Monthly Archives: September 2023

Government, Kansas

State of KS Virtual Job Fair is Sept. 27

Leave a comment

Virtual Job Fair to Highlight Hundreds of State Agency Opportunities

TOPEKA – Jobseekers are encouraged to attend the upcoming State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 27. This month’s virtual fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, will feature many exciting employment opportunities available across the state’s 98 government agencies. Currently, there are more than 700 vacancies across the state.

“Our agencies are looking for talented individuals who want to serve Kansas and make it the best place to work, play and raise a family,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These are good-paying jobs with great benefits. When we bring in skilled people to fill them, we’re setting the stage for a bright future of growth and prosperity in our great state.”

Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device, but it is highly recommended to use a computer to be most effective during the job fairs. If a jobseeker does not have access to a personal computer, they are available at KANSASWORKS offices as well as local libraries throughout the state. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

To register for the September 27 State Agencies Virtual Job Fair, click here.

About KANSASWORKS:

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools

Fall Festival Downtown Fort Scott Sept. 21

Leave a comment

ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for a Chamber Coffee hosted by

Fort Scott

Christian Heights

Thursday, September 21st

8am-9am

1101 South Barbee

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guest to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott Christian Heights, Thursday, September 21st at 8 a.m. located at 1101 S. Barbee St., Fort Scott, KS. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to door prize drawings.

 

Fort Scott Christian Heights is an educational alternative that offers Preschool-12th Grade to Fort Scott and the surrounding area. Founded in 1947, the school just completed 75 years of continuous education from a Christian Worldview. The school is located at 1101 S. Barbee Street. For more information, please email [email protected],

or call 620-223-4330.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

 

Click here for their Facebook page!

 

We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Facebook  Twitter
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Church news, Fort Scott, Jobs

New Methodist Church Administrative Executive: Kristin Bishop

Leave a comment
Submitted photo. Kristin Bishop

Kristin Bishop, 43, is the new First United Methodist Church Administrative Executive.

“My new role is a combination things – covering duties typical of office manager, treasurer, membership, and volunteer coordination – a little bit of everything to help the congregation live out our mission to know, grow in, serve, and share Christ,” she said.

First United Methodist Church at Third Street and National Avenue,

Bishop is a 1998 Graduate of Fort Scott High School, a 2000 graduate of Fort Scott Community College, and a 2003 Pittsburg State University graduate with a bachelor’s of science in Family and Consumer Sciences.

She has worked at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, New Generation Child Care and Preschool, BIDS & DIBS, USD 234, USD 235, and Big Sugar Lumber.

Her new job is a joy.

“I enjoy working in this environment,” she said.  “The church, the sermons, and interacting with church members and community volunteers. It is a peaceful and productive place to be.”

“It is a blessing to work in this beautiful church building,” Bishop said. “I love the way the light shines through the stained glass windows and the intricate details that went into the design of this church a century and a half ago.”

“I find Pastor Christopher’s Sunday morning sermons to be engaging and thought-provoking,” she said. “There is always a takeaway from the sermon and a melody from the beautiful music to begin each week. I also enjoy working with members of the church and community volunteers alike. They walk into the church with kindness in their hearts and a mission in mind. They selflessly share their gifts, talents, and time. It’s inspiring!”

Kristin is married to Will Bishop, and they have two sons Winston (7) and Linden (6).

She enjoys reading, road trips, good coffee, and conversation in her spare time.

About The Church

 Christopher Eshelman is the pastor of First United Methodist Church, Pat Harry is the organist and choir director, Sara Schnichels is the nursery coordinator, and Robert Wilson is the custodian.
Sunday school groups meet at 9:30 a.m. and Worship is at 10:30 a.m.
The church’s annual  Christmas Candlelight Service will feature communion and real candles again this year, at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

 

Outreach ministries of First United Methodist:
  •  Feeding Families in His Name is a free weekly meal that averages about 500 served a week, with help from other churches.
  • They provide water bottles available for homeless folks, supplied by a resident.
  • There is a Shepherd’s Center program to help encourage friendship and lifelong learning among older adults that features a variety of speakers: The 2024 schedule is coming soon!
  • Community events such as the Chuck Crain concert coming up on October 8th at 6 pm.
  • Trunk or Treat for Halloween
  • First Annual Nativity Festival, with displays of Nativities and Creche from around the world on Dec 1st and 2nd,
  • The church hosts community meetings for K-State Extension, Pioneer Kiwanis, various sewing groups, a support group for Grieving Mothers starting later this month, and CORE Community beginning in November.
  • Beginning the last Friday of October, the church will offer a soup lunch for freewill donations as a fundraiser.
For more information view its Facebook page or website www.firstumcfortscott.org!

Contact Information: info@firstumc.fortscott.org

Business, Government, Kansas, Youth

Shared Services for Child Care Providers Is Launched

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Announces Launch of Shared Services Network for Child Care Providers

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today the launch of a new partnership that will create savings and streamline services for child care providers across Kansas. The Kansas Department for Children and Families, Child Care Aware of Kansas, and five community-based organizations are partnering on the Shared Service Network to streamline administrative costs for providers and free up time for programs to focus on providing high-quality child care.

“For many Kansas kids, quality child care is essential for them to have a solid start to their developmental growth,” said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “This network will provide child care professionals the resources they need so they can focus on young Kansans in their care.”

By participating in the Shared Services Network, child care providers benefit from services that cost less and are often more efficient than what the programs could do on their own. A wide range of services are available to reshape child care, including:

  • Group purchasing plans;
  • Advanced business software to manage enrollment and billing;
  • Shared administrative staff;
  • Support for hiring staff and finding substitutes; and
  • Personalized professional development.

“By working together, child care providers can save money and invest more in key parts of early childhood education, like better pay for their staff, high-quality curriculum, and other supplies needed to operate a child care business,” said Laura Howard, Secretary Kansas Department for Children and Families.

The five community-based organizations that have been selected to implement the Shared Services Network will have the responsibility for delivering services to participating child care programs that result in cost savings.

“Shared Services represent an innovative approach to making the business side of child care work,” said Kelly Davydov, executive director of Child Care Aware of Kansas. “We have a unique opportunity to realize cost savings for participating child care programs so that they can earn more or reinvest in other aspects of their business, like high-quality curriculum for the young children in their care.”

Shared Services Networks will be provided by the following organizations:

  • Northwest Kansas Innovation Center: Serving 29 counties in the Northwest and North Central areas of Kansas.
  • Child Care Aware of Kansas: Serving 39 counties in the Southwest and South Central areas of Kansas.
  • Community Children’s Center: Serving 16 counties in the Northeast area of Kansas.
  • Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas: Serving 17 counties in the Southeast area of Kansas.
  • The Family Conservancy: Serving five counties in the Kansas City area.

For more information, visit Shared Services Network – Child Care Aware.

To learn more about Child Care Aware of Kansas and how you can join us in ensuring access to high-quality child care for all families, visit us at www.ks.childcareaware.org.

Fort Scott Police Department

Woman Assaulted Sept. 16: Assailant Still Not Identified

Leave a comment

On September 16, 2023 at 1:57 a.m. Fort Scott Police Officers were dispatched to the area of 6th Street and Hwy. 69 for a battery report.

The victim stated she had been physically assaulted by an unknown male.

She was transported to a local emergency room, then transferred to another facility, with injuries that were significant but didn’t appear to be life-threatening.

The suspect has not been identified.

An investigation is continuing.

The public is encouraged to contact law enforcement with information on the incident.

Submitted by

Chief Jason Pickert

Fort Scott Police Department

1604 South National

Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

620-223-1700

 

Area News, Fair, K-State Extension, Kansas, Youth

Southwind’s 4-H Crops/Weeds Id Participants Move Up at State Fair

Leave a comment

Southwind District 4-H’ers participate in the Kansas State Fair State 4-H Crops/Weeds ID Contest on September 9, 2023, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Three of the four team members moved up from the Intermediate Division to the Senior Division to form a full Senior Team. Results were 3rd Place Team, Carly Kramer 8th Individual, Camryn Wille 15th Individual, Kason Botts 16th Individual, and Henry Kramer 18th Individual.

Pictured are (left to right; front to back): Kason Botts, Henry Kramer, Casey Diver (coach), Carly Kramer, and Camryn Wille.

Fort Scott, Government

Amended Agenda for FS City Commission Meeting Today

Leave a comment

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
September 19, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: Led by M. Wells
III. Approval of Agenda:
IV. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 5, 2023
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1344-A — $469,395.66
C. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering and Inspection – $36,194.50
1. Invoice #16789 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Inspection – $23,194.50
2. Invoice #16784 – 21-303 – WWTP – System Design – Phase III – $13,000.00
D. Request to Pay – Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc. – Financial Advisory Fee – General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 – Issue Record #64784 – $12,312.50.
E. August Financials
F. Request to Approve Change Order No. 2 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Bennett, Inc. – Increase of $63,295.00
V. Public Comment: Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VI. Old Business:
A. Consideration to Accept USDA Rural Development Grant for $33,000.00 –
D. Bruner and Emily Diebolt – Storm Sirens
B. Consideration to Accept (2) Grants from Timken Foundation of Canton –
1. City of Fort Scott – Automated External Defibrillators – $13,500.00
2. Fort Scott Fire Department – UTV – $21,500.00
C. Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health In All Policies Task Force – Tabled until September 19, 2023, for response to request to have contract language amended. History: Tabled July 25, 2023, August 1, 2023, defeated motion on August 15, 2023.
D. Consideration of Resolution No. 13-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1001 W. 2 nd St.
Tabled to September 19, 2023, for extension to gather more information.
E. Consideration of Resolution No. 12-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1801 W. Wall St.
Tabled to September 19, 2023, for extension to gather information regarding owners and taxes being paid.
VII. Appearances:
A. Lake Fort Scott Residents – Potential lake improvements during low level
B. Justin Meeks – Golf Course property update
C. Robert Coon – Housing development
VIII. Public Hearing: 2023 Budget Amendment
IX. New Business:
A. Consideration of Purchase of new WILO mixer for bio basin from IPS Process
Solutions for $25,244.35 – S. Flater
B. Consideration of Contractors’ Licensing Program – N. Nation
C. Consideration of Project Inspection – Sanitary Sewer Relocation for the Infantry Substation – J. Dickman
D. Consideration of Relocation and Reimbursement Agreement – Evergy – Fort Scott Infantry Substation Project – J. Dickman – Tabled from September 5,
2023, to propose a project inspection inclusion to Evergy.
X. Reports and Comments:
A. City Manager Comments:
B. Engineering Comments:
C. Commissioners Comments:
T. VanHoecke –
K. Harrington –
E. Woellhof –
M. Guns –
M. Wells –
D. City Attorney Comments:
XI. Executive Session:
XI. Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

Design Review Advisory Board Meets on Sept. 28

Leave a comment

Design Review Advisory Board Meeting

When: September, 28th

Time: 4:00 pm

Location: City Hall

Topic for discussion: Certificate of Appropriateness for signage outside of 12 N. Main in Fort Scott submitted for consideration. The meeting is open to the public and the recording is available to watch on YouTube after the meeting is held.

Submitted by:

Mary Wyatt

Community Development Director

City of Fort Scott

Obituary

Obituary of William “Robin” Reeves, Jr.

Leave a comment

William Robert “Robin” Reeves, Jr., age 86, resident of Stockton, MO, died Thursday, September 14, 2023, in Stockton.  Robin was born in Albany, MO, to William and Winifred Reeves. He graduated from North Kansas City High School, becoming a dedicated member of the class of 1955.

Additionally, Robin served his country in the US Army as a member of the esteemed 101st Airborne division.

In 1978, Robin and his family made their home in Fort Scott, KS, and he wasted no time integrating into the Fort Scott community.  He established a successful welding supply business and was deeply committed to his involvement in local government. In 2006, he relocated to Stockton, Missouri.

 

One of Robin’s greatest joys in life was spending time at the lake, where he could often be found pulling skiers, tubers, and adventurous riders on the infamous banana. His enthusiasm and even his frustrations for these activities brought laughter and joy to countless friends who joined him throughout these memorable summers.

 

Robin also had a profound love for coaching American Legion baseball.  Robin’s players held a special place in his heart, and their successes on and off the field were a source of immense pride.

 

While family held a special place in Robin’s heart, being a grandparent was his most cherished role.  Well-known for his sharp wit, sense of humor, and wide, infectious smile, Robin was a joy to be around.  He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

 

He is survived by his wife, C. Delight Reeves; his daughters and their spouses Amy and Dan Kelly, Rachel and Chris Pruitt, and Carrie and Whitney Archer; grandchildren Will, Jack, Kate, Brooklyn, Sydney, Grayce, Ruby, Dalton, and Holden; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betty Bradshaw.

 

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct memorial services at 12:30 PM Friday, September 22nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Interment will follow at 1:30 PM in the U.S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Kansas

Introducing Gravel Kansas: A Cycling Initiative that Redefines Adventure and Connection

Leave a comment

Gravel Kansas is thrilled to announce the official launch of its innovative cycling initiative, dedicated to crafting unforgettable gravel cycling routes across the picturesque
landscapes of The State That Made Gravel Famous©.

This exciting venture is returning to gravel roots by merging the thrill of gravel riding with the power of storytelling to foster a deep
connection between cyclists and the remarkable places they traverse.

At the heart of Gravel Kansas is a commitment to celebrating the rich heritage, culture, and stories that define the state. Through a meticulously curated selection of gravel routes, cyclists
will embark on journeys that weave through historic towns, rolling prairies, and breathtaking vistas. Each route serves as a gateway to discovery, leading riders to hidden gems and immersing them in the tapestry of Kansas’ diverse landscapes.

“We are thrilled to introduce Gravel Kansas to cyclists around the world,” said LeLan Dains, Founding Chair of Gravel Kansas. “Our initiative is all about forging a profound bond between
people, places, and stories. With every pedal stroke, cyclists will experience the beauty, history, and character of Kansas in an entirely new way.”

This project wouldn’t be possible without funding support from Kansas Tourism. For more information about Gravel Kansas and to explore the inaugural routes, please visit gravelks.com.
Follow Gravel Kansas on Facebook for updates, stories, and exciting cycling content.

About Gravel Kansas:
Gravel Kansas is a pioneering cycling initiative that creates iconic gravel routes across the picturesque landscapes of Kansas. Combining the thrill of gravel cycling with the power of
storytelling, Gravel Kansas aims to foster a deep connection between cyclists and the remarkable places they explore. Through meticulously curated routes and engaging narratives,
Gravel Kansas celebrates the heritage, culture, and stories that define the state.

For more
information, visit gravelks.com.

Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Pete Allen

Leave a comment

When We Stopped the Bleeding and the Value of One “NO” Vote

This discussion appeared in Fort Scott Biz on December 21, 2020, as then finance director Susan Bancroft was leading the effort to further deplete funding for our sewer system infrastructure.

As Bancroft here within states, transfers from the sewer funds had been ongoing since 1980 and accounted for “10-13% of our budget, which conceivably could have drained $12,000,000 from our funds for repairs, maintenance, and replacement of our sewage system, during that time frame, and leaving it in shambles, as evidenced by our current crisis at the plant, and in danger of losing our federal permit to dump treated sewage into the Marmaton River.

The issue was soundly defeated by the voters and since 2020 the transfers have stopped, allowing us to make needed improvements on our plant and distribution system, without any “effects on quality-of-life amenities or public safety concerns”.

Since 2020 we have kept millions of dollars of sewer revenue to be used for what it was collected for.

Bancroft further stated:

“The Fort Scott City Commission is discussing a charter ordinance that will be voted on in a special election on Jan. 5, 2021”.

“Early in the year, Commissioner Pete Allen pointed out that past administrations had been illegally making transfers to the General Fund based on City Ordinance 2842 adopted in 1982,” Bancroft said.

“Bancroft followed up during a regular commission meeting agreeing that the local ordinance essentially states all funds ‘shall’ stay in the sewer fund. (shall means must). Research done also showed that transfers from the sewer fund to the general fund had been made dating back to 1980 according to audited financial statements, she said”.

“During the August 18, 2020 commission meeting, the commission voted 4-1 to approve Charter Ordinance 31 which would allow for transfers to other funds,” Bancroft said. “A petition was filed on October 5th with the County Clerk to call an election so that the voters can decide whether the ordinance shall take effect. The commission had 30 days (November 5th) to decide whether to have an election or rescind the ordinance. The commission chose to move forward with the election. The election is required to be held within 90 days of October 5th and is scheduled for January 5, 2021.”

Bancroft went on to state:

“No transfers are scheduled in the sewer fund for 2020 or 2021 with the budget changes presented to the commission on October 20, 2020. These changes required a 10-13% reduction in the general fund budget across all departments which results in $300,000 less to operate”.

“The budget is tight, and any emergency or annual inflation costs could affect quality of life amenities or public safety services”.

My comments:

  • For the past four years I have been calling for water and sewer master plans, only to be told “we are working on it”. It is time!
  • In 2020 the commission was wrong, as well as finance director.
  • One “no” vote righted a wrong and has started a movement toward infrastructure improvements in Fort Scott.

 

Pete Allen