“We are currently seeking sponsors for the 2023 season.” Holt said. “There is a list of sponsors from last year here (just scroll down): https://www.gomotionapp.com/
All posts by Loretta George
RSVP Today For the FSCC Women’s Appreciation Luncheon on April 26

Fort Scott Community College’s Women’s Appreciation Luncheon is April 26 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton. Please RSVP today, April 25 by 3 p.m.
In addition to lunch, catered by Great Western Dining and Twigs & Berries, there will be door prizes and product displays.
The menu for the event:
- Choose one wrap from two selections: Southwest or club (Great Western Dining)
- Traditional salad (Twigs & Berries)
- Caprese pasta salad (Twigs & Berries)
- Sugar cookie fruit pizza (Twigs & Berries)
- Rainbow fruit salad (Twigs & Berries)
Cost of the lunch is $5. One can also pay at the door.
“The purpose of the event is to provide a luncheon of good food, great company, and to support local businesses owned by women,” Allie Birket, a Community Relations Committee member said. Birket, who is the assistant to the college president and Susie Arvidson, director of library services, are on the committee.
RSVP to [email protected] or 620-223-2700.
Vendors are FSCC Nursing Dept., FSCC Cosmetology Dept., Better in Bourbon Clothing, Tupperware, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Jbloom Jewelry, Riggs Chiropractic Fort Scott, Red Aspen, Bourbon County Health Dept., The Baby Stitch, Erica George Photography, The River Room (event center), Flying P Ranch, Kimberly Demko, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, Desert Blooms Boutique, Locust Hill Lamanches (goat milk products).
Locara: Local Products/Services Listed on Internet Platform Courtesy of HBCAT
They have been in business for two months and have five employees.
“Locara provides a location-based platform for small businesses to list and showcase their products and services online,” he said. “This means that these businesses can create a digital storefront where they can display pictures, descriptions, and pricing of their products or services, just like in a physical store.”
“We realized that small, local businesses face a range of difficulties including limited resources, limited visibility, and challenges competing with larger corporations,” Hunn said. “We have also noticed a large movement towards people wanting to support local, but very few actually do because there is no easy way to discover all the businesses around them, but more specifically, discover what they are selling.”
Locara’s internet platform centralizes all the small businesses in a community into a single storefront where local buyers can more easily find and purchase what they need, Hunn said.

“For example, imagine a local mother who makes and sells crafts from home but, from her experience sewing her kid’s clothes back together, she also wants to offer clothing repair services,” he said. “This woman can list each of the crafts and services she wants to sell. The community is then able to visit our website and browse through this mother’s products and services like they would be browsing on Amazon or Walmart’s website with the exception that everything listed on the website is from a local business. Our goal is to create an easier experience not only for small, local businesses to showcase what they sell, but also for buyers to find and make purchases from local businesses.”
Contact info:
- Email – [email protected]
- Phone – (315) 633-2219
U234 Curriculum Collaboration Days Will Change Next Year and a Preschool Update

Fort Scott School District USD234 staff have been working on standards and best ways to teach them as they have met on Wednesdays this school year.
“Our early release days have provided our teachers to work to identify the essential standards that every student needs to be successful at the next level or the next course,” Superintendent Destry Brown said. “Our teachers have mostly finished this process and are now at the refinement stage. We will be working next year on identifying the resources that we will use to teach those standards and identifying the best practice in teaching those standards.”

The district is changing the days the teachers gather to collaborate in response to staff and parents input.
Next year the days will be once per month.
“We decided to change to once per month in response to parent and staff input,” Brown said. “Staff believed they could have more concentrated and focused time to do the things we need to do next year while parents felt it would be easier for them to plan for a full day rather that an early release every week.”
“The time spent this year has been very successful and we are well ahead of where we were,” he said. “Teachers have seen the value in the time to collaborate and work together on curriculum, assessment and instruction.”
USD234 Preschool Update

Splash Pad and Sensory Park Moves Forward

Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones was on the site of the future splash pad and sensory park on April 19. Jones is also one of the organizers of the project.


“It has started,” Jones said. “You’ll start seeing water lines and concrete, the above ground (part) in three to five weeks.”
The crews will be working around the annual Good `Ol Days events, the first weekend in June, he said.

The splash pad will be a 50 by 50 foot multiple feature water site and the sensory park will be two pads, roughly 24 by 24 foot for children’s equipment that is easily accessed, with no physical barriers.

The splash pad and sensory park will be located on Skubitz Plaza at the north end of downtown Fort Scott, on North National Avenue.


The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 20
High School Students Can Get a Head Start on High Demand/High Paying Jobs
Alysia Johnston Retires as FSCC’s President

Alysia Johnston, Fort Scott Community College’s President submitted her retirement at last evenings Board of Trustees meeting.
“I have been reminded lately how fragile life can be and I am needing to spend more time with family,” Johnston said. “I will miss the people I have had the great pleasure to work with the most.”
“It has been my great privilege to serve FSCC as President for the last 8 years,” she said in a statement. “After a great deal of thought and consulting with my husband, I have decided it is time I retire and dedicate more time to family.”
“I believe we have a wonderful team of Trustees, faculty, staff, and community who have demonstrated their passion for student success and community support,” she said. “It is my sincere hope that many of the programs, projects, policies, and procedures we have begun or changed will continue to advance FSCC’s mission.”
“I know the college is in great hands to move forward and meet the needs of its many stakeholders,” she said. “I hope I have helped position the college to continue being a critical piece of not only economic development, but a beacon for vision and collaboration to advance all citizens of Bourbon County. I believe making sure our mission of providing for student and community needs should always be the North Star.”
National Interscholastic Bike Race This Weekend at Gunn Park

The Kansas League of National Interscholastic Bike Race (NICA) is returning to Gunn Park on April 22 and 23.
“We will need volunteers for 2 – 4-hour shifts during the weekend, mostly on Sunday the 23rd,” Frank Halsey, event host said..
“If you missed this event last year, it is worth the effort to check it out,” he said. “These people do an amazing production for these kids and we at Gunn Park Trails are proud to be hosting their return.”
Halsey is founder of Gunn Park Trails, a volunteer organization that maintains the bike trails in the park.
Gunn Park will be closed for use during the event, but spectators are welcome.
“We still need volunteers for the upcoming NICA Race next weekend, April 22nd & 23rd,” Halsey said. “Please check out the following link for times and duties.”
About NICA
“We get kids on bikes, “according to NICA’s website https://nationalmtb.org/about-us/. “We are outside going places. We are stoking a life-long passion for riding. Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States.
The Kansas NICA was formed in 2019
NICA is having adventures with teammates while tackling both small and grand challenges, according to the website.
Its mission is to build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities through cycling. Its values are fun, ,inclusivity equity, respect, and community.
About Gunn Park

Gunn Park is located on the west side of Fort Scott, KS and is a 155-acre park with beautiful landscape and stone features, with the Marmaton River flowing through.
There is camping, playgrounds, eight miles of trails for biking/hiking,18-hole frisbee/disc-golf course, two lakes for fishing, seven shelter houses, 14 camping slots with electric hookups and restrooms.
The CHC Move To The New Clinic Is Underway

Today is move day for Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott, and the facility was buzzing with employees who are helping in the relocating of their new clinic.
The move will allow more space and services in one location, at 2322 S. Main.
More than 120 employees are helping this weekend, but staging for the move began earlier this week, according to a press release from CHC.
“It has been a massive effort and I would like for staff to get recognized for their hard work,” Krista Postai, CEO and president said.
On Friday, April 14, today, the Woodland Hills clinic will close at 1 p.m.
Apothecare Pharmacy at Woodland Hills will follow and be closed all day Saturday, April 15, as staff prepare to relocate.

On Sunday, April 16, CHC/SEK Walk-In Care on National Street will close at 1 p.m. as they relocate to the new facility.

The new clinic will be open to see patients on Monday, April 17, with all CHC/SEK services including Primary care, Walk-In Care, Behavioral Health Care, Pharmacy, and specialty services at the new location.

“It’s finally happening!” said Baily Davis, CHC/SEK Fort Scott Practice Manager in the press release. “The new 43,000-square facility is beautiful and efficient and will provide more room to offer more services,” “And, for the first time, Walk-In Care, Primary Care, and our Pharmacy will all be in one easy-to-find location with more convenient parking. I think our new facility will benefit the community in ways we couldn’t imagine before,” she said.
The relocation realizes CHC/SEK’s plan to create a comprehensive health center with all of its services in one location, according to the press release. The building was purchased in 2021, and with remodeling and new equipment purchases, the health center expects its investment to be $9 million.
The new location offers 36 exam rooms and a larger Walk-In Care Clinic, expanding to eight exam rooms (there were only three at National St.) with services available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
Patients will have access to the clinic’s advanced diagnostic imaging equipment now all under one roof, including digital X-ray, ultrasound, mammography, bone density, and a newly purchased 64-slice Computerized Tomography (CT) scanner. In an urgent situation, having CT locally allows patients to be scanned quickly to rapidly assess their condition, and having CT in-house makes these scans accessible and affordable.

Outpatients requiring laboratory services will find the new space more convenient with expanded 7a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday. “We want patients to be able to stop in for a quick lab draw and be on their way,” Davis says.
Apothecare Pharmacy, a subsidiary of CHC/SEK, is now open to everyone (non-CHC/SEK patients) providing a full range of prescriptions and open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. every day. It offers a drive-through pick-up window and “to-your-door” home delivery within 15 miles. The pharmacy accepts most insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid and commercial plans.
The medical staff include Dr. Sarah Bradshaw, Dr. Holly Gault, Dr. Pankaj Gugnani, MD, and Dr. Maxwell Self. Advanced Nurse Practitioners include Amanda Stice, Kayla Tinsley and Whitney Dickerson.
The Apothecare staff include Kelsey Burford, PharmD, Cetra Horton, PharmD, Adam Malone, PharmD Blake Martin, PharmD, Julie Pellett, PharmD, and Darin Treiber, PharmD.
__________________________________
Specialty Care offered within the clinic:
Diabetic Care: APRN Becky French is providing diabetic care and education.
Respiratory issues: Paden Shaffer APRN, sees patients for pulmonology & sleep disorders/CPAP management
Pain Management and Infectious Disease: Dr. Julie Stewart
Wound Care: Dr. Michael Nagle, Todd Carl, APRN
Freeman Orthopedic clinic: Greg King, FNP
Wellness Center: The new facility will allow CHC/SEK to continue to cultivate a culture of health and wellness for both patients and staff. The Wellness Center features cardio and strength equipment and is staffed by Physical Therapist & Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, Jessie McGown, DPT, Registered Dietitian, Patrick James, RD, and Chiropractor, Dr. Dave Miller, DC. The staff offer individualized treatment plans for each patient to best meet their health and wellness goals. Together, they teach and support healthy eating habits, improve overall strength and mobility, and better manage pain.
Lots of Entertainment and History This Weekend at The Fort
There will be plenty to keep a family interested in life at the Fort during the American Civil War era.
“Experience it Without Needing to Enlist!,” according to a press release from the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
The Fort is hosting its Annual Civil War Encampment, April 15 and 16, this Saturday and Sunday. One can experience artillery, cavalry, and infantry troops preparing for battle, smell bread baking, participate in discussions about troop and refugee support, and be serenaded by the Vogts Sisters, acoustic Americana-Folk act.

“We are grateful to have the generous support and participation from the Holmes Brigade, Boy Scout Troop 0114, Friends of Fort Scott, Inc., Fort Smith National Historic Site’s Cavalry Troop, and plenty of new and old Fort Scott National Historic Site volunteers alike,” said Superintendent Jill Jaworski. in a press release. “We encourage everyone to step back in time and smell, hear, see, and experience life at the fort.”
Saturday: join the discussion with author and historian Isaias McCaffrey about the Indian Home Guard, find out about the lives of women during the Civil War period, sit on the Officer’s front porch and learn about sewing and crocheting, be serenaded by the Vogts Sisters, and baking bread in the bakery, according to the press release.
Sunday: play authentic lawn games and participate in a discussion about being a Civil War refugee. The weekend is full of fun and games for the whole family straight from the 1800’s!
Encampment Schedule:
SATURDAY, APRIL 15
Interpreters will be at the firing range with historic weapons and doing demonstrations around the site throughout the day.
- 9 a.m. Raising the Colors with the Boy Scout Troop 0114
- 9:30 a.m. Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 10m. Cavalry Program
- 10:30 a.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 11 a.m. Isaias McCaffrey- Indian Home Guard Program
- Noon Vogts Sisters Musical Performance
- 1 p.m. Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 1:30 p.m. Lunette Blair Discussion
- 2 p.m. Cavalry Program
- 2:30 p.m. Women in the Army Discussion
- 3 p.m. Vogts Sisters Musical Performance
- 4 p.m. Flag Retreat with Troop 0114
- 5 p.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 8 p.m. Night Sky Program with the Kansas Astronomical Observers
SUNDAY, APRIL 16
- Interpreters will be at the firing range with historic weapons and doing demonstrations around the site throughout the day.
- 9 a.m. Raising the Colors
- 10 a.m. Guided Tour of the Fort
- 10:30 a.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 11 a.m. Infantry Dress Parade, Drill, and Weapons Demonstration
- Noon Cavalry Program
- 1 p.m. Guided Tour of the Fort
- 1:30 p.m. Lunette Blair Discussion
- 2 p.m. Life as a Refugee Discussion
- 2:30 p.m. Cavalry Program
- 3 p.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 3:30 p.m. Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 4 p.m. Flag Retreat
You are always welcome to wear a mask, and please remember to keep safe distances, wash your hands, and have fun, according to the press release.
Summer Hours of Operation
From April 1-October 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open for its summer hours of operation: daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc
About The Fort and the National Parks System
Fort Scott National Historic Site is a fee free park that offers a glimpse into the growth of our nation. A walk through the fort reveals the significant role it played in the opening of the West, as well as, the Civil War and the strife in the State of Kansas that preceded it. For more information call the park at 620-223-0310, visit us at www.nps.gov/fosc, on Facebook www.facebook.com/FortScottNPS, Twitter www.twitter.com/FortScottNPS, and Instagram www.instagram.com/fortscottnps
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s over 420 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Tonya Barnes Begins as U234 Special Education Director on July 1
Tonya Barnes will begin duties as the USD 234 Special Education Director on July 1.
Barnes was in District Level Leadership; Emporia State University in 2015; Building Level Leadership; Emporia State University, 2010; Master of Science; Major: Special Education, Behavior Disorders K-12; Emporia State University, 1997; and earned a Bachelor of Science; Major: Elementary Education; Pittsburg State University, 1988.
She is the current director of special education at USD 282, 283, 286 in Chautauqua and Elk Counties Special Services Cooperative, since 2018.
She was director of special education from 2015-18 for Coffey County Special Education Cooperative.
From 2012-15 she was special education coordinator at the Flints Hills Special Education Cooperative.
Barnes was a special education teacher from 1995-2012 at the ANW Special Education Cooperative.
Fort Scott: The Next Step, Coming to Her Home District
Barnes is a graduate of Fort Scott High School, class of 1984.
She is married to Kevin Barnes who is teacher and coach for Woodson USD 366 in Yates Center for 32 years. They have a son, Jon Barnes who is in his first year of teaching and coaching at Fort Scott High School.
Her parents are Karen and the late Ron Billiard, Fort Scott, and her sister is Robin Hartman, Fort Scott.
Her community involvement through the years has been family focus – church activities, youth events, 4-H parent, supporting school district activities and sporting events, Kansas University basketball enthusiasts, spending time with family, and “spoiling our beloved pets,” she said.
For Barnes, the best part of being the special education director is working with the students and staff, and learning their stories, she said.
“The relationships we will build together takes time and intentional work,” Barnes said. “Our special education team has a wealth of experience and knowledge, and I look forward to learning from them.”
“The special education team (at U234) consists of approximately 30 licensed teachers and related service providers, and 80 paraeducators,” she said.
“USD 234 has approximately 22% of the district’s enrollment receiving special education services,” she said.
Her office will be located at the district office, 424 S. Main, and her time at the district office will be combined with time in the different age-grouped buildings, Barnes said.

“The biggest challenge of the position is time to be sure the most important work is accomplished, which is matching student needs with the most effective intervention or strategy, supporting teachers, providers, and paras with the knowledge, resources, time, and energy to deliver what is needed, and valuing their contributions,” she said.
The following will be her duties:
*Build relationships with staff, students, parents, patrons, and the entire learning community;
*Partner with the district’s special education team to learn the processes, successes, and strengths of the special education staff and programming in each building;
*As a team, access areas of desired and needed professional development…for best practice in providing programming to students and families, in addition to supporting their professional growth;
*Being accessible … connecting with staff… learning the culture, observing instruction first-hand to support our providers in their work of providing solid learning opportunities for students;
*Work with the…business office to learn the special education budget in USD 234 and become familiar with how revenue streams, expenditures, and funding are managed,
*Assist and support the procurement of needed materials and resources to meet student’s needs;
*Work with the USD 234 Administrative Team to assist and support special education matters in their buildings;
*Represent USD 234 in contacts with local, state, and federal agencies in matters pertaining to special education;
*Assist and provide support in securing the needed staffing for special education programs and provide induction for new staff;
*Collaborate with building teams to ensure a comprehensive curriculum is being provided;
*Work with all providers…to ensure students are receiving equitable evaluations, consistent services, and access to research-based curriculum and instruction, while maintaining best practices;
*Attend required and selected professional development opportunities to support…to provide guidance and leadership with special education mandates and new initiatives;
*Collaborate with building teams to provide the opportunities necessary for successful post-secondary transition success;
*Assist management of grants available for special education funding and the submission of staff information to maximize state special education categorical aid;
*Prepare and submit all reports within guidelines and timelines;
*Comply with legal and regulatory requirements of various governmental agencies;
*Ensure all special education programs perform within state and federal statutes, and adhere to the policies and procedures of the USD 234 Board of Education.






