The jail is known as the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, Fort Scott.
Bourbon County Jail inmates are being sent to other counties, according to the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center Administrator.
“The Bourbon County Jail will be farming out most, if not all, of their inmates to other counties in southeast Kansas,” said Major Bobby Reed in an email with the daily reports sent to news entities. “The facility is doing this because of staffing shortages.”
“Approximately 56 inmates out of 65 are being housed elsewhere,” Reed noted to fortscott.biz.”The cost (to the county) is $40 per day per inmate.”
That amounts to $2,240 per day in payments to other counties, by Bourbon County.
Yesterday six inmates were transferred to another county, according to today’s Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office report.
Inmate’s families are not being notified ahead of the transfers, due to security reasons, Reed said.
Staffing is at a critical point.
“I have 16 positions when fully staffed,” he said. “I have not been fully staffed in a long time. Twelve employees is the minimum to operate the jail 24/7. That is 3 per shift. Next Tuesday I will be down to 8 employees.”
Low wages are what seems to be making the employee retention critical.
“Starting Correctional officer’s make $12.50 per hour,” Reed said. “(Bourbon County) Correctional Officers can get pay increases through the rank structure and a sargent makes $13.80 per hour. I can not retain employees because of the low pay. Then the employees that I have are getting worked all the time and are getting burnt out then they are resigning.”
People making $12.50 per hour, 40 hours a week make $500 a week. $500 times 52 weeks in a year is $26,000.
“Money wise, that is a commissioner and finance question,” Reed said.
He said the county offers standard benefits of eye, health, dental , major medical, sick time and vacation.
“I can not make people apply and I can not make people work,” Reed said.
“In my opinion the solution is to increase the pay,” he said. “But to what, I don’t know. Agencies that start out at $15/hour are having issues retaining and hiring and agencies that start out at $17 are having the same issues.”
“Jails are being short staffed through out the nation…I know it is in Kansas,” Reed said. “I think we are the first county in Kansas that has had to drastically reduce our numbers of inmates because of staffing issues.”
Teri Hulsey, 53, is the new Bourbon County Emergency Medical Services Director as of May 1, 2022.
She had previously worked 11 years at Mercy Hospital until the unit became Bourbon County EMS.
Hulsey and her husband Shannon have four children and nine grandchildren.
In her spare time she volunteers at Kansas Rock Recreation Park.
The following is with an interview with fortscott.biz:
Why did you pursue your career?
“I chose this career to give back to my community and for the opportunity to be an influence to others.”
What will your duties be in this new role?
“To be a leader for the EMS department, to oversee all employees and the responsibilities of those employees, scheduling, billing, and filling the void with shift coverage when needed. Also, hiring and maintaining full rostered staff.”
How many EMS personnel are there?
“There are nine full time and 10 part time employees.”
Teri Hulsey’s office is located at 405 Woodland Hills Blvd,
Fort Scott, KS. 66701 and can be reached at 620.644.7951.
EMS Agreement
Dave Bruner, the former director, was a part of the Fort Scott Fire Department, and was employed by the city.
“EMS is under the county governorship, with Susan Bancroft’s oversight,” Fort Scott City Manager Kelley Zellner said. Bancroft works for both the city and county as the financial director.
On May 1, 2022, the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County governments signed an agreement that the county will work with, and compensate the city, for dispatch services and an EMS truck operated by the Fort Scott Fire Department. The city agreed to continue maintenance of the EMS vehicles and allow Bourbon County EMS to fuel their EMS vehicles at the city’s fuel pump and then turn in a bill to the county for these services.
This is part of a series helping the public get to know the new school administrators in Bourbon County.
Tema Gilion, is the new West Bourbon Elementary School Principal, Uniontown. She is replacing Vance Eden, who is the new USD 235 Superintendent.
West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.
Gilion completed her administrative preparation program at Pittsburg State University.
She has experience in elementary, middle and high school teaching-1st and 3rd general education, 5th grade math, high school Spanish and English as a Second Language and a sub-director and teacher at a private bilingual school.
When not teaching she loves traveling, reading, gardening, and time with family.
Her hometown is Carthage, MO.
Why did you become an educator?
“I was privileged to have some amazing teachers in the Carthage school system who inspired me to become a teacher. I’ve always loved school and learning, so becoming an educator was a very natural path for me to follow.”
I enjoy seeing students learn and grow academically as well as in character. Inspiring students to be life-long learners is something for which I strive as an educator.
This is part of a series helping the public get to know the new school administrators in Bourbon County.
Tracy Smith, 64, was hired as the 2022-23 Uniontown Junior High/High School Principal.
Smith earned his Bachelor of Arts in Art Education from Ottawa in 1979 and his Masters In School Administration in 1992 from Pittsburg State University for Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade.
He was an Art Teacher/Coach at Louisburg (1979-82),
Art Teacher, Athletic Director, Coach at Maize (1982-85),
Assoc. Director of Development at Ottawa University (1985-87),
and previously served at Uniontown Schools-(1987-2015) at the K-12 Art/Coach (87-92,) JH/HS Principal (1992-2010)and West Bourbon Elementary School Principal (2010-15).
He has been married to Teresa for 34 years and has three adult children, all married, all graduates of UHS: Dain, Kaity, and Abbie.
“We have seven grandchildren plus #8 arriving in August from my son in California,” he said.
“Since my retirement seven years ago I have been actively involved in the United Methodist Church,” he said. “I am a local licensed pastor and currently serve three area churches: Bronson, Moran, and Mildred UMC’s.”
In his spare time he spends time with grandkids, woodworking, art projects, and officiating volleyball and is a track starter with the Kansas State High School Athletic Association.
His hometown is Richmond, Kansas.
Why did you become an educator?
“Art has always been a gift that I’ve had and it was/is something that was a natural fit. Teaching/showing/leading others has also been a gift. My career has been enjoyable and I’ve never been disappointed any day. I like and step up to the challenges each and every day in working with my team of teachers and our kids we are assigned to lead.”
Did someone inspire you?
“I come from a long line of teachers in my family. Grandfather French Booher was a principal in southeast Kansas. My Grandmother and Mother we’re both teachers. Teresa my wife, now retired, was a lifetime teacher and Kaity, my daughter is also this year returning to teaching (5th grade) at WBE.”
What is the best thing about being an educator?
“Making a difference with kids. That’s what it is all about. Period. Being part of a group of professional educators is a great inspiration for me. Watching them bring a kid from A to Z is exciting and a blessing to be associated with these teachers. Uniontown has always been a great place/school. Time after time, the Eagles prove success in college readiness, vocational success, and leadership skills when they leave us.”
What is a challenge?
“Change. Happens every day. Global, Society, Requirements from Fed, State…. For me to create a environment of success, top down, where all children can be safe, comfortable and hungry to learn and to succeed is my personal goal. I feel stepping back into the ‘U’ I have a little advantage, due to a long relationship with the parents in the past, and yet with my tenure, at some point grandparents….I’m old, I admit. We all need to work together, because bottom line, it’s about your kids, our future and our heritage of having one of the best school systems in Kansas. ‘Go Eagles’.”
Chance Gosewisch (pronounced Go-switch), 25, started his auto detailing business in May 2022, called Prestige Auto Spa & Ceramic Coatings.
He offers professional auto detailing, specializing in paint correction, ceramic coatings, interior detailing, waxing, paint sealants, headlight restoration, LED installment according to his Facebook page. And he is willing to tackle marine, RV, SXS’s, quads and motorcycle coatings/corrections
“I started this business because God had placed it on my heart to follow my passion and what fuels my soul,” Gosewisch said. “I love cars and have always had a passion for them. I especially love taking care of them and preserving their beauty and sharing my passion with others.”
“I am professionally licensed, trained and certified as well, through a prestigious school with elite leaders in this industry,” he said.
The business is offering a Father’s Day special on Facebook for the days up to Father’s Day, June 19.
Gosewisch said he can make a dad or husband’s day special by getting rid of scratches, stained seats or carpet or renewing worn out leather seat.
A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse in Nov. 2021.
For the August 2, 2022 election, there will be a Kansas Official Primary Election Constitutional Amendment question on abortion.
“Because Kansans value both women and children, the Kansas constitution does not require government funding of abortion and does not create or secure a right to abortion,” according to information on the ballot.
“As permitted by the constitution of the United States, the people, through their elected state representatives and state senators, may pass laws regarding abortion…laws that account for circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest, or circumstances of necessity to save the life of the mother,” according to the ballot.
“The Value Them Both Amendment would affirm there is no Kansas constitutional right to abortion or to require the government funding of abortion, and would reserve to the people of Kansas, through their elected state legislators, the right to pass laws to regulate abortion, including, but not limited to, in circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest, or when necessary to save the life of the mother.
“A vote for the Value Them Both Amendment would affirm there is no Kansas constitutional right to abortion or to require the government funding of abortion, and would reserve to the people of Kansas, through their elected state legislators, the right to pass laws to regulate abortion,” according to the question that will be on the ballot.
“A vote against the Value Them Both Amendment would make no changes to the constitution of the state of Kansas, and could restrict the people…from regulating abortion by leaving in place the recently recognized right to abortion.”
To view the ballot, provided by the Bourbon County Clerks Office:
This is part of a series helping the public get to know the new school administrators in Bourbon County.
Zach Johnson is the new Fort Scott Middle School Principal. Submitted photo.
Zach Johnson, 34, is the new Fort Scott Middle School Head Principal.
Fort Scott Middle School.
Johnson received his bachelors and masters degree from Evangel University in Springfield MO and also has a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Lindenwood University in St. Charles MO.
“The past four years I have served as the Activities Director/Assistant Principal at Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville,” he said. “Before that I taught technology courses, physical education, construction and manufacturing, in Neosho MO. I also served as the head baseball coach for three years in Pleasant Hope, Mo just north of Springfield.”
He is married to Bethany and have three kids Cole, Greyson, and Sadie.
“Cole will begin kindergarten in the fall,” he said. “My wife is from Liberal MO. She has worked for a non for profit counseling clinic out of Springfield. However, she has been a stay at home mom for the past six years.”
His interests include spending as much time with family as possible. “We enjoy just about anything outdoors such as hunting, fishing, sports, and hiking,” he said. “We also enjoy having our kids in sports and attending their events throughout the year.”
Johnson’s hometown is Willard MO.
Why did you become an educator?
“I became an educator to make a positive difference in the lives of the people around me. I believe education provides a platform to impact people in a way that can be transformational.”
Did someone inspire you?
“I had a baseball coach in high school that was influential in my life during that time and is still influential to this day.”
What is the best thing about being an educator?
“The best thing about being an educator is the lifelong relationships that are built with kids and staff.”
What is a challenge?
I believe a challenge is the impact that COVID has had on education.”
From left: Ryan Irsik, Walmart Public Affairs & Government Relations CO, KS, NE, SD; Rhonda Hoener, Student Support Coordinator Communities in Schools of Mid-America, Uniontown Public Schools and Heather Magruder, Walmart Fort Scott Store Manager.
Two Bourbon County school districts recently received a $10,000 grant each for student support from Walmart to help with the Communities In Schools programs.
The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life, according to https://www.communitiesinschools.org/.
The name of the grant is the Walmart Community Grant – Communities In Schools Programming in Uniontown and Fort Scott, Kansas
Rhonda Hoener is the Student Support Coordinator for Communities In Schools at Uniontown, and wrote the grant proposal.
Uniontown High School.
Her counterparts in USD 234, are Lewis Dunkeson at Fort Scott High School and Winter Moore at Fort Scott Middle School.
Walmart presented the check for $20,000 to Communities In Schools via Hoener, recently.
“This grant will support our work helping more than 1,400 students and their families served by Communities In Schools of Mid-America programming in Uniontown and Fort Scott, Kansas,” according to a press release, from Cheri Faunce, Vice President of Resource Development for Communities in School of Mid-America and Victoria Partidge, Vice President of Communications.
“Communities In Schools of Mid-America is addressing the academic and non-academic impacts due to the extended time out of school buildings from the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the press release. “Our program works by building trusting relationships, re-engaging students in the learning process, and helping students identify and break down barriers preventing them from reaching their goals.”
The Student Support Coordinators (SSCs) provide whole-school programming to promote a positive school climate and combat risk factors.
Youth risk factors include low attendance, student and parent disengagement, and access to basic needs such as food, clothing, school supplies, hygiene products.
SSCs also work one-to-one with a minimum of 55 caseload students per school to help with academic, attendance, and/or behavior/social-emotional concerns and the students are at high risk for dropping out.
Examples of programming include, but are not limited to, lunch hour mentoring, life/social skills, behavioral interventions, resource referrals to other social service providers, and grief support.
In the Uniontown program, Hoener has helped with:
Family Engagement Night at West Bourbon Elementary School
Guest speaker Julia Cook at WBE
Attendance incentives at Uniontown Junior and Senior High School
Guest speaker Mark Potter at UHS/UJH
Both buildings provided are provided with basic need items
For caseload students only, she has helped wit:
Academic support
Behavior support
Social emotional learning support
Attendance support
Referrals to other agencies
Utility/rent/ grocery/gas assistance to families
College visit
College/career conversations with outside agencies
Fort Scott Middle School, 2019.
At Fort Scott Middle School, Winter has helped with:
– School-wide academic incentives
– One-on-one behavior intervention
– Homework assistance
– Individual grade and attendance checks
– Basic needs distribution (school supplies, food, snacks, hygiene products)
Fort Scott High School.
At Fort Scott High School, Dunkeson has helped with:
– FutureNow: Finance
– Career Fair
– Homework assistance
– Individual grade and credit checks
– Mentoring program
– Basic needs distribution (school supplies, food, snacks, hygiene products)
This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by Matt Harper of Nevada, Missouri. Harper sings and plays guitar and harmonica, and performs a variety of music including country, folk, jazz, inspirational, blues, and original tunes.
“Performing since the early 1990s, Harper is a musician of excellence and enjoys interacting with the audience,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Harper is married and has four children, so he stays busy with life. We‘re pleased to welcome him back to the park pavilion. Come out and join your friends for an enjoyable evening.”
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Loading Dock at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
This is part of a series of helping the public get to know the new school administrators in Bourbon County.
Shelly Carter. Submitted photo.
Shelly Charter, 48, is the new principal of Winfield Scott Elementary School, Fort Scott.
Winfield Scott Elementary School, 316 W. 10th Street, Fort Scott.
Charter earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s Degree in Gifted Education at Emporia State University, and a Building Leadership Certificate at Pittsburg State University.
She has been the Tri-County Interlocal #607 Gifted Facilitator for three years, a 3rd grade elementary teacher for 20 years, and a Title 1 Math instructor for 2 years.
Charter has two sons, AJ (23) and Aiden (22) and one daughter, Lynnsey (20), and Dexter, her Golden Retriever dog.
In her community she has been involved in various church activities, was a FabLab instructor and head director of the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM camp for middle schoolers, a Zumba class, and she loves to travel to new places.
Her hometown is Independence, Kansas.
Why did you become an educator?
“I became an educator to make a difference in the lives of my students. I wanted to teach them that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.”
Did someone inspire you?
“I was inspired by my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Wanda Rush. She made every student feel important.”
What is the best thing about being an educator?
“The best thing about being an educator is knowing that I could be the one person that inspired a student to do their best and never give up on their dreams.”
What is a challenge?
“Not being able to change circumstances that affect a child’s life outside of the school environment.”
Dalaina Smith, who has served as the Fort Scott High School Director of Academics will become USD 234 Assistant Superintendent, as of July 1.
Dalaina Smith begins duties as assistant superintendent of USD234 on July 1. Submitted photo.
Although she will maintain many of her previous duties, she is “excited to move into an administrative role and get more involved with staff and students in the classroom,” she said.
She highlighted some of the changes in the district as of this date.
New Teaching Model
“This past academic year, the district embraced the Professional Learning Community model and began training teachers and administrators,” Smith said. “A group of twenty, including staff and a board member, had the opportunity to attend the PLC Summit in Phoenix, Arizona in February and returned excited for the direction the district is moving.”
At this summit there were keynote speakers and breakout sessions designed to help infuse the PLC at Work process into every aspect of the district, according to information from Smith.
The group returned to their school system ready to work in collaborative teams to achieve results for the students, according to the information from Smith.
“In May, the district was able to bring in Regina Owen from Solution Tree, to speak to the certified staff about the PLC framework and the district’s continued commitment to giving all students the best,” she said.
“The Professional Learning Community model focuses on four questions,” she said. “1. What do we want students to know? (Essential Standards); 2. How do we know that they know it? (Common Assessments); 3. What do we do when they don’t know it? (Remediation) and 4. What do we do when they already know it? (Extension).”
“Through this framework, the district is committing to giving teachers time to ensure that there are clear expectations, data driven decisions, and appropriate interventions for all students,” Smith said.
COVID-19 Effects Student Achievement
“Since the Covid-19 Pandemic, we have seen an increase in student achievement gaps,” Smith said. “Although Spring 2020 affected all students, we see the greatest impact in our elementary students who missed out on fundamental skills. Continuing into the 2020-21 academic year, numerous students had their learning interrupted when they were out ill or for quarantine. For many they were able to participate remotely while absent, however, for others they were unable to continue their learning during the time they were offsite.”
“Additionally, we must consider the social emotional effects we’ve seen in the students,” Smith said. “I don’t know that we still truly know the impact. From feelings of isolation and loneliness to students who struggled to learn to identify emotions and facial expressions through masking, it’s hard to say that many were untouched. Thankfully students are resilient and our teachers are rock stars! Together they’re working to overcome the gaps that Covid created, however, it is a process.”
“Through the use of PLCs, the district will provide a structured environment for teachers to make the necessary changes to approaching student learning. USD 234 is excited for the impact to come,” she said.
Early Release on Wednesdays
For parents these PLC days will mean students will be released early nearlyevery Wednesday through the USD 234 2022-23 school calendar.
“During Early Release, teachers will be meeting in grade levels or departments (depending on their building) to work collaboratively as professionals,” Smith said. “It’s during this time that they will determine their essential standards, build and refine common assessments, review student data, and plan for interventions.”
“Preschool will operate in a different manner, to ensure they are in compliance with their required minutes,” she said. “More details related to preschool will come following the approval of a new preschool principal.”
“This time will allow teachers to participate in their PLCs and ensure the grade levels and departments can give their best to all students,” Smith said. “The district recognizes that not all families have the ability to pick up their students early on Wednesdays and will have age appropriate opportunities for students to stay in a fun, safe, and educational environment until the regular dismissal time.
“At this time, students K-8 will have supervised activities/areas in place during the early release (Wednesday until 3:15),” she said. “Additionally, the elementary schools will both offer a daily After School Program that will run until 5:15 p.m. More information about each of these opportunities will be shared as the district administrative team solidifies the necessary details.”
New Faces at USD 234
“Each school year brings new faces as some retire and others explore new opportunities, and this year is no different,” Smith said.
“Mr. Destry Brown will be joining Fort Scott from Clinton, MO and serving as the USD 234 Superintendent,” she said. “Brown brings numerous years of experience, as he returns home to Fort Scott. Although he doesn’t officially start until July 1st, he has already begun working with staff in a variety of capacities to ensure a smooth transition and clear direction for USD 234. Not only will Brown be seen within the district, but also within the community as he works to encourage the relationship between the school and local organizations.”
“Mrs. Shelly Charter will be serving as the Winfield Scott Principal. Charter comes from Independence, where she has taught gifted, third grade, and Title for over 20 years,” Smith said. “In addition to her years of experience in education, she also has served in a variety of leadership roles and is excited to begin her work with her staff and students.”
“Mrs. Krystle Griem will be coming to Winfield Scott from Junction City, KS,” Smith said. “Griem will be serving as the Assistant Principal, where her licensure as a Registered Behavioral Technician and summer work at children’s camp will serve as valuable experiences. In addition, Griem has taught English Language Arts at the middle and high school level. Griem and Charter have already been collaborating on ideas for next school year.”
“Dr. Zach Johnson will be joining the Tiger Team at Fort Scott Middle School,” she said. “Johnson has been the assistant principal and athletic director for Coffeyville’s Field Kindley High School for the past four years. Previously, Johnson was a physical education teacher. Johnson brings experience with the PLC process, as well as a student-centered approach to education. Johnson began his first day of summer joining the current administration to learn more about becoming a Tiger!”
“The district is still in the process of hiring a preschool principal and will be sharing information once a candidate is board approved,” she said.
Familiar Admin Faces
“Although there are many new faces, there will also be familiar ones returning next year Mina Query (Eugene Ware Principal), Brandon Boyd (Eugene Ware Assistant Principal), Matt Harris (Fort Scott Middle School Assistant Principal), Scott Kimble (FSHS Principal), Alex Specht (FSHS Assistant Principal), and Jeff DeLaTorre (FSHS Athletic/Activities Director),” Smith said. “USD 234 is excited for another great year.”
Kathryn Harrington, 38, was selected to be the new Fort Scott City Commissioner at the June 1 special commission meeting.
Fort Scott City Hall.
Seven people sent letters of interest to the commission: Cheryl Adamson, Chuck Begulia, John Coon, Harrington, Nicolas Philpot, Dean Striler and Robert Uhler, according to the City of Fort Scott Facebook page.
Harrington will be filling the vacancy of Kevin Allen, who resigned last month.
Her hometown is Clarence, MO.
Harrington earned a degree in healthcare administration from the University of Phoenix.
She has had a career in health care for 18 years and is currently the director of Country Place Senior Living, Fort Scott.
She is married to Rob Harrington and they have four children.
Her community involvement is with Community Christian Church and volunteering at Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc.
Harrington is passionate about health care and wants the city to look at the issues that surround it more closely, she said in an interview with fortscott.biz.
She said she wanted to “Step up to make a difference.”
To view the special commission meeting on YouTube:
