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Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Community Connection Panelist Luncheon is July 26

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Community Connection Panelist Luncheon!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Community Connection Panelist Luncheon on Wednesday, July 26th, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St. Chamber members and the community are invited to attend for updates on things that are happening in the community!

The event is free to attend but registration is requested. Box lunches are available by pre-order for $10 and those need to be ordered by July 25th at 10am. Those planning to attend may RSVP online at fortscott.com under the events tab.

There will be a 7-minute update from each of the following panelists, ending with time for questions:

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, Craig Campbell Chair, Becky Tourtillott Vice Chair
Fort Scott National Historic Site, Carl Brenner
Fort Scott Recreation Commission, Lucas Kelley
Good Neighbor Action Team, Craig Campbell
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Jody Hoener President/CEO, Rachel Carpenter Director
Kansas Small Business Development Center, Dacia Clark, Assistant Director PSU KSBDC

Moderator for the event will be Bailey Lyons of Lyons Realty Group, 2023 Chamber Board Chair.

Click here to RSVP and pre-order lunch!

This event is being sponsored by Davis Accounting, Inc.

and Labconco.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 for more information or visit fortscott.com.

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

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC SELECTS GUGNANI TO FILL KEY ADMINSTRATIVE ROLE

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Sonia Gugnani. Submitted photo.

Sonia Gugnani, whose connection to Fort Scott Community College goes back more than 10 years, is the school’s new vice president of academic affairs.

Her hiring was formally approved by the FSCC Board of Trustees on Monday, and elevates her from her previous post as associate dean of instruction and institutional effectiveness.

The move constitutes a small one geographically for Gugnani, she can just slide into the VP’s office from her current station in Bailey Hall, but a large one in terms of oversight and responsibility.

It’s a role for which she’s well-prepared.

“As the associate dean, I was involved in serving the needs of the high school students in our area,” she said. “That involved collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure the success of our students. I am very familiar with various processes and have been closely involved in curriculum development, assessment and accreditation.

“Having worked with the previous vice president of academic affairs (Adam Borth) has given me a better understanding of the job.”

Gugnani, who has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in psychology, began at FSCC in 2014 as a part-time instruction support specialist after two years as an adjunct instructor. She was appointed director of institutional effectiveness and outreach in 2019, then associate dean of instruction and institutional effectiveness in 2021. She participated in the Kansas Community College Leadership Institute last year, and is part of the Lead Bourbon County training cohort.

Teamwork is the key ingredient to success for a lead administrator, she said.

“Working with faculty and staff to offer our students opportunities and quality education is essential for this position,” she said. “I consider myself extremely fortunate to work with a great group of faculty and staff who support the college’s mission and go above and beyond what is expected of them in order to achieve shared objectives.”

Of course, the job does not come without challenges, Gugnani agreed.

“Most community colleges are seeing a reduction in enrollment as a result of students entering the workforce directly out of high schools,” she said. “Promoting general-education courses, dual-credit courses, and implementing short-term career and technical programs could help with enrollment and retention.

“By providing our students the resources they need to complete their education, we can help them be independent and self-sufficient. I strongly believe community colleges have the ability to strengthen our nation’s workforce.”

Personally, Gugnani and her husband, P.K., a local physician, are “proud parents” of three sons, Neil, 19, Shekhar, 19, and Raj, 14. The two eldest are recent graduates of Fort Scott High School and the youngest is an incoming freshman at FSHS.

“(We have) been part of this community for the last 19 years,” said Gugnani, who enjoys spending time with her family, watching action/comedy movies and taking long walks, making puzzles and playing board games.

Government, Jobs, Kansas

Virtual Job Fair to Showcase Hundreds of Available State Positions

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TOPEKA – Jobseekers are encouraged to attend the upcoming State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26. This virtual fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, will focus on employment opportunities available within many of the state’s 98 government agencies. Currently, there are almost 800 vacancies across the state.

“The Department of Commerce alone has 28 openings, and we want to fill these positions with skilled and professional candidates looking to secure good-paying careers with great benefits,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “All of our agency jobs offer opportunities for individuals to make a true difference in the lives of individuals and communities by serving our great state.”

Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device, but it is highly recommended to use a computer to be most effective during the job fairs. If a jobseeker does not have access to a personal computer, they are available at KANSASWORKS offices as well as local libraries throughout the state. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

To register for the July 26 State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair, 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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Bourbon County, Government

City of Uniontown Budget Work Session Minutes of July 18

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The Budget Worksession on July 18, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Budget worksession

 

Council was presented with a 2024 proposed budget.  It was reviewed and amended to have the same mill rate as last year, which will exceed the revenue neutral rate.  It was agreed upon to send notice to County Clerk of intent to exceed revenue neutral rate and set the revenue neutral rate hearing to begin at 6:45PM on September 12, 2023, to be immediately followed by the budget hearing, then the regular council meeting.  Session ended at 7:48PM

 

 

Government

Uniontown City Council Unofficial Minutes of the July 11 Meeting

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The unofficial minutes of the Uniontown City Council for July 11, 2023.

The Uniontown City Council Meeting on July 11, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Danea Esslinger (7:02), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Dakota Harris, Tim Nuckolls Agency, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Dakota Harris – Tim Nuckolls Agency– Mr Harris gave a presentation of GlobeLife benefits.  Consensus was that we would not add any benefits at this time.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to make the following appointments/designations:

City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk – Sally Johnson; City Treasurer – Charlene Bolinger; Municipal Judge – Patricia Miklos-Boyd; Municipal Prosecutor – Chase Vaughn; City Newspaper – The Fort Scott Tribune; and Official Bank – Union State Bank, Uniontown.

 

Oath of office was administered to Johnson and Bolinger.  Johnson will administer oath to judge and prosecutor at next court session.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the June 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $356,954.32, Receipts $75,670.19, Transfers Out $3,012.77, Expenditures $29,870.79, Checking Account Closing Balance $399,740.95. Bank Statement Balance $402,032.87, including Checking Account Interest of $81.25, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,291.92, Reconciled Balance $399,740.95.  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 $486,473.88. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $460.31, and Utility CDs $331.95 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $792.26.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of June 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  June Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from Gas Utility Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from General Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.30); for Total Transfers of $3,012.77.  Net Income for the month of June $42,786.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $56,188.98.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $58626.68 (48.0%), Expenditures $56,043.66 (35.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $18,250.72 (49.5%), Expenditures $16,134.02 (39.2%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $89,262.73 (57.0%), Expenditures $62,070.25 (27.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $118,401.36 (79.1%), Expenditures $85,279.90 (46.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,967.49 (53.2%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The July 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $24,426.87were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

  • Minutes of June 21, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.  Mayor Jurgensen asked him to take 4 sets of barricades to 75th street for the baseball tournament this weekend.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan presented the Statement of Enforcing Officer regarding 404 Washington St.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2023-0711-1 a Resolution fixing a time and place and providing for notice of a hearing before the Governing Body of the City of Uniontown, Kansas, at which the owner, his or her agent, lienholders of record, occupants and other parties in interest of structures located within said city and described herein may appear and show cause why such structure should not be condemned and ordered repaired or demolished as an unsafe or dangerous structure.

 

The sewer issue at 305 Clay has been resolved and the dead tree at 505 Wall will be removed as soon as contractor can remove it.  Councilmember Kelly asked about household items being stored in a carport.  Clerk Johnson has already spoken with the party.

 

Clerk Johnson asked for voting delegate/alternate voting delegate for League of Kansas Municipalities.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to designate Jess Ervin as voting delegate and Amber Kelly as alternate voting delegate

 

Johnson reminded governing body to let her know if any wished to attend the League of Kansas Municipalities Conference in October or the Regional Meeting on July 27 in Pittsburg.

She also reminded them of the Budget Worksession scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 5:30PM.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – absent

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – asked if the stone post on her property has any historical significance and if it can be removed.  It was suggested she take a picture of the stone and contact the Bourbon County Historical Society to see if there is any historical significance and whether it can be removed.

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

KMGA Supply Management – we received an email about the executive directors’ decision to partner with WoodRiver Energy.  Dixie Riedel called on July 6 to explain that the default purchasing method would be a blend of fixed and first-of-month pricing but each member could tailor their portfolio with all fixed, all first-of-month, or a blend.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to use the default purchasing method for our portfolio

 

Johnson will contact Dixie tomorrow with this decision.

 

Mural Grant – an update was given.

 

Placemaking Project – an update on the success of the booth at Independence Day Bash was given.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Fall Cleanup –

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to provide three dumpsters August 28-31, 8am-8pm, until filled.  When full, dumpsters will be removed.

 

Moved by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:24PM

Bourbon County, Fair, Health Care

Learn About Arthritis and Cancer at FCE Sponsored Event Today at 2 p.m.

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You Are Invited !
The Starlite FCE (Family Consumer Education) Unit
invites you to attend an informal meeting on enjoying life and staying healthy.
Meyers Building
Bourbon County Fairgrounds
Wednesday, July 19 2:00 pm
Two important areas of health will be addressed.
Arthritis – Learn to establish routine health visits, to assess
symptoms and to defend against this disease.
Cancer – Learn the symptoms and risk factors, how to reduce risk,
and what tests are available for early detection which is the key to
treatment options.
Jackson RN, EMT will be our presenter
Please join us for this informative Health session.
A cold drink and a frozen treat will be available to all participants.
Come in out of the heat to the air conditioned building.

Bourbon County, Fair, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Bourbon County Fair Association on July 20

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

Bourbon County

Fair Association

Thursday, July 20th

8am

2102 S. Huntington Blvd

Hubenett Pavilion

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Bourbon County Fair Association, Thursday, July 20th at 8 a.m. at the Hubenett Pavilion on Fairgrounds located at 2102 S. Huntington Blvd. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

 

The Bourbon County Fairgrounds is alive year-round with a full schedule of exciting events for all interests! From the signature Bourbon County Fair and Pioneer Harvest Fiesta events to year-round camping in the Fort Scott area to the many other agricultural, college-related, and civic events. They couldn’t do all they do without their wonderful volunteers, donors, merchants, livestock buyers, contestants, 4H and Ag Agents. They also send out a big thank you to the spectators who grace their Fairground events each year and of course the fun-loving people who take advantage of our year-round camping facilities. The full schedule of events may be found on the Fair board website www.bourboncountyfair.com

 

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

 

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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