All posts by Loretta George

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Healthcare In Fort Scott: It’s Complicated

2 Comments
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed in December 2018. It currently houses Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department,  and I AM Rehab.

In December 2018, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed its’ doors.

Following this, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas reopened a medical clinic at the site at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. and Ascension Via Christi Hospital opened an emergency department, sharing a portion of the former hospital.

They both have leases until December 2022.

Noble Health Corporation entered the picture in 2021.

They completed a feasibility study for the Bourbon County Commission for reopening a hospital.

The City of Fort Scott contributed $200,000, the county contributed $800,000 towards the feasibility study, according to the contract that was signed June 25, 2021. The local government entities used American Rescue Plan money from the federal government for the project, according to Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth in a prior interview with fortscott.biz.

Noble Health Announces Reopening a Hospital in Fort Scott

On June 3, Noble Health’s 179 page Feasibility Assessment to reopen the hospital in Fort Scott was published on the Bourbon County website.

It can be viewed here: BBCO-Hospitial-Feasibilty-Assessment

On June 15, a comprehensive investigative story on Noble Health from Sara Jane Tribble with Kaiser Health News, was posted online.

It reported that Noble Health has a troubled history with operating two hospitals in Missouri.

It can be viewed here: Noble Health: History of Failed Health Care For Patients

CHC Feasibility Study

A prior feasibility assessment by Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas had helped that health care system to make the decision to move to a different building, Krista Postai, CEO and President of CHC/SEK said.

In an interview with her, Postai was asked to compare the Noble Health Assessment to the CHC Assessment that was completed after CHC moved into the former Mercy Hospital building in 2018.

“We have a very comprehensive, detailed report county-by-county that has all the data one needs to make an informed decision on services, location, etc.,” she said.  “We also have a strategic plan that is updated annually that maps out where we’re going, new services, etc. Prior to accepting Mercy’s offer to take their clinics, we had already prioritized Ft. Scott because we had almost 2,000 patients from Bourbon County which is enough to justify a site.”

“There was nothing new in Noble’s report that we already didn’t know or hadn’t already been discussed, including the rural emergency hospital concept that Ascension had always planned on pursuing if feasible,” she said. “In fact, much of our data is more current (2021) although, unfortunately, southeast Kansas isn’t getting healthier or wealthier so changes over the last 20 years have been minimal.”

Ascension Via Christ medical system brought an emergency department back to Fort Scott following Mercy Hospital’s closure and shares part of the former Mercy Hospital building with CHC.

“When we first agreed to transition Mercy’s clinic in the hospital over to us, Mercy indicated we had two years to find another location,” she said. “It was their belief that the building would ultimately be demolished unless we wanted to assume responsibility for it.”

“We sliced and diced all the costs based on actual operational data that Mercy supplied us and factored in roof replacement, the chillers and the boilers….all the things that were nearing the end of their useful life,” Postai said. “We also visited with multiple organizations about their interest in leasing space on a long-term basis that would cover the cost to operate and maintain it.”

“At that point, the county opted to present a counter proposal to Ascension at a much lower price per sq. ft. that would require the county to subsidize it, which they indicated they were willing to do. It seemed wise at that point to step back and let the county take the lead since emergency services was their priority.”

Decision to Move to Another Site

“Concerned about the ongoing costs of maintaining the building – and wanting a more efficient design plus a drive-in pharmacy, plus more diagnostic equipment and space to expand behavioral health services — we begin laying plans to move….and approached the Price Chopper owners about their building,” Postai said. “At that time, the asking price was way too high for us, so we asked Mercy for land on which to build which is how we got the eight acres behind the hospital.  As we began design on a new building, the Price Chopper price dropped and we agreed it would be faster to renovate….and it was an ideal location. As we calculated, it was more financially feasible to own the building and make loan payments than it was to pay rent on space in a building with an uncertain future.”

The Price Chopper building, 2322 S. Main, is currently being remodeled into a health care clinic by Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas.
Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Youth

Rock Ballet Recital: See Area Dancers Strut their Stuff

Leave a comment
Kristin Gorman. Submitted photo.

Kristin Lewis Gorman is the owner and director of Rock Ballet, a Fort Scott dance instruction studio.

Her dance instruction recital is at 7:30 p.m. on June 24 and 25 at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, on the campus of Pittsburg State University.

From the Rockballet recital in 2021. Submitted photos.

Gorman said the dancers are all getting very excited right about now.

She is as well, but last years recital is giving her confidence that this one too, will be a great performance for the dancers.

“Having one recital under my belt, I’m feeling a tiny bit less frantic at this point,” she said.

“Our dress rehearsal is Wednesday, June 22 and the shows will be Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m.” she said.

 

At the Rockballet debut recital,June 2021, at the Bicknell Center.

 

Rockballet Dancers. Submitted photo.

“I would love to get our online- reserved seating- ticket link out there to everyone in Fort Scott because last year so many people told me after the fact that they hated that they didn’t even know about the show,” she said. “My fault totally, I just ran out of time.”

“It is super easy to purchase tickets using the link,  as it is all done online through Tutu Tix,” she said.

Click below to purchase tickets for the event:

https://buy.tututix.com/rockballet

http://www.therockballet.com

Backstage at the 2021 recital. Submitted photos.

Her email is [email protected] and the website is therockballet.com

Her mission: “Building confident, graceful, dynamic dance-athletes from the ground up”

Click Here To Register For Dance Classes

Rockballet Dancers, the Broadway Babies,  on stage in 2021. Submitted photos.
Bourbon County, Business, Food, Jobs

Dairy’s Future: Less and Bigger Farms AND More Technology

Leave a comment
David and Addi Foster with their children. Submitted photo.
June is National Dairy Month and fortscott.biz interviewed David and Lynda Foster, whose family operates Foster Dairy Farm southwest of Fort Scott on Hwy. 39 to get their perspective on the current state and the future of the dairy industry.
David and his wife, Addi, are in partnership with his mom and dad, Lynda and Gary Foster.
Lynda and Gary Foster, from her Facebook page.
Lynda’s grandfather, Ed Davis began the farm in the 1940s, she said.
Now the fifth generation, David and Addi’s oldest daughters, Ansley, 15, and Mayla, 13 are helping on the farm.
The following is an interview with David and Lynda.
Tell about the state of dairy farms in Kansas.
“Currently there are 209 dairy farms in Kansas and while we may have lost numbers of dairy farming operations, we are growing in cow numbers with Kansas currently having about 142,000 mature milking cows,” Lynda Foster said. “Kansas is ranked 15th in the nation.”
“There is a new Hillmar Cheese plant in construction expected to come online in about 2.5 years from now, where we also expect to see an additional 100,000 cows to be added to the state,” she said.
The Hillmar Cheese Processing Plant will be a state-of-the-art facility in Dodge City, in western Kansas.
How did the pandemic effect your farm?

“We experienced primarily supply chain disruptions,” David Foster said. “It didn’t change the work that needed to be done daily. We still traveled to get supplies like alfalfa, and feed and mineral. It canceled annual meetings in organizations that we are a part of. Like everyone, there were certain precautions that were to be made if someone got sick.”

What is happening now in the industry?
“Exports are still up,  and expected to be higher this year, 1 in 6 semi tanker loads of milk gets exported” Lynda said.
“Milk prices are on the rise and setting records in some areas, so are a lot of our inputs, especially feeds, fertilizers, fuels – all of these input costs are outpacing the increased milk price,” she said. “Some of the most notable current events in the dairy industry was, of course, the baby formula shortage.”
What is on the horizon for the dairy industry from your perspective?
“I believe that we will continue to see consolidation, dairy farms getting larger, smaller farms disappearing,” David said.  “I believe that the days of families deriving their sole income from the dairy are gone. Today, a farmer on a smaller dairy, less than 300 cows, needs a spouse off-farm to make it and provide for their families additional income as well as health insurance.”
“Automated Milking Systems will continue to grow in use and will allow farms to alleviate the woes associated with a depleted/barely existent labor market,” he said. “Recent reports showed that for every person that doesn’t have a job, there are 2 jobs available.  This means that farming operations struggle to compete in wages against other industries and also struggle to entice labor due to the traditional physical demands and long hours of a farming operation.”
Automatic, or robotic,milking systems usually operate without someone being present to supervise the milking process and have been in use for the past decade on commercial farms, according to sciencedirect.com
The Foster’s have an automated milking system that allows the cows to come in at will when they need milked. Submitted photo.
“I believe that you will see dairy farms continue to diversify operations to include other agricultural ventures that complement milking and farming, such as trucking or custom harvest, and hay operations,” he said.
  “Technologies such as methane digestors will allow a value-added return from cow manure and allow dairies to derive additional profits,” David said. “Dairies will utilize solar and wind to reduce peak energy costs.”
“I am always probing and putting efforts into exploring options for emerging technologies that would make our operation more efficient,” David said.  “The goal of sustainability is always to do more with less. We are the only dairy left in Bourbon County and one of a few left in all of southeast Kansas. There may be interest in adding on-farm processing in the future to serve the needs of this 4-state area with a local, quality, nutritional product.”
“I believe with food shortages touted and supply disruptions experienced, we will continue to feel an increasing demand for consumers to want to source local,” he said. “We saw this ramp up significantly in the beef industry as consumers wanted to buy direct from the farmer. We see this in farmer’s markets. Other areas have supported their local operations, and we may not be far from considering, but to expand our operations to include processing, or other technologies, we have to expand our team of people that can share our vision and hopes for a better future.”
“Some of the biggest obstacles I see for dairy and maybe shared by all businesses, will be labor, inflation, which is then tied to interest and increased taxes, and supply prices and availability,” David said.
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

A Death In Gunn Park is Still Under Investigation

1 Comment
On June 16, 2022 at approximately 10:45 a.m., members of the Fort Scott Fire Department, Fort Scott Police Department, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, and EMS responded to a report of a possible deceased individual in the woods at Gunn Park in the west part of the city, according to the FSPD Facebook page.
A deceased individual was subsequently located in the northern end of the park, near the river. The cause of death is currently under investigation. The name of the deceased individual is being withheld until the next of kin can be notified.
“We are currently waiting on the autopsy results to make a positive identification on this person,” said Sergeant Bill Downey FSPD Public Information Officer.
Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Jobs

Bo Co Jail Inmates Moved to Other Counties

3 Comments
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.”

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Health Care

Teri Hulsey: New EMS Director

1 Comment
Teri Hulsey. Submitted photo.
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.
To see the agreement:
Bourbon County, Schools

New School Administrator Series: Tema Gilion

Leave a comment
Tema Gilion. Submitted photo.

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.
Bourbon County, Schools

Smith Returns As Uniontown Junior/Senior High School Principal

Leave a comment
Tracy Smith and wife, Teresa. Submitted photo.
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’.”
Business, Fort Scott

New Auto Detail Business Owner Follows His Passion

Leave a comment
Submitted photo of Chance Gosewisch.
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.
Contact Goswisch at
 or 620-215-3287
or Facebook: Prestige Auto Spa & Ceramic Coatings
Bourbon County, Elections, Government

August 2: Kansas Decides On Abortion and Five Vie For Commissioner Position

Leave a comment
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:

2022-Primary-Election-Constitutional-Amendment-HCR-5003

The deadline to register as a candidate was June 1.

The election will decide who will be the Bourbon County District 1 Commissioner, county clerk, county attorney, township clerks and committee members.

Those who have registered as candidates in Bourbon County’s primary election are provided by the county clerk’s office:

Commissioner District #1
Clinton L. Walker (DEM)
Nelson Blythe (REP)
Donald E Coffman (REP)
Matthew J. Crystal (REP)
Lynne D. Oharah (REP)
County Clerk
Ashley Shelton (REP)
County Attorney
Tiana McElroy (REP)
Drywood Township Clerk
Laura Krom (REP)
Marmaton Township Clerk
Kristin Duffey (REP)
Scott Township Clerk
Donald Banwart (REP)
Timberhill Township Clerk
Jan Laughlin (REP)
1st Ward Committeeman/Committeewoman
Bill Michaud (REP)
Jennifer Michaud (REP)
2nd Ward Committeeman/Committeewoman
Laurie Rena Uhler (REP)
Robert James Uhler (REP)
3rd Ward Committeeman/Committeewoman
No candidates filed
4th Ward Committeeman/Committeewoman
Jack E Hemphill (DEM)
Sandra K Hemphill (DEM)
Kathrine E. Wells (REP)
Matthew W. Wells (REP)
5th Ward Committeeman/Committeewoman
Carol MacArthur (DEM)
Jana R. Walker (REP)
Shane A. Walker (REP)
6th Ward Committeeman/Committeewoman
Diana L. Morriss (DEM)
Rhonda Dunn (REP)
Douglas E. Niemeir (REP)
7th Ward Committeeman/Committeewoman
Patty Love (REP)
Glenn Rash (REP)
Drywood Committeeman/Committeewoman
Larry Shead (REP)
Vickie Shead (REP)
Franklin Committeeman/Committeewoman
Kaitlyn Bradbury (REP)
Tony B. Bradbury (REP)
Freedom Committeeman/Committeewoman
Lawrence O. Paddock (REP)
Janice Seested (REP)
Marion Committeeman/Committeewoman
Carol J. George (DEM)
Marmaton Committeeman/Committeewoman
Kathrine Hall (DEM)
Mark S. Hall (DEM)
Celena (CJ) Robison (REP)
Charles Robison (REP)
Millcreek Committeeman/Committeewoman
Matthew J Crystal (REP)
Michael Keyes (REP)
Osage Committeeman/Committeewoman
Carol Creager (REP)
Marvin Creager (REP)
Pawnee Committeeman/Committeewoman
Shirley J. Palmer (DEM)
Kevin Wagner (REP)
Rachel M Wagner (REP)
South Scott Committeeman/Committeewoman
Anne Dare (REP)
Roy Dare (REP)
North Scott Committeeman/Committeewoman
Constance Jeanne Gates (DEM)
David Eugene Gates (DEM)
Bill R. Lalman (REP)
Glenda F. Lalman (REP)
Timberhill Committeeman/Committeewoman
Dan Laughlin (REP)
Jan Laughlin (REP)
Clinton L. Walker (DEM)
Rachel Walker (DEM)

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New School Admin Series: Zach Johnson

Leave a comment
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.”
Bourbon County, Schools

Communities In Schools Programs Receives Grant to Assist Students

Leave a comment
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)