Monthly Archives: August 2021
Uniontown Methodist Church Postpones Homecoming
The Uniontown First United Methodist Church has postponed the Homecoming and New Beginnings Picnic scheduled for Saturday, August 14, 2021, due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the Bourbon County area.
The event will be rescheduled later this year when COVID-19 cases begin to fall, Pastor Carl Ellis said.
Submitted by Carl Ellis
Aglow: Prayer Support For Schools Aug. 12
Praying for and supporting our schools will be the topic of the August 12th gathering of Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse.
Guests are welcome to visit this interdenominational ministry opportunity for women, men, and youth.
The ministry desires to worship, pray, fellowship, and grow in unity. The goal of Aglow International is: Every nation touched, every heart changed.
Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm at the conference room of Fort Scott Inn, 101 State Street.
We welcome our guest speaker, Linda Kay Woodworth, Kansas State Prayer Coordinator for Aglow International.
Linda Kay has spent over 35 years in Aglow, having held several leadership positions and she now serves on the North Area Aglow Board. She lives in Topeka with her husband, Bill. She is a former high school language arts teacher. She is currently working during the legislative session at the state capital as an office assistant to a senator.
Linda Kay loves to introduce people to the Holy Spirit and does so every month in the ladies’ prison. She believes that the Kingdom of God is not meat or drink: but righteousness, peace, and JOY in the Holy Ghost.
We bless our schools with the Goodness of God. Many political issues are affecting our children. We need to understand Biblical justice and be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might to stand for truth and wisdom.
Obituary of Brian Conroy
On Sunday, August 8th, 2021, Brian Conroy, loving son, husband, and father of our children passed away at the age of 50.
Brian was born on February 9, 1971, in Ft. Scott, KS, to Michael and Connie (Magee) Conroy. Shortly after graduation he would join the United States Army and achieve numerous awards for his marksmanship and tank maneuvering skills. He later used those skills while employed with Nevada Medical Clinic for a period of 15 years. Brian was liked and loved by many all over the United States. On September 30th, 2006, he married Janie Ontiveros. Together they loved and raised two sons, Austin and Jake, and a daughter Bailey.
Brian was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors, and he was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit.
Brian was preceded in death by his father, Michael Conroy, paternal grandparents, and maternal grandparents. He is survived by his wife, three children, his mother, and two brothers.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening, August 12th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Cremation will follow.
Burial in the U. S. National Cemetery will take place at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Conroy Children Education Fund 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.
Live Entertainment, Theaters, Museums, Cultural Venues to Receive Federal Grants
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Entertainment Venues to Receive Nearly $46 Million in Federal Grants
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Small Business Administration allocated 90 grant awards totaling $45.7 million to Kansas venues through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program.
Administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance, the SVOG provides emergency assistance for venues affected by COVID-19 such as live entertainment venues, theaters, museums or cultural institutions.
“Kansas’ many entertainment venues employ thousands of people, boost our economy, and are important parts of our communities,” Governor Kelly said. “I want to thank our federal partners at the SBA for distributing this necessary and important grant funding to ensure our entertainment venues can continue to grow and thrive as centers of culture, activities, and tourism in Kansas.”
The grants can be used for payroll costs, rent, utilities, scheduled mortgage payments and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 15,166 Kansas establishments closed in 2020 and it’s imperative to ensure that as many as possible can keep their doors open through this funding opportunity.
In Kansas, 90 grants have been awarded to local theaters, museums, live venue operators, motion picture operators and talent representative businesses.
“These dollars will be significant difference-makers in keeping venues across Kansas open for business,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Venues were especially hard hit by the pandemic, and we strongly support the SBA’s work to get liquidity to those venues that add so much to the rich fabric of their communities, as well as our history and culture statewide.”
The SBA continues to accept applications from eligible venue applicants in Kansas and more information can be found here.
Disability Rights Expands
KDADS Reaches Agreement with Disability Rights Center of Kansas to Expand Services in Nursing Facilities for Mental Health
TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced today the agency has reached a pre-litigation agreement with the Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC), et al., in response to a demand letter issued last year to Secretary Howard and Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman.
In May 2019, DRC issued an investigative report on Kansas’ 10 state-funded nursing homes for mental health (NFMHs) entitled, “Stuck in Institutions: The Crisis of Mental Health Supports and Services in Kansas” that addressed the decline in state funding for community mental health services from FY 2007 – FY 2018, and the funding of institutional care in Kansas.
“KDADS, Governor Kelly and the Kansas Legislature have worked hard over the past three years to improve behavioral health services in Kansas. This agreement continues us down the path of strengthening the continuum of care for individuals needing mental health services with a focus on community-based options,” Secretary Howard said. “We are pleased to make progress for individuals residing in Kansas’ nursing facilities for mental health now and in the future.”
The report issued by DRC in 2019 was followed by a demand letter, issued June 18, 2020, alleging discrimination of persons with mental illness in violation of Title II of the American’s with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Medicaid Act’s Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) requirements. The letter was submitted by DRC on behalf of the Topeka Independent Living Resource Center (TILRC) and, as written in the letter, the “hundreds of individuals with mental illness who are needlessly institutionalized” in Kansas’ NFMHs.
DRC was joined by two national partners, The Center for Public Representation (CPR), a public interest law firm, and AARP Foundation (AFL), the charitable arm of AARP that engages in legal advocacy on behalf of vulnerable older adults across the country. Shook, Hardy & Bacon, L.L.P. served as local counsel.
The agreement reached by KDADS/KDHE and DRC/TILRC/CPR/AFL/Shook, Hardy & Bacon identifies eight Practice Improvements the state is to implement on a statewide basis over the next eight years:
- Increase the number of NFMH residents who receive specialized services;
- NFMH residents receive information and informed choice regarding community options;
- NFMH residents receive information and assistance to address barriers to community transition;
- Expand supported housing options statewide for the target population;
- Expand supported employment statewide for the target population;
- Case manager develops person-centered plan that includes specialized services and transition to the community upon admission to the NFMH;
- Increase peer support; and
- Develop Flexible Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACT) and Mobile Crisis Intervention and Stabilization Services (MCIS) in conjunction with CMS approval of a State Plan Amendment supporting Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) provider types statewide.
The agreement further provides for three outcomes with targeted goals over the next five years:
- Reduction in the number of referrals for admission of at-risk populations and admissions to NFMHs by 10 percent each year;
- Reduce the number of NFMH residents by a target number each year with an average length of stay of more than six months; and
- Increase by 20 percent each year the number of residents discharged from a NFMH into community services and remain in the community for a minimum of 12 months.
Much of the funding to support the agreed upon outcomes has already been appropriated in the FY 2022 budget approved by Governor Laura Kelly.
About the Disability Rights Center
Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC) is the federally mandated and funded Protection and Advocacy system for the state of Kansas that is authorized to advocate for the civil and legal rights of persons with disabilities.
Mark McCoy: Interim City Manager
Local businessman Mark McCoy was asked by the City of Fort Scott to consider taking the interim city manager position.
This following the sudden resignation of Jeremy Frazier in the city manager position, after just six months. Frazier tendered his resignation last week and signed a severance package with the city.
“City Attorney Bob Farmer is putting together a contract for an interim city manager position,” McCoy said. “It will be reviewed and then, if approved, a contract offered.”
The contract for Mark McCoy as interim city manager will be taken before the Fort Scott City Commission for approval at 6 p.m. this evening, City Attorney Bob Farmer said. “Mark has agreed to be our interim city manager as he is a long-time resident and wants to help keep the city moving forward until we have a full-time city manager.”
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.
“I have gotten to know Mark over the last year and thought he had a good balance between government knowledge as well as his business mind that could help us through the next 3-6 months until we can find a replacement,” Jones said.
“I am extremely excited about the opportunity, and want to help the community as best I can,” McCoy said. “There are lots of possibilities. I do hope to be a face for positive things. I hope it works out for all.”
McCoy has 46 years of business experience in the
McDonald’s Restaurant system, as a restaurant manager, area training manager, special project manager, supervisor of five restaurants, senior supervisor, business development consultant, regional food safety consultant, director of training, learning and development, and most recently was owner of four McDonald’s in Missouri and Kansas, retiring in 2019.
He has been involved in the local community in the following ways:
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce past chairman, three times ;
past chairman Fort Scott Community College Trustees
Mercy Health Foundation Board Member for eight years;
past president Kiwanis and current member for 15 years;
SEK Multi-County Health Board Vice-chairman, Highway 69 Project member, member of the Knights of Columbus for 25 years.
McCoy and wife, Mo, are parishioners at
Mary Queen of Angeles Catholic Church.
Former FS City Manager Jeremy Frazier is Given Severance Package
On August 3, Fort Scott City ManagerJeremy Frazier resigned his position to pursue other employment opportunities, according to information provided by the city.
Frazier had been city manager for six months.
The Fort Scott City Commission began immediately to search for a new city manager.
Frazier gave no reason in the letter for his leaving, and an email to him had no response.
The city agreed to provide a letter of reference to Frazier that he is qualified and has performed his duties professionally and competently during his six months in the city manager position, according to the severance package provided by the city.
Frazier will receive six months’ salary in a lump sum and continuing health insurance until he has acquired other health insurance, according to the information from the city.
Frazier’s contract was for $115,000 per year.
In return, Frazier will make himself available to assist the city staff with consultations on various city matters and projects, for 90 days.
Both Frazier and the city agree to make no disparaging remarks about each other without the risk of voiding the agreement between them.
To view the entire severance package:
To view a prior feature on Frazier:
New FS City Manager Starts Feb. 1: Jeremy Frazier
U234 Press Release on BOE Meeting Aug. 9
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, August 9, 2021
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott High School Cafeteria on Monday, August 9, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.
President James Wood opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda.
The board approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – July 20, 2021 – $1,206,738.56
D. Financial Report
E. Activity fund accounts
Several patrons spoke in the public forum.
Brenda Hill, KNEA President, gave a report. In addition, Ted Hessong,
Superintendent, and Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, shared information with board members.
The board approved an operational plan for the 2021-22 school year. Board members discussed homeschool students participating in district activities. The board also approved:
· Addition of high school boys’ and girls’ swimming to the supplemental salary schedule for the 2021-22 school year
· Addition of a Possession of Firearms policy for the 2021-22 Employee Handbook
· New Generation contract for the 2021-22 school year
· No Limits Rehabilitation for physical therapy service for the 2021-22 school year
· CHC Contract for the 2021-22 school year
· 2021-22 Classified Salary Schedule
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss employee-employer negotiations for the 2021-22 school year. The board returned to open meeting and returned to executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.
The board approved the following employment matters:
A. Transfer of Sabrina Cady, van driver, to middle school paraprofessional for the 2021-22 school year
B. Leave of absence for Katie McGee, Winfield Scott kindergarten teacher
C. Leave of absence dates for Natalie Kitsmiller, Winfield Scott paraprofessional
D. Leave of absence for Becky Howard, middle school paraprofessional
E. Employment of Johnna Walls as a Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2021-22 school year
F. Increase in contract days and gas stipend for Krista Gorman, instructional coach for the district, for the 2021-22 school year
G. Resignation of Ken Klassen, high school head boys’ golf coach; resignation of Kourtney Harper, high school assistant volleyball coach; and resignation of Allison Gorman, high school assistant softball coach, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
H. Employment of Eugene Ware supplemental employees for the 2021-22 school year
I. Employment of Gordon Harris as a 10-month middle school custodian for the 2021-22 school year
J. Additional work hours for Dee Peters, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, to include a two-hour regular route bus driving position for the 2021-22 school year
K. Employment of Madeline Martin as the high school head boys’ and head girls’ swimming coach for the 2021-22 school year; employment of Kenny Hudiburg as high school assistant girls’ tennis coach for the 2021-22 school year
The board adjourned.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Aug. 10
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Aug. 9
Free Meals Available For All American Students
Free school meals are available for all students
during 2021-2022 school year
The National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO) waiver allows all Kansas students the option of free breakfast and lunch each school day during the 2021-2022 school year – ensuring students are fueled and ready to learn.
The waiver allows the SSO to operate when school is open during the regular school year – through June 30, 2022. It is a continuation of a commitment to provide safe, healthy meals free of charge to children as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten food and nutrition security of the most vulnerable – our students, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The waiver also will help schools continue to plan for a safe opening in the fall. For example, it will eliminate the need to collect meal payments. This speeds up the service of meals, which reduces contact and potential exposure to COVID-19.
The USDA’s National School Lunch Program SSO is typically only available during the summer months. However, extending it allows for a strong emphasis on providing fruits and vegetables, milk, and whole grains while allowing schools to serve the meals for free.
Schools that choose the SSO option will receive higher-than-normal meal reimbursements for every meal they serve, which will support them in serving the most nutritious meals possible while managing increased costs associated with operational and supply chain challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The USDA covers the cost of the meals for all students. There is no need for families to fill out an application.
Every meal that is served helps USD 234 foodservice program financially and keeps local food service staff members employed.
The free meals, which are safe, nutritious, and delicious, help extend family food budgets, too.
For more information, contact USD 234, 424 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS. Phone 620-223- 0800.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact
USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
Additionally, program information may be made
available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information
requested in the form.
To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: [email protected].
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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