Tag Archives: featured

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Jeff Fischer: Candidate for Bourbon County Commissioner, Advance Voting Has Begun

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Jeff Fischer. Submitted photo.

Advance voting at the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue continues until noon, August 3.

The hours of the county clerk’s office are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 pm.  There is a plexiglass barrier between the voter and poll worker and employees are sanitizing after each voter, Bourbon County Clerk Kendell Mason said.

“Masks are not required, but we strongly encourage people to wear them to help keep everyone safe,” Mason said.” Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at all polling places.”

To view the Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum on July 20, click here: https://fortscott.biz/news/view-the-candidate-forum-last-night-here

 

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Name:

Jeff Fischer

What position you are running for:

County Commissioner 2nd District

Age:

59 Years

Education:

Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering

Masters of Science Civil Engineering

Post Graduate Studies Civil Engineering

Experience:

3.5 years of experience in the role of Commissioner

10 years of leading corporate and collegiate learning experiences

20 years of construction engineering experience

What skills do you bring to the position if elected or re-elected?

If my constituents re-elect me to serve again as their commissioner I bring the skills from the past as outlined in my educational background: Professional Civil Engineer, Experience with heavy construction, Experience speaking to large audiences on a wide range of topics from the medical service sector to roads and bridge rehabilitation. I am a skilled researcher and seek to understand complex issues by drawing from a broad band of knowledge, before narrowing down to reaching a decision for the good of the present with a look to future growth and development. I have the skills of a pastor who nurtures the flock in my pastoral duties in my church. As a leader in the ministerial community I have gained the skill of listening and the skill of humbling myself. I learn from my mistakes. I seek input from others and try to make amends for wrongs foolishly committed. I have a genuine love for the future growth of Fort Scott and Bourbon County. My public speaking skills at local, regional, state and national levels are a valued asset to our community. I can represent Bourbon County in the Committee meetings across the globe, if necessary, to gain access to outsiders planning to locate their businesses in rural America. I am skilled at financial planning and can assist in helping department heads when they seek guidance in yearly budgets. I have a unique skill in historical memories of Fort Scott, remembering what our great-grand parents envisioned for us and dreamed for our children. My skills are varied, yes, through years of formal education and also life experiences. My constituents afforded me an opportunity to serve Bourbon County four years ago. Thank you for your vote of confidence in 2016. Please review what the commission as a body has accomplished. I humbly ask your forgiveness for my stumbles. I seek the chance to continue in service to the community we all love.

What is your priority on day one?

  1. Listen carefully.
  2. Secure additional anchor tenants to realize the capacity and benefits of the Medical Mall concept.
  3. Develop and implement a strategic plan for county infrastructure.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Danny Larsen: New Eugene Ware Elementary School P.E.Teacher

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Danny Larsen. Submitted photo.
Danny Larsen is the new physical education teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

Larsen earned his bachelor of science in education with a strength and conditioning emphasis; and a bachelor of arts in psychology.

He has two years of experience teaching as an At-Risk Teacher, this is his first physical education position, he said.
Larsen’s hometown is  Fort Scott and is married to Jamie Larsen. They have three children: Noah who will be a senior, Malachi an  8th-grader, and Madeline a 5th- grader.
What are your hobbies/interests/community involvements?
“I love spending time with my family as much as possible. I also like to coach, work in my shop (woodworking), and play basketball.”
How did you become an educator?
“I’ve always enjoyed working with kids and being a mentor, either through coaching sports or volunteering at school or church.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“There were so many teachers who played a big role in my decision to pursue teaching as a career. These include teachers I had while I was in school and those who have taught my kids.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“For me, the best part of teaching is connecting with a kid who has struggled either academically, emotionally, or in some way that makes their life and school more difficult. Once you see that tension disappear from their face and it’s replaced by a smile, there’s nothing else like it!”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Right now, the great challenge is being a new teacher where kids are looking for familiarity and normalcy. Fortunately, I do well in those situations and look forward to teaching in Fort Scott.”
COVID-19, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Graduation August 1

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A prior prom photo of the class 2020 of FSHS.
Submitted photo.

The 156 graduates of Fort Scott High School will have an unprecedented graduation on August 1 at the football stadium on Main Street at 8 p.m.

 

The changes are the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is currently seeing a surge in the country and in Bourbon County.

 

“We are approved for an outside graduation, with masks, a limited number of guests for each student, a maximum of 6,” said Amber Toth, Fort Scott High School, Principal. “The crowd will not be allowed on the field, we will dismiss our seating by section and have people leave immediately to help control crowd gatherings, and we will ensure social distancing.”

 

“We are not allowed to conduct graduation in the gym,” she said. ” If there is a weather issue we will reschedule time of graduation or date of graduation.”

 

“Teachers are allowed to attend graduation but there will not be a farewell line,” Toth said.  “We plan to have students do a lap on the track for audience members where they can wave, etc.”

 

The following is from the FSHS Facebook page:
“We have worked very hard to ensure we can have this ceremony and create a gathering that was approved by the health department. That means your cooperation and support will be needed moving forward. We need families to be flexible. We cannot have graduation in the gym with our current level of spread. Therefore, we may need to adjust the time etc if weather prevents us from having it at the stadium. GRADUATION WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND STUDENTS WILL BE GIVEN 6 TICKETS FOR GUESTS. Graduation will be live streamed for the public. We will have graduation practice on July 31st at 10:00 am. Students are required to attend so they can pick up their tickets for families and their mask at graduation practice. We will provide further details concerning entering the stadium before graduation.
Procedures:
1. We will expect the 6 guests from families to set together. We have provided seating for each student’s guests allowing for 6 foot distancing between families. We will expect you to follow and respect these guidelines.
2. We ask that each student’s guests enter the stadium together to help with seating.
3. You must have a ticket to enter the stadium.
4. All guests, graduates, and staff will be required to wear a mask throughout the ceremony. If you are not wearing a mask, you will not be allowed to enter the stadium but will be able to watch through the livestream from your home or car.
4. At the conclusion of graduation, no one will be allowed to enter the football field. We will do a recessional for the graduations and lead them off of the field.
5. Families will be dismissed from the bleachers one section at a time. This was an important step for getting our plan approved. We ask that you immediately leave the field when your section is dismissed so we can move to the next section.
6. You will need to meet your graduate at home or in your car after the ceremony.
7. Graduation masks will be provided for graduates and faculty.
8. If you have been mandated to quarantine while awaiting testing or have been quarantined due to a positive test or exposure, you will not be able to attend graduation. The health and safety of our community is our number one priority.”

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Missy Miller: New U234 K-5 Instructional Coach

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Missy Miller, submitted photo.
Missy Miller, 49, is the new USD 234 Instructional Coach for kindergarten through fifth-grade.
She received her bachelor of science degree at Emporia State University and her masters in leadership from  Baker University.
Miller has 18 years of teaching experience.
Her hometown is Tonganoxie, KS and she just moved to Louisburg, KS.
Miller and her husband,  Keith, have a daughter Courtney, 20, and son, Jake,19.
Her hobbies and interests include: being a Pampered Chef Consultant, reading historical Christian fiction, especially Francine Rivers and swimming.
How did you become an educator?
“I knew early that I was called to be an educator.  I would set all my dolls and stuffed animals up and teach them when I was little.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“Tim Brady, my 8th-grade history teacher was my inspiration.  He believed in me, pushed me to be more than I believed I could be, and encouraged me in all I did!”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part about teaching is the kids, helping them succeed, providing safety, and loving each of them for who they are no matter their circumstances.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Balancing the newness of teaching in a pandemic, how do we best reach those who need us most, how do we navigate providing for the whole child while not getting to see them face to face on a consistent basis.”
Bourbon County, Business

New Store Coming To Hwy. 54, Bronson

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Kelly and Thaddeus Perry are the owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds and plan to open a general store in Bronson in 2020. Submitted photo.

Passersby on Hwy. 54, going through Bronson, may have noticed the demolition of an old filling station.

 

The land is owned by K&T Enterprises LLC, Thaddeus and Kelly Perry, owners.

 

Local entrepreneurs, the Perry’s are in the process of building a general store on the site.

 

“We have purchased the land, all nine lots, to the edge of the (Bronson) city limits along with the station but have already demolished the station,” Kelly Perry said. “We started working on this project in March of 2019 with Kansas Dept.  of Health and Environment doing soil samples,  etc., to make sure there were no contaminations on the property from the fuel tanks. Next to go will be the awning and the underground tanks. Then we will be building our new general store and pork rind production plant.”

 

 

“We have many requests for EBT and to accept EBT we also have to sell other items such as bread, milk, eggs, etc,” Kelly said.

Kansas Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is the benefit delivery system for public assistance via electronic access to their cash and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, according to its website: http://www.ebtcard.net/state/kansas.html

 

The proposed general store will provide basic necessities plus small family business goods.

“The general store plans are to have bread, milk, eggs, tea, coffee, soda fountain and can soda as well as other small family goods from the state of Kansas, like Topeka based Stumpy’s Smoked Cheeses, Cashmere Popcorn, and of course in-house-made-fudge that will eventually be sold online as well,” Perry said. “I took a fudge making class to learn how to make old fashioned fudge. We will also have saltwater taffy from Branson MO. Mostly novelty foods. We also plan to have bagged ice and offer odds and ends such as toilet paper soap etc.”

 

” We hope to have construction up and going by late September,” she said.

 

 

The Perry site in Bronson in the demolition phase of the old filling station on Hwy. 54. Submitted photo.

 

“The new facility will have a front covered porch with picnic tables for guests to stop and enjoy,” she said. “We plan to have a large 40×60 ft. building. We plan to have public restrooms and free wifi as well.”

 

The awning is next to be demolished on the Perry’s business property.

The Kelly’s are known in Bourbon County for their pork rinds.

“We have outgrown our home-based business after working for the last three years,” Kelly said.  “Our online sales have increased as the customer base has broadened.”

 

“We have never received any grants for our business,” she said.   “We save and once we have the money we just pay for it in cash.”

 

 

Perry’s Pork Rinds is currently having a sale.

 

“We are running a free shipping special, right now,  for Christmas in July,” Kelly said.  See their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PerrysPorkRinds

 

 

They have marketed themselves by selling at every function, festival and fundraiser they could, she said.

” At one point not having a single weekend off in nine months,” Kelly said. “Now we have a loyal and supportive base and we want to support our home town and the county that has been behind us since the beginning.”

 

 

“Our customers are family to us,” Kelly said. “They have been with us since the beginning selflessly sharing posts and buying bags, sometimes to only give away to others, and we not only wanted the store but we wanted it in our own home town.”

 

 

“The plan in the back of our mind was to always have our own building,” she said.  “We are proud of our customers, employees and ourselves for starting something with little to no money, no generational money backing us, just hard work and dedication.”

 

 

“We currently have four full-time employees working 30+ hours a week,” Perry said.

 

 

They have some long term goals for their highway property.

“We hope to bring even more jobs to the community and the long term goal is to have RV hookups on the site for hunters, who can bring their game to the Bronson Locker, and folks fishing and enjoying the Kansas Rocks and Recreation as well as any pipeline/windmill employees needing accommodations. The highway frontage should bring in several visitors.”

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Coffee Drive-Through Store Coming to South Fort Scott

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Scooter’s Coffee is coming to Fort Scott.

 

The store will be located in the strip mall on Main Street, which is also 69 Hwy on the south end of town.

 

“We are very excited to open in Fort Scott,” said Demi Bouwens,   director of operations for the franchise in Pittsburg and Fort Scott.

 

 
“The store will be located in the parking lot near the Hibbett’s Sports Store,” Bouwens said. “We are aiming for a November 2020 opening.”
“As we were building our location in Pittsburg last year we began to notice the community in Fort Scott,” she said. “We loved the warm, friendly environment as we spent time in the community. Because of this, we knew this community would be a great fit for Scooter’s brand.”
Not just coffee will be offered but other snack items will be sold at the drive-through only coffee store.
“We offer a variety of options from coffee, smoothies, teas, lattes, blenders, muffins, breakfast options, to cookies and our famous cinnamon roll,” she said. “This is a drive-through only model where you can count on amazing drinks served to you amazingly fast!”
What is the history of Scooters?
“In 1998, Scooter’s Coffee was born,” Bouwens said.  “Co-founders Don and Linda Eckles began an amazing journey when they opened their first drive-thru coffeehouse in Bellevue, Nebraska. Their keys to success: find a great location and stay committed to high-quality drinks, speed of service, and a BIG smile. Scooter’s Coffee is fortunate to have over two decades of success due to its commitment to the original business principles and company core values. Amazing People, Amazing Drinks…Amazingly Fast!”
Business, Fort Scott

Firstsource Transitions Employees to Work From Home And Plans A Move

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Firstsource is currently located in the Fort Scott Industrial Park. but is moving the office to town.

At a recent Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee event, Micheal Bryant announced that Firstsource Solutions USA, 4500 Campbell Drive, is transitioning to work-from-home for its employees.

The business leadership is also devising a plan to move from the industrial park to the city of Fort Scott and add more employees.

Micheal Bryant, Firstsource Solutions Vice-President of Operations. Submitted photo.

 

Bryant is vice president of operations for the business which provides for its’ clients services of claims adjudication, data entry and customer service calls.

 

“Firstsource has been deploying work-from-home for several years within the Fort Scott location,” Bryant said in an email interview with fortscott.biz.  “The opportunity for employees to work-from-home has been very well received by our team members.”

 

” The transition is a business decision that will improve our retention rates, employee satisfaction,  and performance of our team members,” Bryant said.

 

“The entire Fort Scott office will be involved in the migration,” he said. “There are other offices within Firstsource that are migrating to a work-from-home environment but (it is) not  a company-wide initiative.”

 

“The work-from-home staff will be providing services of claims adjudication, customer service, and data entry for our existing customers,” Bryant said.

 

At the Chamber Coffee, Bryant said the business would have a smaller footprint in Fort Scott.

 

“Firstsource is currently in negotiations on a small facility for training and meetings,” he said. “We hope to finalize the lease in the next couple of weeks. Once we have finalized the lease we will be able to communicate the new Firstsource location. The move is currently scheduled for late December of this year.”

 

The business will be moving from the industrial park.

“The current facility that we are negotiating with is within the city of Fort Scott,” Bryant said.

 

The business will also be adding more employees shortly.

 

“The alternative facility will be leveraged for the training of existing employees as well as new employees,” he said.  “The facility will enable Firstsource to continue to grow with the Fort Scott area. We have plans to add a significant number of additional staff members in the next several months.”

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New Winfield Scott First-Grade Teacher: Alexandra VanSickle

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Alexandra VanSickle. Submitted photo.
Alexandra VanSickle, 29, is a new first-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She received her education from Murray State University and Kansas State University and has previously taught fourth-grade.
VanSickle’s hometown is Murray, Kentucky.
“My husband, Carson Hunter, is the head football coach at Fort Scott Community College, that is what brought us to the area. We have four children: Liam, Izzy, Naomi, and Macy. We have just moved to the area in June. Previously, I was very involved in my church and local outreaches, I hope to establish the same relationships and opportunities to serve here in Fort Scott as I become more familiar with the area.”
Alexandra VanSickle and her husband Carson Hunter. Submitted photo.
How did you become an educator?
“I worked as a paralegal originally, and decided that wasn’t for me. After doing some volunteer work with young children, I realized my passion for helping students learn and succeed. I began working for the school district and went back to school as a non-traditional student.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“No one particular person, I have met a lot of incredible and inspiring teachers in my lifetime. I think my husband really encouraged and supported my dream to become a teacher though.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part of teaching for me is the relationships you build with the students, their families, and the amazing educators you get to work with.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“The greatest challenges would also be building those relationships, since I’m not from this area I think it will be a little more difficult to build relationships with students and get to know their families and background so I can better serve them. While the most challenging, I believe it to be one of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher.”
Bourbon County, Elections

Shaunn Pytlowany: Candidate for Bourbon County Treasurer, Candidate Forum Is TODAY

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Shaunn Ptylowany. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Today, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.  Doors open at 5:30  p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of federal, state, then local  candidates.

Shaunn Pytlowany, 49, is a candidate for Bourbon County Treasurer.

He graduated from LaVista High School, Fullerton CA.  He was a graduate and graduate assistant of Dale Carnegie training, a General Motors Mark of Excellence award winner, business management and financial training through Toyota, Ford, General Motors, Dodge.

” Professionally I have over 19 years experience in leadership and team building,” Pytlowany said. ” I’ve been a successful local business owner since 2006. Also, being that I’ve lived and have been active in the community for 26 years it’s given me the opportunity to develop strong working relationships with city and county officials.”

” If elected my past experience in the automotive industry along with operating a business would be a benefit,” he said.  “From inventory control, building and developing teams, and expense management.”

What would be your day one priority if elected?

“Analyze the current structure in the office,” he said. “Are the correct people in the correct positions? Develop a plan to increase the amount of daily transactions that are currently processed during the pandemic. Keep the office on budget by reducing the amount of times an outside auditor is needed in turn saving the taxpayers money.”

The following is information provided on the Bourbon County Kansas website.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election.  You may advance vote in one of two ways:  By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you   OR   in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.

Fort Scott, Schools

Breann Eden: New Winfield Scott Elementary Art Teacher

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Jon, Breann and Kenlee Eden. Submitted photo.
Breann Eden, 33, is the new Winfield Scott Elementary School art teacher.

 

Eden has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in Art Education, and four years teaching experience.

 

“This will be my fifth-year teaching,” she said.  “I started my teaching career with Nevada R-5 School District in Nevada, Missouri.  I was the art teacher at the elementary level(K-2) for two years and secondary level(6-8) for two years.”

 

She is a Fort Scott native, the oldest daughter of David and Jara Martin, and is married to a Jon Eden, who has a daughter, Kenlee Eden.
“Jon and I are awaiting the arrival of our first child together, due July 27th,” she said.

 

Eden has been involved with several organizations in Fort Scott.
“I am involved in the Bourbon County Arts Council and 2nd Story Arts Festival and I attend Community Christian Church,” Eden said.
“In my free time, you will find me spending time with my family, working on my house with my husband or creating art.”
How did you become an educator?
“After graduating from college, I worked for a non-profit that offered support to families with teenagers.  From there I began my master of arts in teaching and worked as a social worker. With these experiences, I fell in love with working with children, so I became an art teacher.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“The children I worked with in my past employment experiences have inspired me to become a teacher.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part of teaching art is providing opportunities for children to explore their creativity and think critically. I have enjoyed watching students develop their own ideas and then execute them through problem-solving and planning.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“My greatest challenge is finding time to be creative and to do all the things with my students and for my students that I want to do!”
Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Elections

Julie Saker: Candidate for Bourbon County Sheriff

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Julie Saker. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Monday, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.  Doors open at 5:30  p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of federal, state, then local  candidates.

 

Julie Saker, 54, is a candidate for Bourbon County Sheriff.
She has a high school/GED and took criminal justice classes at Fort Scott Community College.
“I have no experience in law enforcement,” Saker said. “But I have supervised/management experience. Twenty-five plus years in business.”
She has lived in Bourbon County for 30 years, she said.

What skills do you bring to the position if elected?

“Just be a good role model for my employees and the community.”
What is your priority on day one?
“To get acquainted with the staff and just keep learning as I go.”

The following is information provided on the Bourbon County Kansas website.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election.  You may advance vote in one of two ways:  By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you   OR   in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Walmart Donates Plants To Community Endeavors: Volunteers Needed To Plant

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From left: Brian Gillespie, Walmart Lawn and Garden Department Manager; Kristi Maycumber, Walmart Claims Supervisor and Alison Leach, community volunteer and an administrator of the Community Resources of Bourbon County Facebook page, stand in front of the donated plants. Submitted photos.
 Walmart Fort Scott had excess seasonal plants at this time of year they needed to get rid of.
 Walmart Claims Supervisor Kristi Maycumber, follows a group on Facebook, Community Resources of Bourbon County, administered by Alison Leach, Allen Schellack and  Kate Sweetser.
“When the garden department said they needed to get rid of perennials and annuals, I thought of Alison,” Maycumber said. We got a hold of Alison, she’s been trying to do some things for the parks (in Fort Scott).”
“Kristi Maycumber contacted me…on Tuesday, July 15th, from Walmart, regarding the opportunity to donate annuals and perennials to the community,” Leach said.
Leach began to search for those areas in the county that might benefit from the donation.
 “Gunn Park and Fort Scott bike trails entrances have been identified as an area for the donation,” Leach said.  “In a collaborative effort, I reached out to Fort Scott Garden Club, Barbara McCord, as they plant and maintain the downtown area and  (swimming) pool garden.  Their club will be identifying areas and choose selections from this donation. Nancy Holt, with the Uniontown Garden Club, was also contacted regarding the donation and any areas of need,  they declined at this time.”
“The total retail amount (of the donation) with 75% discount (the plants were on sale) is $1217,” Leach said.
Alison Leach, left, and Kristi Maycumber unloaded the plants in Leach’s back yard. Leach will keep them watered until they can get in the ground, with donated help.

 

Now, Leach said, volunteers are needed to get the donated plants in the ground.
“We would be very interested in volunteers to plant,” Leach said.    “Our challenges are that, with the heat, hard soil and lack of water accessibility, it can appear overwhelming.  However, we would like to stay positive and think of the long term benefit of highlighting our community settings with these donations.”
To volunteer, Leach can be reached at 620-215-2523.
Leach started the Community Resources of Bourbon County Facebook page on March 17, 2020, at the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic.

“Many people were contacting me via (Facebook) Messenger asking questions,” she said.  “I referred them to the Bourbon County Health Department and City of Fort Scott Facebook page, however, the messages kept coming.  I created the page and then asked a few people to assist in replying.”