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Monthly Archives: September 2023
Post visit from the American Legion National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer
Who: Thompson-Harkey American Legion Post #25
When: September 20th, 2023, at 9:15 a.m. There will be a Reception for the Commander. Refreshments and light snacks will be available.
Where: Memorial Hall, 1 East Third Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
The General Public is encouraged to attend.
Daniel J. Seehafer was elected national commander of The American Legion on Aug. 31, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C., during the 104th national convention. Seehafer likes to say, “It’s personal,” when it comes to The American Legion’s mission of serving veterans and their families. He is continuing the theme of “Be the One,” to prevent veteran suicide.
An ordained minister from Wisconsin, he earned his American Legion eligibility through service in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve, where he served as a military chaplain. A member of American Legion Post 157 in Horicon, Wis., Seehafer served in a number of American Legion offices at every level, including national chaplain and commander of the Department of Wisconsin.
Born and raised in Merrill, Wis., he lettered in cross-country track while in high school and later received a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry from Concordia University and a Master of Divinity at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Seehafer was installed as assistant pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon in 1997 and continues to serve as administrative pastor of the church and its school. His American Legion post was recognized for “100 percent” and “All-Time High” in membership during his terms as commander and adjutant. Other honors include District Commander’s New Post Achievement Award, Silver Brigade, and Post 157 Legionnaire of the Year.
In 2023, Seehafer earned an Outstanding Heroism Award for administering the Heimlich maneuver to a choking victim at an American Legion dinner.
National Commander Seehafer and his wife, Stacey, who is a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 157, live in Beaver Dam, Wis. Dan’s son, Jacob, and daughter, Emma, are also members of the Post 157 family. Dan is the son of the late Lester Seehafer and Jean Sabatke.
Media Contact: Jessica Allison, Commander, American Legion Post #25. 620-224-4733, [email protected]
Fort Scott’s New Community Development Director: Mary Wyatt
Mary Wyatt, 37, is the new Fort Scott Community Development Director, with an office located at City Hall.
City Manager Brad Matkin said that the city had a community development director four years ago and believes the position is important.
In her job, she will involved in projects for community venues such as the golf course, airport, Memorial Hall, Buck Run Community Center, Lake Fort Scott, LaRoche Stadium, and the Heathly Bourbon County Actions Team’s Downtown Arch Project.
Additionally, she will be working with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development and representing Fort Scott in Topeka, City Manager Matkin said.
“I sit on some event planning committee boards and volunteer for community events like the Gordon Parks Festival, and will be the facilitator for the city meetings of several advisory boards,” she said. “I research and apply for grant funding to make improvements to our community, I also assist our City Manager and Tourism Department on projects.”
“Her personality will be a great fit for not only our staff but with the citizens of Fort Scott,” Matkin said. “She is from Fort Scott and knows what the citizens want and need. She has goals set for herself and is a self-starter and that is very important in a position like this.”
She graduated from Fort Scott High School and Missouri State University with a bachelor’s in Health and Human Services
“I worked over a decade of my career at Medplans/Firstsource here in Fort Scott as a Claims Analyst, then promoted to Quality Analyst, four years of my career at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott and Olathe Health as an Insurance Specialist, then promoted to Patient Access Supervisor,” she said. “Most recently my husband and I started our own business in June of 2022, Wyatt’s HVAC & Home Solutions, LLC.”
“Going back to school to get my college degree was where I found my passion and niche in public health and safety,” she said.
“My husband David and I have two children, ” she said. “Our son Daxton just turned 15 and is a freshman at Fort Scott High School, he plays soccer for the Fort Scott Tigers. Our daughter Alayna is 12 years old and is in 7th grade at Fort Scott Middle School and plays volleyball there.”
“My birthday is on Halloween, so I’m into all things spooky… Halloween, fall candles, scary movies, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and Halloween costumes of course!” she said. “I’m also signing up to volunteer to help the Chamber of Commerce out with our Fall Festival here in town. I love to cook and bake, and I love crafting as well.”
Matkin said Wyatt stood out from the other candidates because she has dealt with the public, has been in management, and has experience working on saving time, money, and resources.
“I have a very strong and innate sense of empathy and compassion for all people of all backgrounds who are struggling, misunderstood, marginalized, and underrepresented,” she said.
She has lived in Fort Scott most of her life.
“That helps me to connect to and understand the needs of many different groups of people here,” she said. “This job entails a lot of meetings, research, number crunching, data, financial analysis, etc. that’s necessary to get the job done, but what gets me out of bed every day is my love and empathy for our community.”
“I also bring determination and perseverance to this position with the city and I’m not afraid of digging into hard work to get things accomplished. I come from a long line of blue-collar, salt of the earth, came up from nothing, earn-every-penny-we’ve-ever-had type of a family.”
“I have been on my own and working full-time since I was 17 years old, she said. “I haven’t had an easy life, I’ve had to work hard, fail, try again, fail, get up, and keep trying to accomplish my goals, but one thing about me, I never give up. I will never stop working towards making the City of Fort Scott a better place to live for our citizens. I will never throw in the towel, I will always get up every time I’m knocked down, and I will contribute everything I have in me in my time here with the city, to work towards a healthier and happier future for our community.”
Matkin decided not to fill the FS Human Resource Director position, instead spreading that out throughout the staff, “so the money from that position will fund the Community Development Director position. I will continue doing some of the delicate HR functions as well as my City Manager functions.”
The salary for the Fort Scott Community Development position is $52,500 – $70,000 range, he said.
CHC/SEK’s CareVan Transportation Program Expands to Bourbon County
Bourbon County residents now have additional access to transportation through the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas CareVan program.
The ride service officially will roll out on Sept. 15, with a van featuring an accessible wheelchair lift designed to enhance the mobility of individuals with disabilities. Plans call to increase the
number of vehicles as they become available.
The project is funded by the KDOT Public Transportation Program.
Ride services are available 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Rides are scheduled by calling 833-228-7433. There is no charge to
patients for the service. Donations to the program are accepted.
“In rural communities, we understand that transportation is critical to an individual’s independence, so we do our best to get residents where they need to go,” says Dee Yount, CHC/SEK’s Transportation Program Manager. “We provide in-county trips to doctor’s
appointments, grocery shopping, work locations, social outings, and more, we want to remove the barriers that the lack of transportation can cause so our communities have every opportunity to thrive.”
Although CareVan provides rides to anyone in need of transportation services, Yount reminds potential riders that unlike an on-demand taxi service, reservations must be made and rides are
available on a first come, first served basis.
Riders who need additional support when traveling receive help from trained drivers who will escort riders with door-through-door service, Yount says. Dispatch and drivers are trained to provide more than just safe transportation, but positive social interactions and sense of community with each ride, Yount added. “Our mission is to provide our guests and the communities we serve with dignity, respect and compassion,” he says.
Obituary of Ida Rae Davis
Ida Rae Davis, 82, of Fort Scott, passed away at her home Sunday evening, September 3, 2023. She was born July 13, 1941, in Junction City, Kansas, the daughter of Wilbur Joseph Staten and Elnore Belle (Hays) Staten. Ida married Raymond McIntosh and he preceded her in death. She later married Dave Davis who also preceded her in death.
Ida is survived by her children, Donald McIntosh, Daniel McIntosh, both of Fort Scott, David McIntosh, Buffalo, Kansas, and Cecil McIntosh, of Kansas; and three sisters, Judith Marie Staten, Patricia Sue Staten, both of Nathrop, Colorado, and Carolyn Ann McIntosh, of Hutchinson, Kansas; as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Major General Kenneth Eugene Staten.
Following cremation, the family will hold private interment services at a later date. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Chamber Announces Downtown Fall Fest is September 21
Chamber Announces Downtown Fall Fest
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Fall Fest late-night shopping event featuring horse-drawn hayrack rides, live music, drawings and more will take place Thursday, September 21st from 5 pm to 8 pm in the Downtown Historic District.
Stores will have festive offerings such as pumpkin snacks, hot cider, and a pumpkin passport to submit for a chance to win a Chamber Bucks gift certificate. Participating retailers include Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market, Bids & Dibs, Brickstreet BBQ, Flint + Fray, Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Laree + Co, Museum of Creativity, Papa Don’s Pizza, Sunshine Boutique, The Artificers, and The Beauty Lounge.
Special activities planned by participating stores and Chamber include the following:
- Horse-drawn hayrack rides will be offered complimentary by Steve and Marci Williams starting at the Depot parking lot at Wall and Scott Streets. The trailer holds 20-24 people at a time and each ride will take a 15-20 minute loop around Downtown.
- The Fort Scott High School Orchestra will play from 6-7pm at the Lowell Milken Center Unsung Heroes Park.
- Angie Dawn’s Boutique will have a “guess the number of candy corn” to win a $50 gift certificate.
- Bids & Dibs will have a fall photo backdrop and sponsor a scarecrow art contest for children.
- Brickstreet BBQ will have DJ Brown and The Bourbon County Revival performing live on their patio from 5pm-8pm.
- Museum of Creativity will have a fall-themed cookie decoration table for $1 per person plus horse-drawn hayrack rides starting at the Depot across from the Chamber.
The Artificers will have hot spiced cider along with a drawing for a certificate to attend their “Harvest Pumpkin Class”. - The Wagon Roadies will be selling pumpkins at Wall and Main Streets.
The Chamber also announces a Scarecrow Contest is underway with the deadline to turn in entries of September 20th. Key Industries is sponsoring the contest with gift certificates for the top three individual or family entries, and the top business winner will receive one dozen logoed shirts and bragging rights for the year. More details on the contest may be found on the Chamber’s Facebook page or fortscott.com.
Downtown Fall Fest offers fun for all to get out and support local while taking in the season, finding some great deals, and seeing what’s new in apparel and holiday décor.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 13
Chamber Coffee At Riverfront Park on Sept. 14
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Former Mercy Building Now SEK Mental Health and Ashley Clinic
Yesterday, September 11, a mental health and medical care clinic opened in the former Mercy Hospital building.
“All services with Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center will now be offered at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.,” said Dawne Burchett, SEKMHC Manager of Prevention and Promotion. “We are very excited!”
The center will be serving from Suites B and C and hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Contact: 620.223.5030.
Crisis services are available 24/7 at 1-866-973-2241.
The Ashley Clinic has had two doctors seeing patients in Suite A since the summer.
Dr. Jason Robinson, a urologist, has been seeing patients in Fort Scott since 2016. Starting in August, he has seen patients on the first Wednesday and the second Friday of each month.
Dr. Yi Ying Law, a general surgeon, started seeing patients in July in Fort Scott in the afternoon on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
Contact information for them is: 620-431-2500
Partners in Health Care
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (SEKMHC) and Ashley Clinic joined to create a more accessible, efficient, and effective model of care for the citizens of Kansas, according to a previous press release. The focus: leading integrated, whole-person care and breaking down barriers for patients.
One of the most challenging aspects of whole-person wellness is that individuals often see providers for their physical and mental health in different locations with different systems of care, according to a prior press release. With this partnership, there can be continuity of care where all providers can work as a team to help people achieve better health outcomes.
In the ever-changing healthcare environment, SEKMHC and Ashley Clinic are committed to providing resources to their employees and becoming a preferred employer in the community, according to the release.
Ashley Clinic
Ashley Clinic, founded by Dr. Samuel Ashley and his son Dr. George “Ed” Ashley in 1938, has a long-standing history of making quality healthcare accessible in Southeast Kansas. Services provided include e-visits, convenient care clinics, laboratory services, imaging services, immunizations, diabetes education, specialty clinics, sneak peek 3D/4D sonograms, and a pharmacy with locations in Chanute and Humboldt.
SEKMHC
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, established in 1961 as a non-profit organization, employs evidence-based practices and a whole-person approach to provide individualized treatment to clients for better overall health. They offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho, and Woodson. SEKMHC has offices in seven southeast Kansas communities: Iola, Chanute, Humboldt, Fort Scott, Pleasanton, Garnett, and Yates Center.
Core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, addiction counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination, and 24/7 crisis intervention services.
SEKMHC became a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in 2022. Find more information at sekmhc.org
USD234 Board Meeting Met On Sept. 11
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, September 11, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
- Board Minutes
- 08/14/2023 Regular Meeting
- 08/28/2023 Special Meeting – Revenue Neutral Hearing
- 08/28/2023 Special Meeting – Budget Hearing
- Financials-Cash Flow Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – August 20, 2023 – $1,437,854.99
- Activity Fund accounts
- USD 234 Gifts
- SITE Council Dates & Members
- MOU with SEK Mental Health for Mental Health Intervention Program
- Resolution 23-08: Banking Account Signers
- Investment of Funds Ratification
- Resolution 23-09: KMIP User Changes
- Appoint Destry Brown, KERMP designated representative
- Appoint Shawn O’Brien to KPERS Designated Agent
- Appoint Candace Jobe to Board Clerk
The Fort Scott High School Performing Arts Department was recognized as the Certified Tiger Team members of the month. The Department was selected as a finalist in KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence Award. Justin Robinson, FSHS/FSMS Band Teacher, Carson Felt, FSHS/FSMS Orchestra Teacher, Angie Bin, FSHS Drama/Thespian Teacher, and Tyler Slinkard, FSHS Debate & Forensics Teacher attended, and the board recognized them. Each gave an update on their programs.
Jon Barnes, FSHS Social Studies Teacher, was recognized for being nominated for the Kansas Horizon Award by USD 234. Mr. Barnes is in his second year of teaching.
Jessica Phillips, Fort Scott Middle School Kitchen Manager, was recognized by Superintendent Brown as the Classified Tiger Team member of the month. Mrs. Phillips has worked for the district for over 10 years. She was recognized for a well-run kitchen and creating a fun atmosphere.
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on the food service program where students eat free this school year, After-School Child Care program, iReady professional development and the required annual staff training. Mrs. Smith discussed a more formalized process for 504 plans.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, provided a written report to the board.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the financial audit, Household Surveys which allow for waiver of fees, bond payments, and credit card rebate. Mrs. Shelton provided the current balance in ESSER funds.
David Stewart recognized Gina Shelton for her service to the district.
Superintendent Destry Brown discussed the options for fulfilling the open board vacancy. There was discussion among the board with no action, but consensus to wait to fill the opening until after the board elections in November.
The board approved the following items:
- Purchase from TBS Electronics in the amount of $63,055
- Patterson Family Grant in the amount of $50,000 to pay for tuition reimbursement for staff
- KDHE Test to Stay Grant in the amount of $205,588.05 to go toward nursing salaries and supplies
- Personnel Report following
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
September 11, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Hardwick, Lauren – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional
- Miles, Lacey – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional
- Shelton, Gina – Resignation – Finance Director/Board Clerk
- Wood, Lannette – Resignation – Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
- Weddle, Codee – Leave of Absence – Winfield Scott Paraprofessional
EMPLOYMENT:
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
- Hensley, Charlie – Transportation Director
- Pryor, Kyra – Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional
Goals & Evaluation Schedule for Superintendent Destry Brown
US. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Remembering 9/11
Today, we pause to remember the men and women who lost their lives 22 years ago in the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. We will never forget the victims of those attacks or the heroes who saved lives that day.
We are grateful to the Americans who answered the call to defend our country in the wake of 9/11. We owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay.