Category Archives: Fort Scott

FSHS Freshmen Get to Practice Financial “Adulting”: Local Volunteers Are Needed

February 17, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

Fort Scott High School Freshmen students will get to practice financial “adulting” on March 8 at the high school and local volunteers are needed to help with the event, FuntureNow: Finance, to that end.

“It is a fun and tangible way to aid students in preparing for their financial futures,” according to Lewis Dunkeson, Communities in School’s Student Support Coordinator at FSHS.

FutureNow:Finance, is an event that helps students understand some of the realities involved in preparing for future adulthood.

At the event, students will receive an adult scenario based on a survey they have completed prior to the event, according to information provided by Dunkeson.

The scenario includes: marital status, number of children, career field, and net monthly income, which is based on choice of career field and current grade point average.

At the FutureNow: Finance event, students will visit a variety of booths to purchase food, housing, transportation,
communication services, child care, utilities, insurance, etc.

They can also save money, give to charity and learn about unexpected things that affect daily life such as accidents, unexpected visitors or flat tires.

The event is Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from
8 – 11 a.m. in Fort Scott High School’s Auxiliary Gym.

The Fort Scott High School gym. Submitted photo.

Volunteers should plan to report at 8 a.m. and must check-in to the school at the front office. Breakfast and lunch will be provided

Volunteers help the students make wise financial choices regarding the necessities and luxuries they imagine as part of their adult lifestyle, according to information provided by Dunkeson.

Volunteers are provided with detailed information and price sheets for their specific booth allowing them to help the students decide how best to spend their money.

Volunteer need only bring their personal experiences.

To volunteer for the event, contact:
Lewis Dunkeson
Student Support Coordinator, Fort Scott HS
[email protected]
402-212-9826

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Exercise, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Weekly Newsletter

February 17, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

February 16th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, something for all ages!

February Special at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore

Buy 2 Get 1 Free Romance Books!

2/16 ~ BINGO hosted by American Legion at Memorial Hall, doors open 6pm, starts 7pm.

2/16-18 ~ Trap Play by Stephen Gregg, Fort Scott High School 7pm, click here for more info.

2/17-18 ~ Prairie Troubadour Symposium, most events held at The River Room, click here.

2/17-19 ~ 26th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count at Fort Scott National Historic Site, FREE hourly bird walks from 9am-3pm.

Click here for more info.

2/17 ~ First United Methodist Church Mission Soup Lunch, 11:30am-1pm in Fellowship Hall prepared by Don Tucker and Friends, freewill offering. Click here for more info.

2/17 ~ Daddy Daughter Dance Battle at Buck Run Community Center, $5/pre-registration for couple, $2.50 per additional child, $8/at the door for couple, $4 per additional child.

Click here for more info.

2/17 ~ REZA- World Class Touring Illusionist, FSCC in the Ellis Building, 7-9pm,

click here for more info and to order tickets!

2/18 ~ VFW Post 1165 – 8 Ball Pool Tournament, 12-3pm, click here for more info.

2/18 ~ The Artificers Pottery Class: Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class, age 21+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/18 ~ MS Bingo Fundraiser, all proceeds help fund students attending the Washington DC trip, Chili Pie with a dessert and a drink will be available, tickets are $10, click here for more info.

2/19 ~ Bourbon County Democrats General Meeting, Representative Christina Haswood guest speaker, Ellis Fine Arts Center H121,

2-3:30pm, click here for more info.

2/20 ~ Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce closed for President’s Day.

2/20 ~ No School! Skate Days! Buck Run Community Center, ages 7-12 with a parent/guardian, $3.00/per person, 10am-12pm, theme is ugly sweater/sweatshirt, click here for more info.

2/21 ~ Kiwanis Drive-thru Pancake Feed, tickets are $5, 11am-1:30pm and 4-6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church.

2/22 ~ The Artificers Pottery Crash Course, age 17+, 6-9pm, click here to register.

2/22 ~ Cholesterol Screening, Nevada Regional Medical Center,. 6:30-9:30am, register today by calling 417.448.2101

2/23 ~ Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting hosted by The Beauty Lounge, 2 S. Main, 8am

2/23-24 ~ Radio Auction All-Hit 103.9 FM, 2pm, click here for more info.

2/23 ~ Chess Group Every Thursday at Moe’s Bread, 6-9pm, no admission and all ages are welcome, US Chess Federation members are welcome to play in rated games as well, click here for more info.

2/24 ~ Knights of Columbus Annual Fish Fry, Kennedy Gym 5-7pm, 6 Fridays in a row.

2/25 ~ Kansas Rocks Recreation Park Annual Frostbite Event, ksrockspark.com

2/26-27 ~ FSCC Rodeo Bareback and Bronc Riding School, contact the college for more info.

2/28 ~ Retirement reception for Chief of Police Travis Shelton, come & go from 2-4pm, Buck Run Community Center, click here for FB event.

3/2 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County Arts Council, Ellis Fine Arts, 8am

3/2 ~ BINGO hosted by American Legion post #25, Memorial Hall, doors open at 6pm, Bingo starts at 7pm

3/2-9 ~ Bourbon County Fine Arts Exhibit, open to public for viewing, click here for more info.

3/4 ~ 2nd Annual Marsha Fest at the Liberty Theater, 8-10pm, click here for more info.

3/4 ~ Storytime at Hedgehog.INK!, 2:30pm, click here for more info.

Save the Date!

3/10-12 ~ FSCC College Rodeo

3/17 ~ St. Patrick’s Day! Find the Golden Coins for discounts at Sunshine Boutique

3/24 ~ FSCC Aggie Days

3/24-25 ~ Spring Open House ~ Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event, Downtown & Around

_________

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

[email protected]

fortscott.com

In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

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?

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.

Hedgehog.INK! February Special!

REZA World Class Touring Illusionist!

Link to buy tickets here.

Chamber Member Nevada Regional Center is offering cholesterol screenings!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall Street

Fort Scott, KS 66701

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Housing

Pat Bishop Appointed Fort Scott Land Bank Manager

February 16, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

There is a need in communities to get abandoned and vacant properties to land purchasers that can improve the property.

To this end, the Fort Scott Land Bank was initiated in 2018 and last month a manager for the program was hired.

“Vacant and abandoned properties have negative spillover effects that impact neighboring properties and, when concentrated, entire communities and even cities. Research links foreclosed, vacant, and abandoned properties with reduced property values, increased crime, increased risk to public health and welfare, and increased costs for municipal governments,” according to https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/

Pat Bishop has been appointed manager of the Fort Scott Land Bank. The appointment was effective as of January 1, 2023.

Bishop now is responsible for acquiring unused properties and maintaining them, pending transfer to a new owner.

His most important responsibility will be the sale or transfer of properties to buyers through setting up the framework for the clearing of title, negotiation of the purchase price and negotiation of the development agreement, he said.

All of the responsibilities are subject to the approval of the Land Bank Board of Trustees.

The City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County government entities share the salary for the position which is $20,000 per year.

“My hours are 1 -5 p.m. Monday through Friday, though I am available at all times,” Bishop said.

Bishop and his wife, Cathy, have lived in Fort Scott for 44 years and he was a practicing attorney in Bourbon County for 29 years.

Bishop has been integral in the preparation of the legal documentation necessary for the last two Bourbon County tax foreclosure sales, working with the Bourbon County Counselor, and therefore is familiar with the acquisition process, he said.

Bishop may be contacted at 620-224-6962. His email address is [email protected].

Bourbon County has provided Mr. Bishop an office in the courthouse located at 210 S. National.

The job requires that he be out of the office quite often, and contact is recommended via phone or email, he said.

What the Fort Scott Land Bank Does

“In 2018 the City of Fort Scott established the Fort Scott Land Bank,” Bishop said. “The purpose of the Land Bank is to acquire title to dilapidated, vacant or unused properties and convert them to productive use.”

These properties do not contribute to the tax base, and in addition create fire and safety hazards and reduce the value of surrounding properties, he said.

Most of the properties are acquired through Bourbon County tax foreclosure sale, though properties have been and may be donated to the Fort Scott Land Bank.

“At this point in time the Land Bank has 49 Fort Scott properties in its inventory,” Bishop said. ” All these properties are either vacant lots or structures in need of repair.”

The Land Bank determines the best usage for a property, he said.

Points considered for the usage for the property are the neighborhood, the size of the lot, and the condition of any structures, he said. And there is an attempt to sell the property for value in accordance with a development agreement between the Land Bank and the purchaser.

The agreement will require the developer to improve the property, such as building a house or remodeling an existing structure, within a given period of time, according to Bishop. If the developer fails to comply with the terms of the agreement, the property reverts to the Land Bank.

When the property is purchased, the Land Bank is required to maintain the premises, such as mowing, and may have to cause an unsafe structure to be removed, he said.

“The decision to sell land bank property will not be determined solely on the basis of purchase price,” he said. “The Board of Trustees will consider the proposed usage,” he said.

The construction of housing on a property is the most important consideration as there is a scarcity of affordable housing in Fort Scott, Bishop said.

“Other priorities in the following order are: protection of properties for historic preservation, government or public use, ownership by non-profits, such as a church, ownership by adjacent property owners for side-lot acquisitions and green or garden spaces for public benefit,” he said.

Fort Scott Land Bank Board of Trustees

The Fort Scott Land Bank Board of Trustees are appointed by the Fort Scott City Commission and presently consists of Craig Campbell, Chairperson; Robert Coon, Vice Chairperson; Bailey Lyons, Treasurer; Josh Jones, (City Commissioner) Jim Harris, (Bourbon County Commissioner), Rob Harrington (Bourbon County Regional Economic Director) and Patrick Wood.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Thespians Present the Thriller “Trap”

February 15, 2023 Submitted Story 1 Comment

The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 presents the docudrama thriller “Trap” by Stephen Gregg at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16-18 at the FSHS Auditorium.

The performance includes eighteen FSHS cast members: Allie Barnett, Payton Bowling, Ashley (Sypher) Cannon, Kaiden Clary, Kinsley Davis, Levi Fairchild, Junie Fisher, Cooper George, Casey Gomez, Emma Guns, Lexi Hill, Jericho Jones, Mykael Lewis, Jaedyn Lewis, Luke Majors, Chris Newman, Madison Smith, and Regen Wells. Technical crew members include: Alyssa Popp, Kiara Thompson, Emma Bin, Jackson Elton, Josiah Eisenbrandt, Natalie Woods, Lily Brown, Tobi Larrabee, Lizzie Moore, Piper Weeks, and Skylar Chaplin.

Playscripts.com describes the play: “MENACHAP, CALIFORNIA. An incomprehensible event: every person in the audience of a high school play falls unconscious–every person but one. Using interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the investigators pursuing the case, a theatre ensemble brings the story of the strange event to life, documentary-style. But as the strands weave together into an increasingly dangerous web, it becomes clear that this phenomenon might not be entirely in the past.”

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com for reserved seating. Remaining tickets will also be available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

“Trap” is directed by FSHS Thespian Director Angie Bin and FSHS Thespian alumna Mesa Jones. It is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com).

Airport, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

Fort Scott Airport Receives Improvement Grant

February 15, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Announces $11 Million

for 66 Airport Improvement Projects

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that 66 airport projects across the state have been selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for planning, constructing, or rehabilitating public-use general aviation airports.

“Whether it be airplane manufacturing, a link in the supply chain logistics, or travel, the Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants ensure the safety and longevity of Kansas airports, all while contributing to economic growth and job creation.”

The aviation industry represents over $20.6 billion in economic impact across a broad spectrum of supply chain and manufacturing industries in Kansas.

“Every mode of transportation is a link to the state’s economic vitality,” said Calvin Reed, Secretary of Transportation. “These airport improvements are a few of many important efforts to empower the aviation industry across Kansas.”

The KAIP typically receives $5 million annually through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) and requires airport sponsors to participate in project costs by paying a minimum of 5% of the total project. This year, the program awarded more than $11 million to 66 approved projects, with a total project value of nearly $14.4 million.

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation received 153 applications seeking a combined total project value of more than $66 million for this round of KAIP grants. Projects were scored according to impact on flight safety, economic growth, and regional benefit.

“We’re grateful to satisfy 22% of the total airport improvements requested this year,” said Bob Brock, Director of the Division of Aviation, Kansas Department of Transportation. “We look forward to new and ongoing partnerships with aviation stakeholders to achieve stronger aviation infrastructure for the future.”

Approved 2023 Kansas Airport Improvement Program projects:

Allen County – Replace Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), $153,000; taxiway rehabilitation, $157,500
Amelia Earhart, City of Atchison– Construct automated gate, $42,075
Chanute – North apron reconstruction, $424,570; perimeter fencing, $180,000
Cheyenne County – Replace AWOS system, $153,000
Coffeyville – Crack seal and remark runway, $42,750 design, $229,500 construct
Colonel James Jabara, Wichita – Relocate/widen taxiway, $114,000 design, $800,160 construct
Comanche County – Preserve concrete runway, $19,000 design, $225,000 construct
Cook Airfield, Rose Hill – Used Jet A truck, $30,000; electric hose reel for MOGAS pump, $3,000; Parking ramp, $148,500; pavement repairs, $18,000
Jack Thomas Memorial, El Dorado – Replace fuel system, $10,800
Elkhart Morton County – Rehabilitate terminal building, $29,750
Fort Scott Municipal – Taxiway rehabilitation, $57,600
Gardner – Taxiway, $47,500 design, $99,000 construct
Garnett – Replace fuel system, $90,000; terminal rehabilitation, $15,300
Great Bend Municipal – Replace primary wind cone, $5,588
Harper Municipal – Replace fuel farm card reader, $21,250
Hays Regional – Pavement repair materials, $25,500; upgrade security and access gates, $21,250; ARFF station gate automation, $17,000
Hugoton Municipal – AWOS update, $5,700 design; $165,600 construct; fuel dispenser, $4,750 design, $40,950 construct
Hutchinson Regional – Install wildlife dig barrier for perimeter fence, $32,504
Independence Municipal – Airport rotating beacon/tower, $23,750 design, $112,500 construct
Johnson County Executive – Pavement maintenance materials, $13,600; southwest fence, $129,600; north fence, $156,150
Kinsley Municipal – Fuel farm card reader, $13,500
Lawrence Regional – Airport master plan update, $360,000; apron rehabilitation, $130,500 design, $800,000 construct; runway extension, $99,750 design
Lyons-Rice County Municipal – Fuel system. $23,750 design, $282,600 construct
Mark Hoard Memorial, Leoti – AWOS III, $163,764
Medicine Lodge – AWOS update, $5,700 design, $165,600 construct
Montezuma Municipal – Seal, patch, overlay and stripe runway, $792,700
Moundridge Municipal – Resurface runway, $720,000
New Century Air Center, Johnson County– Airfield electrical vault building, $89,300 design, $338,400 construct; rehabilitation of central portion of the west apron, $133,000 design, $800,000 construct; maintenance materials, $13,600
Norton Municipal – Replace and relocate AWOS, $153,000
Oakley Municipal – Replace rotating beacon and tower, $76,500
Pratt Regional – Apron and hangar area rehabilitation, $59,850 design, $653,400 construct
Shalz Field, Colby – Card station for self-serve fuel pumps, $16,200
Syracuse-Hamilton County – Replace fuel system, $66,500, design, $486,000 construct; replace AWOS, $121,500
Tribune Municipal – Remove telecom tower to mitigate runway obstruction, $72,000
Wamego Municipal – Airport development plan/master plan (phase II), $66,500; reconstruct apron and connecting taxiway, $468,000

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Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:

Fort Scott

U234 Closed on Monday, Feb. 20

February 15, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

USD 234 schools and administrative offices will be closed on Monday, February 20th for President’s Day.

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Board of Education Minutes from Feb. 13

February 14, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760

DESTRY BROWN

Superintendent

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, February 13, 2023

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Minutes from January 9, 2023, Board of Education meeting
Financials-Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – January 20, 2023 – $1,543,148.20
Activity Fund accounts
Extended Trip Applications
COVID Operations Guidelines
Special Board Meeting – work session to discuss and prioritize long-term plan and capital improvements, February 27th – 5:30 pm

Dr. Zach Johnson, Fort Scott Middle School principal, introduced 6 students from Fort Scott Middle School who were nominated by their teachers as being representative of great students.

Students recognized were:
- 6^th Grade: Brenny Cole and Maverick Wright
  - Brenny likes to do well in everything she does, she is very goal oriented. She is a positive young lady, always on task, very kind to others, and produces quality work.
  - Maverick is always willing to help others, he goes above and beyond mentoring other students. He is a super friendly young man, an excellent student, always positive, and works well with peers.

7^th Grade: Theodore Bowman and Gianna Gorman
- Gianna and Theodore go above and beyond in the classroom. They are respectful to adults and peers. They are always kind and supportive of their classmates. Both of these students are always engaged in classwork and are willing to help others. They take their education seriously and are awesome examples of students that show exemplary character.
8^th Grade: Chloe Begey and Allisyn Wheeler
- Chloe is a great student and is very sweet. She works hard every day and is kind to all peers. She is one of the sweetest and most caring kids in all of my classes. She holds the doors for all the students every single day, she has great manners, and always has a cheerful attitude. Great girl who gives us her all and is a friend to all and willing to work with anyone.
- Allisyn is always working, doing her best. She is a good person and is always willing to help others. When we worked on our door, she organized the people very kindly and let everyone do their thing. She is academically inclined and strives to do her best. Her sense of humor and positivity brightens every classroom. She is very polite and always has kind words to say.

Mitch Quick, SEK Financial, awarded 6 recipients a $100 U-Benefit grants from OFG Financial, Security Benefit, and KNEA. Recipients were Andrew Ables, Sarah Hendricks, Bert Lewis, Cristin Stark, Hayden Travis, Rhiannon Tuck. The grant is meant to recognize educators for all they do for students in Kansas.

Superintendent Brown updated the board on the progress of the Communications Proposal and the addition of staff awards to recognize excellence. These awards will be held in May when retirees are honored.

Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update to the board on academic committees, including Science, Reading, and Assessments and PLC conversations. There was discussion on evaluation of curriculum and assessments.

Scott Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal, Josh Messer, Fort Scott High School Counselor, and Dr. Zach Johnson, Fort Scott Middle School Principal, gave an update to the board on Individual Plans of Study (IPS). There was discussion on where we are currently and what is planned for the future.

Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the KSDE final audit, bond payment, health insurance refund, and bond payment.

The board received an update from Superintendent Brown on the expansion of the Fort Scott Preschool Center to 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. He has received a contract which was provided to our attorney, who returned it with recommended changes. This will be one of several preschool options. Additional options and discussion will take place at the February 27^th special board meeting. There was no action taken.

The board approved the following items:

Tennis Courts Resurface – Pro Track and Tennis, Inc. – tabled until next board meeting
Investment of Excess Funds – 90-day – $2,500,000, UMB at 4.65%
2023-24 School Calendar (pending negotiations)
Gilmore Bell Disclosure Compliance Services Proposal
District Meal Allowance Reimbursement Increase
MOU For Shared Employee Between USD 234 and SEK-CAP, Inc.
Approval of Personnel Report (following)
Approval of Superintendent’s Contract for 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

February 13, 2023

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Larry Amer – Resignation, Fort Scott High School Art Teacher, effective 02-14-2023
Dale Brauer – Resignation, Fort Scott Middle School Math Teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
CJ Feagins – Leave of Absence
Lizbeth Jane Hill – Retirement – Eugene Ware Elementary Kitchen Manager, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
Rebecca Howard – Retirement – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
Dennis Stephan – Retirement – Transportation Maintenance II, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year

EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS:

Andrew Ables – Fort Scott Middle School Track Coach, 2022-23
Jon Barnes – Fort Scott High School Assistant Boys Golf Coach
Adam Clements – Fort Scott High School Assistant Track Coach
Allen Davis – Transfer from Fort Scott Middle School Custodian to Eugene Ware Custodian
Adam Feagins – Fort Scott Middle School Track Coach, 2022-23
Josseline Hunsaker – Winfield Scott Paraprofessional – 7.5 hour
Madison Jones – Fort Scott High School Assistant Track Coach
Jarrett Lyon – Fort Scott High School Assistant Baseball Coach
Jana Walker – Transfer from Winfield Scott Paraprofessional to St. Mary’s School Paraprofessional
Tracy Watkins – Fort Scott Middle School Custodian
Destry Brown – Superintendent – Contract extension – 3-year renewal for the 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26 school years

Business, Fort Scott, Uncategorized

Home Mortgage Business Opens Branch in Fort Scott

February 14, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

Open Mortgage opened a branch office at 1 East Wall Street, Fort Scott, in December 2022.

The branch manager is David Vonfeldt, with the Fort Scott location serving four states.

David Vonfeldt. Submitted photo.

There are four employees in the Fort Scott Branch – Joe’ Fritter is a loan officer with two additional loan officers, Monica Creighton and Paul Vonfeldt in Wichita.

Monica Creighton. Submitted photo.

Fort Scott is the hometown for Joe’(Albright) Fritter.

She recently left healthcare after 34 years to work in the mortgage
business with her brother in law, David Vonfeldt.

David is married to Joe’s sister Dani (Albright) Vonfeldt. They recently moved to Fort Scott from Wichita in November of
2022.

“David’s business plan has always been to open up his own Branch within Open Mortgage,” Fritter said. “As the stars aligned, this was made possible in December of 2022.”

We are looking forward to assisting the residents in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas,” she said.

Open Mortgage was founded in 2003 and David Vonfeldt has been with the company for eight years, Joe’ started in March of 2022.

Contact information

Fritter
E-mail : [email protected] website or the wesbite: openmortgage.com/joe-fritter
Phone number – 620-644-8146 (licensed in Kansas, Missouri)

Vonfeldt
E-mail : [email protected], the website is
openmortgage.com/david-vonfeldt
Phone number – 316-619-2720 (licensed in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas).

About Open Mortage
Open Mortgage is a nationally recognized, rapidly growing, multi-channel mortgage lender that allows the American dream of home ownership, according to a press release.

Since 2003, the business has been dedicated to assisting borrowers.

Fort Scott, Government

Mowing Proposals For City of Fort Scott Requested

February 13, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The City of Fort Scott is accepting proposals for mowing and trimming of public and private properties for both one (1) year and three (3) year contracts. The sites will generally be locations that have been cited for violation of the City’s vegetation nuisance ordinances. Services will be on an “as needed” basis and will have to be completed five (5) days from notification. Successful applicants will be required to provide certification of a minimum of $100,000 in commercial liability insurance, provide proof of Workers Compensation coverage or sign a waiver, and be at least 18 years old.

Applicants can submit bids for each of the following:

–Small residential or commercial jobs requiring mowers less than 48” and trimming based on approximately 6,000 square feet or less. All overgrowth over one inch (1”) thick must be cut down also. Pick up limbs, debris, and trash before mowing and remove them from property. Please note that before and after photos will need to be taken before payment is received.

–Large residential or commercial jobs requiring tractor and brush hog mower, trimming based on 6,000 square feet or per acre, per job. Pick up limbs, debris, and trash before mowing and remove them from property. Please note that before and after photos will need to be taken before payment is received.

Submit sealed bid proposals in writing no later than 4:00PM Friday, March 17^th, 2023, to Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk, City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Call 620-223-0550 with questions. The City reserves the right as a judge of all values of selection and to use more than one of the bidders if necessary to manage the workload.

PLEASE SUBMIT EACH BID SEPARATELY.

Fort Scott, Schools

Agenda for the U234 Board of Education on Feb. 13

February 10, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

FEBRUARY 13, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY

1.0 Call Meeting to Order

Danny Brown, President

2.0 Flag Salute

3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

4.1 Board Minutes

4.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report

4.3 Check Register

4.4 Payroll – January 20, 2023 – $1,543,148.20

4.5 Activity Fund accounts

4.6 Extended Trip Applications

4.7 COVID Operations Guidelines

4.8 Special Board Meeting – work session to discuss and prioritize long-term plan and capital improvements, February 27th – 6:00 pm

5.0 Employee and Student Recognition

6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion)

6.1 Fort Scott KNEA Report

6.2 Superintendent’s Report

6.3 Assistant Superintendent’s Report

6.4 Administrators’ Report

6.5 Finance Director’s Report

7.0 Old Business

7.1 Fort Scott Preschool Center (Information/Discussion)

8.0 New Business

8.1 Tennis Courts Resurface – Pro Track and Tennis, Inc. (Action Item)

8.2 Investment of Interest – 90-day – $2,500,000 (Action Item)

8.3 2023-24 School Calendar (pending negotiations) (Action Item)

8.4 Gilmore Bell Disclosure Compliance Services Proposal (Action Item)

8.5 District Meal Allowance Reimbursement Increase (Action Item)

8.6 MOU For Shared Employee Between USD 234 and SEK-CAP, Inc. (Action Item)

9.0 Public Forum

10.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters

10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

10.2 Exit Executive Session

10.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

10.4 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

10.5 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

11.0 Adjourn Meeting

President Brown

Business, Fort Scott

Local Insurance Industry Software Business to Change Name

February 10, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

Nedra Barr started the business, Spyder Inc., in 2021, and it is located at 102 W. 2nd. She is the CEO and founder.

The business develops software and sells it to the insurance industry.

This month the business is renaming to OnboardXI.

“The new name is short for Onboarding Experience Improvement,” she said. “Our new name represents what we do for insurance companies and Insurance Marketing Organizations (IMO), which are our two target markets. The Spyder name will be phased out once the new website is up and running over the next few weeks.”

Onboarding is the processing of a new application for insurance of any kinds, Barr said. “Once the application for insurance is completed by the customer, it goes to the Insurance Marketing Organization or directly to the insurance company to process and issue or decline the policy. While I make this sound simple, these are highly complicated and technical work streams for insurance companies. Every insurance company is unique from another.”

“The OnboardXi solution is easily flexible and adaptable to accommodate each company’s differences,” she said. “Our platform connects systems together fast, processes new applications fast…. right the first time. Pretty fun stuff!”

“What used to take months and years to setup for an insurance company, we can do in weeks to couple of months,” she said. “This will be a huge cost savings to insurance companies compared to older types of software solutions.”

“We liked the Spyder name but found it to be too common,” Barr said. “As a result, we were not able to obtain the social media handles we need for marketing and sales.”

In today’s world, a business needs to use social media for presence, awareness and marketing, she said. ” We now have those capabilities with our new name.”

The OnboardXI Platform began demonstrations on Feb. 3 to insurance companies and IMO’s with a rebranded rollout slated for March 1, 2023.

The business has a new low code, no code digital platform that is unique in the insurance industry, according to Mike Upright, CTO Founder. All types of new insurance applications: home, auto, life, disability, annuities, worker’s compensation, etc. will be driven through the application process in the client’s offices with the OnboardXI workflows.

OnboardXI can help up-sell and cross-sell their client’s products and services, which are new capabilities in the market, Upright said.

“This year, 45% of all insurance companies are anticipated to have projects to improve upon the exact things the OnboardXI solution solves,” Upright said.

David Brezik, local Fort Scott resident and investor in the business, is also the OnboardXi Senior Vice President Product and Co-Founder. He believes their business will have a “significant impact in the insurance marketplace. This is truly next level software that will revolutionize the insurance industry.”

“We know the impact and importance of our solution in the United States,” Senior Vice President Product Engineering and Co-Founder Arun Nageshwar said. “When we are ready, we will look to specific international markets to serve as well.”

Three people work in Fort Scott office: Brezik, Barr and a marketing support person.

Nageshwar works from India and Upright from St Augustine, FL.

For more information, contact Barr at [email protected]

Fort Scott, Government

Two Vacancies on FS Street Advisory Board

February 9, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

There are TWO (2) openings on the Fort Scott Street Advisory Board. The function of the Board is to provide suggestions to the City Commission regarding road improvement projects throughout the City of Fort Scott.

When submitting your letter/email of interest, please provide any specific knowledge or training you have that would complement you being a member of this Board.

All Boards and Commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.0550. Please submit your letter of interest by March 8th, 2023.

Fort Scott Biz