Chamber Coffee: T-Mobile Ribbon Cutting April 14
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Explore Kansas On the Big Kansas Road Trip
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Downtown Clean Up Slated for April 22: Volunteers Needed
The Downtown Division of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Good Neighbor Action Team, is hosting their second Downtown Clean-up which coincides with Earth Day, Friday, April 22, according to a press release.
The majority of the workers will be on task from 3 pm to 6 pm, but there will be different projects starting at different times throughout the day, an organizer said.
The board members of the Chamber and GNAT organizations have created a list of several areas of the downtown area that could benefit from some time and attention, according to the press release.
Volunteers will be striping, curbing and painting crosswalks, planting flowers at the north end of Main Street-with help from the Bourbon County Garden Club, washing storefront windows, creating temporary signage for vacant buildings, creating new murals, helping with alley clean-ups, trash pick up, and miscellaneous painting of tables.
“The Bourbon County Garden Club will be using their own tools, but the majority of tools (for projects) will be provided,”Rachel French, member of the Fort Scott Chamber’s Downtown Division, said.
“At this time we are not planning on closing any streets, but there will be certain areas of downtown that will be closed for parking,” French said. “These areas will include part of National Ave. and Scott Ave.”
“Several community members asked us to do another downtown clean-up to prepare the area for several major events happening this spring, including the Big Kansas Road Trip in early May, Good Ol’ Days the first weekend of June, and the all-school reunion at the end of June. The downtown division quickly started planning the next clean-up and asked the Good Neighbor Action team to partner with them on this project,” Chamber Downtown Division Chairwoman Bailey Lyons said.
The Chamber’s Downtown Division held its first Downtown Clean-up in August of 2021, with over 250 volunteers in attendance.
“We are excited for this next clean-up because the first one was so well received by the community and made such a large impact quickly,” Lyons remarked.
Volunteers are needed to participate in the downtown clean-up, and can register to help at https://www.jotform.com/form/220906422828052.
“We are currently expecting 100 volunteers, but we could still use more,” French said.
MyOneStop, a downtown business that sells apparel, will be providing the volunteers with a free t-shirt for preregistering before April 19, through the above link.
“We have created a commemorative shirt for the event to thank the volunteers,” commented French, who is also president of MyOneStop.
Members of the Downtown Division of the Chamber include:
Lyons, owner of Lyons Realty, Chairwoman; John Crain, owner of Crain Insurance Agency; Sandra Davis, President of Davis Accounting; French, President of MyOneStop; Lindsay Madison, President of Fort Scott Chamber; Angela Simon, Owner of Angie Dawn’s Boutique and Bids & Dibs; and Craig Campbell, Coordinator of the Good Neighbor Action Team.
Obituary of Richard Lee Dixon
Richard Lee Dixon, 79, of Frontenac, died on April 8, 2022 at his home.
Dixon was born in Fort Scott on January 9, 1943, the son of Richard and Velma Totman Dixon.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 15, 2022, at Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Arma, Ks. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. that day. Burial will be at Pittsburg Garden of Memories.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April13
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports April 11-12
U234 Board of Education: New Principals, New Teachers
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, April 11, 2022
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Board of Education office on Monday, April 11, 2022, for their regular monthly meeting.
President James Wood 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 – March 10, 2022 – $1,437,997.40
D. Financial Report
E. Activity fund accounts
F. FCCLA Fundraiser Application
G. Parent/Teacher Conference statistics
H. KASB Dues and Legal Assistance Fund
I. Negotiations lists for 2022-23
J. Use of a school bus for the Class of 1966 for June 25
K. Memorandum of Understanding with Greenbush Food Purchasing Consortium
L. Extended Trip Application – Film Festival Competition
The Fort Scott High School Sociology students gave a presentation on Hats in School. They reported their research, observations, and surveys for allowing students to wear hats to school.
Board members approved Resolution 21-12 Authorizing and Providing for the Sale, Issuance, and Delivery of Taxable General Obligation Refunding Bonds.
Brenda Hill, Fort Scott KNEA President, gave a report on year-end activities.
Written reports were shared by principals.
In addition, the board heard a report from Dalaina Smith, Academics Director. Board members approved a PLC Summer Institute for teachers.
Ted Hessong, Superintendent; and Gina Shelton, Finance Director/Board Clerk. presented reports.
Board members approved the following items:
· Academic calendar for the 2022-23 school year
· High School course changes/additions for the 2022-23 school year
· Make-up snow days
· Virtual Academy Memorandum of Understanding with Greenbush
Superintendent Hessong gave an ESSER III update.
The board approved a Benchmark change order to add Winfield Scott roofing to the bid documents.
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel. The board returned to open meeting and amended the agenda. Board members approved the creation of a board-member committee to have exit interviews with administrators. The committee would consist of four board members in a special meeting with an executive session. The board approved the following employment matters:
A. Resignation of Melissa Miller, Winfield Scott Principal, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
B. Resignation of Martin Altieri, Winfield Scott Assistant Principal, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
C. Resignation of Andrea Scott, Fort Scott Preschool Principal/Special Education Coordinator, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
D. Resignation of Abby Dixon, Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
E. Resignation of Kerry Pommier, Eugene Ware counselor, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
F. Resignation of Torrie Singmaster, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
G. Resignation of Kelcy Schnaufer, preschool teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
H. Resignation of Travis Toth, high school social science teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
I. Resignation of Renee Scales, middle school special education teacher, effective May 17, 2022
J. Resignation of Lindsay Knopp, Winfield Scott second grade teacher, effective May 13, 2022
K. Resignation of Shytanna Reed, middle school paraprofessional, effective March 15, 2022
L. Resignation of Elizabeth Rose, preschool paraprofessional, effective May 13, 2022
M. Resignation of Shana Staton, preschool paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
N. Resignation of Afton Brown, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
O. Termination of Adrianne Wisdom, high school paraprofessional, effective February 17, 2022
P. Transfer of Jamie Rogers, middle school math teacher, to high school math teacher for the 2022-23 school year
Q. Transfer of Ashlea Taylor, Winfield Scott special education teacher, to first grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year; transfer of Kaitlin Arnold, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, to second grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year; transfer of Tyler Ericson, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, to second grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
R. Transfer of Kim Eastwood, Winfield Scott second grade teacher, to Eugene Ware music teacher for the 2022-23 school year
S. Transfer of Madeline Martin to the high school counselor position for the 2022-23 school year
T. Transfer of Angie DeLaTorre, Eugene Ware secretary, to high school secretary/registrar for the 2022-23 school year
U. Transfer of Brandi Pitts, high school custodian, to central office head custodian, effective May 13, 2022
V. Employment of David Heidrick as a middle school special education teacher for the 2022-23 school year
W. Employment of Michael Durnell as a high school math teacher for the 2022-23 school year
X. Employment of Sydney Crapson as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
Y. Employment of Evangelina Korinke as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
Z. Employment of Anna Kim as a Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
AA. Employment of Abigail Duffy as a Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
BB. Employment of Kim Carpenter as a Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
CC. Employment of Toni Burton as a middle school part-time teacher aide for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
DD. Employment of Angela Colvin as a middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
EE. Employment of Sean Herring as a Eugene Ware 6.5-hour cook for the 2022-23 school year
FF. Employment of Fort Scott Preschool Center licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year
GG. Employment of Winfield Scott licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year
HH. Employment of Eugene Ware licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year
II. Employment of Fort Scott Middle School licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year
JJ. Employment of Fort Scott High School licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year
KK. Employment of licensed special education and technology staff for the 2022-23 school year
LL.Transfer of Erin Campbell, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, to Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
MM. Transfer of Tiffnie Spears, Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher, to Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
NN. Transfer of Jeffery Pommier, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher, to Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
OO. Transfer of Danielle Cavin, Eugene Ware special education teacher, to Fort Scott Middle School special education teacher for the 2022-23 school year
PP. Employment of Dale Brauer as a middle school math teacher for the 2022-23 school year
QQ. Employment of Lienna Upchurch as a Eugene Ware special education teacher for the 2022-23 school year
RR. Employment of Karen Gordon as Eugene Ware counselor for the 2022-23 school year
SS. Employment of Sierra Muellner as a Winfield Scott low incidence special education teacher for the 2022-23 school year
TT. Employment of Cynthia Hemphill-Witham as a preschool center paraprofessional for the 2022-23 school year
UU. Employment of Angelica Gonzalez as a middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
VV. Termination of Susan Karleskint, high school one-day-a-week ESOL teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
WW. Addition of After-School Program coordinator positions for Winfield Scott, Eugene Ware, and Fort Scott Middle School for the 2022-23 school year
The board adjourned.
CHC/SEK awarded $1 grant toward transportation facility
During a Facebook Live event on Thursday in Salina, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas as the recipient of a $1 million grant which will go toward the construction of CHC/SEK’s Regional Transportation Facility.
“As the largest healthcare provider in the region, CHC/SEK has long recognized that the lack of transportation is a significant healthcare disparity,” said Karlea Abel, CHC/SEK’s executive director of Building Health, Inc. Building Health, a subsidiary of CHC/SEK established in 2020, is responsible for managing CHC/SEK’s growing transportation program. “Today’s funding announcement is a big step for CHC/SEK to grow its transportation program and this will help meet Southeast Kansas’ growing transportation needs.”
Of the 65,000 patients served by CHC/SEK, approximately 20 percent of those patients experience some form of transportation barrier to healthcare. Creating a transportation system will remove that barrier for many.
“From public data, internal data, and numerous testimonies and anecdotes, it is clear that we’re missing community members who need more from us,” Abel said adding that a large portion of maintaining good health is beyond the doctor’s office. “If you can’t get to doctor appointments, it’s also likely you’re having trouble getting to a grocery store, or even a place of employment.”
Specifically, the grant will create a dedicated space to house vehicles, sustain and grow the transposition program by creating space for dedicated staff, and strengthen transportation resources for all.
This transportation facility will be located in Pittsburg and most immediately benefit Crawford and Bourbon counties …but its benefits will be felt throughout all of the neighboring counties it serves, Karlea said.
With dedicated space and staff, CHC/SEK hopes to collaborate with other regional transportation partners with shared dispatchers, shared dispatch software, and joint marketing and public awareness, as well as supply purchasing and maintenance efforts to ensure all state-funded transit vehicles are being utilized to their maximum potential, and those needing rides are receiving them.
2nd COVID-19 Boosters available at all CHC/SEK locations
Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are available at all CHC/SEK walk-in clinics and by appointment. There are no out-of-pocket costs to receive a vaccination.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend adults with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19 receive a booster if it has been at least 4 months from the first booster or anyone who received J&J/Janssen for both of their primary and first booster dose, if it has been at least 4 months from the first booster.
This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19 as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time.
Research suggests that for those with people with a moderately or severely weakened immune system, getting a second booster dose can decrease their risk of infection and severe illness with COVID-19.
High-risk medical conditions include: age 65 years and older, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic lung disease, cystic fibrosis, dementia or other neurological conditions, diabetes (type 1 or 2), other disabilities, heart conditions, HIV, immunocompromised, mental health conditions, overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, pregnancy, sickle cell or thalassemia, smoker (current or former), organ or stem-cell transplant, stroke, substance use disorder and TB.
COVID-19 booster doses may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including the flu vaccine. When getting a booster dose, you are encouraged to bring your COVID-19 vaccine card to show the vaccine provider. To date, more than 1.5 million Kansan’s, about 61 percent, have gotten at least their first dose of one of the three safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. Eligible individuals are encouraged to stay up to date on vaccinations, including booster doses that provide extra protection.
Those wishing to schedule a booster shot appointment may call 620-231-9873 or their local clinic numbers.
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 5
April 5, 2022 Tuesday at 6 pm
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioner Harris,
Commissioner Oharah and the County Clerk. They were present for the entire meeting.
Commissioner Beth was present for a portion of the meeting.
Also present for the meeting were, (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some were
present for the entire meeting) Matt Quick, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Deanne Weir,
Charlotte Ernest, Debra Matt, Earl Capp, Vicki Capp, Kim LaPorte, David Scharenberg, Dan
Laughlin, Steven Hall, Jan Laughlin, Ronald Burton, Jarad Lord, Donald Coffman, Clint Walker,
Mike Hueston, Alyssa Firley, William Peters, Nadine Leach, Butch Leach, Fred Larson,
Woodrow Brown, and Brandon Whisenhunt.
Jim thanked everyone for coming.
Lynne made a motion to approve the previous weeks minutes as well as the work session. Jim
seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Eric Bailey presented a permit for Josh Query at 2504 Limestone Rd for an entry culvert. Lynne
made a motion to approve the permit. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Eric reported that they were able to get Elm Creek burned. He said that they have started
crushing at Thomas Quarry. Eric said that Schwab Eaton had been in town looking at the low
water crossings and are finishing up and they should have that report back in about a month. Eric
asked the commissioners if they were still planning to have a hard surface meeting next week.
They all agreed that they wanted to have a meeting next week following the regular commission
meeting. Eric reported that IEA is finishing up on the punch list regarding the windmill project
and should be turning the roads back over soon.
Hay bids were opened. Jim made a motion to approve the highest bid for each property which are
as follows:
Elm Creek – Joe Tirri $3357.00
Native Road – Steve Sinn $251.00
Tower – Steve Sinn $25.00
Lynne seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne Made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation
with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client
relationship, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room and
will be for 7 minutes returning at 6:18 pm and will include Commissioners Harris and Oharah
(Commissioner Beth was not present) and Justin Meeks. Jim seconded and Jim and Lynne
approved.
Lynne made a motion to return to normal session at 6:18 pm with no action. Jim seconded. Jim
and Lynne approved.
Lynne Made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data
relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual
proprietorships, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room at
6:26 pm. Included will be Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth was not
present), Justin Meeks, and Susan Bancroft. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 6:26 pm with action. Jim seconded. Jim and
Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to allow Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft to work
together on a partnership regarding Elm Creek. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss
personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy, the
Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room at 6:34 pm. The session
will be for 5 minutes and include Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth was
not present) Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 6:34 pm. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne
approved.
Commissioner Beth joined the meeting.
Justin said that they are asking the commissioners to change the title for Shane Walker to Chief
Information Officer and Susan Bancroft to Chief Financial Officer. He said there is no change in
pay, only the title, and it is to encompass all of their job titles into one. Jim made a motion to
change Shane Walkers title to Chief Information Officer and Susan Bancroft to Chief Financial
Officer. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft said that she has a letter from I AM REHAB requesting to renew their contract
for another year which would take it through May of 2023. Clifton asked when the contract for
Via Christi renews. Susan said she believed that it was in August. Lynne made a motion to renew
the contract for I AM REHAB for another year. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan said that they need to elect one of the commissioners as a voting delegate for the KAC.
She said that they are wanting to add an HR group to the organization and one of them would
need to complete to voting form. Clifton made a motion to allow Jim as the voting delegate for
KAC. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan said that based on the appraisal of the medical building done during the feasibility study,
that it appraised for much more than they anticipated and that the amount of insurance needs to
be increased to at least $7 million in coverage on the building itself. Clifton made a motion to
increase the amount of coverage on the medical building to $7 million. Lynne seconded. All
approved.
Susan asked if they would be interested in doing a joint KOMA training with the City of Fort
Scott. Clifton said that he and Lynne had already been through the training and are not interested
in doing it again at this time. Jim said he would possibly participate depending on his schedule.
Public Comment:
Vicki Capp asked what the plan is for Yale Road? Are they going to fix it and repave it or turn it
into gravel and leave it gravel? Eric said that the base on Yale Road is failing and it would have
to be taken back to gravel and the base needs to be rebuilt before it would be able to be repaved.
That is the plan for it, but at this time, nothing has been decided and they are having a meeting
next week to address the plan for hard surface roads. Vicki asked if the one cent sales tax was
still in place to help maintain the road? Susan said that it is still in place but is for all roads. Jim
explained that when the sales tax was passed that it was enough to maintain what was already
paved. Then they added more miles of paved roads and it is hard to keep up with it all and find
money to maintain it all. There are roads in every part of the county that need attention. David
Scharenberg asked if all three of the commissioners supported repaving Yale Road. Lynne said
that has always been his plan was to repave it. Jim said that each district should see 1/3 of the
sales tax money and he would support what Lynne wanted to do with the 1/3 he receives for his
district. Clifton said he had roads in his district that are bad too and need repaired and they would
do the best they could with what they have. There was more discussion regarding the road
conditions in the northwestern part of the county.
Ronald Burton asked about the county helping with Union Street on the edge of Mapleton. Justin
said they cannot do that because it is the city limits and that would be competing with the private
sector. He asked if he could close it to through traffic when it gets too bad? Justin said yes since
it was in the city limits. He asked if he annexed it out of the city then would the county maintain
it? Justin answered that then it would be a county road and they would be responsible for
maintaining it.
Mike Hueston asked if the commission could recap the presentation that was given by Nobel
since they were unable to attend that meeting. Clifton talked about the highlights of the
information given by Noble. Hueston asked about the condition of the ambulance wearing out
and need replaced. Clifton said that this something they will have to evaluate and get a plan in
place. He said that the county has purchased one new ambulance but the others were given by
Mercy and they cannot give them or sell them for a certain timeframe.
Commissioners Comments:
Lynne said that they are working on getting a cell tower up in that area and getting internet for
everyone in that area. He said that he wanted to keep taxes the same and not have to increase
them. He thanked everyone for coming.
Clifton thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.
Jim thanked everyone for coming and was glad they had a good turnout. He said that they are
planning to keep having meetings at outside locations and since they had a good turnout would
be back at Mapleton again. He said that they are going to work hard to keep taxes from raising.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
Obituary of Mark Wade
Mark Stanley Wade, 64, resident of rural Redfield and more recently of the Medicalodge, passed away Monday April 11, 2022. He was born October 21,1957, the son of Oscar J. and Helen (Jackson) Wade of Rural Redfield, Kansas. He attended the Redfield school as a young child and later graduated from Uniontown High School in 1975.
As a young adult, he worked for various local farmers. He ran heavy equipment for local contractors and Bill’s Coal Company. Mark tried his hand at dairy farming and custom harvesting from Texas to Canada. He also cut rice and peanuts a time or two in Mississippi.
Mark was a “jack of all trades” and a master of some. Jobs included building fences, hauling rock, pasture clearing and snow removal. Mark took great pride in the maintenance of the watershed dams along the Mill Creek, Marmaton River, with some in Anderson and Allen County.
Mark also attended the Hope Anthem Church in Ottawa, Kansas. He also loved to square dance and was a regular at the “The Docey Dandies” in Gardner, Kansas and “The Ottawa Promenades” club in Ottawa, Kansas.
Mark is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Culler and her husband, of Pleasanton, Kansas;Sara Schellack and her husband, also of Fort Scott; granddaughter Emma; his mother Helen Wade, of Redfield, Kansas; three brothers, Steve Wade and wife Linda, of Mapleton, Kansas, David Wade and wife Deanna, also of Mapleton, Brian Wade and wife Deana, of rural Hammond, Kansas; several nieces, and a nephew.
He was preceded in death by his father Oscar Wade in 2009, and his brother Phil in 1989, along with a wealth of friends over the years.
John Durling will officiate graveside services at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 14, 2022, at Centerville Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Family and friends will meet at Konantz-Cheney at 10:00 a.m. for a visitation prior to graveside services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the City of Fort Scott Animal Shelter and Pound and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.