USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

The 1,860 Fort Scott school students will get five days off from school starting tomorrow, thanks to the pandemic.

USD 234 Superintendent Ted Hessong said because of the high student absenteeism and a high level of transmission of the virus, Fort Scott schools will be closed tomorrow Thursday, Jan. 13 and Friday, Jan. 14.

“These two days will count as snow days for tracking of hours on the academic calendar,” he said. “Remote Learning will not be utilized on these two days.”

The two days of school cancellation are followed by the weekend, then a pre-scheduled staff professional development day on January 17.

“This closure is needed to assist in slowing down the spread of the virus and to give students and staff who are not feeling well time to recover. We hope these five days away will help people,” he said.

“School activities will be canceled for January 13, 14 and 15,” he said.

“We will continue with the scheduled professional development day on Monday, January 17, and activities will resume on Monday,” Hessong said.

Masks will be required in all buildings on Tuesday when students return on the18th, he said.

“We will monitor numbers regarding the mask requirement next week,” Hessong said.

The Test to Stay and Learn virus testing program provided by the district and Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas will be available for students on Tuesday, he said.

Hessong provided the following graphic:

Student Absentee %	Tuesday, January 11	Wednesday, January 12
Fort Scott High School	143(absent)/573 = 25%	154(absent)/573 = 26.9%
Fort Scott Middle School	161(absent)/455 = 35.4%	150(absent)/455 = 33%
Eugene Ware Elementary	103(absent)/357 = 28.9%	106(absent/357 = 29.6%
Winfield Scott Elementary	82(absent)/385 = 21.3%	80(absent)/387 = 20.7%
Fort Scott Pre-School	10(absent)/90 = 11.1%	13(absent)/85 = 15.3%

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Jan. 12

January 12, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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Fort Scott Police Department

The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Jan.

January 12, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

1-11-2022

Government, Kansas

Kansas Governor: State of the State

January 12, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Delivers the 2022 State of the State Address

TOPEKA – The following is the transcript of Governor Laura Kelly’s 2022 State of the State Address.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Madam Chief Justice, Lt. Governor Toland, statewide elected officials, members of the Legislature, Cabinet officers, leaders of the Kansas tribes, honored guests, and fellow Kansans.

After two years of challenges, of limited gatherings, it is my high honor to stand before you once again this evening to deliver my fourth State of the State Address.

To report on our shared successes.

And to present a blueprint for the final year of my first term.

To read the complete speech, please go here.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 News Release

January 11, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Monday, January 10, 2022

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Winfield Scott Cafeteria on Monday, January 10, 2022, for their regular monthly meeting.

Vice-President Kellye Barrows opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

A. Minutes

B. Bills and Claims

C. Payroll – December 17, 2021 – $1,463,866.84

D. Financial Report

E. Activity fund accounts

F. First Day of Second Semester Enrollment Count Report

There were no comments in the public forum section. Rob Harrington, Bourbon County Economic Development Director, presented information regarding the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. The board approved the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Fort Scott.

Brenda Hill, Fort Scott KNEA President, gave a report to board members.

Scott Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal, shared information on Individual Plans of Study for students. Principals from each building shared written reports. In addition, reports were given by Dalaina Smith, Director of Academics; Ted Hessong, Superintendent of Schools; and Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk.

Board members approved the updated CDC and KDHE recommendations for the Operations Guidelines. The board also approved the following:

· KASB Board Policy updates

· Resolution 21-10 – Establish Election of School Board Officers

· Resolution 21-11 – Establish Regular Meeting Dates

· Desktop Computer purchases

· Agreement of Cooperation and Partnership between USD 234 Special Education and SEK-CAP Head Start 0-5

Superintendent Hessong discussed ESSER III updates. Board members shared comments and then went into executive session for preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property. The board returned to open meeting and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting. The board approved the following employment items:

A. Early retirement of Tami Campbell, high school social studies teacher, effective August 1, 2022

B. Early retirement of Kelly Toll, middle school science teacher, effective July 1, 2022

C. Resignation of Jenna Bunn, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective December 29, 2021

D. Resignation of Akasha Clements, middle school paraprofessional, effective January 7, 2022

E. Resignation of Jonny Larsen, Eugene Ware/Fort Scott Preschool Center custodian, effective December 21, 2021

F. Resignation of Kourtney Harper, high school paraprofessional, effective December 16, 2021

G. Resignation of Laura Gulley, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective January 24, 2022

H. Employment of Zach Hart as a Winfield Scott paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

I. Employment of Lena Phelan and Codee Weddle as Winfield Scott paraprofessionals for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

J. Employment of James Harrison as a high school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

K. Employment of Bobby Reed as a four-hour bus driver for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

L. Resignation of Alvin Metcalf as a middle school wrestling coach, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

M. Resignation of Kelly Toll as middle school cross country coach at the end of the 2021-22 school year

N. Employment of Lindsey Davis as a teacher mentor for the 2021-22 school year

O. Employment of Amy Harper as high school math team leader for the 2021-22 school year

P. Retirement of Mary Mauer, Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

Q. Resignation of Judith Davis, high school paraprofessional, effective January 21, 2022

The board adjourned.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Gordon Parks Museum

Chamber Coffee hosted by The Gordon Parks Museum

January 11, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, January 13th at 8 a.m. hosted by The Gordon Parks Museum, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

The Chamber Coffee will be in the Ellis Fine Arts Center. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be provided.

The Chamber Coffee will be the kick-off event in honor of Gordon Parks and his tribute to Marin Luther King Jr.

The museum has scheduled a series of events which will include a free admission tribute ballet performance by the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey.

There will also be film showings on Friday January 14th and Monday January 17th of Eyes on the Prize: American Civil Rights.

A Lunch & Learn event will be held on both days that will include a reading of the “I Have A Dream” speech by the Fort Scott High School Advanced Drama students on the 14th, and Prisca Barnes speaking on “The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In” event that happened in Wichita.

In addition to all of this, the community is invited and encouraged to bring canned food or cleaning products from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to the museum which is in recognition of King’s Day.

This is a service event that will happen nationally. These canned goods/cleaning products will be presented to The Beacon, a local helping agency. Please, no out-of-date goods.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

Area News, Schools

Student Scholarship Opportunity

January 11, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Students invited to apply for leadership opportunities and scholarship

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative’s strong tradition of promoting youth leadership will continue with $500 scholarships and entry into an exclusive in-person leadership conference this summer.

Two current high school sophomores or juniors who live in households served by Heartland will take part in an all-expenses-paid trip to the Kansas Electric Youth (KEY) Leadership Conference and will receive $500 scholarships to further their education.

The KEY Leadership Conference will be held in Topeka in early June and will provide leadership learning opportunities, engaging speakers, and team-building activities. Student-leaders from across the state will tour the Kansas State Capitol and other local attractions. Those selected for this experience also can apply for the Kansas seat on a national youth leadership council.

If you know of a student with strong leadership potential who is ready for new experiences, would like to network with other student leaders, and is willing to learn more about themselves and their communities, encourage them to apply for this incredible leadership opportunity.

The application form can be found at www.heartland-rec.com and must be completed and returned by Friday, Feb. 11.

For more information, contact Doug Graham at [email protected] or (620) 724-5526.

Area News, Bourbon County, COVID-19, Health Care

CHC/SEK consolidates curbside COVID testing

January 11, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

CHC/SEK will consolidate curbside testing for Coronavirus beginning Jan. 12. There will remain one curbside testing location in each county served by CHC/SEK.

Curbside COVID-19 testing will be temporarily suspended at Baxter Springs, Pittsburg South (1011 Mount Carmel Place), Arma, Fort Scott primary clinic, Independence, Mound City and La Cygne clinics.

CHC/SEK will shift resources and continue curbside testing by appointment at Pittsburg North (3011 N. Michigan), Pleasanton, Iola, Coffeyville, Parsons, Columbus, Miami and Fort Scott Walk-in Care. Some locations are scheduled out several days for testing appointments.

“It is important to note that patients who are experiencing COVID symptoms are still be able to be seen by medical staff in all clinics and tested for Coronavirus as appropriate,” said Jason Wesco, President of the CHC/SEK health system.

The change comes after the health center experienced increasing demand for testing and staffing shortages caused by COVID-19, seasonal flu and other illnesses.

“Our staff have kept our communities safe through the pandemic, but we are experiencing levels of infection unlike we ever seen” he said. “To date, our staff have delivered almost 79,000 tests and almost 63,000 vaccinations. Staff are exhausted and this measure will help protect them while ensuring that we continue to test in every county we serve while continuing other critically needed healthcare services provided by CHC/SEK.”

If you receive word of a positive COVID-19 test, put on a mask immediately. Then isolate yourself as quickly as possible, even if you don’t have symptoms.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends isolating for at least five full days, followed by five days of wearing a mask around others, as long as you don’t have a fever and any other symptoms are improving. If you are seriously ill with COVID-19 or have a weakened immune system, the CDC recommends an isolation period of 10 to 20 days.

If you have a fever, the agency advises you to stay home until the fever resolves. If you are waiting for test results but have symptoms of Covid-19, the CDC recommends that you isolate anyway, regardless of vaccination status.

CHC/SEK said its best advice is still to get vaccinated and get boosted. Wear a mask, don’t touch your eyes or face and wash your hands frequently. Social distance as possible and most of all, absolutely stay home if you think you might be ill or potentially exposed.

Obituary

Obituary of Lois Parks

January 11, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Lois Marie (Duncan) Parks, age 93, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully at home on January 6th, 2022. Lois was born on September 17, 1928, to Richard and Alma Duncan. On December 1st, 1946, she married Floyd Donald Parks. They had one daughter, Clara (Parks) Dunn and one granddaughter, Hannah Dunn.

A life of 93 years made Lois witness so much change in the world. She grew up on the Duncan Farm near Cherry Grove Church. She worked at the Crown Drug Store as a young girl. As an adult she worked at the Western Insurance Company. Later she and Floyd owned Bruce Marble Granite until they sold it.

Woewoe or O-Woe, as she was affectionately known by her loved ones, loved spending time with her family and friends. She was known for her quick wit and contagious laugh and smile. She loved her “grand dogs” and enjoyed spending time with them. One of her favorite things was sneaking them snacks when no one was watching. She also enjoyed visiting the chickens at Hannah’s house. Lois lived life to the fullest and was always down for a game of bingo or a trip to the casino. She was also an avid fan of the Chiefs and Royals and never missed watching a game.

She is survived by her daughter, Clara Dunn; her favorite son-in-law, Mike Dunn, granddaughter, Hannah Dunn; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Parks; her parents Richard and Alma (Frye) Duncan; her sisters: Thelma Felt, Ruth Embry, and Faye Mabery; and her brother, Hurchel Duncan. Lois was the last of her Duncan generation.

The visitation will be held on Thursday evening, January 13, 2022, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home and there will be graveside services at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 14, 2022, at Memory Gardens.

The Family suggests memorial contributions to Care to Share or Fort Scott City Dog Pound.

Bourbon County

Help with Energy Costs Available

January 11, 2022 Loretta George Leave a comment

Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main, is the site of the LIEAP assistance in filling out the required forms.

People who are having difficulty paying their utility bills and meet the income guidelines, can get hands-on help this Wednesday to fill out the needed paperwork.

The Salvation Army and Bourbon County Senior Center, 26 N. Main, will partner with Evergy, the local electric company, to assist in filling out Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) applications this Wednesday, January 12, from noon to 3 p.m.

Allen Schellack with Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries is the Bourbon County Coordinator for the Salvation Army.

“Normally, you have to go through DCF (the Department of Children and Families) to get the funds,” Schellack said.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a Federally-funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit, according to the DCF website Energy Assistance – Economic & Employment Services (ks.gov)

No appointment is necessary for help with filling out the application.

Applicants do not have to be Evergy customers.

Applicants are required to have at least $80 in payments in the past 90 days.

Applicants will need to bring copies of all proof of income for all permanent residents who are at least 18 years or older.

Copies of utility bills which include gas, electric, propane, wood are needed to apply.

LIEAP Frequently Asked Questions

Other community resources that may be of assistance can be found here: EES Helping Organizations.

The 2022 LIEAP application period is from Monday, January 3, 2022, through Thursday, March 31, 2022. Applications must be received before 5:00 PM, March 31, 2022.

For those who do not feel they need assistance in filling out the paperwork:

Additional information may be obtained by calling 1-800-432-0043.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

An adult living at the address must be personally responsible for paying the heating costs incurred at the current residence, payable either to the landlord or the fuel vendor.
Applicants must demonstrate a recent history of payments toward the purchase of the primary heating energy.

The combined gross income (before deductions) of all persons living at the address may not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level according to the guidelines listed below:

2022 Income Eligibility Guidelines