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Death Notice of Orval Doty
Orval Ray Doty, age 88, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Arma Health & Rebab, Arma, KS. Services for Orval Doty will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
There was cremation. Services will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel.. Memorials are suggested to V.F.W. Post #1165 and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
An Earring Enigma by Patty LaRoche
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18
Pam’s granddaughter “Polly” is seven years old. Her mother is African American, her father, Caucasian. Last week in school, Polly was bullied by a classmate who pulled her hair and called her names. Polly shared the incident with her mother and asked if she could miss school the next day. Her mother said that she could.
When Polly awoke the following morning, she told her mother that she had changed her mind. She wasn’t going to give that bully any power. My friend Pam and I celebrated this child’s confidence. We all know mean people in this world who think the only way they can climb the ladder of success or popularity or wealth is to keep others on the lowest rung by preying on their lack of confidence, and even though it isn’t the same thing, this past week, Pam, and I, shopping here in Mazatlán, met a store clerk who did something similar.
Pam had purchased a pair of earrings last year but had lost one of them. They were her favorite pair and she was determined to find them again. The problem was, we couldn’t.
After exhausting several of the silver stores, we remembered a store where Pam previously had bought a man’s money clip and turned into an exquisite necklace. The store owners were impressed with her ingenuity. We walked there, and the owner recognized Pam immediately. (Not me, of course, but my friend.) When Pam saw her earrings hanging on a display, she went bonkers, telling the clerk her story, trying them on, and asking, “How much?” “$160.00,” she was told.
“Pam, didn’t you spend $20 on those from a guy on the beach?” I asked. “Maybe $30,” she answered. But my friend really, really wanted them. When the clerk reduced the price to $130, Pam handed him her credit card. Leaving that store, we went down a side street and found the same earrings, stamped with the same silver code on the back, for $62.
Pam needed to return the ones she had bought. Could she, like her granddaughter, stick up for herself? She didn’t know. I told her that I would support her. James 4:17 gave me confidence: In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil. And yes, I imagine this scripture pertains to more serious issues than earrings, but you get the point. And since Roman’s 12 tells us to live in peace whenever possible, we would not make a scene when we asked for Pam’s money back.
Back at the original store, we were told that it was extremely difficult to return an item purchased on a credit card, the owner was making little money on this sale, the other shop—like most in Mazatlán—had stamped that code on the back, making it appear legitimate, and that this store was the only one in Mazatlán with authentic silver. However, we were “really nice people,” and the owner wanted “to do right” for us. It sounds ridiculous, but when he offered to give Pam $35 back if she kept the earrings, swearing that he now was losing money, Pam gave in.
The only honest thing that clerk said was that we were “really nice people.”
Okay, Pam is.
Mazatlán is known for its beautiful silver. If all the other silver sellers were frauds, why didn’t the owner say that when we first discussed in front of him how much Pam had paid for her earrings? The next day, my friend and I relived what we could have done differently to get her a refund. Except for putting up a fuss in front of the other customers and telling the owners that we’d never shop there again, sometimes just being really nice people is the best we can do. At least, that’s what we’re telling ourselves.
Agenda for the FSCC Trustees Meeting on Feb. 20
February 20, 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,
February 20, 2023. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall 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 January 23,
2023, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 8
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 55
A. Consideration of Class and Miscellaneous Fees, 55
B. Consideration of Garrison Restoration Bids, 60
C. Approval of Property Disposal – Salon Chairs, 76
D. Approval of Property Disposal – Print Shop Equipment, 78
REPORTS, 80
A. Administrative Updates, 81
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 100
ADJOURNMENT, 1011
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• February 20, 2023: Board Meeting
• March 13 – 17, 2023: Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 20, 2023: Board Meeting
• March 24, 2023: Aggie Day
• April 7, 2023: Good Friday, Campus Closed
• April 17, 2023: Board Meeting
• May 13, 2023: Graduation
• May 15, 2023: Board Meeting
• June 19, 2023: 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 Nelson
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 23, 2023.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Evelyn Arevalo, IDRC Project Specialist, effective February 15, 2023
b) Shelly Brennon, Nursing Administrative Assistant, effective February 20,
2023
2) Separations
a) Rebecca Clay, TRIO Database Manager, effective January 27, 2023
b) Diego Calderon, IA MEP Regional Recruiter, effective February 20, 2023
3) Transfers
a) Kris Mengarelli, from VP of Workforce Development to CTEC Director,
effective January 25, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
To view the entire packet:
FSCC Board of Trustees Minutes of Jan. 23, 2023
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
January 23, 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 5:31 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall meeting rooms. 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 Holt, and approved by unanimous vote to add
an item C under Action/Discussion as Presentation of Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan
Information.
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda as
amended.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2023-24
academic calendars as presented.
B. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve a total amount
of $800,103 for purchase of heavy equipment simulators.
C. Matt Quick and Jim Harris from Bourbon County presented details of the Bourbon County Neighborhood
Revitalization Plan Information. The last NRP expired 12/31/22. The only change from the previous NRP
is reducing the requirement of $15,000 improvement for a residential area to $5,000. Matt will provide
further information on specific financial impact, and he will have Justin Meeks go through and review to
the document.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed correspondence.
REPORTS:
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Workforce Development,
Instruction, Student Services, Finance and Operations, Student Affairs, Athletics, and the President.
Bryan talked about REDI Board Retreat addressing retail, housing, and workforce studies. He thinks it would be
beneficial for Rob Harrington to come present to the FSCC Board for its part in the work. It will spotlight FSCC’s
contributions to the community. Bryan will work with Rob Harrington to come to a future meeting for the
presentation.
Robert shared about a letter from a previous student who received a scholarship.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:59 p.m. by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote.
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
January 23, 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 5:31 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall meeting rooms. 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 Holt, and approved by unanimous vote to add
an item C under Action/Discussion as Presentation of Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan
Information.
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda as
amended.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2023-24
academic calendars as presented.
B. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve a total amount
of $800,103 for purchase of heavy equipment simulators.
C. Matt Quick and Jim Harris from Bourbon County presented details of the Bourbon County Neighborhood
Revitalization Plan Information. The last NRP expired 12/31/22. The only change from the previous NRP
is reducing the requirement of $15,000 improvement for a residential area to $5,000. Matt will provide
further information on specific financial impact, and he will have Justin Meeks go through and review to
the document.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed correspondence.
REPORTS:
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Workforce Development,
Instruction, Student Services, Finance and Operations, Student Affairs, Athletics, and the President.
Bryan talked about REDI Board Retreat addressing retail, housing, and workforce studies. He thinks it would be
beneficial for Rob Harrington to come present to the FSCC Board for its part in the work. It will spotlight FSCC’s
contributions to the community. Bryan will work with Rob Harrington to come to a future meeting for the
presentation.
Robert shared about a letter from a previous student who received a scholarship.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:59 p.m. by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote.
From the Land of Kansas 45th Anniversary Celebration
MANHATTAN, Kansas —From the Land of Kansas, the state’s agricultural trademark program, is celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2023. The program will kick off its celebration at the Kansas State Capitol on Tuesday, March 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Members of the From the Land of Kansas program will be offering samples of their products and showcasing their businesses.
The From the Land of Kansas program began in 1978 within the state’s agriculture agency, now the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and was designed to promote and celebrate agriculture experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. The program has grown to include 375 members and farmers’ markets. These businesses span the breadth of the agriculture industry, from restaurants, agriculture equipment manufacturers, retailers, farmers and ranchers, to food processors, agritourism, wineries, breweries and distilleries.
Basic membership of the state’s trademark program is free and additional benefits are tailored to support all types of businesses, new or established, and assist them with taking their business to the next level. The program’s website, FromtheLandofKansas.com, also provides a map to help consumers find Kansas businesses and farmers’ markets across the state.
“It’s been the best thing for our business,” said member Christina Blincoe with Sweet Streams Lavender Farm in Bucyrus, Kansas. “We have seen growth from the program every year consistently. We love having the logo on our website because it’s an automatic accreditation of our farm. We love the online store to share our products on the website.”
From the Land of Kansas also hosts an e-commerce website, shop.fromthelandofkansas.com, where members can sell their products online, reaching more customers across the state of Kansas and the U.S. In honor of the 45th anniversary, the program is offering a limited-edition classic shirt representing products grown, raised and produced in Kansas which can also be found at shop.fromthelandofkansas.com.
“I’m very passionate about helping farmers and Kansas businesses succeed and thrive in the agriculture industry,” said Sammy Gleason, marketing manager for From the Land of Kansas. “My dad is a fourth-generation Kansas farmer, which makes the From the Land of Kansas program something I hold close to my heart. I love serving our members, no matter the size of their business; they give me a purpose.”
For more information about the program and its members, visit FromtheLandofKansas.com or engage with the program through social media by following From the Land of Kansas on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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What’s Happening in Fort Scott Weekly Newsletter
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 16
FSHS Thespians Present the Thriller “Trap”
The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 presents the docudrama thriller “Trap” by Stephen Gregg at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16-18 at the FSHS Auditorium.
The performance includes eighteen FSHS cast members: Allie Barnett, Payton Bowling, Ashley (Sypher) Cannon, Kaiden Clary, Kinsley Davis, Levi Fairchild, Junie Fisher, Cooper George, Casey Gomez, Emma Guns, Lexi Hill, Jericho Jones, Mykael Lewis, Jaedyn Lewis, Luke Majors, Chris Newman, Madison Smith, and Regen Wells. Technical crew members include: Alyssa Popp, Kiara Thompson, Emma Bin, Jackson Elton, Josiah Eisenbrandt, Natalie Woods, Lily Brown, Tobi Larrabee, Lizzie Moore, Piper Weeks, and Skylar Chaplin.
Playscripts.com describes the play: “MENACHAP, CALIFORNIA. An incomprehensible event: every person in the audience of a high school play falls unconscious–every person but one. Using interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the investigators pursuing the case, a theatre ensemble brings the story of the strange event to life, documentary-style. But as the strands weave together into an increasingly dangerous web, it becomes clear that this phenomenon might not be entirely in the past.”
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com for reserved seating. Remaining tickets will also be available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
“Trap” is directed by FSHS Thespian Director Angie Bin and FSHS Thespian alumna Mesa Jones. It is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com).
Roadway Safety Awareness Campaign is Feb. 20-March 3
From February 20th through March 3rd, the Fort Scott Police Department will be conducting an enforcement campaign near the high school. We will be joining other law enforcement agencies from Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri with increased enforcement near high schools to raise awareness on roadway safety.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States – ahead of all other types of injury, disease or violence. “Even one teen death is unacceptable,” says Chief Travis Shelton. “Please slow down, put the phone away, or turn it off, and always buckle up.”
Officers will issue citations to any individual who refuses to obey traffic laws, whether it’s for speeding, texting, or failing to buckle up. Remind teens that driving is a privilege and encourage them to learn about the importance of driving safely.
Fort Scott Airport Receives Improvement Grant
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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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