Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Jobs, Schools

Connie Billionis Retires From U234

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Connie Billionis. Submitted photo.
Connie Billionis is retiring from USD 234 School District after 42 years.
USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main
“I worked as a secretary at Fort Scott Middle School for 13 years,” Billionis said. “I then transferred to the USD 234 Board of Education (office) as Deputy Clerk and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent for the remainder of my career for a total of 42 years.”
There have been many changes since she started over four decades ago.
“Changes in technology made a huge difference in how I performed my job,” she said.  “I started out typing student schedules on an electric typewriter. Attendance was recorded by collecting absentee slips every hour at the middle school and recording the information by marking boxes by hand in large leather books.  And now, everything is completed on laptops, using two or more screens.  All state reports, documents, board policy, board of education agendas, etc. are accomplished using the internet through multiple programs.”
The best aspect of her job has been co-workers, teachers, and students.
“I have made life-long friendships and memories with lots of laughter and a few tears along the way,” she said.  “I loved seeing students grow and change before they moved on to the high school. It was great when teachers would come into the office to share a student’s essay or a student’s success.  At the board office, I truly enjoyed keeping track of calendar events, preparing board agendas for monthly and special meetings, and assisting teachers with their professional learning opportunities.  It has been an honor to serve the students, faculty, and staff at USD 234.”
As with all of life, there have been challenges.
“One of the biggest challenges has been the changes with each administration,” Billionis said.  “I was fortunate to work with eight different superintendents, and each one made a change in the working environment.”
She does have plans for retirement.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my husband, Gary.  I love to be with my grandkids, and I have a great time outside in the garden,” she said.  “Just having an opportunity to relax and enjoy God’s beautiful world will be a blessing.  The hardest part of retirement will be missing the day-to-day interaction with my office friends.”
The retirement reception for Billionis is on Monday, July 17, at 4:30 p.m. at the Board of Education office.
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, History

OFGS BROWN BAG TECH TALK

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MARSHA’S DELI SANDWICHES AND COLD DRINKS PROVIDED, OR BRING YOUR OWN!

Everyone is invited to the Old Fort Genealogy Society office to discuss recent upgrades to our computers and learn about volunteer tech support now available for our researchers, visitors and volunteers.

DATE: [Thursday, July 27th, 2023] TIME: [12:00 PM-12:30 PM]

LOCATION: Old Fort Genealogical Society Office, 221 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott, KS.  In the basement of Memorial Hall.

[WEST ENTRANCE OF MEMORIAL HALL, LOOK FOR BLACK AND WHITE SIGN ON DOOR FACING NATIONAL AVENUE]

[PLEASE NOTE: WEST ENTRANCE IS NOT HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE]

Questions, concerns? E-mail Sarah Klassen, OFGS Tech Admin, at [email protected]

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

Tickets Still Available for the Fort Scott Performances of Wahzhazhe

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Fort Scott, KS — Time is running out to get your tickets for Wahzhazhe: An Osage Ballet being held at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College. This memorable stage performance is being offered at 7:30 pm on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22 with a matinee performance at 3:00 pm on Saturday.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site in partnership with the National Park Service is bringing Wahzhazhe to Fort Scott. “This is the story of the Osage people, told by the Osage Nation. It is our responsibility to provide a platform for these stories to be told.”  stated park Program Manager, Carl Brenner.  Ballet Director and Osage tribal member, Randy Tinker Smith developed the performance with the help of tribal elders and a primarily Indigenous team of professionals. Wahzhazhe has been performed at the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Indian and for the Pope in Philadelphia, PA among other places throughout the region.

“This riveting stage performance has something for everyone. If you enjoy history, this is for you, if you are curious about Native American culture, this is for you, if you love the arts and dance, this is for you.”  stated Kelley Collins, a member of the Friends ballet committee. “This is an especially effective way to introduce children to the arts and history. In additional to 12 professional dancers, there are dozens of children participating in the show.  Questions and answers will be fielded by the dancers following each performance making this an tremendous educational opportunity for young and old alike.”

Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for children (age 15 and below). They can be purchased online from the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Facebook page or at www.osageballet.com/events.  Any remaining tickets will be sold in person starting an hour before the performance. Cash purchases at the door are available.  Seating will begin one half hour before the show. For additional information e-mail [email protected].

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Fort Scott, Jobs, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

LMC Launches Professional Development Program

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The Lowell Milken Center is located at the corner of First and Wall Streets.

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is excited to announce the launch of a professional development program for educators working directly with K-12 students to foster the visual arts.
As a member of the LMC community, you may have heard some of the inspiring stories of the Unsung Heroes—diverse individuals from history and across varied disciplines who are largely unrecognized for their extraordinary contributions to society. The new ARTEFFECT Ambassadors program provides a framework for educators to learn from and alongside other high-level practitioners and be inspired and inspire others specifically through art-focused, project-based learning about the LMC Unsung Heroes.

We invite you to review the program offerings and apply if this opportunity seems right for you. The program runs online from October 18, 2023 to June 3, 2024. Ambassadors commit to participating in a series of online modules and completing a capstone project to make an impact on their schools and communities.

  What are the benefits of being an ARTEFFECT Ambassador? 

  • Participation in live online modules taught by seasoned art educators.
  • Strategies to develop instructional practice and learner-centered curriculum.
  • Peer-to-peer learning and meaningful dialogue on diverse issues in the field.
  • Advocate for art education and inspire leadership in the classroom and community.
  • Recognition in an official press release.
  • An unrestricted stipend of $1,250 and a Certificate of Participation.

  Interested in learning more? 

  1. Review the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors Info Sheet for all the details.
  2. Register to join the Open House webinar on Wed., August 16 @ 4:00-5:00 PM (PT) for a program overview and to ask any questions.
  3. Submit your online application by Mon., September 18, 2023.

On behalf of the entire ARTEFFECT team, thank you for all the work you do as an educator! Feel free to email Toni Guglielmo, Director, ARTEFFECT, with any thoughts or questions at [email protected]. You are welcome to forward this email to a colleague who may be interested.
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Copyright © 2023 Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, All rights reserved.
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Our mailing address is:

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

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Fort Scott, KS 66701

Business, Fort Scott, Schools

Donation to U234 of Science Cabinets from Robert and Kim Coon

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Robert and Kim Coon own A1 Towing. Submitted photo.
Robert and Kim Coon are the owners of A1 Towing Service and often that business leads to buying salvage lots and liquidations.
“Any time there is a semi (tractor/trailer) accident that one of our three locations work, we will bid on the cargo,” Coon said. “Often the cargo is undamaged and we can sell the items at a discount price in our community.”
He gave an example.
“In 2022 we sold 25 new  residential heat and air-conditioning  systems and insulation for a 30% of the value, to locals,” Coon said.
At the beginning of this year, Coon, worked a wreck that had some science lab cabinets that were unharmed.

“Opportunity came for us to acquire these bio cabinets, Kimberly (his wife) called and spoke with Gina Shelton (USD234 Board Clerk and Finance Director) about donating them if the school district could use them. Gina was instrumental in the process. I believe they are going to be used in two different science classes.”

“These bio cabinets couldn’t have a better home than USD 234 science labs,” Coon said. “Kim and I have six proud  Fort Scott Tigers.”

Coon initially contacted the school district at the end of January, Destry Brown, USD 234 Superintendent said.
Destry Brown. Submitted photo.
“We then polled both principals and they felt they could use the cabinets in classrooms,” Brown said. ” In March, connections were made between Mr. Coon and the district to coordinate delivery.  The cabinets were delivered on April 6, but the spaces they are to go in are either under construction with the heating, ventilation , air-conditioning energy projects, being used for summer programming, or being deep cleaned as we do in the summer months.”
Photo of the science cabinet. Submitted photo.
They intend to place them in the appropriate classrooms as soon as those spaces are ready, Brown said.
“We did not want to unpackage them before moving them to avoid damage,” Brown said. “Right now they are being stored at the district offices to protect them.”
The estimated value of the two science lab cabinets is $34,280 ($17,140 each) based upon estimates of comparable property, Brown said.
Usage will be to secure storage materials in classrooms.
“The middle school is adding programming related to a paint booth and this would allow for secured storage of that,” Brown said.

“They will be placed at the middle school and/or high school,” Brown said.  “This will be determined after the principals return to contract for the 2023-24 school year.”

Bourbon County, Church news, Fort Scott

A Local Church’s Mission Continues Years After Closing

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First Christian Church, 102 Judson. Taken from Google.

The First Christian Church of Fort Scott closed its doors in January 2016 after 145 years of supporting and ministering to families in the Bourbon County area.  The church was located most of those years at the corner of 1st and Judson.

Founded in 1871 and once one of the largest congregations in the area, First Christian Church faced an aging, declining membership with waning attendance and finally the retirement of the minister.

The Board of Trustees decided the best action would be to preserve the resources that remained and discontinue worship services.  The group recognized the money was provided from Bourbon County citizens and should remain in Bourbon County to provide good works for its citizens.

After selling the church building as well as the parsonage and liquidating assets, the Board of Trustees was determined to locate the best use of their church’s remaining $250,000.

Following serious investigation and much discussion, the Trustees voted to establish an endowed fund with the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF).

The earnings of this fund, managed by FSACF, are used annually through grants for worthy projects and efforts to organizations in the Bourbon County area.  The principal amount of approximately $250,000 is left untouched and will continue to generate financial grants into perpetuity.

In 2022, grants through this Endowed Fund were made to a Riverfront Authority Labyrinth in honor of Allen Warren; Methodist Church Feeding Families Program; Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries; USD 234 Preschool Center Community Involvement; USD 234 Healthy Snacks Program and (along with other area Churches) the purchase of a used vehicle to support Afghan families who had moved to our community.

This First Christian Church Endowed Fund should generate $12,000 to $20,000 each year to be used to support worthwhile endeavors in Fort Scott and Bourbon County for many, many years to come.

If you would like to contribute to the First Christian Church of Fort Scott Charitable Endowment Fund or would like information about how an organization, individuals or families can establish their own endowed fund through the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, go to www.fsacf.com for more information.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Minutes of June 20

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Minutes of June 20, 2023                                            Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 20, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke (via Microsoft Teams), K. Harrington, E. Woellhof were present with Mayor M. Wells.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION:  M. Wells, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Ben Hart/Finance Director, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Angela Simon, Melissa Guns, Doug Guns, Rachel French, Bailey Lyons, Dyllon Olson, Patrick Wood, Ann Rawlins, Betty Breault, Josh Jones, John Maloney, Dawna Maloney, Jason Silvers, Travis Sawyer, Jennifer Sawyer, Anne Dare, Sarah Klassen, Rachel Carpenter, Janice Allen, Michael Hoyt, Dyllon Olson and Lieutenant Caleb Bell.

 

RECOGNITIONS:

Fire Chief David Bruner recognized Firefighter Scott Shelton and Deputy Fire Chief Mike Miles who completed the K.U. Emergency Leaders Academy.

 

  1. Matkin recognized the Public Works Department for their work on May 18, 2023, when a 12-inch water main was damaged, and the City lost 600,000 gallons of water. The crew worked over 12 hours to repair the damage. The following members were recognized: Brady Coffman, Jason McReynolds, David Mitchell, Tyler Finch, Tom Coffman, Art Grigsby, Scott Flater, John Maloney, and Bill Lemke.

 

APPOINTMENT OF OFFICE:  Discussion was had about the Letters of Interest for the vacant City Commissioner chair that were submitted. Some of the letters were from candidates already on the ballot for the upcoming election.

  1. Matkin stated that he had researched the situation and it was determined that there was nothing preventing the interested parties from submitting a letter of interest at this time.

 

  1. Farmers stated that he agreed with B. Matkin and the information he shared. He stated that it not a good idea, but that there is nothing illegal about the situation.

 

  1. Matkin stated that the recommendation from the League of Municipalities was to consider the applicants that were not on the ballot, but they could find nothing in writing, therefore it was at the discretion of the City Commission.

 

  1. Wells stated that each person that submitted a Letter of Interest would address the Commission for at least (5) minutes to make a statement if they wished and then entertain questions from the Commission.

 

  1. VanHoecke raised a suggestion that the Commission consider having the candidates wait in the hallway until called to give each a fair opportunity to formulate answers to the questions that would be asked of them. He stated that by listening to each candidates’ answers, it would give those further down the line possibly an unfair advantage to formulate their answers while they waited for their turn.

 

  1. Farmer stated that T. VanHoecke’s point is well taken. He said that since it is an Open Meeting, all he could do is request that they step outside as they await their turn to address the Commission, however, it cannot be required.

 

  1. Wells stated T. VanHoecke was making the request but that it was not required. The candidates were invited to do so if they chose to wait outside of the room. All candidates left the room.

 

The candidates addressed the Commission in the following order. For the record Stephen Doherty withdrew his name for consideration by email (June 19, 2023) to the City Clerk prior to the meeting.  A full transcript of the candidates’ statements and question and answer exchange will be posted on www.fscity.org  after the June 20, 2023, City Commission Meeting Minutes are approved on July 11, 2023:

 

  1. Dyllon Olson
  2. Tracy Dancer
  3. Harold (Pete) Allen
  4. Janice Allen
  5. Ann Rawlins
  6. Melissa Guns

 

  1. Wells asked each Commissioner to state their choice to begin the selection process.

 

  1. VanHoecke nominated Tracy Dancer
  2. Wells nominated Pete Allen
  3. Woellhof chose Dyllon Olson first, Melissa Guns second
  4. Harrington chose Melissa Guns first, Tracy Dancer second

 

  1. Harrington moved to appoint Melissa Guns as the City Commissioner to finish out the vacated seat that will expire December 31, 2025.

 

  1. Woellhof seconded. K. Harrington, E. Woellhof and M. Wells voted aye. T. VanHoecke voted nay.

 

APPROVED TO APPOINT MELISSA GUNS AS THE CITY COMMISSIONER TO FINISH OUT THE VACATED SEAT THAT WILL EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2025.

 

  1. Wells thanked each candidate, wished them luck in the upcoming election.

 

  1. VanHoecke thanked each candidate as well and congratulated Commissioner Guns.

 

  1. Guns was administered the Oath of Office for Commissioners by the City Clerk and took her position at the table as Commissioner M. Guns and was welcomed with a round of applause.

 

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: An amended agenda for June 20, 2023, was presented to the Commissioners at the beginning of the meeting. The amendments were as follows: 1) the recognitions from the fire department and public works, 2) the withdrawal of Commissioner candidate Stephen Doherty 3) May Financials were updated with (3) missing components.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the amended Agenda presented. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 6, 2023
  2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1338-A — $558,835.80
  3. Request to Pay – Bennett Construction, Inc. via Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 1 – Work done May 1, 2023 – June 2, 2023 – $176,350.50
  4. Request to Pay – Ray Lindsey – Invoice#2023111 – Grit Removal – 10% Invoice per terms of payment for Supply and Removal of Smith & Loveless Grit Equipment per contract – $60,701.10
  5. Approval of Drinking Establishment License Renewal for Don’s Spirits and Wines LLC, 1705 S. National for 2023-2025
  6. Approval of Drinking Establishment License Renewal for Libation Station, 1122 S. Clark St. for 2023-2025
  7. May Financials – B. Hart requested financials provided for 6/20/23 be pulled until (3) missing items are entered: 1) sales tax entries for the funds for May,  2) Proof of cash reported not correct without sales tax recorded,  3) Golf Course Fund 219 has been opened, transactions to be moved from fund 100.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

The following citizens addressed the Commission during Public Comments. Their topic follows their name in the order in which they signed up and appeared. A full transcript of their statement will be posted on www.fscity.org after the June 20, 2023, City Commission Meeting Minutes are approved on July 11, 2023.

 

  1. Ann Rawlins – Repairs to the Old Fort Genealogy
  2. Betty Breault – Use Dolly the Trolley to help people in need of transportation

around town – used to do it in the past.

  1.     Josh Jones – Request to dissolve Design Review Board
  2.    Rachel French – 1st Colored Infantry Mural Project and Design Review

Board concerns

  1.    Bailey Lyons – Design Review Board – define parameters or consider

disbanding the board

  1.    Angela Simon – Design Review Board – needs improvements
  2.    Pat Wood – Design Review Board – term limit concerns
  3.    Jody Hoener – Design Review Board process concerns and the Downtown

Arch Project

  1.    Rob Harrington – Design Review Board – request to disband the board

immediately-need for community changes and growth – Fort Scott   Pavilion – too much bureaucracy in Fort Scott

  1.   Anne Dare – budget time and mill levy concerns – Executive Sessions – new EPA rules on small and medium meat processing plants
  2.   Sarah Klassen – approval to make improvements at Memorial Hall for handicap accessibility to OFGS portion of the building

 

 

  1. Wells asked the City Clerk to make sure that Sarah Klassen’s request is placed.

on the July 11, 2023, Agenda.

 

Josh Jones requested that M. Wells modify the current agenda to discuss the

concerns regarding the Design Review Board.

 

  1. Wells stated that it will be best to put it on the July 11, 2023, Agenda.

 

Rachel French told M. Wells that she is concerned about going before the Design Review Board after “speaking her peace tonight”. She stated that if they do not talk about it tonight, she still has gone before them.

 

Discussion was had about the City Commission and SHPPO having the final say over the advisory board.  B. Matkin stated that it was up to the (5) Commissioners.  B. Farmer told R. French to “just do it”.

 

  1. Wells told R. French to just present it to the Commission at the next meeting. R. French stated that she is already on the agenda.

 

  1. VanHoecke stated that he wanted to see the status of the Design Review Board placed on the July 11, 2023, Agenda.

 

  1. Wells moved the Appearances portion of the meeting before Old Business.

 

 

APPEARANCES:

 

Travis Sawyer – submitted a request for a Temporary Street Closure on July 4, 2023, 2:00PM-11:00PM on Heylman from 6th to 7th Streets.

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the request for a Temporary Street Closure of Heylman from 6th to 7th Streets on July 4th, 2023, from 2:00PM to 11:00PM.
  2. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE REQUEST FOR A TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE OF HEYLMAN FROM 6TH TO 7TH STREETS ON JULY 4TH, 2023, FROM 2:00PM TO 11:00PM.

 

The City Manager agreed to provide the City’s street barricades for the event. They will be placed in his yard on July 3, 2023.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. Approval of Change Order No. 1 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project Construction Inspection – Earles Engineering and Inspection – $233,292.86:

 

  1. Dickman explained that there were (4) parts to the change order. The first involves a block that was not included in the original project that was added which included pipe bursting, a manhole and service lines. The second part involved an overall adjustment in the alley. The third part involved the alley between Judson and National, a water line built on top of the sewer and the state requires a certain separation distance. City staff was going to do it, but does not have time, so service line will be relocated by contractor. Fourth involves a manhole on 3rd Street that is deep for a relief sewer, manhole needs to be replaced but will reline it instead of replacing for cost factor. More lines than anticipated had to be replaced so bid as well as additional rock. The lining process found additional areas that had to be replaced. The additional work will cost $233,292.86 which will need to be covered by the City. With this increase the total price will increase to $1,1597,670.86. J. Dickman recommends approval of Change Order No. 1.  B. Hart recommends cash funding as the money is there so a budget amendment is not needed.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Change Order No. 1 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project Construction Inspection for $233,292.86. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 – 2022 CDBG SANITARY SEWER PROJECT CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION FOR $233,292.86.

 

  1. Consideration of Phase II Aeration Upgrade to Cell 1B and the Inlet of Cell 2 for Wastewater Treatment Plant:

 

  1. Dickman stated that the quote came in at $855,449.00 from EPEC. Alternates need to be discussed. The quote is based on items that are not the preference of the Treatment Plant operators.

 

Discussion was had about the options and the preferences.

 

  1. Woellhof moved to table the item until July 11, 2023. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE ITEM UNTIL JULY 11, 2023.

 

 

PUBLIC HEARING:  None

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. Approval to advertise for bids for Sanitary Sewer Rerouting for Evergy Infantry Substation:

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to advertise for bids for Sanitary Sewer Rerouting for Evergy Infantry Substation. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR SANITARY SEWER REROUTING FOR EVERGY INFANTRY SUBSTATION

 

 

REPORTS AND COMMENTS:

 

City Manager:  B. Matkin

  1. Discussion on Advisory Board Work Session, take the notes come up with a proposal at next meeting.
  2. MyFortScott App – creating an instructional video
  3. Cape Seal prep is progressing well
  4. Cooper Street to open in (3) weeks
  5. Golf course has been very busy
  6. Weather is affecting

 

City Engineer:  J. Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspection

  1. CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – crews are working on pipe bursting. Next phase of pipe lining to start the week of July 5.
  2. Working on CCLIP next steps

 

City Attorney:  B. Farmer

  1. Expected problems with the appointment but proud of how the Commissioners handled the business

 

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS:

 

  1. VanHoecke:
  2. Congratulations to M. Guns, tough choice but no reservations about the Commissions choice
  3. Thankful for all of the good people who stepped up, look forward to the election
  4. Update on the probe device? B. Matkin stated that S. Flater did order but no information on the lead time.
  5. More information on the EPA report. B. Matkin stated he had nothing further to report yet.
  6. Congratulations to the Firefighters accomplishment and grateful to the work public works has been doing.
  7. Margrave shed update. B. Matkin stated we are on the list to have it moved.
  8. Striping machine
  9. Splash Pad update? B. Matkin is not sure on the timeline for opening, still finishing up.

 

  1. Woellhof:
  2. Echo T. VanHoecke’s gratitude toward all of those who came forward for Commissioner’s seat.
  3. Thankful for the Public Comment and people coming out to be heard.

 

  1. Harrington:
  2. Congratulations to Melissa Guns
  3. Rural Workforce Summit this Thursday, tickets still available
  4. Welcome Lowell Milken Fellows
  5. Thank you to all, tough decision

 

  1. Guns:
  2. Thank you for your vote of confidence.
  3. Excited for what we can do together
  4. Offer apology to those who were treated with animosity by the advisory board
  5. Still in shock and big shoes to fill from Josh Jones
  6. Setting up a Facebook page for citizens who would like to contact me
  7. Start making my way around town to businesses and studying up on the ongoing issues and finances
  8. I will do my best to make some of the people happy some of the time.

 

  1. Wells:
  2. Grateful we have so many individuals who are interested and care about what is going on in town
  3. We need to grow this community and believes it can be great and be so much more
  4. It is the people that make this town great and build a stronger community, that we are better together, and it is about the unity of our citizens
  5. Not just doing this for us, we are doing it for the better of those all around us and we need each and every one of you

 

Adjournment:

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:32PM. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:32PM.

 

Respectfully submitted for approval,

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Gordon Parks Museum, Legacy Health Foundation, Mercy Hospital

FS Quarterly Downtown Meeting: Events, Projects, Updates

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Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsey Madison opens the FS Downtown Meet and Greet.

There are several community projects happening in Fort Scott.

At the Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greeton July 11, facilitated by the Chamber of Commerce, leaders of several  of the projects gave updates. The event was hosted by Lyons Realty Group office.

Lindsey Madison, Chamber Executive Director, gave a summary of the upcoming events and promotions:

  •  July 15: Christmas in July Sidewalk Sale
  •  July 18: Patty LaRoche will present a book talk at Hedgehog.INK! from 7 to 8:30 p.m. LaRoche’s new book, A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection  will be featured.
  • August 4-6: Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, where participating businesses give customers a 9.4 percent discount on purchases.
  • Sept. 8-9: Town-wide Garage Sale
  • Sept. 9: Art Crawl by the Bourbon County Arts Council, the Artificers and more, from 2-6 p.m.
  • Sept. 16: Author Miranda Collins, Chanute, writer of Action Detective Mystery will be at Hedgehog.INK! at 2 p.m.
  • Sept. 21: Downtown Fall Fest, stores open until 8 p.m. for fall food snacks and shopping.
  • Oct. 28: Halloween Parade. Festivities start at 10 a.m., children’s downtown parade on Main Street at 11 a.m.
  • Nov. 9-11: Holiday Open House, kick off on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. with continued open house on Friday and Saturday.
  • Nov. 25: Shop Small Friday/Saturday in Fort Scott.
  • Nov. 30 Candy land Christmas with parade and festivities downtown.
  • Bailey Lyons gave an update on the splash pad project: Concrete is being poured this Thursday on the big splash pad. On July 15-16 volunteers are needed to help with landscaping projects: bring gloves and tools. The group has raised approximately $325,000 for the project nearing completion.
  • The new historic mural that will be created on Skubitz Plaza will be unveiled in coordination with the Gordon Parks Celebration on Oct. 6. The mural was approved by the city’s design review board this week, Jerry Witt, owner of the mural site building  said.
  • The multi-purpose pavilion to be on Skubitz Plaza is in the works, Madison said. The Farmers Market group will use the facility “and anyone else.”
  • The welcome arch to the city is being worked on by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and will go to the city’s design review board.
  • The Chamber Golf Classic is this Friday July 14 at Woodland Hills Golf Course. They are still accepting raffle items.
  • The Special Olympic Golf Tournament is July 29 at the same course.
  • The mountain bike race, the Marmaton Massacre Festival, will be Sept. 16 in Gunn Park.
  • The annual Naturalization Ceremony at the Fort Scott National Historic Site will be on a  Friday in September to be announced.
  • Grants available to businesses: E-Community at http://www.networkkansas.com and Grow KS.

Updates from attendees:

Bourbon County Commission Chairman Jim Harris said it is asphalt laying season in the county, “please be cautious of workers.”

“Since 2019 we’ve lowered the mill levy by 9.6%…I will not vote for a mill levy increase,” he said.

There is a new format for speaking at the commission meetings, he said: People must sign up and they get 5 minutes each to speak. “We want peoples input,” he said. “It’s OK to disagree but be professional.”

Harris said there is a request for proposals for the overpass project on the south side of Fort Scott. The commission will be applying for state and federal funds for the project.

Rob Harrington, Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Director, said they have been working on a Star Bond and TIF project south of town, and it will be “huge to the community.” His office is at the former Mercy Hospital building,  now owned by Legacy Health Foundation.

Kari West, Lead Customer Solutions Manager at Evergy, said the utility company hasn’t had an increase in five years and they are requesting one. Evergy purchased property north and west of their current location on Skubitz Plaza with plans to move to that site.

The Fort Scott Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet at Lyons Realty Group,, 8 E. Wall, on July 11.
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at City State Bank on Hwy. 69 on July 13

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ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by

City State Bank

Thursday, July 13th

8am

1012 S. Hwy 69

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, July 13th at 8 a.m. hosted by City State Bank. The Chamber Coffee will be at their South Location, 1012 S. Hwy 69. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.

City State Bank has proudly been serving our community since 1920, and this year marks their 103rd Anniversary! Over the years City State has continued to grow and operates two full-service locations, their downtown branch at 202 Scott Avenue and their South branch located at 1012 Highway 69. Being locally owned and operated, they take pride in connecting with their customers to serve their needs efficiently and with care. They are super excited about hosting this week’s Chamber Coffee and seeing new faces here!

 

Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2022 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].

 

Click here for their Facebook page!

We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

Special Olympics Benefit on Woodland Hills Golf Course July 29

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Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

The 6th Annual Bourbon County Special Olympics Golf Scramble is July 29.

Amy Bockerstette, a Special Olympian from Phoenix, AZ. Submitted photo.

“To date we have raised over $115,00 for Special Olympics Kansas,” Steve Anthony, tournament director said. “Because last year was such a huge hit for us we are bringing back former Major Leaguer Otis Nixon to our event.”

“Otis will be bringing with him Harlem Globetrotter Hollywood Brown, Golf Trick Shot Artist Rocky Shipe, and Olympic Medalist Arthur Culbreath,” he said.

They have a full field of sixty-two teams with 264 players coming from seven different states.

Tee times will start on Saturday July 29 at 7a.m. with the first wave of teams. The second wave will take off at approx 1:15 p.m.

“I want to thank Andrew Defebaugh and Chase Halsey for all of their help to make this tournament a success,” Anthony said. “The community is invited to come out starting at 7 a.m. to purchase raffle tickets for $1 each.”

Time Judy, Ben Cole, Steve Anthony and Nick Rule at the Special Olympics event three years ago. Submitted photo.

“We also have a golf cart we will be giving away that day to the lucky winner of one of our many raffle prizes we will have available,” Anthony said. “I can’t thank the community enough for always stepping up to raise funds for such a great cause.”

For more information please contact him at 620-215-2392.

Fort Scott, Jobs, Schools

New Assistant Prinicpal at Winfield Scott: Chris Garzone

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Submitted photo.

Chris Garzone, 53, is the new Assistant Principal at Winfield Scott Elementary, Fort Scott, starting August 1.

Winfield Scott Elementary School, 316 W. 10th Street, Fort Scott.

From Prescott, Arizona, he attended Sterling College on a scholarship to play football and baseball and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education K-12.

Garzone chose a career in education because of the lasting impact teachers and coaches had in his life.
He is in his 28th year in education.
Those years include Gallup, New Mexico, at a small catholic school.
“I was the K-12 Physical Education teacher, taught 10th grade health, was the Athletic Director, and coached various sports.”
They  moved to Fort Scott, where his wife Laura taught at St. Mary’s and he was hired at Nevada R5 Schools, teaching elementary physical education K-2 for one year, then taught health classes at Heartland Behavioral Health School for five years. He coached softball, baseball, football and basketball while in Nevada.
In 2005, he completed the Educational Leadership Program from Pittsburg State University and was hired as an assistant principal at Pittsburg Community Middle School.
After one year, he transferred to Pittsburg High School and was an assistant principal for 17 years.
“The best part of being an administrator is the relationships that have occurred between students, staff, the families and the community,” he said. “We are all on a team focused on doing what’s right for each individual child. Observing teachers and students having success inside and outside the classroom is very rewarding for me. I am a servant leader who places others’ needs above my own.”
“I accepted the Assistant Principal position at Winfield Scott because professionally it will be a good challenge for me, switching from secondary to elementary,” he said.  “Fort Scott is an amazing community. My wife grew up here and this small town is a good place to live and be involved in.”

He is celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary with Laura Tuchscherer of Fort Scott this August, he said.

They have four children: Haley, a May 2023 Kansas University Graduate  pursuing a masters degree in Public Health, with the intent on attending medical school;  Austin, attending Pittsburg State University in the Automotive Certification Program; Molly,  at PSU pursuing Elementary Education; Tyler,  a junior at Fort Scott High School,who plans to play basketball for the Tigers.

“Our children have blessed our lives in so many ways,” he said.

Fort Scott, Jobs, Schools

U234 Job Fair Today

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USD 234 Job Fair!

Come join the Tiger Family!

USD 234 will be hosting a Job Fair on July 11th, 2023 from 11am-4pm and July 12th,2023 from 2pm-7pm.

This event will be held in the FSMS – Flex Space

(on the South Side of the Building)

1105 E. 12th St.

For more information contact the Board of Education at

620.223.0800 or visit their website at www.usd234.org
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701