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Government, Health Care, Kansas

New KS Bill to Allow APRNs To Pracitice Independently

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Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Removing Barriers to Health Care

~~ Senate Substitute for House Bill 2279 Allows Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to Provide More Care to Kansans~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she signed Senate Substitute for House Bill 2279. The bipartisan bill expands access to health care in Kansas by removing barriers, allowing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to practice independently.

“Kansas, like so many other states, is experiencing a health care shortage – especially in rural parts of the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This will improve the availability of high-quality health care by empowering APRNs to reduce local and regional care gaps.”

“This bill will increase access to care for all Kansans, many of whom rely on safe and expert APRN care today,” Amy Siple, APRN, president of Kansas Advanced Practice Nurses Association, said. We applaud Governor Kelly and the Kansas legislature for taking this step towards greater access, quality outcomes, and reduced regulatory barriers. As the 26th state to remove these barriers for APRNs, Kansas demonstrates a commitment to improving the health of its citizens.”

Senate Sub. for HB 2279 requires an APRN to maintain malpractice insurance and national certification for initial licensure as an APRN. It also requires that these medical professionals comply with federal Drug Enforcement Administration requirements related to controlled substances to prescribe controlled substances.

Additional information about Senate Sub for HB 2279 can be found here.

Opinion

Right In Our Own Eyes by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

During the Los Angeles riots in the 1990’s, a reporter encountered three looters leaving a store. He asked them what they took, and the first two told him off with profanity. But the third
man said, “I got some gospel music. I love Jesus!”

I just don’t get it.

Currently, I am in a Zoom Bible study, and this week we are covering the book of Judges…one of the most depressing, frustrating books in the Old Testament. Perhaps the entire Bible. Which is probably why that book ends with these solemn words: In those days there
was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
In a nutshell, the Israelites, God’s chosen people, messed up. Not once. Not twice.

Dozens, if not hundreds of times.

Then they repented, begged for God’s help avenging
whomever they had unrightfully attacked, and acted holy…until, that is, they didn’t.

We are left scratching our heads, wondering what is wrong with these guys, but the truth is, they aren’t totally unholy. I mean, they ask for a priest’s intervention, talk openly about their
love for Yahweh, cling to vows they have taken and even attack clans that should have been destroyed when the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land.

But then they act out of fleshly lust or ignore the difficult part of God’s commands or make stupid pledges that cost them lives…theirs and others (like 25,000 at a time). A “little” holy, perhaps?

Of course, God never calls us to be a little holy (which is sort of like a being a little alive). There are no portion controls in Kingdom living. We Christians just live as if there are.

While researching the back-story of Judges, I ran across an article from David Guzik’s “Study Guide to Judges 18” where he gives an example of people caught between holy and
unholy living.

“In Europe in the 14 th century, unemployed soldiers often became small armies of bandits and robbed and burned and killed and raped in towns and villages all over Europe. These
brutal criminals often negotiated with a town before attacking it.

“If the town agreed to give the brutes a large amount of money, the army left the city alone. If the town refused to give the money or could not give the money, they attacked. These were done with formal negotiations and contracts. They have discovered that when these horrible men came to a monastery, they insisted on money as well – but they also demanded that the priests of the monastery give them a written document saying that all their sins were forgiven.”

I just don’t get it.

Look again at Judges 21:25: In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. I wonder if those words can be tweaked a little.

In present days there is little Lord in America; everyone does what is right in his/her own eyes.

This Sunday, we will celebrate Easter. My son’s church in Florida requires online registration to attend. Multiple services are added because Easter is, for many, the only time they tend to come.

They will hear how Jesus died for their sins, but Hallelujah…He lives! He lives to give us new life, to make us into new creations, to enable us to spend eternity in Heaven.

There is no more powerful message

Government

FSCC Minutes of March 21

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Working Session
March 21, 2022
4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, Janet Fancher, Adam Borth, Tom Havron,
Julie Eichenberger, Kris Mengarelli, Ralph Beacham, Jordan Howard, Jason Simon, Chris Larsen
AGENDA:
• Mission/Vision Overview, Alysia Johnston, 1
• Strategic Plan Report, Ralph Beacham, 18
• Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT), Crawford Tech Ed Center, Kris Mengarelli, 38
• Nursing Program/Collaboration with CHC of SEK, Jordan Howard, 46
• Higher Ed Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF)/Deferred Maintenance Projects, Julie Eichenberger, 54
• Housing/Greyhound Fitness Center/Foundation update, Tom Havron, 65
• Bailey Hall Re-model/Migrant Programs, Janet Fancher, 71
• New Programs, Adam Borth, 82
• Vision & Mission Summary/Suggestions, Board of Trustees
ALYSIA JOHNSTON – MISSION/VISION OVERVIEW
Reviewed mission statement and core values. The greatest asset at FSCC is personnel.
We’ll come back in June for another working session for the Board to evaluate where all this
information fits with the mission and vision, along with budget.
Mission statement
Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of
culture and diversity that provides affordable academic, technical, and occupational
programs to meet student needs while fostering a mutually supportive relationship between
the college and its communities.
Core Values:
• Personal success and growth: Empower students, community, and employees to
attain their goals by providing opportunities in a supportive, safe environment.
• Integrity and Respect: A focus on communication, relationships and experiences
that value students, community, and employees; fostering a safe environment for
all.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Operate as one college in purpose, plans, priorities, and
processes.
• Stewardship: The careful, transparent, and responsible management of all
resources under our care, including monetary, physical, and human resources.
Vision:
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.16

Reviewed capital improvement projects for 2021-2023 using COVID grant funding. Among other
qualifiers, anything done to spread students out or renovate HVAC systems qualified for use of
HEERF funds.
FSCC received $5,085,879, and $2,715,070 has been spent thus far. Projects include:
Robert Nelson commented that FSCC hasn’t had so many projects going on at the same time, and
it’s great that so many things are going. Alysia credited the staff involved handling the projects and
attributed the timelines of the projects to completion time frames required by the grants.
Shared Strategic Plan document. Ralph will follow up with more information regarding the
Strategic Plan.27

Fort Scott Community College, Government

Agenda for Fort Scott Community College Trustee Meeting April 18

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The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, April 18, 2022.

The Board departs FSCC at 4:00 p.m., tour the Harley facility, and
proceed to the Crawford Technical Education Center (CTEC) in Pittsburg.

Upon arrival at CTEC, dinner will be served, and the regular board meeting will be conducted.

Depart Fort Scott Community College to Harley, then to CTEC
Dinner at CTEC at 5:00 followed by regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Tour of CTEC Facility
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Board Work Session and Regular Meeting conducted
on March 21, 2022, 6 and 88
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 91
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 150
A. Consideration of Greyhound Lodge Renovation Bids, 150
B. Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding with Southeast Kansas Education
Service Center (Greenbush), 153
C. Consideration of Food Service Agreement, 156
D. Confirmation of Emeritus Status Retirees, 163
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 164
REPORTS, 180
A. Administrative Updates, 180
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 193
ADJOURNMENT, 1941

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Board Work Session and Regular Board Meeting
conducted on March 21, 2022.
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) Transfers
a) Tom Havron, from VP of Student Affairs/Athletic Director to VP of StudentAffairs/Foundation Director, effective upon hire and training of new Athletic Director

2) Separations
a) Denissa Rivas, Music Instructor, effective May 14, 2022
4.18.22 Consent Agenda-14.18.22 Consent Agenda-1
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson
To view the entire 194 page agenda:
Obituary

Obituary of Ludean Evans

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Ludean Evans, age 71, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.  She was born March 11, 1951, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of David Donald Harris and Maxine Cagle Harris.  Ludean graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1969.  She married David Eugene Evans on December 21, 1968, at the Nazarene Church in Ft. Scott.  Ludean was a devoted wife and mother.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially when attending her grandchildren’s sporting events or going on a camping trip.  She also enjoyed gardening.

 

Survivors include her husband, Gene, of the home; two daughters, Jennifer Pryor and Billi Jo Shoemaker, both of Ft. Scott; four grandchildren, Ericah Uhler (Justin), Zack Pryor (Carolina), Jarrett Shoemaker (Addy), and Kyra Pryor (Kevin) and a great-grandson, Hugh Uhler.  Also surviving are a brother, Jim Harris (Susie) of Ft. Scott and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Donald Harris and her life-long, best friend, Linda Poyner.

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Monday, April 18th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee: T-Mobile Ribbon Cutting April 14

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Join us for this week’s Chamber Coffee & Ribbon Cutting
Hosted by T-Mobile
Thursday, April 14th, 8am
2400 S. Main St. Unit 300
Ribbon cutting and remarks will take place directly after the Chamber Coffee.
T-Mobile is America’s 5G leader with the largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network. T-Mobile wants to service communities that have been historically dis-serviced within the cellular community. Fort Scott was a chosen because of its geological location. They are confident in their investment here and are dedicated to serving Fort Scott and Bourbon County. T-Mobile is customer obsessed. It’s what inspires and drives them to look for new ways to keep you seamlessly connected to what you love.
Visit T-Mobile’s website HERE!
Like T-Mobile’s Facebook page HERE!
Area News, Bourbon County, Entertainment

Explore Kansas On the Big Kansas Road Trip

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The Big Kansas Road Trip

will be held May 5-8, 2022 in Bourbon, Cherokee & Crawford counties.

Order your BKRT shirt by 8am on Monday, April 18th to help promote BKRT & help welcome all the visitors!

(Any shirts ordered will be available for pickup at the

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce by May 5th)
big ksansas road trip 2022.png

About the Big Kansas Road Trip

The Big Kansas Road Trip was created to be active, to be fun, to bring people together AND to make an economic and social difference in the showcase counties. It was designed to help people understand rural culture and to bring urban and rural folks together.

The Big Goal is to get people addicted to exploring Kansas so they’ll want to do it year-round in a way that will help sustain communities.

Kansas communities are bolstered by people who love to explore.

The idea is to get people onto the back roads and into Kansas towns to actually SEE PLACES. To actually EAT IN LOCAL CAFES and to talk to and GET TO KNOW THE LOCALS.
BIG KS ROAD TRIP 2022 t-shirt.jpg
To order a BKRT

t-shirt by 8am, Monday, April 18th, click Order Now below, $12 each plus tax.
Order Now!

There will be information centers setup in each county where you can stop, ask questions, and get information.

Find them on this page.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce currently has BKRT brochures, magazines, and posters that can be picked up for personal or distribution use.

231 E. Wall St. Fort Scott, KS | 620.223.3566

Come pick some up & help us distribute them throughout the county!

Click here to view the BKRT Guide for 2022 online!

Visit the BKRT Website for all the details.

Follow the BKRT Facebook for updates.
Thank you to our Chamber Champions listed below!
Chamber Champions Logo Image 2022 - Ledger Size.png
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Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board of Education: New Principals, New Teachers

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, April 11, 2022

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Board of Education office on Monday, April 11, 2022, for their regular monthly meeting.

President James Wood opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – March 10, 2022 – $1,437,997.40

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity fund accounts­­­­­­

F.     FCCLA Fundraiser Application

G.    Parent/Teacher Conference statistics

H.    KASB Dues and Legal Assistance Fund

I.      Negotiations lists for 2022-23

J.      Use of a school bus for the Class of 1966 for June 25

K.    Memorandum of Understanding with Greenbush Food Purchasing Consortium

L.     Extended Trip Application – Film Festival Competition

 

The Fort Scott High School Sociology students gave a presentation on Hats in School.  They reported their research, observations, and surveys for allowing students to wear hats to school.

Board members approved Resolution 21-12 Authorizing and Providing for the Sale, Issuance, and Delivery of Taxable General Obligation Refunding Bonds.

Brenda Hill, Fort Scott KNEA President, gave a report on year-end activities.

Written reports were shared by principals.

In addition, the board heard a report from Dalaina Smith, Academics Director.  Board members approved a PLC Summer Institute for teachers.

Ted Hessong, Superintendent; and Gina Shelton, Finance Director/Board Clerk. presented reports.

Board members approved the following items:

·       Academic calendar for the 2022-23 school year

·       High School course changes/additions for the 2022-23 school year

·       Make-up snow days

·       Virtual Academy Memorandum of Understanding with Greenbush

 

Superintendent Hessong gave an ESSER III update.

The board approved a Benchmark change order to add Winfield Scott roofing to the bid documents.

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel.  The board returned to open meeting and amended the agenda.  Board members approved the creation of a board-member committee to have exit interviews with administrators.  The committee would consist of four board members in a special meeting with an executive session.  The board approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Resignation of Melissa Miller, Winfield Scott Principal, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

B.    Resignation of Martin Altieri, Winfield Scott Assistant Principal, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

C.    Resignation of Andrea Scott, Fort Scott Preschool Principal/Special Education Coordinator, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

D.    Resignation of Abby Dixon, Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

E.     Resignation of Kerry Pommier, Eugene Ware counselor, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

F.     Resignation of Torrie Singmaster, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

G.    Resignation of Kelcy Schnaufer, preschool teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

H.    Resignation of Travis Toth, high school social science teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

I.      Resignation of Renee Scales, middle school special education teacher, effective May 17, 2022

J.      Resignation of Lindsay Knopp, Winfield Scott second grade teacher, effective May 13, 2022

K.    Resignation of Shytanna Reed, middle school paraprofessional, effective March 15, 2022

L.     Resignation of Elizabeth Rose, preschool paraprofessional, effective May 13, 2022

M.   Resignation of Shana Staton, preschool paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

N.    Resignation of Afton Brown, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

O.    Termination of Adrianne Wisdom, high school paraprofessional, effective February 17, 2022

P.     Transfer of Jamie Rogers, middle school math teacher, to high school math teacher for the 2022-23 school year

Q.    Transfer of Ashlea Taylor, Winfield Scott special education teacher, to first grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year; transfer of Kaitlin Arnold, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, to second grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year; transfer of Tyler Ericson, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, to second grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year

R.    Transfer of Kim Eastwood, Winfield Scott second grade teacher, to Eugene Ware music teacher for the 2022-23 school year

S.     Transfer of Madeline Martin to the high school counselor position for the 2022-23 school year

T.     Transfer of Angie DeLaTorre, Eugene Ware secretary, to high school secretary/registrar for the 2022-23 school year

U.    Transfer of Brandi Pitts, high school custodian, to central office head custodian, effective May 13, 2022

V.    Employment of David Heidrick as a middle school special education teacher for the 2022-23 school year

W.  Employment of Michael Durnell as a high school math teacher for the 2022-23 school year

X.    Employment of Sydney Crapson as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year

Y.    Employment of Evangelina Korinke as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year

Z.     Employment of Anna Kim as a Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year

AA.                   Employment of Abigail Duffy as a Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year

BB.                    Employment of Kim Carpenter as a Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year

CC.                    Employment of Toni Burton as a middle school part-time teacher aide for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

DD.                               Employment of Angela Colvin as a middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

EE.            Employment of Sean Herring as a Eugene Ware 6.5-hour cook for the 2022-23 school year

FF. Employment of Fort Scott Preschool Center licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year

GG.                   Employment of Winfield Scott licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year

HH.                               Employment of Eugene Ware licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year

II.                Employment of Fort Scott Middle School licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year

JJ.   Employment of Fort Scott High School licensed staff for the 2022-23 school year

KK.                               Employment of licensed special education and technology staff for the 2022-23 school year

LL.Transfer of Erin Campbell, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, to Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

MM.                 Transfer of Tiffnie Spears, Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher, to Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year

NN.                   Transfer of Jeffery Pommier, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher, to Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2022-23 school year

OO.                               Transfer of Danielle Cavin, Eugene Ware special education teacher, to Fort Scott Middle School special education teacher for the 2022-23 school year

PP.             Employment of Dale Brauer as a middle school math teacher for the 2022-23 school year

QQ.                   Employment of Lienna Upchurch as a Eugene Ware special education teacher for the 2022-23 school year

RR.                                Employment of Karen Gordon as Eugene Ware counselor for the 2022-23 school year

SS.             Employment of Sierra Muellner as a Winfield Scott low incidence special education teacher for the 2022-23 school year

TT.            Employment of Cynthia Hemphill-Witham as a preschool center paraprofessional for the 2022-23 school year

UU.                   Employment of Angelica Gonzalez as a middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

VV.                   Termination of Susan Karleskint, high school one-day-a-week ESOL teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year

WW.                Addition of After-School Program coordinator positions for Winfield Scott, Eugene Ware, and Fort Scott Middle School for the 2022-23 school year

 

The board adjourned.