Monthly Archives: January 2024

Business, Fort Scott

Spoiled Brat Is Moving Location

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Editors note: Due to a computer glitch this story was mistakenly posted on Facebook last night. It was deleted and will be posted today.

The Spoiled Brat Salon new shop will be built on the left in this photo, which looks east on Third Street at Scott Avenue.

People have noticed a construction site starting at 124 E. Third, near the corner of State Avenue and Third Street.

The building going up will be Spoiled BratSalon, currently located in downtown Fort Scott at 19 S. Main.

Stephanie Anthony and Heather Engstrom are the owners of Spoiled Brat Salon.

“We’ve been wanting a new space of our own,” Anthony said. “We will be offering basically the same services, with the possibility of adding new stylists/services,” she said. They are hoping for a spring move to the site, she said.

Engstrom Construction LLC is the builder.

“My wife Heather and I bought the property under Peacock Properties LLC,” Scott Engstrom said. “We purchased it in July and did the demolition on the property. We got tired of renting and wanted to own.”

The building will be a 35-foot by 50-foot, 1700 square-foot wood frame with a metal facade and front porch, he said.

“There will be seven stations in the salon and a massage therapy room,” he said.

“On the west side, there will be two concrete handicap vehicle spots, specifically for van accessible handicap,” he said.

“We are still considered downtown, but outside the historic district,” he said.

He and his sons, Taylor, 24, and Brayden, 21, are helping in the build.

Engrstom Construction LLC can be reached at 620.202.1881.

Spoiled Brat Salon’s number is 620.223.2155.

Spoiled Brat Salon will be located across the street in this photo, looking south.
Obituary

Obituary of Patricia Wynn

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Patricia C. Wynn, age 60, a resident of Bronson, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 8, 2024, at the Allen County Hospital Emergency Room in Iola, Kansas. She was born January 30, 1963, in Joliet, Illinois, the daughter of Charles C. Bullington, Jr. and Claudia Burks Bullington. She married Jimmie Wynn on November 9, 1984. Patricia was a devoted wife and mother. She worked hard to become a licensed CNA and later graduated from Ft. Scott Community College and became an RN. Patricia worked at area nursing homes and hospitals. She loved animals and was always willing to take care of a dog or cat in need. Patricia had given her life to Christ and was doing her best to serve and follow Him. She was a member of the Rinehart Christian Church.

Survivors include her husband, Jimmie, of the home; four sons, Brett Russell (Cassidy) of Walnut, Kansas, Travis Wynn (Daisy Harding) of Moran, Kansas, Nicholas Wynn (Jessica) of Bronson, Kansas and Matthew Wynn (Elora Bartlett) also of Bronson and six grandchildren, Sara, Hunter and Cheyenne Russell, and Madison, Brycen and Remington Wynn. Also surviving are two brothers, Charles Bullington and Thomas Bullington. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Brandon Wynn.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct a memorial service at 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place at a later date in the Bronson Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Patricia Wynn Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Castiel Grubb

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Castiel Alistair Grubb, 8-month-old, son of Phillip Grubb and Haley Ford, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was born April 12, 2023, at Overland Park, Kansas. He was named after an angel, was an angel here on earth and he is now an angel in Heaven. His name, Castiel Alistair, has the meaning, “My Cover is God, Defender of the People.” Castiel was born a month early and had to fight to live. He spent two weeks in the NICU and seldom cried. He will be remembered for his laid-back personality who was always satisfied and content. Not only did he love his parents, but he also dearly loved his brothers. He had a variety of nicknames, such as Cas, Bebe. Despite his brief life, he made a significant impact and made memories that will last a lifetime. He was loved and cherished abundantly by many.

Survivors include his parents, Phillip Grubb and Haley Ford and two brothers Ryker and Shepard Grubb. Also surviving are grandparents, Joel and Angela Grubb, Barbara and Jason Falbo, Leslie Keaton and Dwight and Lana Miller and great-grandmothers, Marjorie Turner and Wanda Keaton and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by grandparents Terry and Vicky Ford and his numerous great-grandparents.

Pastor Dale Samuels will conduct funeral services at 1:30 P.M. Thursday, January 11th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Following funeral services there will be cremation and private burial will take place at a later day at the Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Castiel Grubb Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College, Gordon Parks Museum, History

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Rescheduled Due to Forecasted Weather

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Fort Scott, Kan. – With inclement weather and severe cold in the forecast for Jan. 15, the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Fort Scott Community College is rescheduled to Wednesday, Jan. 17.

In making the announcement, Kirk Sharp, executive director of the Gordon Parks Museum noted that the “Day of Service” (in honor of King’s birthday) begins with a food drive for the Beacon Food Pantry of Fort Scott.

Canned goods and non-perishable, non-expired items can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the museum, located in the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center.

The celebration, with all events open to the community, features a free soup lunch at noon. The lunch, provided by Great Western Dining, includes soup, drink, dessert and birthday cake. The celebration lunch also includes a “I Stand for …” photo promotion, sponsored by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

An afternoon of celebration and tribute through music, “Celebrating Every Voice,” begins at 1 p.m. in the theater and features choirs from the Apostolic Christian Church and the United Missionary Baptist Church, both of Fort Scott, and blues guitarist Lem Sheppard from Pittsburg. All events are free to attend.

 

For more information, go to https//www.gordonparkscenter.org/events or call the museum at (620) 223-2700, ext. 5850 or email [email protected]

 

 

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Kansas, Youth

Applications for 2024 Boys State of Kansas Session Open

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January 9, 2024 — The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is accepting applications for its 2024 session. The event is set to be held Sunday, June 2, through Saturday, June 8, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 32nd consecutive session at KSU and 86th overall.

Traditionally, Kansas Boys State is for individuals who will complete their junior year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. However, the ALBSK program will again expand the pool of applicants for this year’s session to include those who will complete their sophomore year of high school this spring.

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2024 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply. The deadline to apply for the 2024 program is Tuesday, April 30; applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis.

 

Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at [email protected] or (785) 550-6492.

 

For information about the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 8, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit ksgirlsstate.org.

— #KSBoysState —

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

Obituary

Death Notice of Patricia Wynn

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Patricia C. Wynn, age 60, a resident of Bronson, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 8, 2024, at the Allen County Hospital in Iola, Kansas.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct a memorial service at 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will take place at a later date in the Bronson Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Patricia Wynn Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Death Notice of Castiel Grubb

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Castiel A. Grubb, 8 month old son of Phillip Grubb and Hailey Ford, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Thursday, January 11th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Following services there will be cremation and a private burial will take place at a later date in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Castiel Grubb Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Board of Education Met On January 8

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, January 8, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

President Stewart welcomed the new board members to their first board meeting.

The board appointed Danny Brown as board member for the next two years.

Stewart Gulager was nominated and appointed as Vice-President of the USD 234 Board.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

12/11/23 Board Minutes

Financials-Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – December 18, 2023 – $1,689,996.80

Activity Fund accounts

USD 234 Gifts

CTE Math 2023-2024 Fundraising

Update Officers

Appoint KPERS Designated Agent

Resolution 23-11 KMIP Signers

Resolution 23-12 Bank Account Signers

 

Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month were Tim Button and Tim Coyan.

Mr. Coyan is a preschool driver and was recognized by Superintendent Brown for not missing one day of work this last semester. He was also thanked for his willingness to be available and helpful whenever needed.

Mr. Button is in his tenth year driving for USD 234. He also was recognized for not missing one day of work last semester. Superintendent Brown stated that he is thankful for safely transporting students to and from school.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on a Principal opening at Winfield Scott. USD 234 is taking applications until the end of January. He also shared results of building climate surveys and parent surveys that were taken last semester. Snow Day procedures were shared with the board in the event of inclement weather. Mr. Brown shared information about the events happening with the proposed new preschool building. Also, the new board members were invited to a New Board Member Training that would be held in Columbus, Kansas.

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith gave an update to the board on the Essential Standards. She said we have “amazing teachers” that are working very diligently to use interventions that would increase the students’ education. This is an evolving document that will be shared on the district’s website sometime this week. USD 234 is seeing remarkable results.

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, gave a report on the Speech Department within Special Education. The need is growing, and she was able to share how USD 234 is working to fulfill those needs. She acknowledged the demanding work the Speech Team is doing to meet the requirements for each student.

Superintendent Brown reported on end of year finance reports.

Cherri Walrod, Community Liaison for Core Community Bourbon County (CCBBCO), gave an update to the board Monday evening. This program began in November of 2023 and has fifteen adults in the 20-week Phase One Program, with most being within the USD 234 School District. She recognized Janice Lamb, Community Coach, for working each week as a leader for the participants. She has helped with filling out applications, groceries, and being a listening ear when needed. “Core Community has been nothing but an amazing program to be a part of…It has brought my family closer together” was a testimony from a current participant. Visiting Core Community Bourbon County on Facebook will give updates, testimonies, and more information for anyone interested.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • To publish board seat #1&4 in the Fort Scott Tribune.
  • Open Enrollment Policy.
  • Regular Board Meeting dates for 2024.
  • Move the election of Board Officers until the July board Meeting.
  • Personnel Report following

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

January 8, 2024

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Center, Ronette – Retirement

Charter, Shelly – Resignation

Lynch, Tabitha – Resignation

Satterfield, Cindy – Retirement

Smith, Dalaina – Resignation

Witt, Randi – Resignation  

 

TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

 

For the 2023-24 school year:

Certified:

Farrington, Jannah – Mentor for Anna Anderson for the remainder of school year

Underwood, Elizabeth – Paraprofessional to full time Speech Paraprofessional Winfield Scott

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Foulk, Joe – Help Desk Technician

McGehee, Sarah – Preschool Paraprofessional 

Robinson, Angela – Payroll Clerk

Yarick, Gail – Business Manager

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College, Schools, Youth

Strategies to Prevent Sex Trafficking Presented to the Community This Month

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January is Sex Trafficking Awareness Month.

A special presentation on strategies to prevent sex trafficking will be happening on Wednesday, January 31 at 6 p.m. at Fort Scott Community College Ellis Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton.

Children under 18 years of age are not allowed to this presentation  “due to some of the explicit videos and information that will be shared that evening,” said Shanda Stewart.

“I just retired in November after 29 years with the State of Kansas, 6th Judicial District as a Probation Office,” Stewart said. “I got to hear Russ Tuttle’s presentation at a conference I attended in October and was so blown away with the information; I thought we have got to get him to Bourbon County. I was able to network with the right people to make it happen!”

“Your perception of sex trafficking and what it is, will be completely changed,” she said.

Youth will get a version for themselves the next day and faculty and staff will have a presentation at an in-service day in USD 234.

“On Thursday, February 1st the presenter, Russ Tuttle will be doing age-appropriate assemblies at all four of the USD 234 schools,” Stewart said.  “On Friday, February 2nd he will do a presentation for all faculty and staff during their teacher in-service day.”

BeAlert® is the awareness and prevention strategy of The Stop Trafficking Project® to end domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST)before it starts by disrupting the exploitation of vulnerability.

This adults-only community presentation focuses on the role of life online (the internet) for students, to educate and empower caring adults in our community to prevent sex trafficking, according to a press release.

Caring adults in the community who are  invited to attend:

  • Law enforcement
  • Firefighters and EMT’s
  • Medical professionals
  • Counselors
  • Faith community leaders
  • School personnel
  • Parents, guardians, and all other adult family members

Students are enamored with social media and “life online,” according to the press release from Stewart.

The event will provide practical advice to caring adults to guide and make them aware of vulnerabilities that can be exploited such loneliness, isolation, depression, suicide, sexting, sextortion, pornography, cyberbullying, exploitation, sexual exploitation, and domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST)

The presentation will be a fast-moving PowerPoint.

The presenter, Russ Tuttle, is an active abolitionist who has command of the topic and speaks with energy that grabs and keeps the attention of attendees, according to the press release.

The presentation will have images and videos to provide insight into the role of technology in exploiting vulnerabilities, identify the demand in this high-demand business of sexual exploitation, provide the option to engage with the BeAlert® Strategy, the Stop Trafficking App, and the ‘top ten practical steps’ for adults to keep students safer.

No children, please at the January 31 presentation.

For more information, contact Stewart at 620.215.2681.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

 Valu Merchandisers Company (VMC) Fort Scott Closing Operations

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Value Merchandisers Company is located at 4805 Campbell Dr. in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park. This is a 2017 photo of the building.

January 8, 2024

Due to the completion of the state-of-the-art All-In-One (AIO) Distribution Hub in Hernando, Miss., we will be closing operations at our Valu Merchandisers Company (VMC) facility located in Fort Scott, Kan.

We will transition the majority of VMC Fort Scott’s inventory and shipments to the AIO and expect the transition to be
completed by the end of March 2024.

Our employees at this facility have worked hard and done an excellent job providing retailers with the best variety of quality Health & Beauty Care (HBC), General Merchandise (GM) and Specialty Foods (SF) at the lowest cost to drive sales since the facility was built in 1995.

This was not an easy decision, and we sincerely appreciate
the dedication the employees here have shown.
We are committed to helping all impacted employees through their transition to other opportunities, including potential opportunities within AWG.

Emile Breaux, Senior Vice President, Chief Sales & Support Officer, AWG

ABOUT ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERS, INC.:
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned
supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 31 states from 9 wholesale
Divisions.

Bourbon County

Wreaths Across America Wreath Retirement Day is January 20

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January 20, 2024 has been designated as wreath retirement day at Fort Scott National Cemetery, beginning at 8AM, according to Diann Tucker, location coordinator for Wreaths Across America.  Volunteers to pick up wreaths, small flatbed trailers, pickups and other vehicles for hauling wreaths up to the provided dumpsters are needed.
    The response to lay wreaths back in December was overwhelming, but now it is time to remove them.  Your help is still needed to complete this year’s event.
    A last reminder that the Matching Funds Campaign ends January 16.  For each wreath we get purchased until January 16 we will get a free wreath donated to the cemetery for 2024 to be placed for a soldier who has not otherwise been sponsored.  This allows your donations to double in value.  Donations should be payable to Wreaths Across America and can be mailed to or left at Stewart Realty Co., 1707 S. National, Fort Scott, KS 66701.