Dale Lee Shelton, age 67, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Monday, July 22, 2024, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center Emergency Room. Services for Dale Shelton will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
Monthly Archives: July 2024
AD: Rick James for KS State Representative 4th District
Rick James is a Republican candidate for the 4th district House of Representative, a position currently held by Trevor Jacobs. Trevor announced that he is not seeking another term.
Rick is passionate about protecting the conservative values of fellow Kansans. He understands that freedom is not merely a privilege but a birthright. He was raised in La Cygne, Kansas where he attended La Cygne elementary school and graduated from Prairie View High School in 1981. He entered the Marine Corps a few short days later serving a 30-year career. This career included serving in Desert Storm, Haiti, Iraqi Freedom, serving on embassy duty and as a Marine Drill instructor. He achieved the rank of Sergeant Major and was awarded the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. He also obtained a bachelor’s and a master’s Degree from the American Military University.
There was never a doubt, that he would return to Eastern Kansas. He moved his family to a small farm near highway 69 in 2008 and completed his Marine Corps career at Richard Gebauer Base in Belton. He retired a decorated Marine in 2011.
Since retiring from the Marine Corps he opened two local businesses, Semper Fi Auction Services and Bravo Realty. The Marine Corps instilled a dedication to serving his community. In 2014 he ran for the district 1 Linn County Commissioner. He served 2 full terms from 2014-2022. He did not seek reelection for a third term because, he believes there should be term limits in government at all levels.
He has a personal interest in Kansas, he was a military leader and a small Business owner. He has conservative views!! He believes in the right to bear arms, he is pro-life, he believes in a smaller government and reduced taxes.
Politicians represent the people they serve, and he takes that very seriously! He would appreciate your vote on August 6. Click here to follow him on Facebook. Semper Fi and God Bless!
Paid for by Rick James for KS State Representative.
End of Summer Craft Event on Saturday July 27
Fort Scott River Room, 3 W. Oak St., is the site of a Second Annual End of Summer Craft Creations event on July 27 from 10 a.m .to 4 p.m.
Food, Drinks, Crafts are offered for sale.
“We will have tees, hats, purses, wallets, trendy bags, bookmarks, keychains, pens, keychains, lanyards, scarfs, crochet baby booties, scrubbies, ponchos, wooden crafts,” said Cathy Bishop, event coordinator.
“Brick Street will have food and drinks available upstairs and off of their menu.”
“The bake sale is a fundraiser for the High School Volleyball Team selling all sorts of goodies.”
Vendors are still being accepted.
For more info
Email: [email protected]
620.224.8289
USD 234 New Teachers: Howell, Motley, Weddle
This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 22 new teachers and two new administrators in the district.
School starts for students on August 16.
There are five campuses in the district:
- Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
- Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-grade students)
- Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
- Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
- Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)
The district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members, according to its website.
Carolien Howell, 49, is a new second-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She has a varied teaching experience.
- First-grade teacher for 3 years at Grace Christian Academy in Saipan, Mariana Islands
- PE/Art teacher for grades 1-5 for one year at Grace Christian Academy in Saipan, Mariana Islands
- Third-grade teacher for 4 years at Grace Classical Academy, Springfield, MO
- Fourth-grade teacher for 1 year at Polk County Christian School, Bolivar, MO
- Substitute teacher in Wyoming elementary schools for 2 years.
- Substitute teacher at Meadowlark and George Nettels Elementary Schools for 3 years.
She is involved in her church, Family Life Assembly of God in Pittsburg as a pre-kindergarten teacher, works with youth Sunday School, life group leader and host, and on the refreshments team.
Her husband, Bill Howell, works as the director of Family and Children’s Services at Crawford County Mental Health and they have been married for 27 years.
They have two sons. Liam, 14 years old, attending Pittsburg High School as a freshman, and Karsten,12, a 7th grader at Pittsburg Community Middle School.
“The rest of my family lives in the Netherlands, which is where I am from,” she said.
“I think that the best part of being an educator is seeing the growth in the students,” she said.
There are many challenges to being an educator, she said.
“One of the biggest challenges is managing and helping all the students when there are so many needs within the classroom.”
Aubri Motley, 28, will be a new special education teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
” I graduated from Ottawa University with a bachelor of arts in elementary education and three years of experience as a para-educator in a school setting.”
She and her husband Levi have three children together and live on a small ranch with three dogs and a cat.
“From my experience as a para I think the best thing about being an educator is when you see the “aha moment” from a student because whatever they are learning is starting to click,” she said. “I am sure I will come across many challenges as a first-year educator but I am ready to tackle all of the challenges head-on.”
Codee Weddle, 25, is a new fourth-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.
At Fort Scott Community College she earned an Associate in Science, from Ottawa University and a Bachelor’s in Arts in Education.
She was a paraprofessional for five years at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She is a member of Fort Scott Nazarene Church, and she and her husband, Dalton, have two sons Porter (3) and Kallum (9 months).
“I love interacting with the kids and watching them feel excited about learning!” she said.
“A challenge I have had in the past is not being able to help more outside of school. Knowing what they go through and then expecting them to come to school as if everything is okay is heartbreaking.”
Minutes of the July 15 Bo Co Commission Meeting
July 15, 2024 Monday, 4:00 p.m.
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Michael Hoyt, Anne Dare, Jean Tucker, Mike Wunderly, and Pete Owenby were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 7-8-2024. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
The meeting began with a budget discussion with multiple departments presenting their 2025 budget requests.
Bill Martin, Sheriff, said they are trying to find ways to find money and discussed the juvenile detention contract with Girard which is budgeted for $90,000 annually. Bill said he can reach out to detention centers to get rates if the Commissioners would like him to. Bill stated that in 2023 there was a total of 186 days where there were juveniles in the detention center. Tiana McElroy said the juvenile offender law has changed and it is more reformatory and not like adult criminal law. Tiana said that the ultimate goal is to find other placement for juveniles instead of holding them while their case is pending and Bill said it is based upon the offense the juvenile has done. Bill said he is trying to think outside of the box to save money. Clifton asked where else the juveniles would go, is there availability, and what the cost would be. Bill stated that Johnson County, Wyandotte County, and Douglas County have juvenile detention centers. Tiana said you might be able to negotiate with Girard or the other detention centers.
The Sixth Judicial District Court with Court Clerk Michelle Sharp saying the biggest request for next year was new recording equipment. Michelle said they currently do not have a reporter so the next best thing is to have this program so that they can start having jury trials. Michelle said they reduced several items including jury cost and microfilming as they are starting to back scan their documents. Michelle said that they increased the amount for juvenile GAL as there are several conflicts that require them to go outside of their contract attorneys to find an attorney. Michelle said they are asking for a total of $13,000 more than this year. Jim said they are doing a good job trimming their budget. Judge Mark Ward said it is required by law to record everything in a court proceeding and they had a court reporter paid for by the state, but she retired and there is currently a nationwide shortage of court reporters.
Matt Quick, Appraiser, and Susan Walker, CFO, discussed the Appraiser’s budget request. Due to the NRP distribution corrections the equipment reserve fund is depleted to approximately $20,000 and they are trying to build that back up. They plan on $10,000 for the equipment reserve fund and $11,000 for employee raises. Matt is asking for $206,000 and stated that they should have money come back after the NRP corrections that could offset some the costs. Currently the software is not figuring the 5% administration fee for NRP correctly and the company is working to correct this.
Tiana McElroy, County Attorney, and James Crux, Assistant County Attorney, presented their office’s 2025 budget of $463,000. Tiana said they are not asking for any more for commodities or contractual services. Tiana explained how they only have two full-time prosecutors who are trying to cover for four judges. Tiana is asking for a part-time attorney and a full-time legal assistant as the three assistants in her office are working nights and weekends to try to keep up with the schedule as a lot of things must be done in a certain timeframe.
Susan explained the revenue neutral rate intent form that must be completed and turned into the County Clerk by Friday. Susan said that you need to protect the cash carryover going forward so if a disaster occurs it will be available. Jim said he would support staying at 59.907 mills and Brandon agreed. Clifton said there are a lot of increases that he won’t vote yes on. Jim said the Sheriff and road and bridge department could get trimmed as well as some others. Clifton discussed the Clerk and Treasurer’s budget with Susan explaining the Treasurer is only asking for an increase of 15% for publication costs and the Department of Labor increase. Susan stated the Clerk and Treasurer are underpaid and used the same comparable places that the Sheriff used earlier this year. Jim discussed the Clerk budget request with Susan as she is running for the position. Susan said she is asking for $12,000 for a part-time person and additional for budget preparation in addition to the normal duties of the Clerk. Susan said she will be taking a pay cut and that she was told she was wanted in one of those positions. Jim agreed and said he has said she would be good as an elected official. Jim made a motion to stay at 59.907 mills and sign the revenue intent form that it is Bourbon County’s intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Brian Allen, Emergency Manager, said he received the declaration from the President for the recent storm and flood damage.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, and Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, presented their 2025 budget stating they will remain the same as last year which will be two years in a row. Jim said they’ve done a great job with road repairs. Eric said that sales tax is down close to the 2020 amount, and they may have to re-evaluate their projects. Dustin said that the decisions regarding projects will be up to the Commissioners. Eric said that the majority of 2025 will be for flood clean up and repair as there is significant damage. Dustin said it will take a lot of time and unfortunately some inconvenience however they will notify residents of any proposed road closures. Eric said that the public can monitor the Bourbon County Facebook page as they try to get all closures posted there and on the radio. Michael Hoyt asked how they would handle the repairs and FEMA reimbursement and asked if the county will get a bond. Susan said that they wouldn’t get a good rating on a bond or even be able to obtain one. They are currently using the special projects fund for all repairs relating to the flood and storm damage. Eric said that it will be a reimbursement and that he was just informed so he will get more information from KDEM and KDOT relating to payouts.
Michael Hoyt asked about the increase for the election fund and what the issues is with the machines. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, said that when the prior Clerk purchased the equipment that depleted the reserve fund to $293 so she had to ask for an increase to cover the yearly software maintenance fee which is around $18,000. Jennifer stated the annual fee for this year was included in the purchase price. During the sales tax election some machines were slow accepting ballots, so Jennifer had the equipment company inspect each machine’s rollers and scanner to ensure the new equipment is working as it should be. Jennifer explained a representative from the company will be onsite for the Primary and General elections at no cost to the County. Michael asked if the machines were counting properly and Jennifer assured him yes, they have not had any issues with the counts. Jennifer explained how after each election an audit is held where a percentage of each precinct’s ballots are hand counted publicly by an appointed board and that count is matched to the machine count. At each of the audits she has held the hand count has matched the machine count. Michael said he has submitted a petition to the Clerk and County Counselor to increase the number of Commission seats from 3 to 5. Michael said they plan on holding petition signing events.
Susan Walker said there is a renewal for KWORCC, and they must now have a safety committee and hold monthly inspections. The Commissioners will decide who is on the safety committee. There is an option to have safety policies in place and hold meetings to lower the rates. Brandon suggested we check our handbook and see if we have policies in place that would help us with our rate. Eric Bailey said they have someone with KCAMP and KWORCC who does inspections. Susan said they have to be held monthly now. Jim made a motion to appoint Eric Bailey as safety inspector. Brandon seconded the motion. Clifton said he wants Eric to talk with the Sheriff and David. Susan the Commissioners will have to form a committee and Jim suggested bringing back a list of members and the safety needs.
Brian Allen, Emergency Manager, presented a mitigation plan that is optional to join so in the future if an opportunity arises to obtain reimbursement the County will be able to request funding. Brandon made a motion to adopt and sign the mitigation plan which is laid out in Resolution 08-24. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, said they received the new ambulance last week. Teri said they have a 2001 Ford E450 which they have listed as number 890 that they would like to list on auction site Purple Wave or govdeals.com. Clifton made a motion to allow Teri to put number 890, a 2001 Ford E450, on Purple Wave or govdeals.com and it is up to her discretion which one she chooses. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session before the Commission comments section. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to include all three Commissioners and will return at 5:16. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session with no action at 5:16. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Brandon said that solar questions eats up all his time and said that FEMA and the EPA has standards for solar and he would like to hold off on them until somebody has standards they can go by. Jim said someone needs to get an independent lawyer to step forward and file an injunction upstairs then the judge will send the Commissioners paperwork. Jim stated that he thinks these folks need to help themselves. Bo Casper asked why does it have to come down to us suing for our independence. Jim said they will not be having a solar discussion tonight. Clifton said that RNR is absurd, and people should be offended by it and that our legislatures voted for this. Jim said by going with 59.907 it leaves mill levy flat and they can continue to trim the budget. Clifton said they should be getting bids and that may help lower insurance costs. Susan stated they are getting bids. Jim said they will need to schedule work sessions and asked Susan to have a printout for every budget.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:27. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________,Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Amber Page, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
7-22-2024 Approved Date
Gathering Square Pavilion Will Be Painted July 24-26
ATTENTION: Sprouls Construction will be at the Gathering Square Pavilion starting tomorrow afternoon to paint the steel beams. They will be blocking off the parking lot under the pavilion on Wednesday afternoon, Thursday, and Friday. If you are going to enjoy the Splash Pad on these days please use the parking to the north and south of the Splash Pad.
It will be available for the Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning.
Thank you for your patience.
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
620-223-0550 ext. 210
Fort Scott Sales Tax Holiday August 2-4
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Chamber Coffee Hosted By KRI and REDI
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New FSCC Athletic Director: Liza Erwin
Liza Erwin, 29, is the new Fort Scott Community College Athletic Director, with an office in the Arnold Arena building.
She began duties on May 23.
Erwin earned a Master of Education Sports Management from the University of Arkansas, and a Bachelor of Science Recreation Administration and Leadership Studies from Pittsburg State University.
She is entering year 12 in intercollegiate athletics, with varied experiences.
“I most recently won a National Championship and Big Ten Championship at Northwestern University. Before Northwestern I worked at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in Championship Operations, Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) a Division II Conference Office in Kansas City, The University of Arkansas in the Office of Student-Athlete Success, and at Pittsburg State University.”
Her professional accomplishments:
– Winning the 2023 DI Women’s Lacrosse National Championship with Northwestern University Lacrosse.
– Winning the 2023 Big Ten Women’s Lacrosse Tournament
– Winning the 2023 Big Ten Women’s Lacrosse Regular Season
– 2023 IWLCA Coaching Staff of the Year
– 2022 DI Women’s Lacrosse National Semifinalist
– Executed First NCAA Championship to Return post Covid-19 Pandemic Shutdown
– Executed first Neutral Site MIAA Volleyball Tournament
-Secured First Corporate Sponsorship for MIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament
– Chair of the Student-Athlete Experience Committee at the University of Arkansas
The duties of the current FSCC Athletic Director position are to lead the department she said.
About the college:
FSCC offers more than 35 fields of study, ensuring every student finds their passion. Earn credits to transfer to a four-year institution or pursue an associate degree or certificate, according to the college website.
FSCC Main Campus
2108 South Horton
Fort Scott, KS
620-223-2700
FSCC John Deere Technology
2301 S. Horton St.
Fort Scott, KS
620-223-2700
FSCC Miami County Location
501 S. Hospital Dr.
Paola, KS
913-294-4178
FSCC Pittsburg Cosmetology
813 N. Broadway St.
Pittsburg, KS
620-231-3690
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Technician Training Center
274 N. Industrial Dr.
Frontenac, KS
620-231-3819
FSCC Nursing Department
810 S. Burke St.
Fort Scott, KS
620-768-2908
Career and Technical Education Center of Crawford County (CTEC)
1301 E. 27th Terr.
Pittsburg, KS
620-232-5644
Southeastern Technical Academy for Rural Students (STARS)
1701 Laurel St.
Pleasanton, KS 66075
913-352-8534
Student Orientation is August 18, with classes starting on August 19.
To view current professional job openings: https://fortscott.edu/jobs/
Members of the FSCC Executive Team include:
Sara Sutton, Interim President
Missy Scott, Vice President of Finance and Operations
Sonia Gugnani, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Juley McDaniel, Director of Human Resources
Vanessa Poyner, Dean of Students
Liza Erwin, Athletic Director
Care to Share Golf Tournament: Golf, Auction, Raffle, Live Music on July 27
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Kansas Arts Commission Funds Creative Projects Across State: Two Fort Scott Recipients
Editor’s note: the following from Fort Scott have been awarded:
| Gordon Parks Museum Foundation | Bourbon | $16,000 | General Operating Support |
| Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Inc. | Bourbon | $6,800 | Visiting Artists |
TOPEKA — Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $1,295,450 has been awarded to 108 recipients in the latest round of Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) grant funding. The funds will support museums, arts education, music, dance, visual arts, professional and community theater, creative writing, murals, poetry and other creative projects.
Grants were awarded in 42 counties, with funding going to counties in rural locations such as Graham, Sheridan and Chase, as well as urban areas including Johnson, Sedgwick and Shawnee counties.
“It is important for the state to engage, connect and support the abundant creativity that can be found throughout Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kelly-Toland Administration knows strategic investments in the arts enrich our communities, strengthen our economy, and enhance our quality of life — all which make our state the best in the nation to live, work and play.”
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported in 2022 that arts and cultural production accounted for 2.2% of the Kansas economy (as a share of state GDP), contributing more than 41,000 jobs.
KAC awarded four types of grants:
- The Arts Everywhere grant provides funding for programs, exhibition, series or other arts and culture projects
- The General Operating Support grant funds the general operations of an arts organization
- The Visiting Artists grant brings professional artists to audiences for performances and community interaction
- The Public Art and Murals grant supports art that highlights community pride and local history
“We are grateful for the 57 volunteer panelists who help this process run effectively and efficiently,” Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said. “Because of their time and dedication, we are able to fund a wide array of community projects across Kansas.”
Funding for Kansas Arts Commission grants comes from the Kansas Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
To view the full list of recipients, click here. To learn more about the Kansas Arts Commission or funding opportunities, click here or contact Ben Stanton at [email protected] or (785) 213-5959.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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Obituary of Donald “Butch” Hutchison
Donald “Butch” Keith Hutchison age 81, a resident of Fort Scott Kansas, passed away at his home Sunday July 21, 2024. He was born in Nevada, Mo on September 15, 1942, to Fred and Leota (Withrow) Hutchison.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Frederick Hutchison. Butch graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1960 and then served in the US Navy for 3 years.
He returned to Fort Scott and worked at John Deere for many years, then worked at P&M Coal company in Lacygne Ks, then Kemmerer Wyoming. He retired, returning to his farm in Fort Scott, Ks, where he loved to farm, hunt and fish, while assisting his community as a mechanic.
Butch married his wife, Karen (Dunsworth) on June 10th, 1962, in Hammond, Kansas.
Don is survived by his wife Karen of the home, daughter Donna (Hutchison) Hughes, husband Wade of Neosho, Mo, Cindy (Hutchison) Turner, husband Bill of Millington, Tennessee, and son, Brian Hutchison and Natasha of Fort Scott, Ks. Sister Kay Arnold of Fort Scott, Ks and brother Denny Hutchison of Wyoming. Grandchildren Michael Hutchison (Amy), Amanda Steffen (Sam), Brent Cagle, Brandy Hutchison, Elijah Lindo, Braydon Hutchison, and Andrew Hutchison. 9 Great grandchildren, along with multiple nieces and nephews.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Private family burial will take place at the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel
. Memorial are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project 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.