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Government, Kansas

Drought Mitigation Announced by KS Governor

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Kelly Administration Commits Additional $1M to Conservation Efforts in Response to Projections of Lower Wheat Production

~~Funds Reduce Erosion, Promote Water Conservation, and Mitigate Effects of Ongoing Drought~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that an additional $1 million has been directed to Conservation Districts across Kansas to support practices that will reduce erosion, promote water conservation, and mitigate the effects of the ongoing drought. This is in addition to the $3.5 million distributed each year for similar conservation efforts.

This additional funding comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture projects that the wheat harvest will be 122 million bushels short of Kansas’ 330-million-bushel average.

“The drought we have experienced has absolutely starved our wheat harvest at a time when Kansas farmers – and the world – cannot afford it,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration will continue to make the necessary investments to protect the water resources that fuel our agriculture industry – the bedrock of our state’s economy.”

Funding is provided by the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation (KDA–DOC) through an appropriation from the State Water Plan Fund. The program is administered by Conservation Districts across the state.

“The state continues to seek funding for conservation efforts that can maximize water resources and help make agricultural practices for farmers and ranchers more efficient and sustainable,” Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam said.

Landowners and producers with natural resource concerns on their property are encouraged to visit their local Conservation District office to discuss the possibility of receiving state financial assistance. The additional funding is available to landowners and producers interested in eligible water resource practices such as irrigation water management, nutrient management, planting cover crops, livestock water supplies, cross fencing, and abandoned well plugging.

Please contact your local conservation district office for application assistance and more information concerning state cost-share programs and other available services. A directory of Conservation Districts can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/ConservationDistricts.

In addition to helping with conservation efforts, the Department of Agriculture reminds Kansas farmers, ranchers, and their families that help is available for ag-related stress. The lower-than-expected yield can be overwhelming for mental health. Those resources can be found at KansasAgStress.org.

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Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of August 1

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Minutes of August 1, 2023                                        Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held July 25, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, E. Woellhof, M. Guns (via telephone) were present with Mayor M. Wells. K. Harrington was absent.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION:  E. Woellhof, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Ben Hart/Finance Director, (via telephone), Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, J. Pickert/Police Chief, D. Bruner/Fire Chief, Rachel Carpenter, Michael Hoyt, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer, and Mark McCoy.

 

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

  1. Wells moved to approve the agenda with the addition of Consideration to approve Fort Scott joining the Mayoral Alliance Against Hunger to be added as Item E to New Business. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE AGENDA WITH THE ADDITION OF CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE FORT SCOTT JOINING THE MAYORAL ALLIANCE AGAINST HUNGER TO BE ADDED AS ITEM E TO NEW BUSINESS

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 25, 2023
  2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1341-A — $213,912.62
  3. Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. via Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Project No. 23-409 (22-306) – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 3 – $553,602.60
  4. Approval of Drinking Establishment City License Renewal – Pizza Republic – 17 S. Main Street – Bret Holder
  5. Approval of Ordinance No. 3748 – Amending Chapter 10.04 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code to Incorporate Standard Traffic Ordinances for Kansas Cities – 2023 Edition
  6. Approval of Ordinance No. 3749 – Adding Section 10.05 Regulating Public Offenses Within the Corporate Limits of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas; Incorporating by Reference the Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas Cities, 39th Edition, “With Certain Omissions, Changes, and Additions; Prescribing Additional Regulations; and Providing Certain Penalties.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  None

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. Approval of the date of September 5, 2023, at 6:00PM for City of Fort Scott Budget Hearing – T. VanHoecke moved to approve the date of September 5, 2023, at 6:00PM for the City of Fort Scott Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing and Budget Hearing. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE DATE OF SEPTEMBER 5, 2023, AT 6:00PM FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING AND BUDGET HEARING.

 

  1. Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force and select a representative – TABLED FROM JULY 25, 2023.

 

  1. Woellhof moved to table the consideration of the MOU to the August 15, 2023, meeting and have City Attorney review the terms that T. VanHoecke questioned and revise the language. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION OF THE MOU TO THE AUGUST 15, 2023, MEETING AND HAVE CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW THE TERMS THAT T. VANHOECKE QUESTIONED AND REVISE THE LANGUAGE.

 

  1. Selection of date for Certified Local Government Program (CLG) Work Session in August with Katrina Ringler, Commission and Community

 

  1. Wells moved to approve the date of Friday, August 11, 2023, at 5:00PM as a Work Session to invite the community to participate in an open discussion with Katrina Ringler about Fort Scott becoming a Certified Local Government as an option to our current Design Review Board process. He requested that the City Clerk post the information packet online for those who were interested in learning more about the program.

 

APPROVE THE DATE OF FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2023, AT 5:00PM AS A WORK SESSION TO INVITE THE COMMUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A DISCUSSION WITH KATRINA RINGLER ABOUT FORT SCOTT BECOMING A CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AS AN OPTION TO OUR CURRENT DESIGN REVIEW BOARD PROCESS.

 

APPEARANCES:

 

  1. Rob Hansen – Son of American Legion Car & Motorcycle Show: Squad Commander R. Hansen addressed the Commission to request a temporary street closure for a fundraising event that will be held in the Landmark Bank parking lot. He is requesting to close off the street for safety because it is a family event.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the request for a temporary street closure of 3rd between Main and National on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 8:00AM-1:00PM. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR A TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE OF 3RD BETWEEN MAIN AND NATIONAL ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2023, FROM 8:00AM-1:00PM.

 

  1. Matkin stated the City would provide barricades for both ends of the street.

 

  1. Mark McCoy and Tayton Majors – Bourbon County REDI: T. Majors addressed the Commission with a Business Retention and Expansion presentation. The PowerPoint presentation is included with these minutes.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. Consideration for the purchase of a fire truck: Fire Chief, Dave Bruner gave a presentation on the need for the City to consider purchasing a fire truck to replace the failing 1997 E-One Pumper from Station 2. It was usually the first truck out, however over the past (6) months the reliability of the truck is an issue and has been placed into a backup reserve mode. Bruner stated that a worn apparatus is a threat to the community and the firefighters. He said that the parts become more difficult to get with the age of the truck and repairing it does not change the age of the unit and waiting for a disaster is not safe or productive. He asked the Commission for permission to begin looking for grants and bids on inventory. PowerPoint presentation included with these minutes.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve that the FSFD could begin looking for grants and potential inventory for the purchase of a fire truck to replace the 1997 E-One Pumper from Station 2. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THAT THE FSFD COULD BEGIN LOOKING FOR GRANTS AND POTENTIAL INVENTORY FOR THE PURCHASE OF A FIRE TRUCK TO REPLACE THE 1997 E-ONE PUMPER FROM STATION 2.

 

  1. Amendment 1 to the Brick Street Policy: M. Wells requested that the Commission approve an amendment to the current Brick Street Policy as follows:

 

Amendment 1

  1. Concerning the treatment of manhole covers; it is here by adopted according to the recommendation of the street advisory board to allow up to 12 inches in a square pattern around manholes for bricks to be laid up against. This will protect the manhole covers and allow the bricks a solid surface to rest against.

 

  1.  Concerning the intersections of brick streets and asphalt streets. It is here by adopted, according to the recommendation of the street advisory board that wherever a brick street abuts against a non-brick street the intersection where the brick streets abut against; May upon the advisement of the Public Works, Director, or the street department Director be done as a concrete intersection. Concrete at intersections where the brick street would abut against shall be done in a minimum of 8 inches of concrete reinforced by a minimum 3/8 rebar on an 8 in.² pattern or according to KDOT specifications.

 

Be it also adopted that wherever a case shall arise where the brick    street is running through the middle of two adjoining asphalt     streets, there may at the advisement of the public works Director, or        the street department Director, allow for the use of an apron of up        to 20 feet that would abut against the brick street that passes          through, allowing the brick street, a continuous path, splitting the         two concrete aprons, adjoining the asphalt streets. All concrete       aprons shall be done at a minimum of 8 inches, with a minimum of        3/8 rebar being placed on 8-inch squares, or according to KDOT   specifications.

 

This will again allow a solid surface for the bricks to abut against.

 

  1. Any, and all bricks that may become available because of any concrete apron or intersection, shall be palletized, cleaned, and stored according to the Brick Street policy to later be used on the

 

 

repair and maintenance of other brick streets. At no time shall    bricks be allowed to be used as full, or underlayment.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Amendment 1 to the Brick Street Policy. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED AMENDMENT 1 TO THE BRICK STREET POLICY.

 

  1. Consideration of bids for Evergy Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project No. 23-005B: J. Dickman stated that (5) bids were received for the project on July 21, 2023. The lowest bidder was Bennett, Inc. of Lamar, MO with the bid of $232,477.50, substantially complete within 90 days, fully complete in 120 days. J. Dickman stated that he recommends the bid be awarded to Bennett, Inc.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve that the bid for the Evergy Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project No. 23-005B be awarded to Bennett, Inc. of Lamar, MO at $232,477.50. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THAT THE BID FOR THE EVERGY INFANTRY SUBSTATION SANITARY SEWER RELOCATION PROJECT NO. 23-005B BE AWARDED TO BENNETT, INC. OF LAMAR, MO. AT $232,477.50.

 

  1. Wells clarified with J. Dickman that this project is paid for by Evergy and not the City.

 

  1. Consideration to set deadlines for City Commission meeting agenda practice and procedure: M. Wells requested that the Commission consider approving a deadline for the good of the Commission to receive the information earlier to have time to make more informed decisions at meetings. This would require an earlier deadline.  T. VanHoecke stated that he believed there was a policy already in place.
  2. Woellhof moved to table the consideration until the August 15, 2023, meeting to confirm if there was an existing policy in place. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION UNTIL THE AUGUST 15, 2023, MEETING TO CONFIRM IF THERE WAS AN EXISTING POLICY IN PLACE.

 

 

 

 

REPORTS AND COMMENTS:

 

City Manager:  B. Matkin – no comments

 

City Engineer:  J. Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspection

  1. CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project continues. Currently the crew is working behind City Hall to line manholes.
  2. 15th and National – 17th and Eddy – trying to get contractor out to clean up and finish. Utilities are moved. Contractor states they are currently booked on other projects.
  3. M. Wells confirmed with J. Dickman that the South Industrial Park Waterline Extension has a purpose in the future and ties into the loop to increase water pressure to the businesses in the area. Also, the City needs to move forward and complete the access road. J. Dickman stated that he needs to know the measurements to add the additional cost of asphalt to the bid.

 

City Attorney:  B. Farmer

No comment.

 

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS:

 

  1. Harrington: Not in attendance

 

  1. Guns:
  2. Thank you to all volunteers for the Splash Pad
  3. USD 234 will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in the district for the school year
  4. August 4th and 5th is Sales Tax Holiday, many local businesses are participating
  5. Many activities this week including the Champions Forever event at Memorial Hall
  6. August 10th is the Contractors’ Meeting at City Hall
  7. August 12th is the Poverty Paradigm at the Middle School brought by CORE Community Bourbon County. She is planning to attend. Tickets are still available.

 

  1. Woellhof: No comments other than a correction that the Champions Forever is being held at the High School, not Memorial Hall.

 

  1. VanHoecke:
  2. Hats off to City Crews for the storm clean up again.
  3. Brush dump is still open
  4. Congratulations and thank you to all those who worked to get the Splash Pad completed for Fort Scott

 

  1. Wells:
  2. Thank you for the Splash Pad and very thankful for all who worked to get it to its completion, have seen many out there enjoying it
  3. Thankful for the rain

 

ADJOURNMENT:

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:44PM. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:44PM.

 

Respectfully submitted for approval,

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Government

City of Uniontown Minutes of August 8

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Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council

The Regular Council Meeting on August 8, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman (8:08), Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Amanda Lancaster (Diehl, Banwart, Bolton), Mary Pemberton, Joe George, Betsie Binford (Old Settlers Committee), Mary Pillion (Old Settlers Committee), Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton – Amanda Lancaster gave a presentation of the 2022 financial audit.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to accept the 2022 financial audit as presented

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Mary Pemberton passed on comments she has heard about the City not having 30AMP or 50AMP receptacles in the park for food trucks/vendors.  Clerk will reach out to other cities.  She will get a quote for installation of 2 receptacles and put on the agenda to discuss further at the next meeting.

 

Joe George complained about “dirty”, sandy water, but tastes OK.  His filter has been very dark.  Superintendent Rich will flush the lines as soon as all of C2’s broken lines have been repaired and flushed.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the July 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $399,740.95, Receipts $35,731.67, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $25,392.09, Checking Account Closing Balance $407,054.53. Bank Statement Balance $407,937.32, including Checking Account Interest of $85.04, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $882.79, Reconciled Balance $407,054.53.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,283.27, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,889.95, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,559.71, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $493,787.46. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $545.35, and Utility CDs $331.95 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $877.30.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of July 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  July Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of July $7,313.58, Year-to-Date Net Income $63,502.56.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $69,373.71 (56.8%), Expenditures $66,903.65 (41.8%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $21,771.23 (59.1%), Expenditures $17,537.62 (42.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $94,208.55 (60.1%), Expenditures $68,835.85 (30.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $129,221.13 (86.3%), Expenditures $94,088.90 (50.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,040.03 (81.0%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The August 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $40,651.43 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of July 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and July 18, 2023 Budget Worksession
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 7:53, include Sally Johnson.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to continue to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 8:10, include Mary Pemberton and Sally Johnson.

Mary Pemberton out at 8:09.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to continue to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 8:23, include Sally Johnson.

 

Open meeting resumed at 8:23, no action from executive session.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported that the boards holding the electrical receptacles need replaced.  Mayor Jurgensen asked that he continue mosquito fogging – this week, skip a week, then next two weeks in a row.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that most property owners had cleaned up after the two storms in July.  Locations that need his attention this month are 201 Second St-fence; 301 Second St #1-pile of debris on west side; 405 Hill-debris in backyard and shingles; 102 Franklin-dead tree/grass/weeds; 505 Washington has been mowed; 303 Second-grass; and 505 Wall-vehicle is not properly registered/flat tires.  Unfit structure hearing for 404 Washington is September 12.  Council asked if there were anymore stray dogs in town; seems to be an influx of stray cats and armadillos.

 

Clerk Johnson reported on the KMGA Regional Meeting.

She asked to attend CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control Training in Olathe on October 6, registration cost is $25.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control Training in Olathe on October 6, registration fee $25

 

Mayor Jurgensen asked her to contact Bettis Construction for a timeline on starting our street project.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

Mural Grant – an update was given.  We have received 75% of grant funds and 100% of donations pledged.  Mural is finished.

 

Placemaking Project – One of the suggestions from the community engagement was to add a baby changing station to restroom facilities.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-1 (Stewart) to purchase a baby changing station from AmeraProducts, Inc for the women’s restroom

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan will acquire a quote for the concrete slab for the pickleball court.  Other amenities for the area were discussed.  Clerk Johnson will send an update to Rachel Carpenter, Health Bourbon County Action Team.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Old Settlers event insurance –

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to donate $300 in lieu of portapotties to the Old Settlers Committee

 

Review and update Capital Improvement Plan – after discussion, remove replace/purchase City maintenance vehicle, as it has been purchased, and purchase/install a chlorination system for the water distribution system, as it is not a priority now, and add refurbish the warehouse into Public Works space.  Leave the rest as is.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to transfer the $10,000 in the fund for the chlorinator to refurbish the warehouse

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt the Capital Improvement Plan as amended

 

Moved by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 10:10PM

Uncategorized

National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union Convention attended by the Jents

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Left to right:
Merry Lee Powell, National WCTU President; Margaret Ostenstad, World WCTU President; Loreta Jent, National WCTU Education Director; Larry Jent, Honorary WCTU Member.

150th Annual National WCTU Convention Held in Reno, Nevada

 

Reno, Nevada, August 7-11, 2023.  The National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union held its 150th Annual National Convention at the Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno, Nevada.  Attending from this area were Loreta and Larry Jent of rural Fort Scott.

 

WCTU delegates and members took a step back in time during a pre-convention event.  They traveled to Virginia City which was a Mining Town in the 1880’s.

 

The opening ceremony began with all State Presidents, dressed in their white gowns, marching into the convention hall carrying their state flag, which has always been their tradition.  It was an honor to have World President Margaret Ostenstad travel from Norway to participate.

 

The national winners of the kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade and 3rd grade coloring contests were announced, as well as the winners of the national poster and essay contests.  Ribbons and prize money was awarded.

 

On Thursday evening the elected officers were sworn into office and given the “White Ribbon Salute” during a formal banquet.

 

The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) is a non-partisan, non-denominational, non-profit organization.  For 150 years, the united “mother’s love” has educated against the use of alcohol and other drugs.  It’s “Do Everything Policy”, allows for national, local and state unions to work on any issue they believe necessary to protect the family.  Please visit WCTU.org for more information.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

LMC Discovery Award Semi Finalists Announced

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August 2023                                                                                                      Volume 8

🎉 Exciting News Alert! 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce the 2023 Discovery Award semi-finalists!🌟

These talented individuals have wowed us with their extraordinary stories of unsung heroes from history told via website, documentary or performance. Join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements and show your support for these talented students.

🗓️ Mark your calendars, as we will announce the finalists on September 1st and the 2023 Lowell Milken Center Discovery Award winners on September 19th.

Stay tuned for more updates and make sure to share this exciting news with your friends and colleagues. Together, let’s champion the power of one person to create positive change! 🚀

Looking Back at the 2022 Discovery Award

Grand Prize-Winning Announcement

Last September, during the celebration of LMC’s 15th Anniversary and the Grand Opening of the Lowell Milken Park, a notable moment emerged for 11th grader Gracie Conrad. A student at Loup County High School in Nebraska, Gracie was awarded the distinguished title of Grand Prize winner in the 2022 Discovery Award Competition.

Gracie’s thorough research led to her compelling piece, titled Betty Goudsmit-Oudkerk: Teenager, Resistance Member, Unsung Hero. This narrative sheds light on a lesser-known, but profoundly inspiring story. At just 18 years old, Betty Goudsmit-Oudkerk found herself intertwined with history’s somber events as she worked at the créche (Dutch for “daycare”) during the Holocaust. In a tragic twist, this once-innocent space became a part of the Jewish deportation apparatus.

Through genuine connections with the children, Goudsmit-Oudkerk was drawn into a group of workers tasked with a daring mission – the smuggling of over 600 children out of the créche. Her role in this act of courage and compassion remains largely uncelebrated.

Gracie Conrad’s recognition of Betty Goudsmit-Oudkerk brought a quiet act of heroism to the forefront. Betty’s unwavering dedication and the resilience of the human spirit shine as beacons of hope, even in the face of such dark times. Megan Helberg, a 2021 LMC Fellow from Nebraska, served as Gracie’s teacher and advisor throughout this project.

View the 2022 Grand Prize-Winning Project

Documentary: Betty Goudsmit-Oudkerk: Teenager, Resistance Member, Unsung Hero
Government, Kansas

KS Ag Exports=$5 Billion

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Governor Kelly Announces Record-Setting Agriculture Exports of Nearly $5.5 Billion

~~Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam Meets with International Ag Leaders to Strengthen Trade~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that agricultural exports reached $5.46 billion in 2022, the highest export total in decades. The Kansas agriculture industry has grown significantly since Governor Kelly took office; in 2019, Kansas had $3.8 billion in exports.

Once again, the top ag export for Kansas was red meat, which made up $2.1 billion or 38.9% of all agriculture exports. Second were cereals (including corn, wheat, and sorghum), and third was oil seed (primarily soybeans), making up 24.5% and 12.5% of total agricultural exports, respectively.

“Once again, we are shattering records to grow our economy and strengthen our ag industry,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “But even with these record exports, we aren’t taking anything for granted – which is why Secretary Beam and I are building relationships with international trading partners to ensure Kansas farmers and ranchers can continue to feed the world.”

Mexico was Kansas’ largest ag importer with $2.17 billion in 2022, Japan was the second largest with $781 million, and Canada was third with $594 million.

Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam met today with his state and provincial agriculture counterparts from Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. as part of the annual Tri-National Accord in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, to strengthen relationships with key trading partners.  This annual event allows state agricultural leaders to discuss critical issues affecting trade between the three countries, including animal health, rural development, and agriculture technology.

“Kansas is a national leader in agriculture, and the continued growth in agricultural exports shows the significance of the work being done throughout the Kansas ag industry to develop these international markets,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam.

Participation in the Tri-National Accord continues KDA’s vision of achieving long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. For more about international marketing programs at KDA, including information about upcoming trade missions, and to see the full report on Kansas’ ag exports in 2022, go to agriculture.ks.gov/International.

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Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Credo Senior Living on August 17

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ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by

Credo Senior Living & Memory Care

Thursday, August 17th

8am

820 South Horton

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Credo Senior Living located at 820 S. Horton. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

 

Credo Senior Living, recently rebranded from Country Place Senior Living, offers seniors a spectrum of care including Independent Living, three levels of Assisted Living, and Memory Care. Also available are Adult Day Services and Respite Care, both short-term senior care options. The company was established over twenty years ago with the intention to provide a high-quality senior living option to Kansas’ sometimes underserved rural communities. With seven locations in the state, Credo Senior Living and Memory Care’s corporate and local teams feel fortunate to have been a part of the Fort Scott community for almost eight years.

Chamber Coffees are held each Thursday at 8am for members to network, make announcements, and learn about the host business or organization. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information or to inquire about available dates for hosting a Coffee.

 

Click here for their Facebook page!

We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Press Release for August 14 Board Meeting

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, August 14, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 14, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

  • Board Minutes
    • 07/17/2023 Regular Meeting
    • 08/07/2023 Special Meeting
  • Financials-Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – July 20, 2023 – $1,619,878.22
  • Activity Fund accounts
  • USD 234 Gifts

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Addition of two (2) full-time substitute positions
  • Handbooks for the 2023-24 school year
  • KASB Policy Updates
  • SRO Agreement with the City of Fort Scott
  • MOU with Learning Tree Institute
  • Personnel Report following

 

Superintendent Destry Brown provided an update on the first day back for staff and the training on PBIS, which stands for Positive Behavior Intervention Support. There will be a breakfast for staff on Tuesday morning, followed by a welcome back ceremony. Mr. Brown noted the annual FSKNEA scholarship bucket auction.

 

 

Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, reported on the new teacher orientation that included 22 new teachers. Mrs. Smith reported on the training that took place in the district as teachers came back. She also noted that open houses will be on Tuesday for FSMS and FSHS and Wednesday for the Fort Scott Preschool Center, Winfield Scott Elementary, and Eugene Ware Elementary. Mrs. Smith answered questions from the board on professional development on assessment programs.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, recognized her administrative assistant for special education for the excellent work she is doing, and the tech team’s wonderful job. Mrs. Barnes updated the board on a para mentoring program that has been put in place for this year, providing general education teachers access to IEPs through PowerSchool, and updated the board on an Autism Team meeting.

 

Gina Shelton, Finance Director, reported on the roll out of Red Rover, which is a substitute and absence management system, movement of funds from the Friends of USD 234 checking account into fund 64 within the district’s accounts, and provided an update on ESSER III spending. Mrs. Shelton noted that the budget had been published in the paper and posted to the website.

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

August 14, 2023

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  • Allen, Joseph – Transportation Director effective September 1, 2023
  • Harrington, Kathryn – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional effective August 14, 2023

 

EMPLOYMENT:

For the 2023-24 school year:

  • Garzone, Christopher – District Emergency Operations Coordinator

 

Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

  • Kellogg, Jan – District Full-Time Substitute
  • Metcalf, Alvin – District Full-Time Substitute

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

  • Center, Ronette – Fort Scott Middle School PRIDE
  • Jones, Mesa – Fort Scott High School Play Assistant and Play #2 Assistant
  • King, Christina – Fort Scott High School Play Assistant
  • Lyon, Jarrett – Fort Scott High School Assistant Baseball Coach
  • Sprague, Sierra – Fort Scott High School Assistant Cheer Coach
  • Tourtillott, Jennifer – Winfield Scott Guiding Coalition
  • Mentors for the 2023-24 School Year