the Dec. 14 meeting:
CHAMBER ANNOUNCES COCOA & CAROLING NIGHT SHOPPING EVENT This Evening
Friday, December 10th, 2021 5 pm -8 pm
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces Cocoa & Caroling Late Night Shopping Event in Downtown Fort Scott. It will be held this Friday evening, December 10th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Retailers in the Downtown Historic District will be decked for the holidays with great gift ideas
The event will feature several groups of carolers strolling the sidewalks of Downtown from store to store with complimentary cocoa being served by the Museum of Creativity in front of the Sunshine Boutique. This will offer locals and visitors another opportunity to shop small and support local, while enjoying some holiday cheer.
Participating stores include: Angela Dawn’s Boutique, Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog.INK!, Laree + Co., Main Street Gallery & Gifts, The Rainbow Unicorn Boutique, Sunshine Boutique, and Treasure Hunt Flea Market.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information on this event at
(620)223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.
Museum of Creativity December Newsletter
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Chili Cook Off To Benefit Care to Share
Questions To The Trustees on Decision To Shut Down the FSCC Football Program
Matt Glades, a Fort Scott Community College Alumni, encourages attendance for interested parties at the next board of trustees meeting, which is at 5 p.m. next Monday, December 13 at Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall.
He will be there to ask the trustees some questions about the discontinuance of the college’s football program last month.
“I have talked to at least one Greyhound football player from every decade going back to the 1960s and numerous community members,” Glades said. “There’s a lot of people sad and disappointed that the program is shut down and how it was done.”
“FSCC football has been around for almost 100 years and has impacted thousands of lives from the players to the community,” he said. “A lot of us were confused and frustrated that we didn’t even have an opportunity to speak on behalf of the program or donate to save it.”
“The alumni are asking for more transparency on concerns from the FSCC administration and the board of trustees, Glades said.
“Here are a few but not all of those concerns, he said:
- How does the college plan to account for losing that many student-athletes who were living in the dorms, credit hours, etc?
- Do they understand that this also affects local businesses and severs connections for a lot of people ranging from parts of the community to the alumni including four current NFL football players?
- Why were the FSCC football alumni and community never made aware of the financial struggles of the program and were not allowed the opportunity to save it?
- Why did the board feel compelled to add shutting down the program to the tail end of the board meeting instead of putting it on the original agenda?”
Jewelry Trunk Show This Evening At Crooner’s Lounge
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