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Food, Schools

USD234 News Release of BOE Meeting Aug. 24

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, August 24, 2020

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, August 24, for a special board meeting at 5:30 p.m.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  Board members approved the following items:

·       Revised 2020-21 school calendar

·       Memorandum of Understanding between USD 234 Board of Education and Fort Scott Kansas National Education Association

·       Employee COVID-19 Policy

·       Addition of high school and middle school Choral Clubs to the supplemental schedule for the 2020-21 school year

 

Superintendent Hessong shared updated information regarding the Return-to-School

Plan.  Gina Shelton, Business Manager, shared Mask Campaign information.

Board members went into executive session to discuss personnel matters and returned to open meeting.  The board approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Resignation of Audra Young, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective August 10, 2020

B.    Resignation of Jacy Walker, high school paraprofessional, effective immediately

C.    Resignation of Russ Hughes, central office custodian, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

D.    Resignation of Libby Stumfoll, van driver, effective September 3, 2020

E.     Transfer of Brent Cavin, Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher, to middle school 8th grade social studies teacher for the 2020-21 school year

F.     Transfer of Jennifer Stafford, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, to high school teacher aide for the 2020-21 school year

G.    Transfer of Dee Peters, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, to Winfield Scott paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

H.    Leave of absence for Sabrina Keating, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher

I.      Work agreement adjustment for Angela Mix, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, from 7.5 hours to 4 hours per day for the 2020-21 school year

J.      Employment of Brendon Blackburn as a one-year middle school elective teacher for the 2020-21 school year

K.    Employment of Cindy O’Rear as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

L.     Employment of Kourtney Harper as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

M.   Employment of Mary Cole as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

N.    Employment of Julie Carpenter as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

O.    Employment of Jannah Farrington as the middle school Choral Club sponsor for the 2020-21 school year

P.     Employment of Brenda Hill as Eugene Ware 5th Grade Team Leader for the 2020-21 school year

Q.    Employment of Randy Phillips as a regular route bus driver for the 2020-21 school year

R.    Resignation of Taylor McDermed, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective August 24, 2020

S.     Leave of absence for Brenda Hathaway, high school ticket clerk

T.     Employment of Maggie Johnston as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

 

The board adjourned.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Presbyterian Village All Clear For COVID-19

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Fort Scott Presbyterian Manor says all clear
following additional testing for COVID-19

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Fort Scott Presbyterian Manor has good news to share following a second wave of testing for COVID-19 at the community. All residents and employees have tested negative for the virus.

“We’re glad to have this round of testing behind us and we’ll keep our focus on resident and employee safety,” said Jeanne Gerstenkorn, PMMA’s infection preventionist and vice president for health and wellness.

Because all residents and employees tested negative for the virus, the Bourbon County Health Department is not recommending further testing at the community at this time.

The residents and employees who tested positive for the virus earlier this month will remain in isolation until cleared to return to work by the Health Department. Per CDC guidelines, team members may return to work once they have been symptom free for 72 hours without the aid of a fever reducer and demonstrate improvement in respiratory symptoms, and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Upon their return to work, we will follow CDC recommendations related to work practices and restrictions.

Presbyterian Manor implemented a strict no visitor policy at the community and discontinued group activities and communal dining for the entire campus per guidelines released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the CDC on March 13.

All employees are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated. The community regularly reinforces with all staff that an employee should not report to work if he or she is experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or not feeling well.

For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Manor’s response, go to PMMA’s (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s) website, Presbyterianmanors.org/Media- room.

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Bourbon County, K-State Extension

SOUTHWIND 4-H MEMBERS WIN STATE 4-H LIVESTOCK SWEEPSTAKES 

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Thirteen 4-H members from the Southwind Extension District – Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties – had the opportunity to participate at the Kansas 4-H Livestock Virtual Sweepstakes. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) Front Row: Carla Nemecek (District Director & Coach), Haleigh O’Brien, Emery Yoho, Kristy Beene, Carly Dreher, Leah Mueller, Taylor Elsworth, Gwen fry, Sadie Marchiano Back Row: Byron Fry, Aidan Yoho, Trey Sommers, Clay Brillhart, Brody Nemecek. Submitted photo.

 

4-H members from the Southwind Extension District competed in the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes event on August 22-23. These events were like nothing the teams had competed in before because normally, the teams would have been in Kansas State University’s Weber Hall, but due to COVID-19 all contests were held virtually. Participants from the Southwind Extension District were Sadie Marchiano, Clay Brillhart, Brody Nemecek, Carly Dreher, Aidan Yoho, Emery Yoho, Kristy Beene, Gwen Fry, Byron Fry, Taylor Elsworth, Leah Mueller, Trey Sommer and Haleigh O’Brien. Southwind District 4-H members represented 4-H Clubs from Allen, Bourbon Neosho and Woodson Counties.

4-H members learned gained new knowledge and worked on livestock skills in order to be competitive in the Sweepstakes event which consisted blending scores in four contests. Southwind Extension District completed the weekend by being named the 2020 Champion Kansas State 4-H Sweepstakes Team. Top ten individual Sweepstakes winners for Southwind were Aidan Yoho, 4th and Sadie Marchiano, 3rd overall.

The Livestock Quiz Bowl started with a qualifying exam. The eight teams with the highest average scores advanced to the quiz bowl competition. Southwind #1 (Dreher, G. Fry, Sommers, O’Brien) was seeded 3rd after the test, and was named Reserve Champion Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #2 (Nemecek, Brillhart, A. Yoho, Marchiano) was seated first after the test and was later named the 3rd best team.

The Livestock Judging contest consisted of seven judging classes, three questions classes and then two sets of reasons that were presented live to officials via zoom. Out of 163 contestants and 37 teams from across Kansas who judged livestock by online video, Southwind #2 (A. Yoho, Dreher, Marchiano, Beene) was 3rd in Swine; 4th in Sheep/Goats; Reserve Team Reasons; Reserve Team Cattle and 3rd Team Overall. Southwind #3 (B. Fry, O’Brien, E. Yoho, Elsworth) was 10th Team Overall, and Southwind #1 (Sommers, G. Fry, Mueller) was 11th Team Overall. Individual livestock judging results are as follows:

  • Emery Yoho – 10th Swine
  • Aidan Yoho – 7th Swine
  • Carly Dreher – 9th Reasons
  • Sadie Marchiano – 2nd Reasons; 2nd Cattle; 2nd Sheep/Goats; 6th High Individual Overall

    The Meats Judging contest was based on identification of thirty retail cuts, six placings classes and two sets of questions. Southwind #2 (Brillhart, Nemecek, A. Yoho, Marchiano) was 1st in Retail ID; 4th in Placings; 5th in Questions; and Reserve Champion Team Overall. Individual meats judging results are as follows:

  • Clay Brillhart – 1st Retail ID; 3rd High Individual
  • Sadie Marchiano – 5th Placings; 9th Questions
  • Brody Nemecek – 9th High Individual

    In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation and a written test. Just like the rest of the weekend activities, this contest was offered virtually using Qualtrics with a timed and extensive exam. Southwind #2 (Marchiano, A. Yoho, Dreher, O’Brien) was 3rd in Exam; 2nd in Practicum and Reserve Champion Team Overall.

  • Aidan Yoho – 4th Practicum, 5th High Individual
  • Sadie Marchiano – 3rd Exam, 5th Practicum, 4th High Individual

    This group was limited in the amount of time they could meet and work together because of the pandemic. Their story is a remarkable testament to how to overcome a challenge and make the most of it. There is no question they would have preferred to have traveled to Manhattan, KS and compete with their peers in face-to-face competition, but like so many others from across the state, they made the most of the situation and turned a challenge into an opportunity to learn and try new technologies. A different set of life skills were acquired because we competed in a platform like nothing we have ever experienced before. Reserve Champion Team in Meats, Reserve and 3rd Quiz Bowl Teams, Reserve Skillathon Team, and Reserve Livestock Judging Team did add up to the Overall Champion Sweepstakes Team and for an Extension District is our biggest goal because the Southwind is able to serve as the vehicle that brings motivated and competitive youth from four counties together, and allow them to accomplish big goals as a team. They are an example we should all learn from during this difficult time because they have shown us how to “Make the Best Better.”  The Southwind District is proud of their accomplishments and look forward to future growth and learning.

K-State, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.  K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Submitted by:
Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749

Area News, Entertainment

Pittsburg Youth Chorale Fall Enrollment Open

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Area singers in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to join Pittsburg Youth Chorale, directed by MJ Harper.

The purpose of this vocal ensemble is to further grow vocal abilities, musical knowledge, and choral repertoire.

Performers will prepare music for community events and music festivals. COVID guidelines will be observed.

Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 6-7PM at First United Methodist Church, 415 N. Pine, Pittsburg, KS and begin September 8th.

There is a fee of $25 per session (Sept-Dec/Jan-May) to cover the cost of music.

Scholarships are available.

To enroll, contact MJ Harper at 620-719-6633 or email [email protected], deadline September 8th.

Bourbon County, Government

Revised Bourbon County Commission Agenda Aug. 25

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 25, 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 – 9:15 JT Heckman

9:15 – 9:30 Jayhawk Wind Road Use Agreement

9:30 – 9:45 Spark Findings & Greenbush

10:00 – 10:30 2021 Budget Hearing

10:30 – 10:45 Jody Hoener, CDBG CV Plan Parameters

10:45 – 11:00 Lora Holdridge, US Imaging Project

Obituary

Obituary of Audrey Crutcher

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Audrey Elaine (Golden) Crutcher, revered high school business educator and former Fort Scott resident, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2020, in Springfield, Missouri.

Her husband of nearly 65 years, James Samuel “Tex” Crutcher, preceded her in death on July 26, 2018.

 

Born October 1, 1931, on the Golden family farm and ranch near Garland, Kansas, she was the daughter of Walter Bryan Golden and Opal Louise (Pettibon) Golden.

 

Crutcher graduated from Fort Scott High School and then attended Fort Scott Community College where she was named homecoming queen in 1949. She continued her education at Kansas State Teacher’s College and graduated with a degree in business from what is now Pittsburg State University.

 

After college, she worked in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, as a secretary at the headquarters of Phillips 66 Oil Company and lived in an apartment building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. After two years she returned to Pittsburg, Kansas, where she was employed at the Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma Dairy Association.

 

She married James Samuel “Tex” Crutcher November 25, 1953 in Pittsburg, Kansas. They later moved to Columbus, Kansas where her husband was assistant coach of football, basketball, baseball and track at Columbus High School from 1955 to 1958.

 

In 1958, the Crutcher family, which now included son Greg and daughter Kim, moved to Garland, Kansas to help manage the Golden Farm and cattle operation with her father Walter B. Golden. They continued farming but moved to Eddy Street and later East National Avenue in Fort Scott where the farm and ranch operation was headquartered. For many years she was employed at Fort Scott Motors, an automobile dealership.

 

In the early 1970’s, Audrey Crutcher returned to college and earned a teaching certificate. She performed her student teaching obligations at Uniontown High School then took a position teaching business practices, accounting and typing at Fort Scott High School for many years. Her leadership and mentoring influenced many young women to pursue careers in business.

 

In their retirement, she and her husband Tex, former president of Citizen’s National Bank, managed a popular travel club for seniors called Funseekers for more than 20 years. The group traveled regionally and to countless destinations around the world. She was a longtime member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization that supports women’s educational opportunities

 

The Crutcher’s moved to Springfield, Missouri, in June 2015, to be closer to their daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Survivors include daughter Kimberley Hart and her husband James of Willard, Missouri; a son, Greg Crutcher, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; three grandsons, Aaron Hart and wife Kristi of Jefferson City, Missouri; Justin Hart and wife Sarah and Tyler Hart and wife Kayla of Republic, Missouri. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Trysten, Mason, Grayson, Abe, Remington, Viv, Marion James and Eliza Mae.

 

Additionally, she is survived by her sister Bernita Hill and nephew John Hill, both of Fort Scott and Robb Hill of Des Moines, Iowa. In Texas, Crutcher is survived by brothers and sisters-in-law Paul DeWitt Crutcher, William Donald Crutcher, Diane Margaret Crutcher, Judy Jane Crutcher and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Rev. Dr. Jared Witt and Rev. Steve Cole will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Friday, August 28th at the First United Methodist Church in Ft. Scott.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. prior to services at the church.

Private burial will take place at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.  Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Scott Community Foundation 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. 

Obituary

Obituary of George Hall

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George R. Hall passed away August 21, 2020 at KU Medical Center. He was born 4/4/1944 in Fort Scott Kansas the son of Donald and Hazel Hall. He was married to Mildered Brewer, they recently celebrated their 57th anniversary.

George worked for KG&E for 30 years, retiring in 1999. He had a passion for hunting and fishing that he shared with his family and friends. His love for travel took him to nearly all 50 states and Canada. He was an avid music lover and loved to share his favorite songs. George was an amazing storyteller whether he was telling stories of his travels with family and friends or fishing and hunting tales he always brought a smile to the listener.  Most of all he loved his family and time spent with his grandchildren

 

 

He is survived by his wife Mildred Hall of the home, son Don Hall, Norwich KS and daughter Dana Ussery and husband Tim of Pittsburg, KS. Seven grandchildren Ashten Hall, Erin Hall, Gabe Harris, Abigail Harris, Katie Ussery, Brooke Ussery, Ashten Hall and Erin Hall. Also surviving are his mother in-law Clara Brewer and brother in-law Charles Brewer and wife Paula.

 

 

A memorial service will be held at Cheney Witt Chapel at 10:30 A. M. Saturday, August 29th.

. The family will receive friends following the memorial service until noon.

Memorials may be made to the Get Busy Living – The Dylan Meier Foundation and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com.

Opinion

Don’t Let the Devil Ride by Carolyn Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom

Have you ever said something during a conversation and the individual gawked at you like you were a nut hanging from a tree? No matter where we grew up, we all use colloquial talk, and those of us in the same region understand each other perfectly! For example, someone could say: “He‘s got a heart the size of a wash tub; he’d give you the shirt off his back. But, bless his heart, he’s a brick shy of a full load.“ Or, “Give her an inch and she’ll take a mile.”

I’ve been blessed with family and friends who don’t fit into the “give an inch and take a mile” category. The God-kind of love doesn’t function like that; real love looks for ways to give, not take. But there’s someone out there who’s completely hateful, selfish, and destructive; and that’s the devil. If you give Satan an inch, he’ll grab it and turn it into a nightmare trip. That’s why the Bible tells us, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you” (James 4:7,8 NLT). Don’t forget the first and last part of this scripture, as they are important keys to resisting the enemy who hates you as much as God loves you.

Don’t be asleep at the wheel! “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith” (1 Peter 5:8,9 NLT). Don’t give Satan a ride around the block!

A good song inspires me as much as a good sermon is a revelation of truth. There’s a story song about the devil being a hitchhiker. Some of the lyrics are: “Don’t let the devil ride. If you let him ride, he’ll want to drive. Don’t, please don’t, let him drive your car. If you let him drive your car, he’ll surely go too far. Don’t let him drive! Don‘t do it, don‘t do it, don‘t do it.”

Sin always takes you farther than you want to go, keeps you longer than you want to stay, and costs you more than you can possibly pay. In the Garden of Eden, Eve didn’t see any harm in having a friendly conversation with the worst enemy in the world. We all know that went south in a few short minutes.

Believers are to, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11 NKJV). How often do you put on your clothes? That’s how often you’re to put on the armor of God. The devil is capable of luring careless Christians into sin. Following Christ requires decision and effort, and using the equipment God has provided for you. “Wiles” can be defined as clever schemes used by Satan to trap you through temptation, threat, intimidation, and deception through trickery. But you are not powerless, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him [Jesus Christ] who loved us“ (Romans 8:37 NKJV).

The Key: Don’t let the devil ride in your car — just put the pedal to the metal.