Monthly Archives: May 2023
School Board Press Release from Board Meeting on May 8
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, May 8, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda and the consent agenda as follows:
- Board Minutes from the April 10, 2023, regular board meeting
- Financials-Cash Flow Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – April 12, 2023 – $392,678.35 and April 20, 2023 – $1,583,397.57
- Activity Fund accounts
- Extended Trip Applications
- Point of Interest:
- FSHS Graduation 8:00 PM – May 13th – FSHS Stadium – board members be there at 7:45 p.m. at the FSHS Commons
- Employee Luncheon & Recognition – May 17th – FSHS Commons – at 12:00 p.m.
Scott Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal, along with Matt Glades, Teacher at Fort Scott High School, recognized the following Fort Scott High School students:
- Caden Young: he has attained his CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 certifications. These are the industry standard for establishing a career in IT and is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles. Caden has also obtained the CCNA—which stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate, which is an entry-level information technology (IT) certification issued by networking hardware company Cisco.
- Langdon Giddens (in attendance): he has served as a paid intern with the USD 234 Technology Department since October. Langdon discussed what he had learned through the internship and his future plans.
- Anna Laubenstein (in attendance): Adobe certified – Associate in Photoshop. Anna discussed her future plans, along with her achievements in the Skills USA competition.
- Cole Harding: Adobe certified – Associate in Photoshop
Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Amy Harper as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month.
- Harper is a Mathematics teacher at Fort Scott High School. Mrs. Harper was a Kansas Teacher of the Year nominee. She was recognized in Topeka for excellence in the profession and will travel around to other districts throughout Kansas next year periodically. Mrs. Harper has taught for the district for 14 years.
Board Members shared comments.
Superintendent Destry Brown provided an update to the board on the Energy projects taking place throughout the district. Later in the meeting, the board received a demonstration of the new crisis app, Emergent 3, that will replace the Crisis Go app.
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on preliminary end of year data; highlighting areas of growth in various grade levels that were above 10% and provided an assessment team update.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, noted the June 1st filing deadline to run for school board, KDHE allocation of grant funds, closing down of the fiscal year, and noted an initial meeting with Enterprise Fleet management.
The board approved the following items:
- Payment to Meridian Roofing in the amount of $50,598.00
- Science textbook purchase from SAVVAS – $155.99, PASCO – $7,363.55, and McGraw Hill -$49,982.39 for grades 9-12
- Clarification on science purchase for Fort Scott Middle School to cancel the prior month approved purchase and continue the current resource being used
- Greenbush Education Service Center invoices for 2023-24 services
- Greenbush Education Service Center Virtual Academy MOU and Assurances
- Acceptance of school photography proposal from Josten’s JPix
- Participation in the Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program
- Allow the Superintendent and Finance Director to invest idle funds in short-term CDs with reporting to the board, but without prior board approval to capitalize on timing
- Greenbush Participation & Hedging Authorization for 2023-24
- Approval of Personnel Report (following)
The board went into an executive session for negotiation and personnel matters.
President Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
May 8, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Billionis, Connie – Leave of Absence – Deputy Clerk
- Cox, Jessica – Leave of Absence – Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional until May 17, 2023
- Dunivan, Sarah – Leave of Absence for beginning of 2023-24 until September 17, 2023
- Gordon, Karen – Resignation – Eugene Ware Counselor at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Homan, Tracy – Resignation – Fort Scott Middle School Building Testing Coordinator at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Jackman, Sara – Resignation – Fort Scott High School PDC Chair at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Webb, Megan – Resignation – Fort Scott Preschool Teacher at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Endicott, Debra – Retirement – Fort Scott Middle School Cook at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Wilbert, Tara – Resignation – Fort Scott Middle School 7th Grade ELA Teacher at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Wilson, Ramona – Retirement – Winfield Scott Kitchen Manager at the end of the 2022-23 school year
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS:
Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
- Anderson, Mikiah – Transfer from Fort Scott Preschool Center Paraprofessional to Speech Paraprofessional
- Black, Staci – Transfer from District Instructional Technology/Fort Scott Middle School Teacher to Fort Scott Middle School Technology Teacher
- Blackburn, Brendon – Transfer from 6th Grade Science Teacher to 8th Grade Science Teacher
- Couch, Kim – Transfer from Eugene Ware Elementary 3rd Grade to Interventionist
- Herring, Jennifer – Transfer from Fort Scott High School Cook/2-hour Bus Driver to Transportation 4-hour bus, and 4-hour bus/car maintenance, increasing the existing position 1.5 hours
- Homan, Tracy – Transfer from Fort Scott High School/Fort Scott Middle School Librarian/Testing Coordinator position to Fort Scott Middle School ELA Teacher
- Hull, Megan – Transfer from Speech Paraprofessional to Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional
- Nelson, Andrew – Transfer from Eugene Ware 4th Grade Teacher to Fort Scott Middle School 6th Grade Science Teacher
- Russell, Deborah – Transfer from Fort Scott Middle School Teacher to Fort Scott High School Ag Teacher
- Sharp, Francis – Transfer from Fort Scott High School Cook to Fort Scott Middle School Cook
- Cavin, Brent – Fort Scott Middle School Head Boys Basketball Coach
- Fields, Kelly – Fort Scott High School English Teacher
- Hendricks, Caleb – Fort Scott Middle School Assistant Girls Basketball Coach
- McKinsey, Rayanne – Winfield Scott 2nd Grade Teacher
- Peterson, Emily – Fort Scott Preschool Center Teacher
- Rogers, Jamie – Fort Scott Middle School Head Girls Basketball Coach
- Setina, Ashlee – Fort Scott High School Family and Consumer Science Teacher
- Weaver, Mark – Fort Scott High School Special Education Teacher
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
May 8, 2023 (continued)
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS (continued):
- Certified Reemployments:
- Fort Scott High School
- Eugene Ware Elementary
- Classified Reemployments:
- Fort Scott High School
- Fort Scott Middle School
- Eugene Ware Elementary
- Winfield Scott Elementary
- Fort Scott Preschool Center
- Central Office
- Directors
- Finance
- Food Service
- Maintenance & Custodial
- Technology
- Transportation
- Supplemental Recommendations
- District
- Fort Scott High School
- Fort Scott Middle School
- Eugene Ware Elementary
- Winfield Scott Elementary
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of May 1
May 1, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Robert Harrington, Anne Dare, Mark McCoy, Jason Silvers, Mary Pemberton, Michael Hoyt, Deb McCoy, Don George with KDWP, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Mark McCoy.
Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from last week. Nelson Blythe seconded the motion but asked that a comment he made be corrected to include the word “intentionally” to match the exact verbiage of his comment.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the Commissioners with a list of culvert permits that were issued in April as well as the fuel report for April. Jim asked if everybody was still buying fuel from public works except the Sheriff’s Department and Eric replied yes. Eric stated the card reader system is now installed and each employee has a card they swipe and enter equipment number and mileage to obtain fuel. Eric presented a road and use maintenance agreement from NEET Southwest to the Commission for approval. Jim asked if this was for if the company was going to exceed 80,000 pounds. Eric replied yes, they will give us 24-hour notice of heavy equipment such as a crane using our roads and the agreement is in case roads are damaged by their heavy equipment. Clifton made a motion to sign the road use agreement. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. MSHA, the Mine Safety Health Administration, inspected the rock quarry last week and Eric said the inspection went very well with only one minor citation issued. Eric said the laydown machine will be picked up tomorrow, and they will be moving to Valley and 267th Street to overlay. The plan is to start at 267th Street and overlay Valley Road to 245th Street, then overlay 245th Street from Valley Road to Soldier Road. Valley Road between 245th and 255th Street will be closed this week to replace culverts. Eric stated they plan to start next Monday on asphalt, weather permitting. Eric said we applied for three bridge grants in 2022, and even though we didn’t get them he recommends applying again this year. Bourbon County REDI assisted with the grant process on the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program bridge and Schwaab Eaton with the off-system bridges. Jim asked if applying for the small bridge projects will hurt the chance to get the grant for the big bridge project, and Eric said no since they are through two different programs. Jim made a motion to allow Eric to resubmit grant applications for bridges #518, 19.2-Q.0, and 5.0-S.9. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Eric asked for approval to set a maximum to buy a bigger truck, around 500 horsepower, for the landfill. Eric said they have been looking at trucks with under 300,000 miles but if they can’t act when a truck is traded in and available, they will miss out on the opportunity. Jim stated we needed more horsepower to keep up, and asked Eric if there was a number he was looking at. Eric responded they were looking to stay under$100,000. Jim questioned if the truck was going to be purchased out of the landfill and special machinery fund, and Eric stated it will be a combination of insurance reimbursement, auction proceeds, and the landfill fund. Clifton commented that if a Mack truck is purchased to make sure it has a Mack motor. Jim made a motion to allow Eric to look at 500 HP trucks, not to exceed $100,000. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Eric said that KCAMP will be doing a mandatory training session on Friday from 7:30-11:30.
Don George, with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, asked the Commissioners if any decisions were made on the grant extension at Elm Creek Lake. Jim asked if this was a 12-month extension, and Don replied that it is a couple of years. Mr. George said if the extension is signed it would give the county the opportunity to find other funding sources and that Bourbon County could apply for another $40,000 grant from KDWP. Eric said that Bourbon County REDI is looking at other grant opportunities and Don said there might be other grants dealing with water that are not KDWP and that he doesn’t want to see the county give up. Nelson discussed the wording of the extension and highlighted some concerns he had. Jim suggested having the County Counselor look at the extension, and Mr. George stated he can come back if they would like counsel to review but stated this was the same contract that had been used during his 37 years with KDWP. Clifton said KDWP has always been a good partner to work with. Jim stated all they were voting on is the extension of the existing contract signed two years ago. Clifton made a motion to sign the extension and Jim seconded. Nelson opposed and the motion passed 2-1. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the KDWP extension as presented by Don George and Jim seconded. Nelson opposed and the motion passed 2-1. Clifton asked Eric to work with Bourbon County REDI and Don George to find more money to try to fix the dam. Eric said an engineer really needs to look at the dam. Clifton said possibly for some grants but suggested looking at what’s out there. Don George suggested looking at grants and WPA and stated Eric would need an engineer’s expertise then. Clifton stated he doesn’t want to spend $5,000 on an engineer yet. Don offered to show Clifton and Nelson all the services that KDWP offers. Clifton said that KDWP does a lot more that people know or think. Don asked that he been kept informed and involved during the future discussion of Elm Creek.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a real property relief application for a property at 1214 S. Judson Street that had been destroyed by a fire. The owner filled out the application, submitted pictures of the damaged structure, and a quote to have the property fixed to be livable again. Since the property damage happened before August 15, an abatement of real estate taxes can be approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Clifton made a motion to accept the real property relief application submitted Danny Magee for 1214 S. Judson. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Jim discussed having a feasibility study done for an overpass south of Fort Scott, possibly on Jayhawk Road. Jim said the railroad has to sit blocking the intersection, and that he is not picking on them because they do good job. Jim stated he talked to EMS, and they estimated they would be able to reach approximately 2,000 people on the east side of the county if there was an overpass. Jim said he asked an emergency responder how long it would take to get to his address if there was a train blocking the intersection on Jayhawk Road and was told EMS would have to go back to 3rd Street and they would lose approximately eleven minutes in doing so. Jim said this is about getting an ambulance out when it is needed to help save lives. Jim made a motion to allow Eric Bailey and Bourbon County REDI to go out for a proposal or quote for a feasibility study. Jim said the study is needed to go after grants. Nelson asked if this was just a proposal for a feasibility study and that that we are not spending money yet. Jim agreed the county is not spending money yet, just finding out how much it would cost for a feasibility study. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
The Commissioners took a short break and returned to regular session at 6:13.
Clint Walker discussed a grant the grocery store received in Moran and stated there are grant opportunities out there. Mr. Walker said Rob Harrington, with Bourbon County REDI, is doing a good job.
Michael Hoyt said he and Eric Bailey looked at the bridge over Wolverine Creek, and he showed Eric what his concerns were. Eric stated the bridge deck was cleared of gravel, and there were no holes in it.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow for an executive session. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved
Clifton made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include the three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:32. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:32 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include the three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:43. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:43 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Nelson said he would like to receive all documents by email in the future to save paper. Jim stated if documents are received by email the Commissioners can’t respond to the emails. Clifton said he would be ok with not getting paper documents and would like to eliminate as much paper as possible.
Jim said that Susan presented a budget worksheet to the Commissioners and sent to the department heads with no response and that he asks all department heads and elected officials to use the worksheet format when working on their budget requests this year.
Clifton said EMS called him about purchasing an ambulance and that it was voted on approximately a year and a half ago, but an ambulance was never purchased. Clifton stated the equipment EMS has is old and it is time to think about purchasing an ambulance. Clifton went on to explain a demo unit was available for delivery fall 2024, if accepted now. If the demo unit isn’t purchased, it would be fall 2026 before a new unit would be delivered. Clifton asked Nelson and Jim to consider the purchase and to reach out separately to Teri and Trace with EMS to discuss the equipment needs. The demo unit would be $295,000 with a $10,000 trade in credit, or it is $285,000 for a remount. Nelson stated if all we received for credit is $10,000, we might as well keep the old one. Clifton discussed the remount and said for $10,000 more we could have a new unit. Clifton said CHC received federal appropriations and asked to speak to Jake LaTurner and legislatures to try to get money to buy an ambulance.
Clifton said more than once they have had meetings outside the courthouse, and he thinks we need to do that again. Clifton stated there was not a meeting held in Fulton or Hammond and he would like to see that happen. Nelson questioned if it would start next week? Clifton said he would like to get on a rotation. Clifton said he would like to start next week, May 8th, but the County Clerk said the public hearing for the 5-year solid waste plan is scheduled for that date at the courthouse. Clifton suggested the following meetings dates and locations: May 15th in Fulton, May 22nd in Garland, May 29th no meeting due to Memorial Day, June 5th in Uniontown, and June 12th in Mapleton. Depending on the turnout at the meeting in Fulton, a meeting may be held in Hammond on June 19th. Jim stated this is a great idea.
Jim and Clifton asked that Teri Hulsey be placed on the agenda next week to discuss the purchase of an ambulance. Nelson stated he doesn’t mind spending money on the purchase of a new ambulance for the county.
Jennifer Hawkins asked to amend the agenda to discuss the real property relief application again. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda for the County Clerk to speak again. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Jennifer stated there is one section of the application that asks for the percentage of tax abatement the Commissioners are going to approve for the fire damaged property. The Commissioners figured the amount of the year based upon the fact the property was destroyed in February and came up with a total of 91%. Jennifer also presented an updated version of last week’s minutes with the correction that Nelson asked for. After reviewing the minutes, Nelson made a motion to approve the minutes. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:58. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Approved 5-8-2023
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
_______________, Approved Date
Amended BO CO Commission Agenda May 8
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 1st Floor County Courthouse
210 S National Avenue
May 8, 2023, 5:30 PM
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute and Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 5/1/2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $210,758.69
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $321,662.17
- Department Updates
- Eric Bailey, Public Works Director
- 5:45 Public Hearing for Adoption of 5-Year Solid Waste Plan
- Tim Spehr-Application for Road Closure 260th South of Deer Road
- Don George-KDWP
- Resignation of Mark McCoy-SEK Multi-County Health Department Board
- Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds-Fort Scott Lake
- Susan Bancroft, CFO-Discussion of Budget Meeting Dates
- Teri Hulsey, EMS Director-Discussion of Ambulance Purchase
- Public Comments
- Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
- Commission Comments
- Meeting Adjourn
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Amended Bo Co Commission Agenda for May 8 at 5:30 p.m.
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 1st Floor County Courthouse
210 S National Avenue
May 8, 2023, 5:30 PM
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute and Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 5/1/2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $210,758.69
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $321,662.17
- Department Updates
- Eric Bailey, Public Works Director
- 5:45 Public Hearing for Adoption of 5-Year Solid Waste Plan
- Don George-KDWP
- Resignation of Mark McCoy-SEK Multi-County Health Department Board
- Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds-Fort Scott Lake
- Susan Bancroft, CFO-Discussion of Budget Meeting Dates
- Teri Hulsey, EMS Director-Discussion of Ambulance Purchase
- Public Comments
- Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
- Commission Comments
- Meeting Adjourn
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Mental Health Center to Move Into the Former Mercy Building
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center in Fort Scott has recently signed an agreement with Legacy Health LLC for the center to move into the former Mercy Hospital Building at 401 Woodland Hills.
The building was recently vacated by Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas who moved to another Fort Scott building.
“We don’t have an official date for the move as we need to secure a contractor for some renovations but are hoping this summer,” said Holly Jerome, SEKMHC’s director of marketing and human resources said. “Once a move date has been set, we will be notifying clients and the community.”
“We are certainly not new to Fort Scott,” said Jerome. “We were established in 1961! But due to our growth after becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Healthcare Clinic ( in 2022) we are outgrowing our current building which is located at 212 State Street.”
“We will continue offering our current and expanded services,” Jerome said. “This new space will allow us to continue adding to our team!”
“SEKMHC is one of the first five community mental health centers to earn certification,” CEO Nathan Fawson said in a press release https://fortscott.biz/news/legacy-health-partners-with-southeast-kansas-mental-health-to-expand-services. “The CCBHC model of care concentrates on the overall health of a client, not just their mental health. We have expanded our care to integrate holistic care approaches, connect people with care coordination, and increase accessibility to services throughout our six–county catchment area. Looking into the future, we are striving to provide each client with a much more individualized experience by assisting clients in recovery–oriented ways in their homes, in our communities, or via telehealth whenever possible. We know that recovery is possible when you treat the person, not just their mental health challenge.”–
According to its website https://www.sekmhc.org/ the services they provide to the community are:
Last year they served over 4,000 clients, according to its website. The staff provide school based therapy and case management in 12 school districts. They have 15 team members in the crisis department and 10 in the psychiatry department.
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is in transition to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), according to its website. A CCBHC provides comprehensive behavioral health services, while also focusing on physical health and whole person wellness.
What the transition means is, the following is added:
- Patient navigation services
- Comprehensive behavioral health screening at intake
- Primary health screening including gathering health metrics (height, weight, and blood pressure)
- Primary health resources and referral
What won’t change is:
- Access to counseling and therapy
- Access to crisis services
- Access to medical services and psychiatry
- Community-based services for adults and children
- Services and programs previously provided, unless otherwise noted
Upcoming Community Self-Care Event:
A Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Self-Care Fair will be held on May 23, from 5-8 p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. 12th.
For more information:
https://www.sekmhc.org/selfcarefair/
For questions about the self-care fair, contact: Dawne Burchett at 620-496-8702 or Vicki Wright at 620-212-9391.
About Legacy Health
Legacy Health has a mission to bring development and healthcare to rural communities through sustainable and proactive approaches, according to the Legacy Health press release. Legacy believes that for a project to be successful, it is necessary to understand the needs of the community and the people.
Legacy Health LLC was registered on June 7, 2022 as a Limited Liability Company – CA company type incorporated at 269 WEST BONITA CLAREMONT, CA 91711. according to /https://ca.ltddir.com/companies/legacy-health-llc/
Troy Schell is the Legacy Health Chairman of the Board, according to the press release.
Chief Clinical Officer is Jennifer Massey and she is the contact person at [email protected]
Chief Strategy Officer is Merrill Eisenhower.
Locally, Matthew Wells is Legacy Healthcare Foundation Director of Plant Operations at the 401 Woodland Hills site. His duties are technical and equipment maintenance. Wells recently helped the building receive joint hospital accreditation, which is necessary because of the patient care given in the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department that is also housed in the facility, he said.
The Legacy Health Foundation received the building from the Bourbon County Commission in November 2022. In addition to the building, the commission gave Legacy Health Foundation $2 million dollars from funds received from Mercy Hospital and American Rescue Plan Act Funds to develop the property, according to a prior story.
To view the prior story:
https://fortscott.biz/news/bourbon-county-transfers-mercy-building-to-legacy-health-foundation
Uniontown 4-H Club May Report By: Marley Sutton
Several Uniontown 4-H club members recently took part in the 4-H expo at Tractor Supply in Fort Scott Kansas. The purpose of the event was to promote various 4-H projects to local community members. Makiah Woods promoted the dog project, the Sutton kids promoted the swine project, and the Bloesser kids promoted sewing and foods.
Three Uniontown 4-H club members competed in the Perry-Lecompton Junior High Aggie Day. The team ranked first overall with Hailey Shadden receiving high individual, Marley Sutton ranking 3rd, and Kendyl Bloesser ranking 11th individually.
Starlite FCE Minutes April, 2023
The April meeting of Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager Building on the Bourbon County Fair grounds. Vice President Joyce Allen called the meeting to order and led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and the club collect. Eight members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered forty-seven hours and had recycled 2110 pounds.
Doris Ericson reported that the bake less bake sale had raised $174 and that she had sent in 1000 Best Choice labels. She also reported that she had sent $40 to the 4-H fair premiums and $50 for open class premiums. Deb Lust moved that we accept the Treasurers report, Karen Peery seconded the motion, motion carried.
Joyce announced that the Easter eggs had been delivered to Tri-Valley and that Jack Jackson had presented the lesson on Men’s health to the Uniontown Ruritan Club. Twelve members and guests were in attendance. It was also announced that at the Area Recognition Day that Betty Johnson was recognized as the area Heart of FCE representing the Southeast Kansas District. Starlite received First Place in the District in Education with our program on Last Wishes. We also received Second with our Community Service project. Bourbon County FCE clubs received 100% reporting award and Starlite received a gold seal.
Doris Ericson announced that Aging with Attitude will be held April 28th in Parsons. Joyce Allen passed around a Sympathy card for Helen Carson. She will be greatly missed.
Jack Jackson will be presenting the lesson on Mens Health to our club on June 15th and again at the Fair.
Betty Johnson moved that the meeting be adjourned, Doris Ericson seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.
After the meeting Joyce Allen presented the program on “Healthy Body, Healthy Brain.” Refreshment of Orange and Strawberry yogurt pie, mints, nuts and water were provided by LeAnna Taylor and Joyce Allen and enjoyed by all.
Prepared by
Terri Williams
You May Be Seated by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
You May Be Seated
Have you ever attended a wedding when the minister forgot to tell the audience to be seated? I have and it was terribly awkward. We continued to stand because we were patiently waiting to hear, “Please be seated,” but the appropriate moment came and went and there we stood, uncomfortable and annoyed. Finally, the minister noticed and gave us permission to sit. I’ve been involved in enough weddings and funerals to write a bizarre book. Just when I think I’ve seen and heard it all, I find out I haven’t. Americans should be used to standing in line (and maybe we are) but I don’t think we like it. A lady who lived to be over 100 years old was asked what her secret to longevity was. She answered, “I never stood when I could sit, and I never sat when I could lay down.”
In the natural, believers are living on the earth being the hands and feet of Jesus. But at the same time (in the spiritual realm) we are seated with Christ because we are united with Him. We’re to be loving examples of God’s favor and kindness because of what He has done for us through His Son. “But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that…He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us…as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-7 NLT).
We have a tendency to be so focused and involved in the busyness and stress of life that we completely forget where we are in the heavenly realm. No matter what negative or challenging situations we’re in, we must remember that we have the privilege to be at rest. Many occupations require individuals to be on their feet for the entire shift. We’ve all heard someone say, “I’ve been on my feet all day — I’ve simply got to sit down!” Spiritually speaking, God in His mercy has provided a comfortable and relaxing place for His children to sit down. We can stand in the natural while being seated in the Spirit.
However, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. Recently, my friend Carie and I were seated at a table at the local coffee house when another church friend approached to say “hello.” At least twice I offered him the extra seat, but he politely refused to accept it. Jesus has a chair just for you, but it’s your choice to accept or reject it. Why wear yourself out by standing on your own two feet when you don’t have to? Being at rest and seated with Christ is an inclusive privilege when we are truly united with Him.
I suspect there are a large number of Christ followers who are refusing to be seated next to Jesus. By either not knowing any better or just plain stubbornness, we reject the rest that is rightfully ours. In the midst of our struggles we often overlook and miss the open seat that’s available to us. Why in the world would we refuse the peace we so desperately need when our feet and heart are crying out for mercy? We can choose to accept the comfort of resting in Him. When we’re seated next to Christ, we’re set free from the stress and troubles that are beyond our control. Are you going to trust Jesus to be big enough to love on you and take care of you? Why stand alone when you can sit together?
The Key: Let’s get off our feet and take our seat.
Uniontown City Council Agenda for April 11
Uniontown City Council Agenda for April 11
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Loren Korte – Personal Service Insurance –
Don George, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of April 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Mural Grant
Old Settlers’ insurance
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking Project –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
KMGA/MMGA Prepay project –
Street repairs/resurfacing –
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Legacy Health partners with Southeast Kansas Mental Health to Expand Services
Legacy Health is pleased to announce the finalization of an agreement with Southeast Kansas Mental Health.
The agreement will secure an office space in the building acquired by Legacy Health from Bourbon County in October 2022. The new Southeast Kansas Mental Health office will be located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott.
“Legacy Health is well aware of the significance of providing access to appropriate mental health services in the Southeast Kansas area,” said Legacy Health Chairman of the board Troy Schell. “We are delighted to be able to furnish an environment that will enable Southeast Kansas Mental Health to expand its services.”
“We have been working closely with CEO of Southeast Kansas Mental Health Nathan Fawson and their Board of Directors for several months to come to this agreement,” said Chief Clinical Officer Jennifer Massey. “We look forward to welcoming them in partnership and to the building.”
“This past year has been a year of tremendous growth for Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (SEKMHC). We’ve expanded services, hired additional staff, developed new departments, and became a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). By partnering with Legacy Health and expanding our physical
space we will continue to meet the needs of our community. Our certification as a CCBHC establishes a foundation for continuous development in the coming years. SEKMHC is one of the first five community mental health centers to earn certification. The CCBHC model of care concentrates on the overall health of a client, not just their mental health. We have expanded our care to integrate holistic care approaches, connect people with care coordination, and increase accessibility to services throughout our six–county catchment area. Looking into the future, we are striving to provide each client with a much more individualized experience by
assisting clients in recovery–oriented ways in their homes, in our communities, or via telehealth whenever possible. We know that recovery is possible when you treat the person, not just their mental health challenge.”– Nathan Fawson, CEO
Legacy Health is dedicated to ensuring the sustained availability of superior healthcare services in Fort Scott and Bourbon County. This partnership will allow both organizations to focus on services to the community. In addition, this partnership is only the first step in instituting other clinical services in the building.
“We are thrilled about this development and look forward to upcoming projects and partnerships in Fort Scott
and Bourbon County,” said Chief Strategy Officer Merrill Eisenhower. “Legacy Health remains committed to fulfilling our promise to Bourbon County and its citizens to revitalize the facility and supply essential healthcare services to the community.”
For more information contact Legacy Health representative, Jenn Massey at [email protected].
Legacy Health
Legacy Health has a mission, driven by passion, to bring development and healthcare to rural communities
through sustainable and proactive approaches. Legacy believes that for a project to be successful, it is necessary to understand the needs of the community and the people.
Southeast Kansas Mental Health
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center was established in 1961 and is a non–profit. It provides, advocates, and coordinates mental health care, services, and programs throughout southeast Kansas. The 250–person professionals and support specialists are committed to assessing, treating, and supporting the mental health
needs of the communities they serve
U234 Board of Education Agenda for May 8
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
MAY 8, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 Call Meeting to Order Danny Brown, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
- 04/10/2023 Regular Meeting
4.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – April 12, 2023 – $392,678.35 and April 20, 2023 – $1,583,397.57
4.5 Activity Fund accounts
4.6 Extended Trip Application
4.7 Point of Interest
- FSHS Graduation 8:00 PM – May 13th – FSHS Stadium – board members be there at 7:45 p.m. at the FSHS Commons
- Employee Luncheon & Recognition – May 17th – FSHS Commons – at 12:00 p.m.
5.0 Recognitions
5.1 Student Recognition
5.2 Employee Recognition
5.3 Board Member Acknowledgements
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
6.1 Superintendent’s Report
6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.3 Finance Director’s Report
7.0 Old Business
8.0 New Business
8.1 Roof Payment (Action Item)
8.2 Science Textbook Adoption (Action Item)
8.3 Greenbush Education Service Center Invoices (Action Item)
8.4 Greenbush Education Service Center Virtual Academy MOU & Assurances (Action Item)
8.5 School Photography Proposals (Action Item)
8.6 Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program (Action Item)
8.7 Discussion of Interest of Idle Funds (Action Item)
8.8 Greenbush Participation & Hedging Authorization for 2023-24 (Action Item)
9.0 Public Forum
10.0 Other Business – Negotiations
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Negotiations (Action Item)
10.2 Exit Executive Session
11.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
11.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
11.2 Exit Executive Session
11.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
11.4 Approval of Personnel Report – Reemployment Classified & Supplemental Personnel 2023-24 (Action Item)
12.0 Adjourn Meeting