All posts by Loretta George

Fort Scott, Schools

Martin Altieri: New Winfield Scott Assistant Principal

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Martin Altieri, 38, is the  Winfield Scott Elementary School Assistant Principal, starting July 22.

 

“My duties will be assisting (Principal) Ms. McGhee, who will be back in full capacity,” Altieri said.  “I will assist with school operations, providing support to staff and students in order to meet their social, emotional, and educational needs, and helping to implement district curriculum and technology initiatives.”

Altieri has seven years teaching middle school social studies in the Shawnee Mission School District and served nine years in the U.S. Army.

He earned a Bachelors in Secondary Education from Emporia State University and a  Masters of Science in School Leadership from Baker University.

Altieri’s hometown is Prairie Village, KS.

He has three children Morgan, 9; Marilyn 6; and Calvin, 4.
His parents are Michael and Joan, and he has two brothers – Matthew and Daniel.

Altieri has been involved in his community as a volunteer at Veteran’s of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Salvation Army. Additionally, he has coached baseball and soccer.

How did you become an educator?

“I have always enjoyed teaching and coaching and viewed education as a way to give back to the community and share my experiences and love of history with others.”

Did someone inspire you to teach?

“My mother, Joan. She went to college to become a teacher but opted not to enter the education field. She always said it was one of her biggest regrets.”

 

What is the best part of teaching for you?

“Developing relationships with students and parents. Seeing students excited to learn and looking forward to going to school. Watching students grow as young people and develop lifelong skills.”

What are the greatest challenges?

“Meeting the needs of students and ensuring learning is taking place for all students. Helping students deal with challenges outside of school.”

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Express Employment Professionals: Help With Recruiting Employees

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Kai Runnells, Express Employment Professionals Business Developer in her office at 119 S. Main, June 2019.

All across America, unemployment is low.

Nationally, total nonfarm payroll employment went up in May 2019 with approximately 75,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdfon June 9. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services and in health care.

 

In Bourbon County, the unemployment rate is 4.1 percent, according to the website https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Map%20April%202019%20LAUS.jpg

 

A recent business opened an office in Fort Scott to help other businesses find suitable employees in this era where job seekers have diminished.

 

In April 2019, Express Employment Professionals opened an office in Fort Scott at 119 S. Main.  The franchise is based out of Independence,  since 2004.

The location of Express Employment Professionals, in between Fort Scott City Hall and  Crooner’s Lounge on Main Street.

“The staff and company provide businesses with their workforce needs,” Kai Rannells, business developer with EEP and the local representative, said. Rannells can be reached at 620-644-5050.

“There is a small fee for businesses,” she said. “This covers payroll burden liability. (The fee) varies on types of jobs.”

Because of the low employment rate, candidates without jobs need more coaching, Rannells said.

“Businesses are afraid of what it could cost to train and then retain employees,” she said. “That cost will fall on us. When a company brings in a new employee it costs a fair amount of money and if the employee doesn’t end up lasting, they are out that amount.”

EEP provides temporary or contract staff and do temporary to hire staffing.

“That’s where they start out temporary, and after probation is met, the company is able to hire them as a permanent employee,” Rannells said. “A lot of companies do that to make sure it’s a good fit for their team. We also do direct hires and professional searches.”

“We like to focus on helping people find the right candidate and job seekers find good careers,” she said.

“If someone is looking for a job, we do interviews to see what company would be a good fit of those hiring and we try to place them,” Rannells said. “It is a free service for job seekers.”

For more information about the services and EEP: https://www.expresspros.com/

Business, Fort Scott, Housing

Stout Building-Going, Union Block Building-New Apartments

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Flexbuild has demolition containers in front of the Union Block Building on North Main Street in Fort Scott’s Historic District.

There will be lots of activity at the corner of First and Main Streets in the next few weeks, according to Paul Wagner, Co-Founder of Flexbuild, Merriam. Flexbuild is the general contractor for the demolition of the Stout Building and the renewing of the Union Block Building in downtown historic Fort Scott.

The Union Block building, three storefronts at 18, 20 and 22 South Main are in the “build-back” phase, now, following demolition phase, Wagner said. The project is slated for completion for the end of 2019, he said.

“The buildings have been gutted by Skitch’s Hauling, Excavation, and Demolition,” Wagner said. “He has done a great job.”

These buildings will be transformed into 25 market-rate apartments ranging from 750 to 1,100 square feet in size. In addition, there will be a community room, exercise room, and an office area.

“The community rooms will be in the front, where the glass is,” Wagner said. “Everything else will be apartments. These are nice accommodations. In the back of the north building, there will be a courtyard for residents.”

“Just recently we got the building permit (from the city),” Wagner said. “Westar (Energy) is moving the electrical lines out of the way, to keep us safe. And  we got the state fire marshall approval, which is a big step.”

Flexbuild is moving from demolition to reconstructing on the Union Block Building and is currently working with a local quarry to fill the crawlspace under the buildings, he said.

Tony Kresnich, Flint Hills Holdings, holds the contract for the project, Wagner said. Neil Sommers, Louisburg, is the architect.

“We are trying to do as many local subs as possible,” he said. “Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, masonry, painting and carpentry. Between subs and my workers, there will be 15-20 workers.”

The Stout Building, National Avenue and First Street will be demolished in the next two weeks, according to the general contractor for the project.

The Stout Building, at National Avenue and First Street, will be completely demolished and a parking lot/park rebuilt on the spot, Wagner said.

The Union Block buildings were built in the 1880-90s, Wagner was told.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Walmart Starts Curbside Pickup of Groceries

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The word Pickup can be seen on the south section of Walmart, 2500 S. Main Street.

Walmart Fort Scott started grocery curbside service June 19.

Here is a simple how-to on the process of using the service:

One can order at walmart.com, after creating an account and setting up payment by credit card. The pickup service costs nothing.

After the order is complete, pickup time is scheduled, then when the customer arrives, there is a designated area on the south of the store with 10 orange parking spaces.

The door the Walmart employees use to bring the groceries to the customer curbside is located on the south side of the building.
Designated parking spaces for pickup, with the phone number to call when arriving.

On the sign in the designated parking spaces is a phone number to call when arriving. Workers come out with a cart and will put the groceries in the customer’s vehicle.

Walmart employees check the order to see if it is the correct one.

Being the first day, there were a few glitches to work out, but this reporter had groceries in the trunk in 10 minutes.

Counting approximately 15 minutes to order online, the service is a time saver and is free.

Bourbon County, Business

Clubs, Organizations Invited to Fundraise at Uniontown Independence Day Celebration

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Fireworks burst over the Union State Bank at the 2018 Independence Day Celebration.

Union State Bank, Uniontown, has its’ annual customer appreciation event each  July 3rd and sponsors an Independence Day Celebration in the small town’s central park.

 

“This is the 14th year that Union State Bank has sponsored the Independence Day Celebration in Uniontown,” Amy Holt, spokesperson for the bank, said.  “This is a customer appreciation event, but we encourage the whole community, surrounding area, and friends and family to bring a lawn chair and gather and enjoy the evening and fireworks display.”

 

This year live music will be provided by Kyle Sexton, who will be performing at 6:30 p.m.

” He is a singer, songwriter, and guitar player who will provide a variety of music for all to enjoy,” Holt said.

 

“As in years past, we will serve FREE hotdogs, chips and water beginning at 7 pm until all gone,” Holt said.

 

“A bounce house and inflatable obstacle course will help keep the little kids entertained beginning at 7 pm,” she said.  “Charlie Schubert will also be there providing train rides around the park.”

 

New this year is The Selfie Bar for older kids and adults, she said.

“This will allow you to take pictures, GIFs or videos, with props, of you and your friends or family and send them straight to your phone,” Holt said.

 

“And of course, we will have the fantastic fireworks display at dark,” she said. “Please note that we are discouraging any personal fireworks in the downtown area of Uniontown.”

 

Local clubs and organizations are encouraged to come as a vendor to the event, Holt said.

“So far, the Uniontown Cheer girls will be having a bake sale and the Uniontown Ball Association will be holding a raffle for a YETI cooler,” she said. “In years past we have also had organizations selling pop, ice cream, glow in the dark necklaces, popsicles, and face painting.”

 

Please contact Amy Holt at Union State Bank 620-756-4305 if interested in becoming a vendor at the event.

 

 

Fort Scott Community College

Burris Hall Expanded at FSCC

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Burris Hall on the campus of FSCC is being expanded and the old section updated.

There is construction going on at Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton this summer.

“There is a new addition to Burris Hall, the ag department,” FSCC President Alysia Johnston said. “They are classrooms mostly, a couple of offices and refurbishing the old section and a new roof. Concrete and some steel (materials) are going up now.”

Steel is being erected for the addition to Burris Hall.

A 3, 800 square foot addition is being added to the agriculture department,  known as Burris Hall, said Cory Spear, superintendent for Crossland Construction.  Crossland Construction of Columbus is the general contractor for the project.

The addition will be approximately 50 foot by 80 foot, and include three offices, a kitchen area and a commons area, he said.

The old segment of the building has been gutted and the offices and classrooms are being updated, Spear said.

The project broke ground on May 20 and will be completed on
August 10,  barring inclement weather, he said.

“We’ve already had two weeks of weather dates since we started,” Spear said.

There are 30 employees working on the construction project, he said.

 

Materials are lined up ready to be used outside the construction site at Burris Hall. Masonry and steel workers were busy in this photo on June 13.

 

Crossland Construction, Columbus, is the general contractor for the expansion of Burris Hall.

Here is information about the agriculture department from the FSCC website:

 

Farm & Ranch Management at FSCC

Since 1975, the FSCC Department of Agriculture has strived to assist students in developing the skills and knowledge necessary to get a job, develop a family business, or transfer to a four-year university. In addition to the celebrated programs with John Deere, Livestock Judging, Meat Judging and Rodeo, the department offers courses on livestock, soil science, animal science, dairy, poultry, agriculture machinery, meat evaluation, equine science, agriculture technology, agribusiness marketing, feed, horse training, plant science, farm and ranch management, horseshoeing, and product marketing.

 

Suggested curriculum for the Farm and Ranch Management Certificate

Suggested curriculum for the Associate of Applied Science in Farm and Ranch Management

Ready to get started?

For more information, please contact Blake Davis at [email protected] or 620-223-2700 ext. 3290.

Kansas DegreeStats

Kansas DegreeStats is an interactive online tool that reviews cost and earnings data from real graduates for each undergraduate degree program offered at a public college or university in Kansas.

Gainful Employment

Please click here for more information about gainful employment for the farm and ranch management certificate.

Ascension Via Christi, Fort Scott, Health Care

Cason: Via Christi Beginning to Explore Facility Options

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Randy Cason, Ascension Via Christi Hospital President speaks at the grand opening of the Fort Scott Emergency Department on Feb. 28.

Ascension Via Christ came to Fort Scott to fill in the void of emergency care, following the closure of Mercy Hospital.

The following is an update on the facility options for the Fort Scott Emergency Department, from Randy Cason, president of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. Ascension Via Christ opened the local emergency department on Feb. 28, 2019.
“Ascension Via Christi stepped forward to meet the Fort Scott community’s immediate need for close-to-home emergency, laboratory and diagnostic imaging and we continue to explore and discuss options beyond our two-year lease agreement,” Cason said in a press release. “Our goal is to establish a sustainable model of care that best meets the needs of all the patients and families we serve in Ft. Scott and Southeast Kansas. However, we are still in the beginning stages of the exploration process of potential facility options.”
The door to the Emergency Department in Fort Scott.
The facility is operating out of the former Mercy Hospital building currently, which is located at 405 Woodland Hills on Fort Scott’s south side, just off Hwy. 69. The emergency department faces the south side of the building.
Ascension Via Christi took over operations of the emergency department in February 2019, following the closing of Mercy the end of December 2018.
From left: Tawny Sandifer, Ascension Via Christi Chief Nursing Officer; Naomi Powers, Director of the Emergency Department in Fort Scott and Pittsburg; Jessica Cobb, RN Nursing Manager, Fort Scott and Pittsburg; Kayla Stewart, RN Coordinator Clinical Program. The photo was taken during the opening of the emergency department in February 2019.
People who are interested in working with Ascension Via Christ can visit www.viachristi.org/jobs
Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Reimbursement Being Sought From Feds For Flooding Damage

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The Marmaton River on May 23, 2019, nearing the level of the bridge on North National Avenue.

Governor Laura Kelly sent a request this month to President Donald Trump to ask for a  presidential declaration for public assistance for 63 counties in Kansas following recent months of record rainfall and severe weather causing flooding, flash flooding and tornadoes beginning April 28, according to a press release from the governor.

Bourbon County was one of the counties listed in the request.

“The county declared on the 23 of May,” Will Wallis, Bourbon County’s Emergency Management Director said. “It was orchestrated by the commission with their signatures and mine. It will help the county as far as reimbursement funds to public roads and bridges.”

The federal public assistance program helps pay for the restoration of public infrastructure and associated costs caused by flooding and tornado damage, according to the press release.

“It will pay us back for qualified roads, bridges, culverts, low water crossings and bridges but only if each one of them qualifies,” Wallis said.

“The (federal) government pays back 75% the state (government)10%,” he said. “This is a bare minimum.  If we can get mitigation funds involved, it could be more.”

” We start preliminary damage assessments tomorrow (June 14) that will determine if we have met our county threshold which is $57, 000 dollars,” Wallis said. “We are very sure we will meet the threshold without any problems.”

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s damage assessment includes the following types of damage: debris needing removed, the number of roads closed, the number of bridges unusable, the number of miles of roads damaged and public building, vehicles and equipment damaged, among others.

In addition, damage to recreation areas are assessed as follows: debris removal, damage to parks and facilities at parks.

An impact statement is included in the assessment: for essential services affected (EMS, law enforcement, fire departments), farmers unable to get in their fields, health and safety issues such as hazardous materials, contaminated water supply, etc.

For the full assessment document click below:

Damage Assessment Questionnaire

 

William Wallis, the Bourbon County Emergency Manager, KCEM, can be reached at

[email protected]

or in person at  210 South National, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

or by phone: Office # 620-223-3800 ext. 124 or Cell # 620-224-8165

 

Business, Fort Scott

Lavender Patch Fest II June 15

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Devin and Betsy Reichard, owners of the Lavender Patch. Submitted photo.
This year,  Lavender Fest II is this Saturday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $5, with children five-years-old and under free.
Activities include live music from Bob Pavey Lovett and Red Letter Edition, a bluegrass/gospel band that has played at Silver Dollar City.
They are back by popular demand, Betsy said.
There will be a demonstration from Martha Scott on making lavender wands/bottles and little lavender baskets.
Betsy Reichard and Martha Scott, right, discuss the lavender bottles that Scott will be making for the festival.
“You also have the opportunity to make your own or buy one from her,” Betsy said.
Betsy Reichard will be giving demonstrations on making lavender wreaths and present “I have lavender, now what do I do?” she said.
Tours of the lavender fields, as well as info on how to plant lavender, will also be given.
“In addition, we will have lavender plants available to plant,” Reichard said.  “For those who would like to take a bundle home, we will once again have you-pick lavender bundles for $5.”
There will be outdoor games, picture taking opportunities, and the chance to sit, relax, and enjoy time with friends and family. she said.
Lavender plants.
A sign welcomes to the Lavender Patch, 2376 Locust Rd.
What is the Lavender Patch?
“The Lavender Patch is a small family owned lavender farm located just east of Ft. Scott city limits on Locust Rd,” Reichard said. ” We have over a thousand lavender plants and 20 varieties. Our farm is a Kansas agritourism farm and we welcome visitors to walk through the fields, take pictures, pick a lavender bundle and visit our gift shop our hours of operation which is 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday in June and in July it will change to 9  to noon. Thursday through Saturday, people may also call and an appointment can be made for other days and times.”
The Lavender Patch gift shop sells all things lavender.
When did it start?
“We decided to start our lavender farm in 2009 and spent the year researching, connecting with other lavender farms, and making plans. In 2010 we planted our first few plants to see if this is what we wanted to do. In 2011 we moved so did not do anything addition with the lavender but in 2012 we started planting in mass with lots of help from family and friends. Through the years we have had our struggles and just to get plants to live was our goal! However, in 2016 we switched to a new area on our farm and are having much more success!”
Why a lavender farm?
“We bought this property in 2008 since we had always wanted to live in the country. In 2009 we went to California to see Davin’s brother Daryl, his wife Erlinda and their family.  Erlinda had visited a lavender farm in California and thought it would be a neat thing to do. Knowing that we had bought this property and that they (Daryl and Erlinda) planned to move back to Kansas, Erlinda had the idea this was something we could do together as a family. While in California, we all visited the same lavender farm Erlinda had gone to previously. We talked to the owners, toured their farm, and then started our research. While on that trip, we decided on the name The Lavender Patch although Erlinda was the one who originally came up with it. “
 
New this season? 
“We have added more plants and replaced many that died this winter from winter kill. Lavender doesn’t like to have ‘wet feet’ so this rain we have had has been a challenge. We have had some of our plants that have struggled and others didn’t make it. We do have some new products in our gift shop, including some lavender scone, bread, and cookie mixes.”
 

Betsy Reichard can be reached at620-223-1364

Business, Fort Scott

Ultra High Speed Internet Now Available Through Craw-Kan

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A map of the Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative coverage ability for the Fort Scott area. Submitted photo.
Craw-KanTelephone Cooperative, Girard,  is offering ultra high-speed internet, high definition television and unlimited telephone service over 100% buried fiber optic FTTH network to residences and businesses inside the city limits of Fort Scott, mostly on the west side of town.
“Our first customers inside the city limits of Fort Scott we installed in early 2018,” Zach Adams,  Craw-Kan Marketing Manager said.  “We will attempt to complete the rest of the city limits of Fort Scott in 2020.”
Craw-Kan conducted a  business  study prior to coming to Fort Scott.
“After extensive study, it was determined that the demand for a new Internet Service Provider in the City of Fort Scott was adequate to make a successful business model,” Adams said.   “Partnership’s with Bourbon County and the City of Fort Scott proved helpful in making it easier for Craw-Kan to expand into Fort Scott. “
A landline purchase is not required.
“Customer’s in Fort Scott are not members of the cooperative and thus are not required to have landline telephone service and do not receive the benefits of cooperative membership,” Adams said. “It is required however that a customer subscribes to the internet if they wish to subscribe to our cable tv or telephone line.”
What are the costs involved?
“No installation for internet, cable tv (up to 3 TVs), no equipment rental fees and we provide remote management of our gateway router free of charge,” Adams said. ” Customer only pays for monthly service charges.  All internet and telephone is unlimited usage – we do not bill overages or long distance.”
Residential internet service ranges from approximately $50 to $70 per month, cable TV service approximately $40 – $100 per month, plus extra for movie packages, according to the Craw-Kan website:
Call 620-724-4542 for more information or to place an order.
Bourbon County, Business

Dawson Minor: Young Entrepreneur

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Dawson Minor. Submitted photos.

This is part of a series featuring young people who found a need and are seeking to fill it with a business venture.

To nominate local young entrepreneurs, send name, phone number/email and the name of who is nominating and why, to [email protected].

Dawson Minor, 20, of Fulton is the owner of 4 Clover Mowing business.
The business began as a dream when he was a small boy.
“From the time I was very small, I have had a fondness for any kind of self-propelled equipment, no matter the size,” Minor said.
“Even before I had the concept of mowing grass, lawn mowers were the first machines that I could actually drive,” he said.
In second grade, when he could barely reach the pedals, he began mowing the family yard and farm lot.
” I loved mowing,” Minor said.  “I often dreamed of mowing for other people and having my own business.”
In early March 2013, after “a lot of thinking and discussing with my parents” Minor decided to start a small mowing business since he enjoyed mowing lawns and being outdoors.
“I started with a John Deere LA120 riding lawn tractor,” he said.
“My first year in the mowing business turned out to be a great learning experience, ” Minor said. “It helped me to understand that having the ability and chance to do something that I truly enjoy is not only measured by money.”
 “Within the second year in business, I soon realized that my role of being the kid who mows the yard was rapidly changing to the responsibility of a young businessman,” he said.
 “My number one responsibility in grounds-keeping has always been customer service,” Minor said. ” I never intend to give up quality for quantity in order to increase profits.”
” I have been blessed with the growth of my business and great customers.”
“I  currently employ two very hard working and dependable individuals, Drew Wright and Garrett Thompson, which I value and trust impeccably,”  he said.
His service area includes Bourbon, Linn, and Vernon counties.
“I have learned customer satisfaction is not only the success of a business, but it is also truly the reward of a business,” Minor said.
Minor can be reached at 620-238-9613 or  [email protected]