Monthly Archives: September 2021

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Gordon Parks Museum

The Learning Tree Tourism Trail Grand Opening is Oct. 7

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A panel in the Gordon Parks Museum.

The Gordon Parks Museum is pleased to announce the grand opening and ribbon-cutting event of the Learning Tree Film Trail and the “Lunch and Learn” presentation
“Gordon Parks: Fort Scott and The Learning Tree Revisited”.

The grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Learning Tree Film Trail will be Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 8:00 a.m.

The grand opening will be at Gunn Park, Shelter House #1, 1010 Park Ave. Fort Scott.

This is one of the locations that was used during filming in 1968.

Brochures with maps will be available to help locate the other signs on the trail.

This will be the kickoff event of the 17th & 18th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration events and will also be held in conjunction with the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Coffee.

The film trail is a series of signs located at the different locations where the filming of The Learning Tree took place. The signs will also include QR codes along with a virtual tour of the identified scene locations of the film.

There will also be a “Lunch and Learn” presentation later the same day Thursday, October 7, 2021, with keynote speaker, John Edgar Tidwell, Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Kansas.

The presentation titled “Gordon Parks: Fort Scott and The Learning Tree Revisited”.

This will be held at Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center from 11:50 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The event is free to the public and participants are able to bring their lunch and drinks with them. Box lunch and drink are available for $8. Dessert will also be available.

Local historian Arnold Schofield will open with a short presentation on the history of Gordon Parks and his return visit to his hometown of Fort Scott, Kansas, in 1950, as documented in the book Back to Fort Scott.

Mr. Schofield will then introduce keynote speaker, John Edgar Tidwell, for a presentation on Gordon Parks’ The Learning Tree legacy in comparing and contrasting the book and film.

The presentation will also cover the importance of the cultural and historical impact of them both, along with the story and subject matter compared to today.

The Gordon Parks Museum has received a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation and Humanities Kansas to assist with funding support for this project.

The Gordon Parks Museum extends an invitation to the public to attend both of the events, especially the citizens of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the four-state area.

About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
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Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert by Steve Fortenberry

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by local musician Steve Fortenberry. The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. Fortenberry plays light classical and Christian songs on guitar.

“Steve is an accomplished musician with unique guitar stylings, using special effects,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “The last time he performed in the pavilion was 2019, so we are glad to welcome him back to the show. We are looking forward to an enjoyable evening of great guitar music from Steve Fortenberry. Bring a friend and join us.” Accompanied by Carlson, vocal soloist Floyd Feezell will also perform some favorite tunes.

The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas of Parsons serves as sound technician each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Starlite FCE Minutes of Sept. 16

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The September meeting of Starlite FCE was held on the 16th at the Yeager building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.  The meeting was called to order by President Glenda Miller. The Flag Salute and Club Collect was led by Joyce Allen

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Twelve members were in attendance.  They reported that they had recycled 225 pounds of paper and had five volunteer hours.

 

Doris Ericson presented the treasurer’s report.  Karen Peery announced that the Council will meet on Monday.

 

Glenda Miller reported that the baskets for the First Responders had been delivered and were a big success.  She also announced that Fall Follies will be October 19th in Bronson.  The program will be on Bee’s.

 

Deb Lust reminded the Club about our upcoming collection for Preferred Living, which is totally funded by donations.

 

New Business consisted of selecting a candidate for Heart of FCE award.  Terri Williams nominated Doris Ericson; Jackie Warren seconded the motion.  Terri Williams moved that the nominations cease, Letha Johnson seconded the motion.  Doris Ericson was elected to be our Heart of FCE candidate for 2021.  Glenda also announced that our yearly reports are due into the county office by December 1st.  Our November project will be making bags for Veterans.  Glenda Miller passed a sign-up sheet for items to be placed in the bags and brought to the next meeting.  Glenda also announced the lessons for the upcoming year.

 

The Club wished Letha Johnson a happy birthday.

 

Joyce Allen moved the meeting be adjourned, Helen Carson seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned.

 

After the meeting Terri Williams presented the program Under Pressure- Meals in Minutes.  The lesson was on how to use and Instant Pot and its advantages.  Refreshments of BBQ chicken sliders, rice pudding and apple crisp prepared in an Instant pot, mints and water was provided by Claudia Wheeler and Terri Williams and enjoyed by all.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Talking Tigers Take 2nd

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The Fort Scott High School Talking Tigers competed at the opening tournament in Chanute on Saturday, September 18.
“This was our first in-person tournament in over a year,” teacher Angella Curran said. “The competitors were really excited to be back in action! Fort Scott brought home the hardware placed 2nd in Sweepstakes!!”
Individual placing:
Open: Kinsley Davis and Lillian Collins – 3rd
Open: Khris Patel and David Jones – 8th
JV: Caitlynn Tate and Anna Hall -4th
JV: Cadence Tuck and Regen Wells – 5th
JV: Silvia Moreno and Lexi Hill – 7th
Novice: Joy Self and Caroline Barnes – 5th
Novice: Shakira Stokes and Berkley Wood – 6th
Congratulations to all of the team on their great success at the first debate of 2021!!!
Opinion

Watch for Flying Poop by Carolyn Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom

Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been very fond of monkeys. (I can even imitate the sounds of a chimpanzee.) I distinctly remember sitting on my Mom’s lap and asking her, “Can I have a baby brother or sister?“ She simply replied, “No.“ Without missing a beat, I then asked, “Well, can I have a monkey?“ Without missing a beat, Mom gave me a flat-out “No.“ One of my favorite TV shows in 1976 was “B.J. and the Bear” — not because the young trucker was good looking but because his pet chimp was so adorable! When visiting the zoo once, I was standing on the other side of the bars lightheartedly watching a big chimpanzee when (to my astonishment) he threw poop right at me! What an unkind thing to do! That was my first up-close-and-personal experience of “shock and awe.“

Humans aren’t prone to throw poop, but they’re apt to throw negative words at people. We can make or break someone’s day by what we say. Of all people, believers need to get a handle on the words that come out of our mouth. It’s pretty safe to say that Christians aren’t tempted to rob the bank, steal a car, run off with the neighbor’s spouse, or cheat on their income taxes. But often times we’re tempted to say surly words.

The Book of Proverbs provides ample instructions on the right (God-fearing) way to talk. “Self-control means controlling the tongue. A quick retort can ruin everything. The words of the wise soothe and heal” (Proverbs 12:16,18 TLB). We have the ability to encourage (build up) or discourage (tear down) someone. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels. Gentle words cause life and health; griping brings discouragement” (Proverbs 15:1,4 TLB). The question to ask ourselves is, “What does this person need to hear today?” Rather than “What do I want to get off my chest?”

It’s wise to ask God to lead your conversation when you’re going to meet someone for lunch or coffee, business, etc. God cares about the words you speak, not just your actions. God also cares and hears how you talk to your family when you’re home alone with them. “How wonderful it is to be able to say the right thing at the right time. The Lord delights in kind words. A good man thinks before he speaks” (Proverbs 15:23,26,28 TLB).

I’ve heard it said that since there are 31 chapters in Proverbs, we should read one every day of the month. It sure wouldn’t hurt us to have a daily reminder on how to manage our mouths. “Kind words are like honey — enjoyable and healthful. Gossip separates the best of friends” (Proverbs 16:24,28 TLB). “The man of few words and settled mind is wise; therefore even a fool is thought to be wise when he is silent. It pays to keep his mouth shut” (Proverbs 17:27,28 TLB). “Keep your mouth closed and you’ll stay out of trouble” (Proverbs 21:23 TLB).

My sweet mother used to say, “If you can’t say anything good, then don’t say anything at all.” I’m hopeful that the older I get the more like my Mom I’ll become. Underlined in my late husband’s Bible is this verse: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14 NLT).

The Key: Throw kind and positive words at somebody and make their day.

 

Opinion

Leadership in Rural America by Gregg Motley

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Gregg Motley. President of the Regional Economic Development, Inc. Submitted photo.

 

In a previous column entitled “Local Patriots,” I made the connection between economic opportunities afforded to a community and the quality of their leaders. It just makes sense that any type of organization, whether it is government, business, or charity, rises or falls according to the effectiveness of the people in charge.

Leadership is even more critical in rural American communities, as we are fighting the megatrends that are making life difficult for us. There are few easy answers, so it requires creative, opportunistic, and steady hands on the helm. It is so easy to take a risk and make a big mistake; or, more critically, miss opportunities that have a short open window.

Over the course of my lifetime, it seems as if we have changed the way we look at leadership and evaluate the people in charge. No matter what leadership books one reads, all describe critical elements of competency, character, communication, and compassion. Seems that many 21st century Americans are willing to overlook major gaps in one or more of these areas if the candidate is willing to support two or three hot-button issues. Leaders should be selected based on credentials, not popularity or showmanship.

Additionally, once we elect people who have been brave enough to run for office, we think nothing of castigating them online or in public forums, whether all the facts have been considered or if even one shred of truth exists in the criticisms. It is no wonder high-quality people are reluctant to run for office, or leave office after one or two terms. Who would want to put themselves and their families through the continual negative barrage?

How do we encourage the best leadership possible in rural America? Begin with encouraging and supporting those who are currently serving. You might be dubious about their politics or uneasy about the latest gossip regarding their personal lives, but we need our elected officials to succeed. Additionally, I consider it the height of cowardice to spread rumors or post half-truths or outright lies on social media about a leader in our community. Get the facts right and go to the people involved; don’t light your hair on fire and go running around saying, “the sky is falling” every time a shadow crosses your path.

Once we have established a pattern of supporting, respecting, and encouraging our leaders, our best and brightest will always be willing to serve. Let’s work together, holding each other accountable to civil and just behavior, and make leadership in Bourbon County something to be coveted and desired again.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 21

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: September 21, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM

 

Call to Order

 

    • Flag Salute
    • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
    • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report / Open Mini-Excavator Bids
    • CIC Contract
    • Clifton Beth – Elm Creek Cabins
    • County Counselor Comment
    • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
    • Public Comment
    • Elected Officials Comment
  • Commission Comment

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

CRAZY DAYS SIDEWALK SALE!

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FORT SCOTT – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Crazy Days Sidewalk Sale will take place Friday and Saturday, September 24th & 25th. From 9am to 6pm, fourteen retailers in the Downtown Historic District and other locations will have sales inside and outside with special discounts and sales. Shop local and experience a great shopping experience.

Participating merchants include Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market, Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog.INK, J & W Sports Shop, Mainstreet Gallery & Gifts, Mayco Ace Hardware, Ruddick’s Furniture & Flooring, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, The Rainbow Unicorn, Treasure Hunt Flea Market and Varia Quality Resale Clothing Store.

For more information on all community events may be found on fortscott.com/events or by contacting the Chamber at 620-223-3566.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Minutes of August 23

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
August 23, 2021
Board of Trustees budget work session began at 5:00 pm. Julie Eichenberger reviewed the proposed budget and took
questions from the Board.
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bill Meyer, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and community members
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:45 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was opened
with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Don Banwart, representing Scott Township Board of Directors, reported that Scott
Township Rural Fire Department is seeking a location to house two fire trucks that don’t currently have a place to winter.
Mr. Banwart proposed a partnership between FSCC and Scott Township for the north portion of the Crawford Sales
building that was donated to FSCC.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve
the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to hold the budget hearing for the
proposed 2021/22 budget on September 20, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall, and that the proper
notice be submitted to the Fort Scott Tribune for publication within the specified time limits in accordance with
K.S.A. 79-2929.
B. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to hold the revenue neutral
hearing for the proposed 2021/22 rate on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. in Cleaver-Burris-
Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College, and that the proper notice be submitted to the Fort Scott
Tribune for publication within the specified time limits in accordance with K.S.A. 79-1460, 79-1801,79-
2024,79-2925c.
C. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote approve renovation of the
weight room at Hill Street to be completed by Tri-State Building for $474,364.
D. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the updated CTEC
Sublease Agreement.
E. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the bid from Mid-
America Sports Construction to complete the turf field projects as outlined.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus,
Gordon Parks Museum, Student Services, Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 7:09
p.m. by Nelson, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk
7

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Agenda for Sept. 20

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September 20, 2021
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
September 20, 2021. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at 5:00 followed by regular board meeting at
5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. KACCT Quarterly Update, 4
BUDGET HEARING, 5
A. Comments from the Chair, 5
B. Open Comments from the Board, 5
C. Approval of Budget Revenue Neutral Rate, 5
D. Review and Adoption of the 2021-22 Year Budget, 5
CONSENT AGENDA, 6
A. Approval of Agenda, 6
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on August 23, 2021, 7
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 8
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 6
E. Approval of Gordon Parks Museum Board Members, 6
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 56
A. Consideration of KJUMP Symmetry Settlement Agreement, 56
B. Consideration of KJUMP Contract with WoodRiver Energy, 63
C. Approval of Alleyway and Chute Revision, Arnold Arena, 87
D. Discussion and Consideration of COVID Policies, 92
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 93
REPORTS, 95
A. Administrative Updates, 95
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 121
ADJOURNMENT, 122

APPROVAL OF BUDGET REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE
Background: New to the 2021/2022 budget process is an additional approval the revenue neutral
rate (RNR) per K.S.A. 79-1460, 79-1801, 79-2024, 79-2925c.
Beginning with this budget cycle the County Clerk notifies each entity who receives a mill levy of their
revenue neutral rate for mill levy.
For Budget 2022 our revenue neutral rate notification from the County Clerk was 28.055.
For the last nine years, the administrative team at FSCC has taken pride in being able to keep our mill
levy relatively flat. For Fiscal Year 2021, our actual mill levy was 29.322 and for Fiscal Year 2022,
FSCC is budgeting the mill levy at 29.299 making this the tenth year.
Recommendation: Administration recommends that the Board approve the budgeted mill levy of
29.299 for Budget 2022, which slightly exceed the revenue neutral rate of 28.055.

 

To view the entire packet:

9.20.21 Consent Agenda 2

UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• September 20, 2021: Board Meeting
• October 18, 2021: Board Meeting
• October 18, 2021: Math Relays
• November 15, 2021: Board Meeting
• November 22 – 26, 2021: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• November 30, 2021: Graduate Assessment Exam
• December 7 – 10, 2021: Finals
• December 13, 2021: Board Meeting
• December 17, 2021 – January 4, 2022 Christmas Break, Campus Closed
• January 7, 2022: In-Service
• January 12, 2022: Spring Semester Begins
• January 17, 2022: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 24, 2022: Board Meeting
• February 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 14 – 18, 2022: Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 25, 2022: Aggie Day
• April 15, 2022: Good Friday, Campus Closed
• April 18, 2022: Board Meeting
• May 10 – 13, 2022: Finals
• May 14, 2022: Graduation
• May 16, 2022: Board Meeting
• May 30, 2022: Memorial Day, Campus Closed
• June 20, 2022: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.

ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bill Meyer
_____ Robert Nelson