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All posts by Loretta George
New Uniontown Teachers: Ericson and Martin

Tyler Ericson will teach 4th grade at West Bourbon Elementary, in Uniontown starting this school year.
“The thing I love about teaching is…relationships with each of my students,” she said. “How they can come to me about anything, and they will not be judged… whether it be in or outside of school. I love seeing children learn, but most importantly having fun and being engaged while doing it.”
“A challenge for me would be change,” she said. “…starting over from a whole new school district, a new grade, and new colleagues can be overwhelming. Teaching primary and now about to teach 4th grade, it will definitely be different, but in a good way. I am excited to see what West Bourbon has in store for me!”
She said she looks forward to taking part in school community activities that plan to make community members feel welcomed, respected, trusted, heard, and needed, to help promote student success.
Ericson hales from a big family in Kansas City and Oklahoma, she said. In addition, she and husband, Ethan, have two sons, Julian and Jamison, and one daughter Journee.
Ericson earned her A.A in Elementary Education, at Labette Community College and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University.
She taught second grade at Winfield Scott Elementary last school year; first grade at Winfield Scott from February 2022 to May 2022; and was a special education paraprofessional at Uniontown High School from January 2018 to May 2019.
She was substitute teacher certified by the Kansas Department of Education from August 2019 to May 2020.
Ericson worked in Early Childhood Centers in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area from the age of 15 to 24.

For Martin, the best thing about working with children is “Building connections with students, and watching them academically succeed,” she said.
She is married to husband, Seth, and they have two sons, Caden and Casen.
Through Thick and Thin by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
In the ups and downs, little or much, laughter and tears, joy and sorrow — through it all, I‘ve never been or felt abandoned. I’m certainly acquainted with sorrow and grief, but they’re not my friends. I don’t hang out with them, nor invite them to pull up a chair and stay in my heart. I’ve learned how to biblically journey through stuff and experience joy again. I’m just going to go out on a limb like a squirrel with a nut and say that if you live long enough, you’ll have ample opportunity to get burned by the heartaches of life.
We understand the difference between getting burned while removing brownies from the oven, and ultimately being burned up. The following scripture has been a favorite of mine since I was in my early 20s: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2 NLT). Notice there are three “whens” and no “ifs.” So when life runs us through the ringer, we can come out standing up while holding onto the Savior’s nail-scarred hand. Remember, if we never had any trouble, we wouldn’t need any faith.
No matter what season we’re in, we’re not alone. Believers are always cradled in the arms of Jesus. It’s possible to come out of the tough seasons not even smelling like smoke. It’s one thing not to catch on fire, but it’s ramped to the next level to not even smell of smoke after walking through the fire of trouble. “So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!” (Daniel 3:26-27 NLT). These uncompromising boys weren’t kept from the blazing fire, but they were lovingly preserved through the fire.
There are several striking lessons in this Old Testament account but, for me personally, that Fourth Person that showed up in the fire is the best. The Hebrew boys were in the fire, but they weren’t alone. Jesus was right there in the middle of the heat with them. This is a visual of reassurance for us today that we’re never alone or abandoned in our darkest and hottest hour. When the roaring flames are licking at our soul, the One who died and rose again to make us whole is as close as the mention of His Name.
Jesus is always bigger than our troubles and trials. But it’s our job to lay hold of this truth and tighten our belt of sweet trust in Jesus. So, if nothing is too big for Him, why allow Satan to kick us when we’re up and kick us when we’re down? It’s an unwise decision to side with the enemy and just roll over and play dead with our front teeth missing. Focusing on Jesus and magnifying His power puts our eyes on the Problem Solver rather than the intense heat of the circumstances. And when the trial is over and times are good again, it’s important to keep that death grip on Jesus because we need Him through thick and thin. My late husband had underlined the following scripture in his Bible:
The Key: “Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting — for He will never disappoint you!” (Psalm 27:14 TPT).
New U234 Teachers: Singmaster and Feeback
This is part of a series featuring the 20 new teachers in USD 234.
Distict Events Taken From https://www.usd234.org/ :
School starts in the district on August 18.

Torrie Singmaster, 27, is a new 6th grade math teacher at Fort Scott Middle School.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Ottawa University and will graduate with a Master of Arts in Education with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction in May of 2024 from Ottawa University.
“I taught first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary for two years and one year at Humboldt Elementary School in fifth grade, she said.
“My favorite part of being a teacher is being able to watch students transform not only academically but personally as well,” Singmaster said. “I take pride in knowing that I can make a difference in the lives of my students.”
“After I became a mom, I wanted a career that would allow me to have more time with my kids,” she said. “I started subbing at the elementary school and immediately knew that education is the path I was supposed to take. I always enjoyed school growing up and that was due to the fact I had really amazing teachers along the way. I want to help students see their self-worth and be a safe place for all of my students to grow into the best versions of themselves.”
“The hardest part about being in education has been trying to figure out where I am the most successful as an educator,’ she said. “This will be the third different grade I have taught in my four years as a teacher. I was a para at the middle school for two years before getting my own classroom. I am beyond excited for the opportunity to transition to middle school and start this next journey in my career.”
She grew up in Fort Scott and she and husband Dakota, have two sons: William will be in first grade and Tyson will be starting preschool.
In their free time , they enjoy golfing, playing cornhole, and driving RC cars and she also enjoys painting and doing projects.

New U234 Teachers: Deatsch, Turner
This is a series introducing the 20 new Fort Scott teachers.
Distict Events Taken From https://www.usd234.org/ :
School starts on August 18

New U234 Teachers: Krone, Rivera, Davenport
This part of a series of features on 20 new teachers at Fort Scott School District 234.
School starts August 18.

Jacqui Rivera, 25, is a new second grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
Rivera spent three years working in early childhood,the past two years as a first grade teacher.
“I can remember wanting to be a teacher since elementary school,” she said. “I loved getting to help others. I had several experiences throughout high school where I was able to… work with elementary students, I thought it was the best thing ever! I had several teachers throughout my schooling who inspired me, and I wanted to be a great educator just like them.”
“My students learn and grow so much throughout the year that I get to be their teacher,” she said. “The best part is watching them finally have that ‘ah ha’ moment when something that they struggled with clicks for them, like learning how to solve that tricky math problem, or read that difficult sentence.”
She received a bachelors of science in elementary education from Emporia State University.
She and her fiance, Zach, live in La Cygne with their two dogs, and two cats.
Gardner is her hometown.
“I come from a big family, I am the youngest of six,” she said. “I have four sisters and one brother…I have 13 nieces/nephews.”
“My hobbies include spending lots of time outside,” she said. “I love photography and spending time at the lake, we also do a lot of fishing! I enjoy reading and spending time with family and friends in my free time.”

Annyssa Davenport is a new special education teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.
She earned her bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Services from Kansas State University and a masters in Elementary Education Unified at Ottawa University.
“I started out as a para for our district, after I decided to go back and get my Masters, then I started subbing,” she said. “I was very thankful to get a job teaching kindergarten in December in Archie, MO after I completed student teaching.This is my first year as a special education teacher.”
Her favorite thing about teaching is ” watching kids succeed,” she said.
“I was born and raised in Fort Scott and have lived here for a majority of my life,” she said. “I’m engaged to Brandon West and we are expecting our first child this fall.”
Courtland Hotel: Working to Become Destination

The owners of the Courtland Hotel and Spa have worked to make the place a destination.
Frank and Cheryl Adamson own the 117 year old hotel at 121 E. First in Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown District.

“We are a destination for couples because we have the ability to provide multiple services at a given time, that sets us apart,” said Cheryl, who is a massage therapist at the hotel/spa.
Since the COVID-19 Pandemic ended, she has hired another massage therapist and two nail designers to make this service accessibility possible.
“We offer massages, manicures, pedicures for married couples, mother/daughters, girlfriends, etc.” she said. “It’s a destination to come and relax and enjoy the charm and history of Fort Scott.”
“We are the place to be and the place to stay because we are in the middle of everything,” she said. “Fort Scott restaurants and shopping are all within walking distance.”

Adamson has been a massage therapist for 26 years.


The Adamson’s added massage therapist Bobbie Brown in 2020. Brown offers Cryoskin, a therapy with massage that reduces fat and tightens skin.
Brown said she offers pain management, sports injuries, facials, and deep tissue massage as part of her therapies menu.
She received her education from Colorado University through U.S. Careers in 2019, and also training from the National Laser Institute in Dallas.
Her hours are Monday-Saturday by appointment. Text for an appointment to 620-704-4256.

Joy Kuns, 23, started at the Courtland Spa in June 2023 as a nail artist.

She graduated from Fort Scott School of Cosmetology School and has four years experience as a nail artist.
Kuns hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Wednesdays off.
To schedule an appointment with Kuns, call 620.215.6831.
The following graphic is the list of services and their costs, that both Kuns and Townsend offer.


Sandy Townsend, 43, is a nail artist at the Courtland Spa, since May 2023.
She has 14 years cosmetology experience, and four years as a nail artist. She graduated from the B Street Design School of Cosmetology, Manhattan, KS.
Townsend is available for nail services Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 on Saturdays.
Contact her at 620.215.1433.
New U235 Teachers: Sutterby and Sutcliffe
This is part of a series profiling the new teachers in Uniontown School District USD 235.

Rebecca Sutterby will be teaching Digital Media Pathway Career and Technical Education classes at Uniontown High School: Graphic Design Fundamentals, Digital Media Design and Production, 21st Century Journalism, Web Design, and Photo Imaging.
She earned bachelors degree in Graphic Arts and Web Design, and is currently working on a masters degree at Pittsburg State University to earn full teaching certification.
Sutterby has worked in the printing industry: logo design, typesetting, darkroom work, and plate burning, and has been the Uniontown elementary school secretary for the past five years. She was also a professional cake artist for years-teaching classes, doing demonstrations at cake conventions and competed on Food Network Challenge and TLC’s Ultimate Cake-Off.
“I’ve done lots of different design work over the years,” she said. “I was actually on the yearbook staff as a student here at UHS, and I was also on the yearbook staff at PSU when I was a student there the first time. Most recently, I designed the 55 foot-long artwork on the WBE cafeteria windows and decals for several of our school vehicles.”
Three generations of her family have graduated from UHS.
Her parents graduated in 1970 and her husband and she graduated in 1992. Their sons graduated from Uniontown – in 2015, 2017, and 2021.
“I am a Uniontown Eagle to the core. I’m very excited to be here to teach our students about Graphic Design and help them put those skills to use in real life applications,” she said.

She is a member of Hume Christian Church, serves on Lawrence Cemetery Board and serves as a project leader in the County Line 4-H Club.
Understanding Poverty: Poverty Paradigm, August 12
“The mission of CORE Community Bourbon County is to overcome poverty in Bourbon County,” Jennifer Michaud, one of the advisory board members said. “Decreasing poverty will result in a better quality of life for our citizens and a healthier and more vibrant community.”

“We are bringing the Poverty Paradigm to town because we can’t begin to help our citizens overcome poverty if we do not understand it,” Michaud said. “The Poverty Paradigm is a simulation that will allow the participants to understand what it is like to live in poverty. By understanding poverty, we can then work with those who live it to empower them to overcome it as a community.”
The cost is $10 to participate.
“However, if individuals want to participate, but cannot afford the $10, then they can contact me directly. We do NOT want cost to be prohibitive!” she said.
[email protected]
New USD 234 Teachers: Woellhof, Fugate-Cate, Setina
This is part of a series featuring the 20 new teachers in the Fort Scott School District.
School starts August 18.


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New K-State Agent and Newly Created Position: Amanda Clasen

Amanda Clasen, 35, is a new K-State Research and Extension- Southwind District agent. She is serving Neosho, Woodson, Bourbon and Allen Counties. They have offices in Erie, Yates Center, Iola and Fort Scott.
Hers is a newly created position, that started June 12, 2023.
“I am the Community Vitality Agent, helping local communities grow by helping identify local needs and highlight the bright spots within the community, as well as working with local collation groups to identify health, childcare and housing needs within our counties,” she said. “I can help local groups find grants for project funding as well as help in assisting with the writing of those grants. We are still expanding on programming for this position as it is a new position, so I am looking into possibly adding Youth Entrepreneurship similar to what Fort Scott currently offers to our other counties in the future.”
“I am housed out of the Erie Office, but travel to each office at least once a week,” she said.
Her contact info: email: [email protected] or phone 620.244.3826
Clasen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education- Pittsburg State University in 2011, and a Master’s Degree in Adaptive Special Education from P.S.U. in 2015.
“I was a special education preschool teacher for 11 years before taking this position,” she said. “Along side of my teaching duties I served as a Family Engagement Coordinator for three years, helping write grants to provide events within the school to promote stronger parent/family relationships as well as including outside agencies opportunities to share information with parents.”
She was born and raised in Linn, KS, a small rural town in north central Kansas, and currently lives in Erie with husband Mac and three sons, 10 years, 8 years and 3 years-old.
She has been involved in her community through XI Delta PSI.
So far in this job, she is enjoying “Getting to network with local communities and members and see what fun and exciting projects that they have already completed and working towards,” she said. “There are so many hidden ‘gems’ in our small towns and I’m excited to continue to uncover them with getting to know community members.”
With any new job, the beginning can be challenging.
“With this being a new position, there is not currently not an established programming plan, so deciding what communities need or want for programming has been a struggle, but I’m excited to learn!” she said.
Clinic Care Starting in Legacy Health Foundation Building

There is clinic health care beginning once again out of the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills.
Ascension Via Christi Emergency Room continues its needed services to the community in the south facing side of the building.
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center and Legacy Health Foundation announced an agreement to secure office space in the former Mercy building in May 2023. The building was acquired by Legacy Health from the Bourbon County Commission in October 2022.
To view a prior press release:
Legacy Health partners with Southeast Kansas Mental Health to Expand Services
The SEKMHC is working towards a move to the building, with work being done on the site.
“We do not have a move date confirmed yet for SEKMHC employees as work continues on the suites B and C,” Dawne Burchett, SEKMHC Manager of Prevention and Promotion, said. “(The)Ashley Clinic currently sees patients in suite A.”

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (SEKMHC) and Ashley Clinic joined in a partnership in May 2023 at the former Mercy building.
Prior to this, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas leased the site for a clinic from 2019 until this year, when they moved to 2322 S. Main.
To view a prior press release on the new partnership:
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center and Ashley Clinic Unite
The same services that are currently offered at the SEKMHC State Street location in Fort Scott will be offered at the new site, Burchett said.
SEKMHC is currently hiring in all its locations in this region, to see the list: (www.sekmhc.org/careers)

A.
“Dr. Robinson has been seeing patients in Fort Scott since 2016,” Burchett said. “Starting in August, he will see patients on the first Wednesday and the second Friday of each month.”

J. Jason Robinson, MD is a urologist, according to Ashley Clinic’s website.
Undergraduate Education
University of Kansas – 1991
Medical Education
University of Kansas School of Medicine – 1995
Residency
Surgery at St. Luke’s Hospital, Truman Medical Center – 1997; Urology at University of Kansas Medical Center – 2000
Board Certification
American Board of Urology – 2002
Practice Locations
Chanute, Burlington, Fort Scott, Iola, Neodesha, Eureka
“Dr. Yi Ying Law (www.ashleyclinic.com/our-physicians) will start seeing patients this month in Fort Scott,” Burchett said. “She will be there in the afternoon on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Her contact information is the same, 620-431-2500.”

Yi Ying Law, MD is a general surgeon, according to the Ashley Clinic website.
Undergraduate Education
Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
Medical Education
Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota – 2018
Residency
Houston Methodist Hospital Program, Houston, Texas – 2022
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota – 2018
Board Certification
Board Certified
Practice Locations
Chanute and this month Fort Scott









