The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by The Lavender Patch Farm, Thursday, June 16th at 8 a.m., 2376 Locust Road.
Owners Davin and Betsy Reichard will be promoting the 5th Annual Lavender Fest which is planned for this Saturday, June 18th from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Trolley will will provide complimentary transportation to and from the festival this Saturday, leaving from the Chamber of Commerce, on the hour starting at 9 a.m. and returning from The Lavender Patch on the half-hour with the last departure back to the Chamber at 2:30 p.m.
Festival activities will include tours of the lavender, lavender craft demonstrations, live music, games, children’s activities, an opportunity to buy lunch of Herb de Provence pulled pork sandwiches and lavender lemonade and visiting the gift shop. In addition, there will be lavender plants for sale at the festival. Admission is $5 for 13 years or older.
The Lavender Patch and its gift shop are open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the month of June and Friday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the month of July. The farm and gift shop is also open by appointment. More information about the business, events and schedules may be found on their Facebook page or website, www.thelavenderpatchfarm.com.
Visit The Lavender Patch Farm’s Facebook page here.
Florence Barbara Long, age 101, a resident of Plano, TX. Died Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at the T Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Dallas, TX.
She was born December 3, 1920 in Blackhawk, CO. to William John Webster and Florence Meyer Webster. Florence married Wilson Allen Long on March 5, 1940 in Denver, CO.
She had a special relationship with her grandchildren as they would spend summers at grandma and grandpa’s house in Fort Scott.
Survivors include her two children, a son, William Long, and wife Margo, a daughter, Barbara Rotunda, and husband James; four grandchildren, Doug Lipscomb, Randy Lipscomb, Melynda Larson, and husband Curtis, and Marc Long, and wife, Nicole; nine great-grandchildren, Nicole Lipscomb, and husband, Warren, Samantha Lipscomb, Griffin Larson, Amanda Larson, Isabel Long, Brooklyn Gray, Nolan Gray, Harper Gray, and Mila Long; three great-great-grandchildren, Cheyanne Brundidge, Abigail Wilson, and Mia Martin. She was preceded in death by her husband, and parents.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, June 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
This is part of a series helping the public get to know the new school administrators in Bourbon County.
Tema Gilion, is the new West Bourbon Elementary School Principal, Uniontown. She is replacing Vance Eden, who is the new USD 235 Superintendent.
West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.
Gilion completed her administrative preparation program at Pittsburg State University.
She has experience in elementary, middle and high school teaching-1st and 3rd general education, 5th grade math, high school Spanish and English as a Second Language and a sub-director and teacher at a private bilingual school.
When not teaching she loves traveling, reading, gardening, and time with family.
Her hometown is Carthage, MO.
Why did you become an educator?
“I was privileged to have some amazing teachers in the Carthage school system who inspired me to become a teacher. I’ve always loved school and learning, so becoming an educator was a very natural path for me to follow.”
I enjoy seeing students learn and grow academically as well as in character. Inspiring students to be life-long learners is something for which I strive as an educator.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at their offices on Monday, June 13, 2022, for their regular monthly meeting.
President James Wood opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda. The board also approved the consent agenda:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – May 20, 2022 – $1,554,551.40
D. Financial Report
E. Activity fund accounts
F. Fundraiser applications
G. Extended trip applications
H. Site Council reports
I. 2022-23 Site Council members; dates and times of meetings
J. 2021-22 Gifts
K. Point of Information – Special Board Meeting – June 21 – 5:30 p.m – Budget hearing
Mike Trim, SRO Officer, spoke in the public forum section of the meeting. Dalaina Smith, Academic Director; and Gina Shelton, Board Clerk/Finance Director, shared reports with board members.
The board approved the following
· Renewal of property, general liability, employment, cyber, and automobile insurance with KERMP
· Computer pre-bid purchase
· 2022-23 MAP renewal for math, reading, and science
· Eureka math proposal
· PLC Professional Development proposal for 2022-23
· 1,116-hour calendar for the 2022-23 school year
· KASB Board Policy updates
The board tabled approval of handbooks. The board reviewed the Last Day Enrollment Count report. Board members shared comments and then went into an executive session to discuss employer-employee negotiations. The board returned to open session and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel. The board returned to open meeting and approved ratification of the 2022-23 negotiated agreement, Resolution 21-14 – final action on the nonrenewal of a teacher’s contract, and the following employment matters:
a. Retirement of Sue Ann Fredericksen, high school special education teacher, effective July 1, 2022
b. Resignation of Lora Jett as a high school English teacher for the 2022-23 school year
c. Resignation of Angelica Gonzales, middle school paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
d. Resignation of Sarah Long as a high school paraprofessional for the 2022-23 school year
e. Fort Scott Middle School content positions for 2022-23
f. Resignation of Andon Prestley, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
g. Transfer of Moriah Dillow, Winfield Scott focus room teacher, to Winfield Scott kindergarten teacher for the 2022-23 school year
h. Transfer of John Metcalf, middle school Student Success Center teacher, to middle school elective teacher for the 2022-23 school year
i. Transfer of Brendon Blackburn, middle school elective teacher, to middle school Student Success Center teacher for the 2022-23 school year
j. Leave of absence request from Peyton Guiles, Eugene Ware special education teacher
k. Clarification for Assistant Superintendent position
l. Change in work agreement for Rhonda Dawson, high school activities secretary/district treasurer, and Angie DeLaTorre, high school secretary/registrar for the 2022-23 school year
m. Addition of a district ESOL Coordinator for the 2022-23 school year
n. Employment of Sarah Hendricks as a Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year
o. Employment of Samantha Short as a middle school teacher for the 2022-23 school year
p. Employment of Michael Krull as a high school physical education teacher and head boys’ basketball coach for the 2022-23 school year
q. Employment of Chad Ruddick as a high school English teacher for the 2022-23 school year
r. Employment of Sarah Shaw as a preschool paraprofessional for the 2022-23 school year
s. Employment of central office classified personnel for the 2022-23 school year
t. Employment of technology classified personnel for the 2022-23 school year
u. Employment of food service classified personnel for the 2022-23 school year
v. Employment of transportation classified personnel for the 2022-23 school year
w. Employment of maintenance classified personnel for the 2022-23 school year
x. Employment of Fort Scott High School classified personnel for the 2022-23 school year
y. Employment of Fort Scott Middle School classified personnel for the 2022-23 school year
z. Employment of Eugene Ware classified personnel for the 2022-23 school year
aa. Employment of Winfield Scott classified personnel for the 2022-23 school year
bb. Employment of Fort Scott Preschool Center classified personnel for the 2022-23 school year
cc. Employment of district supplemental personnel for the 2022-23 school year
dd. Employment of Fort Scott High School supplemental personnel for the 2022-23 school year
ee. Employment of Fort Scott Middle School supplemental personnel for the 2022-23 school year
ff. Employment of Eugene Ware supplemental personnel for the 2022-23 school year
gg. Employment of Fort Scott Preschool Center supplemental personnel for the 2022-23 schoolyear
hh. Resignation of Whitley Chesney as the director of the high school musical, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
ii. Rescinded resignation from Elizabeth Rose, preschool paraprofessional
jj. Transfer of Elizabeth Rose, preschool paraprofessional, to high school paraprofessional for the 2022-23 school year
kk. Transfer of Dixie Jackson, high school paraprofessional, to a 12-month custodian position for the 2022-23 school year
ll. Employment of Anthony Ogle as a 12-month custodian for the 2022-23 school year
mm. Transfer of Nick Johnson, middle school teacher, to Fort Scott Preschool Principal for the 2022-23 school year, and the resignation of Nick Johnson as a middle school assistant football and middle school assistant basketball coach for the 2022-23 school year
Calling on the U.S. Attorney General to Investigate Violence Against Pro-Life Organizations
This week, I led 15 of my colleagues in calling on U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate and work to prevent violence against pro-life organizations. After a draft opinion in the Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was leaked to the media last month, pro-life and religious organizations, including crisis pregnancy centers that assist women in need, have been vandalized and, in some cases, attacked by arsonists. Most prominently, a man was arrested with the stated intent to kill Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his home.
I am concerned that this trend will continue should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade in the coming weeks unless the Department of Justice, the FBI and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices take a firm, public stance and a proactive response against these violent threats. The Department of Justice must take all of these threats seriously, and I look forward to receiving their response. Read the full letter here.
joining forces with CCEKS (Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas),
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, and
37 other Chambers across the state to offer
an association health plan to our members for your business or organization.
Join us for an informational session about
the plan on Wednesday, June 22nd at the
Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Room:
3 time options of 8:30am, 12pm, 3pm
Click here to register to attend one of the sessions so we will know how many to expect.
See brochure below or click here to view more info. on Chamber Blue on our website.
*Businesses or organizations do not have to be a
Chamber member to attend the informational sessions to learn more and get rate quotes, but will need to become a member to enroll in the insurance when the time comes.
Click here for a printable copy of the brochure shown above.
Cristy Mitchell of BCBS of KS and Chamber member
Don Doherty of Northwestern Mutual Life,
RPS Benefits, Inc. will be in attendance at the informational sessions to provide all the details and answer questions.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below!
Governor Laura Kelly Appoints Jancita Warrington as Executive Director of the
Office of Native American Affairs
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the appointment of Jancita Warrington as executive director of the Office of Native American Affairs. The Office of Native American Affairs serves as the liaison for the governor to ensure Native American voices are represented in state policymaking.
“Jancita joins my team with deep experience in promoting the preservation of Indigenous culture,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I appreciate her stepping into this role to help my Administration continue its work to strengthen state-tribal relations.”
Warrington is currently a cultural and research consultant and curriculum developer for the University of Kansas. She also advises independent programs and projects as they relate to tribal historical accounts and diversity. She is a graduate of Haskell Indian Nations University and the University of Kansas where she earned Magna Cum Laude honors and a Master of Arts in Global Indigenous Nations Studies.
“I am honored to be appointed to the Office of Native American Affairs and to build upon the progress the Kelly Administration has made for state-tribal relations,” Executive Director Jancita Warrington said.
Jancita Warrington is of Potawatomi, Menominee, and Ho-Chunk descent.
REFRESHMENTS at John and Carol Hills at 924 Burke.
AFTER THE PARADE .. EVERYONE WELCOME
. PLEASE DONATE COOKIES preferably on the 3rd.
PLEASE NO BIG VEHICLES AND WATCH FOR THE CHILDREN WHO ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE.
DRESS IN PATRIOTIC ATTIRE OR JUST SIT ANYWHERE ON THE STREET TO WATCH AND CHEER THE PARADE
WE WILL START WITH PATRIOTIC SONGS by the Kids on Burke., Jill Gorman and Susan Foster.
Traffic Control- Frank Halsey
Sound system Lewis Dunkeson.
If any questions call Margaret Humphrey 2230388 620 224 7388 or Theresa Bahr 620 215 2889 Barbara Albright, 620 2247762 official distributor of information.
Severe storms or lightening cancels the parade…but we have conquered the rain
This is part of a series helping the public get to know the new school administrators in Bourbon County.
Tracy Smith, 64, was hired as the 2022-23 Uniontown Junior High/High School Principal.
Smith earned his Bachelor of Arts in Art Education from Ottawa in 1979 and his Masters In School Administration in 1992 from Pittsburg State University for Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade.
He was an Art Teacher/Coach at Louisburg (1979-82),
Art Teacher, Athletic Director, Coach at Maize (1982-85),
Assoc. Director of Development at Ottawa University (1985-87),
and previously served at Uniontown Schools-(1987-2015) at the K-12 Art/Coach (87-92,) JH/HS Principal (1992-2010)and West Bourbon Elementary School Principal (2010-15).
He has been married to Teresa for 34 years and has three adult children, all married, all graduates of UHS: Dain, Kaity, and Abbie.
“We have seven grandchildren plus #8 arriving in August from my son in California,” he said.
“Since my retirement seven years ago I have been actively involved in the United Methodist Church,” he said. “I am a local licensed pastor and currently serve three area churches: Bronson, Moran, and Mildred UMC’s.”
In his spare time he spends time with grandkids, woodworking, art projects, and officiating volleyball and is a track starter with the Kansas State High School Athletic Association.
His hometown is Richmond, Kansas.
Why did you become an educator?
“Art has always been a gift that I’ve had and it was/is something that was a natural fit. Teaching/showing/leading others has also been a gift. My career has been enjoyable and I’ve never been disappointed any day. I like and step up to the challenges each and every day in working with my team of teachers and our kids we are assigned to lead.”
Did someone inspire you?
“I come from a long line of teachers in my family. Grandfather French Booher was a principal in southeast Kansas. My Grandmother and Mother we’re both teachers. Teresa my wife, now retired, was a lifetime teacher and Kaity, my daughter is also this year returning to teaching (5th grade) at WBE.”
What is the best thing about being an educator?
“Making a difference with kids. That’s what it is all about. Period. Being part of a group of professional educators is a great inspiration for me. Watching them bring a kid from A to Z is exciting and a blessing to be associated with these teachers. Uniontown has always been a great place/school. Time after time, the Eagles prove success in college readiness, vocational success, and leadership skills when they leave us.”
What is a challenge?
“Change. Happens every day. Global, Society, Requirements from Fed, State…. For me to create a environment of success, top down, where all children can be safe, comfortable and hungry to learn and to succeed is my personal goal. I feel stepping back into the ‘U’ I have a little advantage, due to a long relationship with the parents in the past, and yet with my tenure, at some point grandparents….I’m old, I admit. We all need to work together, because bottom line, it’s about your kids, our future and our heritage of having one of the best school systems in Kansas. ‘Go Eagles’.”
This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by musician friends Ralph Carlson, Stephan Moses, and Carolyn Tucker. The program will feature a vocal/instrumental mixed bag of the gospel, spiritual, blues, roots music, and Latin-American light classical. Carlson on acoustic guitar, Moses on electric lead guitar, and Tucker on the keyboard have 191 combined years of playing music.
“All three of us began studying music in early grade school and have had a heart for sharing the gift of music in different venues for a long time,“ concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “We‘re happy to perform for the loyal folks who attend this seasonal weekly event. Bring a neighbor and come out and join your friends for a fun evening.”
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion on First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound 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 Loading Dock at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
