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Gordon Parks Museum

Gordon Parks Museum receives Kansas Arts Commission General Operating Support Grant

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Fort Scott, Kan. Aug. 16, 2024 – The Gordon Parks Museum is one of the recipients to receive grant funds from the Kansas Arts Commission for General Operating Support. The museum’s grant award amount is $16,000. Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced $1,295,450 has been awarded to 108 recipients in the latest round of Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) grant funding. The funds will support museums, arts education, music, dance, visual arts, professional and community theater, creative writing, murals, poetry and other creative projects.

We are very grateful and excited to be part of this Kansas Arts Commission grant.” said Kirk Sharp, museum, executive director. “This grant award will significantly help and support our museum’s operating expenses for the upcoming year.”

 

Funding for Kansas Arts Commission grants comes from the Kansas Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

 

For more information, contact the museum by phone at (620) 223-2700, ext. 5850, or by email at [email protected]..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opinion

An Opportunity Lost by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

 

Friends for 50 years delivered the eulogy of my son-in-law’s dad, Paul.  At last month’s celebration-of-life, we learned much about this man.  From the time he was young, Paul sought adventure.  When he was seven years old, he discovered a Christmas present under his parents’ bed.  While they were at work, he opened it, found a bike, assembled it and rode around the block a few times.  When finished, he took the bike apart and placed it back in its box, placing it exactly as he found it.

According to Steve, Paul’s friend, on Christmas morning, his parents were amazed at how quickly he assembled the bike. It was years before they knew their son’s secret. When Paul was 12, he decided to learn to drive, so when his parents were at work, he drove around town in one of their cars.  His dad became suspicious and placed a white mark on the tire so that, if Paul “borrowed” the car, the mark on the tire would end up in a different position and Paul would be busted.  Realizing his father’s tactic, Paul would drive home, jacked up the car and rotate the tire to the exact position in which he had found the white mark.

The stories were endless.  Trophies were awarded for races he won as a young adult (going over 200 mph) in the Bonneville Flats after teaching himself how to increase the power of his engine, and he and Steve rode their jet skis into the Hoover Dam tunnels where they found themselves at the base of the gigantic engines that ran the dam, clearly a dangerous no-no.

Following the funeral, many of us shared the same story: we had no idea Paul had done what we had just heard.  How was that possible?  We had known him for decades, yet we knew little about his life. We lost an incredible opportunity to hear, first-hand, about his crazy adventures and why he made the decisions he did.  His gutsiness was why he took risks and started his own, very successful company.

Relationships take work.  They require listening skills where questions are asked so that others have a chance to share their life.  I love hearing people’s stories, so what kept me from asking Paul about his?  My loss.

When asked the most important commandment, Jesus talked about one’s vertical relationship with God the Father; the horizontal relationship with our fellow man came in a close second.  Clearly, relationships are at the core of Christian living. Sadly, we now have entered a messed-up world where texting has taken over as the main method of correspondence.  You know, “How R U?”  Short and sweet.  Very few, face-to-face encounters.

Sure, we may text-ask someone’s opinion on a scripture or on politics or even about a cute meme we just sent, but true relationships are developed in person.  Around the dinner table.  On the front porch.  On a walk.  They take time.  They take commitment.  They take putting ourselves out.                                                                  \

Frequently, when I run into people, we end our short conversation with, “We have to get together soon.”  But I get busy and fail to follow through. I am short-changing the incredible possibilities for how God has wired people to bless each other when I do not make this happen.

There is one relationship we cannot afford to short-change, and that is ours with God.  Our daily strolls with God, where we set aside minutes each day to talk with Him, to listen to His guidance, to thank Him for our blessings, lets Him know He matters most of all.  I mean, He does…doesn’t He?

Area News

Women’s Christian Temperance Union News

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Submitted photo.

Submitted by Loreta Jent

Hosted by national officers, the National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) celebrated its Sesquicentennial recently, August 5-8, 2024, in the beautiful Amish country
of Berlin, Ohio.

Attendees from this community were the National Educator Director, Loreta Jent and husband, Larry, from rural Fort Scott, KS.

Convention business, reports, and awards took place followed by special celebration activities such as attending a
production of “Ruth” at the Ohio Star Theater, and discovering the Amish culture through a beautiful cyclorama at the Amish Mennonite Heritage Center in nearby Behalt, OH.

President Merry Lee Powell gave a closing banquet address entitled, “150 Years – Now What?”

Pictured is President Powell as she invited and announced that NWCTU will host the 42nd World WCTU Convention, July 21-25, 2025, in Skokie, IL.

Pictured on the screen behind President Powell is World WCTU President from Norway, Margaret Ostenstad, who plans to be present with many other WCTU women from around the world!

Government, Jobs, Kansas

August Virtual Job Fair Offers Kansas Jobseekers Hundreds of Opportunities

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland is encouraging both jobseekers and employers searching for new talent to participate in the August Virtual Statewide Job Fair. Hosted by KANSASWORKS, the job fair will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 21.

“Over the last five years, Kansas has been very strategic and purposeful when it comes to growing our economy. We are one of the top states for economic development and we’re bringing more jobs to our state than ever before,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “There is no better time than right now to explore the many career opportunities spread out across the state.”

The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseekers training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professional, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in the virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.

About KANSASWORKS:

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 29

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July 29, 2024                                                                                                        Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

 

The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

 

Glen L. Wolfe, Rachel Walker, Clint Walker, Don Tucker, Jean Tucker, Mike Wunderly, Jason Silvers, Kyle Parks, and Deb Martin were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

 

Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 7-22-204, approval of payroll totaling $291,738.49, and approval of accounts payable totaling $850,070.41. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Mary Pemberton said she spoke with the zoning officials in Linn County and they comply with the agriculture exemption. Mary stated she discussed limited zoning and outlined special use permits last week and that it isn’t about taking away property rights but will give the Commissioners a backbone to get better contracts. Mary said she is not opposed to solar and wind projects but feels the residents need protected and they should pay taxes.

 

Michael Hoyt said they are about halfway in their attempts to obtain the needed signatures for a petition to change the number of Commission seats from 3 to 5. Jim stated it would cost more in benefits to increase the number of seats by about $16,000 in benefits.

Michael discussed the census reports for Bourbon County and questioned why there were so many registered voters. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, explained that there are many students who attended the community college that registered as voters. Jennifer explained how a person must not vote in two federal elections, which is eight years, before the process can be started to remove them from the voter registration list. If a former resident has registered to vote in another jurisdiction, we will receive a notice to cancel the Bourbon County registration. Jennifer went on to explain that while she could not speak for how it was done in the past, her office monitors the newspaper and local websites to obtain obituaries to remove those who have passed away from the registration list. A report from KDHE is also sent weekly, however; that only lists individuals who have passed away in Kansas and being so close to Missouri a lot of residents pass away in other states. Jennifer stated they have a report of the oldest registered voters in the county and are working through the list to try to determine if any have passed away. A copy of the death certificate or an obituary listing the date of birth of the individual are the documents that can be used to cancel a deceased individual’s registration.

 

Glen Wolfe said his truck broke down on Highway 54 near 35th Street when he was bringing livestock to the Friday sale. Mr. Wolfe said he was able to get his truck pulled off the highway several hundred feet from the intersection and into the ditch. Mr. Wolfe was able to find someone with a trailer to help him haul his truck home and when he went back on Saturday afternoon his truck was gone. Mr. Wolfe said he spoke to the Sheriff’s Department and his truck was towed on Saturday morning even though the sticker that was on it when he picked it up from the tow company said he had 72 hours. Mr. Wolfe said he is asking for a refund of the $460 tow fee he had to pay to get his truck back. Mr. Wolfe said he spoke with the Sheriff who said he should have given the department a courtesy call that his truck was broken down, and when pressed the Sheriff said it was not a state law to request a courtesy call and that he would not give him a refund on his tow fee. Clifton asked if his truck was in a dangerous place and said he has seen vehicles sitting broken down for longer than 72 hours. Mr. Wolfe said it was sitting 300-400 yards down from the corner. Jim asked Sheriff Martin to speak. Bill said that Mr. Wolfe came in last week to speak about the situation and that his deputy received a tip of the truck sitting for several days so it was towed. Mr. Wolfe said the earliest it could have broken down was 10:00 Friday morning and he has two witnesses to that. Jim asked Justin’s opinion and he replied it was no concern of the Commissioner and that Mr. Wolfe can seek legal counsel to try to get a refund.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a KONE agreement for elevator work. Clifton said it includes installing a pit ladder and asked if we have one currently. Brandon asked how much a ladder was and if someone spoke to David regarding this. Brandon made a motion to accept the agreement, pay KONE, and have the Chairman sign the agreement. Clifton seconded and all approved.

Jennifer said today was the first day of early voting and they had a good turnout. Early voting will be from 8:30-4:30 through Friday, 8:00-12:00 pm on Saturday, and 8:30-12:00 p.m. on Monday. Polling places will be open on Tuesday from 7:00-7:00. Jennifer reminded anybody who needed an advance ballot by mail that tomorrow, July 30th, is the last day to turn in your application.

 

Brandon said he received a phone call from the president of a cemetery board about a situation where someone claims to have plots and neither party has proof. Brandon suggested anybody who purchases cemetery plots to register those with the Register of Deeds office. Brandon also said that you can register your DD214 with the Register of Deeds Office. Clint Walker said that you could lose data such as social security number but Brandon assured him that the Register of Deeds office redacts any identifiable information such as that.

Clifton said that the Commissioners can’t take the green energy abatement passed by former Governor Brownback away. Clifton said he doesn’t know any of his friends who want zoning. Jim said there are a lot of questions moving forward about zoning and that people should speak at the ballot. Jim said you must have a comprehensive plan and would have to hire a person and have a vehicle for zoning. Clifton said it would cost 2-3 mills for zoning. Jim said once zoning is in other Commissioners could add more to it.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:09. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________,Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                  ___________________,Commissioner

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

8-12-24                            Approved Date

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Betty Gillham

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Betty Ann Gillham, 92, of Fort Scott, passed away early Wednesday morning, August 7, 2024, at Medicalodge in Fort Scott. She was born on April 18, 1932, in Iola, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer William Jones and Fern Fayette (Cercy) Jones. She married Wendell Dale Gillham on February 18, 1950, in Iola, Kansas, and he preceded her in death on February 18, 1984.

 

Betty is survived by her children, Twyla Joy Homewood, of Humboldt, Kansas, Laron Gillham, of Fort Scott, and Neicha Parsons, also of Fort Scott; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Wendell, Betty was also preceded in death by her parents, a son, Norlan Roy Gillham, and three brothers, Walter Jones, Howard Casey Jones, and Donald Jones.

 

Pastor Norman Tillotson will conduct graveside services at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Kincaid Cemetery in Kincaid, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

A visitation will be held Thursday evening, August 15, 2024, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care, Youth

CHC/SEK Fort Scott welcomes new pediatrician

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FORT SCOTT –– Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is pleased to announce pediatrician Mary Jo Flint, MD, has joined the medical staff at CHC/SEK’s Fort Scott Clinic, 2322 S. Main St.

 

Pediatricians see to the needs of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. For many young people, a pediatrician is their primary care provider from birth, through the age of 18. Pediatricians have many responsibilities, from regular well-child checkups to diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries, and other health conditions.

 

Dr. Flint is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and most recently practiced in Henderson, Tennessee. She has connections to our region, having previously practiced pediatric medicine in the Kansas City area.

 

Dr. Flint graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and worked in private practice in Kansas City and Children’s Mercy Hospital. She is affiliated with Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Menorah Hospital, Shawnee Mission Medical Center, and St Luke’s East.

 

Outside of her work, she enjoys reading about history and historical biographies, following sports including KC Chiefs, KSU football, and University of North Dakota hockey, attending music and drama events and church.

 

Dr. Flint will join CHC/SEK in September and appointments are now being accepted by calling 620-223-8040.

 

For more information about CHC/SEK Fort Scott Clinic, visit https://chcsek.org

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Board Minutes from August 12

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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 12, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 2024, 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

  1. 07/08/24 Minutes
  2.  07/29/24 Minutes

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – July 20, 2024 – $1,718,427.40

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Resolution 24-06 Remove Bank Account Signers

Resolution 24-07 Add Bank Account Signers

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the week’s schedule including Teachers returning and Welcome Back Assembly for all staff on Tuesday. Open house for all buildings will be this week and posted on the district website. He explained that the district was able to help twenty-eight staff members with tuition. Fifteen of those completed degrees.

 

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield updated the board on each district department. He has been working with each to receive updates on projects that have been completed during the summer. Transportation had inspections on all vehicles for safety, Food Service has completed menus and ordering, Tech has devices ready for the first day of school, and maintenance has all the buildings cleaned and ready for the students.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the Board on hiring Paras for the buildings as well as Para training that will be taking place this week. SPED teachers were in training last week and will also have some time this week for training. She reported that the SPED Audit for the last year has been completed with a final report to come later.

Assistant Superintendent Mayfield reviewed the Needs Assessment for the district to align with the district values. He mentioned the importance of investing in the Teachers and the impact on the community. In the overview a few future projects were discussed. More details will be provided at the Budget Hearing in September.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Classified Handbook for 2024-25
  • Supplemental Salary Schedule 2024-25
  • Adult Meal Plan Pricing 2024-25
  • No Limits Rehab Inc. contract for physical therapy

 

There was none present for public forum.

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters & premium pay.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

August 12, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Alvarado, Selena – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Softball Coach

Ballou, Jessica – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Black, Carla – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Clark, Erica – Resignation – Bus Duty

Hutchison – Supplemental Resignation – Scholars Bowl Assistant Coach

Lord, McKenna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Lynn, Shelby – Resignation – Teacher’s Aide – High School

Palmer, Lana – Resignation – Bus Driver

Purdy, Kayla – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

Judson, Mary

Knopp, Mackenzie

Tate, Wanita

 

TRANSFER:

Endicott, Jencyn & Harper, Angel – 7.5 hour Para to 8 hour Para – Preschool

Beyer, Amy – From Eugene Ware Para to Middle School Cook

Glover, Carol – From Winfield Scott Cook to Middle School Cook

Hutchison, Patty – From Middle School Cook to Winfield Scott Cook

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Freeze, Micheal – Special Education Teacher – KRI

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Chaplin, Mercedes – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Corbitt, Cheyenne – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Castillo, Kristal – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Hanson, Emily – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Hayden, Caleb – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Heckman, Whitney – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Houston, Cassandra – Van Driver

Houston, Cassandra – Paraprofessional – Preschool

Houston, Steven – Bus Diver

Lopp, Kylie – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

McDonald, Maggie – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Mishler, Kelsie – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Rodriguez, Joseph – Substitute Preschool Van Driver

Shaw, Michael – Custodian – Eugene Ware – August 5, 2024

Shaw, Michael – Substitute Preschool Van Driver

Mills, Lacy – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Brown, Chase – Ed Rising

Brown, Chase – Senior Class Sponsor

Brown, Chase – Scholars Bowl Assistant Coach

Gorman, Krista – Junior Class Sponsor (Split)

Hodges, Julius – Debate & Forensics Assistant

Knopp, McKenzie – Junior Class Sponsor (Split)

Martin, Madeline – Key Club

Mayberry, Polly – Scholars Bowl Head Coach

Motley, Aubri – Assistant Girls Volleyball Coach

Rogers, Jamie – Student Council

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County

FS Area Community Foundation Announces Grant Cycle

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FORT SCOTT AREA

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

ANNOUNCES 2024 GRANT CYCLE
FORT SCOTT AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

GRANT APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED NOW THROUGH 5PM ON AUGUST 31ST!

THE APPLICATION IS AN ONLINE PROCESS ONLY

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO APPLY.

SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS!

______________

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce that the grant cycle for 2024 is here and they will be taking applications from now until 5pm on August 31st.

The mission of FSACF is to serve the region by encouraging charitable giving benefiting the common good and improving the quality of life. The Foundation is committed to making a

making a meaningful contribution in the areas of civic improvements, arts and humanities, health, education, human and social services, and the conservation and preservation of cultural and environmental resources.

Grant funds are available to local 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government agencies, and religious institutions. The Foundation considers proposals based on how they improve the quality of life for residents, and is particularly interested in projects that are sustainable in the future. Collaborative projects are strongly encouraged.

In 2023, the Foundation awarded $42,117 to 19 non-profit recipients through its General Funds Grant cycle. Projects in Fort Scott, Mapleton and Uniontown received funding. A history of funded projects can be viewed at https://fsacf.com.

Interested organizations should submit their grant application through the online portal. The link to the portal can be found on the FSACF website.

Completed applications must be received by 5:00 pm, August 31st.
Click HERE to learn more about the

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US