Good Ol’ Days at the Fort

Experience growth and change from the ‘Good Ol’ Days’ at Fort Scott National Historic Site

The Good’ Ol’ Days are back Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Fort Scott National Historic Site. With the completion of the transcontinental railroad 150 years ago, growth and change were once again on the doorstep of Fort Scott.

Try your hand at using a telegraph or quill pens instead of texting, reminisce with reenactors about how life used to be, play traditional games, or learn about how the railroad changed the face of Fort Scott.

A surgical reenactor will be discussing historic medicine and then at 2 pm we will be landing AirMedCare’s air ambulance and hosting Fort Scott’s ground ambulance to discuss how medicine has improved.

Living history activities will be ongoing from 9 am – 4 pm. All activities are free and open to the public.

To find out more, please contact the park at 620-223-0310.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

9:00 a.m. – Raising the Colors

All Day – Telegraph and Quill Pens hands on Demonstrations, Living History Reenactments

10:00 a.m. – An Arm and a Leg: The Cost of Surgery Demonstration

11:00 a.m. – Guided Tour of the Fort

12: 00 p.m. – A Speck of War, The Military’s Involvement in Post-Civil War Fort Scott

1:00 p.m. – Railroads of Fort Scott program

2:00 p.m. – Landing AirMedCare’s air ambulance and hosting Fort Scott’s ground ambulance

4:00 p.m. – Flag Retreat

Lowell Milken Center To Welcome Fellowship Recipients June 16

The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to six teachers, who will arrive on June 16.

Following is information about each teacher.


The LMC Fellowship is awarded on the basis of merit to educators who have distinguished themselves in teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning or who have the potential for this distinction. The Center selects exemplary teachers from across America and Europe, drawn from a variety of disciplines, to collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.

Beth Alexander has taught for 15 years at The Linden School in Toronto, Ontario, a school dedicated to using a social justice and anti-oppressive framework to raise the voices of girls everywhere. Beth is currently Curriculum Leader and runs the CERES Lab for coding, engineering, robotics, electronics, and science. Beth teaches her students, in Junior Kindergarten through grade nine, the power of their own potential as they find meaningful real-world connections to technology. Her students learn by doing, through projects that help them use their skills to solve problems they see in the world around them. Beth is known for her high-energy lessons and ability to encourage students who have had difficulty with STEM classes in the past.

In 2016, Beth received a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence from Justin Trudeau for her commitment to bringing STEM subjects to light through meaningful student projects, social justice teaching, and a commitment to citizen science. She organizes an annual conference, “Teaching for Justice,” which is a gathering place for educators wanting to move beyond the curriculum and make the world a more equitable place. Outside of school, she is busy coaching, writing curriculum, championing student initiatives, and running clubs like the Makerspace. She has also developed community programs for at-risk youth and volunteered on a crisis line.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “By helping young girls to see their own potential, Beth encourages them to realize their dreams and make a difference in the world around them. Her energy, passion and enthusiasm are the very traits that make her an outstanding Fellow.”

While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources and ongoing support to enhance their classrooms and help students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows emerge prepared to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students as they apply and evaluate the stories of role models who have changed the world throughout history.

 

LMC has awarded another prestigious Fellowship to history teacher, Valerie Baalerud, of Eagle River High School in Eagle River, AK. Valerie will arrive in Fort Scott on June 16th for a week of collaboration with LMC staff.

The LMC Fellowship is awarded on the basis of merit to educators who have distinguished themselves in teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning or who have the potential for this distinction. The Center selects exemplary teachers from across America and Europe, drawn from a variety of disciplines, to collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.

Valerie Baalerud is a 2017 Alaska Milken Educator. She teaches social studies at Eagle River High School (ERHS,) where she believes in a hands-on approach to learning. She is known for creative, real world lesson planning and engaging interactive lectures. She believes that all students have the ability to succeed and works to help them define what that means to them.

Valerie is the social studies department chair, a member of the Alaska Department of Education’s Teacher Advisory Board, and a teacher representative on Eagle River’s PTSO. Following a 7.1 earthquake last November that left her school and community with heavy damage, Valerie worked with her husband and the PTSO to secure grant funding from ConocoPhillips to provide emergency backpacks for every classroom at ERHS. Valerie is also the head coach of the ERHS Drama, Debate, and Forensics team, has coached flag football and track, served as class advisor, and even performed in the yearly talent show as lead vocalist for the teacher band, “Super Senior.”

Currently, Valerie is pursuing a second Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, hoping to use her experience to further positively impact the lives of her students. Most recently she was honored to be asked to give the commencement address for the 2019 graduating class of ERHS, of which her daughter is the student body president.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Valerie sets a high standard for creativity, innovation, and the use of real-world connections in the classroom. Her leadership as a motivational educator truly distinguishes our Fellowship.”

Jordan DeWilde is the 2018 Elementary Illinois Art Educator of the Year. He is known for creating inclusive art curriculum of diverse populations. Jordan tells his students, “Great art has been created by men and women of different races, cultures, and communities throughout history.” His mission is to teach students that art is for everyone. Jordan provides a wide array of learning experiences that allow students to explore numerous cultures, develop their artistic skills and abilities, and build their confidence as valuable members of the community. He has created a learning environment in which all students are valued and where they have freedom to express their thoughts and ideas through their artwork.

In addition to teaching, Jordan is a writer and facilitator for The Art of Education University. He has developed content on topics such as celebrating diversity, cross curricular connections, and more. He truly does have a passion for visual art, and more importantly, student learning. His passions show in the lessons he designs and in his interactions with students. He has a solid knowledge base and a strong artistic talent. He has used these in presenting at the local, regional, and state levels. He shares his curriculum ideas and teaching philosophy on social media, @MrDeWildeArt, with art educators from all over the world.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Jordan’s innovative and inclusive implementation of art curriculum with a diverse population of student artists set him apart as a positive role model for both students and other educators. He will be a truly inspirational member of our Fellowship.”

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Mary Huffman, of Carolina Park Elementary in Mount Pleasant, SC.

Mary Huffman is the 2015 Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History National History Teacher of the Year. A few of her additional awards include the 2017 South Carolina Council for the Social Studies Best Practices in Social Studies Award, the 2016 Western Illinois University Alumni Achievement Award, and the 2016 Western Illinois University College of Education and Human Services Distinguished Alumni Award. Key components to Mary’s teaching are curriculum integration, hands-on simulations, differentiated instruction, community service, and authentic learning opportunities. Community service activities for her fifth graders include Adopt-A-Campus, the Charleston, SC Yom HaShoah Remembrance Program, and monthly Treats 4 Troops baking for active troops. Students have had authentic learning experiences through sleeping and studying on a WWII aircraft carrier, participating in a 5-day WWII draft simulation, collaborating during a 3-week Holocaust simulation unit with two local Holocaust survivors, and dressing up while practicing non-violent protesting methods from the 1960s (sit-ins, debates, speeches, protests, and propaganda writing).

Ryan James, of Lucille M. Brown Middle School in Richmond, VA. Ryan will arrive in Fort Scott on June 16th for a week of collaboration with LMC staff.

The LMC Fellowship is awarded on the basis of merit to educators who have distinguished themselves in teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning or who have the potential for this distinction. The Center selects exemplary teachers from across America and Europe, drawn from a variety of disciplines, to collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.

Ryan James is the 2017 Milken Educator from Virginia. As a civics/economics teacher, one of Ryan’s main goals is to make sure his students are aware of their rights and their role in the political process. Ryan typically teaches in the co-taught setting, working with students with disabilities. He encourages his students to work hard and to view their obstacles as challenges to overcome instead of problems they do not want to face. He works to keep students engaged in the classroom by incorporating music, as well as social media trends and challenges, in his lessons. 

 Ryan’s influence is felt throughout the school as he has held several leadership positions during his eight years at Lucille Brown. He has served as the 7th grade team leader and has been a part of the School Planning Management Team. In addition to this he has served as the coach of the boys’ basketball and flag football teams for the last five seasons. Ryan takes an active role in preparing students for their future by helping them research colleges and other career opportunities. Ryan was able to organize several field trips to tour his alma mater, James Madison University, in an effort to expose students to college and higher education.  

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Ryan motivates his students to be responsible, caring, and engaged citizens, not only in the classroom, but also within their communities. We welcome him as an exemplary Fellow and role model for other educators.”

Silvia Miranda, of Mesa Elementary in Clovis, NM. Silvia Miranda will arrive in Fort Scott on June 16th for a week of collaboration with LMC staff.

The LMC Fellowship is awarded on the basis of merit to educators who have distinguished themselves in teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning or who have the potential for this distinction. The Center selects exemplary teachers from across America and Europe, drawn from a variety of disciplines, to collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.

Silvia Miranda is the 2018 New Mexico Milken Educator. She has taught for 11 years and is currently a 4th grade teacher at Mesa Elementary. Silvia has high standards for success for herself and her students, employing Whole Brain strategies, a growth mindset philosophy, interest-based learning, and data-driven instruction in her classroom. As an example, when Silvia and her fourth-grade team realized data showed writing was an area in which students were struggling, she developed a plan based on assessment results. Using the identified deficiencies, Ms. Miranda designed lessons to address those areas, and writing has improved across the fourth grade at Mesa. Consequently, her students consistently outperform school, district and state averages on assessments in reading, writing and math. It is the success of her students, the effort they put into learning, and their joy in doing so that fuel her love of teaching!

Miranda is dedicated to learning about her craft through webinars, cohort meetings, state conferences and extensive reading and research, always sharing relevant findings with her colleagues in Clovis Municipal Schools. Welcoming educational leadership positions, she served as a CMS Teacher Leader for 2018-19, providing professional development, leading data review and analysis, and observing and mentoring peers. She has also been a state ambassador to the New Mexico Teacher Leader Network for two years and now serves on the Secretary’s Teacher Advisory (STA).

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “As a life-long learner seeking to improve her teaching craft, Silvia is an inspiring colleague and an excellent addition to our team of Fellows. Using the best teaching practices available, she has helped her students to both succeed and love learning!”

 

 

Last Call For Good Ol’ Days Parade Entries

LAST CALL
for Parade Entries
Deadline is TOMORROW, May 29th at 5pm!!
ClickHEREto register online
The 2019 Good Ol’ Days Festival Parade
is drawing near!
The deadline for entries is
Wednesday, May 29th
@ 5:00 p.m.
Entries without registration form completed will not be allowed in the parade.
(Please place registration number on the right side of your entry.)
For a printable copy of
the registration form,
please clickhere.
Deliver or mail entry to:
Chamber of Commerce,
231 E Wall, Fort Scott, KS 66701
OR fax entry to (620) 223-3574,
OR email to:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The theme for this year’s festival is
“Off The Rails”,
as 2019 is the
150th Anniversary of the
Intercontinental Railroad.
Because the Good Ol’ Days Committee is teaming up with both Fort Scott Munitions and the Fort Scott National Historic Site, the parade will be opened to all types of transportation.
Fort Scott Munitions will be hosting a large car & bike show this year, and will be auctioning off a motorcycle for charity.
The Fort plans to do a comparison of ambulances from the early 1900’s through today. They will have a fire truck & ambulance on Skubitz Plaza, an Air Ambulance on parade grounds, possibly a military helicopter, an original ambulance cart from the early 1900’s, re-enactors, and much more.
For a full description of the events, please visit the
Good Ol’ Days website by clickinghere.

Alzheimer’s Patients To Benefit From New Chair

 Integrity Home Care + Hospice, formerly Mercy Hospice Fort Scott, received grant money from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas to purchase a new Broda chair for the services they provide.

A grant amount of $2,500 was given and the chair is to be used in care for Alzheimer’s patients. 

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds, created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community.

Grants from the funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and many charities beyond Kansas.

Call the Community Foundation at 620-231-8897 with questions about this group and its many services available for donors.

Broda creates a line of tilt-in-space positioning chairs which are meant to improve people’s quality of life. They provide patients with a higher level of comfort and a higher quality of life. The chair provides ease of use for the caregiver and enhanced safety for the patient. 

Integrity Home Care + Hospice is a home care company based out of Springfield, Missouri, who employs over 1100 employees, which includes nurses, certified nursing aides, caregivers, social workers, chaplains, and more. Integrity staff is passionate about helping clients navigate every step of the care process. Your Home.  Your Healthcare. Integrity Home Care + Hospice is where proactive care and seamless solutions thrive.  Let us help you chart the path to trusted healthcare wherever you call home.

 

Waterlogged Kansas may be in for even more rain, flooding

Christopher Petty

K-State weather specialists say wet pattern will persist

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Rainfall patterns that turned lawns and farm fields into unintended ponds and swelled rivers to capacity and beyond are likely to continue into June, according to weather specialists at Kansas State University.

“The persistent pattern has consisted of back and forth movement of a stationary front across the central Plains. This front is separating cold with below-normal temperatures to the north and west and above-normal temperatures to the south and east,” said Chip Redmond, manager of Kansas Mesonet, a system of weather stations across the state that detect and record weather data. “Where the front sets up daily will be the focus for the heaviest flooding rains.”

Because of already saturated soils, Redmond and his colleague, assistant climatologist Mary Knapp, do not expect flooding issues to end in Kansas anytime soon.

“It is almost a guarantee that water control issues will continue into June, if not worsen,” Redmond said. Areas in the central and eastern part of the state have been hit particularly hard.

Springtime temperatures have also been below normal, said Knapp, who added that it’s a trend likely to continue. That will also be a factor in how quickly the soil can dry out.

Beyond June, Knapp and Redmond expect temperatures to warm seasonably but noted that soil surface moisture may increase evaporation/transpiration rates, injecting moisture into the atmosphere. That in turn may result in above average shower and thunderstorm activity.

With ponds and lakes already near or at capacity in some areas, even without more moisture, it is likely to take months before flows return to normal, Knapp said.

“Every rainfall we get in the process will push back that return, possibly substantially,” she said.

More information is available on the Kansas Mesonet website, Office of the State Climatologist website, and in the latest K-State Agronomy eUpdate weekly newsletter.

Inmate Apprehended

Inmate who walked away from Wichita Work Release Facility apprehended in Wichita

 

Kansas Department of Corrections agents, working in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Service, apprehended minimum-custody inmate George Young at a motel on North Broadway Street in Wichita at approximately 11 a.m., today.

 

Young, 51, who had been placed on escape status Sunday morning, was apprehended without incident. Currently, he is being held at the Sedgwick County Jail.

 

Young had been serving time as a parole violator with a new sentence in Sedgwick County. His most recent conviction was for theft in 2018.

 

The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state prison with a population of 236.

 

Pre-Register For Youth Football Camp

2019 Youth Football Camp

picture of a football field with a football sitting next to the white line

It’s that time of year again where the FSCC Football department holds a camp to help young athletes work on their football skills. Whether you are the MVP of your high school team or just getting started, this camp is for you. This camp will include objectives like tackling, running, throwing, catching, and so much more! Pre-registration is open and it’s only $25.00 to participate. All proceeds go towards FSCC Athletic scholarships, boosters, and equipment.

 

The camp will provide the following:

  • 7-on-7 flag football
  • One-on-one time with each position coach
  • Tour of the facilities
  • Refreshments

 

There will be two different campuses, June 14th for ages 8 to 12 and June 21st for ages 12 to 17. Both camps will be from 9 am to 12 pm with registration starting at 8 am at the FSCC practice fields.

 

To jump the registration line, please follow the link below to get pre-registered.

Youth Football Pre-Registration

Please bring the following waiver with you to registration,

FSCC Athletic Youth Waiver

 

If you have any questions, please contact Kale Pick at 620.223.2700 ext. 7400 or the FSCC Football department at 620.223.2700 ext. 7410.

Obituary of Robert Bledsoe

Robert D. Bledsoe, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, May 27, 2019, at Girard Medical Center, Girard, KS.

He was born July 26, 1942, in Happy Hill, MO, the son of Henry Leslie and Nettie Mae Wyrick Bledsoe. Robert was a welder throughout his working career.

He married Lillian Mae See on March 9, 1984, in Wichita, KS.

He enjoyed NASCAR and watching pro football, especially the New England Patriots. Robert was caring and always willing to help people in need. He loved spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife Lillian of the home; two brothers, Howard Bledsoe and wife Carol, Dubois, PA, and Amos Bledsoe and wife Gayle, Salem, AR; 3 step-daughters, Tina Cooper and husband Bill, Wichita, KS, Monica Thill, Wichita, KS, and Kimberly Keplar, Augusta, KS; 8 step-grandchildren; 9 step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Danny Bledsoe; 4 brothers, Leslie Lee, Don, Raymond, and Gary Bledsoe; 2 sisters, Violet Carol and Beulah Smith; and his parents.

There was cremation.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 1:30 until 2:30 PM Tuesday, June 4th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Uniontown Summer Free Kids Food Program Starts June 3

Summer Food Program Feeds Kids For Free

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to think about keeping children eating healthy while school is out, according to a press release from USD 235.

USD 235 at Uniontown will once again provide free meals to children during the summer.

The cafeteria at West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.

“In the two years before this we also had sites in Bronson and Redfield, but sadly we just do not have the staff to operate all three sites so this year it will only be at the WBE school (in Uniontown),” said Michelle DeMott, USD 235 Food Service Director.

“This is a USDA funded program to help provide meals for children 0-18 years of age who may not have access to meals while school is not in session,” DeMott said. “The program is free to any child 0-18 years of age regardless of financial status.”

This summer, meals will be served at West Bourbon Elementary Monday through Friday, June 3 through June 28, 2019.

Breakfast will be served from 8:30 am – 9:00 am.

Lunch will be served from noon – 12:30 pm.

There are no income requirements or registration.

Any child 18 years of age and under may come to eat.

 

 

For more information, contact USD 235 UNIONTOWN (Michelle DeMott, (620) 756-4302, [email protected], uniontown235.org).

 

Each year, the United States Department of Agriculture partners with local organizations like USD 235 UNIONTOWN to provide free meals to children when school is out for the summer.

 

For more information about the Summer Food Service Program in Kansas, visit www.kn-eat.org, Summer Food Service Program.

The June menu is as follows:

June 3 – WG CEREAL  STRING CHEESE  PEACHES  PORK CHOP  MASHED POTATOES  BISCUIT  PINEAPPLE

4-  PANCAKE  PEARS  CHICKEN NUGGETS   WG CHIPS  CORN  BANANA

5  BISCUITS AND GRAVY  ORANGE  RIBLET ON BUN  BAKED BEANS  PEARS

6  EGG TACO  FRUIT COCKTAIL  MEATBALL SUB  CARROTS  GRAPES

7  BREAKFAST PIZZA  APPLE  BURRITO  SALAD  CHIPS & CHEESE  MANDARIN ORANGES

10  PANCAKE ON A STICK  BANANA  HAMBURGER  LETTUCE & TOMATO  COLE SLAW  APPLE

11  GLAZED DOUGHNUT  YOGURT  PEACHES  PIZZA  SALAD  PINEAPPLE

12  BISCUITS AND GRAVY  PEARS  SPAGHETTI W/ MEAT  SAUCE  BREAD STICK  CORN  GRAPES

13  WAFFLES  SAUSAGE LINK  FRUIT COCKTAIL  MACARONI AND CHEESE  LITTLE SMOKIE  BROCCOLI  ORANGES

14  BREAKFAST PIZZA  APRICOTS  PB&J SANDWICH  WG CHIPS  FRUIT CUP  CARROT STICKS

17  CEREAL  STRING CHEESE  BANANA  CORN DOGS  FRIES  SALAD  GRAPES

18  MUFFINS  COTTAGE CHEESE  PEACHES  CHICKEN WRAP  RICE  BROCCOLI  PEARS

19  BISCUITS AND GRAVY  APPLESAUCE  HAM AND CHEESE  SANDWICH  GOLDFISH CRACKERS  CELERY STICKS  APPLE

20  FRENCH TOAST  SAUSAGE  PEACHES  WALKING TACO  PINEAPPLE

21  BREAKFAST PIZZA  ORANGE  SALISBURY STEAK  MASHED POTATOES  GREEN BEANS BISCUIT  ROSY APPLESAUCE

24  MINI DOUGHNUTS  YOGURT  PINEAPPLE  HOT DOG  FRIES  CHERRY TOMATOES  PEARS

25  DUTCH WAFFLES  SAUSAGE PATTY  ORANGE  CHEESE RAVIOLI W/ MEAT  SAUCE  SALAD  APPLE

26  BISCUITS AND GRAVY  APRICOTS  CRISPY CHICKEN  STUFFING  GREEN BEANS  STRAWBERRIES & BANANAS

27  COFFEE CAKE  APPLE SALAD  STEAK FINGERS  BISCUIT  ZUCCHINI  MIXED FRUIT

28  BREAKFAST PIZZA  PINEAPPLE  PB&J  WG CHIPS  CARROT STICKS  BANANA

MILK SERVED WITH ALL  MEALS, JUICE SERVED WITH  BREAKFAST

 

American Legion Post 25 Quick Notes

May 29 @ 6:30 pm. Legion Baseball team meeting downstairs in Memorial Hall.. Vice Commander Earl Adams has pulled together enough players for Post 25 to have a Legion Baseball year this year.
Wednesday’s meeting will be final sign up for boys 15 – 19 who live in Fort Scott. to play Legion ball.
If you want play Legion Ball, you must bring your birth certificate.
May 31 @ 6:00 pm. Good Old Days Parade. Post 25 will enter a Color Guard in this year’s parade. Legion Family members are invited to participate. This includes the women who are in the newly formed Unit 25 Auxiliary and the males who are in the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 25.
Please reply to this email if I can count on you to walk or ride in the parade. If there are Legion Family members who prefer to ride, let me know and a trailer with seating will be available.
Submitted by Carl Jowers. Commander Post 25.