All posts by Loretta George

Fort Scott Community College, Sports

FSCC Gets Grant To Grow Women’s Flag Football Program

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Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) has received a $10,000 grant from the NJCAA Foundation, NFL FLAG, and RCX Sports to grow a women’s flag football program, starting in spring 2023.

 

“The NJCAA Foundation is passionate about the value women’s flag football brings to institutions’ overall growth, the student-athlete experience, and equality across playing fields,” stated Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “This is an opportunity for women of the association to compete at the highest level and we are fortunate to work hand in hand with NFL FLAG and RCX Sports during this exciting time.”

 

In March, the NJCAA announced the $150,000 grant, provided by the NFL, to support the initiative of expanding women’s flag football. Since then, 11 grants have been awarded to NJCAA member colleges to grow the sport and encourage other two-year colleges to consider adding the program.

 

“RCX is dedicated to creating opportunities for all athletes to play and so that every child can gain important life skills only learned through sports,” said RCX Sports CEO and NFL FLAG Executive Director Izell Reese. “Through NJCAA women’s flag football, young women will not only be able to compete, they’ll earn a valuable education that will set them up for success after college.”

 

Women’s Flag Football has been a growing commodity across the nation and FSCC intends to provide an opportunity for these student-athletes to continue their passion for the sport while pursuing their education at the collegiate level.

 

“Fort Scott Community College strives to be a leader in the emerging sport world. Bringing women’s flag football to campus will provide a stellar opportunity for student-athletes to pursue their education.  We are excited to pave the path for the future of flag football within the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference,” says Tom Havron, Vice President of Student Affairs. “Within the next five years, we hope to see numerous Jayhawk schools add this emerging sport”.

 

Recruiting is underway for the inaugural class lead by head coach Aprell Williams. Students who have interest in being a part of the first flag football class at FSCC are encouraged to contact Coach Williams at [email protected].

 

“The NJCAA expanding NFL Flag opportunities for female student athletes at member institutions demonstrates clearly that football is for all,” said Executive Vice President of NFL Football Operations Troy Vincent, Sr. “The values, fun and competitive environment of football can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone who wishes to participate. It is exciting to see junior colleges offer NFL FLAG as a varsity sport to female athletes.”

 

For more information regarding the FSCC Women’s Flag Football program, please contact Tom Havron at [email protected]. Stay up-to-date by following us on all social media platforms.

 

 

ABOUT NJCAA FOUNDATION

The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service. 

 

ABOUT RCX SPORTS

RCX Sports is the premier youth-sports experiences business, running and operating leagues, camps, combines, tournaments and events.

 

RCX works with professional leagues, national governing bodies, sports-centric businesses and brands to reimagine youth sports experiences. RCX produces events with world-class partners including the NFL, Jr. NBA, NAIA, Rivals.com and the 2022 World Games.

 

RCX is committed to improving the accessibility and inclusivity of sports by enhancing the youth sports experience and creating opportunities for all athletes to play. We believe sports have the power to transform lives and that every athlete should have the opportunity to experience the value of sports. For more information, visit www.rcxsports.com.

 

ABOUT NFL FLAG

NFL FLAG is an NFL-licensed property of more than 1,600 locally operated leagues and over 500,000 youth athletes across all 50 states. NFL FLAG is a fun and accessible non-contact program available for girls and boys ages 5-17. Players benefit by being physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football as well as lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL FLAG.

 

Bourbon County, Fair, Food, Fort Scott

Beech Street Eats: A Full Restaurant on Wheels

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From left: Chasi Pickert, Kenna Smith, John Alley and Christy Montogo man the Beech Street Eats food trailer at the Bourbon County Fair.

A new restaurant on wheels started on Memorial Day 2021 by Wesley and Kenna Smith, called Beech Street Eats.

“My parents, Kenneth and Calen Alley, owned the Riverside Cafe in Belltown for 15 years,” Kenna Smith said. “We kids worked there.”

“I managed the Best Western OFF Club and restaurant from 1986 to ’89,” Smith said.

Her brother John Alley works as the cook in the new food trailer venture.

“John was grill cook at Mercy Hospital for 20 years,” she said. “My dad was a cook in the navy.  We’ve always done food. We are a family of cooks.”

“We decided on a 30-foot food trailer, so we can travel,” she said.

The 30-foot food trailer is a restaurant on wheels.

When they first started at the end of May, they were asked to do weddings and graduation parties,  and even the Good ‘Ol Days Festival, but wanted to get a little experience in the food trailer business first, she said

They park their food trailer on the east side of Lockwoods Motor Supply, located at 1523 S. National Avenue, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“But we might switch that up in the future,” Smith said.

The employees are herself,  her brother, John, her daughter Chasi Pickert and Cristy Montogo.

Mark Brillhart, a Bourbon County Fair Board member, asked the Smiths to provide food during the fair last week.

They had a steady stream of customers.

On the horizon for the business is providing food for special events and festivals, she said.

Beech Street Eats Food Trailer menu.

Some of their crowd favorite offerings are street burritos, Philly sandwiches, and quesadillas, she said.

“The street burrito is a 14-inch shell filled with steak, chicken, cheese, guac, homemade pico, salsa with steak fries,” Smith said. “It’s one of our best sellers.”

“For the quesadilla, we make our own pico, fresh every day,” she said. “We try to get our tomatoes and onions from the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market.”

For those craving a sweet dessert, they include homemade cherry cheesecake and homemade peanut butter pie to finish out a meal.

For more information or to phone an order: 620-224-8005.

 

Chasi Pickert and her mother Kenna Smith wait on customers, Lisa and Dale Griffiths, at the Bourbon County Fair on Wednesday. Griffiths is a member of the fair board.

 

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert: Faith Church Worship

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by Faith Church Worship, Garland. The four-piece band and vocalists will feature songs of today’s worship.

“These folks have a united desire to honor God with their musical talent,” concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Come out and join us for a special opportunity to see friends and enjoy some inspirational music. We are pleased to welcome Faith Church to the park pavilion.“

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. We are grateful to have Dave Oas, Parsons, serve as sound technician each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott July 16 Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
July 16th Weekly Newsletter
“BEAT THE HEAT” SHOPPING EVENT THIS WEEKEND!
On Saturday, Alicia Watkins will be selling Snow Cones in front of Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore and Offshore Tropix Boujee Softserve will be selling tropical fruit flavors of Pineapple & Strawberry and we located in the parking lot of
Bids & Dibs at
108 S. Scott St. Ste. C
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS!
Every Friday & Saturday!
50-minute Narrated Trolley Tour
of Historic Fort Scott. Every hour on the hour. Depart from the Fort Scott
Chamber at 231 E. Wall St.
Friday hours: 11 am until 3 pm
Saturday hours: 10 am until 3 pm.
$6 Adults & $4 for 12 yrs & under.
THE FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OFFERS DAILY GUIDED TOURS AT 10AM & 1PM, 7 DAYS/WEEK.
FREE – See more details below.
7/16 & 7/17 – “BEAT THE HEAT” Downtown & around shopping event. Vendors will be selling snow cones, popcorn, dole whip tropical fruit soft-serve. Click here for more details.
7/16 – First Presbyterian Church Summer Youth Night! Bring a bathing suit, towel & dry clothes. 6 pm. 308 S. Crawford St. Click here for more details.
7/16 – Junior Livestock Sale at the Bourbon County Fair, 7pm, great way to support youth, and great advertising for your business/organization!
7/16 – Friday Night Concert at Heritage Park Pavilion ~ Church of Christ, 7 pm. Click here for more details.
7/16, 7/19 & 7/20 – Museum of Creativity – OPEN PLAY SESSIONS. Admission – $3/person (free-4-1 yr old) Mon., Thurs. & Fri. 10 am/2 pm
Friday also at 4 pm – 8 pm. Click here for info.
7/16 – 7/22 – Fort Scott Cinema. Now showing: Space Jam, A New Legacy , F9: The Fast Saga, Black Widow. Click here for more info.
7/17, 7/19 & 7/20 – Museum of Creativity – Puppet Show & Open House “Beat The Heat”. Click here for info.
7/16 – Boiler Room Brewhaus presents Wade D. Brownback Live, 7-11 pm, click here for more info.
7/16 – CORNHOLE FUN AT HOLMTOWN PUB, EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT AT 6 PM. Click here for more information.
7/17 – Farmers’ Market, 8 am to noon, Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort. Bourbon County Democrats serving Breakfast on the Bricks this Saturday, click here for more info.
7/16 -7/18 – The Lavender Patch Farm To learn more about events & hours open,click here.
July Hours open daily. Thurs. thru Mon.
7/16 & 7/17 (last days) – Creative Crafts through Buck Run, youth ages 8-12 yrs., 1-1:45pm or 2-2:45pm, $10 per person, register through Buck Run.
7/16 – Livestock Judging Contest, 9am, Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
7/16 – Bourbon County Fair Buyers Appreciation Supper & Junior Livestock Sale., Supper 5:30pm, Sale 7pm, Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
7/17 – Fair Finale Concert by Bourbon County Revival, 6:30 pm, $5, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, see flyer below for more details.
7/17 – Puppet Show & Open House @ Museum of Creativity9:30 am – 1:30 pm. Shows at 10 am & 12 pm”The Noer Puppets ~ Eclectic Cabaret”
Click here for all the events during the Beat the Heat Event at the Museum of Creativity.
7/16 & 7/17 – Bourbon County Comedy Night Open Mic, click here for more info. 9-11 pm, new amateur comedian every 5 minutes, age 18+over.
7/19 to 7/22 – FSHS Boys Basketball Camp @ FSHS, 2nd-5th grade 1pm, 6th-8th grade 2:30pm, sign up at Buck Run, $40/kid.
SAVE THE DATE:
7/22 – Chamber Coffee, Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting hosted by The Hound Nutrition at 8 am at 116 S. Main St.
CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
Friday, July 23rd, click here to register!
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Downtown Fort Scott is booming!
Click here for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options are available…
SPIN classesnow offered bySmallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tu & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
Total Body Fitness ~ M & W Karen Reinbolt at BRCC@
8:15 am $20/8 week session.
Zumba~ M,W, F @ 6pm Monalynn Decker at BRCC $40 for a 12-week session.
Indoor Fitness/Gyms at
I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER BOOSTER MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
…

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Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For July 20

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: July 20, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

    MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM.

 

Call to Order

 

    • Flag Salute
    • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
    • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
    • Matt Quick – Resolution to Appoint an Interim Appraiser
    • Lynne Oharah – KCAMP
    • Michael Braim – Lynne Oharah’s outburst at Anne Dare in the last meeting
    • Jim Harris – Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships (10 minutes)
    • Mary Pemberton – Budget Comments
    • Tiana McElroy – Personnel
    • Elected Officials Comment
    • County Counselor Comment
    • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
    • Public Comment
  • Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

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

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

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

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

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

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

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 New Hires: Yasmina Query and Justin Robinson

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Yasmina Query. Submitted photo.

Yasmina Summer Query, 36, is the new Eugene Ware Elementary School Principal, replacing Stephanie Witt, who resigned.

Query has taught five years in fourth grade at Eugene Ware Elementary and prior to that nine years at Truman Elementary School in Nevada, MO.

She earned a Bachelors’s in Elementary Education and a Masters’s in Educational Leadership.

Her hometown is Fort Scott.

She is married to  Joshua Query owner of JDQ Construction, and who also with his father, Ronald Query, owns a nutritional store in Kansas City, called the Ultimate Sports Nutrition.

They have two boys, Mason,9 years old and will be in 4th grade, and Myron, 6 years old and who will be in 1st grade.

Outside of school, she loves to read and bake.

And “I volunteer with the children’s ministry at the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene. I help with Sunday School, and I am always a teacher for VBS.”

How did you become an educator?

“I knew in elementary school that I wanted to be a teacher. I attended Eugene Ware as a child and graduated from Fort Scott High School. My experience in school was such a positive one, that I knew I wanted to work with kids and create that positive school experience for them as well.”

 

Is there someone who inspired you?

“I don’t think I could bring it down to just one person. I had amazing teachers growing up. There wasn’t a building or grade level that I didn’t connect to at least one teacher. As an educator, I have worked for dedicated and supportive administers. I have also learned under such experienced and loving teachers. Each person who invested in me brought me to this moment, and my life is forever changed by them.”

What is the best part of teaching?

“The thing I love most about being a teacher is watching the successes of my students. My goal every year is that all of my students learn to believe in themselves. There isn’t a child out there who isn’t capable of greatness, and I want every student who has been in my class to know that they can do anything.”

What are the greatest challenges in teaching for you?

“The greatest challenges are when you feel like you haven’t done enough for your kids. Anyone who has been a teacher has had a tough kid. You want so much to help them fix everything in the nine months you have them, but sometimes you don’t see the work you have put in until years later. Teaching is full of joys but also heartaches because you care so much about your students.”

She starts her new position on July 19.

Justin Robinson and family. Submitted photo.
Justin Robinson, 41, is the new Fort Scott Middle and High School Band Director.
His hometown is Auburn, KS.
He has 18 years of experience at Southern Coffey County as a K-12 Music Teacher.
Robinson earned a BME from Pittsburg State in 2003, and a master’s degree from Emporia State in 2007,
He has been married to Angela for 18 years and has a daughter, Zoi, who will be attending her first year at Neosho County Community College this fall.

In his spare time, he likes to fish and play music.

” My family plays in a country/rock band based out of Iola,” he said.  “We also like to travel!”

How did you become an educator?
“I got a call that Pitt (Pittsburg State University)  needed a bassoon player and away I went! ” he said. ” I fell in love with music through marching and concert band in high school and it continued to grow during my education at Pitt.”
Is there someone who inspired you?
“My middle and high school band directors for sure, to get into education!”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“When the light bulb clicks with a child and the instrument in their hands!  Then getting to watch them develop into their potential and become the best musician they can.”
What are the greatest challenges in teaching?
“Keeping the kids motivated to strive for their best with all the distractions in the world.”
Fort Scott, Government

Walther Celebrates 25 Years as Fort Scott Public Library Director

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Fort Scott Public Library Board Member Lissa Gorman, presented a framed certificate and 25 year pin to Director Lisa Walther.

 

Fort Scott Public Library Director Lisa Walther, celebrated her 25th work anniversary on July 8.

“The board and I recognized her for her service during this past Tuesday’s board meeting on July 13,” Valetta Cannon, the youth librarian and assistant director, said.

The library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday – Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

“We ask people to follow CDC guidelines regarding masks, and we provide hand sanitizer and disposable masks for anyone who wants to use them,” Cannon said. “We ask people to limit their time browsing upstairs to a half-hour per day and their time on the computers or wifi downstairs to one hour per day. Beyond that, we have no restrictions.”

Bourbon County, Fair

A Walk Through the Fair

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A walk through the Bourbon County Fair on Wednesday afternoon was comfortable with a breeze and upper 80s temperature.

This was perfect weather for viewing the activity on the fairgrounds.

Thursday’s events include the Chamber Coffee, swine judging, exhibits in the Myer’s Building, 4-H Fashion Show, cornhole tournament, Christmas in July at the Merchant’s Building,  and ends with a 4-H Member Dance.

Friday’s: livestock judging contest, exhibits, 4-H Barnyard Olympics,  Christmas in July at the Merchant’s Building, Buyers Appreciation Supper, and the junior livestock sale.

Saturday is clean-up day and ends the fair with live music performances at 6:30 p.m.

Here are a few of  Wednesday’s sights.

Mayla Foster tells about the articles for sale at the Momentum Youth Market in the Merchant’s Building.
Keri Crisler, left, and Izzy Coutler show off the edible caterpillar they created at the Bourbon County Conservation District booth.
Beech Street Eats Food Trailer menu. The restaurant on wheels is located near the 4-H Building.

 

Some of the grand champions in the 4-H Building:

 

Snow cones for sale to cool off the day.
A pig rests in the swine barn.
Jolynne Mitchell and Abbie Powell sell accessories and handbags at the Flying P Ranch booth in the Merchant’s Building.
Georgia Brown mans the Sunshine Boutique Booth at the Merchant’s Building.
A poster telling of the fair finale event.
The U, a t-shirt business run by Uniontown High School Students Mason O’Brien and Kristie Beene, is located in the Momentum Youth Market at the Merchant’s Building.

 

Honey is sold at the Uppa Creek Ranch Booth at the Merchant’s Building.

 

A customer looks over the Paparazzi Accessories booth at the Merchant’s Building.

 

Carrie Southwell mans the Miller Feed Store booth at the Merchant’s Building, which featured toys, and accessories.

 

The St. Mary Queen of Angels Church booth was manned by Mary Beth Sheehy at the Merchant’s Building.

 

Julie Norris and daughter man the Magical Nail Kingdom booth at the Merchant’s Building, selling nail polish strips.
Paula Vincent sells Tallow Soaps and Crafts in the Merchant’s Building,
Kristie Beene washes her crossbreed cow in preparation for the show that evening.
KOMB 103.9 Radio Announcer Deana Wade, left, interviews Mayla and Davina Foster at the Merchant’s Building.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business

O’Brien Starts a Consignment Business

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Christy Schobey O’Brien has had a dream for years to start a business.

In April 2021, she was given four real estate properties in Bronson, located in the westernmost town in Bourbon County.

“My first intention was to open (a place) to showcase my t-shirt company,” O’Brien said.

“It turned out being more,” she said.

On July 2, she began work on a consignment store at Hwy. 54 and Charles Street in Bronson to be called Highway Dreams.

“Once we are able to finish the inside, we plan to house homemade items by local artists and vendors,” she said. “For now, we will be showcasing locals only.”

She currently says her consignment offerings are furniture, clothing, jewelry, books, and crafts.

“Weekends we plan to have all friendly faces set up, yard sale style,” she said. “I plan to have tables and racks and a clothesline. Bring your tent and chair if you need shade and do not sit in the grass.”

August 5 is the tentative opening date of the venture.

Contact her at 620.228-1338 or [email protected]

The current sign in front of O’Brien’s business says Best Life Adventures.
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 6

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July 6, 2021                                         Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioner Oharah and Commissioner Harris present, Commissioner Beth arrived at 9:20, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were also present.

 

Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Susan Bancroft, Michael Hoyt, Anne Dare, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Harley & Beverly Fuhrman, Lora Holdridge and Economic Development Director Rob Harrington.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve the previous meetings Commission minutes, Jim seconded and the motion passed.

 

The Commissioners received a request for a permanent road opening at 45th & Unique; Lora said this used to be an open road, but was closed, Jim said it was closed in 1849.  Lora said one road in that area is not officially closed, but is being used as a private driveway.  Jim said he was concerned that if they opened this road, they would receive more requests in the future to open roads.  Lynne said they couldn’t deny access to an individual’s property.  Lynne made a motion to support opening 1,293’ starting at 45th & Unique going East, Jim seconded and the motion passed.  Lynne made a motion to sign the application for the permanent road opening of 1,293’ starting at 45th & Unique Road going East, Jim seconded the motion and the motion passed and they signed the application.  Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 18-21 to open 1,293’ starting at 45th & Unique going East, Jim seconded and the motion passed and they signed the resolution.

 

Lynne asked Eric to review an area of Unique going West off 95th; Lynne said it had never been closed.

 

Eric Bailey said heavy rain had caused washouts around the County and they are hauling gravel.  He said they had a sinkhole at 75th North of 54 Highway and a sinkhole on Xavier ¾ mile East of 215th, both sinkholes have been fixed.

 

Eric said they will be doing a blast at the Beth Quarry on July 13th.  They will then be crushing at the Beth Quarry.

 

They are asphalting on the Jefferson Highway now.  Eric said that asphalt oil had gone up $40/ton.

 

Eric said they will be putting berms around the soybeans this week.

 

Eric said the KDOT off system bridge report is due at the end of July; he said he is working with Schwab Eaton on this.

 

Jim said that at some time they need to clean up the metal bridge on 250th.

 

Windmill update; Eric said they are also dealing with the heavy rains.

 

Lynne asked Eric to check out 120th & Unity going South to make sure it is a closed road and said if not there is a metal bridge there that is dangerous.

 

County Counselor Comment: Justin Meeks said he had received a petition to revoke a 1 cent sales tax on the City-wide sales tax; he said he would meet with Kendell Thursday of this week and will get a response back to the individual that sent the petition.

 

Mercy Hospital facility: Justin said the County is now the owner of the Bourbon County healthcare facility (formerly Mercy Hospital), Clifton said 3 employees there will keep the building up to the Joint Commission Standards.  The Commissioners will be over the 3 employees, but there is a supervisor amongst the 3 employees.  Susan Bancroft said one of the employees had been working under contract, but is retiring, so they would need to replace this employee.  Lynne said the contracts in place now have to be honored.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to have an executive session, Jim seconded and the motion passed.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy the session is related to job function, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:49, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Shane Walker and Justin Meeks).  Clifton made a motion to resume the normal session, with action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion that the County take on two of the existing employees at the Bourbon County Health System as County employees, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to make Shane Walker – the County I/T director the director of the Bourbon County Health System facility, and that all contacts go to him regarding maintenance and I/T there, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to give Susan Bancroft the ability to post for a maintenance technician at the Bourbon County Health System facility, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Susan Bancroft will work with Kendell to add the Bourbon County Health System facility employees to the County Salary Schedule.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve allowing Lynne Oharah to sign the feasibility study (for the healthcare facility), Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks said they would probably publish for the tax sale next week.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 20-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property for that reason, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:19, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Rob Harrington, Shane Walker and Justin Meeks).  Clifton made a motion to resume the regular session, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to give Clifton permission to call someone at Pittsburg State regarding a contract with Bourbon County, Jim seconded and approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to allow Rob Harrington and Susan Bancroft to look into an issue with a MOU and come back to the Commission next Tuesday about this, Jim seconded the motion, Justin said the MOU deals with real property that is not owned by the County and will possibly have revisions to it, all approved the motion.

 

Susan Bancroft reminded the Commissioners of the budget work session next Tuesday, July 13th.

 

Public Comment: none

 

Commissioner Comment: Jim said he had received a phone call from Jeremy Frazier at the City of Fort Scott, requesting that he be part of the HR interview process; Justin Meeks said as a private citizen he didn’t need a motion to allow this.  Justin said they are still looking into a shared service on this, but aren’t sure.

 

At 10:23, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

July 13, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

Fort Scott, Sports

Arndt, Laird and Traul To Compete In U.S. National High School Rodeo

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Cowboys and cowgirls will compete at the national high school rodeo finals in Lincoln, Nebraska on July 18.

Miranda Arndt, Kelsey Laird, and Jaci Traul are the local cowgirls competing.

“These kids all compete in the Missouri High School Rodeo Association,” said Kasey Laird, Kelsey’s mother. “There might be more,  as there are several families from southeast Kansas that attend MHSRA.  These kids have worked hard for the chance to go to the national finals and compete against other states for the number one spot.”

Miranda Arndt. Submitted photo.

Miranda Arndt, 18, is a 2021 Fort Scott High School graduate, the daughter of Trina and Jason Arndt.

“I am going to compete in goat tying at nationals,” Miranda said.  “I went last year in goat tying also.”

“I’m looking forward to being more prepared and hopefully winning a national title,”  she said.

Arndt will be attending Northeast Oklahoma A & M this fall.

 

Kelsey Laird. Submitted photo.

Kelsey Laird, 15, is the daughter of Kasey and John Laird and is a sophomore at Fort Scott High School.

“Kelsey competes in barrel racing, poles, and goat tying, however, she is competing at national finals as a rodeo queen,” Kasey said. “She will compete against the other states in horsemanship, modeling, written testing, and personal interviews. This will determine the national high school rodeo queen.”
Jaci Traul. Submitted photo.
Jaci Traul, Fort Scott,  is the daughter of John and Nicki Traul, and granddaughter of Frank and Debbie Madison.
She is a 2021 graduate of Manhattan Virtual Academy.
“Jaci has qualified for nationals seven times., three times in junior high and four in high school,” her mother, Nicki said. “She was the Missouri High School Rodeo State Champion Breakaway Roper this year. She also qualified for nationals in the poles and was the Reserve Champion All-around Cowgirl.”
She will attend Northeast Oklahoma A&M in Miami, OK on a rodeo scholarship.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Alex Specht: New FSHS Assistant Principal

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Alex Specht. Submitted photo.
Alexander M. Specht,  53, is the new Fort Scott High School Assistant Principal.
He has taught biology, advanced biology, environmental science, applied physics, anatomy, and physiology for 20 years at the high school level at Hoisington, Osawatomie, and Great Bend and 7th-grade science at McPherson Middle School.
He has also been a head high school girls basketball coach, middle school boys basketball coach, high school and middle school track coach, and boys and girls high school golf coach.
Specht has been a two-time Teacher of the Year, a Walmart Teacher of the Year, and a Kansas Master Teacher of the Year.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Emporia State University in 1991, a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership,  from ESU, in 2006.
The best part of teaching science for him is engaging students in inquiry-based learning, he said.
“I would set the students up for the biological concept of the day, give them a general procedure to follow, and then watch as they discovered the science lesson for the day,” he said.  “To see the expression on their faces and interacting with them as they discovered something new, cool, smelly or amazing is always an awesome way for a student to get hooked on science and the learning process!”
“The greatest challenges I see in education today is at the daily instruction level,” he said. “Classroom teachers are dealing with the personal problems of the students.  These personal issues include family, home, school, friends, and athletic concerns that cause a great deal of stress on the student.  I believe we need to build relationships with our students and to work with their families to let them all know how committed this district is to partnering with them to help their students be successful.  When students struggle with ‘outside’ problems, it is definitely a challenge for them to focus ‘inside’ the classroom.
Family and Interests
Born in Faribault, MN, Specht moved to Smith Center,  KS then moved to Sharon, KS where he graduated from high school.
“A  fun fact:  I went to high school with country music singer Martina McBride.  I asked her out on a date once but she said no,” he said.  “Dang!”

Amy, his wife of three years,  is a manager in the Farmers Alliance Insurance Company.   His oldest son, Tyler, graduated from Kansas State University and moved to Dallas to begin work in the financial investments industry.  His son, Jacob, is a sophomore at Fort Hays State University, majoring in biology. He also has a stepson,  named Tyler.

Specht loves being outdoors, he said.
“I have a fishing boat and a kayak and love to fish!” he said. “I mountain bike, work out a little and like to target shoot and do some hunting with…Amy.”
“As a biologist, I also love flowers and landscaping,” he said.  ‘It’s a fun and creative way for me to spend time.”
A college chemistry teacher encouraged him to teach.
“I always enjoyed science classes and in college, I had a chemistry teacher who was impressed by the way I led our chemistry class through a review session for an upcoming test,” he said. ” He told me that I presented ideas and helped the other students so well that I should become a teacher.  That was never a thought for me until that moment.”
His father inspired him.
“He was a good dad and raised me with high expectations, understanding of accountability, and a strong work ethic,” he said.
He was consistently teaching him or encouraging him, he said.
“My dad was my elementary principal as I grew up and my first basketball coach,” he said. “He was a special education teacher and a superintendent…being in a school was a part of my life.”
Also following his father’s example, Specht served in the  U.S. Navy.

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