All posts by Submitted Story

What’s Happening in Fort Scott, Aug. 7 Edition

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
8/7thru8/9 –NO SALES TAX HOLIDAY WEEKEND! Select retailers have volunteered to pay for for 9.4% Sales Tax for Shoppers!
8/7 & 8/8 – Liquidation Sale at Captured Images-FIRST liquidation sale at Captured Images. We are offering display prints, books, frames, albums and more! We are also selling negative files and digital files from finished sessions. Stop by from 9-6 Friday and/or 9-12 Saturday and take a look!
8/7 -Pickup Softball Game @ Ellis Park at 6 pm to 9 pm. Public invited to participate & attend. Planned by Locals. Fort Scott Rec. Dept will work the field and will start a fall League if there is interest. Dustin Fowler
8/7thru8/13 –Fort Scott Cinema: Field of Dreams, 2 Fast 2 Furious & Happy Gilmore!
8/8 – Mo’s Swap Meet– Every Saturday from
8am – 4pm (3rd & Margrave St)
Plaza in front of the Fort, 8am to noon.
8/7 & 8/8 – Fort Scott Livestock Sale starts as 10am – Sale Barn
8/8 -Briggs Drive-In Movie Night! – Showing Ford Vs Ferrari at 8:30 pm. Free Snacks will be served. Turn in on Radio station for Audio. Stay in your own car!
8/7 – Boiler Room Brewhaus – Come in and drink and sing Karaoke night!
8/9 – Boiler Room Brewhaus Brings back Trivia
night for teams of 2 to 6 people, $5 entry
per team, 5-7 pm
8/19 – Boiler Room Brewhaus “Brews & Brushes”
Hosted by Creative Canvas $25 – This is already “SOLD OUT”
SAVE THE DATE!
8/22 -SPECIAL OLYMPICS CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT! Sat. starting at 1:30 pm until 5 pm at the Woodland Golf Course to Sign up!
8/22 –SMALLVILLE ATHLETICS – FORT GAMES 2020! Competition starts Friday, 8/22 at 5 pm & all Day Saturday 8/23 – Annual Fitness Competition includes:2 Day M/M F/F Partner Competition Divisions Include: Rx, Intermediate, Master’s 35+ & Scaled – Be held at 1905 S. Judson St.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
No Sales Tax Holiday
Liquidation Sale at Captured Images
Pick up Softball Game
Briggs – Drive In Movie Night
Mo’s Swap Meet
The Boiler Room Brewhaus
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber? Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
THANK YOU TO OUR BOOSTER MEMBERS!

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

 

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has revised its list of public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae. Since Thursday’s update, Milford Lake Zone A has moved to a warning, while Milford Lake Zones B and C have been downgraded to a watch. Additionally, Agra Lake in Phillips County has been added to the watch list.

 

Warning

Milford Lake Zone A, Geary County (upgraded)

Gathering Pond, Geary County

Lovewell Reservoir, Jewell County

 

Watch

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County

Mission Lake, Brown County

Ford State Fishing Lake, Ford County

Milford Lake Zone B, C, Geary County (downgraded)

South Lake, Johnson County

Unit G Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area, Linn County

Marion County Lake, Marion County

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Overbrook City Lake, Osage County

Agra Lake, Phillips County (new)

Cheney Reservoir, Reno/Kingman/Sedgwick Counties

Plainville Township Lake, Rooks County

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

 

Warning Protocols

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

 

Watch Protocols

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water. During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

 

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

 

Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

 

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm. KDHE updates the listings of advisories every Thursday but may update more frequently if needed.

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Aug. 10

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 11, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

9:00 – 12:00 Spark Findings & Greenbush

1:30 – until end of day 2021 Budget Review

FSCC Trustees Minutes of July 27

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Training
July 27, 2020
PRESENT: Jim Fewins, Dave Elliott, Kirk Hart, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and community members.
Acting Chairman Robert Nelson called the meeting to order at 5:37 pm. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Acting Chairman Nelson said that it is good to see the community provide goods for our students. Nelson congratulated Chad Cross for being the Central Plains Region Coach of the Year.
He also congratulated the administration and faculty for their diligence, perseverance, and hard work through the COVID pandemic.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2020-21:

A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by
unanimous vote to elect John Bartelsmeyer as Chairman of the Board. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by
Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to elect Robert Nelson as Vice-Chairman of the Board.

APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS/POSITIONS FOR 2020-21:

A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by
Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to appoint Julie Eichenberger, Information officer; Juley McDaniel, Clerk of
the Board; Marianne Culbertson, Treasurer; Juley McDaniel, KPERS Representative; Bill Meyer and Kirk Hart,
KACCT Representative and Council of Presidents Representative; and John Bartelsmeyer, Greenbush
Representative.

APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIALS AND MEETING DATES/TIMES: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded
by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to appoint Landmark National Bank as the designated bank for general
fund, Zackery Reynolds as the designated attorney, The Fort Scott Tribune as the official newspaper.

CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the consent agenda and addendum provided.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. The Board reviewed the agenda for fall in-service.
B. A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the sale of the
2000 Thomas bus on Purple Wave and funds be used for college fleet needs.
C. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to accept the athletic
insurance quote of $182,183 and catastrophic injury/accident coverage quote of $16,500 from
Borden/Perlman.
D. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the renewal
of property insurance with a premium of $139,874.
E. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the updated
project amount with IA DOE for a total of $861,819.19.
F. A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve payment for
the professional services of Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs, PA to audit financial statements for June 30,
2020 in an amount not to exceed $19,135 plus an additional fee of approximately $550 to audit COVID-19
aid.
7
G. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the SPARK
Memorandum of Understanding.
H. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Culinary
Memorandum of Understanding between Greenbush and FSCC.
I. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve August 10,
2020 at 5:30 pm in Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Hall for the budget hearing, and that proper notice be submitted
to the Fort Scott Tribune for publication within the specified time limits in accordance with K.S.A. 79-
2929.
J. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2020-21
Negotiated Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding for the 2020-21 academic year.
K. President Johnston provided information regarding a pending lease with Mercy Hospital for FSCC’s use of
15,883 square feet of the vacated Fort Scott Mercy Hospital for student housing.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of appreciation/correspondence.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from Student Affairs,
Instruction, Finance and Operations, Student Services, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
7:00 p.m. by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote.

FSCC Trustees Agenda For Aug.10

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, August 10, 2020. The meeting will be held in the Heritage Room at Fort Scott Community
College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in the Heritage Room at 5:00 p.m. followed by budget hearing and regular board meeting at 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
BUDGET HEARING, 5
A. Comments from the Chair, 5
B. Open Comments from the Board, 5
C. Review and Adoption of 2020/2021 Year Budget, 5
CONSENT AGENDA, 6
A. Approval of Agenda, 6
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 27, 2020, 7
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 9
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 32
A. Consideration of Gordon Parks Museum Policies, 32
REPORTS, 78
A. Administrative Updates, 78
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 80
ADJOURNMENT, 81

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 27,
2020.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.

 

To see the full packet, with financials:

8.10.20 Consent Agenda

 

Obituary of Kathleen Hunsucker

Kathleen Grace Hunsucker, age 66, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

She was born July 8, 1954, the daughter of John Hunsucker and Patricia Lamb Hunsucker.

Kathleen was a social butterfly at Tri-Valley.  She was known for her happy-go-lucky attitude and took an interest in the people around her.  She enjoyed doing jobs in the Work Center and participating in activities, especially puzzle time.

 

Survivors include her father, John Hunsucker, of Winfield, Kansas and eight brothers and sisters, Claude Hunsucker, of Wichita, Kansas; Linda Bakken, of Independence, Kansas; Debbie Pollett, of Burden, Kansas;Tom Hunsucker, of Wichita, Kansas; Connie Streit, also of Wichita; John Hunsucker, of Douglas, Kansas; Peggy White, of Chanute, Kansas and Mary Enderud, of Oxford, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Hunsucker and three brothers, Ronnie, Bobby and Chris Hunsucker.

 

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 13 at the Elk Falls Cemetery in Elk Falls, Kansas.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

 

Cellphones by Patty LaRoche

Patty LaRoche

When cellphones first came out, I vowed never to own such a contraption. For one, they were the size of a toaster and had antennas that could double as plungers, and two, I couldn’t imagine spending my time away from a phone on a phone. Besides, that’s what gas stations were for.

Times changed, I gave in, and now my cellphone is a constant companion. Even watering the yard, I am not absent this multi-tasking device. Yesterday, however, when Dave and I were headed to Kansas City and I realized that I had left it at home, there was a sense of relief, probably because I knew I could live without it.

Or could I?

Well, let’s just say it was hard. The list of calls I planned to make while my husband drove, the graduation and birthday gifts I would order on line, and the texts that needed answering all would have to wait.

Dave and I decided to eat sushi from our favorite restaurant in Overland Park. Recently sold, its name and menu had changed. I would call ahead to see what kind of service it offered, in light of the Covid-19 regulations. No problem, except the new name and our choice of favorite rolls were in the notes of my phone. Plan B, a hamburger place, would have to do.

Costco was next, but that was a problem. My extensive grocery list was in my notes, as were the lists of two of my girlfriends who needed us to pick up a few items. Pictures on my cell phone showed a shrimp dish our neighbor recommended, and surely, I just knew, my friends were texting, adding other items as the afternoon progressed. (They were.)

Dave dropped me off at Costco’s front door and left to put gas in our car. The plan was for him to return, have his glasses checked in the optical department and meet me when he was finished. Since I had to cover each aisle three times, knowing I had forgotten something, surely I would run into him somewhere. I didn’t. Was he outside, waiting in the car? Or were we just missing each other, he in the generator aisle and me searching for ripe avocados? Perhaps I should hang in the tool section. No, bad idea. He would be looking for me in produce. And we all know what happens the more we look. Items that were not on my list now became irresistible. This was turning into an expensive expedition.

And to think, a simple cellphone would have resolved all of this.

Ultimately, I caught up with Dave in the optical department, after, he said, he had searched high and low for me on every aisle. From then on, I clung to him like Saran Wrap.

Let’s face it. Cell phones can be life-lines. After all, they double as flashlights, tape measures, music collections, step-counters, shopping centers, communication systems, photo albums, game-players, Amber alerts, weather-watchers, research guides, and calorie-counters (to name a few). All of those come in mighty handy when the need arises, so yes, I was frustrated without my gadget.

The next morning, as I was reading my Bible, I began to wonder if I would be equally as devastated if I lost the ability to connect with Jesus. Could I go a day without his spiritual truths that comfort me and bring me peace? Would I be vulnerable without my God-connection that reminds me of what I need and warns me of dangers ahead? Is it really the “food” I require to survive and the navigation I need to keep my priorities straight? When I had managed to go days without opening my Bible, did I fret over that as much as I did my few hours without my cell phone?

Let’s just say, I’m not proud of that answer.

Public Meeting for U234 Reopening Is Aug. 6

School Opening Format
Your Feedback is Requested
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce has
received feedback from employers/members related to the effect that reopening school only partially in-person will have on their employees’ ability to work while balancing remote learning and lack of childcare. Many are concerned how employees and the businesses where they work will be able to operate under those circumstances.
Therefore, we are encouraging you to provide feedback to the school board in preparation of the public meeting being hosted by USD-234 as noted below.
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Thursday, August 6th, 2020
5:30pm
Fort Scott High School Gymnasium
Enter through east doors, wear a mask, and practice social distancing when sitting down.
 There will be two items on the agenda for this special board meeting. The first item will be a public forum. USD 234 stakeholders will have the opportunity to give comments to the USD 234 School Board. Each individual will have three (3) minutes to address the school board. The second agenda item will be a follow-up discussion from the USD 234 Special Board meeting held July 27, 2020, regarding USD 234’s Return to School Plan.
Anyone wishing to speak should arrive a little early to complete a “Request to Appear before the Board” form. The form is also online here if anyone would like to complete one prior to the meeting. The form may be returned to Connie Billionis prior to the meeting ([email protected]), or brought with you.
   At the special board meeting held on July 27, the USD 234 School Board heard initial information on possible learning formats for students when they return to school. Based on the information presented at this special board meeting, the USD 234 School Board unanimously voted to delay the first day of school for students to September 9, 2020. No action was taken on what learning formats would be available for students. At the meeting on August 6, the school board will be provided more specific information about learning format options for students.
Click here for formats being considered.
CONTACT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
The Chamber encourages you to send your feedback on the format of school fully re-opening or a hybrid model of students attending in person at 50% of the week, and remote learning 50% of the week, or any other feedback you may have.
Please email your feedback to the following
school board members
(click their names below to email or see this link for their email addresses):
David Stewart, School Board President
James Wood, Vice-President
USD-234 Superintendent Ted Hessong
School Bus

 

Bo Co Commission Agenda for Aug. 7

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 7, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

9:00 – 12:00 2021 Budget Meeting

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch

1:00 – 1:45 Greenbush, Spark Grant

1:45 – 2:00 Jody Hoener, BCBS Grant

2:00 – 2:10 Nancy Van Etten, Sewer District Board & Sewer Service Agreement

2:15 – 2:25 Harold Martin, Sewer District

2:30 – 2:40 Richard Clark, Road Construction 190th

2:45 – 2:50 Lora Holdridge, Back Parking/Judson