Euna Kim Blythe Thanks Her Community

Nelson Blythe holds son Isaac, with Euna Kim Blythe. Submitted photo.

Euna Blythe and husband Nelson were driving to Fort Scott on Hwy. 54 near Uniontown on the evening of November 7, 2021, when their car struck a black cow on the road.

“I do not remember anything from the accident and the following few weeks,” Euna said.

She was life-flighted from the  West Bourbon Elementary School yard that evening to the Kansas City area for the severity of her condition.

“I was three months in the hospital and about another three months spent between Meadowbrook rehab and Madonna rehab,” she said.

Today she continues therapy for her injuries, but out of this tragic accident, came something really good: she and Nelson had their first child, a son named Isaac in January 2024.

To this couple, the birth was a miracle because they had been trying to conceive for seven years.

Here is a letter to the community from Euna.

“I would like to show gratitude to the many people who helped me during (the) terrible car accident I had on November 7, 2021,” she said. “First of all, members of Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, that included Detectives Alvin Metcalf and Kevin Davidson, Deputies Trey Sharp, Shawn Pritchett, Andrew Penland, Zach Ross, and Patrick Brazeal, Undersheriff Ben Cole and Sheriff Bill Martin.”

“Deputy Ross and Brazeal responded to my accident and acted with great compassion and professionalism,” she said.

“Detective Metcalf was in Kansas City at the time of the accident, and went straight to KU Med Center as soon as he heard, and helped lead my family where they needed to go. Detective Davidson, Deputy Sharp, Pritchett and Penland rushed to the helicopter landing zone and stayed with my husband, Nelson …, as I was being cared for by Bourbon County EMS. I have been told that EMS staff Trace Evans and Robert Leisure transported me in the ambulance from the scene of the accident to the landing zone. Deputy Shawn Pritchett drove my husband and the other deputies to KU Med. Linn County Deputies met them at the county line and escorted them to Miami County. Miami County Deputies escorted them to Johnson County.”

“At the hospital, Nelson was met by Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin and Undersheriff Ben Cole, as well as the Sheriff of Linn County, Kevin Friend. Also present were Nelson’s parents and our Pastor, Tony Felich.”

“Throughout the weeks following, Nelson’s law enforcement brothers hardly left his side and for that I am forever grateful. I had many other visitors during the days I was in a coma and the days following, including my dear Jiu-Jitsu coach Brett Holder who encouraged me to never give up.”

“There are so many other people who came to visit me and provided comfort to my distressed family. I cannot name them all, but please know that I am so grateful to all of you.”

“I want to thank Fort Scott Munitions and the Kraft family for reserving hotel rooms near the hospital so my family could have a place to stay. I would also like to thank Young Yu, for lending a helping hand without hesitation.”

” I want to thank all of the Linn County Sheriff’s Deputies for donating all of their sick time so that Nelson could stay with me at the hospital. I would specifically like to thank Sgt. Tanner Ogden, who organized a fundraiser in Linn County.”

“I want to sincerely thank the people in Bourbon County and people from all over, who donated a substantial amount of money to help alleviate my family’s financial needs. Without that fundraiser, it would have been impossible for me to be admitted to Madonna Rehab, where I received much-needed care. Trey Sharp was the organizer.”

“Next, Doctors and nurses of KU Medical Center(MD Sarah Eickmeyer, MD Ifijie E Ohiorhernuan, PhD Monica F Kurylo, Taylor L, MD Alexandra N Arickx, MD Kyle R Brown, DO Erich M Wessel, CRNA Dylan C McDaniel, MD Robin R Walters, MD Sean C. Liebscher, MD Miles Sanderson, MD Kimberlee D Reets, APRN-NP Kathryn  M Moore, APRN-NP Rachael A Domino, MD Jourdaen Sanchez, MD Stephen R Eaton, MD Thomas J Whittaker, MD Jason S Frederick, MD Anand Dharia, MD Adip Bhargav) Doctors, Nurses and therapists from Hanger CLINIC, Meadowbrook Rehab and Madonna Rehab and Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln Nebraska. They were the most helpful staff and workers.

” I want to thank both my American and  South Korean family,  Nelson’s family was tearful and rejoiced when I was finally able to wake up and my family in South Korea did the same. They managed to fly over here right after they heard about the accident and stayed for two weeks. Also, to Galen and Jeffie Mussman, thank you for your kindness shown to my family.”

” I want to thank my husband, Nelson Blythe. Nelson never gave up on me even when my recovery seemed impossible. Nelson kept fighting through the horrible abyss even when told by doctors that I would most likely never wake up.”

“Nelson made feeble attempts to clean and do chores while I was hospitalized, and managed to keep the cats alive, and the house from burning down.”

“I want to thank Else Moss and Jennifer Ballou, Krista Ogden, and my Aunt, Terry Blythe, for coming to Nelson’s rescue by assisting with house chores and taking care of me while Nelson was at work.”

“This accident has really shown me the importance of community, family and friends. This community showed me staggering kindness and care. I am humbled by the fierce loyalty and commitment displayed by all of you.”

“From the bottom of my heart, I thank every one of you.”

“I pray that the Almighty God, the Father of our Savior Jesus Christ, continues to show his love, mercy and peace to me, my family and to all of us in this community. Amen.”

FSCC Board Minutes of April 29

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
April 29, 2024

PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp

ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, Seth Carter, staff

Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 9:01 am in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall.

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to
adjourn to executive session for one hour beginning at 9:01 am to discuss personnel matters of non-elected
personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable personal information of non-elected personnel. The board invited
Dr. Kegler and Dr. Seth Carter to join.

OPEN SESSION: At 10:02 am a motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Bailey, and carried by
unanimous vote to return to open session.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to
adjourn to executive session at 10:02 am for 45 minutes to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel as it
relates to discussion of identifiable personal information of non-elected personnel. The board invited Dr. Kegler and
Dr. Seth Carter to join.

OPEN SESSION: At 10:47 am a motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by
unanimous vote to return to open session. Ropp left the meeting.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
adjourn to executive session at 10:48 am for 20 minutes to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel as it
relates to discussion of identifiable personal information of non-elected personnel. The board invited Dr. Kegler and
Dr. Seth Carter to join.

OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by McKinnis, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to return
to open session at 11:10 am.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
11:11 am by Fewins, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote.

Chairman Clerk
9

FSCC Minutes of April 22

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
April 22, 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 5:31 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Holt stated that votes moving forward will be taken as “All in
favor say aye, all opposed say nay” in an effort to speed up the meeting.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
2022 – 23 AUDIT REPORT: Neil Phillips of Jarred, Gilmore, and Phillips, PA provided a thorough explanation of
the outcome of the 2022-23 audit and explained the audit report book. He reviewed violations and highlighted the
schedule of federal awards, which included a total of $8.1 million coming to the local area.
A corrective action plan was created to address areas of violation. Items within the plan have been reviewed with
each of the staff involved with any part of the corrective action plan so appropriate structure is in place for the next
audit period ending June 30, 2024.
Chairman Holt thanked Neil Phillips and his firm for their efforts on the audit process.
REVIEW OF PROGRAMS – STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Alyssa Martin, acting Director of Student Life,
summarized student life at FSCC. She reviewed the capacity and cost of each housing option, as well as the
application process for the 2024-25 year.
She also discussed activities that took place this year to enrich student life such as Dueling Pianos, a magician,
kickball, a neon dance, the men’s basketball playoff tailgate, volleyball and basketball intramurals, and a field day
partnered with TRIO. She said the dance was a huge hit, and students are begging for another. Intramurals had 5
teams, one of which included a completely online student who had never been to campus.
She closed by sharing her vision for student life for next year, including a goal of at least 1 activity a week.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda,
which included an amendment to the minutes of the special meeting on April 12, 2024 to reflect Dr. Kegler not
being present, reconciled treasurer’s reports through February, 2024, and an updated list of personnel actions.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. Representative for Negotiations with FSCAPE – John Bartelsmeyer explained the duties of the Board
member during the negotiations process. Chad McKinnis agreed to serve as the board’s representative for negotiations with FSCAPE.
Bartelsmeyer recommended reading through the personnel changes in the consent agenda, and Chairman Holt
read all personnel changes represented in the consent agenda as well as the additions approved with the consent
agenda.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. Resolution 2024 – 11: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve the Purchasing Policy.6

B. Resolution 2024 – 12: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Travel Expenses Policy.
C. Resolution 2024 – 13: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the College Vehicle Use Policy.

D. Resolution 2024 – 14: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Guidelines for Use of FSCC Facilities Policy.

E. Resolution 2024 – 15: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of 4 semi tractors from TLG Peterbilt for a total of $192,085.

F. Resolution 2024 – 16: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Great Western Dining contract.

G. Resolution 2024 – 17: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2024-25 Vice President contracts for Sonia Gugnani and Sara Sutton.

REPORTS:

HLC – Last week Dr. Kegler, Sonia Gugnani, and Sara Sutton traveled to the annual HLC Conference. Dr. Kegler reported the group will meet to debrief the conference soon. Dr. Kegler reported he attended great sessions and had great conversations with colleagues. This process will take the next fifteen months to get
it completed. He says he’s less concerned about the process than Sara and Sonia because he’s been through it as a peer reviewer. He said he plans to engage the board in the preparation process, as the peer reviewers will want to talk to the board when they come to campus. He added he will also be engaging the community in the process. Dr. Kegler summarized the HLC multi-location visit last week. Sonia and Sara met with the site visitor in Pleasanton and Crawford County campuses. He added Sonia and Sara did an
excellent job being the conduit for the college with the site visitor. FSCC will receive another report highlighting the visit, but no major concerns were brought forward.

FOUNDATION – Dr. Kegler stated an offer was extended for the director position, but that individual has declined the offer. He said he will reconvene with the foundation to determine next steps moving forward.

ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from Academic Affairs, Finance and Operations, Student Services, and President.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote
to adjourn to executive session for 45 minutes beginning at 7:45 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable personal information of non-elected personnel with no action expected to follow. At 8:05 pm the Board invited Dr. Kegler to join.

OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to return to open session at 8:32 pm.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous
vote to adjourn to executive session for 10 minutes beginning at 8:34 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected
personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable personal 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 8:46 pm by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Ropp, 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
8:46 pm by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.
7

FSCC Agenda for May 20

May 20, 2024
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, May 20, 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
To view the entire packet:
5.20.24 Consent Agenda
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. Student Survey Update, 4

CONSENT AGENDA, 5

A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on April 22, 2024, and Special Board Meeting conducted on April 29, 2024, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Reports and Bills and Claims, 10
D. Ratification of Contracts, 49
E. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5

DISCUSSION ITEMS, 50

A. Revenue Neutral Rate

B. Recovery Plan

C. Nursing Move

ACTION ITEMS, 51

A. Resolution 2024 – 18: Consideration of 2022-23 Audit Amendment, 51
B. Resolution 2024 – 19: Consideration of 2023-24 Budget Republication, 52
C. Resolution 2024 – 20: Approval of Bank Signee Resolution, 53
D. Resolution 2024 – 21: Consideration of Disposition of Surplus Property Policy, 55
E. Resolution 2024 – 22: Consideration of Scholarships (Performance-Based) Policy, 56
F. Resolution 2024 – 23: Consideration of Indirect Rates Policy, 57
G. Resolution 2024 – 24: Consideration of Summer Schedule Revision, 58
H. Resolution 2024 – 25: Approval of Audit Engagement Letter, 59

REPORTS, 69

A. Administration
1
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on April 22, 2024 and Special Board Meeting conducted on April 29, 2024.

C. APPROVAL OF BILLS and CLAIMS

Attached are the Bills and Claims Report.

D. RATIFICATION OF CONTRACTS

1) Learning Tree Institute

E. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS

1) Additions

a) Ryan Pippins, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, effective April 24,
2024

b) Mikalle Lowry, Athletic Training Technician, effective May 3, 2024

c) Ashton Nolan, Accounting Clerk, effective May 20, 2024

d) Liza Erwin, Athletic Director, effective May 20, 2024

e) Missy Scott, VP of Finance and Operations, effective May 28, 2024

2) Separations

a) Ezequeil Tenorio, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, effective May 9, 2024

b) Caleb Tipton, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, effective May 13, 2024

c) Vinny Barron, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, effective May 16, 2024

d) Evelyn Arevalo, IDRC Project Specialist, effective May 31, 2024

e) Tom Havron, VP of Students, effective May 31, 2024

f) Cali Griffin, Assistant Rodeo Coach, effective June 30, 2024

g) Cortney Madison, Cosmetology Instructor, effective June 30, 2024

h) Jessie Carr, TRIO Database Manager, effective July 31, 2024

3) Transfers

a) Alyssa Martin, from Athletic Training Technician to Director of Student Life, effective May 1, 2024

b) Sarah Smith, from Foundation Assistant to Instruction Office Assistant, effective May 20, 2024

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.

BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____

DISCUSSION:

VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins

Holt McKinnis Ropp
5

The Fort Scott Community College Softball Team is leaving for Nationals at 11:00 a.m.

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott Community College…

SPREAD THE WORD!

The Fort Scott Community College Softball Team is leaving for South Carolina for Nationals!

11:00am – load up at Arnold Arena on the campus of Fort Scott Community College

11:15am – head downtown on National

The girls will be dropped off at Memorial Hall (bus following) walk downtown, take a right on Wall Street and walk to the new Historic Fort Scott Sign to take a picture before leaving town!

Good luck at Nationals!

#DEFENDTHEFORT

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Obituary of John Trebian Jr.

John Trebian, Jr., resident of Fort Scott, KS, was born in Freeport, IL on October 12, 1984, the son of Jonna Williams and John Trebian, Sr.  He went to school in Freeport until the family moved to Largo, FL where he finished school and met his wife.  John married Lindsey on July 28th, in 2004 after being together for 5 years.  For the past 25 years, they have built a wonderful life together and always helped everyone they could.

 

John is preceded in death by his sister Rebecca Trebian; his son James Rhea Trebian; and his father John Trebian, Sr.

 

Survivors include his wife, Lindsey Trebian; his children John Trebian III, Trinity Trebian, Tyler Trebian, and Sophia Trebian; his mother Jonna Williams; brother Nick Trebian and sister Carmen Trebian, brothers Bird and Rick Lester, and sister Renee Lester.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 23rd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Cremation will follow.  Memorials are suggested to the John Trebian Memorial Fund 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

An “Until” Moment by Patty LaRoche

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

Do you have an “until” moment?  Your “everything is going along swell…until” moment?  This past week while flying from Los Angeles to Dallas, I was looking for a seat at the gate when I walked past a body-builder speaking to a lady who was practicing the splits on the carpeted area. (I would have joined her but realized there was no need to get the paramedics involved.)

Unusual pair, I thought, listening to them discuss their workout programs, except, as it turned out, they weren’t together.  The muscular man was with another woman. He, funny, witty, and seemingly, adventurous, spent the next two hours entertaining everyone around him.  When we began to board, he placed a beanie on his head and then protectively stuck a feather in its upturned hem.  Definitely his own person.

I boarded ahead of him and his lady-friend, but as they came down the aisle, looking for their seat, I noticed a complete change in his countenance.  He appeared terrified and frustrated when he found out his seat was between his gal-pal and a stranger.  I could overhear her reassuring him that everything was going to be all right.

He had appeared so confident and joyful…until he didn’t. He now looked like he would strangle someone, and although two rows back, I overheard the girl loudly talking with her dad on the phone about how hard it was to calm down her friend.  When we had been in the air a short time, the pilot informed us that we were in for a turbulent ride but he would “try” to find an altitude to make the trip easier. Not. Good. News.

The pilot failed to find calmer skies.  An hour outside of Dallas, even the flight attendants were told to be seated as the pilots navigated the storm around us.  Since they had spent much of their time at the terrified man’s seat, reassuring him, I feared that, without their constant attention, he might turn into a raving lunatic, mid-plane jostle.  And jostle we did.  I secretly began thanking God for engineers so smart, they could design a plane that could endure such shaking without snapping in half.

When we finally landed and were allowed to stand, passengers closer to the terrified man began to assure him that things now were okay.  “Nope,” he said.  “I will be on Amtrak the rest of this trip.  There will be no more flying for me.”

We all have our “until” moment, don’t we?  We are fine…until someone crowds in front of our merge line on the freeway.  Until our boss says one more critical word.  Until the customer service agent is rude instead of helpful.  Until our spouse once again fails to clean up his/her mess.  Until we are asked yet again to loan a tool to a moochy neighbor.  Until the mechanic’s bill isn’t even close to his estimate.

Until.  Until.  Until.  The Bible is not short of “until” moments.

In the Old Testament, barren Rachel’s moment came when, jealous of her fertile sister, she said that she would die if she did not get pregnant.  Moses spent weeks in the presence of God and was a happy camper…until he saw the golden calf the Israelites were worshipping.  Saul, the king of Israel, had his “until” moment when he found out that his son, Jonathan, was closer to his friend David than with his dad.  The list is endless.

Paul (of New Testament fame) addressed the issue when he said that we always are to be content.  Instead of there being an “until” moment, we are to rely on God and not ourselves, and until someone causes me to have one of those moments, I plan to do just that.

Letter To The Editor: Citizens For ER Thanks Bourbon County

From Citizens for the ER to the people who compaigned for and the voters who overwhelmingly passed the ER tax: Thank You.

Your messages are clear.  The message to providers that you want and will financially support an ER.  The message to business, industry and individuals that Bourbon County is relevant and working to meet your needs.  And most importantly, the message that you care for each other.  Well Done!

While we don’t yet have an ER, this tax opens the door so when opportunity knocks Bourbon County can say come in.  Without it we had no chance.

 

Again, Thank You

Citizens for the ER

Governor Signs Omnibus Budget Bill

Governor Kelly Signs Omnibus Budget,
Makes Investments in Mental Health, Water,
and Kansas’ Workforce Pipeline


TOPEKA
– Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she has signed House Bill 2551, the Omnibus Budget, which passed with bipartisan support. The budget increases funding to address water quantity and quality issues, invests in workforce development, and provides additional funding for essential services and critical mental health needs.

“I am proud of the Legislature’s bipartisan work to ensure we continue to make investments into our state water plan fund, strengthen our workforce, and make progress in addressing Kansans’ mental health needs,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding supports my administration’s work to address critical infrastructure needs, grow our economy, and make Kansas the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family.”

The budget:

Invests in the workforce pipeline: Provides $8.3 million in need-based financial aid and scholarships, strengthening Kansas’ workforce pipeline. This funding includes $2 million to be invested in students who are pursuing careers in nursing, $1.7 million for first-generation students and children of teachers and paraprofessionals, and more than $1 million for National Guard members pursuing a master’s degree.

Addresses water quality and quantity issues in Kansas: Increases investment in the state water plan fund by $10 million, in addition to the $35 million the governor previously allocated. This funding is critical to addressing Kansas’ water quality and quantity needs. The bill also increases funding to $16 million for projects that will strengthen the state’s infrastructure for drinking water and wastewater in small communities across Kansas.

Makes critical investments in mental health services for students: An additional $4.5 million will be invested in the Mental Health Intervention Pilot to further expand students’ access to behavioral health services. This increase will provide a total of over $18 million in the upcoming school year. With this funding, the Kelly administration has invested over $78 million in this program, resulting in over 6,000 students receiving services in 90 school districts annually.

Builds capacity for mental health treatment in the South Central region: $26.5 million is being invested to build the new South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital in Wichita. The South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital will serve acute inpatient mental health patients. It will also be the location for adult forensic beds to alleviate jail overcrowding and shorten wait times on pending evaluations and treatment. The facility will expand access to additional in-patient mental health beds in the region and allow patients to remain closer to home and family while receiving care.

Governor Kelly also line-item vetoed certain aspects of the bill. Find more information and her veto messages here.

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Zach Ross: A Passion Turned Into A Business

Zach Ross. Submitted photo.
Zach Ross has always had a passion for animals.
“Even at a young age helping to train hunting dogs, he’s always been attuned with animals,” his wife Aubry said.
He has professional experience training dogs as well.
“Zach has over eight years of experience working and training law enforcement K9s, she said. “Our philosophy on dog ownership and training is firm, fair, and consistent and we hope that by teaching this model to our clients they will become successful, happy dog owners.”
Submitted by the Ross family.
They own Ross’ Kennels and Boarding LLC.
“We provide a variety of pet services, including overnight boarding, Doggie Daycare, training, and limited grooming services,” she said. “We are licensed and insured and have been providing the community with these services since 2019.”

They have clients from Fort Scott, Pittsburg, Louisburg, Nevada, Linn County, and Bourbon County.

“We are excited to announce full-time Doggie Daycare starting in June, which will include structured walks, social playtime, and obedience training/reinforcement,” she said. “We also plan on providing a taxi service for Fort Scott residents for pick up and drop off. We understand that the kennel being outside of town can be an inconvenience to families who work regular day hours and we want to continue to provide flexibility and convenience to our clients and their fur-friends.”
They provide clients with flexible hours and operate by appointment only. 

Ross’s Kennels and Boarding

721 240th ST Fort Scott KS, 66701

 

Local Museum Is Participating in 2024 Kansas Tourism Sunflower Summer Progam

The Gordon Parks Museum is a Venue for the Kansas Sunflower Summer Program

Fort Scott, Kan. – The Gordon Parks Museum is proud to announce its participation in the 2024 Kansas Tourism Sunflower Summer program. The Gordon Parks Museum Celebrates the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally known photographer, filmmaker, writer and musician.

The Sunflower Summer Program is a benefit for Kansas families with school-aged children to encourage them to explore, and fall in love, with Kansas. The program is designed to give affordable access to tourism attractions across the state and support the Kansas tourism economy. Eligible Kansas families will download the Sunflower Summer App to claim tickets to participating venues. The 2024 Sunflower Summer season will run from May 25 – August 11.

“We are thrilled to be a venue for the 2024 Kansas Sunflower Summer program,” said Gordon Parks Museum, Executive Director, Kirk Sharp. “This opportunity allows us to welcome Kansas families to our attraction and provide them with an unforgettable experience.”

Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities.

“Kansas Tourism is excited to have The Gordon Parks Museum as a part of the Sunflower Summer program,” said Kansas Tourism Director, Bridgette Jobe. “This program is an amazing benefit for the residents of Kansas, and we are looking forward to growing the program in the 2024 season. The Gordon Parks Museum is an important part of making this the best season yet for the program.”

For more information about The Gordon Parks Museum visit gordonparkscenter.org To discover more about the Sunflower Summer program, visit SunflowerSummer.org.

 

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About The Gordon Parks Museum: The Gordon Parks Museum celebrates the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician. The Gordon Parks Museum strives to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness and the role of diversity in our lives.

About Sunflower Summer: Sunflower Summer is a program operated by Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. The program aims to help Kansas families affordably explore the Sunflower State. The official Sunflower Summer mobile app is available on Apple and Android. More information can be found at SunflowerSummer.org