The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, April 2nd at City State Bank, 202 Scott Ave, from 8:00am-9:00am.
These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.
Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 with any questions.
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Friends cautioned me that “times are different.” They were right. In my first week of substitute teaching, an administrator was called to remove a student from the classroom. In the twenty years I had taught, I made such a call only one time. And here I was, in my third day of subbing, and I could not control a student who chose to act up, non-stop.
I tried all the teacher tricks, silently questioning how the actual, full-time teacher handled this child, but when I finally had him stand outside the classroom door and he began licking the door’s window, I knew that, yes, times are very different.
Two periods later, I had him again, and he was great. Perhaps he had a twin with the same name? I could not believe the difference. I praised him for being so well-behaved and told him how much I appreciated him acting so well. When he showed up for a third class, I expected the same. It did not happen. He was wired. Disruptive. Rude. Loud. Very, very loud. What had happened to the quiet, attentive boy from the previous class?
Once again, I asked him to leave the classroom and sit by the door. He chose to walk down the hall… and told me there was nothing I could do about it. Sadly, he was right. Gone were the days when a teacher could grab a child’s arm, when students respected (perhaps feared?) authority, when a call home meant double-trouble for the child instead of a complaint to the principal about the teacher.
Today’s educators are saints.
I always knew that subbing was a challenge (which is why I told my students that if they misbehaved for a sub, I would double their detention.) Rarely, if ever, did I have a problem. Clearly, the times…they are a changin’. Who/what’s to blame? Is it social media? Parents who refuse to hear the teacher’s side? Who want to be their child’s friend?
Don’t get me wrong. Many students were on task and well-behaved. Two said “thank you” when I handed out an assignment. One even tried to quiet my disruptive student by saying, “Stop it. She’s a good sub.” (I wanted to hug him.)
Most teachers work hard to help raise up our children, to challenge and encourage them to learn. And while the rest of us have an end to our work day, teachers don’t have that luxury. Papers need to be graded and the next day needs to be organized. As for administrators, they have their hands full, dealing with unruly students and their parents, encouraging teachers and keeping up with government standards for school management.
When I reflected on my sub experience, I had to wonder how God does it. God, who deals with nothing but unruly children, who has no “one size fits all” form of discipline. God, who knows His children and what moves them to behave. Do they need a friend to come alongside and challenge them? He sends that person. (Think of the servants who told Naaman, the leper, to get rid of his pride and wash in dirty water as Elisha instructed him.)
Do they need a kick in the kazoo? (Think of Paul who, on his way to persecute Christians, was blinded.) Do they need a gentle touch? (Think of the disciples who were calmly admonished when they could not stay awake and support Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.) Do they need encouragement? (Think of those same men being told not to fear persecution and death.) Do they just need a “Hang in there, Child” message? (Think of you and me, waiting on unanswered prayer.)
God amazes me. Still, I have to wonder if He ever had to deal with someone who licked the window. I’m thinking he might have laughed.
Maybe I should have tried that.
~Johnson, Jr. caught without incident~
KANSAS CITY, Kansas. –
Minimum-custody resident John Evans Johnson, Jr., has been apprehended.
On Thursday morning, March 21, 2024, Johnson, Jr., was taken into custody by Kansas City, Kansas Police Department. He was arrested on the KDOC escape warrant without incident.
He had been placed on escape status after attending two job interviews, and not returning to the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JSDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) on March 12, 2024.
No other details are being released as the investigation is ongoing.
The Johnson County Department of Corrections Adult Residential Center is a 398 bed, community based, facility that provides a highly structured environment for adult offenders ordered by the District Court.
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April 16, 2024
Core Friend Training hosted by Core Community
If you are considering becoming a Core Friend (mentor) for Core Community, you are encouraged to attend this zoom training session. We will be matching Core Leaders (program participants) with Core Friends (mentors) in May of 2024.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 via Zoom
Please email Cinta Becker (Admin Assistant) to register for the training – [email protected]
For more information about becoming a Core Friend, please contact Janice Lamb at [email protected] or 620-215-1703.
April 22, 2024
Core Community Graduation
6:30-7:30 PM, United Methodist Church, Fort Scott
Our first class of Core Leaders have met all the requirements to graduate from Phase one of our program and enter Phase Two. The entire community is invited to attend to help us celebrate this monumental achievement! Come and hear the stories of transformed lives!
For more information contact Cherri Walrod at [email protected]
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ROLL CALL:
____ Jess Ervin ____ Danea Esslinger ____ Amber Kelly ____ Mary Pemberton ____ Bradley Stewart
Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss offer of position of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.
The Special Council Meeting on March 19, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:15PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Ashley Endicott, Brooke Gilfert, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants for non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 6:45PM
Mary Pemberton out at 5:30. Ashley Endicott in at 5:30, out at 5:57. Mary Pemberton in at 5:57. Brooke Gilfert in at 6:00, out at 6:19. Open meeting resumed at 6:45.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:15PM
Sally Johnson in at 7:10, out at 7:15. Open meeting resumed at 7:15.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:05PM
Johnson in at 7:45, out at 7:56. Open meeting resumed at 8:05.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to schedule a special meeting on March 25, 2024, 5:30PM for the purpose of entering into executive session to discuss offer for position of non-elected personnel
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:06PM
The Regular Council Meeting on March 12, 2024, at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Pond Project, Don George, KDWPT – Mr George was unable to attend. Since the project is complete, he will get with Clerk Johnson soon to finish up paperwork and take for submission. He will present a “big check” when paperwork is approved.
CITIZENS REQUEST
Dave Wehry sent an email, due to being unable to attend, regarding under-age, unlicensed drivers of golf carts on city streets. After discussion, Clerk Johnson will send a reply as directed.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the February 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $293,383.58, Receipts $44,634.56, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $56,818.78, Checking Account Closing Balance $268,423.36. Bank Statement Balance $278,443.08, including Checking Account Interest of $57.98, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $10,019.72, Reconciled Balance $268,423.36. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,222.22, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,264.85, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,006.17, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $365,916.60. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $112.54, and Utility CDs $394.40 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $506.94. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Street $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00, and from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of February $24,960.22, Year-to-Date Net Income $32,944.16. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $15,896.7 (12.9%), Expenditures $18,850.79 (11.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,621.56 (15.2%), Expenditures $4,883.71 (11.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $37,211.40 (25.4%), Expenditures $26,734.81 (15.1%); General Fund YTD Revenue $53,528.28 (32.6%), Expenditures $19,242.89 (9.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,987.58 (27.4%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The March 2024 payables to date in the amount of $39,826.45 were presented. The invoices from C2, KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering have not been received at meeting time.
Clerk Johnson gave Council copies of comparable reports from the new software.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and review applications of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:00PM
Doug Coyan called in at 7:16, out at 7:35. Open meeting resumed at 8:00PM.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to call a Special Meeting to enter into executive session to interview City Clerk applicants on March 29, 2024 at 5:15PM.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that the water valve has been replaced and is working. He also reported that KCC inspected the gas system on February 27 and no deficiencies were noted.
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan will is back. He will work spring through fall.
Clerk Johnson presented the Contract for Auditing Services from Diehl, Banwart, Bolton at a cost not to exceed $5,990.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept Contract for Auditing Services from Diehl, Banwat, Bolton
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilwoman Pemberton – has been asked when the public restrooms will be reopened. April 1 was decided on.
Councilman Stewart – asked for a follow-up on the sewer issue at 100 Second St. Owners have not contacted City about their plan to remedy.
Mayor Jurgensen – need to schedule spring clean-up and citywide yard sale. Citywide yard sales will be April 20 and spring clean-up will be April 29-May 2 with three dumpsters that will be removed as filled.
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – concrete work completed. Someone did initial the wet concrete. Someone has volunteered to seed when ground leveled. It was suggested to also paint hopscotch and/or four square games also. A portable net, paddles and balls have been donated. Once court is painted it was suggested to host a Grand Opening.
Warehouse project – Mayor Jurgensen received a verbal quote to break up concrete scale and fill with concrete and millings, then top with 6” of packed rock. A written quote was received by Clerk Johnson. Mayor Jurgensen will ask for a written quote instead of verbal quote and we will request at least one more quote from recommended vendors.
It was suggested that we look into the process to sell the weed barn and use the proceeds to offset the cost of refurbishing the warehouse. Clerk Johnson will contact attorney about the process to sell the property.
NEW BUSINESS
None
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:19PM
