NEWS RELEASE

Monday, August 24, 2020

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, August 24, for a special board meeting at 5:30 p.m.

President David Stewart opened the meeting. Board members approved the following items:

· Revised 2020-21 school calendar

· Memorandum of Understanding between USD 234 Board of Education and Fort Scott Kansas National Education Association

· Employee COVID-19 Policy

· Addition of high school and middle school Choral Clubs to the supplemental schedule for the 2020-21 school year

Superintendent Hessong shared updated information regarding the Return-to-School

Plan. Gina Shelton, Business Manager, shared Mask Campaign information.

Board members went into executive session to discuss personnel matters and returned to open meeting. The board approved the following employment matters:

A. Resignation of Audra Young, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective August 10, 2020

B. Resignation of Jacy Walker, high school paraprofessional, effective immediately

C. Resignation of Russ Hughes, central office custodian, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

D. Resignation of Libby Stumfoll, van driver, effective September 3, 2020

E. Transfer of Brent Cavin, Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher, to middle school 8^th grade social studies teacher for the 2020-21 school year

F. Transfer of Jennifer Stafford, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, to high school teacher aide for the 2020-21 school year

G. Transfer of Dee Peters, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, to Winfield Scott paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

H. Leave of absence for Sabrina Keating, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher

I. Work agreement adjustment for Angela Mix, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, from 7.5 hours to 4 hours per day for the 2020-21 school year

J. Employment of Brendon Blackburn as a one-year middle school elective teacher for the 2020-21 school year

K. Employment of Cindy O’Rear as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

L. Employment of Kourtney Harper as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

M. Employment of Mary Cole as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

N. Employment of Julie Carpenter as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

O. Employment of Jannah Farrington as the middle school Choral Club sponsor for the 2020-21 school year

P. Employment of Brenda Hill as Eugene Ware 5^th Grade Team Leader for the 2020-21 school year

Q. Employment of Randy Phillips as a regular route bus driver for the 2020-21 school year

R. Resignation of Taylor McDermed, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective August 24, 2020

S. Leave of absence for Brenda Hathaway, high school ticket clerk

T. Employment of Maggie Johnston as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

The board adjourned.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Presbyterian Village All Clear For COVID-19

August 25, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Fort Scott Presbyterian Manor says all clear
following additional testing for COVID-19

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Fort Scott Presbyterian Manor has good news to share following a second wave of testing for COVID-19 at the community. All residents and employees have tested negative for the virus.

“We’re glad to have this round of testing behind us and we’ll keep our focus on resident and employee safety,” said Jeanne Gerstenkorn, PMMA’s infection preventionist and vice president for health and wellness.

Because all residents and employees tested negative for the virus, the Bourbon County Health Department is not recommending further testing at the community at this time.

The residents and employees who tested positive for the virus earlier this month will remain in isolation until cleared to return to work by the Health Department. Per CDC guidelines, team members may return to work once they have been symptom free for 72 hours without the aid of a fever reducer and demonstrate improvement in respiratory symptoms, and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Upon their return to work, we will follow CDC recommendations related to work practices and restrictions.

Presbyterian Manor implemented a strict no visitor policy at the community and discontinued group activities and communal dining for the entire campus per guidelines released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the CDC on March 13.

All employees are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated. The community regularly reinforces with all staff that an employee should not report to work if he or she is experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or not feeling well.

For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Manor’s response, go to PMMA’s (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s) website, Presbyterianmanors.org/Media- room.

Business, Fort Scott, Uncategorized

LaRoche Building Update: Outside Nearing Completion

August 25, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

The LaRoche Building at Wall and National Avenue, June 22, 2020. The upstairs will be apartments and the downstairs, businesses.

Several downtown Fort Scott buildings are in process of being transformed.

The LaRoche Building that faces National Avenue in September 2018 just before renovation of the downtown buildings..

Work began on two historic side-by-side downtown buildings at 10 and 12 E. Wall St.,owned by Jennifer LaRoche on Nov. 5, 2018.

The outside work is now nearly complete and the interior spaces are on the list for completion.

The National Avenue side of the LaRoche Building, August 2020..

The buildings on Wall Street at National Avenue have been the work of several local contractors and businesses, which were able to work through the COVID 19 Pandemic restrictions.

The LaRoche Building space housing the Common Ground Coffee Co. at 10 East Wall Street was completed just before the COVID 19 Pandemic started in the U.S. in March 2020.

Then Kenny Felt Photography moved its office to the space just west of the coffee shop at 12 E. Wall Street.

Now the building that faces both Wall and National is being worked on.

“By the middle of September, I will have the building weather tight,” Jennifer LaRoche said. “And then we will start on the inside. I do not know how long that could take to complete. I don’t have an end date.”

“In the Tribune Building…….The upstairs will be apartments. Anywhere from two to four,” she said. “I have not decided yet.

On the ground level, it can occupy four businesses. I do not know what businesses will want to occupy the space.”

Bourbon County, Schools

USD 235 Reopening Guide

August 25, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

From the USD 235 Facebook page

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

SOUTHWIND 4-H MEMBERS WIN STATE 4-H LIVESTOCK SWEEPSTAKES

August 25, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Thirteen 4-H members from the Southwind Extension District – Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties – had the opportunity to participate at the Kansas 4-H Livestock Virtual Sweepstakes. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) Front Row: Carla Nemecek (District Director & Coach), Haleigh O’Brien, Emery Yoho, Kristy Beene, Carly Dreher, Leah Mueller, Taylor Elsworth, Gwen fry, Sadie Marchiano Back Row: Byron Fry, Aidan Yoho, Trey Sommers, Clay Brillhart, Brody Nemecek. Submitted photo.

4-H members from the Southwind Extension District competed in the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes event on August 22-23. These events were like nothing the teams had competed in before because normally, the teams would have been in Kansas State University’s Weber Hall, but due to COVID-19 all contests were held virtually. Participants from the Southwind Extension District were Sadie Marchiano, Clay Brillhart, Brody Nemecek, Carly Dreher, Aidan Yoho, Emery Yoho, Kristy Beene, Gwen Fry, Byron Fry, Taylor Elsworth, Leah Mueller, Trey Sommer and Haleigh O’Brien. Southwind District 4-H members represented 4-H Clubs from Allen, Bourbon Neosho and Woodson Counties.

4-H members learned gained new knowledge and worked on livestock skills in order to be competitive in the Sweepstakes event which consisted blending scores in four contests. Southwind Extension District completed the weekend by being named the 2020 Champion Kansas State 4-H Sweepstakes Team. Top ten individual Sweepstakes winners for Southwind were Aidan Yoho, 4^th and Sadie Marchiano, 3^rd overall.

The Livestock Quiz Bowl started with a qualifying exam. The eight teams with the highest average scores advanced to the quiz bowl competition. Southwind #1 (Dreher, G. Fry, Sommers, O’Brien) was seeded 3^rd after the test, and was named Reserve Champion Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #2 (Nemecek, Brillhart, A. Yoho, Marchiano) was seated first after the test and was later named the 3^rd best team.

The Livestock Judging contest consisted of seven judging classes, three questions classes and then two sets of reasons that were presented live to officials via zoom. Out of 163 contestants and 37 teams from across Kansas who judged livestock by online video, Southwind #2 (A. Yoho, Dreher, Marchiano, Beene) was 3^rd in Swine; 4^th in Sheep/Goats; Reserve Team Reasons; Reserve Team Cattle and 3^rd Team Overall. Southwind #3 (B. Fry, O’Brien, E. Yoho, Elsworth) was 10^th Team Overall, and Southwind #1 (Sommers, G. Fry, Mueller) was 11^th Team Overall. Individual livestock judging results are as follows:

Emery Yoho – 10^th Swine
Aidan Yoho – 7^th Swine
Carly Dreher – 9^th Reasons
Sadie Marchiano – 2^nd Reasons; 2^nd Cattle; 2^nd Sheep/Goats; 6^th High Individual Overall
The Meats Judging contest was based on identification of thirty retail cuts, six placings classes and two sets of questions. Southwind #2 (Brillhart, Nemecek, A. Yoho, Marchiano) was 1^st in Retail ID; 4^th in Placings; 5^th in Questions; and Reserve Champion Team Overall. Individual meats judging results are as follows:

Clay Brillhart – 1^st Retail ID; 3^rd High Individual
Sadie Marchiano – 5^th Placings; 9^th Questions
Brody Nemecek – 9^th High Individual
In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation and a written test. Just like the rest of the weekend activities, this contest was offered virtually using Qualtrics with a timed and extensive exam. Southwind #2 (Marchiano, A. Yoho, Dreher, O’Brien) was 3^rd in Exam; 2^nd in Practicum and Reserve Champion Team Overall.
Aidan Yoho – 4th Practicum, 5th High Individual
Sadie Marchiano – 3^rd Exam, 5^th Practicum, 4^th High Individual
This group was limited in the amount of time they could meet and work together because of the pandemic. Their story is a remarkable testament to how to overcome a challenge and make the most of it. There is no question they would have preferred to have traveled to Manhattan, KS and compete with their peers in face-to-face competition, but like so many others from across the state, they made the most of the situation and turned a challenge into an opportunity to learn and try new technologies. A different set of life skills were acquired because we competed in a platform like nothing we have ever experienced before. Reserve Champion Team in Meats, Reserve and 3^rd Quiz Bowl Teams, Reserve Skillathon Team, and Reserve Livestock Judging Team did add up to the Overall Champion Sweepstakes Team and for an Extension District is our biggest goal because the Southwind is able to serve as the vehicle that brings motivated and competitive youth from four counties together, and allow them to accomplish big goals as a team. They are an example we should all learn from during this difficult time because they have shown us how to “Make the Best Better.” The Southwind District is proud of their accomplishments and look forward to future growth and learning.

K-State, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Submitted by:
Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon Country Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Aug. 25

August 25, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Click below:

08-25-2020A

08-25-2020R

Government, Kansas

Special Equipment Approved For Hunting Coyotes at Night in Kansas

August 25, 2020 Loretta George 4 Comments

PRATT – In a 5-2 vote, Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commissioners passed a regulation change that will allow hunters to use artificial light and thermal-imaging equipment when hunting coyotes at night beginning in 2021. Once the regulation is implemented, interested hunters must purchase a Night Vision Equipment Permit, $2.50, to use artificial light, scopes and equipment that amplify visible light, and thermal-imaging scopes and thermal-imaging equipment, when hunting coyotes at night, with the following restrictions:

Use of this equipment will be permitted from Jan. 1 to March 31 only;
Use of this equipment will require a hunter to possess a Night Vision Equipment Permit, $2.50;
Use of this equipment will be permitted for hunting coyotes only;
Use of a vehicle when hunting with this equipment is prohibited;
Use of this equipment will not be permitted on department lands and waters, including WIHA and iWIHA properties.

“The amount of public input we’ve received on this proposed regulation change was truly impressive,” said Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Brad Loveless. “It just goes to show that, as a state agency, we make better decisions when we take good data, consult with our subject matter experts, and invite the public to provide their experience and insights. I’m pleased with this process and believe this will expand opportunities for hunters, and will benefit our ranching community, as well.”

The new Night Vision Equipment Permit will be valid beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Until then, hunters must observe all current laws and regulations pertaining to the use of special equipment and hunting coyotes (see ksoutdoors.com/Services/Law-Enforcement/Regulations for details).

To watch a recording of KDWPT’s Aug. 20 Commission meeting, visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission.

For more on hunting in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting.

Fort Scott Police Department

The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Aug. 24

August 25, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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8-24-2020

Fort Scott, Government

City Press Release Regarding the Union Block Building

August 24, 2020 Loretta George 1 Comment

NEWS RELEASE from the City of Fort Scott

August 24, 2020: Regarding the Union Block building the City reviewed its records and has determined the following:

1) The Commission appropriately proclaimed the use of the City’s economic development funds in support of economic development projects as a public purpose.

2) The City Commission recognized the Union Block Building as a project deserving of the City’s economic development programs and services, and authorized expenditures.

3) All expenditures toward the Union Block Building were authorized and paid by funds allocated by the Commission for the public purposes for which they were authorized.

4) All payments on the Union Block Building were properly paid and accounted for in the normal course of business. Requests for payment were supported by invoices or other documents certifying that the funds were for the Union Block Building project and for purposes approved by the Commission.

5) No funds under any Commission-approved program were intended or required to be repaid by the developer, owner, or contractor(s) of the Union Block Building.

The City encourages and supports economic development in the City, including the preservation and redevelopment of its many historic properties.

Inquiries on the City’s economic development programs should be directed to the City’s Economic Development Director, Rachel Pruitt ([email protected]).

Follow up on the Union Block Building can be addressed to the City Attorney ([email protected] )

Taken from the City of Fort Scott Facebook page

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government

Health Department on COVID-19: Update

August 24, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

August 24, 2020

On August 25, Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator sent the following clarification on this information.

“According to KDHE, the antigen test (the rapid Sofia test is being used in our area) is a presumptive laboratory test. So, if COVID-19 is ‘detected’ on an antigen test, we list it as presumptive on our weekly county update.”

“The PCR test is a confirmatory test, which meets laboratory evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. If the result of the PCR test is ‘detected’ it is listed as positive.”

“We needed to list them differently because at one point KDHE was not counting the presumptive tests on the county totals, although we had to do the same work on them as we would have done for a positive PCR test and the individual would still be considered a COVID-19 case. KDHE is now listing the COVID-19 cases that were tested with an antigen test as a probable case. But a probable case, to KDHE can also be one with no testing done at all. So, we’ve stuck with using the word presumptive, because again, the antigen test is a presumptive laboratory test.”

“For the most part, around our area, the PCR test is the one that has been used the most, because it’s been around the longest and has been more available. Recently SEK Urgent Care and Ashley Clinic have started performing the rapid Sofia antigen test, and so we’ve seen a number of COVID-19 cases (presumptive) come from those clinics.”

“We are still going to continue to list the out of state/county, because as we’ve gone along, we’ve gotten several more cases, and again with this, we still have to do the same work on these cases, as we would one of our own residents and the individual is still in our county.”

Thanks.

Rebecca Johnson

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Administrator

Allen County

Current Active Cases	4
Presumptive Cases	3
Positive Out of State-Staying in Allen County	3
Total Hospitalizations	2-1 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases	26 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives )
Total Positives Since Testing	30 (Allen County + out of state)
Deaths	0

Anderson County

Current Active Cases	2
Total Hospitalizations	0
Current Recovered Cases	30
Total Positives Since Testing	32
Deaths	0

Bourbon County

Current Active Cases	5
Presumptive Cases	14
Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon	11
Total Hospitalizations	8-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases	92 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives)
Total Positives Since Testing	86 (Bourbon County + out of state/county)
Deaths	2