Category Archives: Fort Scott

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert: David Prickett

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by David Prickett of Deerfield, Mo.  The vocal and guitar performance will feature a variety of familiar gospel favorites and favorite country classics.

 

“Since his first performance in 1962 in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, at the All-Army Talent Show, Prickett is no stranger to the music stage. He later moved to Texarkana where he had several bands and then eventually began doing solo gigs. After returning to Alaska, he and his wife Midge moved to Deerfield in 2005. Prickett has played Good Ol’ Days, Bushwacker Days, churches, healthcare facilities, our Friday night concerts, and many other events,” concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Come out and join us for a fun night to enjoy great music with friends. We’re pleased to welcome David Prickett back to the park pavilion.“

 

The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

 

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Minutes of August 22

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Monday, August 22, 2022

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 22, 2022, for a special board meeting at the board office.

 

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

 

The board heard a presentation of the revenue neutral recommendation from Gina Shelton, Finance Director/Board Clerk.  The revenue neutral hearing was held.  One patron addressed the Board.

 

The board heard a presentation of the budget from Superintendent Destry Brown and Mrs. Shelton. The budget hearing was held.  There were no patrons that addressed the Board.

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.     

The board approved the following items at the meeting:

  • Resolution 22-07 – Expressing the Property Taxation Policy of USD 234 with respect to exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate
  • Approval of the 2022-23 Budget with the Building Needs Assessment and State Assessments having been provided to and evaluated by the Board of Education as used in the budget approval process
  • Resolution 22-08 – Local Option Budget Percentage to use in 2022-23 Budget
  • Approve revision of calendar
    • Tiger Families – Students will not attend on September 19th so that the district can have a professional development day to focus on safety and training. Students will attend on May 1st
  • Approve MOU with Greenbush for special education director
  • Personnel Report – following

 

President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  • Leave of Absence – Tim Coyan, FSPC Van Driver
  • Leave of Absence – Gordon Harris, Eugene Ware/FSPC custodian, Aug. 18 to Sept. 18, 2022
  • Resignation – Tamara McReynolds, Eugene Ware paraprofessional
  • Resignation – Cole Claypool – FSMS paraprofessional

 

EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR

  • Tyler Slinkard – FSHS speech/debate/forensics teacher
  • Carrie Elton – FSHS paraprofessional
  • Lisa Tally – FSMS paraprofessional to FSMS ISS teacher aide
  • Lyle Brittain – FSMS paraprofessional
  • Lindsey McNeil, FSMS paraprofessional
  • Kayla Purdy – Winfield Scott paraprofessional
  • Ashley Wolf – Winfield Scott paraprofessional
  • Cho Hillman – Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook
  • Shanna Staton, FSPC paraprofessional (half-time)
  • Katren Rienbolt – FSHS Assistant Cross Country Coach
  • Jon Barnes – FSHS Assistant Girls’ Golf Coach
  • Jamie Bloomfield – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
  • Karleigh Schoenberger – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
  • Angel Harper – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
  • Makayla Vincent – Eugene Ware paraprofessional

Supplemental position

Area News, Fort Scott

Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Announces Winner of 22nd  Annual Truck Raffle Drawing   

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From left to right; Bill Fiscus (TVDS CEO), Tricia Campbell (TVDS Special Projects Coordinator), Diane and Jeffrey Brown (prize winners), and Jeff Lassman (Steve Faulkner Ford).

The Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation is proud to announce the winner of the 22nd Annual Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Truck Raffle Drawing:  Diane Brown of Oregon.  Diane’s ticket was drawn from 1,725 entries on Friday, June 24th at 1:30 pm by TVDS Quality Enhancement Coordinator, Joanna Iden.  Diane was notified immediately and was both surprised and excited to hear that she had won.   Diane and Jeffrey Brown came to Chanute on August 17th to collect her prize.  She is now the proud owner of a 2022 Ford F150 Platinum Edition Truck, purchased from Steve Faulkner Ford in Chanute, KS. 

Diane and Jeffery Brown. Submitted photos.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s raffle drawing.  This year’s raffle drawing raised $18,300 which will go to provide quality and affordable housing as well as aid in the delivery of services for our neighbors with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).   Since 2001, the Foundation has built six houses as well as acquired six houses and one duplex.  These thirteen houses are home to 62 individuals with I/DD that reside in the SE Kansas counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.   The Friends of Tri-Valley is licensed through the State of Kansas for this raffle

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott August 19 Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

August 19th Weekly Newsletter

Get the school year started off in Fort Scott…

share with your friends & family!

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

TROLLEY TOURS,

ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!

Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under

50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

8/19 ~ Retirement Reception for Ann Stark of Atkins Insurance Agency, 3 E. Wall St., 2-4pm

8/19 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park, featuring Rick Hite, 7-8pm, Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st and Main, bring a lawn chair due to limited seating.

8/20 ~ Splashpad Golf Tournament, 8am, click here for more info.

8/20 ~ Dragoon Charge for Wreaths Across America, click here for info.

8/20-21 ~ Heartland Showcase Boer Goat Show & Sale, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, see flyer below.

8/25 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County REDI (Regional Economic Development Inc.) , 8am, 200 S. Main, please enter through east door and go upstairs, elevator available

8/26 ~ FSHS Football Jamboree, click here for more info.

8/31 ~ The 2022 Grant Cycle for the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is now open through August 31st! If you are affiliated with a qualifying 501c3 organization, consider applying!

The process is all online this year:  https://fsacf.com/nonprofits/grants/

8/31 ~ Bourbon County Job Fair, hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and Southeast KANSASWORKS, INC., 10am-2pm, Employers can click here to register a booth.

9/1 ~ Chamber Coffee, Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting, hosted by Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store, 8am, 702 Pine Street, Bronson, Kansas

9/2-9/5 ~ Uniontown Old Settlers Picnic, click here for details!

9/5 ~ FSCC Free Basketball Clinic by FSCC Men’s Basketball, click here for flyer.

9/5 ~ Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show, 11am to 1pm, Uniontown, click here for more info.

9/9-9/10 ~ Fall Town-wide Garage Sale

9/10 ~ Golf Tournament for Tri-Valley Developmental Services

9/17-9/18 ~ Marmaton Massacre Mountain Bike Festival in Gunn Park, click here for flyer.

9/17-9/18 ~ 4×4 Mud Run, click here for flyer.

SAVE THE DATE:

9/23-9/25 ~ 6th Annual Doug Hazelbaker Memorial Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Breakaway & Dummy Roping

9/24 ~ FortFest, 4-band music festival, see flyer below.

10/1 ~ Michael Jeffers Memorial Bullriding

10/5 ~ Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship Event

10/6-10/8 ~ The 19th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, click here for more info.

_____________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
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.

The Heartland Showcase National Boer Goat Sale and Show will be happening at the Fairgrounds this weekend. Increased traffic around the fairgrounds, Friday – Sunday.
Housing Survey NOW ACTIVE for Bourbon County
Click graphic below or here to take survey!
Your response is valuable and needed!

Join in on the fun at the Marmaton Massacre event!

FORT SCOTT 4X4 MUD RUN ~ COME OUT AND ENJOY THE SHOW!
Splashpad Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Woodland Hills Enter your team today!

Job Fair being hosted by the Chamber Wed., August 31st!

Employers can click here to register for a booth!
ST. MARY’S TRASH BAGS ON SALE THRU 9/6
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT APPLICATION OPEN THRU AUGUST 31ST ~ APPLY TODAY IF YOU ARE A QUALIFYING 501C3!
Application process is online only this year,
click graphic below for the website.

Don’t miss out on FortFest2022, Sepetember 24th!
FORT CINEMA SHOW SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND
…
Fort Scott, Government

Special FS City Meeting for Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing on August 23

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The City Commission will meet on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. for a special meeting at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.  This meeting will be held to hold a Revenue Neutral Rate hearing and consider the adoption of a Resolution for this also. The Commission may also discuss the 2023 Budget and give authorization to publish the public hearing. A Certificate of Appropriateness will also be considered for signage at 17 S. Main Street.

 

This meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast on the City’s you tube channel.

Fort Scott, Government

Chlorine Burnout of Fort Scott Water on August 22

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The City of Fort Scott Water Utility will be initializing a free chlorine burnout of the water distribution system starting Monday August 22nd, and ending as soon as a free chlorine residual is established
throughout the entire system, approximately 2 (two) weeks.


This burnout is necessary maintenance of the water distribution system which will help maintain State standards for disinfection residual levels and ultimately maintain the high quality of water that you have come to expect.


Occasionally during this process customers may temporarily experience low pressures, taste or odors,
discolored water, or even some sediment in their water.
We do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Any questions, concerns, or comments are welcome.
Please contact the Water Treatment Plant at 223–5160 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday.

Business, Fort Scott

Happy Kids Daycare and Preschool Opens

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Taken from the business Facebook page. Lindsay Knopp and Afton Brown.
 Lindsay Knopp  and Afton Brown are the new owners of Happy Kids Daycare and Preschool, INC. at 1502 Scott Avenue, the former New Generations building.
The business provides daycare for children ages two weeks and up.
“We are pretty much full,  with a waiting list of 50-plus,” Knopp said.
“We… have our normal daycare settings and preschool during the school months and then daycare and summer program during the summer months,”  Brown said.
The hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Currently in the preschool there are 37 students, Knopp said. “This includes the USD 234 (students).  They lease a space to serve more preschool age kids and the majority of those students are also served in our daycare the other half of the day.  In daycare we currently have around 60.”

“We are still waiting on our license, but we signed on the building June 16th,” Knopp said.

To contact the business call (620) 223-1506 or email:
The Happy Days Daycare and Preschool people mover sits outside the facility. Taken from the business Facebook page.

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Educators: Bethany Anderson, Kim Carpenter, Chad Ruddick

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This is a series of features on the 26 new educators in Fort Scott.

School begins today for the district.

Bethany Anderson. Submitted photo.

Bethany Anderson, 23, will be teaching English at Fort Scott High School.

She earned her education at Emporia State University and has taught English at Lawrence High School.

Her hometown is Sterling, KS.

“My dad was my high school principal, now is a professor in the teaching department at Sterling College,” she said. “My mom is a school nurse where I did my student teaching.”

Outside of school she works at a coffee shop during the summers in Kansas City. She is in a sand volleyball league on Sunday and Friday nights. “I also really love playing tennis and reading books in my free time. On Wednesday nights I serve at my church for the high school youth program. I love being busy,” she said.

“I absolutely love English and it’s one of my biggest passions, but my first passion is loving kids well and building those relationships. That’s something I learned from my dad who has been in education for about 25 years. He taught me how to invest in kids first and then focus on the subject I teach. I think that has to be my favorite part of teaching, is the relationships I have built with the kids.”

“There are also some major challenges I have faced already in my short time teaching… hardships with administration support and feeling as if the kids weren’t a first priority in some decisions being made. It has also been an eye opener that there is a lot more that goes into teaching that they don’t mention in college or even during student teaching. I am excited to be apart of a smaller district where I already feel valued as an educator.”

 

Kim Carpenter. Submitted photo.

Kim Carpenter is an incoming 5th-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

Before returning to college to earn her B.Ed. from Pittsburg State University when her youngest child was in kindergarten, she worked at Winfield Scott Elementary as a paraprofessional and teacher’s aide. Having four children of her own while working in an educational setting made teaching seem like a natural career choice for her. Carpenter earned her M.Ed. ion Curriculum and Instruction from William Woods University in 2014. She taught 14 years as an elementary teacher from Nevada, MO.

 

Carpenter’s hometown is Fort Scott.

Her daughter Jana and husband Michael and their two sons Randy and Liam call Fort Scott home, as well at her son Jon and wife Rachel and their daughter, Evelyn. Her son Kyle and his wife Anna live in Erie and her daughter Kelsey and her husband Drew reside in Bentonville, AR.

When Carpenter isn’t spending time with her family, she enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. Apart from spending time in nature, she loves crafting, researching her family history, and going to flea markets. She is actively involved at her church, Faith Church.

Carpenter can’t say that any one teacher inspired her to become a teacher, but she has been blessed to have been impacted by many top-notch educators. Some of the most memorable include Don Miller, Fred Campbell, Jr., Barbara Albright, Joyce Sinn, Jean and Jack Gilmore, Connie Neil, and Pat Lamb to name a few.

She says the best part of teaching is building relationships with each new group of students who come through her classroom. Her philosophy is “relationships first and everything else will follow.”

Carpenter says there are many challenges educators face today. While there are so many things outside of our control, she says we can focus on the areas where they can have the most impact while still having fun.

 

Chad Ruddick, 39,  will teach 11th grade English at FSHS.
He earned a Bachelors Degree in Pre-law from Pittsburg State University, a Master’s in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Teaching  from PSU,  and a Specialist of Education in Educational Admin. from William Woods University.
Ruddick taught 10 years at North Middle School in Joplin, MO; one year at Chetopa High School, and five years at Pittsburg Community Middle School.
His hometown is Scammon, KS.
He and his wife Jennifer have  two children: Hayden (16 year old son) and Lily (13 year old daughter).
Outside of teaching he enjoys hunting, fishing, video games, woodworking, volunteering as a cook/chef for local organizations feeding those in need, and volunteer work with families in need.
He became a  teacher accidentally, he said.
“After attending law school, I began working as an Outreach Coordinator with the Alzheimer’s Association.  In an attempt to be better in that role, I began taking teaching courses through PSU.  When my office closed in December of 2007, I focused on finishing my Master’s in Teaching and focused on teaching secondary English.  What began as a two year plan has led me to 15 beautiful years in the classroom.”
Many have inspired him over the years, he said.  “My parents and family have inspired me to be a better teacher, and man.  However, I truly feel like the students and families we serve have had a tremendous amount of influence on my desire to keep teaching while becoming better at the things I wish to improve on.  Knowing I am helping those who need me is the driving force that fuels success in my life.”
“The best part of teaching for me is helping students and families.  Whether it’s the struggling student who finally connects the dots, or the family that finds success outside the classroom, the best part of teaching is serving those in our communities.”
There are some challenges.
“We face many challenges in the classroom in 2022.  The evolution of technology has greatly enhanced our ability to help students, but keeping up with the technology can be a hustle.  Teachers must continue to step up their game to stay relevant and provide 21st Century skills to our students.  On a larger scale, dwindling economics impacts our families in the southeast Kansas area and directly affects our students in the classroom.  It takes a village to educate and raise our young people.  Fort Scott does a great job of reaching our families, so I feel fortunate to be a part of the high school team!”

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Special Meeting for Budget Hearings on August 22

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF
BOARD OF EDUCATION
August 17,2022
A special meeting o f the Board of Education, Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas, is hereby called to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, the twenty-second day of August, 2022, at the Board of Education Office.

The purpose of the meeting is a Revenue Neutral Tax Rate Hearing at 5:30 p.m.; approval of Resolution 22- 07 – Expressing the Property Taxation Policy of USD 234 Fort Scott with Respect to
Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for Financing the Annual Budget for 2022-23;
a Budget Hearing at 5:45 p.m.; adoption of the 2022-23 Budget; approval of Resolution 22-08 – Local Option Budget Percentage; approval of the revised 1,1l6 hour calendar for
the 2022-23 school year; approval of a MOU with Greenbush for an interim special education director; an executive session pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA; and approval of the Personnel Report.


By order of the President of the Board of Education of Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas.

1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
BOARD OF EDUCATION SPECIAL MEETING
AUGUST 22, 2022 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY
Call Meeting to Order
Flag Salute
Open the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate Hearing (Action ltem)
3.1 Close the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate Hearing (Action ltem)
3.2 Approval of Resolution 22-07 – Expressing the Property Taxation Policy of USD 234
Fort Scott with Respect to Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for Financing the
Annual Budget for 2022-23 (Action Item)
5:45 p.m. Open the Budget Hearing (Action Item)
4.1 Close the Budget Hearing (Action ltem)
4.2 Adoption of the 2022-23 Budget (Action Item)
4.3 Adopt Resolution 22-08 – Local Option Budget Percentage (Action Item)
Approve revised 1,116-hour calendar for the 202243 school year (Action ltem)
Approve MOU with Greenbush for an interim special education director (Action Item)
Personnel Matters
7.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
7.2 Exit Executive Session
7.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action ltem)
Adjourn Meeting
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
Unified School District 234

Business, Fort Scott

New Exterior Building Cleaning Service Is Offered

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Jake Province. Submitted photo.

Local resident Jake Province, started Influx Services, a building exterior cleaning service in late May of this year.

“We provide house washing, pressure washing, exterior cleaning, and restoration services,” Province said. “We provide … driveway and concrete cleaning, deck and fence cleaning, and restoration services such as oil and rust stain removal.”

Service to other businesses are offered by Province as well.

“We also offer all services to commercial clients,” Province said. “We offer reasonable prices, professional service, and use appropriate cleaning techniques to prevent damage to your home or building.”

“I started this business because I’ve lived in Fort Scott and the
surrounding areas for most of my life, and like all of us, I want to
see it grow and improve,” he said. “Providing quality pressure washing, house washing, and exterior cleaning to the people of the town at reasonable prices is my way of giving back, and I hope to see my efforts cause more people to appreciate the town and the local businesses here.”

A before and after cleaning services. Submitted photo.

The business serves Fort Scott and all surrounding areas.

Those interested in residential or commercial cleaning can get a free
quote by calling (620) 407-3008,
or emailing [email protected]m

A before and after home driveway cleaning. Submitted photo.