On August 10, local retired businessman Mark McCoy signed a contract with the City of Fort Scott to become its interim city manager, following the sudden resignation of Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier on August 3 after serving just six months.
The agreement states that McCoy is appointed by the city commission to be responsible for the administration and affairs of the city and perform duties as allowed by law and will work with the commission on its goals and objectives, according to information provided by the city.
McCoy will be employed month to month and started on August 10, 2021.
The city agrees to pay McCoy $9 per hour for up to 40 hours per week.
McCoy will receive no benefits, vacation or sick leave.
He will receive a vehicle allowance of $500 per month in lieu of mileage reimbursement.
At a special city commission meeting on Aug. 5, Mark McCoy’s name was suggested for the interim city manager position, by Mayor Josh Jones. At that time the city commission asked him to consider taking the position.
McCoy has 46 years of business experience as a manager, supervisor, business development consultant, director, and owner in the McDonald’s Restaurant system, retiring in 2019.
He has been involved in the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees, Mercy Health Foundation, Kiwanis, SEK Multi-County Health Board, Highway 69 Project, Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus.
Kansans Can Success Tour will be in Fort Scott at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 16 at the River Room, 3 W. Oak, directly above Luther’s BBQ.
“We are happy to host Dr. Watson and Dr. Neusenwander in Fort Scott,” USD 234 Superintendent Ted Hessong said. “USD 234 is very supportive of the Kansas State Board of Education’s Vision that Kansas can lead the world in the success of each student and the outcomes they have chosen to help define a successful Kansas high school graduate.”
“The Kansans Can Success Tour is a 50-city event that kicked off July 26. Commissioner Watson, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Brad Neuenswander and members of the Kansas State Board of Education will gather community input on the current direction for Kansas K-12 education and share progress made toward achieving the vision established by the Kansas State Board of Education,” according to the website.
“The 2021 tour is a follow-up to the Kansas Children. Kansas’ Future. community conversations tour that took place in 2015. Using the feedback gathered from more than 2,000 parents, educators, legislators, school board members, business community members, and more, the State Board created a new vision for education: Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.
“Now, nearly six years later, we are again asking you to lend your voice to the conversation.
“Please plan to join one of the 50 events scheduled across the state. If possible, attendees are asked to bring a laptop, cell phone or tablet for an interactive portion of the presentation.”
Fort Scott Community College Men’s Basketball team over the years have been able to accessorize their basketball gear with numerous shirts, hoodies, masks, and even shoes thanks to the dedication of the community and booster supporters. Now the Hounds want to give the community the opportunity to “shop their closet” and purchase memorabilia from over the years. These items were made only for the players and not available to the public at the time. Now everything from practice gear and hoodies to shoes and travel jackets can be yours to show your Hound spirit this season.
“This is a great opportunity to purchase items and support and show spirit to the program and the student-athletes,” says Coach Cook.
All items will be available to view and purchase by contacting Coach Cook at [email protected] or follow them on social media. Proceeds from sales will go back to the FSCC Men’s Basketball Booster account for future purchases.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.
Active Advisories
Warning
Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” Main Lake, Labette County
Ford County Lake, Ford County (new)
Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County
Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County
Hargis Lake, Sumner County
Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake, Hodgeman County (new)
Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” North Lake, Labette County
Big Hill Lake, Labette County
Parsons Lake, Labette County
Marion Reservoir, Marion County
Buhler City Lake, Reno County
Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County
Advisories Lifted 8/12/21
Overbrook City Lake, Osage County
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
Water contact should be avoided.
Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.
During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.
If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.
An event is slated for this Friday to spruce up Fort Scott’s downtown area and donated tools are still appreciated.
“The Downtown Clean-Up Event is scheduled for Friday, August 13 from 3-6 p.m.,” Bailey Lyons, chairman of the Downtown Committee of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, said.
There is a need for paintbrushes and rollers, hand clippers, loppers, weed eaters, leaf blowers, ladders, rakes, and shovels. These can be dropped off, with label and phone number on them, at Lyons Realty Group Office at 8 E. Wall.
Volunteers are asked to gather on August 13 at 2:45 p.m. at Lyons Realty Group at 8 E Wall, where materials, supplies, instructions will be distributed.
The committee has planned and reworked the event twice now because of inclement weather, Lyons said. “We are hopeful that the third time’s the charm and we can get this done for the community!”
The committee is expecting 350-375 volunteers, she said.
Because of the large number of volunteers, several other public areas in town will be worked on.
“Due to the overwhelming pledge of volunteers, we will also complete various projects in the areas of Buck Run, and Gunn Park shelter houses and trails,” Lyons said.
Lyons said they are “extremely grateful to everyone helping, and everyone on the committee is humbled and blown away by the response.”
The Downtown Committee is eager to partner with Fort Scott Community College, which Lyons said is sending FSCC Student-Athletes to help with the cause.
In addition to FSCC, volunteers are expected from The City of Fort Scott, Kiwanis, Rotary, FFA, Good Neighbor Action Team, numerous local businesses, a group of local contractors, and many individuals and families.
“The committee has worked diligently to organize all logistics, materials, and volunteers, and can’t wait to see it all play out,” Lyons said. “Our projects are spread throughout the historic downtown area and will include re-striping parking spaces and crosswalks, mulching and planting various beds, painting light posts and signposts, painting curbs, and painting the Chamber & Visitor Center sign, among other things. In addition, there are groups of local artists that will be painting two wall murals downtown throughout the day.”
“An event of this scale does not happen without the time, effort, and donations from a ton of individuals and organizations,” Lyons said, “The majority of the event costs were offset by a grant from our local Fort Scott Elks Lodge, which the committee was thrilled to receive. Many of the materials not covered by the grant were provided by The City of Fort Scott, who has been wonderful to collaborate with.”
A free meal will be provided to the volunteers from area businesses.
“All volunteers will be fed dinner upon completion of the work, courtesy of E3, with contributions from Bids & Dibs, and Lyons Realty Group, ” Lyons said. “Each volunteer will also receive a free t-shirt, compliments of MyOneStop.”
“We wish to extend a sincere thank you to every person that has supported these efforts,” Lyons said on behalf of the committee. “This grew into a much larger event than originally planned, and the community pride has been undeniable. We hope that the impact is positive and quite noticeable. It’s amazing what can happen when people join together!”
“MyOneStop, a local marketing, and printing company is sending over their videographer and photographer to document the event,” Rachel French, a clean-up committee member said. “They will be creating a video to share with the City of Fort Scott to use as they see fit. MyOneStop is happy to donate its time and services to such an awesome event.”
Members of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee, include Lyons (who is the chairwoman, Lyons Realty Group), John Crain (Crain Insurance Agency), French (WK Holdings) and Angela Simon (Bids & Dibs/ Angie Dawn’s), supported by Chamber President/CEO Lindsay Madison.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee 2021. Submitted photo.
Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
Kyle Johnson and Eli Reed will be the recipients of the “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” at the annual celebration this October 7-9, 2021 in Fort Scott, Kansas.
The celebration is in honor of Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, noted photographer, writer, musician, and filmmaker. The Choice of Weapons Award was established in Parks’ honor to be given annually at the Celebration.
Named after his autobiography of the same name, the award seeks to honor a recipient who exemplifies the career and character of Gordon Parks.
Previous recipients include actor and musician Avery Brooks, photographer Howard L. Bingham, Elizabeth Eckford and Ernest Green, two of the “Little Rock Nine,” Richard Roundtree, star of the Parks-directed film, Shaft, Nichelle Nichols of Star Trek fame, acclaimed actress Ruby Dee, photographer John Shearer, LIFE magazine photo editor Bobbi Burrows, Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum, musicians Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., editor Genevieve Young, filmmaker Kevin Willmott, educator Bernadette Gray-Little, Roger E. Mosley, star of the Parks-directed film, Leadbelly, Karole Graham, Stephen Perry and S. Pearl Sharp, cast members of the Parks-directed film, The Learning Tree.
Kyle Johnson. Submitted photo.
Kyle Johnson, was born into a show business family – his mother is none other than Nichelle Nichols, known throughout the universe as Lt Uhura of the original Star Trek. He made his professional stage debut at age 7 in Only in America and his first television appearances include Day in Court, General Hospital, and The Fugitive.
In his teens, he began to consider more seriously his desire to pursue a career in acting. Kyle’s appearance in Chuck Connors’ latter day vehicle, Cowboy in Africa, accelerated his critique of the film industry and it’s the portrayal of Black people and culture.
Encouraged by his grandmother, Lishia, to endure and overcome, he was soon cast in a groundbreaking collaboration between NBC and the Watt’s Writer’s Workshop – Losers Weepers.
The following year Kyle got a call regarding a film in planning and met with Gordon Parks who decided on the spot that Kyle would portray him in the screen adaptation of his autobiographical novel, The Learning Tree. The film and it’s author have been lauded continuously since it’s release in 1969. In 1989 it was among the first 25 films inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry for their cultural, historical, or aesthetic value and now stands in the company of Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, and Citizen Kane.
Following The Learning Tree, Kyle compiled more credits including The Mod Squad, and as the son of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee in The Sheriff. But Kyle’s misgivings about Hollywood’s stereotypical and demeaning portrayals of Black America were further reinforced. Hopes for a new dawn were dimmed by the emerging wave of Blaxploitation films and he withdrew from the film industry in the mid-70s.
Johnson’s creative drive was redirected to music. He quickly developed his talents and attracted attention as a singer/songwriter performing in clubs throughout Los Angeles and San Francisco as a solo performer and with bands including Gideon & Power, a 2Beat Gospel/Funk band and The Skanksters, a rambunctious Reggae/Ska combo.
After moving to New Mexico in 1993, he became general manager of CATS! / Community Access Television of Silver, providing public, education, and government-related programs in Silver City. In the early 2000’s, Johnson had a local am talk show that created controversy – Radio Free Silver! – that created such controversy that it was abruptly canceled mid- program under pressure from disgruntled advertisers.
Eli Reed. Submitted photo.
Eli Reed, is an accomplished photographer that began his career as a freelancer in 1970. His work from El Salvador, Guatemala and other Central American countries attracted the attention of Magnum Photos in 1982, where he became a full member in 1988.
Reed has authored several books, including Beirut: City of Regrets, Black in America (preface by Gordon Parks), The Lost Boys of Sudan,
and Eli Reed: A Long Walk Home (introduction by Paul Theroux) an award-winning retrospective.
His photographs have been recognized in numerous shows and exhibitions. Reed photographed the effects of poverty on children for a film documentary called America’s Children, Poorest in the Land of Plenty, narrated by Maya Angelou and televised on NBC on Mother’s Day.
He has worked as a stills and specials photographer for many motion
pictures including Rosewood, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Poetic Justice, Five Heartbeats, Ghosts of Mississippi, and Oscar-winning films including A Beautiful Mind, 8 Mile, and the documentary about young people
actively involved in the Civil Rights movement in Alabama, Mighty Times, The Children’s March.
Reed has received many awards including, Pulitzer Prize Runner Up (1981), Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University (1982-83), POY Nikon World Understanding Award (1983), Overseas Press Club
(1983), World Press Daily Life Award 1988, W. Eugene Smith Grant in Documentary Photography (1992), his video documentary Getting Out shown at the New York Film Festival in 1993 and honored by the 1996 Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame International Film and Video Competition in the documentary category.
He just recently received three renowned awards which are the National Press Photographers Association Joseph A. Sprague Memorial Award, Harvard University Nieman Foundation I.F. Stone
Medal award for Long Term Investigative Journalism, and now the Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award (all in 2021).
Reed was a Clinical Professor of Photojournalism at The University of Texas in Austin (2005) until recently.
He is currently involved in writing, working on his next photography book, along with preparing for planned exhibitions in Korea and China delayed because of the Pandemic.
Reed is also involved with film projects as writer, producer, and director on current ongoing fictional and documentary film productions.
Johnson and Reed will be honored at a dinner at the Liberty Theater in Fort Scott, KS on Saturday, October 9th. Ticket information and the full schedule will be posted on the website gordonparkscenter.org.
Community schools are opening for the fall semester beginning this week. All are grappling with the newest surge of COVID-19 cases in the county and in the nation.
The first day of classes is August 12, with in-service for teachers yesterday at Fort Scott Community College.
“We are really looking forward to getting started this semester,” Adam Borth, FSCC Vice President of Academic Affairs said. “It is always exciting to see the students coming back or beginning college for the first time.”
“Most classes (offered) remain the same, however, we have added another section of welding during the afternoon,” he said. “We continue to review our programs and determine what course revisions are needed. At this point, we are trying to keep things fairly consistent while exploring options for new programs.”
They have hired new full-time instructors for this year: Sara Holder in nursing, Rachel Stauffer in biology, Kim Boyer in English, Brandon Fisher in welding, and Ashley Page in communications.
COVID-19 prevention policies
“Fort Scott Community College has updated our guidance for COVID-19 mitigation,” Borth said. “We will review the guidance every two weeks, or more frequently as needed.”
“Unvaccinated individuals are expected to wear masks on campus, while instructors have the discretion whether or not to require masks within their classroom or offices, where space is limited.
“Instructors will utilize the college Learning Management System (Blackboard) to provide students in quarantine and isolation course material; providing synchronous lectures via Zoom is not required.
“At this time, individuals who are vaccinated, not experiencing symptoms, and in close contact with someone who is positive do not need to quarantine.
“Individuals who test positive must isolate, regardless of vaccination status, and unvaccinated individuals who are a close contact of a positive case and notified by a health professional (e.g. health department) must quarantine.”
“We will have a no-charge COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Tuesday, August 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Bailey Hall, which is open to the public,” Borth said.
The west side of the former Mercy Hospital was leased starting in 2020 for FSCC students’ housing, and also for 2021. The facility is located on Horton, south of the college.
FSCC is still housing students at the former Mercy building on the west side.
“We are currently housing students in the (former Mercy) building and plan to do so during the fall semester at a minimum,” he said. “We are tenants in a monthly lease agreement, so plans can always be modified in that scenario.”
Fort Scott Community College
“The first day of classes is August 12 and the last day for students during the fall semester is December 10,” Borth said. “We are closed the full week of Thanksgiving. We resume classes on January 12, with Spring Break scheduled for March 14-18. Classes end for the spring semester on May 13, with graduation being Saturday, May 14.”
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, August 12th at 8 a.m. at Sharky’s Pub & Grub in the Downtown Historic District at 16 N. National Avenue. Coffee, juice and light refreshments will be served. Enter your name for a prize drawing.
Owner’s Dave & Tina Lipe announced they have reopened their doors after being closed for three weeks because of the unfortunate collapse and demolishing of the Eagle & CDL Building and the whole block being closed off. The parking and front door access has been an obstacle for customers and unfortunately inconvenient but would like to thank everyone’s support to come and dine with them through this time.
Join us at 8am this Thursday to celebrate and thank the Lipe’s and staff for all they do to provide a great dining & event venue for our community.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
