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Special Gathering of U234 Board of Ed

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

 

From:   Gina Shelton, Board Clerk, USD 234

 

Re:        Notice of Gathering     Monday, July 17, 2023

4:30 p.m.

Retirement Celebration

Board of Education, 424 S. Main, Fort           Scott, KS 66701

 

There may be a majority of USD 234 Board Members present at the above event.  Even though a majority may be present, no school district business will be conducted.

 

Bases Are Covered by Carolyn Tucker

Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

When I’m planning a meal for family or friends, I write out the menu on a little card and then make a grocery list. These lists help to ensure that I cover all the bases. I also keep the menu in sight to make sure I don’t forget to set everything on the table when it‘s time to announce, “Supper‘s ready!” I’ve been known to leave the deviled eggs in the refrigerator only to discover them after everyone left (sad face). Even though the meal time was enjoyable, without the deviled eggs it was “not as.”

One early wintry morning, while a lot of the community was still sleeping, I was not. Darkness still blanketed my property and I had just loaded the fireplace with wood when I was oddly drawn to the piano. I stood, leaning over the bench, and began playing and singing, “My Jesus knows when I am lonely, He knows each pain, He sees each tear. He understands each lonely heartache, He understands because He cares. My Jesus knows just what I need. Oh yes He knows just what I need. He satisfies and every need supplies, yes He knows just what I need.” I don’t know what was going on in the life of Mosie Lister when he penned the lyrics and composed the music to this song, but I would imagine he was experiencing some type of heaviness in his soul. We can all relate.

I don’t know if Jesus made lists and checked them twice or not. He could have. I do know that He covered all the bases before He left His followers to return to heaven. Jesus was speaking to His disciples and one of them asked a question. He replied, “What I am telling you is from the Father who sent Me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative — that is, the Holy Spirit — He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid“ (John 14:24-27 NLT).

Jesus accomplished His Father’s will by providing the needed sacrifice so those who believe in Him could have an abundant life now and an everlasting life later. Then there was only one more thing He made sure all believers would have — and that was peace. Jesus pays close attention to every detail of our lives and He knew if we had peace, we could not only survive, but enjoy life in Him. “No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.” I would imagine we’ve all prayed for peace at one time or another. But, according to Jesus’ own words, He already gave us the gift of peace. Perhaps we can liken it to purchasing another bottle of aspirin when we already have two unopened bottles in the medicine cabinet. By faith we have to apply the peace Jesus already gave us. It’s inside of us, but we have to activate it. It’s like when we’re issued a new credit card, we must call the card company to activate it before we can use it. If you’ll get quiet, you will hear the Holy Spirit gently remind you that you have the gift of peace in you.

We need to realize that the activation process is not just a one-time deal. It must be activated every time something/someone tries to steal our peace. From personal experience, I know that the devil can be counted on to do that because, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT). Don’t let the devil take what Jesus gave you. Stand your ground and keep it because, of all things, you desperately need peace of mind and heart.

The Key: Jesus covered all the bases and gave us His gift of peace.

Top Tips for Grilling Month

Clara Wicoff. Submitted photo 2023

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

Grilling with family and friends is a classic summertime activity, particularly during the month of July which is designated as National Grilling Month! Keep foodborne illness off the menu by following these tips while grilling:

  • Wash your hands. You should always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling food. This is roughly the same amount of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
  • Marinate food in the refrigerator. Never marinate food on the counter or outside!
  • Avoid cross contamination. Never use sauce that was used to marinade raw meat on cooked food and do not put cooked food on a plate that was used for raw meat. If you want to use some of the marinade as a sauce on your cooked food, set aside some of the unused marinade ahead of time for that purpose.
  • Keep cold food cold. If you are transporting food in a cooler, use an insulated cooler and include enough ice or ice packs to keep the temperature at 40°F or below. Place your cooler in the shade or under shelter to keep it out of direct sunlight.
  • Cook food to a safe internal temperature. Once food is on the grill, be sure to cook it to a safe internal temperature as measured by a food thermometer. Color is not an indicator of food safety! According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), whole cuts of beef and pork (such as steaks, roasts, and chops) should be cooked to 145°F and then allowed to rest for 3 minutes. Hamburgers made of ground beef or pork should be cooked to 160° All poultry (including ground poultry) should be cooked to at least 165°F.
  • Keep hot food hot. Once you have grilled meat or poultry, keep it hot (at 140°F or above) until you serve it. This can be done by setting it to the side of the grill rack.
  • Keep food safe. Do not let raw meat or poultry, cooked food, or cut fresh vegetables and fruits sit out at room temperature for more than two hours before placing them in a refrigerator or freezer. (If the temperature is above 90°F, this timeframe decreases to one hour.)

 

For more information from the Partnership for Food Safety Education, visit https://www.fightbac.org/grill-master/. You can also find information from the USDA at bit.ly/grillsafely. Contact me with questions at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

FSCC Trustees Meeting Agenda for July 17

To  view the entire packet:

7.17.23 Consent Agenda

July 17, 2023
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, July
17, 2023. The meeting will be held in the meeting rooms of Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at Fort
Scott Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall, followed by regular board meeting at
approximately 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on June 19, 2023,
and Special Board Meetings conducted on June 28, 2023, July 5, 2023, July 6,
2023, and July 10, 2023, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 14
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 54
A. Consideration of 2023 – 24 Athletic Insurance and Catastrophic Injury Insurance, 54
B. Consideration of Fort Scott Community College President Employment Contract, 65
REPORTS, 66
A. Administrative Updates, 66
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 71
ADJOURNMENT, 721
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• June 19, 2023 Board Meeting
• July 17, 2023 Board Meeting
• August 28, 2023 (to facilitate budget process) Board Meeting
• September 25, 2023 (to facilitate budget process) Board Meeting
• October 16, 2023 Board Meeting
• November 20, 2023 Board Meeting
• December 11, 2023 (Changed due to winter break) Board Meeting
• January 22, 2024 (Changed due to MLK, Jr. Day) Board Meeting
• February 19, 2024 Board Meeting
• March 18, 2024 Board Meeting
• April 15, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 20, 2024 Board Meeting
• June 17, 2024 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2
ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC4
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

 

Continue reading FSCC Trustees Meeting Agenda for July 17

FSCC Trustees Minutes of June 19

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
June 19, 2023
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff

Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in the meeting rooms of Ellis Fine Arts Center. The
meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the consent agenda as amended.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to upgrade the Student
Information System to the J1 system and use Deferral Option 1 timeline for the purchase of the upgrade.
B. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the quote
for property and liability insurance through KERMP for an annual premium of $288,193.92.
C. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of a new softball scoreboard from Varsity Scoreboard for $12,603.
D. A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the annual service contract with Design Mechanical for $19,432.
E. A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the bid from Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, CPA from Chanute for a total of $28,500 for the College and $8,700 for the Foundation.
F. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2023-24 meeting dates as presented.
G. A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote of 5-0 to approve the
KASB Worker’s Compensation Member Participation Premium Agreement for $41,910. Bartelsmeyer stepped out momentarily and was unavailable for vote.
H. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2023-24 memberships and dues as shown. Julie Eichenberger will provide additional detail about what each item is for and if each membership is required in the future, as well as notify the Board if any of the memberships
from the list are not pursued this year.
I. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve a maximum limit of $20,000 for the purchase of a fleet vehicle with mileage of 60,000 or less.6

J. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by 5 – 1 vote to approve exceeding revenue
neutral rate if necessary for the 2023-24 budget. Holt voted in opposition.
K. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the proposal submitted by Limelight for refreshing the main website for $74,950.
L. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the quote from CONVERGEONE for the purchase of additional and replacement battery modules for the data center for $14,312.50. Elliott’s motion was with the understanding that the possibility of a generator would be
investigated and pursued if it is a more cost-effective option.
M. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the annual purchase of CAMP laptops from Lenovo Direct for $25,798.20.
N. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the tentative agreement with FSCAPE for 2023-24.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The board reviewed items of correspondence.
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Student Services, Finance and Operations, IT, Maintenance, Miami County Campus, Athletics, and the President.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
adjourn to executive session for twenty minutes beginning at 8:05 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected
personnel as it relates to presidential candidates, with no action expected to follow. At 8:25 pm the Board extended
executive session by 10 minutes and asked Alysia Johnston and Juley McDaniel to join. At 8:35 pm, the Board
extended executive session by 10 minutes.
OPEN SESSION: At 8:46 pm a motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote
to return to open session.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
8:47 pm by Elliott, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk7

CHC/SEK mammography screening event set for Aug. 2 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott, June 2023
FORT SCOTT — Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is hosting a mammography screening event on Aug. 2 at its new clinic located 2322 S. Main St, Fort Scott.
For women aged 40 to 74 years of age, it is recommended to have a screening mammogram every one to two years. Stop by the clinic any time between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to get screened. No referral or order required. Most insurances are accepted, no one is denied care at CHC/SEK.

Kansas Conservation Series: Swarm Technology in Kansas

submitted.

Moundridge, KS – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. is continuing his conservation series highlighting Kansans’ voluntary efforts to take better care of the environment. Stories will be released throughout the 2023 Farm Bill legislative process.

“While we hold hearings for the 2023 Farm Bill, I want to highlight how hard Kansans work every day to protect our environment and conserve precious resources that our Ag economy needs to thrive. Kansas farmers, ranchers, growers, and producers are finding unique and practical ways to preserve our land and protect our water and air. Their efforts are worthy of everyone’s praise,” said Senator Marshall.

Both precision agriculture and access to rural broadband are pivotal to the future of farming. This week we’re highlighting MKC and GreenField Robotics, who use swarm technology to weed between rows of crops. The field and the rows will first be mapped using a drone flying over the field. The individual robots are then tasked with traversing between the rows cutting weeds. At this site, the robots were connected to Starlink to perform their duties. The future of this type of tech is unlimited. It could range from plant crops to providing crops with the individual input needs of the plant itself. Technology like this will be able to reduce the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and manpower needed to farm, thereby reducing costs for the farmer while feeding the world.

 

 

OFGS BROWN BAG TECH TALK

MARSHA’S DELI SANDWICHES AND COLD DRINKS PROVIDED, OR BRING YOUR OWN!

Everyone is invited to the Old Fort Genealogy Society office to discuss recent upgrades to our computers and learn about volunteer tech support now available for our researchers, visitors and volunteers.

DATE: [Thursday, July 27th, 2023] TIME: [12:00 PM-12:30 PM]

LOCATION: Old Fort Genealogical Society Office, 221 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott, KS.  In the basement of Memorial Hall.

[WEST ENTRANCE OF MEMORIAL HALL, LOOK FOR BLACK AND WHITE SIGN ON DOOR FACING NATIONAL AVENUE]

[PLEASE NOTE: WEST ENTRANCE IS NOT HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE]

Questions, concerns? E-mail Sarah Klassen, OFGS Tech Admin, at [email protected]

Tickets Still Available for the Fort Scott Performances of Wahzhazhe

Fort Scott, KS — Time is running out to get your tickets for Wahzhazhe: An Osage Ballet being held at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College. This memorable stage performance is being offered at 7:30 pm on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22 with a matinee performance at 3:00 pm on Saturday.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site in partnership with the National Park Service is bringing Wahzhazhe to Fort Scott. “This is the story of the Osage people, told by the Osage Nation. It is our responsibility to provide a platform for these stories to be told.”  stated park Program Manager, Carl Brenner.  Ballet Director and Osage tribal member, Randy Tinker Smith developed the performance with the help of tribal elders and a primarily Indigenous team of professionals. Wahzhazhe has been performed at the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Indian and for the Pope in Philadelphia, PA among other places throughout the region.

“This riveting stage performance has something for everyone. If you enjoy history, this is for you, if you are curious about Native American culture, this is for you, if you love the arts and dance, this is for you.”  stated Kelley Collins, a member of the Friends ballet committee. “This is an especially effective way to introduce children to the arts and history. In additional to 12 professional dancers, there are dozens of children participating in the show.  Questions and answers will be fielded by the dancers following each performance making this an tremendous educational opportunity for young and old alike.”

Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for children (age 15 and below). They can be purchased online from the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Facebook page or at www.osageballet.com/events.  Any remaining tickets will be sold in person starting an hour before the performance. Cash purchases at the door are available.  Seating will begin one half hour before the show. For additional information e-mail [email protected].

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LMC Launches Professional Development Program

The Lowell Milken Center is located at the corner of First and Wall Streets.

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is excited to announce the launch of a professional development program for educators working directly with K-12 students to foster the visual arts.
As a member of the LMC community, you may have heard some of the inspiring stories of the Unsung Heroes—diverse individuals from history and across varied disciplines who are largely unrecognized for their extraordinary contributions to society. The new ARTEFFECT Ambassadors program provides a framework for educators to learn from and alongside other high-level practitioners and be inspired and inspire others specifically through art-focused, project-based learning about the LMC Unsung Heroes.

We invite you to review the program offerings and apply if this opportunity seems right for you. The program runs online from October 18, 2023 to June 3, 2024. Ambassadors commit to participating in a series of online modules and completing a capstone project to make an impact on their schools and communities.

  What are the benefits of being an ARTEFFECT Ambassador? 

  • Participation in live online modules taught by seasoned art educators.
  • Strategies to develop instructional practice and learner-centered curriculum.
  • Peer-to-peer learning and meaningful dialogue on diverse issues in the field.
  • Advocate for art education and inspire leadership in the classroom and community.
  • Recognition in an official press release.
  • An unrestricted stipend of $1,250 and a Certificate of Participation.

  Interested in learning more? 

  1. Review the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors Info Sheet for all the details.
  2. Register to join the Open House webinar on Wed., August 16 @ 4:00-5:00 PM (PT) for a program overview and to ask any questions.
  3. Submit your online application by Mon., September 18, 2023.

On behalf of the entire ARTEFFECT team, thank you for all the work you do as an educator! Feel free to email Toni Guglielmo, Director, ARTEFFECT, with any thoughts or questions at [email protected]. You are welcome to forward this email to a colleague who may be interested.

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Our mailing address is:

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

1 South Main St

Fort Scott, KS 66701

A Local Church’s Mission Continues Years After Closing

First Christian Church, 102 Judson. Taken from Google.

The First Christian Church of Fort Scott closed its doors in January 2016 after 145 years of supporting and ministering to families in the Bourbon County area.  The church was located most of those years at the corner of 1st and Judson.

Founded in 1871 and once one of the largest congregations in the area, First Christian Church faced an aging, declining membership with waning attendance and finally the retirement of the minister.

The Board of Trustees decided the best action would be to preserve the resources that remained and discontinue worship services.  The group recognized the money was provided from Bourbon County citizens and should remain in Bourbon County to provide good works for its citizens.

After selling the church building as well as the parsonage and liquidating assets, the Board of Trustees was determined to locate the best use of their church’s remaining $250,000.

Following serious investigation and much discussion, the Trustees voted to establish an endowed fund with the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF).

The earnings of this fund, managed by FSACF, are used annually through grants for worthy projects and efforts to organizations in the Bourbon County area.  The principal amount of approximately $250,000 is left untouched and will continue to generate financial grants into perpetuity.

In 2022, grants through this Endowed Fund were made to a Riverfront Authority Labyrinth in honor of Allen Warren; Methodist Church Feeding Families Program; Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries; USD 234 Preschool Center Community Involvement; USD 234 Healthy Snacks Program and (along with other area Churches) the purchase of a used vehicle to support Afghan families who had moved to our community.

This First Christian Church Endowed Fund should generate $12,000 to $20,000 each year to be used to support worthwhile endeavors in Fort Scott and Bourbon County for many, many years to come.

If you would like to contribute to the First Christian Church of Fort Scott Charitable Endowment Fund or would like information about how an organization, individuals or families can establish their own endowed fund through the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, go to www.fsacf.com for more information.