All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Food, Schools

USD 235 Provides Meal Program in Summer 2020

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USD 235 Driver Bill Marlow loads food to deliver to the district’s children on June 9.

The Uniontown School District is providing a meal program to its’ districts’ children through June 25.

 

The first day for meals was June 2.

 

In addition, summer school children receive activity packets.

 

“We usually have kids in the building for summer school,” Tara Gorman, third-grade teacher at West Bourbon Elementary School, said. “We couldn’t because of the pandemic. This is our alternative plan, if they signed up for activity packets.”

 

“This week is a book, they get a book once a week, a craft kit and a couple of games to work on with siblings,” Gorman said.  “This week they will be building paper airplanes and testing paper airplanes.”

 

Breakfast and lunch are available to children ages 1-18 in this program, with no eligibility or paperwork required to receive the food.

 

Multiple days breakfast and lunch will be provided to each child on Tuesday and Thursday of each week through June 25.

 

USD 235 Food Service Director Michelle DeMott said food is prepared on Mondays and Wednesdays and delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 

USD 235 Food Service Director Michelle DeMott, left, checks lists of students that will be delivered food. In the back is Courtney Campbell, fifth-grade teacher; Hannah Hayes, social studies teacher and Tara Gorman, third-grade teacher. Teachers go on the route and deliver activity kits for students as well as the food.

 

Parents are asked to call  DeMott at 620-238-4968 to sign up.

 

 

DeMott will ask for some information of either a pickup point or a rural address for delivery.

 

Deliveries will be between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

 

Driver Roxy Gregg, left and Food Service Director Michelle DeMott discuss the routes before leaving West Bourbon Elementary School.

 

Pickup points are the West Bourbon Elementary School on at the front of the building, Marmaton Community Church in Redfield, the city park in Mapleton, in front of the Bronson Meat Locker in Bronson.

 

Pickup points open from 11 to 11:20 a.m.

 

The meal schedule for USD 235 for June 2020.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19, Health Care

CHC/SEK Update by CEO Krista Postai

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Krista Postai, president and Cheif Executive Officer of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. Submitted photo.

The  worldwide COVID 19 Pandemic has affected society in the last three months for all segments, especially health care.

 

“COVID certainly dominated our activities and thinking, for two solid months,and we’re just now getting back to thinking ahead,” CHS/SEK President and CEO Krista Postai said.

 

“We did commit to remaining in the (former Mercy) hospital once the county assumes responsibility,” she said. “We are planning some minor remodeling including enlarging the pharmacy and moving all of our diagnostics (including mammography) into the clinic space freeing up the former diagnostic space for Ascension/Via Christi.”

 

“We are starting to see more people in the clinic now as the state is ‘opening up’,” Postai said. “At one point about one-third of our visits were through televideo or on the telephone but we definitely find that folks in Ft. Scott prefer face-to-face visits. We’re not quite back to normal activity level but getting there.”

 

“In addition to testing for COVID, we are now offering the antibody testing with a doctor’s order,” Postai said. “This is used to see if you had the virus and have since developed antibodies that could help protect you for getting it again. Although the science is still out on that, as some people seem to be susceptible to having it a second time. So far everyone we have tested thus far have been negative.”

 

“We have added staff including mental health,” she said.

 

CHC/SEK welcomed Tien Nguyen, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to it’s Behavioral Health Services team, according to a press release.

 

Psychiatric NPs assess and diagnose patients, provide psychotherapy and prescribe medication.

 

Tien Nguyen. Submitted photo.

In addition, six nurse practitioners were added to the team.

“CHC/SEK welcomed its first class of nurse practitioner residents, thanks to a partnership between the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing at Pittsburg State University and the health center. The new residency program is the first such program in Southeast Kansas,” according to the CHC/SEK Facebook page.

“With guidance from their professional preceptors, six nurse practitioners — Lorraine Lorentz, Kelly McGuire, Kelly Mishmash, Brice Saunders, Maranda Scott, and Mayra Watson — will care for patients in Coffeyville, Fort Scott, Pittsburg, and Miami, Oklahoma clinics.”

 

 

Bourbon County, Schools

UHS 2020 Graduation: July 11

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Luke George is valedictorian for the class of UHS 2020.
Liberty Franks is salutatorian for the class of UHS 2020.
Uniontown High School personnel are working to provide an in-person graduation ceremony for its’ 2020 seniors.
The UHS Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 11 at 2:00 pm in the WBE gymnasium.
Mike Reith, Principal at Uniontown High School, recently posted a notice to the families of 2020 seniors on social media.

 

“When Governor Kelly modified the Reopen Kansas plan, it caused us to need to move our graduation date scheduled for June 21. The seniors who participated in the graduation ceremony discussion Zoom session with me wanted to set a date in each of the three summer months. The second date was originally set for Sunday, July 12, but I realized that for some families and situations, a Saturday graduation might be preferable. So I gave the seniors and families an option to vote for either July 11 or July 12.  The result of that vote was to have the ceremony on Saturday, July 11.”

 

Reith answered questions in an email interview with fortscott.biz:

 

 

Will there be a limit on how many family members can attend the ceremony?

“Currently, we are not planning to limit attendance. It is a small class, so we feel we can structure the gymnasium for proper social-distancing while still being able to accommodate for all who plan to attend.”

 

 

Will social distancing be maintained?

“We have been advised by Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator, to follow the ‘Phase Out’ recommendations of Governor Kelly’s Reopen Kansas plan, which we were planning to do already. Graduates will be spaced 6 feet apart. We will encourage all those who plan to attend to use proper hygiene and stay home if they feel sick. We will advise those who may be at a higher risk due to their health situation to strongly consider staying home, but we will leave that decision up to them. We will structure the facility so that families can sit together, but different family groups will be social-distanced. We will make hand-sanitizer readily available, and we will encourage attendees to wear masks if they choose.”

 

 

Who will be the speakers?

” Speakers are Valedictorian – Luke George, Salutatorian – Libby Franks, Inspirational Speaker – Mrs. Alicia Jackson (chosen by the Class of 2020).” Jackson is a teacher at UHS.

The Class of  Uniontown High School 2020 has 19 students”
Donavan Beerbower, Kord Bowen, Makenzie Brown, Alissa Button, Cheyanne Carpenter, Morgan Coulter, Ty Davidson, Colt Eck, Libby Franks, Luke George, Dalton.Graham, Jacquie Hampton, Matthew Harclerode, Breleigh Harris, Kolby Martinez, Sivanah McAnulty, Shelby Morillo, Gavin Ross, Lauren Shinn.

The following are photos of the class.

Donovan Beerbower
Kord Bowen
Makenzie Brown
Alissa Button
Cheyanne Carpenter
Morgan Coulter
Ty Davidson
Colt Eck
Liberty Franks
Luke George
Dalton Graham
Jacquelyn Hampton
Matthew Harclerode
Breleigh Harris
Kolby Martinez
Sivanah McAnulty
Shelby Morilla
Gavin Ross
Lauren Shinn

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Vehicle Cruise: Social Distancing Fun

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Photo courtesy of Carissa Bowman.
Some local residents have planned activities that provide fun for the town and also some nostalgia in cruising National Avenue this Friday, June 5.
The Fort Scott Cruise Night Facebook Group is promoting what they are calling an “Honorary Good Ol Days Cruise.”
“This is not an event sponsored by the city,” Julie Norris, who along with Rachel Cunningham-Fields are the planners, said.  ” It was scheduled purely for fun since Good Ol Days had to be canceled this year due to COVID 19.”
The COVID 19 pandemic precautions include social distancing of 6 feet from nearby people and taking other measures to help stop the spread of the virus that has circled the world and killed over 100,000  American people, according to the Center For Disease Control.
The cruise allows people to maintain social distancing while remaining in their cars.
“Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend,” she said. ” We will be cruising National, just like the “Good Ol Days”.”
The cruise starts at  6 PM Friday night, June 5.
“Our annual Good Ol Days is something we look forward to every year,” Norris said.  “Although we WILL NOT be able to attend, (because of precautions of the pandemic) what better way to honor it, than to CRUISE!”
“So get your hot rod out, work on that car you’ve been meaning to finish, get the motorcycle ready, and Celebrate Good Ol Days on June 5th by cruising,” she said.  “Our lives may look a little different, but we can still come together, and not gather! “
“A small town is a place we choose to be,” she said.  ” A place we raise our kids, find peace in, or retire in. A place we call home.”
There will be several spots to eat along the way, including vendors,  so save some money for supper.
Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Incumbents Will Have Contenders in Most Bourbon County Election Races

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The filing deadline for Bourbon County residents vying for a political position was noon, June 1, 2020.

The  primary election will be  August 4, 2020 and the general election will be  November 3, 2020

Due to COVID-19,  Bourbon County election officials will make the voting process as safe as possible and will have safety measures in place for voters and poll workers, according to an email from Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

There are contenders to incumbents in the county commissioners, the county clerk, the county treasurer and county sheriff positions.

Following is the list of those running and  was provided by the county clerk.

County Commission, District 2

Jeffrey Fischer, 2093 Justice Ln, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-6633, Republican is the incumbent

Jim Harris, 2302 Jayhawk Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-0230, Republican

Sparky (Don) Schroeder, 2309 Kansas Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-3344, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

County Commission, District 3

Clifton Beth, 2236 215th, Fort Scott, KS 66701, Republican

Phillip G Hoyt, 2422 242nd Terrace, Fulton, KS 66738, 225-335-9927, [email protected], Democratic

Joshua Jackson, 2451 Hwy 7, Mapleton, KS 66754, Republican

Leroy “Nick” Ruhl, 313 Jefferson Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-8172, Republican is the incumbent

County Clerk

Nick Graham, 404 Hill Street, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-875-5059, [email protected], Republican

Kendell Dawn Mason, 2 S Eddy, Fort Scott, KS 66701, Republican is the incumbent.

Bobby “Bob” Reed, 2191 Ironwood Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-8137, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

County Treasurer

Patty Love, 901 Shepherd St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-1189, [email protected], Republican is the incumbent

Mike Mason, 978 60th Street, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-224-6183, [email protected], Republican

Shaunn Pytlowany, 906 South Eddy St, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-9168, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

County Register of Deeds

Lora Holdridge, 1814 Richards Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-4585, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

County Attorney

Jacqie Spradling, PO Box 576, Spring Hill, KS 66083, Republican is the incumbent.

No Democratic candidates filed

County Sheriff

Derick Burke, 348 225th Street, Garland, KS 66741, Republican

Mike Feagins, 1964 Justice Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-3402, [email protected], Democratic

Bill Martin, 502 Meadow Ln, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-1882, Republican is the incumbent.

Craig A Rice, 1932 Maple Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-1381, Republican

Julie Saker, 2495 Locust Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-768-9260, Democratic

Township Trustee-Drywood

Richard Cullison, Jr, 506 260th, Garland, KS 66741, 620-224-6160, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee- Franklin

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Trustee-Freedom

Janice Seested, 2330 215th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Marion

Steve Geiger, 1121 Hwy 3, Uniontown, KS 66779, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Marmaton

David Duffey, 1201 Locust Rd, Redfield, KS 66769, 620-228-1779, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Millcreek

Yvonne Beck, 1821 159th Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-829-5442, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Osage

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Trustee-Pawnee

Karen A Endicott-Coyan, 1635 Fern Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-547-2571, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Scott

Jim Sackett, 2019 Maple Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-5537, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Timberhill

Dan Laughlin, 2275 105th St., Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-743-3441, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee –Walnut

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Treasurer- Drywood

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Treasurer – Franklin

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Freedom

Karen A Paddock, 608 W Cedar St., Fulton, KS 66738, 620-224-9379, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Marion

Rex Wilson, 905 Clay St., Bronson, KS 66716, 620-939-4750, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Marmaton

Wilma K Graham, 102 W 4th, Redfield, KS 66769, 620-756-4436, Democratic

No Republican candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Millcreek

Betty L Graham, 1458 Tomahawk Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-6072, Democratic

No Republican candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Osage

Kathleen Valentine, 2638 Tomahawk Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-857-4133, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Pawnee

Sharon Middleton, 1374 Eagle Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-4894, Democratic

No Republican candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Scott

Harold Rogers, 2189 Ironwood Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-1329, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Timberhill

David Scharenberg, 1045 Yale Rd, Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-224-8932, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer- Walnut

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Democratic Committeeman-1st Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-2nd Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-3rd Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-4th Ward

Jeff Sweetser, 1012 S National Ave, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-2282, [email protected]

Democratic Committeeman-5th Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-6th Ward

Dwight Moore, 801 Fairway Dr, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-341-3074, [email protected]

Democratic Committeeman-7th Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Drywood

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Franklin

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Freedom

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Marion

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Marmaton

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Millcreek

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Osage

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Pawnee

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-North Scott

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-South Scott

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Timberhill

Clinton L Walker, 1999 105th St, Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-743-0114

Democratic Committeeman-Walnut

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-1st Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-2nd Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-3rd Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-4th Ward

Kate Emmett-Sweetser, 1012 S National Ave, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-2282, [email protected]

Democratic Committeewoman-5th Ward

Carol Ann MacArthur, 702 S Crawford St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-1505, [email protected]

Democratic Committeewoman-6th Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-7th Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Drywood

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Franklin

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Freedom

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Marion

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Marmaton

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Millcreek

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Osage

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Pawnee

Shirley J Palmer, 1862 Eagle Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-704-1934, [email protected]

Democratic Committeewoman-North Scott

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-South Scott

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Timberhill

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Walnut

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-1st Ward

William Michaud, 7 N Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 785-213-7745, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-2nd Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-3rd Ward

Todd McDermed, 110 S Broadway, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-4364, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-4th Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-5th Ward

Shane A Walker, 1123 Burke Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-7272, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-6th Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-7th Ward

Glenn Rash, 906 Emmert, Fort Scott, KS 66701 620-719-7502, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Drywood

Larry Shead, 2468 Cavalry Rd, Garland, KS 66741, 620-215-2396, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Franklin

Lynne D Oharah, 2120 95th St., Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-215-3120, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Freedom

Lawrence Paddock, 608 Cedar Street, Fulton, KS 66738, 620-224-1381, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Marion

Lafe W Wilson, 924 Jayhawk Rd, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-654-8231, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Marmaton

Charles Robison, 1761 Locust Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-3755, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Millcreek

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-Osage

Marvin Creager, 2141 245th, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-857-4158, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Pawnee

Kevin D Wagner, 390 130th Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-2174, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-North Scott

Bill Lalman, 2047 Native Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-9218

Republican Committeeman-South Scott

Larry G Martin, 2141 Ironwood Dr, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-4300

Republican Committeeman-Timberhill

Dan Laughlin, 2275 105th, Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-743-3441

Republican Committeeman-Walnut

Jason L Sutterby, 148 Hwy 39, Savonburg, KS 66772, 620-224-7495, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-1st Ward

Jennifer Michaud, 7 N Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 785-230-7010, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-2nd Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-3rd Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-4th Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-5th Ward

Jana R Walker, 1123 Burke Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-7272, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-6th Ward

Rhonda Dunn, 420 Rosemary Lane, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-1186, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-7th Ward

Patty Love, 901 Shepherd St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-3800 x-192, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Drywood

Vickie Shead, 2468 Cavalry Rd, Garland, KS 66741, 620-224-4149, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Franklin

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-Freedom

Janice Seested, 2330 215th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-857-4768

Republican Committeewoman-Marion

Linda S Wilson, 924 Jayhawk Rd, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-654-7413, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Marmaton

Celena (CJ) Robison, 1761 Locust Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-0816, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Millcreek

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-Osage

Carol Creager, 2141 245th, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-857-4158, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Pawnee

Rachel M Wagner, 390 130th, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-547-2233, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-North Scott

Glenda Lalman, 2047 Native Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-3805

Republican Committeewoman-South Scott

Debra M Martin, 2141 Ironwood Dr, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-6846, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Timberhill

Jan Laughlin, 2275 105th Street, Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-743-3441, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Walnut

Rebecca Sutterby, 148 Highway 39, Savonburg, KS 66772, 620-224-7495, [email protected]

 

Bourbon County, Business, COVID-19, Government, Jobs

Bourbon County Has Funding For Helping Businesses Recover

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The Bourbon County Economic Director announces that Bourbon County was awarded $132,000 Community Development Block Grant-CV Grant for county businesses.

“We will announce open applications as soon as we can, we know you are eager to obtain relief,” Jody Hoener said. “The granting process will be based on a scoring algorithm that will be widely available.”

“The grant’s purpose is for job retention,” she said. ” In addition to year-round employment, our priorities in granting will also include closure/impact to operations, other relief awarded, and food system supply chain impact.”

To view the news release from the Department of Commerce  click here:
https://www.wibwnewsnow.com/66-kansas-cities-and-counties-to-receive-community-development-block-grants-to-support-coronavirus-response/

“If you have any questions at all do not hesitate to reach out,” she said.

She can be reached at
1-620-223-3800
1-620-215-5725 Mobile
www.bourboncountyks.org

Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

The Beacon Food Pantry Reorganizes Staffing

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The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott.

 

Dave Gillen is the food pantry administrator for the Beacon. Photo by Carol MacArthur.

On Monday, June 1, 2020, David Gillen assumed full management of the operation as Beacon Food Pantry Administrator. The new assistant administrator is Patty Mowen. Both are knowledgeable of the operation, and both consider this organization their “mission.” according to the press release submitted by Carol MacArthur, board chairwoman.

Beacon Assistant Director Patty Mowen. Submitted photo.

At this time, no one but the staff is allowed inside the building, according to the press release.

Food orders are called in, filled, and picked up at the back dock of the building at 525 E. Sixth. This practice may become permanent, according to the press release.

Financial requests may be called in at this time as well.

People may call The Beacon and ask for David Gillen, for inquiries, MacArthur said. The phone number is 620-223- 6869.

Improvements in the facility have already been made by Gillen and volunteers.

Office equipment is being updated as needed as well to improve service to clients.

The Beacon, Inc., in existence for almost forty years, began as churches in the community came together to serve the needs of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

They have provided those struggling in the community as a food pantry and in offering financial assistance, dominantly through the efforts of community-related donations.

Currently, the organization provides food, financial assistance, and referrals to other service organizations.

“People have been so generous with funds and donations,” MacArthur said. ” But we have had difficulty procuring large amounts of food (during the pandemic),”

“The community has been wonderful,” she said.

The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott, Ks. 66701, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with one exception.

On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the Beacon is closed during the day and is open instead from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Sidewalk Sale: Parking Spots Were Difficult to Find

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Treasure Hunt owner, Carol Preston, takes photos of some of her merchandise during the sidewalk sale on Saturday. The store is located at 6. S. Main.

It was difficult to find a parking spot on Main Street in downtown Fort Scott on Saturday.

 

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce hosted the Merchant Madness Sidewalk Sale and invited shoppers to come shopping.

 

The mild weather and recent reopening of businesses during the COVID 19 pandemic made for a perfect day to go shopping.

 

Another Merchant Sale And Town-Wide Garage Sale

 

Another town-wide sale is coming soon and this time includes all those who want to clean out closets and garages.

 

On June 12-13 retailers will be celebrating National Flag Week, according to a press release from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

 

With any purchase, shoppers will receive a souvenir American Flag and also they can fill out a Trivia Card to enter them into a drawing for $50 Chamber Of Commerce Bucks.

 

Also on that weekend of June 12-13, there will be a Spring Town-Wide Garage Sale.

 

To register one’s sale which will be printed on a  garage sale map, call  the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce at 620. 223.3566. Sellers may also sign up at Bids & Dibs, 108 Scott Ave.

 

The cost is $10 to be added to the map.

 

All customers are to use hand sanitizer at every yard sale before touching merchandise and homeowner should have this available, also practice social distancing of being 6-feet apart, according to the press release.

 

Photos of some the participating retailers in the Merchant Madness Sidewalk Sale:

A customer shops in Nancy’s Gift Corner at Heidricks True Value Hardware Store, 1508 S. National, on May 30.

 

Sunshine Boutique owner, Georgia Brown visits with a customer on Saturday during the sidewalk sale. The boutique is located at 18 E. Wall.

 

A shopper walks past the Iron Store Store on North Main Saturday during the sidewalk sale.

 

Main Street Gallery and Gifts employee, Rachel McClellan, waits on a customer during the sidewalk sale on May 30.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Independence Day Celebration: July 3

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Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton is the site of the annual Independence Day fireworks event.

In a year that is seeing a reduction in public gatherings there will be a community celebration this year: Independence Day.

The Fort Scott Elk’s Lodge has coordinated the community fireworks display to celebrate America’s Independence for the past 25 years or more and has a goal this year of $7,000 to cover the costs.

“I think this year after all everyone has been dealing with during the pandemic, everyone will be ready for some good old fashion 4th of July fun,” Bill Brittain, with the Elks organization, said.

“The public can watch from their cars or from anywhere in the community you can see them,” Brittain said.   “A lot of people do line up on Horton Street to be close and many sit in or on their cars from the Bourbon County Fairgrounds as well but again they can be seen from many parts of the community.”

The event is July 3.

“The city of Fort Scott moved this event to July 3rd a few years ago from the 4th so we have them shot on the 3rd,” Brittain said.

“Our (fireworks) company we deal with for this,  sets up behind Fort Scott Community College by the ball fields to actually shoot them off,” he said. “Nobody is allowed back there during this time or while setting them up!”

“I might add it takes the entire community to make this happen,” Brittain said.  “The city and county also help with this financially. We have corporate sponsors that help with this and other charitable events we do throughout the year. The public can help with this by playing in the golf tournament as well.”

 

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Sidewalk Sale This Saturday, May 30, As Merchants Reopen

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The weather looks good for Saturday,  a perfect day to get out and shop Fort Scott.

 

This Saturday, May 30, eleven retail stores have signed up to be a part of the Merchant Madness Sidewalk Sale, hosted by the  Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

 

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and participating stores will be marked with purple balloons, according to Rita Schroeder, the Chamber’s administrative assistant.

 

Those who have signed up: include Bids & Dibs, Books & Grannies (inside), Heidrick’s True Value/Nancy’s Gift Corner, Fort Scott Gun & Pawn, Hedgehog.INK (inside),  J & W Sports Shop, Main St. Gallery & Gifts, Mayco Ace Hardware, Ruddick’s Furniture, Sunshine Boutique, Iron Star (inside) and Treasure Hunt Flea Market.

 

 

In light of the COVID 19 Pandemic, most businesses will have hand sanitizer available before touching items in the sale.

 

However, bringing one’s own sanitizer is a good option while shopping.

 

Hedgehog.INK is asking all who enter their store to wear masks as well.

 

Social distancing is in force in the county for all public events.

 

For more information:  620-223-3566 or
Lindsay Madison, President & CEO, [email protected] 

or Rita Schroeder, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]

 

 

COVID-19, Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Is Adapting Due to COVID 19 Pandemic

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Fort Scott Community College President Alysia Johnston.
Fort Scott Community College employees have been working on how to provide an education safely to all involved during the pandemic that has played havoc across the world.
“We have been working with local, regional, and state health officials to determine how best to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 for our students, employees, and community,” President Alysia Johnston said.  “We want to meet the unique needs of our students while keeping everyone safe.”
Schedules have been changed.
“The June summer schedule has been changed to an all-online format with the exception of John Deere,” she said.  “The classes will be split so there are not more than 10 students at one time.”
Adam Borth. Submitted photo.
“Currently, John Deere has two classrooms and a total of 15 students will be on campus in June,” Adam Borth, vice president of academic affairs, said. ” This will allow us to utilize both classrooms and appropriate distancing requirements. We will also be cleaning and sanitizing surfaces to exceed recommendations. We are hoping and planning for all of our technical classes to begin in August 2020, just as they did in 2019. While we prepare for this, we also will likely need to be prepared to have quite a bit of hands-on training in the first portion of the classes, should we need to go back online again. Our plan, at this time, is face to face courses for fall.”
“We are looking at a possible change to our fall calendar schedule that would have students finish the fall semester before Thanksgiving,” Johnston said.  “We believe this would help mitigate the spread of the pandemic as we would not be bringing students back once again from a wide geographical area.”

“We are discussing the idea of moving our start date up for fall classes, to begin on August 10,”  Borth,  said.

 

 

“We have tentatively set the commencement ceremony for Saturday, November 21, 2020 for graduates from spring 2020, summer 2020, and fall 2020,” he said.

 

 

“This would allow us to end the week of Thanksgiving, and hopefully minimize exposure during the fall semester. Our spring 2021 semester has not changed at this point, although this could change, given the fluidity of this situation,” Borth said.

 

 

“We are still evaluating courses which begin in July, and will continue to do so while the situation evolves,” he said. “The primary changes will be the amount of students in a classroom at any given time. We will ensure 15 occupants are in a classroom during this phase of reopening, and also ensure social distancing is occurring. This may mean significant changes to how our courses are scheduled by the time August rolls around.”

 

Some students will be tested for COVID 19.
“We plan on bringing back some student-athletes in July and have been working with Community Health Center of SEK to perform COVID-19 testing for the students,” Johnston said. ” We have procedures and protocols in place if someone tests positive for COVID-19. We are extremely grateful to CHC of SEK for working with us to establish best practices and administering the tests at no cost to the college or students.”
Budgets are revisited.
“We are currently developing the 2021 fiscal budget and analyzing available data and information to determine the best budgeting solutions,” she said. ” We know our state funding will be lower and we are making adjustments – keeping in mind the critical needs of students and all stakeholders must be met.”
Safety is a priority.
“Making sure students, employees and the community are safe is our greatest concern and we are working every day on best practices to make sure we meet all our stakeholder’s needs,” Johnston said.
On-campus classes for the fall semester are planned for students.
“The students, faculty, and the staff have done an amazing job adapting to online classes and working remotely,” she said. “However, we are all looking forward to having students on campus for the fall semester.”
COVID-19, Fort Scott Community College, Submitted

FSCC COVID-19 UPDATE

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Submitted by Kassie Fugate-Cate on May 26, 2020 – 2:12pm

picture of a desk with a notebook in the middle that says "COVID19 Update 05/26/2020" with the FSCC symbol below it

Date: May 26, 2020

Time: 2:15 P.M.

RE: FSCC novel coronavirus, COVID-19 update

 

Making sure students, employees, and the community are safeguarded from the current pandemic is our priority as we plan for the upcoming academic year. We believe adjusting the Fall 2020 calendar to begin classes on August 10 and end the semester November 24  will allow us to meet the critical needs of students, while also mitigating the possible effects of bringing students back to campus from a large geographical area after the Thanksgiving break. We will send an updated calendar with adjusted withdrawal dates, etc., once the dates have been finalized.

 

Updated information:

 

  • Fall 2020 classes will begin August 10
  • Labor Day, September 7, will be observed – campus closed
  • No Fall Break
  • Finals will be November 19, 20, 23, 24
  • Last day of classes will be November 24
  • Winter graduation will be Saturday, November 21, 2020
  • These offices will be open: admissions, advising, bookstore, business offices, financial aid, instruction office, IT, library, registrar, and the Student Success Center.
    • We will abide by all local, state, and national guidelines; masks are encouraged.
  • Employees are encouraged to work with their supervisor to determine the plan for returning from remote work.
    • Remote work is still allowable with approval or request from the appropriate Vice President.
    • Remote work equipment will remain in your place of residence at this time, if applicable.
  • No outside entities or groups will meet on campus. We will continue to meet all requirements for maximum allowable people in rooms, and maintain a conservative approach.
  • Miami and Crawford County locations will be open to public access, abiding by appropriate guidelines.
  • Campus is open for tours. Appointments are encouraged 620.223.2700 ext. 3510
  • Our goal as of today is to have face-to-face courses, and also have students in the dorms when the fall semester begins. However, we continue to evaluate both fall and July courses to determine the appropriate modality.
  • June summer school classes will be moved from face-to-face to an online format (with the exception of John Deere Technician Training)
  • Current FSCC Spring 2020 students may apply for Emergency Relief Funds at: FSCC COVID-19 Student Emergency Relief Grant Application
    • ​​If you have any questions regarding the FSCC COVID-19 Student Emergency Relief Grant, please contact us at [email protected]. 
  • Enrollment is open. Please encourage students to contact advising to schedule an appointment to enroll [email protected]
  • Students desiring to setup a payment plan for an outstanding balance, need to access their Gizmo account and click the link located in the “Account Balance Information” section.
  • Craw-Kan is providing free wi-fi to locations in our region. Here is a link to the map https://ckt.net/hotspots/

 

Internet

 

For students without readily available internet access, please contact your local area internet service and cellular service providers. Many companies are working with students during this time to ensure access to internet services. If this is unsuccessful, please contact Janet Fancher ([email protected]) or Adam Borth ([email protected]).

 

 

Advising and Enrollment:

 

Fall enrollment is open and advising will be assisting students via phone appointments and email. To schedule an appointment please contact via email:

 

·         Russ Souza ([email protected])

·         Ashley Keylon ([email protected])

·         Quentin Choice ([email protected])

 

You may call 620.223.2700, ext. 3630 and leave a detailed message, including name, student ID (if applicable), and contact information.

 

We appreciate everything all of you do, and your understanding of this situation. The guidance may change with minimal notice, depending on guidance provided. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.

 

Stay safe and healthy,

 

Alysia Johnston, FSCC President