All posts by Loretta George

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Has A New Human Resource Director and City Manager Reflects on 2023, Looks To 2024

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Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin was asked what the city’s accomplishments were this year and also what is on the horizon for 2024 and he sent his reply.

He also announced a new administrative position has been filled by Payton Coyan.

Payton Coyan. Submitted photo

 

Payton Coyan started as the Fort Scott Human Resource Director on December 27.

She has four years of experience in driving strategic human resource operational initiatives, with a  focus on talent acquisition, employee retention, succession planning, organizational development, legal compliance, and grievance management. She also has skills in recruitment, interviewing, resume screening, negotiating, conflict resolution, streamlining operations, and heightening employee productivity by mastering HR situations for integrating human resource functions with overall goals, according to a press release.

She has experience managing employee benefits, employee hiring and onboarding, performance management, and HR records.

Coyan is a graduate of Ottawa University.

“Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends,” she said in the press release. ” I come from an amazing family and am fortunate to have… every one of them in my life. I am a lifelong resident of Bourbon County and love our community full-heartedly. In my free time, I enjoy…camping, (going) on a nature walk, walking downtown, or reading a book.”

Brad Matkin. Submitted photo

Matkin stated he is sure there is more coming for the city in 2024  but this list of goals will get things going, and “I am sure I missed some things on what we did in 2023.”

2023 Accomplishments:

  • Establishing the “My Fort Scott” App
  • Completion of Cooper Street
  • Completion of the “Old Faithful” sewer project near Nelson Park, between Elm and Pine on North Grant Street.
  • Improved wages for city staff, crews, and public safety members
  • Gunn Park Campground area improvements
  • Lake Fort Scott stem repair
  • The 2022 Cape Seal program completed
  • 2023 Cape Seal program prepped and ready for 2024
  • Increased advertisements and promotion of area events by the Fort ScottTourism Department
  • Approvement of 2nd Phase of  City Connecting Link Improvement grant for the Wall Street project. This is a federal and state-funded program that will start in 2025.
  • Pothole and crack sealing program
  • Established “street repair” crew
  • Memorial Hall improvements (thanks to volunteers for helping this happen)
  • Additional Lake Fort Scott docks
  • Buck Run Community Center improvements
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant lagoon improvements and elimination of the “smell”
  • Assignment of Baker Tilley,  a consulting and public accounting firm, as City Finance Director, with their representative being Ben Hart.
  • Flawless 2022 City audit
  • Establishing a budget that did not increase taxes and freed up city monies for investments
  • Community Development Block Grant sewer repair throughout the city
  • Fort Scott Airport runway and taxi-way improvements thanks to an FAA grant
  • Stormwater project from 15th to 17th and Eddy streets
  • Purchased street line paint machine, city crews painting streets instead of outsourcing
  • Several street and water line repairs
  • Bringing back the Community Development position
  • UTV for the fire department (thanks to Timken Foundation grant)
  • Additional quick-action weapons for the Fort Scott Police Department
  • New Christmas “swags” for downtown
  • Woodland Hills Golf Course cart path improvements and repairs
  • Workman Compensation insurance graded the city with a Gold Star which will equate to a 5% reduction in premium

 

What’s Up in 2024:

  • Tourism Department to branch out to the Kansas City  area to promote Fort Scott
  • 2024 Street program that will improve streets one block at a time
  • Horton Street project
  • Additional aeration systems to the wastewater plant
  • Woodland Hills Golf Course maintenance barn and simulator barn justified; built either in the 4th quarter of ’24 or 1st quarter of ’25.
  • Gunn Park shelter house renovation and shower house built
  • Gunn Park sewer project
  • 2” water line replacement program
  • Caboose in Fisher Park painted and moved to an uptown location at Scott Avenue and Wall Street
  • Two additional police cars were purchased
  • Memorial Hall bathroom renovations (grant pending)
  • Memorial Hall tables and stage lights improvements
  • Phase 1 on the Farmers Market Pavilion completed, and Phase 2 started
  • Buck Run Creek area sewer repair
  • Improved housing initiatives
  • Goals and expectations for our Economic Development Department, which is Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.
  • Contractor licensing completed and implemented
  • Event Tourism Grant policy completed and implemented
  • City of Fort Scott webpage improvements and updated
  • Lake Fort Scott camping area – phase 1
  • Lake Fort Scott secondary valve installed
  • Additional water sources researched
  • Buck Run Walking Trail phase 1 started (grant search and cleanup)
  • Additional downtown parking (plus paving what we currently have)
  • 25th Street rebuilt
  • School speed signs installed on Margrave and National

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

New Downton Pavilion Is In the Works For Fort Scott

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The Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion is located between Old Fort Blvd. and Stanton Street on North National Avenue and construction is slated for completion in mid-January.

A new 70-foot by 150-foot pavilion is in the works for downtown Fort Scott between Old Fort Blvd. and Stanton Street on North National Avenue.

The Fort Scott Farmers Market Pavilion, or Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion is part of many additions in “The Gathering Square” in Fort Scott’s vibrant downtown district, according to Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells.
Matthew Wells. Submitted photo.

‘The farmers market pavilion would aim to be a dynamic community hub,” according to a press release from Wells. “This outdoor pavilion stands in the original location of the first farmer’s market in the community’s history and champions access to fresh produce by hosting the Farmers Market every Tuesday and Saturday from May to October. Beyond the market, the pavilion transforms into a cultural stage.”

“The current plan is to make it available to rent , like Riverfront Park, or the (Gunn Park) shelter houses,” Wells said. “The city has first right-of-refusal on any use other than the set times guaranteed to the farmers market.”

This gathering space offers Bourbon County’s farmers a direct link to the community, fostering healthier lifestyles with the offering of fresh produce and enhancing local commerce, he said.

The pavilion is constructed with sustainability and adaptability in mind, and the design aligns with the International Building Code of 2015, according to the press release.

The pavilion committee also envisions music, theater, and community gatherings coming alive in the space.

It is adjacent to the newly constructed splash pad and sensory park that was constructed last summer.

Also on the horizon is a much-needed public restroom near the site.
“The site (for the new restrooms) has been chosen, plumbing ran underground, and funding secured,”  Wells said.
About The Pavilion Construction

 

The pavilion project is backed by the City of Fort Scott, a grant from T-Mobile, a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, private donations, and other grants that have been applied for and will be awarded soon, Wells said.

“As the price of steel was set to go up by a combined 35%, the Fort Scott City Commission had the forethought to order steel before the skyrocket in price,” Wells said. “As the grants come in, money will be replaced. The city was requested to match at least 1/2 the project cost according to grants.”

Sprouls Construction Inc., Lamar, MO is the general contractor for the pavilion construction project, which began in mid-November and is slated to be finished by mid-January

“We bid the project a long time ago,” Kevin Rooks, Sproul spokesman said. “But we didn’t start working until mid-November 2023.”

“(The project) went through several committees that I was not on, and went through many design and location changes,” Wells said.  “When we reformed the committee we focused on a site, a site plan, and design.  Partnering with the sensory park and splash pad committee we developed the idea for the ‘gathering square’ .”

A final site had to be chosen, and the commission as a whole had to decide on how best to move forward.

“The commission chose progress and what was best, and most cost-effective for our citizens,” Wells said.

The building is constructed of pre-engineered metal and Sprouls Constructin is currently trying to get the roof panels on.

“We hope the wind will quit,” he said. “All the conditions have to be right (for safely installing the roof panels).”

“We anticipate the completion is mid-January,” Rook said. “If the weather cooperates, it will be sooner.”

The structure will be painted black when the weather is warmer and dryer, Rook said. “Hopefully, by June.”

There are more phases to the project.

“We would like to put electricity and lighting, and then we would like to wrap the columns in stone,” he said.  “And when the blockhouse has the new siding put on, incorporate a matching wood, possibly around the top as a skirt.”

 

The pavilion committee consists of:

Lindsay Madison
Bailey Lyons
Rachel French
Angie Simons
Bill Michaud
Brad Matkin
Mary Wyatt
Josh Jones
Tayton Majors
Rob Harrington
Matthew Wells

 

Fort Scott, Health Care, Jobs

Emmerson Retires From Long-Term Health Care Career

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Lynette Emmerson. Submitted photo.

Lynette Emmerson has been a licensed long-term care administrator in the community for almost thirty years.

“After both of my parents passed away this past year and after becoming a grandparent for the first time, I re-evaluated my priorities,” she said. “With the help of my family, I realized I can look for a career in which I have less pressure and responsibility.  I prayed about it and God opened a door. I have the opportunity to spend more time with my growing family, which includes a daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and a future son-in-law.”

As of January 2, 2024, Emmerson will be a new secretary at Fort Scott Middle School.

She has been at Medicalodge, Fort Scott, for the past nine-and-a-half years.

The best part of her job is helping people.
“Whether it is our residents, families, or staff,” she said. “I love to help people find resources.  I especially loved hands-on care and spending time with so many residents over the years.”
“The challenges: being responsible for the decisions and actions staff make and working in a job in which I am on-call continuously because in healthcare you are never closed for business.”
Through the decades, there have been changes in long-term care.

Emmerson noted that long-term care residents in nursing homes need a higher level of staffing and experienced nurses than when she first started her career.

“Hospitals are not admitting or keeping people as long anymore so skilled nursing facilities must be prepared to provide that kind of care,” she said.

Another difference, is “Over the years, residents have been referred to us from all over the region from Kansas City to Wichita to Joplin while in the beginning, it was more local- Fort Scott and the surrounding communities.”

“Also, less of the workforce seems to want to work in long-term care so it is very important to recruit and retain staff who love caring for the elderly and individuals who need long-term care,” she said.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Health Care

Grief Share Support Group Starts on January 9 At The Catholic School

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From GriefShare’s Facebook page.

“The loneliness of grief can be comforted,” said Laura Meeks, a local leader of GriefShare.  “GriefShare  is a nationally recognized support for those left with the pain of the death of a loved one.”

“We invite you to GriefShare to help you recover from the death of your loved one,” she said.  “We are sorry for the reasons that bring you to this group, but we welcome you. If you are uncomfortable taking this step and don’t know what to expect by joining a small group, your feelings are normal.”

The first GriefShare meeting led by Meeks starts on Tuesday, January 9 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic School, 714 S. Eddy in Room 203, which is across from the parish office.

“Thirteen sessions will be held for our group each Tuesday at the same time and place,” she said.  “This is a non-denominational grief recovery program. Hospitality will be provided and you will be given a helpful book to support your journey.”

“After the first of thirteen sessions ….you will start noticing you find it helpful to be around others who also are dealing with their emotions, questioning, and feeling exhaustion,” she said.

“We all grieve differently,” Meeks said.  “There are no rules nor measurements such as time.”

For more than 25 years, GriefShare has helped over 1 million people heal from the pain of grief, according to a press release from Meeks. Professionally developed videos and a workbook help you meet people who have faced grief and share what helped them. You get practical suggestions from counselors and pastors, experts in grief recovery who have also experienced deep loss.

“Pastor Fr. Yancy Burgess recommended this program when I told him I wanted to help those who faced the death of a loved one,” Meeks said. “He referred me to his former Kansas Parrish GriefShare leader who guided me as I prepared. Last July,  Fr. Burgess ordered all the materials we needed to provide this support for the community specifically intending to include all, in this non-denominational approach.  He has a formidable background in bereavement support and provides support to us.”

To find more information about GriefShare go to griefshare.org or email [email protected].

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Meeks, by calling: 740-317-6379, or emailing [email protected] for questions or registration support. To register directly go to griefshare.org/findagroup.

 

Another GriefShare will be available in fall 2024.

 

At the end of November, Community Christian Church just finished a 13-week course, led by Jon Bailes and Jeanette Perry, according to Jamie Beckham, at CCC.

“They are preparing to do another in the fall,” she said.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

New Commercial, Entertainment and Tourism Project Being Proposed

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The KDOT building is located on Hwy. 69. Part of the proposed STAR Bond project is south of the KDOT property.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), the City of Fort Scott Commission, and the Bourbon County Commission announced a Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bond initiative.
REDI presented the STAR Bond project at the last Fort Scott City Commission meeting.
To view the MOU:
The Fort Scott Project, taken from the Memorandum of Understanding. Submitted document. The district runs from Heidrick’s True Value store at 1508 S. National, south on National Avenue to Highway 69 then south to the property south of the KDOT building south of the industrial park. Harrington said this map is only of the northern part of the STAR bond district. To view the rest of the district, see the attachment.

“The (Fort Scott)Commission was presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the multi-million dollar ‘Event Center’ project which would include an 8,000 seat event center focusing on rodeo type events, stockyard, two hotels, travel center type convenient store, restaurants, multi-use turf field, and luxury recreational vehicle (RV) park,” said Brad Matkin, Fort Scott’s City Manager.

The MOU was signed by the city and a signatory, Robb Heineman, for 635 Holdings LLC.

Robb Heineman from the Sporting KC website.

Heineman is the co-owner of Sporting KC, the parent organization of Sporting Kansas City, and one of the club’s five principal owners, according to https://www.sportingkc.com/club/ownership/robb-heineman/.

This MOU begins preliminary negotiations on a development agreement.

“As of right now there is no obligation from the City of Fort Scott,” Matkin said. “The signing of the MOU shows the City of Fort Scott supports the project and wishes to proceed.”

The proposed Fort Scott project will be approximately 77 acres located just south of the KDOT building and in the lot south of LaRoche Stadium, all along U.S. Hwy. 69 on Fort Scott’s south side. There will also be 20 acres of the development located in front of the former Mercy Hospital that will house a hotel, ret,ail and restaurants, according to Robert Harrington, REDI’s Executive Director.
“STAR Bonds empower municipalities to issue bonds for the development of major commercial, entertainment, and tourism projects,” according to the REDI Facebook page. “Repayment is secured by the additional sales tax revenue generated by the project itself! This isn’t just about construction; it’s about sparking economic growth, creating jobs, and boosting tourism. These large-scale projects contribute positively to our local economy, creating a ripple effect of benefits.”

“This project is a unique opportunity for Fort Scott to harness its potential for growth and development, ” said Harrington. “It is a momentous chance for the community to embrace change and shape a prosperous future.”

Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.

“The South Sports Project represents a transformative $116 million development aimed at bolstering tourism and increasing sales tax revenues in the region,” said  Harrington.

“At the heart…. is the construction of an 80,000-square-foot, 8,000-seat professional rodeo arena,” Harrington said. “This versatile facility, designed in collaboration with leading rodeo companies, is set to become one of the nation’s premier rodeo venues. Beyond rodeo events, the arena will host conferences, trade shows, sporting events, and concerts, positioning Fort Scott and Bourbon County as a prominent destination.”

In addition to the arena, there are plans for new hotels and retail spaces, including restaurants.

“These additions are projected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in sales and property taxes over the next two decades,” Harrington said.

One part of the project is a “super field” for local soccer teams and a multi-purpose facility with four baseball and softball fields.

“This will not only bring in sports tournaments but also facilitate an upgrade to LaRoche Stadium, saving significant tax dollars for the school district and city,” Harrington said.

Also included is the establishment of a luxury recreational vehicle park, which will accommodate tourists, sports enthusiasts, and concertgoers, further enhancing the area’s appeal, according to Harrington.

A new truck plaza along Highway 69 is included and will increase sales tax revenue from non-local traffic. This strategic location fills a crucial service gap for truck drivers traveling between U.S. Interstate Hwy. 44 and Kansas City, Harrington said.

Overall, Harrington said the South Sports Project promises to create approximately 300 new jobs and generate nearly a billion dollars in sales and property tax revenues over 25 years. “This growth, driven by external investment, offers the prospect of reducing the tax burden for local residents.”

Area News, Fort Scott, Youth

Fort Scott Students Qualify For PSU Fall Semester Honor Roll

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Pittsburg State University has released the honor roll for the 2023 Fall semester.  

To qualify for Dean’s Scholastic Honors, a student must complete at least 12 semester hours, receive a grade point average of 3.6000 for all credit course work that semester, and have no grade lower than a B and no grade of I in any course during the semester.

To qualify for All-A Scholastic Honors, a student must complete at least 12 semester hours, receive a grade of A in all credit course work for the semester and have no grade of I in any course during the semester.

https://www.pittstate.edu/gorillaconnection/2023/12/university-releases-fall-2023-honor-roll.html?fbclid=IwAR1IzRUQggg22lCy1o2TKYqn0Tl2HZwJ-LPRZpQhmEX4Qln9HhuK2Ny66CA

The following are the honor students listed from Fort Scott:

Burke, Rebecca B. Fort Scott Psychology SR Dean’s Scholastic Honors

Carver, Kaeden L. Fort Scott Accounting JR Dean’s Scholastic Honors

Delatorre, Jacob Fort Scott Physical Education SR All A Scholastic Honors

Emmerson, Amanda R. Fort Scott Elementary Education JR All A Scholastic Honors

Erie, Aleana G. Fort Scott English SR All A Scholastic Honors

Feagins, Grant Fort Scott Accounting JR All A Scholastic Honors

Gorman, Tyler D. Fort Scott General Studies SR Dean’s Scholastic Honors

Goucher, Courtney Fort Scott Workforce Development SR All A Scholastic Honors

Hill, Sage R. Fort Scott Geo and Political Sciences JR All A Scholastic Honors

Hudiburg, Dawna C. Fort Scott Rec, Sport, and Hospitality Mgmt SR All A Scholastic Honors

Jones, Madison P. Fort Scott Physical Education SR Dean’s Scholastic Honors

Jones, David A. Fort Scott Music JR All A Scholastic Honors

Keating, Elizabeth Fort Scott Nursing SR Dean’s Scholastic Honors

Love, Adriana N. Fort Scott Nursing SR All A Scholastic Honors

Madison, Kendall E. Fort Scott Elementary Education SR All A Scholastic Honors

Mason, Rylan Fort Scott Biology SO All A Scholastic Honors

Mcclure, Macayla J. Fort Scott Elementary Education SR All A Scholastic Honors

Michaud, Alaenah M. Fort Scott Biology JR Dean’s Scholastic Honors

Michaud, Alec P. Fort Scott Construction Eng Technology SR All A Scholastic Honors

Mix, Angela C. Fort Scott Psychology SR All A Scholastic Honors

Reynolds, Kerigan J. Fort Scott Psychology SO All A Scholastic Honors

Terry, Noah R. Fort Scott Electrical Technology SO All A Scholastic Honors

Witt, Ivan A. Fort Scott Accounting SR All A Scholastic Honors

Ascension Via Christi, Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Ascension Via Christi Fort Scott Emergency Department Departure: CHC Is Preparing For More People, Bo Co EMS Is Fully Staffed

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Mercy Hospital Fort Scott signed an agreement with Ascension Via Christi to provide equipment and furnishings for emergency room services in 2019, following the hospital’s closure in December 2018. Ascension Via Christi pulled out of this site on December 20.

The doors are locked once again at the former Fort Scott  Mercy Hospital Emergency Room. Ascension Via Christi closed them on December 20, 2023, after four years of service. This following AVC’s announcement that they experienced  “a decline in visits and …. other economic challenges,” according to a press release.

December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott has been preparing for the Ascension Via Christ Emergency Department departure by recruiting more providers,  planning more training, and purchasing additional supplies.

CHC in Fort Scott provides care to about 125 to 150 people daily in its Walk-In Care department, which is part of the center at 2322 S. Main, Krista Postai, CEO of CHC/SEK said.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott is located at 2322 S. Main, on Hwy. 69. The Walk-In Clinic is left in this photo.

The Fort Scott Walk-In Care department sees people from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Editors note: Taken from the CHC Facebook page

All CHC/SEK Walk-In Care locations will close at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve (Sunday, Dec. 24.)
All CHC/SEK locations will be closed on Christmas Day (Monday, Dec. 25). Normal hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

Postai said after visiting with the AVC administration she found that “their late evening/late night volume… was minimal,”  It was then determined to keep their  Walk-In Care hours as established.

“All our clinics are accustomed to having individuals walk in with serious problems (e.g. having a heart attack) and we are going to anticipate more and are preparing for these situations,” Posai said.

“We have been working to ensure that in addition to the medical provider ( a Nurse Practitioner or Physicians Assistant) ), there is always a more experienced registered nurse on duty and we have been recruiting for additional RNs for that purpose,” she said.  “We have evaluated staff skill levels, supplies, and other resources and will provide additional training and supplies as necessary. We already have lab and diagnostic imaging (including CT scanning) and excellent clinical staff in place.”

Krista Postai. Submitted photo.

 

“We have also met with local law enforcement and Emergency Medical Service staff and are working with them to coordinate care for patients, as well as visiting with Via Christi staff and Dr. Stebbins (their ER physician director) to discuss opportunities for closer collaboration on our referrals down to Pittsburg,” she said.

 

“We have reached out to Amberwell Health after reading of their interest in potentially staffing the ER and urged them to connect with us on their next visit to Fort Scott,” she said. “Unfortunately, we have yet to meet with them.”

 

“The concept of participating in the new Rural Emergency Hospital program was researched, but it was determined that only hospitals were eligible and, at this point in time, it is unlikely that will change,” she said.

 

“We are indeed very sorry to see Ascension Via Christi withdraw from Fort Scott, but understand there are other factors influencing their decision,” she said. “We have urged them to reconsider if these matters get resolved but recognize that southeast Kansas is not a major market for Ascension.”

Bourbon County EMS

Bourbon County EMS Director Teri Hulsey said “AVC closing is sad for the community, but we are fully staffed and ready for any call. We have six full-time paramedics and six full-time Emergency Medical Technicians and several part-time.”

“The only change will be transport times,” Hulsey said.

Cardiac patients will be transported to AVC in Pittsburg. Moms about to give birth can go to Nevada Regional Medical Center in Missouri or Pittsburg AVC. “It’s the patient’s choice,” Hulsey said.

“We have two first-out ambulances when a call comes, those go out,” Hulsey said. “For trauma (car wreck, a stroke, fall out of a tree) if we can get a  helicopter either Joplin, MO or Overland Park Regional or Kansas University Medical Center in the Kansas City area. If a flight is not available, the patient will be transported.”

The Bourbon County EMS has seven ambulances that are supplied with “everything we need,” Hulsey said.

Airport, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Airport Gets Improvements Inside and Out

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Submitted photo of the Fort Scott Airport runway maintenance was completed in November.

Emery Sapp & Sons, a Kansas City, Missouri  full-service heavy civil
contractor recently completed the Fort Scott Municipal Airport runway and taxiway improvements for the City of Fort Scott.

“This maintenance needs to be done every so many years,” said Fort Scott Airport Manager Seth Simpson. “I am very happy with Emery Sapp. They are easy to work with. I can’t praise their services enough.”

Seth Simpson, Fort Scott City Airport Manager, started duties in  Dec. 2018.

The pavement was completed ahead of schedule just before the Kansas hunting season brought increased air travel to the area, according to a press release from Sapp.

Construction began Sept. 11 and was completed 16 days later, requiring minimal airport closure.

The company used stringless paving technology to decrease the project schedule and optimize the budget for the city.  The stringless paver follows fixed points to control elevation and steer the paving, resulting in an improved runway and taxiway, according to the press release

Runway health longevity, construction schedule optimization, and decreased travel impact were vital to the City of Fort Scott, according to the press release. The publicly owned airport is the base of 18 aircraft, averaging 27 daily operations.

A sky crane stops over in Fort Scott on Dec. 18, on its way to Kansas City, from the airport’s Facebook page.

Other Projects

Simpson said the expansion of the runway is on hold.

“It’s a complicated project,” Simpson said. “You can’t get the funding because you don’t have the traffic. You can’t get the traffic because the runways are not long enough. That’s why it is so difficult. There is a lot more red tape.”

Simpson said one project the staff have been working on is remodeling the interior of the terminal, “To update to more current standards.”

The staff is comprised of Simpson and Bryan Matkin, who is the assistant manager.

Fort Scott Airport Assistant Manager Brian Matkin helps remodel a conference room at the airport. From its Facebook page.

“We have a pilots lounge where they can come in and rest and have a bite to eat or watch TV,” he said. “We are trying to find ways to make it more attractive.”

In September 2024, Simpson is organizing a fly-in at the airport.

“It’s a one-day event where a pilot can fly in for some food,” he said. “I am looking for some food trucks to come in.”

Contact Simpson at 620-223-5490 for more information.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Health Care

Care to Share is Expanding Offices to 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

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Teresa Davenport, president of Care to Share, and Cory Bryars, vice president, hold the organization’s banner in front of the front desk area of the former Mercy Hospital which is the new office for the organization.

A local grassroots helping organization is reorganizing and expanding to a space in the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

 

401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

Care to Share is a cancer support group that provides both emotional and financial help to cancer fighters and their caregivers.

All services and items for the cancer fighter/caregivers are free.

The 501c3 cancer support group formed in July 2007, said Teresa Davenport, president of the group.

For about 15 years the group has had a small office in the building at 902 S. Horton. First Mercy Hospital, then Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas owned the building, and Fort Scott Community College briefly from June to December 2023. Now USD 234 is purchasing the building for an expanded preschool program.

The Care to Share group began to think about a different site for the organization to have an office and talked to Bourbon County Commissioner Jim Harris, said Cory Bryars, vice president for the group.

Harris in turn talked to Rob Harrington.

“Legacy Healthcare Foundation owns the building and…gave the go-ahead for them to move in,” Harrington said. “I contract with Legacy to do property management for them so I was the initial contact. I want people to know that they are giving back to the community. ”

On Sunday, December 17, Care to Share volunteers moved the items stored at 902 S. Horton to 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

Cory Bryars stands in the room behind the front desk with all the items that were moved and now need to be organized.

At both sites, both Mercy and Legacy have given rent and utilities for free to the organization, for which they are grateful, Davenport said.

The New Space Has More Rooms

“When you walk in (the former Mercy Hospital building), you can go to the front desk,” Davenport said. “It will be… more availability to the public.” The front desk is the first thing seen when entering the facility.

Behind that front desk, thereis a large room with door access to the desk and several smaller rooms.

The smaller rooms are envisioned to be for trying on wigs and bras, a room for consultation, a large storage room, and a room for all the equipment that Care to Share loans to people who need them.

Some of the smaller rooms in the hall will be used by the organization. Here Bryars unlocks a door to a small room, which was a former registration clerk’s office.

Community Fundraisers Help Save Lives

Last year, Care to Share gave over $97,000 to cancer fighters and their caregivers, mostly gasoline money for appointments and treatments, and other personal concerns of the people with cancer, such as housecleaning, meals( including Ensure-a highly nutritional drink), respite care for caregivers, mowing of lawns, etc.

The year-round fundraisers in the three counties they serve contribute to the Sharing Bucket, the financial arm of the organization. Besides Bourbon, they also serve people in Crawford and Linn Counties.

A Care to Share Donation Jar can be placed at a business for those wanting to support this organization. Some employers might be interested in starting a payroll deduction plan to support the organization’s goals for cancer fighters at a local level, said Cory Bryars. Submitted photo.

“All those tournaments, bake sales, etc. have raised over $1.5 million since 2009,” Davenport said. “We run strictly by volunteers, no one gets paid.”

“I want the communities to know they are saving lives with this community involvement,” she said. “Helping them get to treatment.”

In January 2024 they will be reorganizing following the resignation of Lavetta Simmons, a founder of the group.

“We had a volunteer meeting last week,” Davenport said. ” We have a ride coordinator, a meal coordinator, and a chore coordinator to better serve the counties. We are separating all the volunteer’s responsibilities. We want to serve more efficiently.”

“Delegating all this volunteer stuff, I’ll be able to do more grant writing, etc.,” Davenport said.

Following the move on December 17, the volunteers will be working on and off at the new site to organize the office space.

“We’ll need help organizing the new space,” she said.

To help this organization through talent or time, one can contact Davenport at 620.238.0902 or email [email protected] or Bryars at 913.269.3122 or email  [email protected]

Upcoming Events

On  Sunday, January 22, Care to Share will have an open house at the new site for the public and also provide a sign-up sheet for potential volunteers.

The first Saturday in February, they will reinstate cancer support meetings, which will be held at the McAuley Center, she said.

Starting on March 6 there will be a volunteer manning the front desk each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2  p.m.

“If people need things in the meantime, call us,” she said.

Lavetta Simmons, who is a founding member of the organization, resigned in October and her last day is December 31, 2023.

“My priorities have always been God, family, and Care to Share,” Simmons said. “Family is overshadowing Care to Share at this point in my life, I will be taking care of two great-grandchildren.”

With Davenport and Bryares serving on the board starting in this new year are Carol Hill, treasurer; Kathy Clark, Tammy Miller, Leah Lewis, Richard Long, JoVoli Clark, Joyce Nicholson, and Jerry Witt. Simmons will be an emeritus member and Dr. Boban Matthews is an ex-officio member.

“On this newly reorganized program, we are looking for a secretary for the board that will start in January,” she said. “There are two open positions on the board, that we would like a nurse or doctor to fill.”

To learn more about Care to Share:

Care_to_Share_brochure 2023-08

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

On The Horizon For Fort Scott Preschool: An Expansion

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The Fort Scott Preschool, at 409 S. Judson.

On December 11, the USD 234 School Board approved the purchase of the former Family Physicians building located at 902 S. Horton Street from Fort Scott Community College.

The building is slated to become the school district’s new Early Childhood Center, according to a press release from the center’s principal, Nick Johnson.

The Fort Scott Preschool Center is currently located at 409 S. Judson Street.

“We will find out if we receive grant funding in early February,” Nick Johnson, the principal, said. “Renovation should begin in the spring of 2024 and be completed by the end of 2024.  We are planning to begin classes in the new building in January 2025.”
Nick Johnson. Submitted photo.

“This building houses three preschool classrooms, two operated by USD 234 and one operated by Head Start,” Johnson said.  “USD 234 also leases a classroom in the Happy Kids Daycare and Preschool building.”

“All USD 234 preschool classrooms are half-day, blended classrooms,” he said.  “The blended classrooms contain a combination of students who qualify for an Individualized Education Program, students who qualify for the state Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program, and peer models.”

“All students participate in an engaging, interactive curriculum that is aligned with the Kansas Early Learning Standards and focuses on physical, academic, and social-emotional development,” Johnson said.  “Special Education staff provide cognitive and social-emotional intervention, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy to students with developmental delays.”

In addition to providing special education services for students attending classes, the preschool staff also provides services to home-based students and students in community-based preschool programs.

“Through partnerships with the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center and Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, students and families have access to a variety of mental health and healthcare services,” he said.

The Fort Scott Preschool staff members include four Early Childhood Special Education teachers, one part-time intervention teacher, and ten paraprofessionals.

902 S. Horton.

“The new building will bring the three existing preschool classrooms and two additional preschool classrooms under one roof,” Johnson said.  “Two new classrooms are much needed as the desire for early childhood education continues to grow.”

The current preschool has 103 students enrolled, with 29 on the waiting list.

“The two additional classrooms will increase the program’s maximum capacity to 180 students which will eliminate the need for a waitlist and reduce class sizes,” Johnson said.

District staff have been working with representatives from Greenbush Education Service Center and Hight Jackson Architects to apply for the Capital Projects Fund Accelerator Grant administered by the Kansas Children’s Cabinet & Trust Fund, he said.

If awarded, grant funds will be used to remodel the existing building so that it can meet the range of employment, health, education, and childcare needs of families in the community.

To fulfill the grant requirements, current plans for the building include space for preschool classrooms, a small health clinic, a workforce development room, and a daycare area, he said.

“These new opportunities, combined with existing partnerships, will allow the Fort Scott Scott Preschool Center to achieve its vision of a community working together to support the academic, social-emotional, and physical development of each child to ensure that they are ready for Kindergarten and beyond,” he said.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Nursing Program Remains at Burke Street Campus and Gets Conditional Approval

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Fort Scott Community College is selling this property at 902  S. Horton. to USD 234.

The Fort Scott Community College Trustees have decided to sell the property it purchased from the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas to move its nursing department into, at 902 S. Horton.

The building will now be purchased by the Fort Scott School District USD 234, with the intention for the transaction to take place before December 31, 2023.

“I would like to stress the decision to sell 902 Horton was based upon an evaluation of our facility needs,” FSCC President Dr. Jason Kegler said. “We see this as an opportunity to move the nursing program back to campus. Subsequent conversations with both nursing faculty and other college employees confirm this was the right decision for Fort Scott Community College and our community.”

“The lease purchase, it is my understanding, began in the summer of 2023, just prior to my arrival,” Kegler said. “The lease purchase was done with the intention of moving nursing to this location.”

“It is my understanding the previous owners of the property at 902 S. Horton were both Mercy Hospital and CHC,” Dr. Kegler said. “The college had planned to utilize the space for nursing, but decided otherwise after bids for the renovation were received. The decision was made because the college administration wanted to explore different options.”

At the December 11 monthly meeting, the FSCC Trustees authorized Dr. Kegler to complete the appropriate transfers of funds and related paperwork to fulfill the debt obligation to CHCSEK. It is the final installment in a lease purchase payment.

The nursing program will remain in the current Burke Street location, with plans to eventually relocate the program back to the main campus, he said.

 

The Fort Scott Community College Nursing Dept., 810 Burke. Submitted photo.
Also at the December 11 meeting, “The board approved the establishment of a Health Program division within Academic Affairs,” Kegler said. “This division will encompass nursing, allied health, and Emergency Medical Technician (education). There will be responsibility for compliance, oversight, assessment, and potential expansion of the college’s health program options.”

 

A December 13 announcement from Dr. Kegler about the nursing program:

“On November 21, 2023, a correspondence was posted on social media regarding the current status of the Fort Scott Community College Nursing Program. In that letter, the college vowed to provide updates as information became available about the program.
On November 29-30, a team from the Kansas Board of Nursing (KSBN) conducted a site visit to review first-time pass rates of graduates who had completed the program. The team met with FSCC administration, support staff, students, faculty, and members of the Nursing Program’s Advisory Board.
From discussions with these groups, the team identified for key institutional stakeholders, several strengths and opportunities for improvement. The site visit team would issue a report which included recommendations for the future of the program.
The following Monday, December 4, the college received a draft of the report in which the college was to review for errors of fact. That same day, a Nursing Program Task Force was formed to address items within the report as well as to prepare a response to be presented at the KSBN Education Committee meeting on December 12, 2023. The Task Force consisted of faculty, staff, and administrators. The Task Force will be expanded to include students, community members, alumni, and professionals. A list of action items, with suggested completion dates was established. A partial list of those items included:
• The appointment of an Interim Director
• Cease admissions until the program has rectified concerns related to pass rates and other recommendations from KSBN
• Host forums (Community, Alumni, and Professional) to discuss the Nursing Program
• Work to ensure student representation as active participants in meetings with the advisory board and nursing program faculty.
The action items later became part of a strategic plan for nursing. At the request of KSBN, a copy of the strategic plan was provided to the Education Committee.
FSCC President, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and a Nursing Faculty member, attended the KSBN Education Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. The group presented the strategic plan, as well as additional adjustments which lie ahead for the program. After a brief opportunity for questions, the Committee unanimously voted to accept the recommendations of the KSBN team which conducted the site visit.
This morning, the college was notified that the full board of KSBN voted to permit the FSCC Nursing Program to remain on conditional approval with no new admissions until a follow up site visit is done.
This means that the FSCC Nursing Program will continue to operate and serve the current students who have been accepted into the program.
The College is grateful for the KSBN officials who visited the campus and offered feedback on areas for improvement. We are also appreciative of the community who has a longstanding history of supporting this program. We share an understanding of the importance of our nursing program, not only based on the impact to the college, but also its rich tradition within our community.
We appreciate the support and are excited about the future of FSCC’s Nursing Program.”

 

 

 

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Ready to elevate your career or pave the way to a four-year degree?

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