All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Jobs, Schools, Youth

U235 Is Gearing Up for New School Year

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Vance Eden. From the school’s website.
This week marks the beginning of enrollment for the school year in U.S.D. 235.
Enrollment for Uniontown’s school district is two days:
  • Thursday, July 27th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Friday, July 28th from noon to 7 p.m.
The district’s open house is August 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.
The first day of class for students is August 16.
New teachers in the district are Amanda Ostrander-preschool, Lakyn Rucker-first grade, Tyler Ericson-fourth grade, Jacy Walker-six grade, Alex Chesney-West Bourbon Elementary School Music, Ian Ballinger, high school social studies, Christal Martin-high school science student teacher, Abby Onelio, high school Spanish/,Multi-Tiered Systems of Support(  she will work to support students struggling academically)and Carrie Sutcliffe-high school science.
Rebecca Sutterby is the new high school digital media contact and Nick Trim is the new School Resource Officer.
A series featuring new teachers for U235 started with new junior high/senior high principal Robert Onelio on July 17. Watch for profiles of the new teachers in the coming weeks.
To view Onelio’s feature:
Improving the District
“The district continues to consider bringing a bond to the voters for consideration,” said Superintendent Vance Eden. “We will start the strategic planning with the community this fall to try to establish some short and long-term, up to five year, goals. We’ll continue to work to improve ourselves as a district and support new hires as they join our team this fall.”
In May, the following retired from the district:
Rhonda Allen-elementary music, Jeanne Camac- jr/sr high counselor, Jean Cook-jr. high English and Language Arts, Betty Dennis-nurse, Amber Ericson-fourth grade, and Bonnie Rathbun-sixth grade.
Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott Community College, History

Tradition, Adaptation, Tragedy, Triumph, Survival: Experience the Wahzhazhe Story In Fort Scott This Weekend

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One can order tickets online for the Osage ballet being  performing at the Ellis Arts Center, Fort Scott Community College this weekend or at the door. The first performance is tonight at 7:30 p.m.

 

This scene in the ballet depicts the encounters with Europeans by the Osage, a tribe of Native Americans.

Wahzhazhe is the Native American name for the  tribal people we know as the Osage.

A dance academy in Pawhuska, OK has created a ballet telling the 400 year-old story of the Wahzhazhe.

The performers are mostly from the Dance Maker Academy in Pawhuska, in Osage County, which is home to the Osage tribe.

There are about 24,000 Osage people throughout the world, Randy Tinker-Smith, the ballet producer said.

Tinker-Smith said the 20 children dancers in this ballet are from different tribes, not all Osage.

The ballet is “an artistic expression of who we are,”Tinker- Smith, who is Osage, said. “We are not history, we are still here.”

They performed the Osage story at the Smithsonian Institution in 2012, she said.

The scene that resonated with viewers there, was the last one, where the performers demonstrate walking in two worlds, the Osage world and the other white people world, she said.

The ballet is the story of tradition, adaptation, tragedy, triumph, survival, and the enduring spirit of the Osage people, told by the Osage Nation, according to a press release from the FSNHS.

“This is not our story to tell, but it is our responsibility to provide a platform for these stories to be told,” said Carl Brenner, FSNHS Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management.

“This area was their native homeland,” Brenner said. “This (ballet) is part of a Native American series (at the Fort). We will continue to talk about this.”

“We jump started our relationship with the Osages,” Jill Jaworski, FSNHS Superintendent said. “There are a lot of doors being opened for having conversations with the Osage. We are looking to update our exhibits and are asking ‘What would you like shared?'”

Ballet: an Osage Tradition

The first  five prima ballerinas in the United State were Native Americans, two of them Osage, Tinker-Smith said.

Lavender Sarroll, a mom accompanying the ballet troupe,  said her daughter, Lilliana Guillen, 17, has been dancing since she was six years old at the Dance Maker Academy.

The ballet still is emotional for her, Sarroll said.

“To this day, when they get to the place in the ballet, where they rise from defeat, I cry every time,” she said.

Sarroll said the Wahzhazhe have their own government and language.

Doors are opened to a college education for some through the ballet.

Several of the ballet performers are offered dance scholarships to colleges, including her daughter, Sarroll said.

Logistics

Fort Scott National Historic Site and the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc. offered special access for the media to the Wahshazhe ballet producer, Randy Tinker-Smith, and for viewing  rehearsals on Wednesday, July 19.

The rehearsal was a prelude to the three performances, today, Friday, through Saturday at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the Fort Scott Community College campus, 2108 Horton St.

There are 50 people involved in the production of the ballet, but some parents accompany the group, with a total of 70 people. Most arrived on Wednesday and are staying in the FSCC Residential Halls.

Thursday was the dress rehearsal, then the performances are today,  Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 3 p.m.

Youth tickets are just $15, adults are $35. Go to Friends of the Fort Facebook page or at OsageBallet.com.

Or one can take a chance, wait, and hope it’s not sold-out and purchase tickets at the door.

There is a question and answer session following the ballet.

Learning More

The performance is for those who are interested in Kansas and American history, Native American culture, the arts and dance, and those wanting to experience something spectacular and different from anything they have seen before, according to the press release.

Killers of the Flower Moon-The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, a story on a tragic part of the Osage tribe is a book that has been made into a movie and will be open in theaters this years, Tinker-Smith said.

“Mollie Burkhart is in the book,” she said. “Her grand-daughter is in the ballet. This movie, we can let people know, we are still here.”

For a synopsis of the book:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/28/books/review/killers-of-the-flower-moon-david-grann.html

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Sales Tax Holiday: Aug. 4-5 in Fort Scott

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Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, 321 E. Wall

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce an opportunity for shoppers to save money August 4th through the 5th. Select retailers will be offering a Sales Tax Holiday by volunteering to pay the sales tax for shoppers.  Enjoy a 9.4% discount at these participating merchants: 110 South Main, Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog.INK, Laree + Co, Papa Don’s Pizza, Ruddick’s Furniture & Flooring (up to $500 of sales),  Shirt Shack and Sunshine Boutique. These stores offer a variety of merchandise including apparel, home furnishings and décor – both new and repurposed, school supplies and much more. There is no need to cross the border during this No Sales Tax Holiday Weekend. Save money, shop local, shop Fort Scott.

This shop local promotion is organized by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. Please contact (620) 223-3566 with questions.

Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott July 20

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! July 20th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Special activites all this weekend! See link below.

Visit your National Park!

Trolley Tours of Fort Scott

50-minute narrated historical tour

Every Friday & Saturday on the hour

Fridays 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturdays 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 12 & under, leaves from the Chamber

Click this link: The Artificers

July pottery class/workshop

schedule, a creative space for all ages!

Click here for all the FUN activities at the

Museum of Creativity, something for all ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

Fort Scott Public Library Summer Schedule has ALOT of fun things to do! Click here to see!

The Lavender Patch Farm will be open many days throughout the month of July, click here for specific hours/dates.

7/20 ~ Bourbon County Fair continues through Friday 7/21. Click here for the full schedule!

7/20 ~ 2023 Fried Chicken Dinner at Bourbon County Fair, pre-sale tkts were sold thru 7/18, they are $12 at the door while they last, click here for more info!

7/20 ~ Lightening Malcolm live in Fort Scott, free music-donation requested, BYOB/bring chairs, music starts at 6:30pm, 2006 Maple Road, click here for more info!

7/20 ~ Wind Chime Class hosted by the Artificers @ 5:30-6:30pm and 7-8:30pm, click here for more info!

7/21 ~ Bourbon County Fair Junior Livestock Sale, support our local youth as they wrap up the 2023 Fair, 7pm, Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

7/21 ~ Live Acoustic Show @ Casa Azteca in Nevada Mo, Dennis Jamison and Lori Hixon will be performing, great food and music! Click here for more info!

7/21 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park featuring Rick Hite, concert starts at 7pm at Heritage Park Pavilion, seating is limited bring lawn chair,

click here for more info!

7/21-22 ~ Wahzhazhe- The Osage Ballet, Danny and Willa Ellis Family Arts Center, Three different date/times: July 21st @ 7:30pm, July 22nd @ 3pm and 7:30pm, click here for more info and to order tickets!

7/21 ~ Chamber member Kansas Crossing Casino featuring Russell Dickerson, must be 21+ to attend, 8pm, click here for more info and tickets!

7/22 ~ Summer Off Road 101 Course at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, $65 per vehicle, 9am-5pm, bring your own lunch, click here for more info!

7/26 ~ Magician Jeff Quinn performs at Memorial Hall hosted by Fort Scott Public Library, 10am, click here for more info!

7/26 ~ Community Connection Event, Quarterly hosted by the Chamber @ Empress Event Center, 11:45am to 1pm, click here to RSVP, Marsha’s Deli Lunch avail. to pre-order for $10. Click here for info.

7/27 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton St. 8am

7/28 ~ Otis Nixon Youth Baseball Camp, $20/per participant, ages 7-15, call Steve Anthony at 620.215.2392 for more info!

7/28 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park featuring First United Methodist Church, concert starts at 7pm, seating is limited bring your own lawn chair, click here for more info!

7/28 ~ Uniontown Live Music Event Featuring Country Singer Rick Hite, Ice Cream Social starting at 6:15pm, music @ 7pm, Uniontown Park, click here for more info!

7/28 ~ Book Signing Meet & Greet at Fort Scott Munitions featuring Jessica Lynch Former POW Iraq 2003, books will be available on site for purchase, starts at 3pm, click here for more info.

7/28 ~ Absolutely Country, Definitely Gospel Faith’s Journey in Concert at First United Methodist Church, 6pm, click here for more info!

7/29 ~ BBCO Golf Scramble for Special Olympics Kansas, starting at 7am, awards/raffle prizes/ and silent auction will be later in the evening,

click here for more info!

8/3 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Laree + Co, 3 S. National Ave, 8am

8/4 ~ Backroom Art Gallery 1st Friday at Hare & Crow, 118 S. Main, 1-9pm

8/4 ~ First Friday at the Artificers, 8 N. National, 5-8pm

8/4-5 ~ Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, customers receive a discount equal to the sales tax of 9.4% on purchase, see flyer below for details.

SAVE THE DATE!

8/5 ~ End of Summer Craft Creations, River Room, 8am-5pm, click here for more info!

8/5 Keith Meech Benefit, Fort Scott Elks Lodge, 12pm Scottish Doubles Pool Tourn, 3-5pm Pulled Pork Sandwich Meal, 5-6pm Live Auction, click here for flyer.

8/6 ~ Champions Forever Event by Advance Bourbon County, Fort Scott High School, 7-10pm, click here for more info!

8/26 ~ Todd Royce Comedy at Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here for more info.

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SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Friday Night Concert in the Park

Featuring Rick Hite!

Wahzazhe Osage Ballet at Ellis Fine Arts Center. Three different performances; Friday 21st at 7:30pm and July 22nd at 3pm and 7:30pm.

Click here for tickets!

Community Connection Panelist Luncheon

Quarterly in 2023 hosted by the Chamber

Click graphic below for more info. & to RSVP.

All are welcome!

Book Signing Meet and Greet with Jessica Lynch, Former POW Iraq 2003! Books will be available on site for purchases!

Bourbon County Special Olympics Annual Golf Scramble! Awards/Raffle Prizes/ and Silent Auction will be later in the evening!

Sales T
…
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Hulberts Purchase Bartlesmeyer Jewelry

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Krysta and Wyatt Hulbert purchased  Bartelsmeyer Jewelry on June 30, 2023

The store is located in the historic downtown Fort Scott district at 22 N. Main St

Bartelsmeyer Jewelry is now owned by Wyatt and Krysta Hulbert. Submitted photo.

“I’ve been working at the jewelry store for 13 years, and I hated the idea of the store closing it’s doors when John Bartelsmeyer decided to retire,” Krysta said. “My husband and I have been working along side John and Cindy for almost a year now to plan for us to take over the business. We are so excited that we have finally been able to make all of those plans a reality.”

John Bartelsmeyer has been a jeweler for over 60 years. Submitted photo.

“The jewelry store has been in John’s family since 1963, when his father purchased the store from Mr. Newberry,” she said. “In 1991, John Bartelsmeyer purchased the store from his father M. H. Bartelsmeyer.”

“My husband Wyatt and I are keeping the name Bartelsmeyer Jewelry for the jewelry store,” she said. “We know that the store’s name carries with it a history of honesty and integrity, and we are excited to carry on that legacy.”

The inside of the jewelry store. Submitted photo.

Krysta has been learning the ropes for all those years as an employee.

” I do a little bit of everything at the store from sales and customer service to jewelry repair and office management,” she said. “My specialty, and one of my favorite things to do, is designing custom jewelry. I love to work with customers and help them create one-of-a-kind jewelry that you won’t find anywhere else! At the jewelry store we also specialize in engagement rings, jewelry repair and restoration, ring sizing and watch repair.”

Anything new on the horizon?

“We have lots of new ideas for the future of the store,” she said. “One of our biggest and most exciting plans is to update our website to offer our jewelry for sale online! John will continue to work at the store in the mornings during the week. We will also be adding a new team member to our crew. My husband, Wyatt Hulbert, will soon be working full time alongside John to learn jewelry repair and take over the bench jewelry work when John decides he is ready to fully retire.”

Cindy and John Bartelsmeyer have been working with Krysta and Wyatt Hulbert to transition to new owners of the jewelry store. Submitte photo.

To learn more about John and the jewelry store:

John Bartlesmeyer: 60 Years in the Craft

 

Bourbon County, Fair

Bourbon County Fair Continues

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A view of the Bourbon County Fair on Wednesday afternoon.

Some children enjoying cornhole on Wednesday afternoon.
Some of the grand champions.

How to Kill A Dragon was the featured movie on Wednesday.

Miles Pollack, 8, is a first year 4-Her with his heifer and two steers.

Some art grand champions.

The merchant building has some young business people selling their wares this year.
Businesses set up on Wednesday afternoon at the Bourbon County Fair.
The grand champion booth.
Bourbon County 4-H Families are invited to cool off on July 23 at the Fort Scott Swimming Pool.
Another grand champion.

 

Learn how to write a thank you on July 20.
Junk Drawer Robotics.
Fort Scott Community College

Dr. Jason Kegler: New FSCC President

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At the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees meeting on July 17, Dr. Jason Kegler was approved as the new president.

At the meeting, Alysia Johnston, prior president, was honored by the board for her eight years of service.

Thirty-nine candidates applied for the position when Johnston announced her retirement in April. The field was narrowed down to three, with Kegler being selected.

Dr. Kegler assumes his duties next week as FSCC’s new president with a firm resolve to keep students as the No. 1 priority, according to a FSCC press release.

“One of my goals will be to work directly with the faculty and staff to ensure we maintain the perspective ‘students first,’” he stated in his letter of application and echoed in public forums last week. “… Oftentimes within higher education, we create ‘unintentional roadblocks’ for students. We need to review the student experience with the intention to streamline and simplify the process.”

Kegler, who earned his doctorate of education from Baker University, comes to FSCC from his job as associate vice president for student life at Pittsburg State University, his post since July 2014, according to the press release. He also serves as a deputy for the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.

Kegler was selected from a group of three finalists after a fast-tracked selection process, according to the press release.

“The board took into consideration our interview with Dr. Kegler and survey comments from faculty, staff and community members,” said John Bartelsmeyer, trustee chairman. “We also evaluated his background in the education field and other accomplishments outside the education field.

“Dr. Kegler has the ability to communicate effectively with many various and diverse situations. He is a good listener and has the desire to do the right thing. The board is looking forward to a productive and effective working relationship with Dr. Kegler.”

Kegler, originally from Kansas City and now resides in Fort Scott with his family, has a thorough understanding of the community college system having served as dean of students at Neosho County and director of student life, head women’s basketball coach, and director of admissions/marketing and admissions counselor at Allen County, according to the press release.

“I will just ask for a little ‘space and grace’,” Kegler said of advancing to his first college presidency. “… But I promise you no one will be more passionate about the job.

“Individual characteristics necessary to succeed in the role of president at FSCC include the ability to resolve conflict, communicate vision and treat everyone with respect. Each of these characteristics, I display daily.”

Kegler earned a master’s in organizational leadership from Fort Hays State University in 2009 and a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth in 1996. He taught leadership classes at both Allen County and PSU.

He and his wife, Terra, a paraeducator and volleyball coach at Fort Scott High School, have three children, all in the USD 234 system, daughter Raveyn and sons Dierks and Kyron.

“Fort Scott is where my family and I decided to make our home,” he stated. “… We felt Fort Scott provided our family with opportunities and chose the community as the place to establish our future long-term.”

Continue reading Dr. Jason Kegler: New FSCC President →

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Evergy Will Move Substation Equipment and Poles

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The Fort Scott Substation fire in 2022. Submitted photo.

Following a fire at the Fort Scott Evergy Substation in August 2022 , Evergy is expanding its footprint.

Evergy is an electric utility company that serves eastern Kansas.

The company purchased property near Stanton Street and Old Fort Boulevard in March for the construction of a new substation, according to Kaley Bohlen, Evergy Communications Manager.

Evergy is currently located on Old Fort Blvd. on Skubitz Plaza and will expand their substation to the north and west of the current site.

Stanton Street is behind the current substation to the north and west.

Bohlen said Evergy doesn’t disclose real estate transactions, and are still reviewing options for access to National Avenue.

The existing Fort Scott Service Center utilized for personnel and offices will remain, according to Bohlen. Once the new Infantry Substation is built and operational, the existing Fort Scott Substation equipment and poles will be removed.

“The new Infantry Substation will be about 1.75 acres and will replace the former Fort Scott Substation that was damaged by fire last year,” she said. “The new substation will provide additional capacity to enhance electric reliability for the Fort Scott area, as well as strengthen the regional power grid. Automated switching capabilities and grid automation will help improve outage response times.”

“Construction has begun and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024,” she said. “Once the new substation is operational, we will decommission the current Fort Scott Substation and remove all structures and equipment that are no longer in use. The existing Fort Scott Service Center utilized for personnel and offices will remain. Once the new Infantry Substation is built and operational, the existing Fort Scott Substation equipment and poles will be removed.”

 

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission on July 17

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Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701

July 17, 2023 5:30

I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
III. Approval of Consent Agenda
a. Minutes from 7/10/2023
b. Approval of Payroll totaling $225,433.30
c. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $587,542.42
IV. Public Comments
V. Department Updates
a. Public Works
VI. Discussion of Low Maintenance Roads
VII. Revenue Neutral Rate Intent
VIII. Bourbon County REDI
IX. Justin Meeks Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
X. Brian Allen-Disaster Proclamation Resolution
XI. Commission Comments
XII. Meeting Adjourn

Executive Session Justifications:

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.

Bourbon County, Jobs, Schools

New Uniontown Jr/Sr High Principal: Robert Onelio

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Robert Onelio. Submitted photo.

Robert Onelio, 42, is the new junior/senior high principal at USD 235.

Uniontown High School.

“I’ve always felt it was a calling to work in education” Onelio said. “It’s rewarding to see kids grow and learn but also over the years it’s even more rewarding to see former students succeed as adults!”

A challenge as an educator is ” nothing stays the same and you must find a balance between the tried and true and the new trends that come into education. All the while keeping in mind what is best for kids.”

He is married to Abby Onelio who is  going to be working at Uniontown Junior/Senior High School as a Spanish Teacher. They have four children.

They will be commuting from their farm in Crawford County.

“As a family we are active in our church, 4H, and sports,” Onelio said. “Also, we enjoy traveling, camping, riding dirt bikes, and taking care of cows!”

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University in 2004, and a Master of Science in School Leadership from Baker University in 2011.

Onelio has 18 years total in the field of education in Arkansas City Public Schools: six years as a World History teacher, five years as an assistant high school principal, five years as a head elementary principal and two years as head middle school principal.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown Cleans Up After Storm

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Following Friday evenings strong wind storm, Uniontown is clearing all limbs and branches.

The City of Uniontown has a burn pile location southeast of town, but the road in was too wet following the storm.

Residents are asked to bring limbs and trees to the city property at First and Clay Street, where the piles of rock are kept.

City Superintendent Bobby Rich said he will burn the debris in the correct location when the leaves dry out.

Residents are responsible for hauling the limbs and trees that have fallen on their property.

Hunter Bartlett, HB Mowing Service is available, if help is needed. He can be reached at 620.224.6064.

Doug Bullard, who lives just east of the post office is also available to help, one can stop by to talk to him, City Clerk Sally Johnson said.

Residents may also notice a crew at in town, currently on Third Street that is reconfiguring ditches for better water flow, according to Rich.

Mix Construction is doing that work in preparation for paving work on city streets that will start in October, Rich said.

 

 

Fort Scott, Jobs, Schools

Connie Billionis Retires From U234

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Connie Billionis. Submitted photo.
Connie Billionis is retiring from USD 234 School District after 42 years.
USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main
“I worked as a secretary at Fort Scott Middle School for 13 years,” Billionis said. “I then transferred to the USD 234 Board of Education (office) as Deputy Clerk and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent for the remainder of my career for a total of 42 years.”
There have been many changes since she started over four decades ago.
“Changes in technology made a huge difference in how I performed my job,” she said.  “I started out typing student schedules on an electric typewriter. Attendance was recorded by collecting absentee slips every hour at the middle school and recording the information by marking boxes by hand in large leather books.  And now, everything is completed on laptops, using two or more screens.  All state reports, documents, board policy, board of education agendas, etc. are accomplished using the internet through multiple programs.”
The best aspect of her job has been co-workers, teachers, and students.
“I have made life-long friendships and memories with lots of laughter and a few tears along the way,” she said.  “I loved seeing students grow and change before they moved on to the high school. It was great when teachers would come into the office to share a student’s essay or a student’s success.  At the board office, I truly enjoyed keeping track of calendar events, preparing board agendas for monthly and special meetings, and assisting teachers with their professional learning opportunities.  It has been an honor to serve the students, faculty, and staff at USD 234.”
As with all of life, there have been challenges.
“One of the biggest challenges has been the changes with each administration,” Billionis said.  “I was fortunate to work with eight different superintendents, and each one made a change in the working environment.”
She does have plans for retirement.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my husband, Gary.  I love to be with my grandkids, and I have a great time outside in the garden,” she said.  “Just having an opportunity to relax and enjoy God’s beautiful world will be a blessing.  The hardest part of retirement will be missing the day-to-day interaction with my office friends.”
The retirement reception for Billionis is on Monday, July 17, at 4:30 p.m. at the Board of Education office.