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Category Archives: Fort Scott
Local Producers Featured at Makers Market This Saturday
The first Makers Market, hosted by Mmm Flavor Shop owners Emelia Whiteaker and Addi Foster is this Saturday, January 14th from 10 am to 3 pm. The event is in the Cloverleaf Event Center at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street.
“This is for people who produce and make things local” to showcase and sell their products, Foster said.
They are hosting these events because they are hoping to establish a spice store and don’t have a business space, Foster said.
In addition they are sponsoring a fundraiser for a new dog agility club.
“Lunch will also be available for purchase with the proceeds going to help purchase dog agility equipment for the newly created Momentum Dog Club,” Whiteaker said. “Those youth interested in joining the Momentum Dog Club can stop by and get more information. They must be at least 7 years of age to join, and no experience is needed.”
The two sisters are planning a market each second Saturday of each month, until May. “Different vendors will be participating each month,” Whiteaker said. “There will be a variety of locally made products for sale including food, soaps, lotions, knitted items, sewed items, and starters for indoor plants.”
“The menu that will be available is chicken and noodles made with locally raised chicken from Freedom Farms in Bourbon County, Mixed Bean Soup with Grains, Butternut Squash Soup, Mediterranean Vegetable Stew with Couscous,” Whiteaker said. “For dessert offered is Citrus Olive Oil Cake with Orange Chocolate Glaze, and Carob Brownies made two ways.”
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Starts Today
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FSHS Thespian Troupe #7365 Receives State Honors
The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 attended the KS State Thespian Festival on Jan. 5-7 in Wichita, KS and received a number of honors.
The troupe received the highest honor a troupe can receive, the Gold Honor Troupe Award, for the seventh consecutive year. The honor reflects the performances, community involvement, student leadership, and high standards a troupe achieves throughout the year. Troupe Historian Cooper George, a sophomore, created the honor troupe presentation that earned the award.
Senior Kinsley Davis and Junior Regen Wells both received a Superior rating on their Monologue performances. This qualifies them to compete in the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University in June. Other students who competed in Individual Thespy Performance events include: sophomores Mykael Lewis and Kaiden Clary in Duet Acting, senior Karen Primeaux and junior Josiah Eisenbrandt in Duet Acting, freshman Chris Newman with Monologue, freshman Junie Fisher in Vocal Solo, juniors Lexi Hill and Casey Gomez in Vocal Solo, sophomore Emma Guns and junior Jaedyn Lewis in Duet Acting, sophomore Alyssa Popp in Playwriting, senior Luke Majors in Vocal Solo, and junior Jericho Jones with Monologue.
For the second year in a row, FSHS had a team advance to the Finals Round of Competitive Improvisational Acting. The team included Majors, Hill, Wells, Eisenbrandt, and Mykael Lewis.
The Advanced Drama class competed in the One-Act Play category with the play “There is No Play” by Arthur M. Jolly. The performance was the world premiere of the one-act and the class was able to video conference with Jolly from Los Angeles and workshop the play as they rehearsed. This original cast will be published in the printed version of the script set for publication in the near future.
In addition to performing, the troupe experienced three days of workshops with professional actors and theatre technicians, main stage musical and play performances, meetings with colleges and performing arts conservatories, and fellowship with Thespians from schools across the state.
# # #
Get Involved In Fort Scott: Community Involvement Fair is Feb. 2
A local group recently formed to focus on the good and foster involvement in this community.
“Fort Scott Forward, Ltd. will provide support and create opportunities for citizens of Fort Scott, KS to identify their passions, talents and find areas where they can make a difference in their community,” said Rachel French, president of the board. “We will create opportunities for local projects to be completed for the betterment of our town.”
The specific objectives and purpose of this organization are
- to craft an image of Fort Scott that focuses on the beauty of our town;
- to build pride in our community and help locals recognize all the good and exciting things going on in our town;
- to foster involvement from local community members and help encourage them to be good stewards donating their time, talent and means;
- to spread awareness of the benefits of small-town living, and the importance of investing and purchasing from small businesses in the community.
Fort Scott Forward Board Members include: French, Angela Simon, Bailey Lyons, Craig Campbell, Matt Park, Kate and Trent Freeman.
The group has organized and is hosting an event Feb. 2, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Ellis Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
“Fort Scott Forward will host a Community Involvement Fair at The Ellis Fine Arts Center Lobby,” French said. “This event is geared at helping community members learn about the different non-profits, clubs, and organizations in Fort Scott that need volunteers throughout the year.”
“This event is for anyone in our community who is looking to give of their time or talents to make Fort Scott a better place.” she said. “This is the perfect opportunity for individuals or families to come out an learn about how they can get involved and help the community.”
“Local clubs, non-profits or organizations who need volunteers throughout the year can reserve their spot through this link https://form.jotform.com/230035194585052.,” French said. “Each exhibitor space will include a rectangle table, two chairs, and advertising for the event. There will be a fee of $25 to reserve an exhibitor spot.”
“There is no cost to attend and light refreshments will be served,” she said. “Community members are encouraged to drop by as they have time.”
The FS Landmark Meeting is Jan. 16 at 4 p.m.
The Landbank will meet on Monday, January 16th, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be made available via the City’s YouTube channel at City of Fort Scott.
FS Parks Advisory Board Meets Jan. 12 at 4 p.m.
The Parks Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, January 12th, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be made available via the City’s YouTube channel at City of Fort Scott.
U234 Board of Education News Release
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, January 9, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 9, 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 December 12, 2022, Board of Education meeting
- Financials – Cash Flow Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – December 16, 2022 – $1,571,721.90
- Activity Fund accounts
- Second Semester Enrollment Count Report
- Board Policy Additions/Changes
- Resolution 22-10 – To Establish Election of School Board Officers
- Resolution 22-11 – To Establish Regular Meeting Dates
Shelly Charter, Winfield Scott Elementary principal, introduced two students from Winfield Scott. The first student recognized was Sadie Keylon who demonstrates mindfulness by being polite and helpful to friends. The second student was Megan Hunsaker who demonstrates mindfulness by being humble and leadership through leading by example. Megan was selected by Peerless Products to have a paint chip named after her.
Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Allison Gorman as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month.
- Miss Gorman is a 7th grade math teacher at Fort Scott Middle School. She displays on a daily basis the excellence of teaching in our classrooms. She encourages students, teaches from the beginning of class to the end, and her students know they can be successful in her class. Miss Gorman has been with the district for 12 years.
Classified Tiger Team Members – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Shawn O’Brien and Alisha Watkins as the Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month.
- O’Brien is the payroll clerk for the district along with other payroll duties, helps employees upon hire, and schedules orientations. He also is active in the community with volunteering, as well as supporting our kids at school events. Mr. O’Brien has been with the district 3 years.
- Watkins is a custodian at both the board office and the middle school, and also fills in around the district when help is needed. She is always willing to do what can to help, fixes things without having to be asked, and responds in a positive manner. Mrs. Watkins has been with the district for 3 years.
Superintendent Brown reported to the board that 98 students were enrolled in 166 courses with Fort Scott Community College for dual credit while attending high school. Mr. Brown presented a preliminary 2023-24 calendar for the board to review based upon the feedback he received from parents and staff.
Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update to the board on professional development, PLC conversations, and results of those conversations. For example, the anticipation is that by this summer, the district will have standards published by grade level that would show parents what their students(s) should learn each school year. Mrs. Smith also provided an update on resource adoptions, resources needed in reading, and assessments.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the ESSER III application, the state audit, and salary schedule column advancement.
The board received an update from Superintendent Brown on the expansion of the Fort Scott Preschool Center to Woodland Hills Blvd. Mr. Brown presentation included information on why preschool should be expanded in the USD 234 school district and what that expansion would look like. There was discussion of funding, contracts, and alternative options. There was no action taken.
The board approved the following items:
- Communications Investment Proposal with Trajectory Strategies, in the amount of $15,660
- FSHS Course Additions for the 2023-24 school year
- Revised Classified Pay Schedule to amend the Activity Driver Pay
- Personnel Report – following
The board tabled a proposal for architectural and engineering design services for the preschool from h|d Architecture, LLC until more information was received. There was also discussion on a school district attorney.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Michelle Martin – Retirement – FSHS Special Education teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Carol Bingesser – Retirement – FSMS Science teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Kelly Cox – Retirement – Winfield Scott Kindergarten teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Cristin Stark – Resignation – Winfield Scott Kindergarten teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Trent Johnson – Resignation – FSHS Agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor, effective December 19, 2022
- Mark Gorman – Leave of Absence – Bus Driver
- Connie Billionis – Leave of Absence – Deputy Clerk
- Sarah Hendricks – Leave of Absence – Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
- Tonya Barnes – Special Education Director for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years
- Kyle Parks – Daily rate for the remainder of the semester as a FSHS Agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor
- Judy Welch – Regular Route Bus Driver (4-hours)
- Chelsea Killion – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
- Jana Walker – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
- Julius Hodges – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
- Destry Brown – Superintendent – Contract extension
Amended Agenda For FS City Commission Meeting for Jan. 10
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR MEETING
OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JANUARY 10, 2023
6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
J. Jones T. Van Hoecke M. Wells E. Woellhof K. Harrington
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: M. Wells
IV. Approval of Agenda: Amended from original release on 1/6/2023
V. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of December 20 th, 2022.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1327-A totaling $519,425.14
C. Request to Pay – BakerTilly – $9,775.78 – Jeff Hancock Services and
Expenses for November 2022, Expenses for October 2022.
D. Request to Pay – BakerTilly – $5,104.04 – Interim Financial Management for November 2022.
E. Request to Pay – EPEC – $459,666.73
1. Cell 1 Aeration Upgrade – $424,088.60 – 65% of Total
2. Baffle Curtain – $35,578.13 – Installation has been completed
F. Request to Pay – Foley Equipment – $180,000.00 – Caterpillar 936K Track Loader Model 963K.
G. Approval of CMB License For Consumption on the Premises – Debra Cagle DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 N. Humbolt
H. Resolution No. 1-2023 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL CITY NEWSPAPER FOR THE ENSUING TERM OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
I. Resolution No. 2-2023 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES FOR THE PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS –
(Possibly hold)
J. Resolution No. 3-2023 – EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES UNDER K.S.A. 1120
VI. Reorganization of City Commission
• Election of Mayor
• Commission President
• Bourbon County REDI Representative
• Land Bank Representative
• Fort Scott Housing Authority Delegate
• Lake Advisory Board
• Library Board (Mayor)
VII. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
VIII. Old Business:
A. December financials by Ben Hart
B. Update of progress with Code compliance at 102 S. Horton
C. Lake Dock Locations – Doug Guns
IX. Appearances:
A. Renodry USA – Michael Clancy will address the Commission
regarding their services
X. Public Hearing: None
XI. New Business:
A. Approval of Bid for Demolition of 523 S. Heylman, Bid #48-2022 – Dave’s Demolition at $1,800.00 or Skitch’s Hauling and Excavation at $3,425.00
B. Approval of 2023 Holiday Schedule
C. Consideration of Jeff Hancock’s Amended Contract – BakerTilly
D. Permission to go out for picnic table grant – Dave Bruner
E. Consideration of Brick Street Policy – M. Wells
F. Consideration to Go Out for Banking Bids – J. Jones
XII. Reports and Comments:
A. Interim City Manager Comments:
B. Engineering Comments:
C. Commissioners Comments:
J. Jones – National Street School Sign
T. VanHoecke –
M. Wells –
E. Woellhof –
K. Harrington –
D. City Attorney Comments:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for
Executive Sessions)
XIV. Adjournment:
Downtown Meet and Greet: New Happenings in 2023
The Quarterly Fort Scott Downtown Meet and Greet met this morning to have conversations about the happenings in the historic downtown district.
Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce CEO, led the discussions.
Those that made comments included:
Rob Harrington, CEO of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. on the former Mercy Hospital building.
The Legacy Group Health Foundation will have a new cardiologist and urologist coming to Fort Scott and are looking for a few doctors for a clinic, he said.
Brad Matkin, Interim Fort Scott City Manager, said he is part of a group that is looking to have a Christmas event downtown, instead of a Christmas in the Park and is seeking public input.
Matkin said he is having plans drawn up for parking improvements in the downtown area and is also working on plans for improving Memorial Hall downtown.
Kathy Dancer, owner of the former Scottish Rite Temple, said a cafe in the building is planned for a spring opening, along with a small retail space.
Bailey Lyons, who is renovating a downtown building on Main Street, said she is anticipating a completion by fall. She is part of a group that will open a fully licensed kitchen in the building.
Angie Simon, Bids and Dibs Consignment Store, said she is doing some remodeling since a carpenter became available and is planning on opening Jan. 16.
Joe’ Fritteris opening a new business at First and Wall Street, called Open Mortgage, on Feb. 1.
Megan Vyhlidal is opening a new chiropractic business in Fort Scott around Feb. 1.
Sandra Davis, Davis Accounting, said their business is remodeling both the Bartlesmeyer business building on South National Avenue and their store front downtown on North Main Street.
Lindsay Madison said there is online voting going on from Healthy Bourbon County Action Team for an archway design for the historic downtown area. She also said the grant received from T-Mobile will possibly be used for a canopy over a parking lot area in Skubitz Plaza, and used for farmer’s market events and other events.
Baily Lyons, Lyons Realty Group, said the splash pad project is coming to fruition with the ordering of elements for the splash pad, which will also be located on Skubitz Plaza, at the north end of Main Street.
Jill Jaworski, Superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site, said there will be new events this year, such as dark sky events and climate change events.
Additional info from the meeting:
Friday, April 21 is the downtown clean-up day.
There is an open Chamber Coffee time slot available for Jan. 19.
Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneur Event will be Feb. 8 from 5-7 p.m. at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office. RSVP on Eventbrite.
The Small Business Development Center is open at the HBCAT office.
Two grants are available for downtown businesses, please contact the Chamber for more details.
Mary Kay Consultant Open House Jan. 15
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Correction on FS City Commission Meeting on January 10
The City Commission meetings are Tuesday, January 10th, 2023, and Tuesday, January 24th, 2023. There is still a Work Session on Tuesday, January 10th at 4:30 PM. It is the City Clerk’s error found and confirmed by the minutes by Commissioner VanHoecke.