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Kansas Attraction Development Grants Announced
Kansas Tourism Announces $400,000 Available in Attraction Development Grants
TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism today announced the Attraction Development Grant program is open for applications. A total of $400,000 is available. Attraction Development Grants provide strategic economic assistance to public or private entities, or not-for-profit groups, that are developing new or enhancing existing tourism attraction in the state. The deadline for applications is March 31.
“The projects that we are looking for with these grants are those that will bring new visitors to Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Each person that visits our state also supports our economy, by eating at our restaurants, staying at our hotels and shopping at our stores. These Attraction Development Grants will help entice more people to choose Kansas for their next adventure.”
The goals of Attraction Development Grants include:
- Spur economic growth
- Develop destination-based assets
- Increase visitation to Kansas
- Enhance visitor experience
- Improve the quality of life in communities across the state.
“Attraction Development Grants are one of the many tools we have to assist travel industry partners across the state,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “With world-renowned destinations, history rich communities and spectacular natural wonders, every corner of Kansas is a vital part of the state’s tourism economy. These grants support our attractions and increase visitation to and throughout Kansas.”
Grant dollars may fund up to 40 percent of a project, with the community or business funding the remaining 60 percent. For more information, including grant applications please visit https://www.travelks.com/
Funding for Kansas Tourism grants, including the Tourism Marketing Grant, is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF) that is derived from state lottery proceeds.
About the Kansas Tourism Division:
The mission of the Kansas Tourism Division is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism is a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce and works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.
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 in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.
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U234 Closed on Monday, Feb. 20
USD 234 schools and administrative offices will be closed on Monday, February 20th for President’s Day.
Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest Offered By The Fort
CONSERVATION THROUGH THE ARTS
Fort Scott Kan. – Monday, February 20, 2023, Fort Scott National Historic Site and Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge are presenting the 30th annual national Junior Duck Stamp art contest. Art programs will run from 11am to 12:30 and 2 pm to 3:30 pm, and all students in kindergarten through grade twelve are encouraged to participate in the art and conservation message contest. Participants need to check in at the park’s Visitor Center at before 11 am or 2 pm for directions.
During the program participants will learn more about types of waterfowl and also what the judges look for in the artwork. Participants will create original artwork using watercolors, crayon, or pencil. Because students express themselves best in different formats, the conservation message contest gives them an opportunity to use the written word to express their knowledge. Submissions of your Junior Duck Stamp entry may be made on this day at the park or to the Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge in Pleasanton for Kansas entries. Entry forms will be available, and all entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2023.
In 2021, Margaret McMullen, an 18-year-old from Kansas, took top honors in the Service’s National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest with her acrylic rendition of a pair of Hooded Mergansers. Madison Grimm, a 15-year-old from South Dakota, wins the 2022 National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest with a Green-winged Teal
The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program began in 1989 as an extension of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp. The first national Junior Duck Stamp art contest was held in 1993. The stamp encourages students to explore their natural world, participate in outdoor recreation activities, and learn wildlife management principles.
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Credit Photo: Margaret McMullen/USFWS
Guided Bird Walks at The Fort Feb. 17-19
Make it Count at Fort Scott NHS This Weekend
Fort Scott Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site will host free guided bird walks hourly from 9am through 3 pm, Friday, February 17, through Sunday, February 19, for the 26th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC).
A National Park Service Ranger will lead easy birdwatching walks starting from the Visitor Center. Some of the “walks” will be completely durable surfaces and accessible. Rangers and participants will record all bird sightings and upload the data to the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). This walk is for birders of all skill levels and you don’t have to stay for the entire program to make a difference. Birders are encouraged to bring binoculars and layered clothing.
Since 1998, “The Backyard Bird Count has been an opportunity for every citizen to contribute to the understanding of wild birds, and their threats,” said Jill Jaworski, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “We encourage everyone to join us for this and future bird walks and programs.” Watch for scheduled bird walks in the park throughout the year on Facebook or at the Fort Scott NHS website www.nps.gov/fosc.
For more information about the Great Backyard Bird Count, contact Ranger Bristol at Fort Scott National Historic Site by calling 620-223-0310.
Each checklist submitted during the GBBC helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society learn more about how birds are doing, and how to protect them and the environment we share. An estimated 385,000 people participated during the 2022 GBBC. They reported more than 7,000 species from 192 countries. The results of these bird counts are available at www.birdcount.org/2022-final-results.
-NPS-
Credit Photo: Manny Salas/Macaulay Library
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 15
The Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Feb. 7
FS City Agenda for Feb. 14
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
February 14, 2023
6:00 P.M.
- ROLL CALL:
- Jones T. Van Hoecke E. Woellhof K. Harrington M. Wells
- CONSIDERATION:
- Patrick Wood – Consideration of Pocket Community
RESOLUTION NO. 7-2023
A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN HOUSING WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS TO ACCOMPANY THE GRANT APPLICATION TO THE KANSAS HOUSING RESOURCES CORPORATION.
RESOLUTION NO. 8-2023
A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF A RURAL HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICT (RHID) AND AN INDUSTRIAL BOND (IRB) ISSUE IN SUPPORT OF THE BROKEN OAK POCKET COMMNITY PROJECT TO BE LOCATED AT 1907 HUNTINGTON BLVD IN FORT SCOTT, KANSAS
- Approval of Equipment Trade – E42 R2-Series Bobcat Compact Excavator
- Consideration to publish for Request For Qualifications (RFQ) for 2023 Cape Seal Program – tabled from February 7, 2023, City Commission meeting
III. Adjournment:
Black History Month Celebration Event
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U234 Board of Education Minutes from Feb. 13
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, February 13, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
- Minutes from January 9, 2023, Board of Education meeting
- Financials-Cash Flow Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – January 20, 2023 – $1,543,148.20
- Activity Fund accounts
- Extended Trip Applications
- COVID Operations Guidelines
- Special Board Meeting – work session to discuss and prioritize long-term plan and capital improvements, February 27th – 5:30 pm
Dr. Zach Johnson, Fort Scott Middle School principal, introduced 6 students from Fort Scott Middle School who were nominated by their teachers as being representative of great students.
- Students recognized were:
- 6th Grade: Brenny Cole and Maverick Wright
- Brenny likes to do well in everything she does, she is very goal oriented. She is a positive young lady, always on task, very kind to others, and produces quality work.
- Maverick is always willing to help others, he goes above and beyond mentoring other students. He is a super friendly young man, an excellent student, always positive, and works well with peers.
- 6th Grade: Brenny Cole and Maverick Wright
- 7th Grade: Theodore Bowman and Gianna Gorman
- Gianna and Theodore go above and beyond in the classroom. They are respectful to adults and peers. They are always kind and supportive of their classmates. Both of these students are always engaged in classwork and are willing to help others. They take their education seriously and are awesome examples of students that show exemplary character.
- 8th Grade: Chloe Begey and Allisyn Wheeler
- Chloe is a great student and is very sweet. She works hard every day and is kind to all peers. She is one of the sweetest and most caring kids in all of my classes. She holds the doors for all the students every single day, she has great manners, and always has a cheerful attitude. Great girl who gives us her all and is a friend to all and willing to work with anyone.
- Allisyn is always working, doing her best. She is a good person and is always willing to help others. When we worked on our door, she organized the people very kindly and let everyone do their thing. She is academically inclined and strives to do her best. Her sense of humor and positivity brightens every classroom. She is very polite and always has kind words to say.
Mitch Quick, SEK Financial, awarded 6 recipients a $100 U-Benefit grants from OFG Financial, Security Benefit, and KNEA. Recipients were Andrew Ables, Sarah Hendricks, Bert Lewis, Cristin Stark, Hayden Travis, Rhiannon Tuck. The grant is meant to recognize educators for all they do for students in Kansas.
Superintendent Brown updated the board on the progress of the Communications Proposal and the addition of staff awards to recognize excellence. These awards will be held in May when retirees are honored.
Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update to the board on academic committees, including Science, Reading, and Assessments and PLC conversations. There was discussion on evaluation of curriculum and assessments.
Scott Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal, Josh Messer, Fort Scott High School Counselor, and Dr. Zach Johnson, Fort Scott Middle School Principal, gave an update to the board on Individual Plans of Study (IPS). There was discussion on where we are currently and what is planned for the future.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the KSDE final audit, bond payment, health insurance refund, and bond payment.
The board received an update from Superintendent Brown on the expansion of the Fort Scott Preschool Center to 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. He has received a contract which was provided to our attorney, who returned it with recommended changes. This will be one of several preschool options. Additional options and discussion will take place at the February 27th special board meeting. There was no action taken.
The board approved the following items:
- Tennis Courts Resurface – Pro Track and Tennis, Inc. – tabled until next board meeting
- Investment of Excess Funds – 90-day – $2,500,000, UMB at 4.65%
- 2023-24 School Calendar (pending negotiations)
- Gilmore Bell Disclosure Compliance Services Proposal
- District Meal Allowance Reimbursement Increase
- MOU For Shared Employee Between USD 234 and SEK-CAP, Inc.
- Approval of Personnel Report (following)
- Approval of Superintendent’s Contract for 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
February 13, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Larry Amer – Resignation, Fort Scott High School Art Teacher, effective 02-14-2023
- Dale Brauer – Resignation, Fort Scott Middle School Math Teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- CJ Feagins – Leave of Absence
- Lizbeth Jane Hill – Retirement – Eugene Ware Elementary Kitchen Manager, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Rebecca Howard – Retirement – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Dennis Stephan – Retirement – Transportation Maintenance II, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS:
- Andrew Ables – Fort Scott Middle School Track Coach, 2022-23
- Jon Barnes – Fort Scott High School Assistant Boys Golf Coach
- Adam Clements – Fort Scott High School Assistant Track Coach
- Allen Davis – Transfer from Fort Scott Middle School Custodian to Eugene Ware Custodian
- Adam Feagins – Fort Scott Middle School Track Coach, 2022-23
- Josseline Hunsaker – Winfield Scott Paraprofessional – 7.5 hour
- Madison Jones – Fort Scott High School Assistant Track Coach
- Jarrett Lyon – Fort Scott High School Assistant Baseball Coach
- Jana Walker – Transfer from Winfield Scott Paraprofessional to St. Mary’s School Paraprofessional
- Tracy Watkins – Fort Scott Middle School Custodian
- Destry Brown – Superintendent – Contract extension – 3-year renewal for the 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26 school years
Chamber Coffee at First Presbyterian Church on Feb. 16
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