All posts by Loretta George

Business, Fort Scott

Firstsource Transitions Employees to Work From Home And Plans A Move

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Firstsource is currently located in the Fort Scott Industrial Park. but is moving the office to town.

At a recent Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee event, Micheal Bryant announced that Firstsource Solutions USA, 4500 Campbell Drive, is transitioning to work-from-home for its employees.

The business leadership is also devising a plan to move from the industrial park to the city of Fort Scott and add more employees.

Micheal Bryant, Firstsource Solutions Vice-President of Operations. Submitted photo.

 

Bryant is vice president of operations for the business which provides for its’ clients services of claims adjudication, data entry and customer service calls.

 

“Firstsource has been deploying work-from-home for several years within the Fort Scott location,” Bryant said in an email interview with fortscott.biz.  “The opportunity for employees to work-from-home has been very well received by our team members.”

 

” The transition is a business decision that will improve our retention rates, employee satisfaction,  and performance of our team members,” Bryant said.

 

“The entire Fort Scott office will be involved in the migration,” he said. “There are other offices within Firstsource that are migrating to a work-from-home environment but (it is) not  a company-wide initiative.”

 

“The work-from-home staff will be providing services of claims adjudication, customer service, and data entry for our existing customers,” Bryant said.

 

At the Chamber Coffee, Bryant said the business would have a smaller footprint in Fort Scott.

 

“Firstsource is currently in negotiations on a small facility for training and meetings,” he said. “We hope to finalize the lease in the next couple of weeks. Once we have finalized the lease we will be able to communicate the new Firstsource location. The move is currently scheduled for late December of this year.”

 

The business will be moving from the industrial park.

“The current facility that we are negotiating with is within the city of Fort Scott,” Bryant said.

 

The business will also be adding more employees shortly.

 

“The alternative facility will be leveraged for the training of existing employees as well as new employees,” he said.  “The facility will enable Firstsource to continue to grow with the Fort Scott area. We have plans to add a significant number of additional staff members in the next several months.”

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New Winfield Scott First-Grade Teacher: Alexandra VanSickle

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Alexandra VanSickle. Submitted photo.
Alexandra VanSickle, 29, is a new first-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She received her education from Murray State University and Kansas State University and has previously taught fourth-grade.
VanSickle’s hometown is Murray, Kentucky.
“My husband, Carson Hunter, is the head football coach at Fort Scott Community College, that is what brought us to the area. We have four children: Liam, Izzy, Naomi, and Macy. We have just moved to the area in June. Previously, I was very involved in my church and local outreaches, I hope to establish the same relationships and opportunities to serve here in Fort Scott as I become more familiar with the area.”
Alexandra VanSickle and her husband Carson Hunter. Submitted photo.
How did you become an educator?
“I worked as a paralegal originally, and decided that wasn’t for me. After doing some volunteer work with young children, I realized my passion for helping students learn and succeed. I began working for the school district and went back to school as a non-traditional student.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“No one particular person, I have met a lot of incredible and inspiring teachers in my lifetime. I think my husband really encouraged and supported my dream to become a teacher though.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part of teaching for me is the relationships you build with the students, their families, and the amazing educators you get to work with.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“The greatest challenges would also be building those relationships, since I’m not from this area I think it will be a little more difficult to build relationships with students and get to know their families and background so I can better serve them. While the most challenging, I believe it to be one of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher.”
Bourbon County, Elections

Shaunn Pytlowany: Candidate for Bourbon County Treasurer, Candidate Forum Is TODAY

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Shaunn Ptylowany. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Today, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.  Doors open at 5:30  p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of federal, state, then local  candidates.

Shaunn Pytlowany, 49, is a candidate for Bourbon County Treasurer.

He graduated from LaVista High School, Fullerton CA.  He was a graduate and graduate assistant of Dale Carnegie training, a General Motors Mark of Excellence award winner, business management and financial training through Toyota, Ford, General Motors, Dodge.

” Professionally I have over 19 years experience in leadership and team building,” Pytlowany said. ” I’ve been a successful local business owner since 2006. Also, being that I’ve lived and have been active in the community for 26 years it’s given me the opportunity to develop strong working relationships with city and county officials.”

” If elected my past experience in the automotive industry along with operating a business would be a benefit,” he said.  “From inventory control, building and developing teams, and expense management.”

What would be your day one priority if elected?

“Analyze the current structure in the office,” he said. “Are the correct people in the correct positions? Develop a plan to increase the amount of daily transactions that are currently processed during the pandemic. Keep the office on budget by reducing the amount of times an outside auditor is needed in turn saving the taxpayers money.”

The following is information provided on the Bourbon County Kansas website.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election.  You may advance vote in one of two ways:  By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you   OR   in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.

Fort Scott, Schools

Breann Eden: New Winfield Scott Elementary Art Teacher

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Jon, Breann and Kenlee Eden. Submitted photo.
Breann Eden, 33, is the new Winfield Scott Elementary School art teacher.

 

Eden has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in Art Education, and four years teaching experience.

 

“This will be my fifth-year teaching,” she said.  “I started my teaching career with Nevada R-5 School District in Nevada, Missouri.  I was the art teacher at the elementary level(K-2) for two years and secondary level(6-8) for two years.”

 

She is a Fort Scott native, the oldest daughter of David and Jara Martin, and is married to a Jon Eden, who has a daughter, Kenlee Eden.
“Jon and I are awaiting the arrival of our first child together, due July 27th,” she said.

 

Eden has been involved with several organizations in Fort Scott.
“I am involved in the Bourbon County Arts Council and 2nd Story Arts Festival and I attend Community Christian Church,” Eden said.
“In my free time, you will find me spending time with my family, working on my house with my husband or creating art.”
How did you become an educator?
“After graduating from college, I worked for a non-profit that offered support to families with teenagers.  From there I began my master of arts in teaching and worked as a social worker. With these experiences, I fell in love with working with children, so I became an art teacher.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“The children I worked with in my past employment experiences have inspired me to become a teacher.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part of teaching art is providing opportunities for children to explore their creativity and think critically. I have enjoyed watching students develop their own ideas and then execute them through problem-solving and planning.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“My greatest challenge is finding time to be creative and to do all the things with my students and for my students that I want to do!”
Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Elections

Julie Saker: Candidate for Bourbon County Sheriff

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Julie Saker. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Monday, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.  Doors open at 5:30  p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of federal, state, then local  candidates.

 

Julie Saker, 54, is a candidate for Bourbon County Sheriff.
She has a high school/GED and took criminal justice classes at Fort Scott Community College.
“I have no experience in law enforcement,” Saker said. “But I have supervised/management experience. Twenty-five plus years in business.”
She has lived in Bourbon County for 30 years, she said.

What skills do you bring to the position if elected?

“Just be a good role model for my employees and the community.”
What is your priority on day one?
“To get acquainted with the staff and just keep learning as I go.”

The following is information provided on the Bourbon County Kansas website.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election.  You may advance vote in one of two ways:  By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you   OR   in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Walmart Donates Plants To Community Endeavors: Volunteers Needed To Plant

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From left: Brian Gillespie, Walmart Lawn and Garden Department Manager; Kristi Maycumber, Walmart Claims Supervisor and Alison Leach, community volunteer and an administrator of the Community Resources of Bourbon County Facebook page, stand in front of the donated plants. Submitted photos.
 Walmart Fort Scott had excess seasonal plants at this time of year they needed to get rid of.
 Walmart Claims Supervisor Kristi Maycumber, follows a group on Facebook, Community Resources of Bourbon County, administered by Alison Leach, Allen Schellack and  Kate Sweetser.
“When the garden department said they needed to get rid of perennials and annuals, I thought of Alison,” Maycumber said. We got a hold of Alison, she’s been trying to do some things for the parks (in Fort Scott).”
“Kristi Maycumber contacted me…on Tuesday, July 15th, from Walmart, regarding the opportunity to donate annuals and perennials to the community,” Leach said.
Leach began to search for those areas in the county that might benefit from the donation.
 “Gunn Park and Fort Scott bike trails entrances have been identified as an area for the donation,” Leach said.  “In a collaborative effort, I reached out to Fort Scott Garden Club, Barbara McCord, as they plant and maintain the downtown area and  (swimming) pool garden.  Their club will be identifying areas and choose selections from this donation. Nancy Holt, with the Uniontown Garden Club, was also contacted regarding the donation and any areas of need,  they declined at this time.”
“The total retail amount (of the donation) with 75% discount (the plants were on sale) is $1217,” Leach said.
Alison Leach, left, and Kristi Maycumber unloaded the plants in Leach’s back yard. Leach will keep them watered until they can get in the ground, with donated help.

 

Now, Leach said, volunteers are needed to get the donated plants in the ground.
“We would be very interested in volunteers to plant,” Leach said.    “Our challenges are that, with the heat, hard soil and lack of water accessibility, it can appear overwhelming.  However, we would like to stay positive and think of the long term benefit of highlighting our community settings with these donations.”
To volunteer, Leach can be reached at 620-215-2523.
Leach started the Community Resources of Bourbon County Facebook page on March 17, 2020, at the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic.

“Many people were contacting me via (Facebook) Messenger asking questions,” she said.  “I referred them to the Bourbon County Health Department and City of Fort Scott Facebook page, however, the messages kept coming.  I created the page and then asked a few people to assist in replying.”

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Kendell Mason: Candidate For Bourbon County Clerk

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Kendell Mason. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Monday, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.  Doors open at 5:30  p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of the federal, state, then local candidates.

 

Kendell Dawn Mason, 48, is the current Bourbon County Clerk and is running for re-election.

Mason is a graduate of Fort Scott High School and  Fort Scott Community College.

She has worked for over 15 years in the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office,  over seven of those years as the county clerk.

 

What skills do you bring to the position if re-elected?

“The knowledge and experience of working in the office for 15 ½  years.”

 

What is your priority on day one?

“To continue to work hard for the taxpayers of Bourbon County.”

 

The following is taken from the Bourbon County website:

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

The County Clerk is elected in November of Presidential Election years to a term of four years.  There are no term limits to this elected office.

The Bourbon County Clerk/Election Officer is responsible for a wide range of things under Kansas Law.  Some of those are listed here.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election.  You may advance vote in one of two ways:  By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you   OR   in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Director of Academics: Dalaina Smith

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Dalaina Smith is the new academic director at USD234. Submitted photo with her husband.
Dalaina Smith, 34, is the new USD 234 Director of Academics.
Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, Mathematics Major in  2008, a Master of Science in Reading, Reading Specialist Emphasis in 2012, Specialist in Education in Advance Studies in Leadership, General School Administration Emphasis in 2015 all from Pittsburg  State University. She then earned a  Master of Arts in Ministry Studies in 2018 from Lee University and in 2019 earned a Master of Science in Education Administration from Fort Hays State University.
” Following graduation, I taught high school math for the spring semester at Parsons High School,” Smith said. “I then accepted a position at Riverton Middle School teaching English Language Arts.  Later math and computer application courses were added to my schedule.  At RMS I was given the opportunity to begin working with teachers to document and align the district curriculum, this is when I realized that curriculum and instruction was my passion within education.  After seven years at Riverton, I accepted a position with Frontenac Schools to serve as the librarian, as well as the curriculum coordinator.  The past four years I had the opportunity to work with students in all grade levels, as well as work with teachers to lay foundational curriculum work.  I am excited to now begin my journey with Fort Scott! “
Her family includes husband, Jasyn,  and  “a modern-day Brady Bunch”, she said. ” Together, we have six kids, Huntyr, 20, Cartyr, 18, Lexy, 15, Lyndsy, 14, Bryar, 11, and Gunnyr, 9.”
Dalaina Smith and family. Submitted photo.
” As a family, we enjoy fishing, hunting, and church activities,” Smith said. “We’ve recently begun raising English Mastiffs and have three gentle giants: Mabel, Rooster, and Ellie.  These huge dogs don’t realize they’re not lap dogs!  With all our kids there is rarely any downtime, however, I enjoy making T-shirts in my quiet time.”
How did you become an educator? Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“My high school math teacher, Mrs. Davis, took even those who struggled and provided learning opportunities that allowed anyone to be successful,” she said.  “She provided encouragement and opportunities even for those that did not feel that it was deserved.  That was the kind of difference I wanted to make, the kind of hope I wanted to extend.  Then, working under the guidance of Dr. Becky Murray (who was previously my high school PE teacher), I began to understand that teachers needed that same encouragement and support.  She sought growth opportunities for herself and those on her team.  She lead and made you want to follow.  Every meeting began and ended with what’s best for students.  Her encouragement, personally and professionally, pushed me to pursue my education and career opportunities further.  I continue to aspire to be the kind of leader I had the opportunity to work with.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“For me, the best part of teaching and leading is seeing students and staff get passionate about the topic at hand.  It’s a privilege to get to work with educational experts and work to develop the best learning opportunities for all students.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“This year, no doubt will present some of the most unprecedented times in education,” Smith said.  “However, I am confident that the staff, students, and community will rally together to create the best learning opportunities for our students.”
Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Patty Love: Bourbon County Treasurer Candidate

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Patty Love. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Monday, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.  Doors open at 5:30  p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of federal, state, then local  candidates.

 

Patty Love is the current Bourbon County Treasurer and is running for re-election.
Love received an associate’s degree from Fort Scott Community College, a certificate of completion from Fort Hays State University as  Certified County Treasurer, a Certified Kansas County Finance Officer and will receive her third certification at the September state treasurer’s meeting.
  “I have worked for Bourbon County for nine years,” Love said. ” I started as a temporary employee in the register of deeds office, this led to a full-time position as a floater between with deeds office and the county clerks office, then I transferred to the county treasurer’s office.”
 ” I was deputy treasurer for five years before being appointed treasurer when Rhonda Dunn resigned,” she said. “I was elected treasurer in 2018 to complete Rhonda Dunn’s term.”
What skills do you bring to the position if re-elected?
 “I have worked in the other offices in the courthouse and understand how they work together.  I have eight years of experience in the treasurer’s office and am familiar with all operations of the office.”
What is your priority on day one?
“My priority is the same as it has been in the last 2 1/2 years which is to make sure that tax collection and vehicle registrations are carried out in an accurate, courteous and efficient manner while keeping office expenses within budget and to cut expenses where possible.”

The following is information provided on the Bourbon County Kansas website.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election.  You may advance vote in one of two ways:  By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you   OR   in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Prepares For School Year

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Ted Hessong. Submitted photo.

Preparations are being made for the next school year at USD 234, Fort Scott.

Among items on the USD 234 Board of Education on July 13 was a decision to keep the academic calendar the same as last year.

“The academic calendar is the same as it was last school year,” Ted Hessong, the superintendent, said in an email. ” At this time, we have not made any alterations to the academic calendar due to the pandemic.”

An additional nurse was added for duties at Fort Scott High School.

“The need for a fourth nurse has been a concern for the district to cover the high school,” Hessong said. “With the pandemic, the district made the commitment, working with Community Health Center, to add a fourth nurse for the high school.”

There have not been official decisions concerning the opening of school in the district, Hessong said.

“At this time we have not made any official decisions related to the opening of school buildings in August,” he said. “The district is working on alternate plans to possibly implement to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”

Here is the list of new teachers for the 2020-2021 school year in the district.

Larry Amer will teach high school art, Kaitlin Arnold will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School, Carissa Bowman will teach high school family and consumer science,  Breann Eden will teach art at Winfield Scott Elementary School,  Clint Heffern will teach high school social studies, Paulette Howard will teach gifted education, Danny Larsen will teach physical education at Eugene Ware Elementary School,  Melissa Miller will be the elementary instructional coach,  Shelly Sanborn will teach middle school special education, Torrie Singmaster will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School, Courtenay Slinkard will teach high school  English, Dalaina Smith is the director of academics,  Kate Sweyko is the high school special education teacher,  Reyna Valenzuela will teach high school English, Alexandra VanSickle will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
The board accepted the resignation of Kirstie Cox as Winfield Scott second grade teacher, Abigail Helt as the high school/middle school chorus teacher,  Jeanise Malone as central office accounts payable secretary,  Michelle Johnson as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional, Angela Christy as a Winfield Scott paraprofessional, Stacey Gingrich as a gifted paraprofessional and Bud Hall as a bus driver.

Linda Minor, Winfield Scott transferred from first-grade teacher to second-grade.

Krista Gorman, high school/middle school instructional coach’s contract was adjusted from 90% to 100% for the 2020-21 school year.

Breann Eden, Winfield Scott art teacher, was granted a leave of absence.

Harleigh Lowry was hired as a Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook for the 2020-21 school year.

Reemployment for the school year: Beth Alexander as a Winfield Scott Focus Room teacher,  Jered McKay as a Eugene Ware Behavior Specialist, and Daniel Long, as a high school paraprofessional.

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Elections, Government

Bill Martin: Candidate For Bourbon County Sheriff

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Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Monday, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.  Doors open at 5:30  p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of federal, state, then local  candidates.

 

Bill Martin, 54, is the current Sheriff of Bourbon County and is running for re-election.

 

His education includes Uniontown High School, an associate’s degree from Fort Scott Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University, and he attended graduate school at Missouri Southern State University.

 

Martin’s experience includes National Sheriff’s Institute, Aurora, CO;  Executive Level Management Education and Training Rural Executive Management Institute; a management education and training program designed to prepare rural law enforcement executives for the unique challenges, Session XLIV, St. Louis, MO; Kansas City Missouri Police Dept. Regional Training Center, over 3,000 hours of in-service training in the criminal justice and administration fields; Kansas Sheriff’s Academy 2020 Professional Development and Leadership Academy and FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.

 

Martin, in addition to being the current Bourbon County Sheriff, has served on the Kansas City, MO Police Department, the Pittsburg, KS Police Department, and the Fort Scott Police Department.

 

Martin served in the military in the following capacities: U.S. Army (Active Service), Kansas National Guard (Military Police), Primary Leadership Development Course,  and Basic Non-Commissioned Leadership Course.

 

What skills do you bring to the position if re-elected:

“I have maintained the same skill set, demeanor and decorum for the past eight years as the current sheriff, and even prior to my current position as the undersheriff for six years.”

 

What is your priority on day one?

“To continue to oversee and direct county law enforcement to the citizens of this jurisdiction, in the same effective matter has I have exhibited during my tenure.”

The following is information provided on the Bourbon County Kansas website.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election.  You may advance vote in one of two ways:  By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you   OR   in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.