The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the Old Settlers Picnic Parade on Labor Day, 2019.
Despite many months of planning, the Old Settler’s Picnic event is a no-go.
Late last month the planning committee met to discuss the plans for the annual event that has happened every year since 1905.
Uniontown, with a population of 300 people in western Bourbon County, usually sees a large crowd visit the event each year.
Traditionally, it is a weekend of rodeos, a fishing derby, a community church service, a baby contest, craft and food vendors, parades, family picnics, and games in the town park.
“We decided we couldn’t go ahead with our plans because of Gov. Kelly’s COVID-19 restrictions,” said Becky Shinn, secretary/treasurer of the planning committee said.
“The committee was unsure what we could and couldn’t do,” she said. “If she declared only 45 people could be in an area, we couldn’t do it.”
Many of the key people were not comfortable coming to the event which is normally held on Labor Day weekend, the first weekend in September, Shinn said.
The grand marshalls of the parade, the car show organizer and in addition, the Uniontown High School student organizations would not be there.
Uniontown High School Cheerleaders board their float for the Old Settlers Picnic Parade in 2019.
“The FFA students were not going to be able to do their BBQ dinner, the band wasn’t going to be able to be 6 feet apart in marching, and the Methodist Church wasn’t sure they were going to (supply their chicken dinners),” Shinn said.
“Only one or two food trucks were coming,” she said.
The final decision was because of the lack of these key components for the weekend activities.
The committee is comprised of Shayla and Kyle Knight, Hope Workman, Tammy Davidson, Rhonda DeWitt, Nancy Holt and Shinn.
Rodeo Events Still On
There are still rodeo events this weekend at the Uniontown Rodeo Stadium, west of town on Hwy. 3.
A team roping event is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4; a co-ed ranch rodeo at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, and the 53rd Annual Old Settlers Youth Rodeo which starts at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is pleased to welcome family nurse practitioner, Katelyn (Triplett) Erwin to Primary Care Center, located at 627 S. Ash in Nevada and at NowCare Clinic at 345 S. Barrett as needed.
A graduate of Nevada High School, Erwin earned her Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Ks. In May of this year, she completed her Doctorate, also from PSU. For the past four years Erwin has worked part-time on the Medical/Surgical and Intensive Care Units at NRMC. Much of her clinical education hours were spent at NRMC alongside Dr. Amanda Turner, Dr. Jacqueline Youtsos, Sonja Albright, DNP, and Dr. Dan Barnes.
“In primary care you see people through the lifespan,” says Erwin. “That’s what I like – that there’s a little bit of everything. I’ll be seeing OB patients prior to delivery and then their babies for their well-child visits, helping manage chronic conditions and making sure my patients stay healthy and out of the hospital.”
Recently married, Katelyn is a new stepmother to three children. She enjoys spending time with her family, including traveling and outdoor activities. Her favorite hobbies include refinishing old furniture as well and reading, although she laughingly says, she would prefer it not be a textbook.
“Katelyn is a welcome addition to our clinics,” says Steve Branstetter, Chief Executive Officer at NRMC. “Having the extra health provider opens up possibilities for extending clinic hours which we know would benefit our community.”
To become an FNP, one must first pass the NCLEX-RN to become a licensed RN. During years spent as an RN, crucial experience is gained. From there, most FNP hopefuls will work toward a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in family practice, a post graduate degree specific to FNP preparation, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as Erwin did.
FNPs have advanced clinical training and possess a graduate-level education, qualifying them to diagnose and treat complex health conditions. They can perform a wide variety of duties that include but are not limited to development of treatment plans, education, and guidance for disease prevention and healthy living, health examinations, performing diagnostic tests and screenings, and prescribing medicine.
To schedule an appointment with Katelyn Erwin, call Nevada Regional Primary Care Center at (417) 448-3600 or visit the Patient Portal at www.nrmchealth.com.
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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.
Ella and her brother, Carter Beth stain the tables for the Fort Scott High School courtyard project. Submitted photos.
Fort Scott High School Senior Ella Beth began a school project in her sophomore year that will benefit the school for years to come: a redesign of the high school’s courtyard.
The long-term project provided real-life business experience as well.
Fort Scott High School Courtyard Is Transformed
“I walked by the courtyard every day of my freshman year and was upset to learn that the space… was now used for nothing,” Beth said. “I decided that I wanted to bring the courtyard back to its former glory because I saw it as bursting with potential to be a place that promoted Tiger Pride and an opportunity for students to learn or relax outdoors.”
The courtyard is an open space enclosed by the high school academic classrooms.
It has been used for pep rallies, activity meetings and outdoor classes.
Project Because of Her Design Interest
Elle Beth, FSHS Senior. Photo by Kenny Felt Photography.
The project idea came because Beth is interested in interior design.
She and a classmate, Dawna Hudiberg, wanted to design some project and then implement their ideas.
” We brainstormed and came up with the idea of renovating the courtyard,” Beth said. “Dawna eventually decided to take on another project, but I really wanted to have an area that allowed for some outdoor time and a possible way to promote Tiger Pride and unity in our school. Mrs. Kemmerer then helped me to get started on the project my sophomore year.”
“She presented her project proposal to the FSHS Principal and Superintendent for approval early last Fall 2019,” Angie Kemmerer, FSHS Independent Study Class teacher, said.
The goal was to have the project completed in time for the FSHS All-School Reunion in June 2020, but the COVID-19 Pandemic halted work.
Beth began in the spring of 2018 to design the project, her new deadline is May 2021, before she graduates.
Real-World Experience
” I encouraged Ella to develop a project plan with her ideas as a way for her to gain real-world experience in an area that she was interested in,” Kemmerer said. “She wanted to do something that would benefit others. When she first asked me about the possibility of remodeling the courtyard, my response was ‘why not’? She did her research, developed a plan, created a budget, identified community resources, wrote grants, networked, created community buy-in, discovered the importance of sweat equity and stepped outside of her comfort zone. She learned that things don’t always go the way you plan, but where there is a will there is away.”
“She started raising money, mostly through writing grants, and contacting local alumni-owned businesses to help with different parts of the project last year,” Kemmerer said. “She has networked with different FSHS programs to help with specific areas of her redesign plan and is currently trying to raise funds to finish the project.”
A Collaborative Effort
The project has been a collaborative effort.
“The turf and labor to install it was donated by FSHS alum Joe Kerr,” Kemmerer said.
“FSHS Physical Education and construction trades students helped move and spread the turf fill for the installation.”
This was the area before the turf was put in place. Submitted photos.
FS Physical Education students helped with the turf segment of the Beth project. Submitted photos.The turf in place in the FSHS courtyard. Submitted photos.
“The funding for the concrete material came from the TIMKEN Community Grant and the labor was donated by RII Concrete Construction owned by FSHS alum Mike Rogers.”
“The eight tables and soon to be 45 benchtops are built by Mr. Lawerence’s construction trades students.”
“Legs for the 45 benches will be made by Mr. Parks ag program. The funding for the benches and tables came from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant and money set aside by USD234 for this project.”
The wall murals were designed by art students working under FSHS Art Teacher Ellen Kendrick.
“The aluminum panels for the murals were purchased with a grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.”
Mr. Feagin’s, FSMS Technology Teacher Mr. Feagins will help Ella complete the design and application of the murals to the panels, Kemmerer said.
“Ella received funds from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthy pathways grant to purchase outdoor activities like giant Jenga, chess, checkers, ping pong and more for students to enjoy during free time,” Kemmerer said.
“Raised gardens will be installed for use by Mr. Hudiburg’s life science classes. The ground will be regraded to prep it for new sod and proper drainage. The old concrete will be cleaned, sealed and stained to match the new stamped concrete.”
“FSHS alum Gina Shelton has helped connect her to grant opportunities and support with connecting with additional alumni.”
“FSHS alum Matt Casner helped Ella create a Facebook page that links to a Go Fund Me page to help raise funds to complete the project. Unfortunately, shortly after its launch, a global pandemic hit and she has not been able to reach her ultimate goal.”
Sun Shades Still Need Funding
The last big expense, which she is seeking additional funding for, is the sun shades.
“The biggest expense left for the redesign project is the installation of sun shades at a cost of $22,000,” Kemmerer said. “This will be the last phase of the project, if funding allows. A donor wall will be created when the project is finished to recognize everyone who contributed along the way.”
Checks can be made to USD234 with “courtyard project” in the memo, or send to Ella Beth at the high school, or her gofundme link: https://gf.me/u/yvikqm
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 18th, 2020 and special meeting of August 20th, 2020.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1270-A totaling $1,554,358.29.
Request to Pay #2 – Home Center Construction, Inc. – $29,232.00 – Water Treatment Plant Fire Damage
Request to Pay #3 – Home Center Construction, Inc. – $30,225.50 – Water Treatment Plant Fire Damage
Certificate of Appropriateness – Sign at 19 S. National – Structures by Margo
Certificate of Appropriateness – Sign at 124 E. Wall – H-Bar Suites – Hole in the Wall Liquor
Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – River Intake Project – $6,394.38
July financials
VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
APPEARANCE:
Anne Rawlins – Sewer Incident
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen)
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:
VII. CONSIDERATION:
Report from City Attorney on Union Lofts project
Sale/Destruction of firearms
Furniture at First Source building
Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation Invoice – July port-a-potties – $3,335.50
VIII. COMMENTS:
Director Updates:
Commission:
City Attorney:
City Manager:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE RECESS IS THE DISCUSSION OF:
The statutory justification for the recess is:
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) – to discuss matters of non-elected personnel;
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) – consultation with the City Attorney on matters that would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship;
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(3) – to discuss employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the public body or agency;
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4) – to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships;
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(6) – for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
The Executive Session will be for _________ minutes long and the open meeting will resume at ___________ am/pm.
Dave Lipe submitted these photos of the Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National Avenue. On the left is the before, on the right is the after of the facelift given the restaurant.
David and Tina Lipe, owners of Sparky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National, have invested time and money to give their restaurant a facelift.
The project started with Mid Continental Restoration, Inc. doing some joint repair and brick replacement on the front of building, David Lipe said.
“Peerless (Products, Inc.) did all of the tear-out and installation of all windows and front doors of the building,” Lipe said. “The project started on August 17th and was completed on August 26th. ” There is still a little bit of floor replacement to be done, hopefully, this will be completed by August 31st.”
“We have been working on this project with Peerless for two years,” Lipe said. ” The building was extremely inefficient, windows were broken, (it) needed a facelift. We wanted to create an open-air type storefront.”
The facelift did not add any seating, Lipe said. “But possibly some outside seating.”
“No grant monies were used on this project,” Lipe said. “We have applied for a building improvement grant through the City of Fort Scott. I was told today that all funds are on hold due to COVID. We have also applied for some funding help through BEDCO (Bourbon County Economic Development Council), (we) have not received anything at this point.”
Sharky’s Pub & Grub phone number is 620-223-4777
The restaurant’s hours are: open at 11 am Monday through Sunday,
close at midnight Monday through Wednesday, close at 2 am Thursday through Saturday, and close at 7 pm Sunday.
Tonya Cliffman is a woman on a mission: human trafficking awareness.
She has organized an Awareness Rally of Human Trafficking and Child Pornography in Nevada, MO on September 19.
Cliffman is also considering a rally on the issue in Fort Scott this fall, if there is local interest.
Cliffman’s purpose is to bring the topic of human trafficking into everyday conversation, she said.
“Whether it’s in the car as they drive by the rally, or in the living room after reading an article about the event. To start conversations between families, neighbors and friends.”
“Parents need to have open communication with their children, be involved with their children’s online activities and know what resources are available to them,” Cliffman said. “Parents need to be empowered and comfortable having these conversations and knowing the vulnerabilities of the children. For example, the techniques that a ‘groomer’ would use to build trust online with their child in a chat room.”
“I have five great-nieces, and three great-nephews,” said Cliffman, who is also a mother of a teenage daughter. “According to the Center for Disease Control, the statistics are one in four girls. So I’m sitting there looking at my nieces, and I thought ‘I am not willing to sacrifice a single one of them to trafficking or sexual abuse.’ When you really look at the odds, and see one of them could be affected, it was really overwhelming. I’m not satisfied with that.”
” I know of instances where there’s ‘sextortion,’” Cliffman said, referring to a minor exchanging sexually explicit pictures with an adult. “I know that some of our teenagers are out there having conversations with men. Because if you have a sad story, they’ll send you money. I think it’s a dangerous road to go down.”
People can get involved in the rally by joining the event and educating themselves with the organizations that have resources available in prevention of these abuses, she said.
People can learn to use the resources available from established organizations whose sole purpose and function is fighting these rising abuses.
Human trafficking is not something that happens in far off places.
There was a recent human trafficking incarceration in Bourbon County, in July 2020, according to Captain Alvin Metcalf with the sheriff’s office.
“He was arrested in Kansas City and transported here,” Metcalf said.
“This was an investigation done by the Dept. of Homeland Security,” Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin said. His office had no involvement in the investigation, he said.
“My cell is 417-321-2550 and my email is [email protected] or they can send a message through the Awareness Rally Event page,” Cliffman said.
Ashley Cavin, 30, is a correction officer for the Bourbon County Jail.
She has an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Fort Scott Community College.
Cavin has worked at the jail for almost two years.
What are your duties?
“I protect the inmates, make sure they get their meals, make sure the facility is clean, book them in and release them, transports etc.”
Her family includes her mother, father, a brother and a sister-in-law “with two wonderful babies from them. A niece and nephew,” she said.
Community involvement, interests or hobbies:
“I ride along with the deputies to gain more experience. I would love to be a deputy one day. I am really looking forward to helping everyone and making sure they are safe and get the help they need. I love gaming, playing sports. I love watching sports, I love listening to music, I love hanging out with my family when I am free with not working. I have three beautiful dogs I love to take them on walks. I love spending time with my girlfriend. “
Why did you pursue your career?
“Ever since I was little I’ve always wanted to do something with law enforcement. I hope one day I’ll be able to be a deputy and protect my town to my fullest potential!”
The LaRoche Building at Wall and National Avenue, June 22, 2020. The upstairs will be apartments and the downstairs, businesses.
Several downtown Fort Scott buildings are in process of being transformed.
The LaRoche Building that faces National Avenue in September 2018 just before renovation of the downtown buildings..
Work began on two historic side-by-side downtown buildings at 10 and 12 E. Wall St.,owned by Jennifer LaRoche on Nov. 5, 2018.
The outside work is now nearly complete and the interior spaces are on the list for completion.
The LaRoche Building, August 2020.The National Avenue side of the LaRoche Building, August 2020..
The buildings on Wall Street at National Avenue have been the work of several local contractors and businesses, which were able to work through the COVID 19 Pandemic restrictions.
The LaRoche Building space housing the Common Ground Coffee Co. at 10 East Wall Street was completed just before the COVID 19 Pandemic started in the U.S. in March 2020.
Then Kenny Felt Photography moved its office to the space just west of the coffee shop at 12 E. Wall Street.
Now the building that faces both Wall and National is being worked on.
“By the middle of September, I will have the building weather tight,” Jennifer LaRoche said. “And then we will start on the inside. I do not know how long that could take to complete. I don’t have an end date.”
“In the Tribune Building…….The upstairs will be apartments. Anywhere from two to four,” she said. “I have not decided yet.
On the ground level, it can occupy four businesses. I do not know what businesses will want to occupy the space.”
PRATT – In a 5-2 vote, Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commissioners passed a regulation change that will allow hunters to use artificial light and thermal-imaging equipment when hunting coyotes at night beginning in 2021. Once the regulation is implemented, interested hunters must purchase a Night Vision Equipment Permit, $2.50, to use artificial light, scopes and equipment that amplify visible light, and thermal-imaging scopes and thermal-imaging equipment, when hunting coyotes at night, with the following restrictions:
Use of this equipment will be permitted from Jan. 1 to March 31 only;
Use of this equipment will require a hunter to possess a Night Vision Equipment Permit, $2.50;
Use of this equipment will be permitted for hunting coyotes only;
Use of a vehicle when hunting with this equipment is prohibited;
Use of this equipment will not be permitted on department lands and waters, including WIHA and iWIHA properties.
“The amount of public input we’ve received on this proposed regulation change was truly impressive,” said Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Brad Loveless. “It just goes to show that, as a state agency, we make better decisions when we take good data, consult with our subject matter experts, and invite the public to provide their experience and insights. I’m pleased with this process and believe this will expand opportunities for hunters, and will benefit our ranching community, as well.”
The new Night Vision Equipment Permit will be valid beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Until then, hunters must observe all current laws and regulations pertaining to the use of special equipment and hunting coyotes (see ksoutdoors.com/Services/Law-Enforcement/Regulations for details).
August 24, 2020: Regarding the Union Block building the City reviewed its records and has determined the following:
1) The Commission appropriately proclaimed the use of the City’s economic development funds in support of economic development projects as a public purpose.
2) The City Commission recognized the Union Block Building as a project deserving of the City’s economic development programs and services, and authorized expenditures.
3) All expenditures toward the Union Block Building were authorized and paid by funds allocated by the Commission for the public purposes for which they were authorized.
4) All payments on the Union Block Building were properly paid and accounted for in the normal course of business. Requests for payment were supported by invoices or other documents certifying that the funds were for the Union Block Building project and for purposes approved by the Commission.
5) No funds under any Commission-approved program were intended or required to be repaid by the developer, owner, or contractor(s) of the Union Block Building.
The City encourages and supports economic development in the City, including the preservation and redevelopment of its many historic properties.
Inquiries on the City’s economic development programs should be directed to the City’s Economic Development Director, Rachel Pruitt ([email protected]).
Follow up on the Union Block Building can be addressed to the City Attorney ([email protected] )
