There will be a joint City/County Commissions Meeting on November 22nd, 2022, at 12:00 PM. It will be held at the Empress Center.
City/County Commissions Meeting Nov. 22
Category Archives: Bourbon County
Kansas Vietnam Era Medallion Awards Ceremony for local Veterans
Thompson-Harkey American Legion Post #25
Who: Kansas Commission on Veteran’s Affairs along with Thompson-Harkey American Legions Riders Post #25
When: November 10th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. There will be a Reception for the Awardees starting at 6:00 p.m. prior to the Ceremony.
Where: Memorial Hall, 1 East Third Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
The General Public is encouraged to attend.
The Vietnam Era Veterans Medallion Program approved by the Kansas Legislature and signed by the Governor provides a Vietnam Era Medallion, Medal, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the State of Kansas to veterans.
Since passage of the bill, the agency has honored over 5,400 Vietnam Era veterans, and participated in 33 medallion ceremonies. The Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office continues to receive inquiries and applications from veterans and their families wanting to know how a Vietnam Era veteran or their surviving family members can apply for the medal, medallion and certificate provided for by the State of Kansas.
Contact: Jessica Allison, Commander, American Legion Post #25. 620-224-4733, [email protected]
Bo Co Coalition Minutes of Nov. 2
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
November 2, 2022
- Welcome: Fifteen members and guests representing twelve agencies attended. Billie Jo shared that there is a vacancy on the Board of Directors; any member is qualified to volunteer to serve a two-year term. She also thanked Patty Simpson for chairing the October meeting.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Lisa Robertson, CHC COPE: Lisa distributed a rough draft of a “Release of Information” seeking feedback from members. The form is to help with communication between agencies when assisting those in need.
- Renee Ludeman, CHC SEK: She is working under a grant from KU to promote emotional and behavioral health in students; she will be working in all four USD 234 schools beginning November 9.
- Star McClellan, Parents as Teachers: Star reminded members that she can work with parents in all of Bourbon County, not just USD 234 parents.
- Michelle Stevenson, FSPSC: Her caseload is full for now. She also shared that the Preschool Trunk or Treat event had been quite successful. She did note, however, that they would probably move the event away from a Friday evening next year.
- Ashley Reeder, SEK Mental Health: Ashley reminded members that they have been present in the school buildings for the past three years. She is able to help with any student having difficulty, not just those on case management.
- Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: Patty noted that all 190 units are full at the present time with waiting lists for all size units. Even though all apartments are full, she will continue to take applications.
- David Gillen, Beacon: 2023 Sign-up is now going on during regular business hours at The Beacon; they are also taking applications for “Adopt a Family” and the Elks baskets. In October, the Beacon assisted 291 families which included 689 children, and eleven new families were enrolled.
- Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army: The Compassionate Ministries has received a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation to fund space heaters for needy families. The organization is also working with KU to provide durable health equipment and they can assist clients with obtaining birth certificates and identification documents. Office hours for Compassionate Ministries are 10:00am – 2:00pm, Mondays through Thursdays. The Salvation Army red bucket bell ringing will begin on November 19 and run through December 24. The red bucket campaign will be located at Walmart. Allen reminded members that all monies raised in Bourbon County will stay in Bourbon County to assist those in need. He can use many more volunteer bell ringers.
- Elizabeth Schafer, CASA and Pioneer Kiwanis: These organizations are always in need of more volunteers.
- Program: Barb McCord and Janet Irvin: Fort Scott Garden Club
Barb and Janet gave a brief history of the garden club, reviewed the various ongoing and new projects they have around Fort Scott to help beautify the city, and encouraged members to participate both in the club and the new “Pocket Gardens” project.
The December program will be presented by Ronda Hassig from the Lowell Milken Center.
- Open Forum:
Nothing further came before the group.
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be December 7, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.
Uniontown City Council Agenda for Nov. 7
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of October 11, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
SOS Donation
Lead and Copper Rule Revision
Public Hearing for trash service, December 13
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project –
Placemaking Project –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ___________.
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Minutes of the Uniontown City Council for Oct. 11
Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.
The Regular Council Meeting on October 11, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:02), Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Raymond George (Uniontown Ruritan), Kyle Knight (Knight’s Tree Service), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Painting is supposed to be finished, electrician should be in next week. He is trying to get LACO to donate the guttering. Hopeful to have it finished by next month. Clerk Johnson asked what times they wanted to have the locks set to unlock/lock – during central standard time, 7am-5pm, during central daylight time, 7am-10pm. Signage for the doors needs to be ordered. Council directed clerk to order blue background with braille.
Kyle Knight, Knight’s Tree Service, suggested trimming tree canopy over Washington Street from First Street to Seventh Street, Sherman Street from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, and the one tree on Sixth Street west of Methodist Church.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to get quotes for trimming canopy over Washington Street from First Street to Seventh Street, Sherman Street from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, and the one tree on Sixth Street west of Methodist Church to a height of 18’ and back from street to main trunk and to be able to start within 10 days, not to exceed $3,500.
CITIZENS REQUEST
East Coast Trip Fundraiser – a group of junior high students are raising funds to take a trip to Washington DC, Mount Vernon, and Gettysburg in July 2023. They are asking for donations to defray the cost. The City of Uniontown historically does not donate tax revenue to fundraisers except the Send Off Seniors after graduation party.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the September 2022 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $363,858.59, Receipts $42,963.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $35,368.83, Checking Account Closing Balance $368,427.21. Bank Statement Balance $369,935.26, including Checking Account Interest of $30.37, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $1,508.05, Reconciled Balance $368,427.21. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,127.37, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,621.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,406.10, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $445,581.94. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $269.90, and Utility CDs $253.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $523.20. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of September 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. September Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of September $4,568.62, Year-to-Date Net Income $44,683.71. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $86,225.64 (81.8%), Expenditures $82,163.60 (62.9%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $26,324.90 (73.7%), Expenditures $28,239.03 (68.9%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $105,077.39 (75.3%), Expenditures $111,413.74 (45.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $127,710.65 (99.4%), Expenditures $109,019.30 (66.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5625.70 (82.1%), Expenditures $7,768.61 (73.1%). The October 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $33,126.10 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of September 13, 2022, Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing, Budget Hearing and Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Lead and Copper additional sample results have been received. KDHE has invalidated the first sample results from 601 Fifth St and replaced it with the new sample results. They will not accept the two additional samples as they are not on our approved site sampling plan. KDHE is hosting a Public Meeting for Public Water Supply Lead and Copper Rule Implementation. Clerk Johnson asked if Superintendent Rich and she could attend on October 12, 2022 in Chanute from 1-3PM. Council gave permission for both to attend.
The east rollup door at the barn will not raise – one of the overhead springs is broken and both springs need replaced. Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan will forward some recommendations for making repairs.
Rich thanked the Council for the vacation time.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate demolition is progressing and he feels they should have completed by the end of the month.
Clerk Johnson reminded Council that the November regular meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 7PM. Councilmember Ervin and Kelly will be unable to attend.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to reschedule November regular meeting on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 7PM due to possible lack of quorum.
Clerk Johnson will post the rescheduled date and put in the newsletter and on the billing cards.
Bourbon County REDI Visioning Session II was rescheduled to October 12, 2022, 5:30PM, at Uniontown High School Commons Area. RSVP by 10/10/22. Jurgensen, Ervin, Stewart, and maybe Esslinger will attend. Johnson will post the possible quorum attending and that no city business will be discussed. She will also RSVP even though date has passed.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – his Midwest Fertilizer email is no longer valid as he has changed jobs.
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – absent
Councilwoman Kelly – has anyone claimed the stray black/white collie mix? Animal Control Officer has been trying to catch, but unable to get close enough.
Councilman Stewart – has some recommendations for outdoor exercise equipment.
Mayor Jurgensen –USD 235 has some surplus chairs that they are giving away. He had Rich get all he could for the Community Center, 54. We will check to see if there is going to be any more available, then decide what to do with the metal folding chairs we currently have.
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project – Per Don George, KDWPT, we do not have to send out for bids again. Two quotes were received for the placement of riprap – Eden Landscaping, $20,540, and Mix Contracting, $9,360.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to award contract to Mix Contracting, $9,360
Timing of starting will have to be coordinated with Bourbon County Public Works (supplying 4”-6” rock) and Mix Contracting.
Placemaking Survey – Mayor Jurgensen has formed a committee for selecting outdoor exercise equipment and will be meeting soon.
American Rescue Plan Act update – no other quotes were received for the ADA restroom upgrade at City Hall. Clerk Johnson will reach out to French Plumbing to see if he is still interested in submitting a quote.
Trunk or Treat is scheduled for October 31. Clerk Johnson purchased three bags of mini tootsie pops. Amber Kelly will distribute on behalf of the City. Flu Shot Clinic, Monday, October 17 at Community Center. November 1, KMU will conduct a water training on Lead and Copper Revised Rule and Surface Water Treatment.
NEW BUSINESS
None
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:43PM
Leon Perry: God Led Him Through the Fire
A seven-year-old boy and his family were traveling through Fort Scott in 1952, when a fire in the motel they were staying in killed his parents and baby brother.
His whole life people have been telling Leon Perry, 78, he should write a book about his life.
In March 2021 he published it.
His story is one of a terrible tragedy that turned into a life full of random acts of kindness given to him that he feels are miracles from God.
And the first part of his story includes many familiar places in Bourbon County.
In 1952 Leon was moving with his family from Parsons, Kansas because their farm had experienced a severe flood and the family had lost all their belongings.
The family of five, the two parents and three brothers, stopped in Fort Scott.
“The Salvation Army got us a motel in Belltown,” he said. “That night… a propane gas explosion blew the roof off of the cabin. The (Fort Scott) police department came to rescue us. We lost my step-father, mother and baby brother. I have no recollection of the event, but the chief of police said ‘you wouldn’t have been burned so bad if you hadn’t gone back in to get your brother’. My half-brother Ernie and I were taken to Mercy Hospital.”
“I had severe burns on my face, shoulder, arms and hands,” Perry said. “My brother wasn’t burned as bad. The Mercy people told me I about died a couple of times.”
He had numerous surgeries from that time until he was 15 years old.
They were placed Goodlander Home, an orphanage on the old Fort Scott site, and remained there until he was 10 years old.
The orphanage was a good experience.
“It was a good experience,” he said. “Even though they were difficult times. I was in the hospital a lot and also to Children’s Mercy in Kansas City several times for skin grafts.”
Over and over, Perry has experienced miracles he said.
Leon was blind and heard a doctor tell a nurse that he wouldn’t see again, and even though he had skin grafts around his eyes, he could see perfectly in a few months.
Eventually he and his brother were adopted by a local farm couple, Ancel and Marguerite Perry, in Bourbon County, near Devon.
This was another miracle.
The couple, who weren’t young, had a large ranch and had no other children, he said. They were instrumental in his physical and emotional recovery from the trauma of the fire.
After moving to the farm he began to regain strength and overcome some of his handicaps.
“She was a wonderful cook… I was undernourished even though under a doctors care,” he said.
As he strengthened, he began to help on the farm with chores: milking cows, driving a tractor, herding cattle.
“I showed cattle at the county fair,” he said. “I loved it all.”
He had been in the hospital so much he was behind in schooling, which was in Berlin Elementary School, and then the Mapleton Elementary School.
Marguerite helped Leon with his assignments.
“Everytime I said ‘I can’t’, she said ‘You will,'” he said. “It made the difference.” It was a turning point in his life, he said. Her determination showed Leon he COULD learn and helped him believe in himself.
His adoptive parents were supportive of him being involved in extra activities outside of farm and school, which included 4-H projects and showing cattle.
“I had to come out of my shell and become more active,” he said.
He attended Uniontown High School and went on to become an FFA state officer, graduating with the class of 1963. He then went on to Fort Scott Junior College and was StuCo President, and on the honor roll. He was also on the honor roll at Pittsburg State University that he later attended.
Perry went on to get four college degrees and was a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal and principal.
Perry became a believer in God, and said his faith has allowed him to see the miracles in his life.
“There is always people willing to help…and you can look forward to the future…with faith,” he said. “Always look for the miracles of God in your life.”
Perry and his wife, Carol have two grown children, LeAnn Perry and Ty Perry and one grandson.
Funds from the book entitled God Led Through the Fire and Filled My Life With Miracles, will go to their church youth organization. They attend the First United Methodist Church, Monett.
To purchase a book, email: [email protected] or mail $10 per book to Leon Perry, 8 Appleblossom Lane, Monett, MO 65708.
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Rita Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Grants Friends of Mapleton
The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund (WHF) is furthering its support of women’s health
initiatives in the Southeast Kansas area by awarding a total of $50,992 in grants in 2022.
TheWomen’s Giving Circle awarded $43,312 to five SEK nonprofit organizations and the Circle of
Friends Giving Circle awarded four nonprofit organizations $7,680. All projects receiving funding
are committed to carrying on the WHF mission “To improve the health and wellbeing of
women by supporting education, increasing awareness, and sharing quality of life
opportunities to benefit all women.”
In 2007, the establishment of the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Giving Circle at the CommunityFoundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) was a philanthropic beginning for women helping
women in our area. Today the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund is made up of the Women’s Giving Circle, the Circle of Friends, and the Nightingale Endowment.
Circle memberships support granting to area organizations.
The Nightingale Endowment supports the Irene Ransom
Bradley School of Nursing Simulation Hospital at Pittsburg State University. Since inception, the
giving circles have generously granted over $350,000 to improve women’s health in our
community.
The Women’s Health Fund and the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas would like to
congratulate the following 2022 grant recipients:
Women’s Giving Circle
Community Health Center of SEK, Inc.: Scope it Out – Reducing the Risk of Cervical Cancer
Fostering Connections: Teen Girl Shopping Spree
Kansas Angels Among Us Inc.: Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients.
Labette Health Foundation: OB/GYN Patient Care Improvement Project
Mount Carmel Foundation: Better Care at the Bedside: Ultrasound Probes Needed to Care for
Expectant Mothers & Babies.
Circle of Friends Giving Circle
Friends of Mapleton Association: Emergency Preparedness
Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters: Here We Grow
Labette County USD 506 Meadowview Elementary School: Girls Day in Aviation at Greenbush
Safehouse Crisis Center, Inc.: A New Bed for a New Beginning
The Women’s Health Fund is proud to be able to contribute to the success of these
organizations and their projects in support of women’s health and wellbeing in the SEK region.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is pleased to be the host agency for the Rita J.
Bicknell Women’s Health Fund. CFSEK is a public non-profit foundation that serves the region
by helping donors fulfill their charitable giving goals in ways that benefit the common good and
improve the quality of life. The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation and the Girard Area
Community Foundation are CFSEK affiliates. If you would like to learn more about the CFSEK or
the Women’s Giving Circles, we invite you to visit SoutheastKansas.org or call 620-231-8897.
HBCAT Newsletter October 20222
Neffs Make a Lasting Impact With Donation
John and Pat Neff lived in Fort Scott decades ago, but were impacted by the Sisters of Mercy and decided to give back to the community.
“I was told that John grew up in the area and then they lived here early in their marriage…and adopted two children from Mercy Hospital,” Carla Farmer, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) member said. “Pat reached out in the 1990s and wanted to give back to the local Sisters of Mercy, who helped them adopt two children. That’s the basis of them wanting to give back to the community. This was a couple that was touched by our community decades ago. This was where they raised there children.”
“The Neff’s created an annuity that paid them until they passed away,” FSACF Chairman Craig Campbell said.
John Valentine Neff and Patricia Renfro Neff were married 69 years until his death, according to Pat’s Neff’s obituary. Pat died in July 2022.
Upon her death the annuity money went to the Mercy foundation, and now to the FSACF for distribution into the community for future health care funds.
“When Mercy Hospital closed their doors in Fort Scott (in December 2018), the foundation voted to stay intact in order to be able to accept the Neff’s gift following the death of Mrs. Neff,” Jared Leek, president of the Fort Scott Mercy Hospital Foundation Board said. “We voted for the board to go from a 12-16 member board to a board comprised of just three members; Jared Leek, President, Bryan Holt, Treasurer, and Darcy Smith, Secretary. The three board members setup an account with the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation for health care needs in Bourbon County.”
“As of September 30, 2022, the account with the FSACF was valued at $243,985.41,” Leek said. “At the Chamber After Hours (on Oct. 26, 2022) hosted by FSACF, the board presented a check in the amount of $299,446.17 which included the Neff gift and the remainder of our checking account.”
“On that date, the total in the FSACF account for health care needs would be valued at $543,431.58,” Leek said. “Obviously, accounts invested fluctuate with the market.”
Leek said the Mercy foundation board will be dissolving at the end of this year.
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Nov. 1
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: November 1, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD AT CITY HALL IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Approval of Accounts Payable
• Ashley Shelton – Gas Price Lock–in Contract
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o Transient Guest Tax
o Opioid Settlement Funds
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship
KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75–4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Area Foundation Gifts Local Causes With Grants
Twenty-six recipients of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation were presented checks to further their projects during the annual award ceremony on Oct. 26 at Landmark Bank.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison welcomed those attending.
“We are so thankful for the foundation starting in 2007,” she said. “This year 26 recipients were granted $53,500 in awards.”
Before the ceremony, the Mercy Fort Scott Hospital Foundation Board, comprised of Bryan Holt, Marci Smith and Jared Leek presented a $250,000 check to the FSACF. The board closed out the foundation with this last distribution to be used for future health care needs in the community. Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed its doors in December 2018.
Carla Farmer, FSACF Board Member, also presented $299, 446 to FSACF from the John and Pat Neff annuity that was originally for the Mercy Foundation, but was transferred to FSACF.
The Sisters of Mercy had assisted the Neffs in adopting two children and had wanted to give back, so they created an annuity that paid them until they died, then the funds went to the Mercy Foundation. Mrs. Neff died three months ago.
FSACF Chairman Craig Campbell sent more information, following the ceremony, on the First Christian Church of Ft. Scott Endowment Fund, which contributed over $12,000 toward this fall’s grantees.
When the First Christian Church closed, a foundation was formed to provide grants to support local needs for years to come.
The following are grants this year selected by the First Christian Church Endowment board:
Riverfront Authority Labyrinth
Methodist Church Feeding Families
Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries
USD 234 Preschool Center Community Involvement
USD 234 Healthy Snacks
The following are the recipients and what they received the grant for:
Photos were unavailable for the following :
Bourbon County CASA received a grant to provide training and support for the organizations volunteers.
Ronda Hassig, from the Lowell Milken Center, received a grant to invest in a high-powered telescope to bring the universe closer to the community.
Feeding Families In His Name Ministry feeds free meals to 450 people each Wednesday from the Fort Scott First United Methodist Church. Bonnie Milburn is the coordinator, who received the check along with Jean Tucker.
Fostering Connections helps with integrating children into adoptive families by providing resources for them. Lacy Nicholson accepted the check.
Linda Minor accepted a check for USD234 students, who will be receiving snacks for those who don’t have the resources to invest in healthy food.
Fort Scott Middle School Teacher Stephanie George received a grant to take students to the Nutcracker Ballet in Kansas City.
Communities in School is a nation-wide program to provide support for struggling youth in Fort Scott Middle and High School. Accepting the check was Lewis Dunkeson and Winter Moore.
Cubmaster Seth Needham accepted the check for the local Cub Scout program to support recruiting efforts.
The Fort Scott Kiwanis Club received a grant to continue planting trees in the community, represented by John Crain.
USD 235 teacher Jeff Feagins received a grant to upgrade the computer lab in his classroom, with Gregg Motley accepting the check for Feagins.
Jennifer Terrell received a check for Kansas State’s Southwind Extension to engage youth in the art of cooking.
USD 234 teacher Larry Amer received a grant for the Empty Bowls program which combines art, function and self-sustaining fundraising for students.
Fort Scott Preschool Principal Nick Johnson received a grant to provide engagement activities that hopes to involve teachers and families.
Southeast Kansas Mental Health received a grant to bring expertise and resources to the USD 234 school district. Accepting the check was Vickie Wright, Kerry Pommier and Janderon Loyd.
Josh Jones and Bailey Lyons accepted a check for the purpose of a future splash pad for children in Fort Scott.
Fort Scott Community College received a grant to support students who are first in their family to attend and graduate from college. Accepting the grant for FSCC was Stacy Bishop, Holli Mason and Becca Clay.
Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Executive Director Allen Schellack received a grant to help the immediate and acute needs of families in our community.
Joe O’Rourke accepted a check for Tri-Valley Development Services for purchase of an electric sit-to-stand machine to aid residents and caregivers.
Autumn Durrosette and Robin Webb, USD 234 First Grade Teachers, received a grant to provide a life science natural habitat.
Tom Havron, representing Fort Scott Community College, received a grant to display school memorabilia in display cases and shelves.
Erin Fletcher, representing Special Olympics, received a grant for equipment and uniforms.
USD 234 received a grant to study Edgar Allen Poe in an electronic classroom experience. Representing the school district in receiving the grant was teachers Nicolle Pellet and Michelle Brittain.
USD 234 Teacher Cristin Start will lead students on a historical walking tour of Fort Scott with a grant received.
Jerry Witt, representing the Riverfront Authority, received a grant to fund a walking labyrinth dedicated to the memory of the late Allen Warren.
The City of Mapleton received a grant for a community defibrillator, along with training to a number of residents on the equipment. Accepting the check was Debbie Potter and Greg Post.
The Gordon Parks Museum received a grant for interactive touch screen displays from the foundation. Receiving the grant are board members Jackson Tough, Janice Fewins, Becky Tourtillott and Kirk Sharp.