Government, Kansas

Kansas Notable Books 2021

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The State Library of Kansas Announces the 2021 Kansas Notable Books

TOPEKA – State Librarian Eric Norris announced the 16th annual selection of Kansas Notable Books celebrating Kansas people, places, and events. The fifteen books feature quality titles with wide public appeal, either written by a Kansan or a Kansas related topic and published in the previous calendar year.

“I am proud to present the 2021 Kansas Notable Book list. This year’s books bring to life the Kansas experience through the vivid storytelling of gifted writers, talented illustrators, essayists, and poets. The rich array of works on this year’s list will both entertain as well as educate,” State Librarian Eric Norris said. “Reading is more important than ever. I encourage every Kansan to contact their local public library and celebrate the artists and artistry of Kansas.”

The State Library first launched the Kansas Notable Books Program in 2006. Since then, more than 200 books have been recognized for their contribution to Kansas literary heritage. This year’s selection committee included representatives of public, university, and school libraries, teachers, academics, and historians. State Librarian Eric Norris selected the final list of 15 titles which includes nonfiction and fiction books that will appeal to a wide range of audiences and cover a variety of topics and issues.

Kansas Notable Books authors will be awarded their medals at the Kansas Book Festival on September 18 at Washburn University. The public is invited.

Kansas Notable Books is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book, a program at the State Library of Kansas which is the state affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. The Kansas Center for the Book exists to highlight the state’s literary heritage and foster an interest in books, reading, and libraries.

For descriptions, downloadable bookmarks, posters, and more information about Kansas Notable Books, visit kslib.info/2021KNB, call the State Library at 785-296-3296 or email [email protected].

2021 Kansas Notable Books

All Hallows’ Shadow by Michael D. Graves (Emporia) Meadowlark Books

The Amelia Six by Kristin L. Gray (Fayetteville, AR) Paula Wiseman Books

The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia (Lyme, NH) G.P. Putnam’s Sons

Croaked! (The Misadventures of Nobbin Swill) by Lisa Harkrader (Tonganoxie) Yellow Jacket

Farmers Unite!: Planting a Protest for Fair Prices by Lindsay H. Metcalf (Concordia) Calkins Creek

Ladybird, Collected by Meg Heriford (Lawrence)

Un Mango Grows in Kansas by Huascar Medina (Topeka) Spartan Press

Mawson’s Mission: Launching Women’s Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Kansas by L. Marlene Mawson (Lawrence) University Press of Kansas

Northern Cheyenne Ledger Art by Fort Robinson Breakout Survivors by Denise Low (Lawrence) and Ramon Powers (Topeka) University of Nebraska Press

People, Pride, and Promise: The Story of the Dockum Sit-in by Prisca Barnes (Wichita), illustrated by Priscella Brown (Wichita) Storytime Village

Prairie Bachelor: The Story of a Kansas Homesteader and the Populist Movement by Lynda Beck Fenwick (Pratt) University Press of Kansas

Premeditated Myrtle: A Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery by Elizabeth C. Bunce (Lenexa) Algonquin Young Readers

Swimming Shelter: Poems by Al Ortolani (Lenexa) Spartan Press

What Sound is Morning? by Grant Snider (Wichita) Chronicle Books

World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil (Oxford MS) Milkweed Editions

The State Library of Kansas – To learn more, visit kslib.info.

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Fort Scott

The Gordon Parks Museum partners with KEY Industries, Inc. for Museum Apparel

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The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, recently joined forces with local clothing company, KEY Industries, Inc., to develop The Gordon Parks Museum new line of apparel and easy-to use- website. The Gordon Parks Museum will still continue to carry apparel and souvenirs on-hand, but now anyone can go online and order or even customize their favorite Gordon Parks Museum souvenir using pre-made designs in the design library.

KEY Industries, Inc. located locally in Fort Scott, KS, has been in the clothing and merchandise business since 1908. They carry everything from hats to jackets, coveralls to polo’s and have numerous partnerships across the nation. The Gordon Parks Museum is looking forward to be able to allow the public to easily access their Gordon Parks Museum merchandise whenever they want, from wherever they are.

“This has been very long time goal to provide online access to some of our merchandise from the Museum. This will allow visitors from all over to be able to easily obtain Gordon Parks Museum souvenirs. This also gives us the great opportunity to not only provide apparel online, but to expand our line of apparel with new and creative graphic designs. We are very excited for this new partnership with KEY Industries, Inc.” said Kirk Sharp, Gordon Parks Museum Director.

To access the website for your Gordon Parks Museum merchandise, you can go to http://www.gordonparkscenter.org/ and click “Museum Shop” in the top right-hand corner or go to https://www.gordonparksmuseumshop.keyapparelstore.com/.

For more information about the site, contact The Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850 or visit www.gordonparkscenter.org.

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Fort Scott, Government

Rachel Pruitt Brings Lawsuit Against The City of Fort Scott

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Rachel Pruitt

 

Fortscott.biz is presenting the information of the lawsuit filed by Rachel Pruitt in March 2021 against the City of Fort Scott.

This is the plaintiff, Pruitt’s, document filed in court:

Rachel-Pruitt-v-City-of-Fort-Scott1(5)

According to court records, on May 5, 2021, the City of Fort Scott was presented with a waiver document.

“The waiver that you are referencing has nothing to do with the merits of Ms. Pruitt’s claims,” according to Forest Rhodes, a partner with Foulston Siefkin, Wichita,  who was the referral to contact given from the City of Fort Scott.  “It is simply a procedural tool that allows the plaintiff to avoid having to engage someone to formally serve the complaint on the City.  In a nutshell, the City has agreed to voluntarily accept service of the Complaint, which also allows it to avoid the potential of having service costs imposed against it.”

“In terms of next steps, later this month the City will file an Answer that responds to the allegations in the Complaint,” Foulston said in an email.  “Sometime after the Answer has been filed the Court will set a scheduling conference in order to establish a schedule for the case.”

Pruitt has requested a trial by jury, according to the March 21 document.

“It’s too early to know when a trial might be scheduled but the various litigation activities that occur prior to trial often take as much as a year or more, so it’s unlikely that any trial would be scheduled before Summer 2022, although that’s all subject to the court’s determination.”

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Two-Day Living Estate Sale June 5-6

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What:  Stephanie Cummings’ 2-day Living Estate Sale

When:  Saturday, June 5, 8 AM to 5 PM and
            Sunday, June 6, 1 PM to 3 PM
Where:  616 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE SALE OF A LIFELONG COLLECTION OF ANTIQUES, VINTAGE AND UNUSUAL ITEMS. Something for everyone. The house is full and everything must go. Below is a PARTIAL listing:

BIG CHILL refrigerator. A vintage beauty exterior and interior are in excellent condition–it is ORANGE– not currently running but ran recently.

High-quality vintage women’s clothing and accessories

Queen size iron bed with excellent mattress and box springs

Corner desk

Many quilts

Large collection of a vintage perfume and perfume bottles

Antique metal doctor/dentist cabinet

Vintage brass and marble table

Brass make-up table

Two large antique brass  chandeliers

Large collection of antique and vintage fishing equipment, tackle, boxes, rods and reels, lures, boat oars, books, etc.

Set of 3 lockers

Huge collection of baskets

Vintage Queen Anne nightstands

Highly unique electric grandmother’s clock

Many chests

MANY PRIMITIVE and ANTIQUE storage and kitchen cabinets from large to small.

 

Vintage kitchen items

Antique shopping cart

Grapette poster and bottles

Vintage lamps

Many antique and vintage mirrors

Large collection of carved ducks and duck decoys

Silver-plated trays and unusual decorative items

Excellent antique singer sewing machine

Many old rugs and Indian woven items

Old Dolls

Old child’s rocking horse

 

Vintage railroad items, pictures, timetables, other items

Vintage metal lawn chairs

Collectible dishes

Concrete planters

Bicycles

Many shutters and room dividers

House plants

Books

Pictures

This list could go on….however, you must see to believe.

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to include the countries of Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. Several states and countries have been removed from the list, including Maine, Minnesota, all of the counties in Colorado, and the countries of Cabo Verde, Georgia, Lithuania, Netherlands and Sweden.  These changes are effective today, June 3.

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine includes visitors and Kansans who have:

  • Traveled on or after June 3 to Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Suriname or Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Traveled on or after May 20 to the countries of Costa Rica or French Guiana.
  • Traveled on or after May 6 to the countries of India, Maldives or Seychelles.
  • Traveled on or after April 22 to the countries of Argentina or Bahrain.
  • Traveled on or after April 8 to the country of Uruguay.
  • Traveled between May 20 and June 3 to the countries of Georgia, Lithuania or the Netherlands.
  • Traveled between May 20 and June 3 to Maine or the Colorado counties of Alamosa, Baca, Costilla, Dolores, Mesa, Mineral, Otero, Prowers, Rio Grande, Saguache, Sedgwick or Yuma.
  • Traveled between May 6 and June 3 to the Colorado counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Archuleta, Conejos, Crowley, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert, Fremont, Huerfano, Jefferson, Larimer or Pueblo.
  • Traveled between May 6 and June 3 to Cabo Verde.
  • Traveled between April 22 and June 3 to Minnesota or Sweden.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel.

Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

Housing

Kansas Housing Needs Assessment: Feedback Needed

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State officials are seeking feedback from Kansans to help guide future housing development efforts. The initiative, part of the state’s first comprehensive housing needs assessment in nearly 30 years, aims to review current housing opportunities, identify strategic goals, and develop recommendations to guide future housing development.
We’ve wrapped up our statewide listening tour–now it’s time to share your feedback in our statewide survey.
All respondents who provide their email address will be entered in a drawing for a $100 VISA gift card!
In case you missed it: Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director, shared how every Kansan can help solve the state’s housing crisis in the Kansas Reflector.
Ready to learn more? Visit the Kansas Statewide Housing Needs Assessment webpage.
Questions? Contact [email protected].
COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas Speedway to Host Race to End COVID-19 Vaccination Event

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For Immediate Release:    
June 2, 2021

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Speedway to Host Race to End COVID-19 Vaccination Event

~All event participants can drive two laps around the track, enter to win raffle prizes~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansans will have the opportunity to drive two laps around the Kansas Speedway this weekend during a Race to End COVID-19 event, and can enter a free raffle drawing for various prizes.

Participants can enter the Race to End COVID-19 by getting a free COVID-19 saliva test and/or vaccine administered by the University of Kansas Health System and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Testing is open to all ages. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available to anyone age 12 or older.

The Kansas Speedway is offering all Kansans age 16 and older who choose to be tested and/or vaccinated the opportunity to drive their personal car or truck on the track. Drivers and their riders will take two laps behind a track pace vehicle at highway speed. Motorcycles are not permitted.

“It is critical to our state’s continued pandemic recovery efforts that every Kansan gets vaccinated,” Governor Kelly said. “The Race to End COVID-19 is a great incentive to curb declines in vaccine demand and encourage Kansans to get tested for and vaccinated against COVID-19. I appreciate the Kansas Speedway for their partnership in making this event possible, and I encourage all unvaccinated Kansans to attend.”

The Race to End COVID-19 will be held at Kansas Speedway, 400 Speedway Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas (enter via France Family Drive, near the Sporting KC stadium across from Nebraska Furniture Mart):

  • Friday, June 4 from 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Kansas Speedway is hosting the event in partnership with Wyandotte County Unified Government, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Kansas Division of Emergency Management.

All vaccine recipients will be asked to review educational material about COVID-19 vaccines and sign a consent form. After receiving the vaccine, participants will wait 15 minutes for observation for any rare allergic reactions. Those receiving the Pfizer vaccine will need to make separate arrangements for their second dose.

RAFFLE DRAWING:

Individuals that are tested and/or vaccinated will be entered into a free raffle drawing. Prizes include a set of two tickets to the Oct. 24, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Race; a set of four tickets to the Oct. 24, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Race; and gift cards for the NASCAR Racing Experience Ride Along.

VICTORY LAP DETAILS:

Track lap participants must have a valid driver’s license, car registration in their name, and proof of vehicle insurance. Track lap participants 16 to 17 years old with a valid driver’s license must have a parent or legal guardian in the vehicle to sign a minor release form. All track lap participants are required to remain in their personal vehicle at all times. Drivers and their riders will take two laps behind a track pace vehicle at highway speed. No motorcycles, tractor-trailers, recreational vehicles, etc., may be used for track rides.

Additional information can be found at: https://www.kansasspeedway.com/Vanity-Pages/Race-to-End-COVID-Laps.aspx.
Government, Kansas

Help Prevent Equine Disease This Summer 

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For Immediate Release:
June 2, 2021

For more information:
Heather Lansdowne
785-564-6706
[email protected]

MANHATTAN, Kansas — As summer approaches, the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health encourages horse owners to take proactive steps to prevent the transmission of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), an equine disease that is common in the summer months. VSV is transmitted by insect vectors, and recent years have seen an increase in cases of VSV in Kansas.

If you own horses or take care of horses, this is the time of year to be vigilant in changes to your animal care routine to prevent introduction of VSV. Consider these best practices in your horse care this summer:

  • Strict fly control. VSV is primarily spread by black flies and midges. Keep pens clean, remove manure, and use appropriate fly sprays and traps. Minimize bright lights that attract insects at night.
  • Regularly inspect horses for symptoms that might indicate VSV, such as blister-like lesions, fever, excessive salivation, reluctance to eat, or lameness.
  • If you travel to events with horses from other properties, keep your horses separated. Don’t tie up your horse with other horses, and don’t share equipment, tools, tack or water buckets.

Kansas experienced a significant outbreak of VSV in 2020, with positive cases on over 100 premises in 26 counties. Other species including cattle can be susceptible to VSV, although it is primarily an equine disease. VSV is a reportable disease by state law; if there is a concern of a possible VSV infection or another reportable disease, call the Kansas Animal Health Commissioner at the KDA Division of Animal Health.

Putting these best practices into action now can protect horses across the state and assist the Kansas equine industry in disease prevention to help avoid an outbreak this summer. Go to www.agriculture.ks.gov/VSV for more information about VSV symptoms and prevention.

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Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Good Ol’ Days Update: Free Bounce Houses

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Shawn O’Brien, president of the Good Ol’ Days Stearing Committee has some good news and some bad news.

“Bad news- our carnival had to cancel due to staffing issues,” he said. “We have been very fortunate to get bounce houses to place on the grassy area north of the blockhouse,  east of Luther’s BBQ (at Oak and National Avenue).  The bounce houses will be free for all kids. There is a wide variety for all ages. Come check them out.”

The 40th annual Fort Scott event continues on with a parade, foods galore, talent and baby contests, live music, vendors lining Main Street, displays, tournaments, a petting zoo, a zip line, balloonist, and Friday and Saturday street dances- something for everyone.

In addition, there are other freebies:

Vendors lined Main Street in 2017.
“We will have a movie night on Friday and Saturday around 8:30 p.m. at sunset at Skubitz plaza,” O’Brien said. “We will have a different movie each night and free popcorn.”
Movies chosen by a poll on the Good Ol’ Days Facebook page are “Twister” and  “Grease,” he said.
Kids can get a free t-shirt.
“We will have tye die t-shirts for the first 150 kids,” O’Brien said. ” Thanks to Modern Woodmen Insurance, Highway3 and Shirt Shack for their generosity.”
“We will also have caricature drawings and balloon artist for free,’ he said.
Check out their webpage at
www.fortscottgoodoldays.com and click on schedule.

Bourbon County, Government

Candidates that Filed For Bourbon County Elections

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CANDIDATES THAT HAVE FILED FOR THE 2021 CITY/SCHOOL ELECTION provided by Bourbon County Clerk Kendell Mason.

Bronson City Council
Clearsia Botts, 912 Linn St, Bronson, KS 66716, 620-939-4557
Kayla Greenway, 904 Clay St., Bronson, KS 66716, 620-363-0195
Kelly Perry, 611 Orange St., Bronson, KS 66716, 620-363-4842
Bronson Mayor
Joshua Marlow, 212 S. Clay, Bronson, KS 66716, 620-363-2769

Fort Scott City Commission
Michael Hoyt, 1315 Beech Ave., Ft Scott, KS 66701, 602-405-5202
Josh Jones, 617 Fairway, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-3680
Ann Rawlins, 1017 E Wall St, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 541-801-9179
Tim Van Hoecke, 802 S Hill Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 913-240-6348
Judy Warren, 1706 S. Eddy St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 913-488-1889
Matthew Wells, 1201 South National Ave, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 417-684-1714
Willa Wilson, 304 Ivy, Ft Scott, KS 66701, 913-285-0496

Fulton Mayor
No Candidates Filed
Fulton City Council
No Candidates Filed

Mapleton City Council
Mike Blevins, 1251 N. Main St, Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-743-3070
Homer Wisdom, 507 N Bourbon, Mapleton, KS 66754, 913-795-7381
Mapleton Mayor
Ronald B Burton Jr, 127 E 6th, Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-768-9399

Redfield City Council
Michael Beerbower, 402 W 3rd Street, Redfield, KS 66769, 620-756-4175
Kirby Martin, 403 W. 2nd, Redfield, KS 66769, 620-756-4718
Redfield Mayor
Wilma K. Graham, 102 W 4th, Redfield, KS 66769, 620-756-4436
Clarence Ed Guss, 301 N Pine, Redfield, KS 66769, 417-339-1530

Uniontown City Council
Jess Ervin, 401 Clay St., Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-756-4825
Amber Kelly, 408 Fulton St., Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-228-0130
Kyle Knight, 606 Sherman, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-224-6053
Uniontown Mayor
Larry Jurgensen, 113 S. Hill, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-224-9810
Bill Marlow, 403 Sherman St, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-224-7209

USD 234 – Position #4
David Stewart, 772 190th, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-1179
USD 234 – Position #5
Garold (Gary) Billionis, 719 S National, Ft. Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-6733
Casey Bolden, 2015 E 1st, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-1961
USD 234 – Position #6
Brian L. Allen, 1809 Richards Rd., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-6679
Tracy King, 2386 Jayhawk Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-412-8500
Joshua Query, 721 S Margrave St, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-719-6828

USD 235 – Position #4
Brian Ray Stewart, 179 Soldier Rd, Bronson, KS 66716, 620-215-6394
USD 235 – Position #5
Mike Mason, 978 60th Street, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-756-4561
USD 235 – Position #6
Tyler J. Martin, 1058 Hackberry Rd., Redfield, KS 66769, 620-547-2519

FSCC – Board of Trustees
John Bartelsmeyer, 22 ½ N Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-9547
James L. Fewins, 1200 Maple Rd., Redfield, KS 66769, 620-756-4749
Bryan Holt, 2095 Kansas Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-2832
Bill Meyer, 14 Golfview Drive, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-4299
Kevin D Wagner, 390 130th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-547-2233

Southwind Extension District
Ethan A. Holly, 1606 Maple Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-228-7258
Gary Palmer, 1863 Eagle Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-1001

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee hosted by The Fort Scott Good Ol’ Day’s Committee

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days Committee, Thursday, June 3rd at 8 a.m. on Skubitz Plaza, Downtown Fort Scott. In case of rain we will continue under the Boardwalk at the North end of Main Street facing the Fort.

Shawn O’Brien, Chairman, and the Good Ol’ Days committee are excited to celebrate the four-decade anniversary of the Good Ol’ Days festival with the theme of 40 years of Family, Friends and Fun. 

Tickets are on sale at the Chamber of Commerce for the Good Ol’ Chicken Dinner to be held Friday, June 4th, and the Talent Show to be held Thursday, June 3rd. The Chamber is also taking entries for the Good Ol’ Days Parade planned for 6pm Friday, June 4th. The full schedule of events may be found on the festival website fortscottgoodoldays.com.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served along with door prizes.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

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Bourbon County Local News