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What’s Happening in Fort Scott July 20
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Category Archives: Fort Scott
Hulberts Purchase Bartlesmeyer Jewelry
Krysta and Wyatt Hulbert purchased Bartelsmeyer Jewelry on June 30, 2023
The store is located in the historic downtown Fort Scott district at 22 N. Main St
“I’ve been working at the jewelry store for 13 years, and I hated the idea of the store closing it’s doors when John Bartelsmeyer decided to retire,” Krysta said. “My husband and I have been working along side John and Cindy for almost a year now to plan for us to take over the business. We are so excited that we have finally been able to make all of those plans a reality.”
“The jewelry store has been in John’s family since 1963, when his father purchased the store from Mr. Newberry,” she said. “In 1991, John Bartelsmeyer purchased the store from his father M. H. Bartelsmeyer.”
“My husband Wyatt and I are keeping the name Bartelsmeyer Jewelry for the jewelry store,” she said. “We know that the store’s name carries with it a history of honesty and integrity, and we are excited to carry on that legacy.”
Krysta has been learning the ropes for all those years as an employee.
” I do a little bit of everything at the store from sales and customer service to jewelry repair and office management,” she said. “My specialty, and one of my favorite things to do, is designing custom jewelry. I love to work with customers and help them create one-of-a-kind jewelry that you won’t find anywhere else! At the jewelry store we also specialize in engagement rings, jewelry repair and restoration, ring sizing and watch repair.”
Anything new on the horizon?
“We have lots of new ideas for the future of the store,” she said. “One of our biggest and most exciting plans is to update our website to offer our jewelry for sale online! John will continue to work at the store in the mornings during the week. We will also be adding a new team member to our crew. My husband, Wyatt Hulbert, will soon be working full time alongside John to learn jewelry repair and take over the bench jewelry work when John decides he is ready to fully retire.”
To learn more about John and the jewelry store:
John Bartlesmeyer: 60 Years in the Craft
River Room Craft Event on August 5
The application to be a vendor can be accessed from their website or the Chamber website or by emailing me at [email protected]
Some of the products available include:
Jewelry
Designed Shirts and Mugs
Walking Sticks
Wood Carvings
Art Prints
Candles
Bookmarkers
Keychains
Dog bandanas, collars, bows
Crocheted Scarfs and hats
Baked goods
F ood and drinks available
Evergy Will Move Substation Equipment and Poles
Following a fire at the Fort Scott Evergy Substation in August 2022 , Evergy is expanding its footprint.
Evergy is an electric utility company that serves eastern Kansas.
The company purchased property near Stanton Street and Old Fort Boulevard in March for the construction of a new substation, according to Kaley Bohlen, Evergy Communications Manager.
Stanton Street is behind the current substation to the north and west.
Bohlen said Evergy doesn’t disclose real estate transactions, and are still reviewing options for access to National Avenue.
The existing Fort Scott Service Center utilized for personnel and offices will remain, according to Bohlen. Once the new Infantry Substation is built and operational, the existing Fort Scott Substation equipment and poles will be removed.
“The new Infantry Substation will be about 1.75 acres and will replace the former Fort Scott Substation that was damaged by fire last year,” she said. “The new substation will provide additional capacity to enhance electric reliability for the Fort Scott area, as well as strengthen the regional power grid. Automated switching capabilities and grid automation will help improve outage response times.”
“Construction has begun and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024,” she said. “Once the new substation is operational, we will decommission the current Fort Scott Substation and remove all structures and equipment that are no longer in use. The existing Fort Scott Service Center utilized for personnel and offices will remain. Once the new Infantry Substation is built and operational, the existing Fort Scott Substation equipment and poles will be removed.”
U234 Board of Ed. Press Release of Meeting on July 17
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, July 17, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda with removal of 8.1 Roof Payment and 9.7 MOU with SEK Mental Health.
The board reorganized. David Stewart was elected as President of the Board and James Wood was elected as Vice-President of the Board.
The board approved the consent agenda as follows:
- Board Minutes – 06/12/2023 Regular Meeting & 06/27/2023 Special Meeting
- Financials-Cash Flow Report 05/31/2023 & 06/30/2023
- Check Register
- Payroll – June 20, 2023 – $1,957,353.85
- Activity Fund accounts – 05/31/2023
- Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds
FSHS activity funds – City State Bank,
FSMS activity funds – Union State Bank
Eugene Ware Elementary activity funds – UMB Bank,
Winfield Scott Elementary activity funds – UMB Bank
USD 234 District – Landmark National Bank, UMB Bank, and KMIP
- Designation of newspaper for official school publications – Fort Scott Tribune
- Officers for the 2023-24 school year
KASB Governmental Relations Network Representative – Board President
Food Service Hearing Officer/Compliance Coordinator for Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws/Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act/Coordinator/Point of Contact for Child Welfare Agencies/District Foster Care Liaison/Freedom of Information Officer – Destry Brown
Food Service Program Representative – Robin Button
Clerk/KPERS Representative/KERMP Designated Representative of Member – Gina Shelton
Treasurer – Rhonda Dawson
LCP Coordinator/Coordinator for Homeless Children/504 Coordinator – Dalaina Smith
Fort Scott High School Attendance Officer – Alex Specht
Fort Scott Middle School Attendance Officer – Matt Harris
Eugene Ware Elementary School Attendance Officer – Brandon Boyd
Winfield Scott Elementary School Attendance Officer – Christopher Garzone
- Recreation Commission Board Member Term
Tammy Hill 4 years June 30, 2026
Susan Marbery 4 years June 30, 2025
Stewart Gulager 3 years June 30, 2025
Mike Chipman 3 years June 30, 2024
Adam Lancaster 3 years June 30, 2024
- Resolution 23-01: Resolution for Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
- Resolution 23-02: Resolution for Rescinding Policy Statements Found in Board Minutes
- Resolution 23-03: Resolution to Set Dates and Times for Board Meetings
- Resolution 23-04: Resolution to Establish Home Rule by Board of Education
- Resolution 23-05: Resolution for Destruction of Records
- Set fees for copying of records
10 cents per page for employees
10 cents per page for alumni
15 cents per page for non-employees
20 cents per page for color copies
- Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate, for information only – As of 07/01/23 – 65.5 cents
- 2023-24 School Fees
Superintendent Brown congratulated and thanked Connie Billionis for the work she had provided to USD 234 during her 42 years of service with the district. Mrs. Billionis retired this year.
Classified Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Katie Chipman as the Classified Tiger Team Member of the Month.
- Chipman is a Paraprofessional at Fort Scott Middle School. She worked at Summer School in June and was willing to do whatever was needed. Ms. Chipman has been with USD 234 for a total of 7 years including subbing and full-time work.
Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Nichole Regan as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month.
- Regan is a Special Education Teacher at Fort Scott High School. Mrs. Regan coordinated Extended School Year this summer for all of our Special Education kids. She organized the teachers, paraprofessionals, and activities. Mrs. Regan has taught for USD 234 for 9 years.
Superintendent Destry Brown shared a video where Fort Scott High School was recognized at the June 15th Kansas Board of Regents meeting as an All-Star High School for their work with high school seniors.
Superintendent Destry Brown provided an update to the board on the Safe & Secure Grant awarded to USD 234. This grant will be used to purchase protective film for the high school, additional cameras, and walkie-talkies for communication purposes. Mr. Brown also reported on the award of the Mental Health Intervention Team Program Grant, which will be used to provide a social worker who will help coordinate services between families and providers. Mr. Brown shared the good news that all kids will eat free this school year at USD 234.
Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, updated the board on USD 234’s accreditation being fully approved by the state. Mrs. Smith shared information on two PLC professional development workshops that staff will attend in July, one focusing on educator wellness and the other on the PLC programming. Mrs. Smith shared an update on the internally developed mentoring program which is being put in place instead of using an outside provider and also discussed the new teacher orientation to be held the second week of August.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the board on the USD 234 Job Fair that was held. Twenty-two people attended the event. Mrs. Barnes noted that several interviews have already taken place and it is anticipated that the district will be fully staffed at the start of the school year. Mrs. Barnes welcomed Candace Jobe as the Special Education Administrative Assistant and discussed the formation of a Special Education leadership team for 2023-24 that will rotate year to year to provide input.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the 403(b) Match Plan, including participation numbers of 92%, final cash balances for 2022-23, remaining ESSER balance, and the Household Economic Survey. Mrs. Shelton explained how that survey is tied to the funding USD 234 receives in the areas of Title, At-Risk, and in the form of ERATE discounts. Mrs. Shelton encouraged all families to help the district by completing the survey so that there is not a loss in other funding for programs.
The board approved the following items:
- Happy Kids Lease Agreement for the 2023-24 School Year
- Timeline for Budget Adoption including dates for Special Board Meetings
- Budget Presentation – 08/07/23 – 5:30 p.m.
- Revenue Neutral Hearing – 08/28/23 – 5:30 p.m.
- Budget Hearing – 08/28/23 – 5:45 p.m.
- Certifying to the County Clerk intent to not be Revenue Neutral and related declarations
- Purchase of FSHS Social Studies AP and Dual Credit Resources
- Purchase of FSHS MAP Assessment and Professional Development
- Contribution of $10,000 to Core Communities
- Facility Use Permit for FLAG Church
- Personnel Report following
- Increase to the Substitute Pay Schedule
During the public forum section, Superintendent Brown thanked Dan Koppa, Brian Pool, and Stephen Mitchell for their help in moving food items due to the loss of power after the storm on Friday night.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
July 17, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Fields, Kelly – Resignation – Fort Scott High School English Teacher as of June 28, 2023
- Hall, Laeci – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional as of June 30, 2023
- Harris, Shelby – Resignation – Eugene Ware Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher as of June 29, 2023
- Harney, Joel – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Assistant Boys Basketball
TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS:
For the 2023-24 school year:
Classified:
- Crank, Matt – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day
- Hemphill-Witham, Cynthia – Fort Scott Preschool Center Paraprofessional – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day
- Schnichels, Laryn – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day
- Tally, Lisa – Fort Scott Middle School At-Risk Instructional Aide – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
- Forkner, Julie – Fort Scott Preschool Center Intervention Teacher for part-time
- Furry, Frances – Eugene Ware Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
- Barrows, James – Fort Scott Middle School Football Coach
- Griffetts, Christopher – Fort Scott High School Art Show
- Hall, Laeci – Fort Scott High School Assistant Volleyball Coach
- Schnichels, Laryn – Fort Scott Middle School Gym Supervisor
- Stepps, Abby – Fort Scott Middle School Summer Conditioning
Friday Night Free Concert: Rick Hite
One of the Friday Night Concert series’ favorites, Rick Hite will return to the stage this week and will bring something for everyone.
The concert begins at 7p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets.
Hite always sings a variety of music — country, oldies, gospel and folk.
“Rick is a versatile singer and guitarist who has been singing in church since Soun he was 4 and playing the guitar since he was 9,” concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said.
Hite has also played in a wide variety of venues, from Mildred Store, VFW, Eagles, Elks and Old Settlers locally to The White Horse Saloon in Black Mountain, S.C., and Jekyll Island, Ga.
“We’re pleased to welcome Rick back to the stage,” Carlson said. “Come out and enjoy the evening.
Seating is limited, so bring a lawn chair. In the event of extreme heat or inclement weather, the concert will be moved to Common Ground Coffee, Co., 12 E. Wall St.
Sound support is provided by Dave’s Music and Jim Butler. The concert series is sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Spa and Relaxation Program” Session in Fort Scott
July 17, 2023
The Southwind Extension District is hosting a “Spa and Relaxation Program” in Fort Scott this summer. Youth from ages 7 to 18, along with their mom, grandma, or guardian, are invited to attend a one-day session where they will learn relaxation and stress relieving tips while with making body butter, a foot scrub, and a body scrub. The participants will also put together self-care baskets to take home during the session. This one-time session will be offered on July 27th from 3 PM to 4:30 PM at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
This series is free, but registration is required at bit.ly/southwindspa. Get your registration in soon!
For more information, contact Southwind Extension District Intern Gwenyth Fry at (620) 223-3720 or [email protected].
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Learn About Arthritis and Cancer Health Issues at the Bourbon County Fair
You Are Invited !
The Starlite FCE (Family Consumer Education) Unit invites you to attend an informal meeting on enjoying life and staying healthy.
At the Meyers Building
Bourbon County Fairgrounds
Wednesday, July 19 at 2:00 pm.
Two important areas of health will be addressed.
Arthritis – Learn to establish routine health visits, to assess
symptoms and to defend against this disease.
Cancer – Learn the symptoms and risk factors, how to reduce risk,
and what tests are available for early detection which is the key to
treatment options.
Jackson RN, EMT will be our presenter
Please join us for this informative Health session.
A cold drink and a frozen treat will be available to all participants.
Come in out of the heat to the air conditioned building.
U234 Board Agenda for July 17
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
JULY 17, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 Call Meeting to Order
Danny Brown, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Reorganization of New Board (Action Item)
4.1 Election of President of the Board
4.2 Election of Vice-President of the Board
5.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
5.1 Board Minutes – 06/12/2023 Regular Meeting & 06/27/2023 Special Meeting
5.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report 05/31/2023 & 06/30/2023
5.3 Check Register
5.4 Payroll – June 20, 2023 – $1,957,353.85
5.5 Activity Fund accounts – 05/31/2023
5.6 Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds
5.7 Designation of newspaper for official school publications
5.8 Officers for the 2023-24 school year
5.9 Recreation Commission Board Member Term
5.10 Resolution 23-01: Resolution for Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
5.11 Resolution 23-02: Resolution for Rescinding Policy Statements Found in Board Minutes
5.12 Resolution 23-03: Resolution to set dates and times for board meetings
5.13 Resolution 23-04: Resolution to Establish Home Rule by Board of Education
5.14 Resolution 23-05: Resolution for Destruction of Records
5.15 Set fees for copying of records
5.16 Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate
5.17 2023-24 School Fees
6.0 Recognitions (Information/Discussion Items)
6.1 Student Recognition
6.2 Employee Recognition
6.3 Board Member Acknowledgements
7.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
7.1 Superintendent’s Report
7.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
7.3 Special Education Director’s Report
7.4 Finance Director’s Report
8.0 Old Business
8.1 Roof Payment (Action Item)
9.0 New Business
9.1 Happy Kids Lease Agreement for the 2023-24 School Year (Action Item)
9.2 Set Dates for Budget Presentation, Revenue Neutral Hearing and Budget Hearing (Action Item)
9.3 Revenue Neutral Declaration to County Clerk (Action Item)
9.4 FSHS Social Studies AP and Dual Credit Resources (Action Item)
9.5 HS MAP Assessment (ELA, Math, and Science) & Professional Development (Action Item)
9.6 Contribution to Core Communities (Action Item)
9.7 MOU with SEK Mental Health (Action Item)
9.8 Facility Use Request – FLAG Church (Action Item)
9.9 Substitute Pay Schedule 2023-24 (Action Item)
10.0 Public Forum
11.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
11.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
11.2 Exit Executive Session
11.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
12.0 Adjourn Meeting
Special Gathering of U234 Board of Ed
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
From: Gina Shelton, Board Clerk, USD 234
Re: Notice of Gathering Monday, July 17, 2023
4:30 p.m.
Retirement Celebration
Board of Education, 424 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701
There may be a majority of USD 234 Board Members present at the above event. Even though a majority may be present, no school district business will be conducted.
Connie Billionis Retires From U234
Connie Billionis is retiring from USD 234 School District after 42 years.
“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.
OFGS BROWN BAG TECH TALK
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]