New Clerk Coming to City of Uniontown

Shawn Vincent. Submitted photo.

Shawn Vincent will start as the new City of Uniontown Clerk on  April 29.

Vincent, 50, lives near Uniontown and operates a small cow/calf farm.

He graduated from high school in Manhattan, KS, and is currently working on a bachelor’s degree.

Vincent said he has 23 years of military experience (retired) with over 10 years in human resources. and over three years as a liaison with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

He was a motor grader operator for Bourbon County for over two years, before that.

He has three children Joshua, Allison (“A.J.”) and Arwin (who passed away in 2018), and has lived in Bourbon County for seven years.

“I am retired military and have enjoyed the peace of living in the country, I  moved here from Austin, TX,” he said.

The transition to a new clerk.

Sally Johnson is retiring as Uniontown’s City Clerk.

Sally Johnson, who has been the clerk for 11 years will be training Vincent full-time until the week of May 20, then will continue training part-time “and do other things that have been put on the back burner until the end of the year,” she said.

The city clerk position is complex, she said.

“Per the League of Kansas Municipalities City Officials Manual:  The city clerk’s list of responsibilities can also vary dramatically from city to city.  In most cities, city clerks are expected to administer records management, assist the governing body in complying with the Kansas Open Meetings Act, assist the city’s records custodian with complying with the Kansa Open Records Act, provide the official correspondence for the city, provide an accurate and complete account of the city’s financial position, and act as a public relations officer on behalf of the City.”

Johnson said there are more duties:   “K.S.A. 13-518 established the following as the duties of the city clerk in cities of the first class:  attend all meetings of the council; keep a record of the proceedings; record all official acts of the clerk and attest them when necessary; keep and preserve the official records of the city; keep and preserve the corporate seal of the city; keep and preserve all public records, papers, and documents not belonging to any other office; administer oaths; and keep a correct account of the financial affairs of the city treasurer.”

“We are a city of the third class, so as city clerk here you do all of the above and utility clerk, court clerk, human resources, public information officer, oversee animal control and custodial employees, and anything else that is deemed necessary,” she said.

Johnson was hired May 14, 2013 and this will be her retirement as city clerk, she said.

“I am not retiring completely,” she said. ” I will continue working part-time somewhere.  I plan on getting my substitute teacher certificate and work when I want and enjoy time off when I don’t want to work.”

Gift or Graft? by Patty LaRoche

Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

This wasn’t like Dave.  History had proven that.  My husband was more like a weed-eater or vacuum kind of guy.  Not a jewelry gifter.  But clearly, the evidence was proving otherwise.

The notice came in my Email that Dave had made a purchase at FDJ Claddagh Jewelry C. Jewelry for $134.98 and charged it on our credit card.  May I repeat…Soooo not like him, not to mention, if he purchased some gems, he would go to Bartelsmeyer’s in Fort Scott.  Still, I, unlike almost all of my friends, am not a jewelry kind of person. Dave knows that.

There was, however, a possibility that FDJ Claddagh Jewelry C. Jewelry was going out of business and everything was 99% off which certainly would peak my husband’s attention and probably persuade him to surprise me with some earrings or a bracelet or a jewel-laced bobby pin.  Yes, a possibility. But why would Dave put this charge on our shared credit card, the one that alerted me of every purchase?  He would ruin the surprise. A “senior moment,” perhaps?

All day long, I was confounded. What if this, instead of being a very generous, upcoming anniversary gift from my husband, was credit card fraud?  If I asked Dave, insinuating that it was, I would be admitting that I didn’t expect him to purchase a piece of jewelry. What a way to destroy his attempt to do something special! How could I be so heartless?  (Had jewelry stores sold battery chargers or leaf blowers, I wouldn’t have given it another thought.)

But what if Dave hadn’t made this purchase?  What if I let this go and the criminal who abused our card did it again and that person didn’t pay attention to the credit card alert and ended up going bankrupt and had to live under a bridge for the rest of his/her life?

I spoke to my girlfriend about it.  She said I definitely could NOT ask Dave.  Period.

I listened intently to all of her reasons and then…

I asked him.

He had made no such purchase.  Immediately, he called our credit card company to report the fraud.  His card was deactivated and a new card will be sent.

What I don’t understand is this:  how are people able to get away with this?  On the back of our cards, Dave and I have written “See ID.”  Why don’t the register attendants look at the signature?  Why are they so trusting?

I am grateful for the alert my credit card sent me. My girlfriend’s 83-year-old mother gave away most of her life savings (over $100,000) in increments of $10,000 when she was threatened by someone impersonating the I.R.S.  She will never get that money back.  She had no credit card company to alert her to the fraud.

God has used this situation to get my attention. It’s easy for me to fault a sales clerk for not being alert, but am I not equally as guilty, and with a much more serious issue at stake? 1 Peter 5:8: Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. When we are not on our toes, when we stop looking to God’s Word for advice, we will find ourselves in danger much more deadly than a fraudulent jewelry charge.  Colossians 4:2 reminds us where we need to stay alert: Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.

My friends and I were talking about how we need to improve our prayer life.  Many times, our praise, requests and thanks are lacking in a heart-knowledge of the recipient of our words.  One friend shared that at a dinner party, a guest asked if he could say grace.  The hostess was thrilled he had volunteered.  With heads bowed, he said this: “Grace.”  And then he laughed.  I wonder if God did.

 

FSCC Agenda for April 22

 

To view the entire packet: 4.22.24 Consent Agenda

Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, April 22, 2024. The meeting will be held in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. 2022-23 Audit Report, 4
D. Review of Programs – Student Life, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on March 18, 2024,
and Special Board Meeting conducted on April 12, 2024, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report and Bills and Claims, 10
D. Ratification of Contracts, 48
1. Education Affiliation Agreement with Heartland Behavioral Health Services, 48
2. Memorandum of Understanding with Kansas Section American Water Works Association, 59
E. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
F. Approval of Gordon Parks Museum Board Personnel Actions, 5
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 60
A. Representative for Negotiations with FSCAPE, 60
ACTION ITEMS, 61
A. Resolution 2024 – 11: Consideration of Purchasing Policy, 61
B. Resolution 2024 – 12: Consideration of Travel Expenses Policy, 63
C. Resolution 2024 – 13: Consideration of College Vehicle Use Policy, 64
D. Resolution 2024 – 14: Consideration of Guidelines for Use of FSCC Facilities Policy, 66
E. Resolution 2024 – 15: Consideration of CDL Bids, 71
F. Resolution 2024 – 16: Consideration of Great Western Dining Contract, 72
G. Resolution 2024 – 17: Consideration of Vice President Contracts, 78
REPORTS, 79
A. Higher Learning Commission1
B. Foundation
C. Administration
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 86
ADJOURNMENT, 87
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• April 15, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 11, 2024 Graduation
• May 20, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 27, 2024 Memorial Day, Campus Closed
• June 17, 2024 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Jason Kegler, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2
ROLL CALL
_____ Ronda Bailey
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Chad McKinnis
_____ Doug Ropp3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. 2022-23 AUDIT REPORT
D. REVIEW OF PROGRAMS – STUDENT LIFE4
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on March 18, 2024 and Special Board Meeting conducted on April 12, 2024.
C. APPROVAL OF BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the reconciled Treasurer’s Report through 11/30/23 and Bills and Claims Report.
D. RATIFICATION OF CONTRACTS
Attached are contracts for amounts less than the threshold required for Board approval.
E. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Michael Page, Custodian (part time), effective April 11, 2024
b) Hannah Dunn, Director of Business Operations, effective April 16, 2024
2) Separations
a) William Pitts, General Maintenance Technician, effective March 29, 2024
b) Brenda Pettit, Facilities and Operations Secretary, effective April 5, 2024
c) Sandy Tirri, Accounting Clerk, effective April 5, 2024
d) Blanca Campos, Iowa MEP, effective April 18, 2024
e) Lindsey Torrens, Assistant Volleyball Coach, effective April 29, 2024
f) Marlene Braker, Accounting Clerk, effective May 3, 2024
g) Sara Holder, Nursing Instructor, effective May 28, 2024
h) Gina Shelton, Director of Business Operations, effective June 14, 2024
i) Marcus Page, Director of Admissions, effective July 31, 2024
F. APPROVAL OF GORDON PARKS MUSEUM BOARD PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Kim Young, effective April 3, 2024
2) Separations
a) Angel Wilson, effective April 3, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as presented.

FSCC Trustees Minutes of March 18

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
March 18, 2024
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, faculty, staff, community members
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
REVIEW OF PROGRAMS – AGRICULTURE: Agriculture instructor and meats judging team coach Sara Sutton presented a review of FSCC’s Agriculture Program. She highlighted funding structure, including receipt of Perkins funding. Agriculture Instructor and livestock judging coach Conner Vernon discussed course offerings and degrees and certificates available in the department. Rodeo coaches Chad Cross and Cali Griffin highlighted opportunities available through the rodeo program. Agriculture Advisory Board members Katie Casper and Scott Sutton also spoke in support of the agriculture programs.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to add Item J for Consideration of the April Board Meeting Date.
A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. First Reading of Policies – As part of a plan to consistently work towards updating Board Policy, the following policy revisions were reviewed for feedback. They will be presented for final approval at the next board meeting.
a. Purchasing Policy – Note the change of Vice President to CFO title in the new structure in the
policy revision.
b. Travel Expenses Policy
c. College Vehicle Use
d. Guidelines for Use of FSCC Facilities – Need to clarify the fee for usage is for an event. Great Western Dining has first right of refusal for all catering on campus. Language will be adjusted to
reflect the changes as required to be compliant with state law. Page 43 references Ag facilities for profit and non profit rental amounts.
B. Honorary Degree Recipient – Dr. Kegler will share honorary degree policy with the Board.
C. Graduation Attendance – Graduation is May 11 at 9 am and 12 pm with a reception in the middle.
Outstanding Alumni is being decided this week, and there will be an outstanding sophomore. Board members are to let Juley know if they are attending the ceremonies by the end of March.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. Resolution 2024 – 2: A motion was made by Fewins seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to terminate the current lease with Sycamore Grove Apartments upon completion of the current agreement
term.6
B. Resolution 2024 – 3: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Board Member Conflict of Interest Policy.
C. Resolution 2024 – 4: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Rules of Order policy.
D. Resolution 2024 – 5: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Employee Tuition Scholarship policy.
E. Resolution 2024 – 6: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Campus Closings Due to Weather policy.
F. Resolution 2024 – 7: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the tuition and fees for the 2024-25 academic year as presented in the updated list.
G. Resolution 2024 – 8: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the FSCC President and College Counsel to meet with IDEA for the purpose of amending the agreement from March 20, 2023, with the understanding that the proposal is brought back to the BOT
before anything is finalized. The Board requested details of information from the meeting before final decisions are made.
H. Resolution 2024 – 9: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Culinary Arts Memorandum of Understanding between FSCC and Southeast Kansas Education Service Center as presented.
I. Resolution 2024 – 10: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the amended lease agreement between FSCC and the City of Frontenac.
J. Resolution 2024 – 11: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to change the April Board meeting date to Monday, April 22, 2024 due to a conflict with the HLC Conference.
REPORTS:
• HLC – None.
• GORDON PARKS MUSEUM – The Board reviewed a report provided by the Gordon Parks Museum.
• FOUNDATION – Foundation will be meeting this Wednesday.
• ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from Miami County, Academic Affairs, Finance and Operations, Student Services, and President.
Holt commended the work on the financials and encouraged continued progress.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to executive session for 20 minutes beginning at 8:20 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable personnel information of non-elected personnel with no action expected to follow.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to return to
open session.7

EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous
vote to adjourn to executive session for 15 minutes beginning at 8:43 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected
personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable personnel information of non-elected personnel with no action
expected to follow. The Board invited Dr. Kegler to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made at 8:16 pm by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to return to open session.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 8:16 pm by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.

Bo Co Commission Special Meeting Agenda for April 19

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

April 19, 2024 10:00 a.m.

 

 

A special meeting of the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners has been called for Friday,         April 19, 2024 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

 

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. A One-Hour Executive Session-KSA 75-4319(b)(1) and KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)

The meeting will resume normal session at the courthouse then reconvene at the medical facility building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. and then reconvene back at the courthouse.

  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

Shead Farm Homestead Festival: Learning To Produce What You Need AND More

Since the pandemic, many people have been looking at a lifestyle that includes purchasing local products and growing their food, or at the least, knowing nearby local producers.
The fourth annual Shead Farm Homestead Festival event will happen on May 18, southeast of Fort Scott. This educational and family-fun event has attempted to help those people.
Photo opportunities will be available at the festival. Submitted photo.
Homesteading is moving towards food security by means of producing one’s own animals and gardens.
Larry and Vickie Shead and their extended family have provided people with an event where people can gather tips on gardening, homesteading,  grafting fruit trees, beekeeping,  orchard care, and soap-making, and many others.
Vickie and Larry Shead, 2020, from her Facebook page.
This year over 50 vendors related to homesteading, along with family activities are scheduled.
Besides new vendors and activities, there will be a speakers’ tent where people can listen to a question and answer time on various homestead topics.
“A chapel is provided for those who may need prayer or just want some  Biblical insight,” Vickie said.
Over 150 volunteers have been working to create a memorable time, on Saturday, May 18, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Tickets are $5.00 each or $25.00 for a family of five or more.
“There will be good old fashion and exciting, memory-making events that young and old will not want to miss,” Vickie said.  “There are plenty of places to sit down and relax for a good visit with old friends and neighbors while watching the exciting activities taking place.”
Historical demonstrations to view: blacksmithing, broom making, butter making, wooden spoon making, leather working, rock wall building, and a weaver who demonstrates on an 1864 old barn wood loom, as well as showing how to spin. There will be a Model T Ford and a Model A Ford for viewing with early 1900s music playing on a Victrola nearby.
Educational vendors will share information on growing microgreens, making butter, washing clothes without electricity, creating with macrame, making goat milk soap, milking a cow, making jams and jellies, and creating pictures with pastels.  One can also learn about making pottery, sourdough bread, and how to harvest maple syrup.  And many beautiful quilts will be on display, she said.
“Children can enjoy the Children’s Center’s huge tent full of new, fun, educational, and exciting activities,” Vickie said.  “The little children can gather bugs in their bag and turn them in for a prize.  Face painting and a Story Station give a moment of rest for children. New this year will be a huge sand pile with treasures to find.  New, also a Kids’ Corner Store with many farm and educational toys.”
An Animal Arena displays donkeys, goats, dogs, cows, sheep, and a pig. Poultry will be roaming the area with peacocks, chickens, guineas, ducks, turkeys, and quail. Children and adults can learn the techniques of roping along with other fun animal activities, and additionally, there will be kittens, rabbits, and quail.
The Food Court has expanded to include pulled pork sandwiches, as well as the festival’s famous Walking Tacos, she said. Snacks are in abundance with kettle corn and homemade potato chips, cotton candy, and bakery bargains. Snack Shack items are dried candy fruits, and many other snacks.
“A variety of refreshing drinks will be available such as hot and cold coffees, cocoa; lemonade, and homemade refreshing root beer,” she said.
“Hope to see you all for this wonderful family and friend’s event,” she said.
An aerial view of the Shead Farm Homestead Festival. Submitted photo.

Trinity Lutheran’s Precious Lambs Preschool Is Enrolling for Next Year

Precious Lambs Preschool is now enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year.

A mission of the Trinity Lutheran Church, the preschool has provided early childhood education at 2824 S. Horton in Fort Scott, KS since the fall of 1988.

Utilizing a faith-based curriculum, Precious Lambs creates a challenging atmosphere for students to succeed on an individual basis.

The Monday-Tuesday class is for students who are 3 years old by August 31 and completely potty trained.

The Wednesday-Friday class is for Pre-Kindergarten students who are 4 years old by August 31.

Classes begin the first Tuesday after Labor Day and are 8 am to 11 am for both classes.

Enrollment information forms are available by emailing [email protected] or calling (620) 223-3596.

Brandon Whisenhunt is Selected for the Bourbon County Commission

Brandon Whisenhunt, Submitted photo.

Brandon Whisenhunt, 45, was selected last evening by the local Republican Party to fill the Bourbon County Commission  District One position. The meeting took place at the Fort Scott Livestock Market.

Whisenhunt replaces Nelson Blythe, who resigned earlier this month.

“I work as a trash truck technician for waste management in Kansas City, Kansas,” Whisenhunt said.  “I was previously a city council member for the City of Mapleton and currently volunteer for the Mapleton Homecoming Committee.  My wife Becky and I have been married for almost 25 years we have four children,  2 birth and 2 adopted.”  He works in Kansas four days a week.

He also has a Federal Firearms License and can sell firearms from his home, he said.

“I asked for this job because I feel like District 1 and the entire county is being ignored by the people who are supposed to be listening to the people,” he said.  “I will listen to the people and do my best to make sure they are heard.”
“Blythe was beginning to build trust and I want to continue that,” he said. “I will need to talk to department heads. I know the county has a budget and we have been overspending.”
Roads, solar and wind generators in the county are top issues with him, he said.
The Process to Select

Seven people applied for the position before the deadline: Joe Bisogno Jr., Marion “Mike” Embry, Nick Graham,  Ken Klassen, Mary Pemberton, Brent Smith, and Whisenhunt.

” Mike Embry was unable to attend in person due to a trip that was planned before the application process began, however; he prepared a written statement that was read by Mark McCoy,” Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk said.

“The Chairman of the Republican party must send a certificate of election results to the Governor’s office within 24 hours of the vote,” Hawkins said. “The Governor’s office will certify Brandon Whisenhunt as the District 1 Commissioner and send him a Certificate of Appointment. I must receive a copy of the Certificate of Appointment before Brandon can be sworn in and act as a Commissioner. Due to the timing of Nelson’s resignation the term Brandon will fulfill will only be for the remainder of the year. The Commission 1 seat will be on the ballot this year (in November) to elect an individual for a two-year term.”

Thirty-eight citizens attended the Republican event to select a replacement.
Ten of 12 precinct persons voted, according to Chairman Mark McCoy. They were from District 1 in the county.
“Now I will complete the process by sending certified notice today to the Governor’s office,” McCoy said.  “Once received the Governor will officially appoint and send the certificate to Mr. Whisenhunt and he will bring it to our County Clerk who will record it. Brandon can start serving as soon as the County Clerk records it.”

KDOT: Road to Bridge Improvements Starts April 22 including Bourbon County

KDOT to start mudjacking project in late April

 

The week of April 22 the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to start a mudjacking project that includes various locations in Allen, Bourbon, Coffey, Franklin, Greenwood, Labette, Miami, Neosho, Osage and Wilson counties.

 

Mudjacking improves road-to-bridge transitions by using polyurethane foam to raise and level concrete bridge approach slabs and highway and shoulder panels. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zones; expect brief delays.

 

KDOT awarded the $135,000 construction contract to Nortex Concrete Lift & Stabilization Inc., Fort Worth, Texas. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by July. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

 

 

 

The 2024 Gordon Parks Museum to feature Poetry Contest

 

Fort Scott, Kan. April.17, 2024 – The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, will feature a poetry contest sponsored by poet and Fort Scott native, Helen Townsend and Trabar & Associates. The theme of the contest is “What Fills Your Hungry Heart?” This contest is inspired by a quote from Gordon Parks, “I’ve lived a lot, worked a lot, and smiled a lot. And I will cling to all of those blessings until my hungry heart is hopelessly exhausted.”

 

This is open to any emerging poets who have not yet been published in a book. Poets are invited to capture the essence of the theme.

 

Emerging poets of any ages and skill level are invited to write a poem for this contest and may enter up to one poem. There will be a first place ($200), second place ($150) and third place ($100) prize and up to five honorable mentions. Winners will be announced at the Gordon Parks Celebration. All poems submitted will be on exhibit during the 21st annual Gordon Parks Celebration on Oct. 3 – 5, 2024. All Poems will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Website and Facebook page.

 

Judges for the poetry contest will be Traci Brimhall, Kansas Poet Laureate and Kansas State University Professor and Annette Hope Billings, Poet from Topeka, Kansas.

 

Poems must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. Poems are limited to one page. All entries should be typed and submitted as a word document only. Attachments (including pdf’s, pictures, google docs., etc.) are not accepted. Type or ‘copy and paste’ your poem into the body of your email. Poets should submit poem in with the title, their name, address, email, and phone number. If under 14 years old please include parent’s information. Poems should be received via email by Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the latest.

 

For more information, email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.

“An Ode to White Rice, Ketchup, and Heuvo Frito.”, by Zian Butler Perez, Manassas, VA – 1st place winner in the 2023 Poetry Contest. The theme was: “Family, Home and Roots”.

 

 

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