Monthly Archives: April 2019

Government, Kansas

Unclaimed Property

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Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner’s Tax Day Event Returns Over $370,000

Topeka—Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner made tax day a little brighter for thousands of Kansans by helping put money back in their pockets. With the help of several broadcast media outlets, the State Treasurer’s Office held an event Monday to bring awareness to the over $350-million in unclaimed property in the State Treasury and encouraging Kansans to get online and see if any of it belongs to them. Over 27,000 people went to kansascash.com to search, and $372,146 was returned to its rightful owners.

“It’s wonderful that we were able to match up so many individuals and businesses with their unclaimed property,” said LaTurner. “This was a very successful event, but there’s still more money to give back. We hope those that found money online will spread the word to family and friends about how quick and easy it is to search for themselves as well.”

Searches for unclaimed property can be done anytime on kansascash.com. Most claims made online can be paid easily via direct deposit. In 2018 a record $26.5-million in unclaimed property was returned to Kansans, and the office is on track to break that record in 2019.

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Obituary

Obituary of Suzanne Street

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Suzanne Street, 72, of Fort Scott, passed away at her home Saturday evening, April 13, 2019.

She was born June 27, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Carl S. and Martina D. (Kirker) Street.

Suzanne graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 63. She also attended and graduated from Pittsburg State University, and Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She held a BA in Foreign Languages, and an MA in Spanish. She taught for forty years in Rich Hill, Missouri; Chanute, Kansas; Holden, Missouri; Tonganoxie, Kansas; Iola, Kansas, and Fort Scott, retiring in 2013.

Suzanne managed the bookstore at the Fort Scott National Historic Site and did volunteer work. She was a member of Area Women Educators (AWE), Iola Symphony Orchestra, and Fort Scott Area Orchestra. She traveled to several European countries with students and family.

Suzanne is survived by her sister, Carla J. Felt, of Fort Scott; nephew Carson Felt and wife Morgan, and great-niece Ryker Felt, all of Fort Scott.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Following cremation, the family will have a Celebration of Life Visitation Thursday evening, April 18, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

A private family interment service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Care to Share, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Church news

Good Friday Service: First Baptist at Noon

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The First Baptist Church, 123 Scott Ave., Fort Scott, will conduct a
special, but brief, community-wide GOOD FRIDAY EASTER SERVICE in the church sanctuary Friday, April 19th from 12:15-12:45.
Pastor NormanTillotson will be the speaker.
Special music will be provided.
  The public is invited to spend part of your lunch hour worshipping the Lord and learning about what the cross means to us.
Government, Kansas

Kansas Commercial Hemp

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Governor signs bill establishing the Commercial Industrial Hemp Program
Requires a plan to monitor and regulate hemp in Kansas

 

To further support Kansas’ agricultural economy and provide farmers with an option for diversification, Governor Laura Kelly signed the Senate Substitute for House Bill 2167 today, establishing the Commercial Industrial Hemp Program.

 

“The Commercial Industrial Hemp Program represents a significant step forward for our agricultural economy. It will provide another crop option for Kansas farmers in the coming years,” Governor Kelly said. “I’m proud that Kansas is moving forward with this program and I look forward to working with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture and others to encourage growth in this new industry.”

 

Senate Substitute for House Bill 2167 requires the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), in consultation with the governor and attorney general, to submit a plan to the United States Department of Agriculture outlining how the state will monitor and regulate the commercial production of industrial hemp in Kansas, in accordance with federal law. The commercial growing program will replace the existing research program once it is finalized and approved by USDA.

 

“This is the first step toward Kansas developing a plan to allow for commercial hemp production, introducing an option for diversification for Kansas farmers,” Secretary Mike Beam said. “We support new and innovative opportunities for agriculture growth, and this legislation allows Kansas to seek approval from USDA for advancing industrial hemp in Kansas.”

This year is the first year that industrial hemp can be grown in Kansas, and at this time it is only allowed within research programs as allowed by the 2014 Farm Bill. The opportunity to expand cultivation of industrial hemp for commercial use was made possible as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. Signing the bill today allows Kansas to begin development of the regulations for commercial use of industrial hemp.

 

“In recent years, Kansas farmers have faced significant challenges – including weather and trade tensions,” Kelly said. “I’m committed to doing all I can to support them and provide opportunities for diversification. This program provides another tool in the toolbox for Kansas farmers.”

 

Additionally, the bill establishes prohibitions on the production and marketing of specific products and establishes waste disposal requirements for industrial hemp processors. This legislation will become effective upon its publication in the Kansas Register.

 

This brings the total number of bills signed in the 2019 Legislative Session to 36, with one being vetoed. By law, the Kansas governor has 10 calendar days to sign bills into law, veto bills or allow bills to become law without her signature.

 

Government, Kansas

Governor Signs Bill Making Voting More Convenient in Kansas

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Applauds coalition of local officials for spearheading the legislation

 

In an effort to expand and improve voting opportunities in Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly signed House Substitute for Senate Bill 130 yesterday afternoon, amending the law concerning advance ballots, signature requirements and polling places.

 

“Over the past decade, we have seen countless efforts aimed at making voting more difficult in this state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I hope this will be the first of many laws that help ensure that every voice is heard in our democratic process and that every vote is counted.”

 

House Substitute for Senate Bill 130 will give county election officials the discretion to allow all registered voters to cast their ballot at any polling place in their county on election day. It also requires county election officers to attempt to contact each voter who submitted an advance voting ballot without a signature or with a signature that does not match the signature on file. The voter will be allowed to correct their signature before the commencement of the final tallying of votes in that county.

 

“This law is about local control and protecting every vote,” Kelly said. “I applaud all of the local and state officials who worked together to make this law a reality, especially those in Sedgwick County who were the driving force behind it.”

 

This brings the total number of bills signed in the 2019 Legislative Session to 37, with one being vetoed. By law, the Kansas governor has 10 calendar days to sign bills into law, veto bills or allow bills to become law without her signature.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Teacher Lynette Jackson Retires After 31 Years

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Lynette Jackson. Submitted photo.

Lynette Jackson, a second-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School, is retiring after 31 years in education.

“I taught first grade for one year in Shawnee, Oklahoma and thirty years have been with USD 234 as a K-3 teacher and instructional coach,” Jackson said.

Born and raised in Fort Scott, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University.

Several factors influenced her to become a teacher.

“One was the relationships I had with my former teachers,” she said. “I have great memories of school because my teachers made school fun and exciting. They also made me feel very secure and important. Although I’ve enjoyed school throughout my lifetime, my elementary years are the most memorable to me. Therefore, I became an elementary teacher.

“In thinking about all the teachers I’ve had from elementary school through college, I must say that the great majority of them had some influence on me, one way or another. I’m reminded of how important it was to be assured at school that I had potential and skills, that I could use in life to be successful. It was very important and with gratitude, I will never forget what they did for me as I was growing up. All my educators impacted my desire to teach and I hope I have repaid the debt to my past teachers that invested in me.”

Jackson believes a  teacher has a mission.

“Being a teacher means being a nurse, counselor, substitute mom or dad, cheerleader, and disciplinarian,” she said. “It is my hope that I have been all these roles for my students over the years. I am flattered when a child says to me, ‘I want to be a teacher just like you.’ Have I given that youngster the best example I could to pattern his or her life and career?”

Jackson has had the privilege to work with colleagues that were past students.

“There is no better honor than working with someone that you once taught,” she said. “To see these students, grow up and have a career in education, is overwhelming. It is my hope they enjoy their careers and have many years in education as much as I have.”

As with all professions, there have been challenges.

“Several challenges I have faced over the years have been balancing the different learning styles of students, technology in the classroom, budget constraints, office politics, and lack of time to collaborate or implement new resources,” she said. “I would urge the community to get behind our schools and become knowledgeable about the educational trends we use at USD234 and become involved with our local school board and legislation.”

Jackson said she is hoping to spend time with her family and “enjoy attending my son’s school events.”

 

K-State Extension

Herbs and Butterflies: Gardening At Noon

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K-State Southwind District presents:
Gardening at Noon
at Heritage Park, May 2nd & 9th!
Spring has sprung, and it’s time
to get gardening.
Bring your lunch, a drink, and
come learn something new!

K-State Southwind Extension District presents two special
“Gardening at Noon” classes
at Heritage Park, 102 E. 1st Street in Fort Scott:

May 2nd – All About Herbs
Herbs are easy to grow in beds or containers. Join us to learn planting tips and sample some tasty recipes utilizing herbs.

May 9th – Attracting Butterflies
We need more pollinators! Learn how to attract more butterflies to your garden by selecting the right plants, planting in the right location, and
providing a water source.

All participants will receive a 25% off coupon to use for any gardening book in the Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, located at 16 S. Main St. in Fort Scott!

Call 620-244-3826
for more information.
(Rain cancels events)

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott by the Chamber of Commerce

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15 Community Book Club – 7-8pm, email Sara Coon for location: [email protected]

This month’s book is The Snow Leopard, by Peter Matthiesen
16-17 Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library,  201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
16 T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
16 Sharky’s Pub & Grub TaTa Benefit Ride Fundraiser – at Sharky’s, 16 N. National Ave., 11am-10pm

10% of ALL Food Sales will be donated back to the 2019 TaTa Benefit Ride for Care to Share Cancer Support Group/The Sharing Bucket! Come on out and enjoy some GREAT Food for a GREAT Cause!!
16 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
16 Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living – 820 S. Horton St., 2-4pm

Residents and the public are invited the 3rd Tuesday of every month to play bingo
16 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
16 City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 Scott St., 6-7pm
17
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,
308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
17
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm

Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
17
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm

Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
18
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Fort Scott Presbyterian Village
Location: 2401 S. Horton St.
18 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm-1pm
18 Kids in the Kitchen – First Church of God, 1115 E. Wall St., 4-5:30pm

K-State Research and Extension is offering a FREE Kids in the Kitchen class for grades 4th thru 6th grade, each Thursday

This class will teach kitchen safety, how to prepare healthy and inexpensive snacks. For more information, please contact Malynda Payne (620) 768-9459
18 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
18
Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm

Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
18 A Star is Born (or Died) – Boiler Room Brewhaus, 10 S. National Ave., 7-9pm

Join us at The Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 for karaoke fun.  Cheer on your local, favorite star!
19-20
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
20
Car Wash Fundraiser at Typhoon Bay by FSHS Boys Golf – 1510 S. National (next to Heidrick’s True Value), 8am-12pm

Come get your auto cleaned, dried, and vaccuumed while supporting a great proram! Free will donation
20 FSRC Youth Track & Field Meet at Frary Stadium – 9th & Main in Fort Scott, 9:30am

Participants may compete in the following events: 50, 100, 200, and 400 meter dashes; standing long jump; and softball throw. Winners will receive medals at the conclusion of each event. Divisions: 2nd & 3rd grade, 4th & 5th grade

$3 per person. Contact 620-223-0386 for more information
21 Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus – 10 S. National, 3-5pm

Exciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of 8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team). $5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room
22 Chamber Board Meeting – Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main St., 12-1pm
23-24 Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library,  201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
23-24 Blood Drive hosted by the American Red Cross @ BRCC – 735 Scott Ave.

Tuesday from 1-7pm, Wednesday from 8am-3pm
23 T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
23 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
23 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
24
Job Seeker Focus Group – FSCC Admin. Building, Greyhound Room, 2108 S. Horton
3 Sessions: 8:30-10am, 10:30am-12pm, and
2-3:30pm
Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center will hold focus groups for older workers seeking employment. Come share your job search experiences and earn a $25 gift card! Focus group discussions will center on searching for a job, improving your computer skills, using technology, interviewing with employers, dealing with challenges in getting to work, training at work and more! Seating is limited- register now to reserve your seat.
Register at: https://bit.ly/2YJg8cS or contact Katie Givens at: 316-978-6419
24 Breakfast Bingo at BRCC, 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month – 735 Scott Ave., 9-10am

Come drink some coffee and play some bingo at Buck Run. Staff will provide the bingo cards, the caller, and coffee. Prizes provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission
24
Women’s Appreciation Luncheon – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 11am-1pm

Tickets available at the FSCC Dick Hedges Admin. Building receptionist desk for $6 and reservations are appreciated. Those who pre-purchase 5 tickets by Aprill 22nd will get one free. To reserve by phone, call: 620-223-2700 x 0

(See flyer below for more info)
24
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,
308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
24
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm

Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
24
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm

Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
25
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Peerless Products
Location: 2403 S. Main St.
25 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm-1pm
25 Kids in the Kitchen – First Church of God, 1115 E. Wall St., 4-5:30pm

K-State Research and Extension is offering a FREE Kids in the Kitchen class for grades 4th thru 6th grade, each Thursday

This class will teach kitchen safety, how to prepare healthy and inexpensive snacks. For more information, please contact Malynda Payne (620) 768-9459
25 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
25 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm

Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
25
A Star is Born (or Died) – Boiler Room Brewhaus, 10 S. National Ave., 7-9pm

Join us at The Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 for karaoke fun.  Cheer on your local, favorite star!
Save the Date:
– April 26 – Aging With Attitude Expo
– April 26 – BBQ 101 Class
– April 27 – Annual Pool Tourny @ Holmtown
– April 27 – Pickle Ball Spring Open
– April 27 – T.A.K.E. Self Defense Class
– April 27 – Elks Lodge Benefit Golf Tourny
– April 27 – Civil War Camp Dance
– April 27 – Matt Snook @ Liberty Theatre
– April 28 – Team Trivia @ Boiler Room Brewhaus
Click here for full events listing on our website.
In This Issue
Join Our Mailing List!
Chamber Highlights
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
Like us on Facebook
Visit Fort Scott KS
Like us on Facebook

Click HERE for a digital copy of the
2019 Fort Scott Area Community Guide & Chamber Membership Directory.

 

The Fort Scott National Historic Site 2019 Schedule of Activities.

Click HERE for details.

Kansas Rocks Recreation Park

4-Wheeling, Biking, Hiking

2019 Schedule of events.

Click HERE for details.

Bike Share Program

Bike Share Program is now
available to the public!
Click here to view more detail about this amazing program and
for additional information on our website click here!

CHAMBER COFFEE
UPCOMING INFORMATION
 
Upcoming Coffees:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
April 18 – Presbyterian Village
April 25 – Peerless Products
May 2 – National Day of Prayer Breakfast (Pioneer Kiwanis and Cheney Witt)
May 9 – Woodland Hills Golf Course
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

April 12, 2019

The legislature is on break.  However, as a legislator I am continuing to work throughout the district and on unresolved issues.  I have had the opportunity to visit businesses, schools, and with others.  It helps me represent you in Topeka.

Education Funding – How much is Enough?  It is a question that is impacting every Kansan, whether you’re an employee of a school, a taxpayer, a parent, a student, or a future student.  Money being an indicator of priority, then Kansas has made education the number one priority for many years.  According to Division of Budget Comparison Report in 2001, over 50% of State General Fund (SGF) went to education.  In the 2019 Report, over 50% of the SGF goes for education.

The 2019 SGF budget for departments and agencies is $7.1 billion, over $3.5 billion of that money will be spent on K-12.  That is only state aid.  It does not include local and federal money spent on 286 school districts in Kansas.  Total K-12 spending, state, federal, and local money is over $6 billion.

There have been attempts to require more of the K-12 funding to go to the classroom and teachers.  However, there is never a majority of legislators who support this effort.

The Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) website has reports available to give you more of an indication how the money is being spent and other topics are included.  Interestingly, one of the reports shows the pupil-teacher ratio as 15.4 for the 2017-2018 school year.  The calculation used for ratio was the total enrollment divided by total PK-12 teachers.  PK-12 teachers includes practical arts/vocational teachers, kindergarten teachers, pre-kindergarten teachers, reading specialists/teachers, and all other teachers, calculated at a full-tine equivalency. https://datacentral.ksde.org/default.aspx

 

One expenditure that isn’t talked about much is what schools spend to lobby for more money.  Legislative Post Audit has a limited scope report asking, “How Much Money Do a Small Sample of Counties, Cities, and School Districts Report to Us They Spent on Lobbyist or Associations with Lobbyists in 2017?”  The three largest school districts, Wichita, Shawnee Mission, and Olathe schools reported spending around $1.4 million on lobbying in 2017.  Taxpayer money spent to get more taxpayer money.  (http://www.kslpa.org/media/files/reports/l-18-011.pdf Appendix C, page 15).

 

We can all agree that education is important.  Kansas has made education the number one priority of the State and has been putting money toward that priority for years.  What is our Return On Investment (ROI)?  It’s time for a paradigm shift because the pattern of adding more money, no matter what amount, is never enough to satisfy the lawyers and the KS Supreme Court.  Our objective should be based on student outcomes and the amount of money should be determined by the 165 legislators elected to do that job – not the Supreme Court.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn