Category Archives: Fort Scott

Meet the New City Manager Jan. 20

There will be a Meet and Greet event with Kelley Zellner, the new City Manager, and the five city commissioners held on Thursday, January 20th, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the lobby area of The Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, located at 2108 S. Horton Street.

Even though a majority of commissioners may be present, no city business will be conducted.

Chamber Coffee hosted by Spyder, Inc. Jan. 20


The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, January 20th at 8 a.m. hosted by new Chamber member Spyder, Inc., located at 102 W. 2nd Street.

Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

Spyder, Inc combines their experience of solutions, compliance, and technology together to launch an eCommerce portal and document storage solution purpose-built for insurance agents and financial service providers that makes their job of selling, growing, and managing their business easier.

Spyder is a female-founded business whose leaders offer deep fintech experience, both designing software and growing companies. They are passionate about their products and what they can do for the insurance and financial service industries. Their belief is to improve the lives of their clients, their employees, and their community by serving them in the highest level of regard. Transparency, honesty, and kindness are values that they hold dear.

Join the Chamber in welcoming this new company to Fort Scott. Visit their website spyderloop.com for more information. Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2022 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].

Proofreading/Copy Editing Business Starts in Fort Scott

Kim Carpenter. Submitted photo.

Fort Scott native Kim Carpenter, 56, is the owner of a new business called Writer’s Edge, LLC. 

Carpenter’s business provides proofreading and copyediting services for a variety of written materials including ads, reports, books, articles, blog posts, and more. 

Her Background

She has 14 years of experience as an elementary school teacher.

Carpenter earned her Associate of Science degree from Fort Scott Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Pittsburg State University, and a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from William Woods University.

Her hometown is Fort Scott.

She is married to Jon Carpenter and has four children, two that live in Fort Scott: Jana Johnson, and Jon T. Carpenter.

She is a member of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of Faith Church.

“In my free time, you might find me hiking the Gunn Park trails, kayaking the local waterways, or shopping at area flea markets,” she said.

A New Adventure

“Writer’s Edge was born out of a passion to read, write, and a desire to pursue a new career,” she said. 

I have been an elementary educator for 14 years,” Carpenter said. “I loved the opportunity to be a constructive influence in children’s lives. Yet, I felt the pull to pursue a different path in which I can also have a positive impact. As I am a strong advocate of reading and writing, this adventure felt like a perfect fit for me”.

After extensive research, Carpenter learned what was needed to transition from full-time teacher to full-time proofreader, copyeditor.

First, she graduated from an educational course with certification in professional proofreading and editing and confirmed her grasp of advanced grammar as well as strong oral and written communication skills, she said.

Next, Carpenter converted a spare room into an office space, and with the help of her friend and fellow entrepreneur, Lori Sherrell Cable, built her LinkedIn profile, resume, and her website. 

In addition, she attended meetings with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) and the Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to make the dream a reality. The team of Jody Hoener, Dacia Clark, and Rachel Carpenter worked with her to formalize her business and develop a business plan. 

The whole process was very easy, and the team was so great to work with. They explained everything and answered all of my questions. They truly have a heart to see people succeed and are very knowledgeable in the process,” Carpenter said.

She also looks forward to working with students, researchers, and business owners to improve written communications from social marketing to printed materials and no project is too big or too small, she said.

Carpenter’s website www.writersedge.page will be up soon, but for now, she can be reached at [email protected] 

Kim Carpenter has an office in her home. Submitted photo.

 

 

Support For Moms with Infants Available For Free

Diapers are given to mothers who participate in each meeting of the Mommy and Me program. Submitted photo.

Mommy and Me is a support and education program for mothers with children or who are pregnant.

The support group meets monthly at the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department in Fort Scott at 6th and Horton.

The next one is scheduled for Wednesday, January 19 at 4 p.m.

The group meets once a month, with a topic of discussion.

As an encouragement to attend the meetings, diapers are given to participants each meeting, Holly Fritter, Healthy Start Home Visitor, said.

Holly Fritter. Submitted photo.

“We give away a packet of diapers every time they attend because we want people to be supported, and educated,” she said.

The program was created to help support moms in taking care of their babies and themselves.

“Discussions in the past have been breastfeeding, formula feeding, prenatal care, postpartum care, postpartum depression and other maternal warning signs, stages of labor and what to expect, nutrition, baby basics, parenting, things like that,” she said.

“We want people to know that they are not alone, they have someone to talk to and someone to listen.

The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department is located between 6th and Lowman Streets and 6th and Horton Streets.

 

Wreath Removal At National Cemetery

Wreaths Across America

Schedules Wreath Removal for

Fort Scott National Cemetery

After a very successful laying of nearly 7000 wreaths at Fort Scott National Cemetery on December 18, 2021, it is now time for removal of those wreaths. You still have time to drive through the cemetery for another look at the images showing Remembrance and Honor to our fallen military.

Wreath removal is scheduled for January 18, 2022, beginning at 1 PM. Volunteers are needed for this project. We invite individuals, groups, organizations and clubs to join in this project. For questions, please contact Diann Tucker, 620-224-7054, or Mika, 620-223-6700. The support of our community is greatly appreciated.

Social distancing is recommended, and masks will be available for those who have not been vaccinated or who want the protection of a mask.

Downtown Business Expands: The Beauty Lounge Girls

Aubrey Zillner, left, and Tuker Ross. Submitted photo.
Tuker Ross, 22, started her business, The Skin Lounge, in April 2021 at 4 S. Main Street in downtown Fort Scott.
The Beauty Lounge Girls will be opening in February and the windows are covered during the remodel/expansion of the business. Submitted photo.
Ross began her business after graduating from Entourage Institute of Beauty in Lenexa and has expanded her knowledge by gaining extra certifications in brows, lash extensions, full body waxing, and spray tanning, she said.
Her business is next door to the Sunshine Boutique which is owned by her grandparents, Georgia and Donnie Brown.
Ross decided to remodel and expand The Skin Lounge in December of 2021.
Ross has always had a passion for wanting to help others, she said. “Everything we do and everything we create is based on what we believe,” she said. “That helping others look beautiful is nice, but helping them believe they’re beautiful is life-changing!”
The Skin Lounge has expanded the business and changed its name with the addition of a full-time hairstylist.
The new venture is called The Beauty Lounge Girls.
Ross and her business partner, Aubrey Zillner, 24, have been friends since middle school and later rekindled their friendship.
Both are Fort Scott High School graduates, Zillner in 2016 and Ross in 2017.
Zillner will be working at The Beauty Lounge Girls as the full-time hairstylist. She graduated from cosmetology school at Fort Scott Community College in 2018 and has been working behind the chair since, Ross said.
Both women are very excited for their new adventure and look forward to serving the community, Ross said.
The Beauty Lounge will now be offering facials, lashes, brows, waxing, spray tans, hair cuts (for women, men, and kids), highlights, perms, deep conditioning treatments, and more.
They will also have a full retail bar where they customize for each of their client’s skincare, haircare, and/or body care products and services.
The hours of operation will be Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The spa side is by appointment only.
Zillner will be by appointment or accept walk-ins for any hair service, if available.
“The Beauty Lounge will be having their grand re-opening on February 3, 2022, from 4-8 p.m.,” Ross said.  Be sure to mark your calendars! There will be goodie bags, door prizes, snacks, and exclusive deals! We want everyone to have a place they can go to and feel safe and let loose and have a good time and be your true authentic self. This is a judgment-free space. We are a trendy and inviting spa studio, dedicated to helping people love who they are!” Ross said.
Contact info:  (620) 322-0561 or [email protected]
The Beauty Lounge Girls on Facebook
@thebeautyloungegirls on Instagram
The Hair Lounge on Facebook (Aubrey’s!)
@yourhairgirl.aubs on Instagram

There an opening is for the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee:

  • One opening (Full-time resident on the East side of Lake Fort Scott)

The function of the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding lake operations, lake safety, fishing, boating, and camping at Lake Fort Scott.

If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The names will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on this board, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by January 28th, 2022.

FS City Special Meeting Jan. 13

There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 13th, 2022. This meeting will be held to consider two change orders for the Urgent Need Grant on North National.

The work session regarding brick streets will be held immediately following the special meeting.

These meetings will be held at 123 S. Main Street in the City Commission meeting room. These meetings will be broadcast on the City’s you tube channel.

 

USD 234 Will Close Schools January 13-14 Due to COVID-19 Virus

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.

Ted Hessong. Submitted photo.

“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%

 

USD234 News Release

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.