Road Usage Charge study underway, looking for Kansans to participate
The Kansas Department of Transportation announces the launch of a three-month pilot study exploring whether a pay-per-mile road usage charge (RUC) could potentially replace the current state fuel tax as a new way to fund roads and bridges. The study, part of the Kansas Midwest RUC Study, asks Kansans to try out mileage reporting options and provide feedback about their experience.
Today, gasoline-powered vehicles pay 24 cents per gallon for state gas tax, and diesel-powered vehicles pay 26 cents per gallon for state diesel tax. As vehicles transition to being more fuel efficient or not use gas or diesel at all, state transportation funding may fall short.
KDOT is proactively exploring whether a RUC could be a sustainable, long-term funding source for transportation in the state. KDOT, in partnership with Minnesota Department of Transportation, is utilizing federal grant money available to states to study potential alternative approaches to transportation funding. To date, most states exploring RUC are on the East and West coasts — and Kansas is adding a Midwest perspective to this national conversation.
KDOT is actively recruiting pilot participants to take part in the study, which is scheduled to begin in April. Drivers across the state are asked to take part, especially rural Kansans who drive passenger vehicles or medium-duty trucks, people working in the agriculture industry and owners or operators of large trucks. Participants who fully complete the pilot can earn a $100 incentive.
Kansans interested in taking part in the pilot can visit www.midwestruc.org for more information to complete an interest form for the pilot study.
Ft. Scott’s Good Ol’ Days welcomes back Nashville recording artist Blane Howard for a performance on Friday, May 31st on Skubitz Plaza. Howard is a three-time Male Vocalist of the Year winner at the Arkansas CMAs, and is nominated again in 2024 for Male Vocalist of the Year, as well as Video of the Year for “Boot N Rally.”
Born in KS, raised in AR, and living in Nashville, TN, as an independent artist he has released three full albums, and EP, and two, 2-song CDs. His biggest success is with a song he wrote for his wife as a wedding gift, “Promise To Love Her,” which has over 150 million streams; however, many new fans are finding him through his songs and parodies he writes and creates for the Kansas City Chiefs. He has three original Chiefs songs, which have all been hits with Chiefs Kingdom, but his playoff parodies are continually having the fan base asking for more. This playoff season, his Chiefs playoff parodies, which included songs from Luke Combs, Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn, Willie Nelson, and Toby Keith, raked in over 20 Million views across social media platforms in about a four-week period.
Howard has eight new songs coming out this spring and summer; his show will include some of the new songs, his country originals, some country covers, a little classic rock, and of course a little Chiefs section for the die-hard fans in the area! You can check out Blane’s music on your favorite music site, or head over to his website www.blanehoward.com, to connect with all of his social sites, and to check out his music and videos.
A Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative sponsored team from Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott was named Grand Champion at the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge held Feb. 5 in Topeka. Eleven teams from across the state competed at the event. Pictured from left to right: Science teacher (and Heartland member) Scott Cain, Ethan Hill, Ryan Koch, James Kobernat, and Sam Love. Submitted photo.
Scott Cain is a Science and Math teacher at Christian Learning Center, Fort Scott.
Recently, a team of boys that he taught won the top prize at the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge, a statewide solar energy competition founded by the Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Ten80 Education, and Pitsco Education.
Sam Love (16), Ethan Hill (17), James Kobernat (17), and Ryan Koch (18) were the students who were a part of the CLC team, each winning a $1,000 scholarship.
Sam’s parents are Kelly and Jason Love, Fort Scott; Ethan’s parents are Garrett and Kaleigh Hill, Nevada, MO; Jame’s parents are Dan and Amy Kobernat, Fort Scott; and Ryan’s parents are Jason and Holly Koch, Uniontown.
From left, Christian Learning Center students Ryan Koch, Sam Love, Ethan Hill, and James Kobernat work on their strategy for optimizing solar production during the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge, held Feb. 5 in Topeka. The CLC team was named the Overall Champion at the event.
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative sponsored the team.
The boys were taught in a curriculum before the competition: how to wire circuits in series and in parallel, how types of circuits affect amps and volts, how to evaluate a site for optimal placement of solar panels, how to use latitude, time of year, and nearby obstacles, such as trees to angle solar panels for maximum output, how to consider the day-time usage of a household to calculate number of panels, where they should be located, and cost of installation.
“The competition involved several categories of scoring, said teacher Scott Cain. “The highest total point scored was the winner.”
What the students were judged on:
Skills challenges: a problem to solve and calculate.
A slideshow presentation to a panel talking about what they had learned through the process of the semester and the curriculum
Branding and Curb Appeal (how the teams constructed house looked, the matching t-shirts, etc.)
A cooperative challenge solving a problem with other teams
Keeping a logbook of the curriculum
Given daytime household usage and criteria of a house’s location, etc., the team designed a mount of the proper type of solar cells to reach a desired output, while maintaining a given range of volts.
Christian Learning Center.
About the private school, taken from its website:
The Christian Learning Center (CLC) was founded in 2000, by Mr. Harold Kraft.
MISSION STATEMENT “To educate and encourage students to live a Christ-centered life; to impart necessary skills to meet the demands of an ever-changing world; and to develop mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical strengths so that each child may live up to his or her God-given talents in the surroundings of a stable, Christian school environment.”
We fulfill this mission by assisting Christian parents in performing their Biblical responsibility to “train up a child in the way he should go” and “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4). All subjects are taught from a Biblical worldview. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).
For the past six years, Ascension Via Christi’s Cancer Outreach and Risk Assessment program has offered colorectal screening kits, while supplies last, at no cost to anyone 45 and older. Those whose stool samples test positive for blood are followed up by a nurse navigator and, if they need and cannot afford a colonoscopy, funding is available through a grant from the Colon Cancer Coalition.
That effort will continue again this year, through grant funding from the coalition to continue these efforts.
“The screening and follow-up colonoscopy may well have been a life-saver for patients who needed it,” says Lisa Schmidt. “Colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons we have against colorectal cancer, which is the second-leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined.”
That’s because regular screening can detect polyps so that they can be removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer, a process that can take 10 to 15 years. It also helps detect colorectal cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage.
Schmidt, who had two pre-cancerous polyps removed during her first colonoscopy more than a decade ago and has had no findings during the two she has undergone since then, says taking part in the screening is easy.
Simply call 316-268-5890 to arrange for a kit to be mailed to you. Then follow the instructions provided for collecting a stool sample and return it in the self-addressed envelope provided with the kit. If the sample tests negative, the results will be sent by mail within a few weeks. If the specimen tests positive for traces of blood, an Ascension Via Christi nurse navigator will call you to discuss your results and recommended next steps.
According to the American Cancer Society, which recommends that anyone 45 or older get tested, the five-year relative survival rate is about 90 percent when colorectal cancer is found before it has spread. But only about four out of 10 colorectal cancers are found at this early stage. When cancer has spread outside the colon or rectum, survival rates are lower.
Symptoms can include rectal bleeding or blood in stool, changes in bowel habits and changes in bowel appearance; anyone experiencing any of these should see his or her doctor.
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 134 other sites of care and employs more than 6,400 associates. In FY2023, Ascension Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. In FY2023, Ascension provided $2.3 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Ascension includes more than 150,000 associates and 40,000 aligned providers. The national health system operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 139 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Visit www.ascension.org
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, March 7th at 8 a.m. hosted by Bids and Dibs, 108 Scott Ave.
Join us for Chamber Coffee this Thursday at 8am with coffee, juice, light refreshments, and door prize drawings!
Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2024 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 04, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board appointed Joe Wimmer as board member for the next two years.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
02/12/24 Board Minutes
Payroll – February 20, 2024 – $1,658,014.61
USD 234 Gifts
Middle School Principal Zach Johnson and Counselor Kerri Hanson recognized the first year of FSMS STUCO students. These students were nominated by their teachers for this leadership role. They have been to Greenbush to attend Leadership Workshops that enabled the students to collaborate with other schools in various situations. On Wednesday they will be heading to Eugene Ware to do a reading project and eat lunch with them. Also, STUCO participated in organizing the Veteran’s Day Assembly. Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Hanson commended this group for working with Administration to have a voice in improving the school.
First Row- Lucus Bukowski, Sterling Coon Second Row- Tammy Claypool, Abel Chaplin, Riley Stephan, Madilynn Isaac, Theodore Bowman, Jentry Palmer Third Row- Gianna Gorman, Laurali Clark, Presliegh Seabolt, John Hill, Joe Lewis, Kerri Hanson – STUCO Team
Angie Bin, Fort Scott High School Drama Teacher, presented about March being Theatre in our Schools and Music in our Schools Month. Lexi Hill, senior at FSHS, is the Thespian President and Cooper George, junior at FSHS, is Thespian Vice President. Lexi is a huge advocate for theatre because of her experience starting in sixth grade and continuing into a future career. She explained about the skills she has learned throughout the years in Theatre. She is also receiving a scholarship that only ten seniors in Kansas receive. Cooper shared the opportunities he has been given through the Theatre department such as being a Stage Manager and Director. He explained all the various shows, fundraising, and many other events this department has done through this last year. An upcoming event will be on March 26 which is the Theatre Talent Show at 7PM.
Lexi Hill, Cooper George – FSHS Drama DepartmentKenna Miles – State Wrestling Champ
Scott Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal, recognized Kenna Miles, sophomore at FSHS. She was the first female State Wrestling Champion from FSHS. Kenna said she was nervous but by the time Finals started she was ready to do her best. She ended the season 40-3.
Tonya Barnes and Mina Query recognized three Paraprofessionals from Eugene Ware. Tabitha Hardesty was thanked for taking on a significant role in the school’s focus room. She was commended for her patience and making great connections with the students.
Sara Rood is in her second year, but she has taken on small group instruction and has excelled. She is entering the Para to Teach program through Pitt State.
Erin Thurston has only been with the district starting this year but was thanked for being kind, and consistently showing up for the students in whatever area is needed.
Mina Query, Principal at Eugene Ware, recognized Sherry Lindsay, Title Teacher, for her longevity and being a role model for all teachers in the building. Sherry is willing to take on whatever new project there is and never complains. Eugene Ware is very thankful to have Sherry.
Dan Koppa, Director of Facilities, thanked Brad Wright for all he has done for the district. There is an extensive list of qualities that Brad has brought to the team. He has a great standing in the community and an impressive work ethic that has not gone unnoticed. Brad is willing to jump in and help, brainstorm, take on projects, and much more.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the current enrollment from September to March.
Scott Kimble, High School Principal, and Josh Messer, High School Counselor, came and presented about Kansas’ new High School Graduation requirements that will take effect starting with the graduating class of 2028. These are still being finalized at the State Level. Mr. Kimble and Mr. Messer will continue to keep the Board updated on changes.
Mr. Brown reviewed a couple of legislation that could possibly affect the district in the future.
The Preschool building is in the beginning stages of designs and is moving forward.
Kansas Renewal Institute will be implementing a facility in Fort Scott and the District will be working with this group. Superintendent Brown reported about investments and the April staff premium pay.
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith gave a printout to the Board about the IREADY Fall/Winter scores. She was extremely optimistic about these improvements. She wanted to recognize that teachers and all the demanding work with interventions and extra time they are putting in to help the improve scores.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, presented the Board with an update on Categorical State Aid and Medicaid Reports. She is working with each building to ensure smooth transitions for students moving buildings for the next school year.
As a discussion item, Superintendent Brown updated about the cell phone policy. The specifics are still being worked through with staff.
The board approved the following items:
2024-25 School Calendar (Pending Negotiations)
Purchase of School Bus
Resolution 23-16
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
March 04, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Buntain, Theresa – Retirement – Band Teacher Aide – Middle School
Davis, Gaven – Termination – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Duffy, Kristin – Resignation – Head Cheerleading Coach – High School
Hampton, Breanna – Termination – 6th Grade ELA
Skaggs, Gwen – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School
TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
Certified:
Cross, Jennifer – Transfer from 2nd Grade to Title 1 Teacher -Winfield Scott – 2024-25
Garzone, Chris – Transfer from Assistant Principal to Principal – Winfield Scott – 2024-25
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Reichard, Betsy – Part Time Process Coordinator – 2024-25
Hoener, Rhonda – Part time School Psychologist Paraprofessional – 2024-25
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Hernandez, Samara – Part Time Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Johnson, Corinna – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Donald L. Woods was born November 15, 1954, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and passed away March 2, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Donald was a life-long Fort Scott resident who attended Fort Scott schools including Fort Scott Community College. He graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1972. Basketball was his sport of choice not only while attending high school but also as an adult in the local Industrial League.
Donald was a modest man, but he could not hide his outstanding work ethic. He mowed grass, shoveled snow, and cleaned office buildings all while working a full-time job, first at Whitesides West IGA and later as a custodian for USD 234 at Fort Scott High School.
If Donald had a passion other than riding his Honda Goldwing Motorcycle, it was his love for the moving business. As Donald told the story, he began working for his grandfather Clarence Wright’s moving business as soon as he was big enough to pick up a piece of furniture. After working for his grandfather, Donald then began working part-time for his brother Marvin Woods at Fort Scott Transfer. In 1999 Donald finally started his own household goods moving business: Don Woods Moving, LLC. Neither the cold, heat, rain, snow nor a pandemic kept Donald away from a moving job. Donald moved pianos, gun safes, jewelers’ safes, churches, hospitals, parts of a petting zoo and even St. Benedict. Moves took Donald (and Cindy) to Massachusetts, Florida, Texas and Reno, Nevada. Donald told Cindy that these were “mini-vacations” and that the real one would come soon. After retiring from USD 234 and selling his moving business in 2022, Donald dreamed of traveling on that orange bike.
Donald L. Woods is survived by his wife of 49 years, Frances L. “Cindy” Woods, a son, Arthur Hodge II of Las Vegas, Nevada, a brother Melvin Woods and wife Raisa of Olathe, Kansas, and a sister Jackie M. Vann of Joplin, Missouri. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by his mother Rachel Maxine Woods, and by four sisters: JoAnn Fewell, Mickie E. Brown, Joyce E. Woods, and Marita Eileen Bullock. Also preceding Donald in death were two brothers: Gerald L. Woods and Marvin R. Woods. Donald is also survived by his friend and cousin Idella Brown and her husband D.K. Brown.
Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Scott, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
A private family burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.
Instead of flowers memorial contributions may be made to either the Kansas University Cancer Center, or Mount Olive Church of God in Christ Scholarship Fund, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
The Board of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. recently added a new member: Matt Ida, president of Extrusions, Inc. in Fort Scott.
According to a press release from REDI, the mission of the organization is as follows: They ” are committed to uniting community voices, forging strategic partnerships, and securing pivotal grants. From fostering business growth and tourism to championing development initiatives, we are the nexus of vibrant community transformation. Here, you’ll find the resources, leadership, and opportunities essential for a prosperous and resilient future.”
Ida joins the following members of the board:
Mark McCoy – chairman of the board
Misty Adams – secretary – Fulton
Payton Coyan -vice president
Bryan Holt – treasurer
Tim Van Hoecke – City of Fort Scott Commission
Clifton Beth – Bourbon County Commission
David Stewart – USD 234
Vance Eden – USD 235
“Since our inception, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones,” according to the press release, including:
“Partnered with Legacy Health Care to present $34,000 to Bourbon County Emergency Medical Service for the purchase of a Lucas device and a new ventilator.
Awarded funds for community projects, such as Kansas Rocks, Bourbon County Fair, Gunn Park bike trails, and ball field renovations in Bronson.
Secured grants for Bourbon County EMS for equipment, the Fort Scott Fire Department for a new All Terrain Vehicle, and the City of Fort Scott for automated external defibrillators and storm sirens.
Announced $800 Million in solar development.
Secured funding for the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Mural
Successfully recruited Kansas Renewal Institute.
Announced Project Fort Scott with the potential to bring in $114.3 Million in development.
Facilitated the creation of studies that included retail, housing, labor, health care, business environment, and many others. These studies create the bedrock of data that is essential in recruiting and attracting new business and development.
Hosted events for community and business development such as:
Wichita State University Center for Economic Development and Bureau of Research for a community outlook and economic forecast event.
Held the inaugural rural workforce summit in Fort Scott, which brought professionals from all across the state to hear from seven industry-leading and nationally known economic experts.
Co-hosted the Bourbon County Job Fair to assist the displaced workers from both Valu Merchandisers Company and the Timken Company as well as anyone looking for career opportunities.
County-wide strategic planning and community visioning session
Held ongoing meetings with both housing and childcare representatives along with professionals who specialize in those fields.”
According to the press release, looking ahead, the group is focused on:
“Developing business community data.
Conducting annual business retention and expansion surveys.
Providing technical assistance to existing businesses.
Collaborating with Fort Scott Community College on technical training.
Organizing seminars and training for local businesses.
Exploring opportunities with the Department of Commerce.
Recommending training and education for start-ups.
Providing resources to entrepreneurs.
Facilitating attraction of new healthcare, housing, and business development projects.”
The REDI office is now located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., downstairs, just south of the stairwell and elevators.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. has a new office in the lower level at 401 Woodland Hills Bvld. The old Mercy Building.
To reach the REDI team call the following numbers:
Rob Harrington – Executive Director: 620-215-0144
Tayton Majors – Business Retention and Community Initiatives Manager: 620-215-0821
Lauren Engstrom – Executive Assistant and Marketing Coordinator: 620-215-3546
Would you like to make an impact in your community while broadening your skill set, connecting with people, working close to home, and receiving good pay & great benefits?
As Uniontown City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk you can do all this and more! This is a 40 hours per week position with above average wage and benefits, including:
Paid Time Off: 10 Holidays, 1-4 weeks Vacation, 12 days Sick Leave, & More
Retirement Plan: participate in KPERS (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System)
Health & Life Insurance available
Wage Scale: minimum $15.00, may be more depending upon experience
The Clerk position entails performing all duties as defined by Kansas State Statute and City Ordinances: receive and disperse monetary funds and maintain financial records; complete various administrative reports; grant applications & administration; prepare, mail, and apply payments of monthly customer utility billing; assist residents via phone or walk-in; attend and record minutes of all city council meetings, write monthly community newsletter; other duties as required (a more detailed job description and list of duties available upon application).
Personal Requirements:
You must be a Motivated, Self-Starter
High Attention to Detail
Basic Computer, Accounting, and Secretarial Skills
Ability to Maintain Confidentiality and Discretion
Live Within 10 Miles of Uniontown
Valid Driver’s License & Pass Pre-Employment Drug Screen
Apply in person at Uniontown City Hall, call 620-756-4742, or submit your resume via email to [email protected] . Applications are accepted through Noon on March 12th.
Tuesday, March 5th, between 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Come check out the different business plans conceived by students as part of the competition organized
by the Chamber. These students have worked hard over the last semester-plus on all aspects of their business concepts and your attendance and support would be appreciated!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the fifth annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) in partnership with NetWork Kansas and Fort Scott High School. Twenty-nine students of the high school Business and Entrepreneurship classes have prepared startup business plans as either individuals or groups and will compete for cash prizes to be judged on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024. The community is invited to a public tradeshow exhibit from 11:30am to 12:45pm that day to view the creative business plans in support of the students and place a vote for the Community Choice award.
Mrs. Morgan Sage at the high school has incorporated YEC into the curriculum for the stated classes. Therefore, the students have been working on their business concepts since last semester including four components of a business plan, elevator pitch, formal presentation, and a tradeshow exhibit. A judging panel selected by the Chamber and a representative of NetWork Kansas pre-judge the first three components, and the competition culminates with the public tradeshow. Cash prizes totaling up to $3,000 will be presented for first, second, and third place overall and the Community Choice award at 1:30pm following the tradeshow after the final scores are tallied.
The Chamber organizes the program in association with NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership and Bourbon County is one of many communities across Kansas to host a competition. The local overall winner will advance to the state-wide Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge to be held April 16th in Manhattan.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
Thank you to our Chamber Champions for their support!
