What happens when a church closes its doors? As with the loss of other types of nonprofit organizations, the closure can leave a void in the community the church once served. That could have been the story of the First Christian Church of Fort Scott, which closed in 2016 after 145 years of service. But … Continue reading →
While people often become proud supporters of the communities where they grow up, Dean Mann and his wife Becky brought their energy, enthusiasm and experience to Fort Scott from St. Louis, Missouri. Dean, a certified public accountant, had left behind his career as a partner in a national accounting firm to form a holding company … Continue reading →
Janet Braun happened to be standing beside Dean Mann one morning at a Chamber coffee and discussion between them settled solidly on the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas and the grants it was awarding. She commented to him that several people, including her good friend Anne Emerson, were asking, “Why can’t we do that here?” … Continue reading →
The City of Fort Scott recently announced plans to open a roller-skating rink for individuals of all ages to enjoy. Leading up to this decision, volunteers and others researched the concept of a roller-skating rink to determine if it would be a viable venture in Fort Scott. When it was determined that there was community … Continue reading →
Friends of USD 234’s special project, “Restoration of the Steinway grand piano,” has become a work in progress worth following. The project was one of 18 funded by Fort Scott Area Community Foundation grants last year. Here’s what you should know about it! The History of the Steinway The Steinway has been a part of … Continue reading →
Who doesn’t remember their first experience with a live performance? Now imagine that experience happening for the first time at age 11. Project ART (Appreciation, Reading, and Theater) began over 25 years ago to ensure that Fort Scott Middle School students had exposure to the arts. The first five years of the program were funded … Continue reading →
by Stephanie Witt “You can trust them.” I found myself saying this over and over to one of my students last fall as she was caught in the middle of a difficult custody case. She needed to know, without a doubt, that CASA was in her corner. And despite the track record of adults around … Continue reading →
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of their father’s birth, the children of Pratt Irby made a special contribution to The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site for the Symbols of Sacrifice events scheduled in September. As a WWII veteran and avid patriot, the family felt the contribution was certainly fitting for their father. The … Continue reading →
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, along with other organizations and individuals, helped to save Fort Scott’s General Transportation Program after its funding fell short. The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation trustees recently approved and budgeted a $2,000 grant for the service. GPT Projected Funding Shortfall Recently, it was announced by the program’s board members … Continue reading →
Judy Marshall, local resident and award-winning writer, joined the July 23, 2012, meeting of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Board of Directors to share information about her recently published book and her plans to donate its profits to the foundation. For her latest book, Legends & Lore of Bourbon County, Judy interviewed many local … Continue reading →