Monthly Archives: January 2025

Business, Fort Scott, Government

Five Fort Scott Businesses Awarded Federal Solar Energy Grants

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Five local businesses were awarded  Rural Energy for America Program grants it was announced today by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Director for Kansas Rural Development Christy Davis

According to a press release,  Rural Development is funding 54 projects to generate clean energy and improve energy efficiency in Kansas.

The $5,883,731 in investments are made through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

 

“Expanding clean energy production benefits working families and small businesses in Kansas. These projects are strengthening our energy independence and helping rural small businesses take control of their energy needs,” she said in the press release.

 

The five Fort Scott recipients:

A $48,684 grant will assist Great Expectations Restoration LLC purchase and install a 33.57 kW solar system. Great Expectations Restoration is a remodeling company in Fort Scott. This project is expected to replace 43,075 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power four homes.

 

A $34,365 grant will assist Hole in the Wall Enterprises LLC purchase and install a 23.7 kW solar system. Hole in the Wall Enterprises operates a liquor store in Fort Scott. This project is expected to replace 32,490 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power three homes.

 

A $19,995 grant will assist T.E. Freeman Studio LLC purchase and install a 13 kW solar system. T.E. Freeman Studio is an art dealer in Fort Scott. This project is expected to replace 18,091 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power one home.

 

An $11,357 grant will help Baja Management Corp. purchase and install a 4.51 kW solar system with a 9.9 kW battery backup. Baja Management Corp. owns a building which leases space in Fort Scott. This project is expected to replace 5,825 kWh of electricity per year.

 

A $61,177 grant will assist 110 South Main LLC purchase and install a 50 solar system. 110 South Main is a restaurant in Fort Scott. This project is expected to replace 46,227 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power four homes.

 

The details of the other Kansas projects in the press release are:

  • A $35,400 grant will assist Kandy Rushing purchase and install a 24 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Kandy Rushing operates Grow at Eden childcare center in Iola. This project is expected to replace 29,260 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power two homes.
  • A $12,258 grant will assist Kandy Rushing purchase and install an upgraded heating, ventilation, and cooling system. Kandy Rushing operates Grow at Eden childcare center located in Iola. This project is expected to save the business 8,996 kWh of electricity per year.
  • A $61,936 grant will help Tony’s Lawn Care & Irrigation Inc. purchase and install a 44 kW solar system. Tony’s Lawn Care is a rural small business located in Neosho County. This project is expected to replace 53,834 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power four homes.
  • A $1,000,000 grant will help High Plains Ag Energy LLC construct an anaerobic digester in Scott County. The anaerobic digester will produce an estimated 60,548 MMBTU of renewable natural gas per year.
  • A $56,357 grant will help Mull Investments LP upgrade three irrigation wells from natural gas-powered units to electric powered units. Mull Investments is an existing ag producer in Kiowa County. The new system is expected to save $7,507 per year.
  • A $93,957 grant will help Tony’s Construction Inc. purchase and install a 66 kW solar system. Tony’s Construction is a rural construction company in Chanute. This project is expected to replace 85,080 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power seven homes.
  • A $97,500 grant will assist Sonic Drive-In of Iola, Kansas LLC purchase and install a 60 kW solar system. This project is expected to replace 81,710 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power seven homes.
  • A $78,000 grant will assist Sonic Drive-In of Chanute, Kansas Inc. purchase and install a 48 kW solar system. This project is expected to replace 68,470 kWh per year, enough energy to power six homes.
  • A $324,498 grant will help Shaw Feedyard Inc. purchase and install a 192 kW solar system. Shaw Feedyard is an existing ag producer located in Clark County. This project is expected to replace 311,529 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power 28 homes.
  • A $23,780 grant will help For Sale By Owner Inc. purchase and install a 16.4 kW solar system. For Sale By Owner is a used car dealer in Chanute. This project is expected to replace 17,135 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power one home.
  • A $99,540 grant will help Iola Pharmacy Inc. purchase and install a 71.1 kW solar system. This project is expected to replace 99,645 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power nine homes.
  • A $99,750 grant will assist Millers Inc. purchase efficient LED lights. Millers is a commercial printing company in Pittsburg. This project is expected to save $50,770 per year. It will replace 643,014 kWh per year, enough energy to power 59 homes.
  • A $15,997 grant will help Rowe Motors LLC purchase and install a 10.66 kW solar system. Rowe Motors is a motor vehicle dealer in Chanute. This project is anticipated to produce 14,672 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power one home.
  • A $25,604 grant will help Augusta Family Practice purchase and install an 11.5 kW solar system. Augusta Family Practice is an established medical practice in Augusta. This project is expected to replace 14,916 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power one home.
  • A $31,508 grant will help SNS Tire & Auto LLC purchase and install a 21.73 kW solar system. SNS Tire & Auto LLC is a tire dealer in Chanute. This project is expected to replace 29,858 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power two homes.
  • A $99,995 grant will help SF Automotive Chanute LLC purchase and install a 74.62 kW solar system. This project is expected to replace 101,235 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power nine homes.
  • A $19,275 grant will assist Brown Heating & Cooling Inc., an HVAC business in Parsons, purchase and install an 11.85 kW solar system. This project will realize $2,240 per year in savings and will replace 13,245 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power one home.
  • A $190,000 grant will assist Alexander Manufacturing Company Inc. purchase and install a 154 kW solar system. Alexander Manufacturing is a metal fabricator in Parsons. This project is expected to replace 201,240 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power 18 homes.
  • A $69,800 grant will assist Lucius Associates Ltd. purchase and install a 50 kW solar system. Lucius Associates is a rural small business located near Chanute. This project is expected to replace 59,039 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power five homes.
  • A $57,500 grant will help Kimberly Stahel BDA Shirts and Such purchase and install a 19.4 kW solar system with a 37 kW battery backup. Shirts and Such is a screen-printing business located in Overbrook. This project is expected to replace 21,342 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power two homes.
  • A $150,827 grant will help Matcor Metal Fabrication Inc. purchase and install upgraded lighting, air compressor, and HVAC equipment. Matcor Metal is a sheet metal fabricator located in Independence. This energy efficiency improvement project is expected to reduce electrical consumption by 896,147 kWh, or 32.8 percent of the company’s energy use, enough energy to power 82 homes.
  • A $97,500 grant will assist Mission Construction Co. Inc. purchase and install a 64.99 kW solar system. Mission Construction operates a fueling station and convenience store in St. Paul. This project is expected to replace 78,210kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power seven homes.
  • A $98,553 grant will help Boles Ranch LLC purchase and install a 68.44 kW solar system. Boles Ranch is a cattle ranch located in Seward County. This project is expected to replace 124,120 kWh per year, enough energy to power 11 homes.
  • A $124,158 grant will help Hilltop Lanes purchase and install a more energy efficient heating, ventilation and cooling system and install additional insulation to the building. Hilltop Lanes is a bowling alley in Syracuse. The improvements are expected to save the business $4,242 per year in energy costs.
  • A $150,772 grant will assist Queen Enterprises LLC purchase and install updated refrigeration racks and LED lights. Queen Enterprises operates a supermarket in Paola. This project is expected to save $67,695 per year and reduce annual energy consumption by 686,314 kWh per year, enough energy to power 62 homes.
  • A $36,755 grant will assist South Baldwin Farms LLC of Baldwin purchase and install a 32 kW solar system. This project is expected to replace 48,943kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power four homes.
  • A $90,860 grant will assist the Rick C. and Diana L. Elnicki Living Trust with the purchase and installation of a 71.04 kW solar system to power an irrigation system. The Elnicki Living Trust is an ag producer near Pittsburg. This project is expected to generate 110,830 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power ten homes.
  • A $35,190 grant will help Gieringers Family Orchard & Berry Farm LLC purchase and install a 23 kW solar system. Gieringers Family Orchard is an agricultural producer near Edgerton. This project is expected to replace 35,564 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power three homes.
  • A $35,680 grant will assist Varekai Holdings Inc., of Overbrook, purchase and install an 18.13 kW solar system. This project is expected to replace 21,458 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power two homes.
  • A $70,000 grant will assist Sonic Drive-In of Independence Inc. purchase and install a 44.16 kW solar system. This project is expected to replace 61,020 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power five homes.
  • A $45,934 grant will assist 502 Lofts LLC, of Council Grove, purchase and install a 23.9 kW solar system. This project is expected to generate 36,023 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, enough energy to power three homes.
  • A $88,174 grant will assist Carlson’s Grocery Inc. purchase and install a 73.2 kW solar array. Carlson’s Grocery is a grocery store located in Marion. The project is estimated to generate 102,963 kWh per year and replace 19 percent of the facility’s annual energy usage, enough energy to power nine homes.
  • A $58,240 grant will assist Pfaff Signs LLC purchase and install a 33.3 kW solar array. Pfaff Signs is a graphic design shop in Goddard. The project is estimated to generate 48,630 kWh per year, enough energy to power four homes.
  • A $176,973 grant will assist Shree Jay Ginesh LLC purchase and install a 198.22 solar system. Shree Jay Ginesh is a hotel in Salina. The project is estimated to replace 851,805 kWh annually, 130 percent of the business’s annual energy needs and enough energy to power 78 homes.
  • A $59,989 grant will assist Jennifer L. Arneson purchase and install a 29.52 solar system with a battery backup. Jennifer L. Arneson runs a veterinary clinic in Junction City. The project will produce 41,388 kWh annually and replace 78 percent of the facility’s annual energy usage.
  • A $69,295 grant will assist Management & Maintenance Services Inc. purchase and install a 44.06 kW solar system. Management & Maintenance Services is a nonresidential property management company in Maize. The project is estimated to replace 54,683 kWh per year, enough energy to power five homes.
  • A $187,680 grant will assist Stainless Systems Inc. purchase and install a 220.8 kW solar array. Stainless Systems is a rolled steel shape manufacturer in South Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 323,308 kWh per year, enough energy to power 29 homes.
  • A $57,824 grant will assist Bravo Charlie Properties LLC of Salina, purchase and install a 29 kW solar system. The project is estimated to generate 39,377 kWh per year, enough energy to power three homes.
  • A $78,740 grant will assist American Hotels LLC of Salina, purchase and install a 74.2 kW solar system. The project is estimated to replace 112,273 kWh per year, enough energy to power 10 homes.
  • A $60,430 grant will assist PE Marina of Lawrence, purchase and install a 10.76 kW solar array with battery backup. The project is estimated to replace 15,000 kWh per year, enough energy to power one home.
  • A $185,000 grant will assist Flint Hills Industries Inc. of Hillsboro, purchase and install two 120 kW solar systems. The project is estimated to generate 366,015 kWh annually and replace 45 percent of the business’s annual energy needs.
  • A $54,021 grant will assist Weddle and Sons Inc. purchase and install an 899 kW solar system. Weddle and Sons Inc. is a commercial construction company in Manhattan. This project is estimated to generate 50.896 kWh per year, enough energy to power four homes.
  • A $450,000 grant will assist McShares Inc. purchase and install a 450 kW solar array. McShares Inc. is a food manufacturer in Salina. The project is estimated to replace 618,961 kWh per year, enough energy to power 57 homes.
  • A $122,500 grant will assist HABCO Inc. purchase and install a 140 kW solar array. HABCO is a contractor in Salina. The project is estimated to replace 182,785 kWh per year, enough energy to power 16 homes.
  • A $137,828 grant will assist Color By Design Inc. purchase and install a 74.8 kW solar system. Color by Design is a paint and home improvement store in Hutchinson. The project is projected to produce 118,119 kWh annually and will replace 100 percent of the facility’s annual energy usage.
  • A $164,724 grant will assist Stinger Inc. purchase and install a 140.6 kW solar array. Stinger Inc. is a farm machinery and equipment business in Burrton. The project is estimated to replace 201,119 kWh per year, enough energy to power 19 homes.
  • A $215,000 grant will help I & I Enterprise LLC purchase and install 84 kW and 100 kW solar arrays. I & I Enterprise is a lessor of non-residential buildings in Salina. The project is estimated to replace 201,943 kWh per year, which is enough energy to power 19 homes.
  • A $90,388 grant will assist Schwartz Farms Inc. of Longford, replace heat lamps with heat mats. The project is estimated to save 202,326 kWh per year, enough energy to power 18 homes.
  • A $26,453 grant will assist Gordon W. Schmidt Trust purchase and install energy efficient irrigation equipment. Schmidt Trust operates a corn farm in Inman. The project is estimated to save 13,212 kWh per year, enough energy to power one home.
Gordon Parks Museum

“I Have A Dream” Lunch & Learn Tribute Reading Event 12-1pm Free Event at Gordon Parks Museum Today

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Sending on behalf of Chamber member…..

Gordon Parks Museum’s upcoming community events to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.

Wednesday, January 15th

“I Have A Dream” Lunch & Learn Tribute Reading Event

12-1pm

Free Event

Lunch: Soup, Drinks, & Desserts provided by Great Western Dining.

Located at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

2108 S. Horton St.

Monday, January 20th

“Canned & Non-Perishable Food Drive” Located at Gordon Parks Museum

2108 S. Horton St.

Donations will be accepted at the museum from 9am-2pm

Monday, January 20th

“The Power of Imagery and Civil Rights Experience”

Lunch & Learn

12-1pm

Free Event

Lunch provided by Dunk’s BBQ.

Drinks & Desserts provided by Great Western Dining.

Located at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

2108 S. Horton St.

Click HERE to visit the Gordon Parks Website.

Click HERE to follow the Gordon Parks Facebook Page.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Presbyterian Village on January 16

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Fort Scott

Presbyterian Village
Thursday, January 16th

8am

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village

2401 S. Horton St, Fort Scott, KS
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, January 16th at 8am hosted by the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served along with a giveaway drawing.

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village will be discussing their Angel Tree Appeal Campaign Fundraiser for their Good Samaritan Program. This program is a holiday season fundraising tradition that helps any resident who may have outlived their assets through no fault of their own. Visit the website www.presbyterianmanors.org/angel-tree/ to donate. You may reach out with questions to Marla Heckman, 620-223-5550 or [email protected] This program will conclude on January 18, 2025.

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village would like to remind the community of their 2025 Art is Ageless competition coming up in February. This event is an art competition that will exhibit all forms of art from drawing, fiber arts, mixed media/crafts, needlework/quilting, painting, photography, sculpture/3D, and more! This contest is open to all artists 65 and older. Amateur and Professional non-juried artists of all ages are welcome to exhibit. The deadline for entry is March 14, 2025. The art will be displayed on exhibit from March 19-April 2, 2025 in the first and second-floor lobby at the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village. The final reception event will be on March 25, 2025, 5:30-7pm in the Presbyterian Village Dining Room where a light dinner will be provided.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.

To visit Fort Scott Presbyterian Village’s

Facebook page click HERE!

Click HERE to donate to the Angel Tree!

(Last day to donate is January 18th.)

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

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

Obituary

Amended Obituary of Joseph Michael Grieshaber

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Editor’s note: the venue for the funeral has changed.

Joseph Michael Grieshaber, age 52, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Friday, January 10, 2024, at his home following a brief fight with cancer.  He was born November 3, 1972, in Neosho, MO, the son of Michael and Kathy Miller Grieshaber.  Joey worked as a youth minister for several years before becoming an EMT.  Upon the death of his wife, Jamie Channel, he changed direction and became a schoolteacher.  He was currently employed at Uniontown, KS teaching 6th grade and coaching football.  Joey married Stephanie Krieger on February 27, 2022.  Joey enjoyed all things outdoors, including hunting, fishing, and camping.  He was deeply involved with Highland Games and that community.  He loved spending time with his family.

 

Survivors include his wife Stephanie of the home; nine children, Petra Johnston (Caleb) Raytown, MO, Titan Grieshaber, Kansas City, MO, Adrianna Krieger, Joplin, MO, Amayah Rodriguez, Joplin, MO, Alexandria Boyd (Gauge), Joplin, MO, and Ryder Cosens, Truman Burns, Kyser Grieshaber, and Riggs Grieshaber, all of the home; his mother, Kathy Villa (David), Bakersfield, CA; and 2 brothers, Austin Vill (Maddie), and Pierce Villa (Cynthia), both of Bakersfield, CA.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Jamie; a sister, Melissa Cooper; and his father.

 

There was cremation.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, January 18th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Joey Grieshaber 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 b

Fort Scott, Schools

News Release of USD234 Board Meeting on Jan. 13

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, January 13, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

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

Board Minutes

12-09-24

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – December 20, 2024 – $1,735,450.74

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

 

Terry Mayfield, Assistant Superintendent, recognized the District Tech Team. Stephen Mitchell, Bryce Daly, Joe Foulk, and Landon Hill were thanked for them for their role in keeping the district running smoothly. They are behind the scenes a lot of the time, but they are hardworking and are able to help in an effective and timely matter.

Joe Foulk, Landon Hill, Stephen Mitchell, Bryce Daly. Submitted photo.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on a PowerSchool data breech that occurred earlier but thanks to our security there was not any data that has been accessed.

The Hydroponics Farm is being delivered this week to the High School. He also reported on a couple grants that the district will be working with area schools to complete.

 

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with an update on the football field that is close to being completed. IT has been working hard on upgrading our district systems. He also updated on the Cell Tower Lease and Keyhole property. Wrestling has been moved to the Middle School until the heat can be fixed.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the Board on starting a monthly new employee orientation that will begin this week.

Dr. Johnson, the Middle School Principal, brought an update to the Board about all the remarkable things happening at the Middle School. He reported and thanked the staff for their dedication and hard work. Through this, they have seen great growth in the students. Tracy Homan reported on STUCCO and how they are learning to become leaders. They have helped with teacher appreciation, and Veterans’ Day Assembly, and are going to be working on the yearbook. She said the students are excited and have attended the Greenbush Leadership Conference. Kerri Hanson gave an update on the social emotion aspect and how they were able to have a Career Fair in October with thirty-one presenters. Whitney Beth and Jessica Steury talked about the AP schedule and the advantage of being able to help those students who may be behind. They are excited about the growth in confidence that this schedule has given the students. Staci Black and Adam Feagins presented about Project Lead the Way (PLTW). PLTW is an activity, project, problem-based learning approach. This is a hands-on experience that will build on different subjects as they head toward high school. Overall Middle School students are working extremely hard and there are many exciting things that are taking place for the growth of the students.

 

There are two open board seats that have been posted. Applications will be taken until the Board Meeting held on January 20, 2025. At this meeting the board will interview those interested.

 

The Board Approved the following items:

  • Maintenance Truck Purchase
  • Hinton Creek Solar Contribution Agreement
  • Resolution 24-08 To Establish Regular Board Meetings 2025
  • Resolution 24-09 To Establish Election of School Board Officers

 

There were a few present during public forum.

Jerri Smith, Jessica Smith, Leslie Gordan, Erin Vann, and Kenna Miles were present to speak on behalf of wrestling members and parents. They are concerned about conditions where the wrestlers are practicing. Wrestling is a growing sport, and they are asking for more support and recognition. The Board heard the concerns and there was no further discussion at this time. Mr. Mayfield had in his report that they will be practicing in the Middle School until the heat is fixed or another solution is found.

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

January 14, 2025

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Chaplin, Mercedes – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Drake, Amy – Supplemental Retirement – Dance Coach – High School

Heenan, Kristen – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Large, Lahanna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Martin, Dave – Assistant Swimming Coach – High School

Murrow, Janelle – Retirement – Title 1 Reading – Eugene Ware


EMPLOYMENT:

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Brown, Afton – .5 Para Middle School/.5 Para General Ed –

Newman, Ronna – Paraprofessional – High School

Roberts, Victoria – Paraprofessional – Preschool

Rowe, Cynthia – Mental Health Intervention Liaison

Wright, Stacey – Paraprofessional – High School

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Corbitt, Cheyenne – Assistant Intramural Coach for 3rd quarter

Lancaster, Bridgett – Assistant Track Coach

 

 

 

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Update from Interim President Sara Sutton

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Sara Sutton from the Fort Scott Community College website.

The Fort Scott Community College administration used the community forums that they initiated last spring to tell interested community members about the upcoming reaffirmation visit this fall for the college’s accreditation, give departmental updates, and have open conversations, said FSCC Interim President Sara Sutton.

“During the open conversation, we gathered that the community would like the college to look into new career technical education programs and athletic programs and they voiced their appreciation for the communication we have been giving over the college as a whole. We plan on continuing these for the spring semester and dates will be released soon,” she said.

 

Classes Begin On January 21

The campus opened on Monday, January 6, but students won’t return in full force for the spring semester until classes start on Tuesday, January 21. After classes begin, the school will get a full count of the students, Sutton said. There are currently 25 teachers at the community college.

“Due to game schedules, many student-athletes, including men’s and women’s basketball and indoor track students, are back on campus already,” Sutton said.

Trustees and Admin Winter Retreat and Inservice

The FSCC Board of Trustees and the Executive team held a winter board retreat on Monday, January 13, to review the college’s strategic plan, set goals and objectives, and discuss board etiquette and higher education funding training opportunities.

“The board had their retreat yesterday,” Sutton said. “The strategic plan was reviewed, and nothing was changed or modified. We discussed the process for reviewing and revising when that time comes.”

One can view  the FSCC Strategic Plan: https://fortscott.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/FSCC-Strategic-Plan-2022_1.pdf

Five objectives listed in the strategic plan are  1) foster relationships with the communities they serve, 2) cultivate quality enhancements for education and learning, 3) promote student success, 4) develop fiscal responsibility, and 5) promote strategies for employee success.

“An in-service was held today, January 14th. Various topics were on the agenda, including leadership updates, accreditation training/conversation, ALICE training, CPR training, AI workshop, staff evaluation workshop, and other pertinent updates. FSCC has a reaffirmation visit for our accreditation in October of this year, and employees have been working diligently on this to prepare for our peer review visit.”

Leaders

The leadership team at FSCC is: Sonia Gugnani – Vice President of Academic Affairs, Missy Scott – Vice President of Finance and Operations, Vanessa Poyner – Dean of Students, Juley McDaniel – Human Resource Director, Liza Erwin – Athletic Director

Members of the trustee board: Bryan Holt (Chair), Doug Ropp (Vice Chair), John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Ronda Bailey, and Chad McKinnis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Here Are The Newly Sworn-In Bourbon County Elected Officials

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The newly sworn-in Bourbon County officials. Submitted photo.

The newly sworn-in Bourbon County elected officials are from left Sheriff Bill Martin, District 2 Commissioner David Beerbower, District Court Judge Mark A. Ward, District 3 Commissioner Leroy Kruger, Attorney James Crux,  and County Clerk Susan Walker. The submitted photo was from January 13.

County Commissioner District 1 Brandon Whisenhunt and Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge were unable to attend the ceremony and were sworn in by the County Clerk.

Gordon Parks Museum, History

Martin Luther King Jr. Events Are Announced

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Sending on behalf of Chamber member…..

Gordon Parks Museum’s upcoming community events to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.

Wednesday, January 15th

“I Have A Dream” Lunch & Learn Tribute Reading Event

12-1pm

Free Event

Lunch: Soup, Drinks, & Desserts provided by Great Western Dining.

Located at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

2108 S. Horton St.

Monday, January 20th

“Canned & Non-Perishable Food Drive” Located at Gordon Parks Museum

2108 S. Horton St.

Donations will be accepted at the museum from 9am-2pm

Monday, January 20th

“The Power of Imagery and Civil Rights Experience”

Lunch & Learn

12-1pm

Free Event

Lunch provided by Dunk’s BBQ.

Drinks & Desserts provided by Great Western Dining.

Located at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

2108 S. Horton St.

Click HERE to visit the Gordon Parks Website.

Click HERE to follow the Gordon Parks Facebook Page.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Bourbon County, Schools, Youth

Child Find Screenings Will Be On January 22 at West Bourbon Elementary, Uniontown

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USD 235 and SEK Interlocal 637 offer Child Find screenings to locate, identify, and evaluate all children who may have a disability in the areas of fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, communication, adaptive, and personal/social skills development.
For children ages 3-5, developmental screenings clinics will be offered at West Bourbon Elementary the morning of Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Appointments can also be made as needed in the months of September, December, February, and April.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for this screening clinic, please contact either Julie Akins or Jennifer Vaughn at (620) 235-3155.

Obituary

Obituary of Joseph Grieshaber

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Joseph Michael Grieshaber, age 52, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Friday, January 10, 2024, at his home following a brief fight with cancer.

He was born November 3, 1972, in Neosho, MO, the son of Michael and Kathy Miller Grieshaber.  Joey worked as a youth minister for several years before becoming an EMT.  Upon the death of his wife, Jamie Channel, he changed direction and became a schoolteacher.  He was currently employed at Uniontown, KS teaching 6th grade and coaching football.  Joey married Stephanie Krieger on February 27, 2022.  Joey enjoyed all things outdoors, including hunting, fishing, and camping.  He was deeply involved with Highland Games and that community.  He loved spending time with his family.

 

Survivors include his wife Stephanie of the home; nine children, Petra Johnston (Caleb) Raytown, MO, Titan Grieshaber, Kansas City, MO, Adrianna Krieger, Joplin, MO, Amayah Rodriguez, Joplin, MO, Alexandria Boyd (Gauge), Joplin, MO, and Ryder Cosens, Truman Burns, Kyser Grieshaber, and Riggs Grieshaber, all of the home; his mother, Kathy Villa (David), Bakersfield, CA; and 2 brothers, Austin Villa (Maddie), and Pierce Villa (Cynthia), both of Bakersfield, CA.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jamie; a sister, Melissa Cooper; and his father.

 

There was cremation.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, January 18th, at St. Paul’s Church, 2423 W. 26th St., Joplin, MO.

Memorials are suggested to the Joey Grieshaber 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.